Four contenders through to next round in Board presidency battle

Four contenders for the presidency of the Board of Deputies have secured the necessary backing to reach the next stage in the battle to succeed the out-going Marie van der Zyl.

Candidates have to secure the endorsement from 20 deputies to be on the ballot for the May poll before nominations close on Wednesday.

Contenders Phil Rosenberg, Amanda Bowman, Sheila Gewolb and Michael Ziff have all secured the necessary backing.

It is understood that Richard Cohen is also seeking to stand, but has yet to cross the 20 Deputy threshold.

Rosenberg, who represents Brondesbury United Synagogue, said it was “fantastic” to have earned the necessary support, while current vice-president Bowman, the deputy for Hampstead Synagogue, said she was “so grateful” for her backing.

Gewolb, who represents Cardiff United Synagogue, and is a former Vice President, said she was “delighted” to reach the next stage. Ziff, who Jewish News understands is also standing again for the treasurer post he currently holds, said he was “overwhelmed” by the support he had received.

Current president van der Zyl will step down in June after serving a maximum two three-year terms in succession.

She chaired the last Board plenary meeting last Sunday, where questions were raised by the decision to split from the Jewish Leadership Council.

It is understood that Deputies were told that the Board had paid £12,000 a year to be a member of the JLC.

As a result of the split between the two main communal organisations, there is now a shortfall in the funding for the London Jewish Forum previously paid for by the JLC.

Sunday’s meeting also saw concerns raised about the social media account of an organisation that had previously been supportive in the fight against antisemitism, but had been deeply critical of Israel following the October 7 Hamas terror attack.

Some Deputies also raised concerns about the rhetoric of right-wing Conservative MPs in relation to the “Islamist” threat to the UK.