Concerns over ‘democracy’ as Board set to vote on accepting six new groups ahead of election - The Jewish Chronicle

Concerns have been raised as to why the Board of Deputies is giving six new organisations the opportunity to join the communal body just ahead its May elections.

The Jewish Vegetarian Society, the Jewish Friendship Society of Manchester, Mitzvah Day, JAMI, Maccabi and the London Jewish Forum have applied for membership, with their admission due to be voted on at this Sunday's plenary meeting.

In the previous three years there have only been four admissions.

One deputy told the JC: “To bring six new organisations to a single plenary, which the honorary officers [HOs] have extended by almost an hour to accommodate the votes, is highly irregular. To do so at the last opportunity before the election is very concerning. Why the rush?”

The JC understands that other organisations are waiting for admission, leading to speculation as to why these groups in particular have been selected for consideration and a potential vote in the election.

The deputy added: “If the HOs reassure deputies that these organisations will not have a vote in the election, I doubt there will be a problem. Otherwise, a lot of people will start asking questions about vote-packing and the integrity of democracy at the Board.”

Another said: “I know there are other organisations that have applied to join the Board. I wonder why there is such a push to get particular groups in before the election and not others. This looks like a brazen attempt to impact the election. It's totally wrong."

A two thirds majority of deputies is necessary for the admission of the new groups.

The deputies say that under the Board's constitution, the only function that any deputies appointed by the organisations would be able to carry out before the end of the current triennium in May would be to vote in the election.

A spokesperson for the Board said: “We are proud that more and more organisations are seeking to join the Board of Deputies. We currently have 198 member synagogues and organisations, and if all 6 organisations are admitted on Sunday this will bring the total to 204.

"We are delighted that so many organisations have been seeking to join the organisation in recent months, from all political wings, denominations and charitable sectors. This is in large part due to the excellent work of our Community Engagement Team. Since the start of 2020, new joiners have included Beis Gavriel, Crouch End Chavurah (Liberal), Harif, JLiving, Magen David Adom UK, Sadeh Farm, South Tottenham United Synagogue and Tiferet Eyal Federation.

"Recent rejoiners have included the Armed Forces Jewish Community, World Jewish Relief and UK Lawyers For Israel. We welcome all who meet our criteria to join the community’s democratic representative body.”

THis piece was changed on 20 March to include a response from the Board of Deputies

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