Stick or quit?
Lord Danny Finkelstein has expressed the opinion that while there is no room for complacency, he is quite certain that Jews have a future here in the UK (Britain is still our country as well-and we will not be driven out, February 20). I wish I could share his optimism. I have been a glass half-full person for most of my life, but right now, on this issue, it is hard to maintain that stance.
The level of antisemitism in the country is off the charts, and what makes it so very much worse is that those who could do something about it show not the slightest interest in doing so. Plenty of platitudes are mouthed by politicians, but action there is none.
Thus, we live today in a country where our major cities are regularly taken over by hate marches where yobs can call for the death of Jews free from any fear of arrest. Synagogues and Jewish schools require round the clock security. When walking in the street or travelling on public transport, safety concerns make it necessary to hide or remove anything that would identify our religion.
We are frightened to visit an NHS hospital, worried about the treatment we might receive when our religion is discovered. Jewish students have to run the gauntlet of hatred at universities up and down the land.
So why does Lord Finkelstein feel so optimistic about our future here? What does he see changing, and when? It is quite apparent that sectarian politics are already a feature of British life. The West Midlands Police fiasco made that obvious. Although he mentions the growing threat from the right in America, which may be happening here, it is nothing in comparison to the threat from the Islamist-left alliance.
Where will we find a government prepared to defend us? Can you really see the fences around our synagogues and schools coming down, or our being able to walk the streets with our Magen Davids proudly on display?
I am sorry Danny, much as I would love to, I just cannot see it happening. Remember in the 1930s the Jews in Europe could be divided into two categories. The optimists who thought everything would turn out OK, and the pessimists who were afraid it would not. The optimists stayed and perished, while the pessimists fled and survived. And that is why I am urging my children and grandchildren to make aliyah. I have no doubt they will be much safer in Israel.
Barry Kester
Pinner
I agree with Daniel Finkelstein, that despite unprecedented levels of antisemitism following the October 7 pogrom, Jewish life in this country must not be cowed into submission.
And this is not just because most of us have nowhere safer to go, or that the situation is not as bad as in the 1930s. It is a matter of principle. What right does anyone have to drive us from our home? Why should we – and by implication British society with its proud tradition of pluralism and tolerance – capitulate to the twisted rantings and actions of those wishing to harm us and undermine our democracy? It is a matter of defiance.
And what better way to show that defiance, than by attending Jewish Book Week (February 28 to March 8), London’s oldest literary festival celebrating the cultural vibrancy of British Jewry and its extraordinary contribution to this country?
Stan Labovitch
Windsor
We’ll keep a welcome
It was very moving to read about Max Olesker’s account of his conversion (I had a brit at the age of 36 so that I could marry the love of my life, February 20) via the London Beth Din, although also sad to read of the “deep bruising” left by the three-year process.
Yes, conversion to Judaism is a demanding journey – studying much, becoming part of a new community and re-orienting one’s outlook -– but it should always be a joyous and enriching one.
The Reform and Liberal Batei Din feel that twelve months is sufficient to cover the basics and experience the cycle of the Jewish year, although we emphasise that, as for all Jews, it is a lifelong experience in which we constantly deepen our learning and involvement.
Judaism is not a missionary faith, but those looking for a religious home with us should be seen as a massive compliment to what we stand for, and they should be made to feel welcome and valued.
Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain
Convenor, Reform Beit Din
Rabbi Dr Mark Solomon
Rosh Liberal Beit Din
Theatrical education
I was interested to read your recent articles on interfaith and HMD education and on the improving Jewish theatre scene. Here in Bedfordshire, I spend much of my time visiting schools to talk about Judaism, representing the Jewish community on the Luton Council of Faiths forum, and, over the years, helping to organise the HMD events in Luton. These experiences continually reinforce my belief that interfaith dialogue and education remain two of the most powerful tools we have for countering antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
I firmly believe that when education is delivered thoughtfully, it has the unique ability to inspire empathy, deepen understanding and empower young people to make informed and compassionate choices. While personal testimony is profoundly valuable, especially when recounting difficult histories, I also believe younger generations would benefit from understanding how intolerance develops. Exploring the 10 Stages of Genocide helps illuminate this pathway – showing clearly how language, prejudice, and exclusion can escalate into atrocity if left unchallenged.
For several years, I have been trying to engage local theatre groups in creating a short and accessible production based on these 10 stages. Theatre offers a uniquely engaging medium, helping audiences connect emotionally and intellectually with important themes. I believe such a production could help ordinary people recognise early warning signs of discrimination and understand the responsibility we each share in preventing hatred from taking root.
Although progress so far has been slowed by challenges such as politics, funding and logistics, I remain optimistic. There is a growing appetite for meaningful, creative community-based projects, and I would very much welcome interest from anyone who might wish to explore this initiative further.
Perhaps individuals or groups who share this vision will feel encouraged to get in touch.
Brian Green
Chair, Luton United Synagogue
Guiding the perplexed
In 2008 I captained a GB veterans tennis team to play Israel at Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv. I was the only Jewish player. When my team members came down on Shabbat for breakfast, they asked me “Was it was a Jewish custom that the lifts stopped on every floor?” – which they thought happened every day of the week.
I obviously put them right, but it illustrates how without knowing the truth we Jews can be sometimes labelled wrongly.
John Barnett
New Barnet EN5
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