Claudia Winkleman: Rise in antisemitism is terrifying

Claudia Winkleman has described rising antisemitism as “terrifying” as she addressed a major Jewish education fundraiser at St John’s Wood Synagogue.

The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing presenter was speaking at a PaJeS event on Thursday evening in support of the Lira Winston Fellowship, a leadership programme designed to develop senior educators across Jewish schools.

While she didn’t raise the current climate during the Q and A with television producer Ben Winston, Winkleman said in response to an audience question: “The industry itself doesn’t feel antisemitic to me… but the growing antisemitism, and the growing Islamophobia and racism that we see everywhere, is really terrifying.

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“And that’s why it’s so important that people look after each other and support other communities.”

In conversation with television producer Ben Winston, Winkleman also reflected on her career, describing her success as largely down to “luck” and the people she works with.

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“I’ve just been incredibly lucky,” she said, adding that choosing projects often comes down to trusting the team behind them.

“I think it’s mainly about people,” she said, explaining how shows such as The Traitors were not expected to become major hits at the time.

She also spoke about embracing pressure and risk in her career, including her preference for live television. “Live is exciting,” she said, adding that she enjoys “being tested” rather than relying on pre-recorded formats.

Alongside her career reflections, Winkleman spoke about her Jewish identity and family history. Winkleman’s maternal grandparents were Jewish refugees who fled Nazi-occupied Europe, and she has previously spoken about how that legacy shaped her family’s outlook. At the event, she emphasised the importance of continuity, describing a love of “multi-generational family… all being together”.

She also paid tribute to the teachers who influenced her, recalling one history of art teacher who transformed her outlook.

“She clicked her fingers, made us all stand up, and made us walk to St Paul’s Cathedral and took us inside, and she said, ‘I’ve had enough. You look up, and this is what we’re going to teach you. And this is going to change your life,’” Winkleman said.

“And all of us went on to study the history of art… she was unbelievable.”

Nearly 800 guests attended the Lessons in Leadership event, which followed the graduation of the first cohort of fellows on the Lira Winston programme.

The fellowship, launched in memory of Lira Winston z”l, provides mentoring, training, and support for senior leaders, aiming to strengthen Jewish education at a time of increasing pressure on schools.

Opening the evening, PaJeS chief executive Rabbi David Meyer stressed the urgency of investing in Jewish education.

“There has never been a more important time for us to be standing proud and educating our children,” he said.

“Ensuring that they are inspired, and that they value the importance of their heritage and the fundamentals of our faith.”

He added that strong schools depend on strong leadership, underlining the purpose of the fellowship programme.

Winston, whose family established the initiative in memory of his mother, said the evening was about securing the future of the community.

He added: “I loved tonight. It was an honour to speak with such an incredible leader and trailblazer in the entertainment industry, who still puts her family and others first. Claudia Winkleman is truly inspiring.

‘To see nearly 800 people come out to support the Lira Winston Fellowships was deeply moving. There has never been a more important time to invest in Jewish education and our community, and I’m so grateful to everyone who came.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, teacher October Wright described the realities of leading within Jewish education.

“Jewish education carries layers of responsibility that are both professionally and profoundly personal,” she said.

“In a role that can often feel isolating, the Lira Winston Fellowship has been nothing short of a lifeline.”

She added: “It’s given me the confidence to not just lead, but to own my leadership.