Archbishop joins Progressive Judaism leaders in stand against antisemitism

The Archbishop of Canterbury has visited the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in Finchley in a public show of solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community following recent antisemitic attacks in north west London.

During Thursday’s visit, the Most Revd Dame Sarah Mullally met Progressive Judaism co-leaders Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, as well as staff, students and community leaders based at the centre.

The visit came weeks after a series of antisemitic incidents in Golders Green and Finchley, including an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue.

Rabbi Eleanor Davis of Finchley Reform Synagogue was among those the Archbishop met during her time at the centre.

In a post shared on X, Dame Sarah said it had been “impossible to ignore the distressing truth about Jewish life in Britain today”.

“No parent should have to fear for their child’s safety at school or worship,” she wrote.

“Antisemitism must be opposed without hesitation or qualification. We all share responsibility for challenging hatred wherever we encounter it.”

Hosted by Rabbi Baginsky and Rabbi Levy, the Archbishop toured the Sternberg Centre campus, including visits to Akiva School and Leo Baeck College, where discussions focused on interfaith cooperation, education and the impact of rising antisemitism on Jewish life.

The rabbis said the visit carried particular significance at a time of growing anxiety within the community.

“To have the Archbishop of Canterbury with us at such a moment was a powerful act of solidarity and care,” they said in a joint statement.

“Her presence meant a great deal at a time of rising antisemitism, and we are grateful for her clear support and willingness to stand with our community.”

They added: “We are living through a time when loud voices are trying to deepen divisions between communities, and especially between faith communities.

“Her visit pointed to a better vision of public life, one in which faith communities and minorities recognise one another’s dignity, stand alongside each other, and work together for the common good.”

According to Progressive Judaism, the visit also marked the eve of the UK’s first Jewish Culture Month, which begins on 16 May.