In November, as Remembrance Day approaches, we at the Commonwealth Jewish Council are wearing our poppies with pride to honour the brave men and women of the Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth who gave their lives in service to their country to secure our freedom.
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**Join us at our upcoming event**
The Commonwealth Jewish Council is pleased to invite you to our upcoming public event:
Are We Winning the Battle Against Extremism in 2025? Lessons Learnt from the Commonwealth
📅 November 18th, 18:00
📍 Central London location
Across the Commonwealth, communities face the urgent challenge of extremism and radicalisation. This event will bring together parliamentarians, diplomats, academics, community leaders, and security experts to explore the state of extremism in Commonwealth countries and the lessons we can learn.
This is an opportunity to hear directly from leading voices from across the sector, including Alan Mendoza of the Henry Jackson Society and Sara Khan DBE, Britain’s first Counter-Extremism Commissioner.
You will have the chance to put your questions to the panellists during a Q&A session.
We look forward to welcoming you at this event and thank you in advance for your RSVP via dani.myers@cjc.org.uk - places are limited and early registration is recommended.
The Commonwealth Jewish Council wishes “Many Happy Returns” to our friends who are celebrating their Independence Days in November!
Our Executive Chair Clive Lawton visited Kenya in October and met with Bishop Paul Kitengela, an Evangelical Protestant leader and president and founder of 'March 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.
Shalom from Mukono, Uganda!
Please see the lovely article below written by Orah Lawrence, Community Educator and Gabbai at the Mukono Jewish Community in Uganda , which featured in the Belmont United Synagogue (London) Shana Tova magazine. Belmont's congregation donated Judaica to Orah's community this year as part of the Commonwealth Jewish Council's campaign to support emerging Jewish communities across Africa.
Visit our Mitzvah Bank page to find out how you can get involved in our current campaign.
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".
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 click here.
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
Diplomacy
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.
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.
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
