In a powerful and timely response to the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across sport and wider society, Northwood & Ruislip United Synagogue (NRUS) hosted an extraordinary evening that brought together leading voices from the worlds of football, cricket, media, and community advocacy.
Held under the banner “Combating Antisemitism in Sport and Society,” the event was far more than a discussion, it was a call to action. With over 150 people in attendance, the synagogue’s community space was transformed into a vibrant forum for dialogue, reflection, and resolve.
At the heart of the evening was an exceptional panel curated and chaired by long-time anti-racism campaigner and Action Against Discrimination chairman, Jonathan Metliss. The panel featured a remarkable range of figures: David Bernstein, former FA and Manchester City chairman; Claudia Mendoza, CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council; Joe Jacobson, former professional footballer and FA task force member; Alex Fynn, leading sportswriter and strategist; Barry Silkman, ex-professional footballer; and Daniel Lightman KC, legal expert and curator of the MCC’s Jewish cricket exhibition.
“Sport should unite us,” said Metliss in his opening remarks. “But antisemitism continues to poison the game, from grassroots to elite levels. Tonight, we shine a light on this enduring issue — and challenge ourselves to do more.”
What followed was an engaging, sometimes emotional, and consistently thought-provoking discussion. Joe Jacobson offered personal insight into the subtle and overt prejudice he encountered throughout his playing career. For Jacobson, the solution lies in education — not just at the professional level, but where it all begins: with young players and local clubs.
Claudia Mendoza didn’t mince words in her assessment of institutional responsibility. She challenged the Football Association and other governing bodies to show more courage and consistency when dealing with antisemitism, pointing out a clear disparity in how it’s addressed compared to other forms of racism. Her critique extended to the underrepresentation of Jewish voices in leadership positions across sport.
Media outlets and tech platforms were also brought under the spotlight. The BBC, along with social media companies, faced scrutiny from the panel and audience alike for their perceived failures in tackling online antisemitism and promoting balanced narratives.
In a particularly compelling segment, Daniel Lightman KC took the audience through hidden chapters of cricketing history, revealing how Jewish players were historically sidelined and erased from the sport’s mainstream story. His recent work curating the MCC’s exhibition on Jewish cricketers sparked a broader conversation about inclusion and historical justice.
David Bernstein brought the discussion full circle with a sobering yet hopeful reminder. “Football at the top level has made progress,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean we can afford to be complacent. Antisemitism, like all hate, thrives in silence. We must remain vigilant — especially in times of tension.”
The discussion didn’t end with the panel. The audience, deeply engaged, raised thoughtful and challenging questions, turning the event into a true community conversation. There was a palpable sense of shared purpose and urgency in the room — a recognition that words must lead to action.
Reflecting on the evening, NRUS Chairman Alan Moss said, “It was a wonderfully successful event, wholeheartedly supported by our community and others. The panel were insightful and inspiring, and the audience’s participation brought real depth to the discussion. My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved — and to Jonathan Metliss for assembling such a distinguished and passionate panel.”
Metliss echoed the sentiment, describing the evening as “a privilege and a pleasure” and praising the Northwood and Ruislip community for its warmth and commitment to addressing these vital issues.
Adding to the evening’s impact, the synagogue dedicated 50% of the event’s proceeds to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Israel, supporting its vital humanitarian work.
In the end, this was not just a conversation about sport. It was a reflection of a community standing up — together — against hate in all its forms.