Clergy statement in response to the sanctioning of Deputies


16 July 2025 – 20 Tammuz 5785
Statement from Progressive Jewish clergy

Joint Statement by the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors and Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors in response to the sanctioning of 36 Deputies by The Board of Deputies (five have been suspended from the organisation, with a further 31 being sent a notice of criticism):

As Rabbis and Cantors, we express our support for the 36 Deputies recently sanctioned by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

The Board has stated that the sanctions imposed have been in respect of breaches of its Code of Conduct, and not in respect of the views expressed in the letter. We fully recognise and respect the Board’s right and need to uphold its Code of Conduct. However, we believe that the actions of these Deputies were both principled and brave. They spoke out from a place of deep Jewish commitment, ethical concern, and love for Israel.

As rabbis and cantors, we are mindful of the diversity of views held by members of our own synagogues. Some do not share the views expressed by the 36 Deputies. Nevertheless, we support the ability and right of all Deputies to express diverse views and the Board’s duty to represent and respect the variety of opinions within the British Jewish community.

The opinions expressed by the 36 Deputies remain underrepresented in official communications from most Jewish communal organisations. The letter they signed reflects the concerns of many within our congregations and the broader British Jewish community. A significant number of prominent Israelis also support their views.

In our view, the disciplinary process against these individuals poses an unintended risk to the Board’s reputation. Furthermore, the Board’s response and sanctions imposed have been disproportionate and very public, which risks undermining the diversity of opinion that the Board exists to represent.

We ask the Board to reconsider its sanctions based on vital values of moral conscience, freedom of speech, and respectful debate within our tradition. Far from harming the reputation of our community and the Board, such voices enrich and strengthen it.