BBUK News

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled by the decision of Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, as recommended by the West Midlands Police, to ban the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. This has been done for on the grounds that it is ‘high risk’ and that the safety of travelling Israeli fans may be compromised. Yet it is an egregious decision to ban or discriminate against the victims of prejudice, something that completely violates all standard protocols of anti-racism. Worse, it appears that the authorities have simply capitulated to a campaign of extremism from local figures. Iqbal Mohamed MP, in a statement on X, welcomed the ban as it would stop “Israeli hooligans and terrorists” from being able to “run riot in our country”. In a chilling threat, Muslim imam Asrar Rashid declared in a video that, “We will show no mercy toward Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who will arrive in several weeks for the match against Aston Villa.” These words are inflammatory and represent a clear form of incitement. If there are genuine safety concerns, the police could increase their presence or, in the worst case scenario, the match itself could be relocated. To prevent Israeli fans from travelling to the game sends out a clear message that they are not welcome in the United Kingdom.  Given the rampant levels of antisemitism we have witnessed recently, this would also further alienate British Jews, still reeling from the murderous Yom Kippur attack in Manchester on 2nd October. It is now essential that this ban is reversed and the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police held to account for this divisive and poorly judged decision

B’nai B’rith UK rejoices in the return of all 20 living hostages to Israel. We have waited for this momentous day for so long and we share in the joy and relief of their families. We hope that the hostages have all the support they need to make a speedy recovery from their unspeakable ordeal. We also share in the grief of those families that have received the remains of their loved ones and wish them long life. We extend our thanks to President Trump for making this day come and hope that his vision for peace and co-existence comes to pass. At the same time, we are outraged that Hamas has withheld the remains of the remaining hostages. It is now essential that the world demands their swift return in order to bring some much needed closure for their families.

B'nai B'rith UK has welcomed the news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, announced last night. We are overjoyed that the Israeli hostages will be finally coming home and reunited with their families after such a long and traumatic experience. We hope that this can lead to a longer term political agreement based on the 20 points as outlined by President Trump. This must involve the removal of Hamas as the governing authority, the disarmament of all terrorists and the creation of a transitional authority in the Strip which is committed to both deradicalistion and reconstruction. We wish to thank President Trump for his efforts in mediating this agreement and all those in the region who are working for long term peace, security and stability.

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled and devastated by yesterday morning’s attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue that killed two people and injured others. That this appalling attack took place on the solemn day of Yom Kippur makes it all the more cowardly and reprehensible. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish them long life, and hope the injured make a swift recovery. We also salute the bravery of the synagogue guard who helped prevent a far greater tragedy, as well as the swift response of the Greater Manchester Police. We would like to thank the King, as well as political and religious leaders for their support following the attack. We will continue to work with the authorities and other communal organisations to tackle the horrific scourge of antisemitism that has spiralled in the UK since October 7.

Update on our Heritage Days Event with Anthony Julius

B’nai B’rith UK welcomes the historic plan announced last night by President Trump and agreed by Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the Gaza war to an end. The agreement fulfils Israel’s principal war aims. Hamas must be disarmed and removed from Gaza, all hostages must be returned and Gaza can never again be a threat to Israel. This agreement gives Israel real security and allows Palestinians enhanced aid, economic reconstruction and the chance of a better future under new leadership. Pressure must now be placed on Hamas to agree to a deal that can bring lasting benefits to Israelis and Palestinians alike.

BB International have just published the Winter 2025 edition of their IMPACT REPORT - here is the list of contents:

B’nai B’rith condemns in the strongest terms the abhorrent terror attack this morning in Jerusalem which has so far claimed six lives. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a swift recovery. We also salute the heroism of first responders and soldiers who prevented an even greater tragedy this morning. For too long, Israel has faced the daily reality of terror attacks and the murderous incitement that accompanies them. Instead of recognising a Palestinian state that would be seen as a reward for terror, western governments should stand with Israelis in their just fight against those who wish them harm

