Communal leaders welcome election of new Board president Rosenberg

Communal leaders and organisations have welcomed the election of Phil Rosenberg as new Board of Deputies president.

With Rosenberg’s victory confirmed on Sunday, former Board president Jonathan Arkush posted on social media that his victory was a “huge achievement at the age of 38.”

“I believe he will energise Britain’s Jewish community and under his leadership the Board of Deputies is in safe hands and has again demonstrated its broad appeal,” added Arkush.

After his election win was announcedPhil Rosenberg elected new Board president Rosenberg posted a message on social media:”Humbled and honoured to have been elected the 49th president of the Board of Deputies – the youngest in its 264-year history.

“Thanks so much to all those who voted for me today, my amazing team, and to all who have supported me on this journey. The hard work begins now.”

Amongst the other messages of praise the Jewish Leadership Council said:”Mazal tov Phil Rosenberg on your election as Board of Deputies president.
Congratulations also to Adrian Cohen, Andrew Gilbert and Jeremy Michaelson on your election as vice presidents.”

The United Synagogue’s added:”We wish Phil Rosenberg  the incoming President of the Board of Deputies, a hearty yasher koach on his election. 

“We pray that God gives him, and his newly elected Honorary Office team, the wisdom to lead our community during these challenging times. Congratulations to all the candidates who played their part in a very competitive election.”

Liberal Judaism wrote:”Congratulations Phil Rosenberg – our Progressive movements are looking forward to working with you to strengthen and show the breadth and diversity of Jewish life in the UK.”

Figures released by the Board show that in the first stage of voting, Rosenberg was ahead of nearest challenger Amanda Bowman by 96 votes to 80 but without a sufficient majority to secure outright victory.

The other two candidates treasurer Michael Ziff (52 votes) and former senior vice-president Sheila Gewolb (16) went out of the race at that point, with their second preferences being transferred to the two front-runners.

In the second stage, Rosenberg reached the finishing line with 124 votes to Bowman’s 106.

While 14 voters did not indicate a second preference.

With his election victory was announced Rosenberg at JW3 in north London, Rosenberg went to his first event as President-elect by attending the Yom HaZikaron service at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue.

He thanked Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for his “kind words” at the service. “Looking forward to working together for the good of the UK Jewish community and Israel,” added Rosenberg.

But Jewish News understands there is concern at the Board over the fact that the election results left it without any female representation at senior level.

With Adrian Cohen elected as senior vice-president and Andrew Gilbert as vice-president alongside Jeremy Michaelson, and Ben Crowne as treasurer all of the honorary officers are men.

It is understood that talks will happen over the next few days to address the obvious issue moving forwards.

Rosenberg succeeds Marie Van der Zyl, who was president for six years.