Binding faith with reason
Anthony Julius on Abraham P26
Hatred & hypocrisy Douglas Murray book review p25
VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY
Signed, sealed, divided 24 April 2025
•
26 Nisan 5785
•
Issue No.1416
•
@JewishNewsUK
Deputies suspended and inquiry begins as Board row over FT letter turns ugly firmed that it was suspending two deputies and launching an investigation into the 36 members Board of Deputies presiwho had signed the letter, dent Phil Rosenberg has Rosenberg wrote that written to all deputies “this has been an extraordito condemn the abuse narily challenging few days”. emerging in public and priHe added: “It’s imporvate forums during the row Phil Rosenberg tant none of us lose sight of over a letter published in the Financial Times criticising civility and decency. I’m mindful of abuse that has been thrown around Israel over the war in Gaza. In a letter sent as the Board con- this issue both on social media and by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk
direct communications. I utterly condemn it from whatever source and whatever direction.” Rosenberg noted the Board has a duty of care to all its staff and deputies and continued: “I would particularly request that deputies are respectful in their own commentary on this matter both publicly and in private – and are respectful and considerate of each other, including those with whom they may have significant differences of opinion.” Continued on page 3
FINAL BLESSING Jewish leaders this week paid tribute to Pope Francis – pictured on a visit to Auschwitz in 2014 – following his death at age 88, honouring his efforts to strengthen Catholic-Jewish relations. Story and analysis, page 4
EMILY TO LIGHT ISRAEL’S BIRTHDAY TORCH
British-Israeli Emily Damari
Emily Damari says words cannot express her excitement at being chosen to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, writes Michelle Rosenberg. The 28-year-old BritishIsraeli, who was abducted from Kfar Aza on 7 October 2023, was the last British hostage to be freed from
Gaza, after 471 days in captivity. She will join fellow former hostage Eli Sharabi to mark the transition from mourning on Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) on 30 April to celebrating on Independence Day (Yom Haatzmaut) on 1 May. Following the announcement by Israeli transporta-
tion minister Miri Regev, who is in charge of the ceremony, Damari took to Instagram to express her surprise and gratitude. “Exactly three months ago I emerged, wrapped in this flag behind me, returned from Hamas captivity in Gaza, coming out of darkness into light,” she wrote.
“Today I learned I’m lighting a torch at the Independence Day ceremony. In honour of the hostages, in honour of Gali and Zivi [Berman] and the other additional 57 hostages who are waiting to return home to their families.” Describing it a “privilege”, Damari added that
“words cannot express how excited I am to do this,” giving thanks for the honour and acknowledging the “security forces and the soldiers of the IDF who risked their lives and are risking their lives so we can raise this flag with pride and light the torch every Independence Day. Am Y’Israel Chai!”