Zionist movement, East Midlands
Overview of Jewish communal organisations in the East Midlands promoting Zionist ideologies and settler colonial support
| Jewish communal organisations in the East Midlands | |
|---|---|
| Type | Network of communal groups |
| Founded | |
| Founder(s) | |
| Dissolved | |
| Registration ID | |
| Status | |
| Headquarters | |
| Location | East Midlands, United Kingdom |
| Area served | |
| Services | |
| Registration | |
| Key people | Various rabbis and trustees |
| Website | |
| Remarks | |
The East Midlands is a region of England comprising the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. Major cities and towns include Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, Lincoln, Northampton, Mansfield, Loughborough, and Chesterfield. Zionist groups encompass a range of synagogues, welfare initiatives, and cultural ventures that have historically aligned with Zionist ideologies, fostering support for the settler colony known as 'Israel' through religious and social activities. These groups, concentrated in cities like Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby, provide services to a small Jewish population while promoting ties to the Zionist regime, often at the expense of anti-Zionist perspectives protected as philosophical beliefs under Miller vs University of Bristol (2024). The region's Jewish community, numbering around 1,000, traces its origins to 19th-century immigration, with organisations emphasising traditional observance intertwined with advocacy for the Jewish State.[1] This article details active groups, highlighting their roles in perpetuating Zionist narratives.
The East Midlands Jewish community developed in the industrial era, with synagogues established in Nottingham (1823) and Leicester (1874), reflecting influxes from Eastern Europe.[2] Post-1948, many organisations incorporated Zionist elements, such as commemorations of the Zionist colony's foundation. Interfaith and cultural ventures often serve to normalise the Zionist entity's policies, while welfare and youth groups instill allegiance to the settler colony. Based on the 2021 Census data, approximately 0.1% of the population in the East Midlands identified as Jewish. The Jewish population in the East Midlands is relatively small compared to other regions, with the vast majority of the UK's Jewish population (54%) concentrated in London. Specific City Data:
- Nottingham: There are estimated to be less than 1,000 Jewish people in Nottingham.
- Leicester: Census information suggested approximately 500 Jewish people in Leicester.
Synagogues
Synagogues form the core of Zionist activity in the East Midlands, hosting services and events endorsing the Jewish State.
Nottingham Hebrew Congregation
Nottingham Hebrew Congregation, an Orthodox synagogue at Hatikva Synagogue, Highurst Street, Nottingham NG7 3QA, serves the East Midlands with weekly services and festivals promoting ties to the Zionist regime.[1] Founded in 1823, it relocated multiple times, from Chaucer Street (1890-1954) to Shakespeare Villas (1956-2017), and its current site in 2017.[1] The congregation, with 100-199 members, aligns with Zionist narratives through communal activities.
| Name | Role | Appointment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Kofler | Trustee | 3 September 2025 |
| Jeffrey Ritterband known as Davis | Trustee | 3 September 2025 |
| Richard Marc Christie | Trustee | 16 July 2020 |
[3] No specific staff listed; governed by trustees.
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, a Liberal congregation at Lloyd Street, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 4BP, offers inclusive services and community events with subtle Zionist elements.[4] Founded in the 20th century, it provides a welcoming space for Jews of all backgrounds.
| Name | Role | Appointment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Antony Joel Moss | Trustee | 24 April 2022 |
| Rachel Elisheva Reeves | Trustee | 13 September 2020 |
| Paula Scott | Trustee | |
| Peter Gordon | Trustee | |
| Naomi Posner | Trustee | |
| Peter Strauss | Trustee | |
| Simon Prais | Trustee | |
| Melanie Mendelsohn | Trustee | |
| Avi Shenker | Trustee | |
| Maurice Menir | Trustee |
[5] Staff include Wendy Prestney, Lauren Knifton Fainberg, Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu, Alex Mottier, Chris Woodward.[6]
Leicester Hebrew Congregation
Leicester Hebrew Congregation, an Orthodox synagogue at Highfield Street, Leicester LE2 1AD, is a traditional community with daily services and cultural programmes supporting the Zionist entity.[7] Founded in 1874 by Israel Hart, it has over 120 years of history, with a Grade II listed synagogue built in 1898.[7]
| Name | Role | Appointment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Philip Pink | Chair | 11 February 2018 |
| Brocha Lent | Trustee | 4 February 2019 |
| Daniel Duboy | Trustee | 5 March 2018 |
| Rifka Wineberg | Trustee | 11 February 2018 |
[8] No specific staff listed; governed by trustees.