BBUK's representatives were honoured to be invited to attend

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled by the decision of Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, as recommended by the West Midlands Police, to ban the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. This has been done for on the grounds that it is ‘high risk’ and that the safety of travelling Israeli fans may be compromised. Yet it is an egregious decision to ban or discriminate against the victims of prejudice, something that completely violates all standard protocols of anti-racism. Worse, it appears that the authorities have simply capitulated to a campaign of extremism from local figures. Iqbal Mohamed MP, in a statement on X, welcomed the ban as it would stop “Israeli hooligans and terrorists” from being able to “run riot in our country”. In a chilling threat, Muslim imam Asrar Rashid declared in a video that, “We will show no mercy toward Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who will arrive in several weeks for the match against Aston Villa.” These words are inflammatory and represent a clear form of incitement. If there are genuine safety concerns, the police could increase their presence or, in the worst case scenario, the match itself could be relocated. To prevent Israeli fans from travelling to the game sends out a clear message that they are not welcome in the United Kingdom.  Given the rampant levels of antisemitism we have witnessed recently, this would also further alienate British Jews, still reeling from the murderous Yom Kippur attack in Manchester on 2nd October. It is now essential that this ban is reversed and the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police held to account for this divisive and poorly judged decision

B’nai B’rith UK rejoices in the return of all 20 living hostages to Israel. We have waited for this momentous day for so long and we share in the joy and relief of their families. We hope that the hostages have all the support they need to make a speedy recovery from their unspeakable ordeal. We also share in the grief of those families that have received the remains of their loved ones and wish them long life. We extend our thanks to President Trump for making this day come and hope that his vision for peace and co-existence comes to pass. At the same time, we are outraged that Hamas has withheld the remains of the remaining hostages. It is now essential that the world demands their swift return in order to bring some much needed closure for their families.

B'nai B'rith UK has welcomed the news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, announced last night. We are overjoyed that the Israeli hostages will be finally coming home and reunited with their families after such a long and traumatic experience. We hope that this can lead to a longer term political agreement based on the 20 points as outlined by President Trump. This must involve the removal of Hamas as the governing authority, the disarmament of all terrorists and the creation of a transitional authority in the Strip which is committed to both deradicalistion and reconstruction. We wish to thank President Trump for his efforts in mediating this agreement and all those in the region who are working for long term peace, security and stability.

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled and devastated by yesterday morning’s attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue that killed two people and injured others. That this appalling attack took place on the solemn day of Yom Kippur makes it all the more cowardly and reprehensible. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish them long life, and hope the injured make a swift recovery. We also salute the bravery of the synagogue guard who helped prevent a far greater tragedy, as well as the swift response of the Greater Manchester Police. We would like to thank the King, as well as political and religious leaders for their support following the attack. We will continue to work with the authorities and other communal organisations to tackle the horrific scourge of antisemitism that has spiralled in the UK since October 7.

B’nai B’rith UK welcomes the historic plan announced last night by President Trump and agreed by Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the Gaza war to an end. The agreement fulfils Israel’s principal war aims. Hamas must be disarmed and removed from Gaza, all hostages must be returned and Gaza can never again be a threat to Israel. This agreement gives Israel real security and allows Palestinians enhanced aid, economic reconstruction and the chance of a better future under new leadership. Pressure must now be placed on Hamas to agree to a deal that can bring lasting benefits to Israelis and Palestinians alike.

B’nai B’rith condemns in the strongest terms the abhorrent terror attack this morning in Jerusalem which has so far claimed six lives. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a swift recovery. We also salute the heroism of first responders and soldiers who prevented an even greater tragedy this morning. For too long, Israel has faced the daily reality of terror attacks and the murderous incitement that accompanies them. Instead of recognising a Palestinian state that would be seen as a reward for terror, western governments should stand with Israelis in their just fight against those who wish them harm

Itai Reubeni's online talk on 19 August 2025

Bureau of International Affairs Newsletter April 2025

Martin Winstone's online talk on 17 June 2025

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled by the decision of Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, as recommended by the West Midlands Police, to ban the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. This has been done for on the grounds that it is ‘high risk’ and that the safety of travelling Israeli fans may be compromised. Yet it is an egregious decision to ban or discriminate against the victims of prejudice, something that completely violates all standard protocols of anti-racism. Worse, it appears that the authorities have simply capitulated to a campaign of extremism from local figures. Iqbal Mohamed MP, in a statement on X, welcomed the ban as it would stop “Israeli hooligans and terrorists” from being able to “run riot in our country”. In a chilling threat, Muslim imam Asrar Rashid declared in a video that, “We will show no mercy toward Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who will arrive in several weeks for the match against Aston Villa.” These words are inflammatory and represent a clear form of incitement. If there are genuine safety concerns, the police could increase their presence or, in the worst case scenario, the match itself could be relocated. To prevent Israeli fans from travelling to the game sends out a clear message that they are not welcome in the United Kingdom.  Given the rampant levels of antisemitism we have witnessed recently, this would also further alienate British Jews, still reeling from the murderous Yom Kippur attack in Manchester on 2nd October. It is now essential that this ban is reversed and the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police held to account for this divisive and poorly judged decision

