Herzog tells UK Jewish leaders: ‘Stand up, fight back, don’t be deterred’
Israeli president and First lady meet 80 community figures at JLC and UJIA breakfast in London
President Isaac Herzog has urged British Jews to show strength and resilience in the face of mounting challenges, telling community leaders in London: “The real mission of my visit here is to strengthen the community and to give it strength and to stand up, to fight back, not to be deterred.”
Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog addressed around 80 leaders at a breakfast hosted by the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) and UJIA on Thursday morning. The gathering was chaired by JLC chair Keith Black, with UJIA chair Zvi Noé delivering thanks. Israel’s Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, also spoke in one of her final appearances before leaving her post. Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg introduced the Israeli head of state.
In an address ranging from the ongoing war with Hamas to regional diplomacy, Herzog described British Jewry as “a very strong community, impressive community,” adding: “Don’t give up. Please keep on fighting, because this is a historical moment in the story of the Jewish people, the State of Israel, the Middle East and the world truly.”
He linked Israel’s struggle against Iran-backed terror groups to global security: “We are fighting to defend not only ourselves, but the free world and Europe itself. And that has a direct impact on the national security interests of Great Britain.”
The president also highlighted the plight of Israeli hostages, condemned the “absurdity of jihadism” and stressed Israel’s central role in Jewish life worldwide. He pointed to his new initiative, Voice of the People, designed to foster future Jewish leadership across the diaspora.
The First Lady echoed his message of solidarity, telling attendees: “We’re definitely here to strengthen you, but as always, when we come to strengthen, we’re also strengthened by your resilience and by your strength and by your motivation.”
Keith Black said: “At a time when our community is experiencing profound challenges, the visit was an important reminder of the strength of the bond between British Jews and the state of Israel. The President’s words of encouragement and solidarity will strengthen our community’s resolve and commitment to building a secure and vibrant Jewish future in this country.”
Zvi Noé added: “The encouraging and frank words and messages from the President and First Lady were incredibly impactful and informative… we appreciate the incredible support and hope for the future that the President has given the British Jewish community during these difficult times.”
The event marked Herzog’s first major engagement with the UK Jewish community during his visit, alongside a series of high-level meetings with British leaders.
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