Protecting Jewish Life. Building Bridges. Amplifying Voices
The Commonwealth Jewish Council unites communities across the globe.

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

Wishing all of our friends, supporters and communities a Shana Tova u'Metuka

News

Many happy returns from the Commonwealth Jewish Council to Cameroon, Cyprus, Nigeria and Tuvalu who are celebrating their respective Independence Days on 1st October!

Best wishes from all of us at the Commonwealth Jewish Council to our friends in Botswana who are celebrating their Independence Day on 30th September!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Arieh Miller as our new CEO!

Arieh brings experience, vision, and commitment to strengthening Jewish communities across the Commonwealth.

Read more via the Jewish News

The CJC is really excited that the first batch of materials has arrived and been distributed to several Nigerian communities!

Our representative in Nigeria, Arthur-Regis Odidika, commented, "They (the books) are most helpful. Thanks a million".

The materials for Tanzania and Uganda are scheduled to arrive mid-September.

Our huge thanks to all the UK Jewish communities who donated items to our campaign, and also to those who have helped fund the transportation.

To read more about these communities, please go to the Communities section on the website.

It is not too late to donate if you would still like to:

Diplomacy

This week, we were honoured to meet His Excellency Paul Gomez of the Bahamas. We were warmly welcomed, reflected on the rich Jewish history in the Caribbean, and discussed the urgent environmental challenges facing the Bahamas. We look forward to deepening this partnership and our work together.

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, CEO in the Jewish News this week, about the relationship between South Africa and Hamas/Iran/Russia. To read, click the link.

Focus of Activities

The Commonwealth Jewish Council supports and protects Jewish communities within the Commonwealth and advances Commonwealth interests with campaigns, projects and shared Jewish values.