Board’s inclusivity commission set to reach out to Jewish groups in coming days

The Board of Deputies is expected to reach out to Jewish groups in the coming days as its racial inclusivity commission progresses to the next stage.

The umbrella group, which heard oral testimonies from Black Jews, Jews of Colour, Mizrachi, Sephardi and Yemenite Jews, is still accepting written evidence using an online form until 24 August.

Commission chair Stephen Bush is expected to reach out to communal groups in the coming days, with meetings set to be held next month.

Bush said he was “humbled by the trust” shown by participants in “sharing some very painful experiences, alongside very positive experiences as well.”

He said: “I know that this took a lot of courage, and I want to thank everyone who has come forward.

“Next, I will be turning to communal institutions and inviting them to work with us, to help me and the Board of Deputies reach our goal of making the Jewish community an unequivocally anti-racist environment, that is more welcoming and inclusive.”

The organisation’s president Marie van der Zyl said the Board of Deputies is “totally committed” to making the commission a success.

“The creation of significant recommendations, which lead to tangible improvements throughout our community including within the Board of Deputies itself, is an essential part of this,” she said.

“Stephen has my full support in this important work as it moves into the next phase, and I applaud him for all the progress he has already made,” she added.