29 July 2025
Dear United Synagogue Deputies and Under-35 Observers,
As you may know, earlier this month I had the great privilege to be elected President of the United Synagogue. I am writing to you in light of the upcoming Board of Deputies session relating to Israel and Gaza.
It is a very challenging time to be a British Jew right now. Jewish comedians cancelled at the Edinburgh Fringe. Calls for the death of Israelis at Glastonbury, broadcast to millions by the BBC. An attack on someone eating at kosher restaurant. Charedi Jews assaulted on the streets.
And the relentless onslaught on Israel in the British media and online is having a toxic effect on our community and poisoning minds against the world’s only Jewish state. Spambots fill social media channels dragging users into a cesspool of hate and division where Holocaust comparisons and blood libels against Israel are de rigeur.
It is shameful that some journalists and politicians blame Israel for a war it did not start. We are approaching 22 long months since the atrocities of October 7. Fifty hostages are still languishing underground after more than 660 days.
I have heard from so many of our members how grateful they are to have their United Synagogue community as a place of comfort and refuge where they can switch off from all this hate. They appreciate that our shuls are places we can show our support for the people of Israel and for each other too.
I know the real worry our members have for the safety of their family or friends in Israel. And the countless sleepless nights parents have had as their children who have made aliya have been called up. Our Rabbis and Rebbetzens, lay leaders and professional teams are here for you and your families at this difficult time.
Being Jewish is complex. It is said that we have four chambers of the heart because we have to deal with different emotions at the same time. I know Israel must disarm Hamas and ensure another October 7 can never happen again. I also recognise the terrible toll of the conflict in Gaza. War is tragic and there are no easy choices. As the Chief Rabbi said yesterday: “Seeing images from Gaza over recent days, of fellow human beings enduring terrible suffering, we cannot but be moved and feel the need to respond to their pain.” It was right that the Chief Rabbi led support for World Jewish Relief’s assistance for women and babies in field hospitals in Gaza.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the food distribution system, over the weekend Israel acknowledged that, tragically, it isn’t working. Israel has said that it will facilitate more aid to those who desperately need it to avoid a worsening humanitarian situation – an extraordinary decision in the middle of a war it did not seek and at the potential expense of its military position.
Jews do not rejoice at the suffering of others and we must not lose our humanity. Despite the horrendous conditions the Children of Israel were kept in as slaves in Egypt, we spill some of our wine each year on Seder night to reduce our happiness while we recall our enemies’ pain.
If you are attending the Board of Deputies’ meeting on Tuesday I hope you will be able to make these points on behalf of the Trustees of the United Synagogue. We stand with Israel, its duty to protect its citizens and the need to free the hostages. We also recognise the extensive suffering of people in Gaza and are deeply pained by it.
We continue to pray for the release of the hostages, peace for Israel and the whole region as well as a brighter outlook for Jews in the UK.
May Hashem send you bracha vehatzlacha in all your endeavours. Thank you for all you do for the Board of Deputies and the United Synagogue and I look forward to working with you over the coming months and years.
Best wishes,
Saul Taylor
President, United Synagogue
EDIT: This email was sent in the morning of 29 July, some time before the Prime Minister’s announcement.