Dozens of members from the Board of Deputies of British Jews are now facing disciplinary proceedings after publicly criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza, deepening internal rifts within the UK’s leading Jewish representative body.
The Board confirmed that 36 signatories of an open letter published in the Financial Times are now “subject to a complaints procedure” following “multiple complaints” received from within the Jewish community.
The letter expressed sharp criticism of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, with signatories declaring they could no longer “turn a blind eye or remain silent”.
Among those disciplined is Harriett Goldenberg, who has been suspended from her role as vice-chair of the Board’s international division.
She has also stepped aside from her executive responsibilities during the investigation, which is expected to take at least four weeks, according to a Board statement cited in the Jewish Chronicle.
The Board of Deputies clarified that the letter did not reflect its official stance on Israel, prompting an emergency meeting of its executive committee.
The meeting resulted in a unanimous decision to proceed with formal complaints procedures against the 36 deputies.
The letter, which has stirred significant controversy, stated: “Israel’s soul is being ripped out. The inclination to avert our eyes is strong… but our Jewish values compel us to stand up and to speak out.”
Board President Phil Rosenberg responded after the committee meeting, emphasising: “We take alleged breaches of our code of conduct very seriously. Only democratically elected officers or authorised staff are permitted to speak on behalf of the organisation.”
The board’s Chief Executive, Michael Wegier, also criticised the move, warning in the Jewish Chronicle that publishing such views in the national press under the title of deputy misrepresented the organisation’s position and could cause community confusion.
Most signatories of the letter belong to the Reform, Liberal, or Masorti movements.
Reports suggest the majority of complaints came from members of the United Synagogue, the UK’s largest Orthodox Jewish group.
