Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg spent the weekend in Liverpool visiting its synagogues and meeting members of the Liverpool Jewish Community, as part of his campaign pledge to visit regional communities and prioritise their needs.
Phil started his visit by addressing pupils at King David High School, which is regarded as the best state school in Liverpool – a real mark of pride for the community. While there he met headteacher Mr Michael Sutton and Chair of Governors Michelle Hayward and praised their efforts.
Before Shabbat on Friday evening, Phil visited Liverpool Reform Synagogue where he met and addressed members of the congregation including its Deputy Ben Globe. Vice President Andrew Gilbert also attended the service and chavurah dinner afterwards.
On Shabbat morning Phil attended Allerton Hebrew Congregation where he met and addressed the congregation, including Deputy Victor Huglin.
On Shabbat afternoon, Phil enjoyed Seudah Shlishit at Childwall Hebrew Congregation, now represented by Deputy Sue Hadden, where he addressed those present.
During the three synagogue visits, Phil met lay leaders of the Merseyside Jewish Representative Council, whose Deputy, Gordon Globe, accompanied Phil on political engagement meetings on Friday. They met Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, and Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell. At each of the meetings they discussed fighting antisemitism and building community cohesion.
On Sunday morning, Under Secretary-of-State for Faith, Communities and Resettlement at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Lord Wajid Khan joined with Phil, Vice President Andrew Gilbert, Deputy and Community Engagement Manager Sara Radivan and local Deputies on a visit to Princes Road Synagogue, where they were given a tour of the synagogue, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Following the visit, Phil said: “Liverpool is one of the UK’s most historic communities and I am full of admiration for the community leaders who ensure it remains vibrant and active, despite the difficult times we are all facing. I would also like to express my thanks for the wonderful hospitality I received throughout my visit. Visitors to Liverpool’s Jewish community can always expect to be buoyed by the warmth and humour of this special city. Communities such as these deserve our support and I will be making sure that Jews in all areas of the country feel heard and valued by the Board.”
Phil has pursued his pledge to engage regional communities with vigour. In addition to this visit to Liverpool, he spent his first full Shabbat in the role in Manchester, and subsequently visiting Bournemouth, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Brighton. Visits to Leeds, Birmingham and Nottingham, as well as return visits to Manchester and Edinburgh, are in advanced planning stages.