Crif - Delegation to London: meeting the Jewish community of the United Kingdom

The Board of Deputies of British Jews (BoD) is the sister organization of Crif in the United Kingdom. In March 2023, a delegation from the BoD, led by its then president Marie Van Der Zyl, came to Paris for a series of visits organized by Crif. In December 2024, Crif went to London for the return trip.

Crif President Yonathan Arfi was accompanied by Crif VP Gérard Unger, member of the Executive Board Jérémy Haddad, member of Steering Committee Pascal Markowicz, International Affairs Marie-Sarah Seeberger, and public relations Veronique Harari.

The delegation first attended a series of meetings with the different BoD bodies. The discussions were led by President Phil Rosenberg, General Director Michael Weiger and International Relations Officer David Robinson. Discussions focused on the shared challenges within French and British Jews since October 7, 2023.

Today we welcomed our French partners, @Le_Crif to our offices for a discussion on antisemitism in the UK and France, the work that our organisations have done since 7th October and the challenges facing European Jewry. pic.twitter.com/WnEnQSDxH8

— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) December 1, 2024

We are launching our own Jewish Entente Cordiale! Important dinner with @BoardofDeputies French sister organisation @Le_CRIF, & a delegation led by my friend @Yonathan_Arfi, to discuss shared challenges & opportunities to face together.

Bienvenue à Londres, mes amis!

pic.twitter.com/rITGyrmOTb

— Phil Rosenberg (@PhilR_R) December 1, 2024

We had the opportunity to speak with Sami Berkoff, President of the Union of Jewish Students (USJ) and to talk about the situation of universities and life on campus.

Crif also met with the CST, the British equivalent of the SPCJ, which presented its annual budget, priorities and security approaches.

We also visited the impressive JW3 Jewish cultural center. This building with its glass windows offers passers-by a view of the richness of Judaism and its values, highlighted by numerous cultural, sporting and entertainment activities.

Crif delegation then visited the JFS Jewish school, which welcomes more than 2,000 students every day!

Finally, Crif was received at the British Parliament for a meeting with several MPs and Lords involved in the working groups against antisemitism in Parliament. We also met with Lord John Mann, the government's advisor on combating antisemitism.

Cette semaine, le président du Crif @Yonathan_Arfi était à Londres, accompagné d'une délégation de membres du Comité directeur de l'organisation, chaleureusement reçus par le @BoardofDeputies pour des rencontres avec les acteurs clés de la vie juive britannique.

Ce déplacement… pic.twitter.com/idyDvKLB9G

— CRIF (@Le_CRIF) December 4, 2024

On the occasion of its visit to London, Crif also organized an evening for French Jews living in London, at St John's Wood Synagogue. This conversation was an opportunity to address current issues of the French and British Jewish communities, the challenges and opportunities since the tragedy of October 7, 2023, and the very strong relations that exist between France and the United Kingdom.

This visit highlighted the common points that exist between our two communities, close in numerical terms, and similar in their diversity and in their relations with public and political authorities. Our discussions also allowed us to appreciate the liveliness and enthusiasm of the Jews of the United Kingdom, and their involvement and total integration into British society.