Board of Deputies vice-president rejects idea of Israel conference to explore views on Jewish state

The debate around the Board and its response to issues on Israel is likely to resurface at Sunday's plenary meeting in central London, with the issue likely to be raised from the floor.

Mrs van der Zyl has previously said she opposed the survey because “British Jews are overwhelmingly a proudly Zionist community.

"There is a high degree of consensus around the centrality of Israel to Jewish identity and concern for the welfare of its citizens."

She is also convinced that the Board should continue concentrating on holding Labour to account over antisemitism and other domestic issues.

In a statement, Yachad, the left-wing orgainsation who have some support from deputies on the International Division, said: "A representative body, such as the BoD, should embrace an opportunity to find out what our community actually thinks, not fear it."

The JC has contacted Ms Gewolb for comment.

It is understood that the Board’s Vice President felt she had presented the idea of the Israel conference positively to the Division.

But concerns were raised that it had the same risks but none of the benefits of the survey.

Another source though insisted there was “unanimous” opposition to the idea at the meeting.