Exclusive: Progressive rabbinate criticises Board of Deputies over treatment of FT 36

Following an investigation into the FT letter, the Board said that the sanctions related to breaches of its code of conduct, which included Deputies misrepresenting their personal views as those of the Board, bringing the organisation into disrepute, and failing to act “ethically and with integrity and probity”. 

The Board explained that its decision to discipline the Deputies did not involve the “content of the letter but the behaviour of the signatories, to a greater or lesser extent, in using their positions as Deputies to promote it.”

The Liberal and Reform rabbis and cantors – who met last week to consider their statement – said: “We believe that the actions of these Deputies were both principled and brave. They spoke out from a place of deep Jewish commitment, ethical concern, and love for Israel.”

The clergy said that the views expressed by the 36 reflected what many in the community felt, but that these views were “underrepresented” by British Jewish institutions.

“The opinions expressed by the 36 Deputies remain underrepresented in official communications from most Jewish communal organisations. The letter they signed reflects the concerns of many within our congregations and the broader British Jewish community.”

They noted “a significant number of prominent Israelis also support their views.”

“As rabbis and cantors, we are mindful of the diversity of views held by members of our own synagogues. Some do not share the views expressed by the 36 Deputies. Nevertheless, we support the ability and right of all Deputies to express diverse views and the Board's duty to represent and respect the variety of opinions within the British Jewish community.

While the clergy recognised “the Board's right and need to uphold its code of conduct” – which was the rationale the body gave for the suspensions – they urged the Board to reconsider the sanctions.

“In our view, the disciplinary process against these individuals poses an unintended risk to the Board's reputation. Furthermore, the Board's response and sanctions imposed have been disproportionate and very public, which risks undermining the diversity of opinion that the Board exists to represent.

“We ask the Board to reconsider its sanctions based on vital values of moral conscience, freedom of speech, and respectful debate within our tradition. Far from harming the reputation of our community and the Board, such voices enrich and strengthen it.”

The original letter, signed by the 36 in the FT and published in April, stated in part: “Israel’s soul is being ripped out and we, members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, fear for the future of the Israel we love.” It claimed that the community’s silence was being perceived as support for policies “contrary to our Jewish values”.

The JC understands the deputies involved in the FT letter have submitted a challenge to the Board over its decision to sanction them.

The intervention from the Liberal and Reform rabbis and cantors – the majority of whom are understood to have supported the statement – comes after a synagogue in North London said it would not join the Board over its treatment of the 36.

Kehillah North London, a Liberal community in Stoke Newington, turned down an invitation to join the Board, claiming that the organisation “curtails the freedom of speech of its representatives”.