Jewish community organisations launch manifesto and practical guide and candidate engagement tracker for councillors ahead of next month’s local elections

The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the London Jewish Forum – the leading representative bodies of British Jews nationally and in London respectively – have today launched major new publications and resources for candidates standing in next month’s local elections, setting out how councils can better understand, engage with and support Jewish communities.

The Board of Deputies’ Jewish Manifesto for Local Government sets out six priorities for prospective councillors designed to safeguard and strengthen Jewish life, which are all the more important in the wake of the cowardly acts of hate perpetrated against synagogues and other Jewish sites in recent days. The pledges set out detailed actions local authorities can take to:

• Fight antisemitism;
• Safeguard education;
• Promote community cohesion;
• Avoid importing conflict;
• Make public services inclusive; and
• Celebrate Jewish culture.

Alongside this, the London Jewish Forum has launched its Guide to Jewish London for Councillors, helping local representatives better understand the needs, diversity and contribution of Jewish communities across the capital. Alongside the Guide, they have also launched an online Candidate Engagement Tracker that will track all candidate responses to the Guide and the issues it raises.

Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg today said:

“Every party and every candidate must stand up for British values by condemning the cowardly acts of hate directed at our community. Our Manifesto makes clear the vital role of locally elected politicians and local authorities in providing security, fighting back against prejudice, avoiding importing international conflicts, and shaping the conditions in which our communities can continue to thrive.”

Amanda Bowman, Co-Chair, London Jewish Forum, said:

“Our Guide is designed to help councillors understand how their decisions are experienced by Jewish residents across London. It sets out practical issues, from community safety to how local services are delivered in ways that recognise Jewish life. The Candidate Engagement Tracker builds on this by showing who has taken the time to engage with the Guide and the issues it raises. This is about transparency and continuity. It starts during the election period, but it continues after polling day, when councillors are making decisions that shape local services and community confidence.”

Read the full manifesto with detailed recommendations on each of the six areas of primary concern for the Jewish community.