Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region

This morning we had one of our regular meetings with Lord Mann, the Governments Independent Adviser on Antisemitism. We focussed on the challenges across society but also areas where our work has been successful in combatting antisemitism. We will also be looking to progress a number of innovative ideas around how we are able to continue educating organisations about the gold standard in combatting racism against Jewish people.

Our Chair and Chief Executive had the pleasure of congratulating Jon Pearce MP, the Parliamentary Chair of Labour Friends of Israel on an excellent Annual Lunch. Powerful and emotional words from Mandy Damari whose daughter Emily is still held hostage in Gaza. Delighted to also hear from the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer and the Israeli Ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely.

Register NOW: www.atimetosaythankyou.com "𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀." - A Time to Say Thank You 2024 This year we are covering... 🔸️LEEDS 🔸️LONDON 🔸️NORTH MANCHESTER 🔸️SOUTH MANCHESTER 🔸️RADLETT (coming very very soon) 🔸️MELBOURNE It is with immense joy that I announce the launch of 𝗔 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, a project that continues to grow year-on-year in strength, spirit, and purpose since its inception back in 2018. On Xmas Day, while so many celebrate with family and friends, countless individuals in blue light services, care homes, shelters, and homeless centres give up their own day of celebration or rest to serve others. Now more than ever, this project is the Jewish community’s way of saying thank you - a gesture of appreciation, love, and solidarity to those who dedicate their day to the wider community. From Leeds, North Manchester and South Manchester to Radlett and London and even as far as Melbourne, let’s come together to show what the Jewish community is truly about - compassion and thanksgiving. If you would like to volunteer, support or simply learn more about how to get involved this year, please visit our website. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that those who serve on Xmas Day feel the gratitude they so richly deserve. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom. Alby 🙂 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿...!

This morning, we were delighted to host the Israeli Deputy Ambassador, Daniela Grudsky Ekstein. Daniela met with our key communal stakeholders who are advocating across society for Israel on a daily basis. We discussed a number of active projects along with other innovative ideas as we look to continue our strong working relationship with the team at the Israeli Embassy. Greater Manchester is fortunate to have so many amazing organisations and individuals operating in this space.

We enjoyed the opportunity to accompany Mark Cubbon and Kimberley Salmon Jamieson on their visit to Hatzola. Mark is Chief Executive of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Kimberley is Chief Nursing Officer. The work of Hatzola and their dedicated volunteers was discussed with a focus on how their team are trained to the highest levels in how to respond to emergencies within record time. Both Mark and Kimberley were full of praise for their professionalism and level of service and remarked how the whole community are fortunate to be able to rely upon this wonderful organisation.

Congratulations to everyone connected with UJIA who last night hosted an incredible Annual Dinner in Manchester. Over 550 people were captivated by Israeli influencer, activist and social media sensation Noa Tishby. In conversation with Daniel Berke and Josh Glynn, Noa discussed the challenges, her motivations and tactics in publicly combatting those who spread lies and disinformation about the State of Israel. Guests also heard an excellent speech by the Israeli Deputy Ambassador, Daniela Grudsky Esktein on her first visit to Manchester.

Antisemitism continues to threaten the future of British Jewry and the values of tolerance and decency that define our nation. Together, we must rise to the challenge and make our voices heard once again. Please join us on Sunday, 8th December 2024 at 13:00 in central London for a March Against Antisemitism. Sign up here: antisemitism.org/march

Working across political parties and seeking to build consensus on issues affecting our community is something the JRC have always prioritised. This week in Parliament we joined CST to hold a number of meetings with MPs from across the region to discuss the worrying trend around levels of antisemitism and how it is permeating all sections of society. Our Chief Executive is photographed with colleagues from Community Security Trust alongside Labour MPs, Christian Wakeford and James Frith, Conservative MP, Andrew Snowden and Liberal Democrat MP and Home Affairs Spokesperson, Lisa Smart. We will continue engaging with all MPs on this critically important matter.

On September 26th 2024 our Chief Executive Marc Levy and Management Board member Raphi Bloom, accompanied by local resident Jeremy Dable, visited the Quwwatul Islam Mosque in Preston and met with mosque leaders including the Imam and two board members along with a county councillor. The purpose of this meeting – which was agreed upon in advance - was to explain to each other how our respective communities in the North West had been affected by the events of October 7th and subsequent war between Israel and Hamas and to discuss ways in which we could re-establish dialogue and calm interfaith tension. We reject the disgraceful accusation that we have engaged in Islamaphobia and that we hid who we were. The JRC has held other similar meetings across Greater Manchester over recent months. At all times we have consistently stated that we seek to listen to opposing views and have a civil and respectful discussion. We have not made any demands nor have sought to impose our views on anyone. We have also always made it clear at the outset that we are proud Zionists who believe in the right of the State of Israel to exist. This belief is echoed by the overwhelming majority of Jewish people in Greater Manchester - and indeed the UK. If members of the UK Muslim community -or its organisations – are going to come under sustained attack from extremist elements within their community such as 5 Pillars for meeting with established representatives of the UK Jewish community and, as a result, be too intimidated to engage then we have no chance of rebuilding interfaith relationships. We call on all moderate and sensible partners in both our communities to not allow that to happen. Division and discord only harms us both and has no place in our modern, democratic UK society. https://lnkd.in/ejuW53W8

Our Stakeholder and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Rabbi Danny Bergson met with the Chief Negotiator for the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement, James Clarke. Rabbi Danny commented “We discussed upcoming developments in the agreement especially in the area of services and technology. Despite the difficulties in some aspects of relations it is great to see the enthusiasm with which the UK is pursuing the latest FTA which is extremely important both economically but also in forging closer ties between Israel and the UK.” James reiterated that his department has an open door for those businesses and services who wish to gain better access to the Israeli market.