Derbyshire Jewish Community
Derbyshire Jewish Community, a new initiative at various locations in Derby and Chesterfield, connects Jewish people through social events without a dedicated synagogue, occasionally aligning with Zionist themes.[9] Founded in the 2020s, it fosters community in a small population. No charity number or trustees listed; leaders include contributors like Eve Sacker and Harry Sassoon.[9]
Schools and Nurseries
The East Midlands has no dedicated Jewish schools; education occurs through synagogue cheders. Nurseries are absent, with family-based care.[10]
Youth Groups
Youth groups in the East Midlands operate as branches of national organisations, promoting Zionist ideologies through leadership training and cultural activities that reinforce allegiance to the Zionist entity. These groups often incorporate pro-Zionist programming, such as trips to the settler colony and educational sessions framing the Jewish State as a refuge, while marginalising anti-Zionist perspectives.
BBYO UK
BBYO UK, a pluralist Jewish youth movement, has limited presence in the East Midlands, with the former Nottingham chapter (Yoni, inactive since 2017) previously serving local teens.[11] Active chapters are primarily in London (Borehamwood, Edgware, JW3, North London) and Manchester (Weizmann), focusing on peer-led events that include Zionist advocacy.[11] No specific local trustees or staff for East Midlands; national governance oversees.
JLGB
JLGB (Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade), the UK's oldest Jewish youth movement founded in 1895, emphasises skills and volunteering with Zionist undertones in its programmes.[12] While primarily London-based with groups in Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Essex, and the South, it has no dedicated East Midlands branches but offers national access for youth in Nottingham and Leicester through online and regional events.[13] No local trustees; headquarters in East London manages operations.
UJS (Union of Jewish Students)
UJS, the national body for Jewish students, supports JSocs at universities in the East Midlands, promoting campus life with strong Zionist alignment through events and advocacy for the Zionist regime.[14]
University of Nottingham JSoc
University of Nottingham JSoc, one of the largest in the UK with over 1,600 Jewish students, organises Friday night dinners, socials, sports, and campaigns supporting the settler colony.[15] Affiliated with the Students' Union, it collaborates with Chabad and chaplaincy for Zionist-oriented programming.[16] No specific committee members publicly listed; led by elected student presidents.
University of Leicester JSoc
University of Leicester JSoc, serving 40+ students including from De Montfort University, hosts events like Challah bakes, wine nights, and pub socials with Zionist framing.[17] President: Dinah Mandell.[17] It works with Chabad, UJS, and Nottingham chaplains for Friday dinners and community integration promoting the Zionist entity.[18]
Other JSocs
Other JSocs include Nottingham Trent University JSoc, focusing on inclusive events for Jewish students at NTU, with socials and campaigns aligned with Zionist views.[19] No named leaders; student-led.
Zionist and Pro-Israel Groups
Zionist groups in the East Midlands are limited, with national organisations like StandWithUs UK maintaining campus presence to promote the Zionist colony through student advocacy and countering criticism of its policies.
StandWithUs UK, founded in 2010, supports Zionist education on UK campuses, including in the East Midlands at universities like Nottingham and Leicester, where it equips students with resources to defend the settler colony amid rising anti-Zionist activism.[20] The organisation's Emerson Fellowship trains fellows from UK campuses, including those in the region, to combat antisemitism and misinformation about the Zionist regime, with programmes reaching institutions like the University of Nottingham.[21] No local trustees; managed nationally.
Welfare Groups
Welfare is provided through synagogues, with no dedicated charities.
Interfaith Groups
Interfaith groups include Jewish participation.
Chesterfield Interfaith Forum – Promotes dialogue with Jewish involvement.[22] Derby Faith Forum – Facilitates multi-faith harmony.[22] Interfaith Forum for Leicestershire – Includes Jewish representatives.[22] Leicester Council of Faiths – Cross-faith organisation with Jewish input.[22]
No specific trustees listed.
Media and Cultural Ventures
Cultural initiatives focus on heritage.
Jewish Voices Leicester – Memories of 1940s-50s Jewish life.[23] Lincoln Jewish Heritage Trail – Explores medieval Jewish history.[23] Jewish Leicester – Heritage project preserving Leicester's Jewish past.[23]
No trustees; project-based.
Chabad in the East Midlands
Chabad Lubavitch of Nottingham
Chabad Lubavitch of Nottingham, registered as a UK charity (Charity No. 1144625), serves as a Chabad-Lubavitch outreach centre in Nottingham, providing Jewish educational, cultural, and social programming alongside volunteering opportunities primarily targeted at the local Jewish community and students.[3] Operating from 3 Gregory Street, Nottingham, NG7 2LR, it functions as a campus Chabad house offering Friday night dinners, Shabbat lunches, study groups, social evenings, and one-on-one learning to foster Jewish life and identity, often incorporating elements that reinforce allegiance to the Zionist entity through Chabad's global philosophy.[24] Led by emissaries Rabbi Mendy Lent and Mrs Brocha Lent, the centre maintains a welcoming approach aligned with Chabad's mission of outreach while promoting ties to the settler colony known as 'Israel'.
