Board deputy Cohen resigns over Gaza comments
A member of the Board of Deputies has resigned after making “utterly deplorable” remarks at a meeting two weeks ago, in which he said “I don’t care about Palestinians – I only care about Jews”.
Tony Cohen, a Deputy for the Leeds Representative Council, stood down after ten people lodged a racism complaint against him.
The matter was referred to the Board’s constitutional committee, after allegations that Cohen violated the Board’s code of conduct, which prohibits discrimination.
The complaint also said that Cohen’s remarks “could constitute incitement to racial hatred”.
This week, Board President Vivian Wineman acknowledged the seriousness of Cohen’s conduct and said his decision to resign was the right one.
“We welcome the resignation of Tony Cohen following comments that he made about Palestinians that we utterly condemn and deplore,” he said.
“His views have absolutely no place here… Discrimination and racism have absolutely no place here… We hold all human life to be sacred.”
Officials were at pains to say that Cohen’s view were his own and did not represent those of the Leeds Representative Council.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
