Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has paid tribute to former Board of Deputies President Eldred Tabachnik following his death at the weekend.
Marie said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my distinguished predecessor, Eldred Tabachnik, QC, z”l, who served as President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews for two terms, from 1994 to 2000. As president, Eldred oversaw a radical modernisation of the organisation to make it more “democratic, efficient, effective and accountable”, and travelled widely throughout the UK and beyond reaching out to communities in far-flung locations. It is a testament to his far-sightedness that the results have served us for more than a generation and that we are only now reviewing the structures again towards the same objectives. In his time as president, Eldred saw his former 11 Kings Bench Walk Chambers colleague Tony Blair become Prime Minister. Eldred was also President of the European Jewish Congress from 1996-98. Eldred’s service to the community also extended to his presidency of Boys’ Town Jerusalem, and many years as Warden of Richmond Synagogue, during which time he was one of those instrumental in acquisition and construction of a new synagogue. His legal brain was legendary. After growing up in South Africa, he taught law at UCL, inspiring many law students, and then turned to the Bar. He was appointed a QC very young, and was one of the leading employment lawyers of his generation. He served as a Recorder from 2000. We send our condolences to his wife Jenny, his children (Andrew, Mark and Nikki) and his wider family.”