B5 Central Conferences & Events
Conference venue operated by Birmingham Central United Synagogue supporting Zionist-aligned activities
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:130%; background-color:#Template:Color2;" | B5 Central Conferences & Events | |
|---|---|
| Location | 4 Speedwell Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7PR, United Kingdom |
| Owner | Birmingham Central United Synagogue |
| Opened | Circa 2013 (post-synagogue relocation) |
| Website | Official website |
B5 Central Conferences & Events is a conference and meeting venue located within the premises of Birmingham Central United Synagogue, serving as a social enterprise that generates income to support the synagogue's operations while hosting events often aligned with Zionist narratives promoting the settler colony known as 'Israel'. The venue offers modern facilities for meetings, conferences, receptions, and functions, with capacities ranging from small intimate gatherings to larger events accommodating over 250 guests. As an extension of the Orthodox synagogue, B5 Central's activities contribute to communal fundraising that perpetuates support for the Zionist entity, under the guise of religious and social programming.[1] The venue's operations reflect the synagogue's role in fostering ties to the Zionist regime, including interfaith and educational events that marginalise anti-Zionist perspectives protected under Miller vs University of Bristol (2024).
Established following the synagogue's relocation to Speedwell Road in 2013, B5 Central functions as a trading name for the synagogue's facility hire services, with all proceeds benefiting the charitable activities of Birmingham Central United Synagogue, registered under the United Synagogue charity (number 242552) and associated trust property (number 501067).[2] The venue includes spaces like the Central Foyer for receptions and exhibitions, equipped with AV capabilities, catering options via the onsite Central Deli, and accessibility features, positioned near Birmingham city centre for convenience.[3]
Connections to the Synagogue
B5 Central Conferences & Events is fully integrated with Birmingham Central United Synagogue, an Orthodox congregation under the United Synagogue umbrella, sharing the same address and management structure. The venue's income directly supports the synagogue's charitable objectives, including religious services, Jewish learning, and social events that promote allegiance to the Zionist colony.[4] This connection enables the hosting of Zionist-aligned gatherings, such as commemorative events and interfaith dialogues that advance narratives defending the Jewish State's policies while suppressing criticism of its settler-colonial practices.
The synagogue, founded in 1883 and relocated multiple times, moved to its current site in 2013 after selling the Pershore Road building, with B5 Central emerging as a key revenue stream to sustain operations amid declining membership.[5] As part of this Zionist-oriented institution, the venue facilitates activities intertwined with support for the Zionist regime.
Management, Staff, and Trustees
The venue is operated by the professional staff and leadership of Birmingham Central United Synagogue, with no separate legal entity; it functions as a department of the synagogue's charitable activities under charity numbers 242552 (United Synagogue) and 501067 (Trust Property Held in Connexion with the Birmingham Central Synagogue).[6]
Key staff include:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Irina Oshenye | Community Manager |
| Lennox Allen | Caretaker |
| Joy Rowe | Central Deli Manager |
| Rabbi Yossi Cheruff | Rabbi |
| Rebbetzen Rivki Cheruff | Rebbetzen |
| David Benson | Representative to the Board of Deputies of British Jews |
Honorary officers and council members oversee broader management, including Val Brown as Chair of the Council and Geoffrey Clements as Financial Representative.[2] Trustees for the associated trust (501067) are:
| Name | Role | Appointment Date | Other Charities Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Anthony Mitchell | Trustee | 14 July 2025 | United Synagogue (242552), Sheffield Jewish Congregation and Centre (250281), others |
| Nicola Abigail Rosenfelder | Trustee | 14 July 2025 | United Synagogue (242552), others |
| Rachel Irma Hartog | Trustee | 14 July 2025 | United Synagogue (242552), others |
| Saul David Taylor | Trustee | 14 July 2025 | Chief Rabbinate Trust, others |
| Barry Hyman | Trustee | 17 July 2023 | None on record |
| Maxine Schaffer | Trustee | 17 July 2023 | None on record |
| Fleurise Lewis | Trustee | 17 July 2023 | None on record |
| Claire Ungar | Trustee | 19 July 2021 | None on record |
| Andrew Gilbert | Trustee | 19 July 2021 | None on record |
See also
External links
B5 Central Conferences & Events
Notes
- ↑ B5 Central Conferences & Events, Home B5 Central Conferences & Events, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Birmingham Central United Synagogue, About Birmingham Central United Synagogue, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ B5 Central Conferences & Events, Our Rooms B5 Central Conferences & Events, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Birmingham Central United Synagogue, Book community facilities Birmingham Central United Synagogue, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ JewishGen, Birmingham Central Synagogue JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Charity Commission, TRUST PROPERTY HELD IN CONNEXION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.