B’nai B’rith UK rejoices in the return of all 20 living hostages to Israel. We have waited for this momentous day for so long and we share in the joy and relief of their families. We hope that the hostages have all the support they need to make a speedy recovery from their unspeakable ordeal. We also share in the grief of those families that have received the remains of their loved ones and wish them long life. We extend our thanks to President Trump for making this day come and hope that his vision for peace and co-existence comes to pass. At the same time, we are outraged that Hamas has withheld the remains of the remaining hostages. It is now essential that the world demands their swift return in order to bring some much needed closure for their families.

B'nai B'rith UK has welcomed the news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, announced last night. We are overjoyed that the Israeli hostages will be finally coming home and reunited with their families after such a long and traumatic experience. We hope that this can lead to a longer term political agreement based on the 20 points as outlined by President Trump. This must involve the removal of Hamas as the governing authority, the disarmament of all terrorists and the creation of a transitional authority in the Strip which is committed to both deradicalistion and reconstruction. We wish to thank President Trump for his efforts in mediating this agreement and all those in the region who are working for long term peace, security and stability.

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled and devastated by yesterday morning’s attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue that killed two people and injured others. That this appalling attack took place on the solemn day of Yom Kippur makes it all the more cowardly and reprehensible. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish them long life, and hope the injured make a swift recovery. We also salute the bravery of the synagogue guard who helped prevent a far greater tragedy, as well as the swift response of the Greater Manchester Police. We would like to thank the King, as well as political and religious leaders for their support following the attack. We will continue to work with the authorities and other communal organisations to tackle the horrific scourge of antisemitism that has spiralled in the UK since October 7.

B’nai B’rith UK welcomes the historic plan announced last night by President Trump and agreed by Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the Gaza war to an end. The agreement fulfils Israel’s principal war aims. Hamas must be disarmed and removed from Gaza, all hostages must be returned and Gaza can never again be a threat to Israel. This agreement gives Israel real security and allows Palestinians enhanced aid, economic reconstruction and the chance of a better future under new leadership. Pressure must now be placed on Hamas to agree to a deal that can bring lasting benefits to Israelis and Palestinians alike.

B’nai B’rith condemns in the strongest terms the abhorrent terror attack this morning in Jerusalem which has so far claimed six lives. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a swift recovery. We also salute the heroism of first responders and soldiers who prevented an even greater tragedy this morning. For too long, Israel has faced the daily reality of terror attacks and the murderous incitement that accompanies them. Instead of recognising a Palestinian state that would be seen as a reward for terror, western governments should stand with Israelis in their just fight against those who wish them harm

B’nai B’rith UK expresses its support for Israel following last night’s attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. We have long argued that the Iranian regime poses an existential threat to Israel and to the West, considering the often stated ambition of Tehran to annihilate the Jewish state. Israel has a right to protect itself pre-emptively from this threat, ensuring that its population can live without fear. We continue to offer our hand in friendship to the Iranian people, a very large majority of whom wish to live their lives free from the tyranny that has engulfed them since 1979. We hope the time will soon come when ties of historic friendship can be renewed between the Israeli and Iranian people.

B’nai B’rith UK is shocked and horrified by the murder of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington DC last night. We send our deepest condolences to the families of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim and wish them long life at a time of enormous heartbreak. This should not be seen as an isolated act of political murder but the result of a 19 month campaign of vilification against Jews and Israelis, both in the US and around the world. Anti-Israel rallies have included calls to 'globalise the intifada' and attack Zionists in public spaces. These are not empty slogans but a call to arms and an incitement to antisemitic violence. We urge the authorities to take the strongest action against those who disseminate this incendiary rhetoric and to take all necessary measures to protect the Jewish community.

B'nai B'rith UK would like to extend its deepest condolences to Catholic communities throughout the world, especially those in the UK, at the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. The Pope was a man of conviction and compassion who dedicated his life to the welfare of poor and marginalised communities. He also strove for reconciliation between people of different faiths and fostered deep and lasting ties with the Jewish community. We hope that his vision of building peace and understanding comes to pass in the Middle East and that his memory can inspire acts of compassion, tolerance and understanding.

