Click here to read our latest newsletter.
The Commonwealth Jewish Council wishes “Many Happy Returns” to our friends who are celebrating their Independence Days in December.
CLICK HERE TO BE PART OF OUR MITZVAH BANK CAMPAIGN SUPPORTING OUR SMALLER JEWISH COMMONWEALTH COMMUNITIES' NEEDS FOR JUDAICA AND PRAYER BOOKS.
The Commonwealth Jewish Council decries the exclusion of the Jewish Community in Nigeria from voting in elections because they are conducted on Saturdays. Clive Lawton OBE JP, CJC’s Executive Chair, addressed members of the press in Awka at the weekend and called on the Nigerian government to take advantage of the country’s religious diversity and to ensure that no group imposes itself on others. Read the full press article here.
Read more here about our expert panel on counterterrorism hosted by CJC President Lord Mendelsohn at the House of Lords recently.
President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, Lord Mendelsohn, laid a poppy wreath at the Cenotaph in London on the occasion of the AJEX Parade on 16th November 2025 in honour of the courageous Jewish men and women, past and present, of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces and their families whose sacrifices ensure our freedom today.
Abuja was the first stop on a six-state visit to Nigeria at the end of November 2025 for our Executive Chair, Clive Lawton OBE JP, to meet the Ibo Jews, possibly the fastest growing enclave of indigenous Africans to espouse and explore Judaism. Whilst at Tikvat Yisrael synagogue Clive enjoyed long discussions and conversations, not least around the Torah portion of the week but also a lovely singing of Mincha together!
Clive Lawton OBE JP, our Executive Chair, met in November with Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and Minister for Foreign Affairs, at his offices in the Palazzo Spinola in Malta, where they discussed a range of issues together with Christianne Caruana, Director of Malta’s Global Affairs department. Minister Borg has been and continues to be instrumental in attending to the responsibility of ensuring that Jews in general and Maltese Jews in particular are properly respected, represented, included and protected.
Our Executive Chair Clive Lawton visited Kenya in October and met with Bishop Paul Kitengela, an Evangelical Protestant leader and president and founder of 'Marching for Israel' - an initiative that the Bishop set up after seeing an' anti-Israel' demonstration in the heart of Nairobi. Read more about this and Clive's update from his visit to Zimbabwe where he was a guest of the Lemba Jews here.
MEETING WITH THE HIGH COMMISSIONER OF INDIA TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
Our CEO Arieh Miller and our Executive Chair Clive Lawton OBE JP were honoured to meet recently with H.E. Mr. Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, at India House in London recently together with Mr. Deepak Choudhary, Minister (Coordination). The discussions were very productive and enjoyable, and we look forward to an ongoing positive relationship.
All of us at the Commonwealth Jewish Council are sincerely moved by the outpouring of support which has been shown to us at this sad time by CJC members worldwide, international dignitaries and members of the wider public globally.
Some of the many messages received include:
"We hold the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and the extended Manchester Jewish community in our hearts at this difficult time and pray for their healing and strength....We stand with together in solidarity." (Mozambique)
"A shocking and saddening terrorist attack..." (Mauritius)
"Devastating..." (Eswatini)
"It is with great sadness that we received the news from Manchester. We condemn the violent attack on the synagogue, and the loss of life. We send our deep condolences to the families and fast recovery..." (Zambia)
"This is a horrific attack mounted by marauding terrorists in broad daylight...This is a most unhealthy drift of events which must be countered with all the strength at our command!" (India)
"We receive with profound sadness the news of yet another terror attack that has taken lives of our people leaving others injured...We stand together with our community of Manchester. We send love and prayers of strength to the affected families..." (Uganda)
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and all those affected by the Manchester synagogue attack..." (High Commission of Malta to the United Kingdom)
"Our thoughts are very much with the Heaton Park congregation, and the wider British Jewish community. We are heartbroken, but we are also inspired by the congregation’s Rabbi and members, the bravery of those who prevented a worse event, and those who have spoken out and offered their genuine support..." (New Zealand)
"[I am] expressing my deepest condolences to the Jewish Community for the hideous attack yesterday in Manchester. I am appalled that our Jewish friends in the UK feel ever more under threat and vulnerable...." Office of the Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Vanuatu Honorary Consul to the United Kingdom
"I continue to hold you and all my Jewish friends in prayer as you navigate these unprecedented times of so much hate all around..." Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua & Barbuda to the United Kingdom
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Arieh Miller as our new CEO as of mid-September 2025!
Arieh brings experience, vision, and commitment to strengthening Jewish communities across the Commonwealth.
Read more via the Jewish News
In the News....
The J7: 2025 Report on Antisemitism
To read the report in full, click on the link
The J7, the Large Communities' Task Force Against Antisemitism, was formed in response to increasing rates of antisemitism around the world. It is comprised of organisations representing the largest Jewish communities in the Diaspora, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the USA.
The J7 works to identify and address common challenges, develop coordinated strategies and share best practices in combatting global antisemitism.
Two Lessons from the Diplomatic Frontlines of Faith by Daniella Myers, Director of International Campaigns - a reflection on two memorable lessons drawn from navigating diplomacy where faith, politics and people intersect. To read, click the link.
Excellent article by Clive Lawton OBE JP in the Jewish News about the relationship between South Africa and Hamas/Iran/Russia. To read, click the link.
The Commonwealth Jewish Council supports and protects Jewish communities within the Commonwealth and advances Commonwealth interests with campaigns, projects and shared Jewish values.
Rabbinic Support for Africa
