Rosenberg sends warning to deputies as row over FT letter turns toxic
In letter to members the Board President writes: 'I utterly condemn it from whatever source and whatever direction'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Board President Phil Rosenberg has written to all deputies to “utterly condemn” the abuse emerging in public and private forums during the escalating row over the letter published by the FT criticising Israel over the war in Gaza.
In a letter sent as the Board confirmed it was suspending two deputies and launching an investigation into the 36 members who had signed the letter, Rosenberg wrote “this has been an extraordinarily challenging few days.”
He then added:”It is important that none of us lose sight of civility and decency.
“I am mindful of abuse that has been thrown around this issue both on social media and direct communications, and I utterly condemn it from whatever source and whatever direction.”
The president noted the Board has a duty of care to all its staff and deputies and continued:”I would particularly request that Deputies are respectful in their own commentary on this matter both publicly and in private – and are respectful and considerate of each other, including those with whom they may have significant differences of opinion.”
Jewish News has been shown evidence of abuse directed at some of the 36 deputies signing the letter, published last Wednesday, on community Whatsapp groups with the slur “kapos” repeatedly used.
One response states:”Look, the letter isn’t my cup of tea. But the response from some has been deeply disturbing…. We should take it seriously when young Jews say they love and value our community even while voicing concerns.
“We should take care not to accuse people of being ‘kapos’ when in reality (at least some of them) are campus leaders who give a lot of time and energy to strengthen Jewish life.”
Jewish News understands that 36 deputies who signed the FT letter have met this week to discuss their collective response to the launch of an investigation into their conduct by the Board.
On Tuesday, the vice-chair of the international division Harriet Goldenberg was suspended from the executive as an investigation was launched, overseen by the Board’s Constitutional Committee. Nat Kunin, vice-chair of the under 35s division was also asked to step down from his executive role while the investigation is undertaken.
Jewish News has been shown the press release sent out to national media last Wednesday to publicise the letter in the FT. The 36 describe themselves as “representatives of the British Jewish community leadership” and as “36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews”.
The press release adds the letter was signed by “almost half of its international division” and notes that in the past a motion expressing “grave concern about ministers in the Israeli government” passed with 83 percent support of Deputies.
In his own social media post on Tuesday, Rosenberg appeared to compare his plight to that of Daniel in the Lion’s Den.
He said his team had produced “an AI image of me as Daniel in the Lion’ Den” adding “a communal colleague remarked these were very tame looking lions.”
Rosenberg thanked “all who have been checking in.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