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled by the decision of Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, as recommended by the West Midlands Police, to ban the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. This has been done for on the grounds that it is ‘high risk’ and that the safety of travelling Israeli fans may be compromised. Yet it is an egregious decision to ban or discriminate against the victims of prejudice, something that completely violates all standard protocols of anti-racism. Worse, it appears that the authorities have simply capitulated to a campaign of extremism from local figures. Iqbal Mohamed MP, in a statement on X, welcomed the ban as it would stop “Israeli hooligans and terrorists” from being able to “run riot in our country”. In a chilling threat, Muslim imam Asrar Rashid declared in a video that, “We will show no mercy toward Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who will arrive in several weeks for the match against Aston Villa.” These words are inflammatory and represent a clear form of incitement. If there are genuine safety concerns, the police could increase their presence or, in the worst case scenario, the match itself could be relocated. To prevent Israeli fans from travelling to the game sends out a clear message that they are not welcome in the United Kingdom.  Given the rampant levels of antisemitism we have witnessed recently, this would also further alienate British Jews, still reeling from the murderous Yom Kippur attack in Manchester on 2nd October. It is now essential that this ban is reversed and the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police held to account for this divisive and poorly judged decision

Jotam Confino's online talk on 15 April 2025

Opportunities and Challenges: a meeting with the Metropolitan Police Service

B’nai B’rith UK would like to express our immense sorrow at the return to Israel of the bodies of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, their mother Shiri Bibas and peace activist Oded Lifshitz. We mourn the loss of their beautiful souls and send comfort to their families at a time of deep sadness and anguish. As a community, we clung to hope that these innocents would be returned safely to their families. Now we know that they were victims of Hamas’s fathomless barbarism and cruelty. Indeed even in death, they could not be respected. Few of us will forget how their coffins were daubed with vile slogans and subjected to a ghoulish and obscene display of propaganda. The killing of these innocents reminds us that Israel’s enemies have an insatiable appetite to murder Jews. They are the enemies of their own people, not just Israelis, and they must play no role in Gaza, and beyond. We call for all remaining hostages to be released now and for the world to stand by Israel as it seeks to protect its citizens.

Since 7 October, B’nai B’rith UK has campaigned for the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Reports confirm that they have been held in appalling conditions and subjected to various forms of torture and degrading ill treatment. We welcome the fact that in the ceasefire proposal just announced, some of these hostages will be released back into the arms of their loving families. It is essential that they are given the time and space to rehabilitate after what they have endured. Ultimately, all the hostages must be released. At the same time, we remain deeply concerned at the heavy price that this deal will incur, especially if it means that Hamas will survive in the long term. We must never forget the acts of unspeakable savagery that were committed on 7 October and the promise that these would be repeated if Hamas had the chance. It is essential that these terrorists are never again allowed to rule Gaza if there is to be any chance of long term peace and security.

B’nai B’rith UK welcomes the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. It is clear that Israel’s robust campaign against the terror group has created the horizon for a political solution that allows Israeli and Lebanese citizens to return home and for the terror threat to subside in northern Israel. Many believe that this may now herald the opportunity for a wider ceasefire, allowing the Israeli hostages held by Hamas to be returned and for Gaza to be ruled by a political entity other than Hamas. B’nai B’rith UK welcomes developments that will bring security, relief, and prosperity to Israeli and Palestinian civilians after more than one year of war.

Last night, Geoffrey Corn, George R Killam, Jr., Chair of Criminal Law and Director of the Centre for Military Law and Policy at Texas Tech University School of Law, spoke to members and friends of B’nai B’rith UK on ‘How International Law Frames Attack Decisions in War”. Professor Corn spoke about the key principles of international humanitarian law and explained them within the context of the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. He gave special emphasis to notions such as necessity, distinction, proportionality and precaution, arguing that much of the media coverage of these conflicts showed a lack of understanding of core legal principles, with the consequence that they distorted any understanding of events on the ground. Feedback from the talk was very positive with many participants showing appreciation for the erudite presentation.

B’nai B’rith UK marks a year since October 7, 2023, that fateful day that has left a permanent scar on Israel and the entire Jewish world. We mourn the 1,200 people murdered, tortured, and abused in Israel and wish that their memories be a blessing. We stand with Israelis still mourning their loss and share their deep pain and anguish. We remain horrified by the plight of the hostages held in Gaza and demand their return to their homes. We support Israel’s legitimate efforts to defeat its enemies while acknowledging the pain this has caused to innocents in the region. The horrors of that day will not fade from our memories, but we must never lose hope that peace and goodwill can one day prevail.

The Current Situation Facing Jews Worldwide and the Response of our European Organisations

Zoom Meeting to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day