Opening the Plenary Meeting at JW3 in London, President Phil Rosenberg mourned the loss of two young Israeli diplomats, Sarah Milgrim z”l and Yaron Lischinsky z”l, murdered in a terrorist attack in Washington, DC, this last week as well as 9-month pregnant Tzeela Gez z”l killed in a terrorist shooting attack on her way to give birth.
He spoke about the Board of Deputies’ unwavering support for Israel during its ongoing conflict, highlighting its commitment to four key goals: freeing hostages; preventing future terror attacks; ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians; and securing sustainable peace in the region.
The Board is meeting governments, politicians, hostages’ and victims’ families, holding public events, forging new alliances, and launching initiatives like a social media campaign highlighting the plight of the hostages as we approach the grim anniversary of 600 days of captivity for the 58 remaining hostages still held in Hamas terror tunnels.
The President called for proscribing groups like the IRGC, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, PFLP, and Houthis. He also condemned settler violence and extremist Israeli politicians. The speech reflects on lessons from October 7, supports deeper regional peace (including Saudi-Israeli normalisation), and criticises the UK’s suspension of free trade talks with Israel.
Domestically, the Board continues to fight antisemitism, achieved a gender-balanced executive for the first time in its 265-year history, continued emphasis on regional outreach, and cultural education — including the launch of Jewish Culture Month.
It reaffirms its vision of a strong, inclusive, and joyful UK Jewish community rooted in resilience and unity.
“The last 20 months have been an incredibly difficult time for our community. But we, the Jewish people, have resilience in our DNA.
“We came through the Shoah. We came through the pogroms. We came through the Farhud. And we will come through the legacy of 7 October.
“We will come through it together and we will come back stronger.
“With our Board Plan, we will together forge a brighter future for the UK Jewish community.
“Am Yisrael Chai!”