‘I dragged the Board into the 21st century’: Deputy marks 50 years of service

Board of Deputies veteran Jerry Lewis was given the opportunity to deliver a ten-minute address at the latest plenary meeting in honour of his 50 years of membership of the communal organisation.

The former senior vice-president was praised by both Board president Phil Rosenberg and by independent chair and ex-MP Louise Ellman before he spoke to Deputies, recalling highlights, and indeed a few dramas, from his five decades of loyal service.

The Hampstead Synagogue Deputy – who has been afforded the title “Father of the Board” in recognition of his long service – then said: “I’m proud of my time at the Board, but it is akin to being married. Years of strife, arguments, happy times, and the building of some very deep, long-lasting friendships.”

During his speech, Lewis praised backroom staff, elected representatives and Board leadership, but confessed: “I battle with them all, but it has generally been on very friendly terms.”

Never one to hide his own achievements, Lewis said he was “proud of the numerous constitutional changes introduced by me” over the years, despite loads of fierce opposition. ”

Lewis also spoke of his pride at having been instrumental in setting up the Board’s Women’s’ Group, and the under-35s initiative.

And also of meeting with the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat, in order to persuade him of the need to condemn terrorism.

“Not that he did, but we made our views known,” said Lewis.

He then added, “I single-handedly dragged the Board from the 1900s into the 2000 era.”

“The principles I enshrine are for the betterment of the Board,” added Lewis.

He also called for more Deputy involvement, particularly in terms of advocacy and engagement with parliamentarians.  Lewis also mentioned his influential role in the House of Commons press gallery.

“There is a very sad dearth now of politically active Jews,” he added. “It’s a great shame.”

But Lewis noted how other communities were now inspired by the way UK Jews had managed to make their voices heard in Westminster, and in other areas of power over the years.

He also noted that “much of the good work that this Board does is behind the scenes”, pointing out that the current leadership had engaged successfully with senior BBC figures at a time of considerable pressure and problems.

Lewis added the current honorary officers were putting in “so much time to do the job properly” and his was “full of admiration” for their work.

At the end of his speech, the Board president handed Lewis a gift to mark his five-decades of service.