The Board of Deputies’ Commission on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community has completed its oral evidence gathering sessions, during which it has taken testimonies from Black Jews, non-Black Jews of Colour and Mizrachi, Sephardi and Yemenite Jews
Written evidence is still being collected until 24 August via an online survey, which is also open to British Jews with Black spouses or partners, non-Jewish Black people who work or volunteer in Jewish communal spaces, and Black Jews and non-Black Jews of Colour resident in other countries.
The next stage in the Commission’s process will be to hold meetings with key institutions in the Jewish community, to discuss the findings and come up with recommendations. Commission Chair Stephen Bush will be contacting many relevant Jewish communal stakeholders to invite them to one of these meetings shortly.
Stephen Bush said: “I have been humbled by the trust that participants have placed in me, by sharing some very painful experiences, alongside very positive experiences as well. I know that this took a lot of courage, and I want to thank everyone who has come forward. Next, I will be turning to communal institutions and inviting them to work with us, to help me and the Board of Deputies reach our goal of making the Jewish community an unequivocally anti-racist environment, that is more welcoming and inclusive.”
Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl, said: “The Board of Deputies is totally committed to making this Commission a success. The creation of significant recommendations, which lead to tangible improvements throughout our community including within the Board of Deputies itself, is an essential part of this. Stephen has my full support in this important work as it moves into the next phase, and I applaud him for all the progress he has already made.”