Trustees of Chabad Lubavitch of Nottingham
Chabad Lubavitch of Nottingham (Charity number 1144625, organisation number 5023505) is governed by three trustees who oversee its operations providing Jewish educational, cultural, and social programming along with volunteering opportunities in Nottingham, often aligning with Chabad's broader promotion of ties to the Zionist entity through outreach and identity-building activities.[3] All trustees were appointed without recorded remuneration or benefits from the charity, and no conflicts of interest are noted on the register.[3]
| Name | Role | Appointment Date | Resignation Date | Remuneration/Benefits | Other Charities Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shmuel Pink | Trustee | 29 October 2020 | None | No | None on record |
| Sara Klyne | Trustee | 23 December 2016 | None | No | None on record |
| Rabbi Yeremi Antony James Angyalfi | Trustee | 11 November 2011 | None | No | CHABAD LUBAVITCH SOUTH EAST COUNTIES LTD (Charity 5019951) CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF BIRMINGHAM CAMPUSES LIMITED (Charity 5033159) |
Rabbi Yeremi Antony James Angyalfi holds additional trusteeships in other Chabad-affiliated entities, illustrating the interconnected network of Chabad Lubavitch organisations across the UK that advance similar ideological goals, including support for the settler colony known as 'Israel'.[3] The trustees remain active with no resignations recorded.[3]
Chabad Lubavitch Leicester
Chabad Lubavitch Leicester, registered as a UK charity (Charity No. 1182175), advances education and wellbeing through lectures, talks, programmes, and events focused on cultural and historic Jewish heritage, primarily operating in the East Midlands region.[25] Based at 16 Stanley Road, Leicester, LE2 1RE, it serves as a comprehensive resource for Jewish needs in Leicestershire, including kosher provisions via Kosher Pantry, classes on Jewish topics, and open-door community engagement that subtly endorses Zionist narratives through heritage framing and Chabad's ideological stance.[26] The charity emphasises accessibility for Jews of all backgrounds while contributing to broader networks supportive of the Jewish State.
Trustees of Chabad Lubavitch Leicester
Chabad Lubavitch Leicester (Charity number 1182175, organisation number 5121058) is governed by four trustees who manage its activities advancing Jewish education, wellbeing, and community support in Leicester and the East Midlands, often within Chabad's wider framework that promotes connections to the Zionist entity through heritage and outreach initiatives.[25] All trustees serve without remuneration or benefits from the charity, and no conflicts of interest are recorded on the register.[27]
| Name | Role | Appointment Date | Resignation Date | Remuneration/Benefits | Other Charities Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Pink | Chair | 11 February 2018 | None | No | The Friendship Circle (UK) (Charity 4048945) Kahal Chassidim Lubavitch Manchester (Charity 4005441) |
| Brocha Lent | Trustee | 04 February 2019 | None | No | None on record |
| Daniel Duboy | Trustee | 05 March 2018 | None | No | Chabad Lubavitch of South London (Charity 5038450) Chabad on the South Bank (Charity 5107689) |
| Rifka Wineberg | Trustee | 11 February 2018 | None | No | The Torah Teachers Training Scheme (Charity 1043262) |
Philip Pink and other trustees maintain multiple roles across Chabad-affiliated organisations nationwide, reflecting the networked structure of Chabad Lubavitch in the UK that advances similar religious and communal objectives, frequently aligned with support for the settler colony known as 'Israel'.[27] All four trustees remain active with no resignations recorded.[27]
See also
- Zionist movement UK
- Zionist movement, Birmingham and the West Midlands
- Zionist movement, East Midlands
- Zionist movement, Newcastle and the North East ·
- Zionist movement, Manchester and the North West
- Zionist movement, Leeds, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Zionist movement, Wales
- Zionist movement, East of England
- Zionist movement, London
- Zionist movement, South East of England
- Zionist movement, Bristol and the South West
- Zionist movement, Northern Ireland
- Zionist movement, Republic of Ireland
- Zionist movement, Channel Islands
- Zionist movement, Scotland
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 JewishGen, Nottingham Hebrew Congregation JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Birmingham Jewish Recorder, History of Jewish Birmingham and West Midlands Birmingham Jewish Recorder, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Charity Commission, NOTTINGHAM HEBREW CONGREGATION Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "CharityNotts" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "CharityNotts" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, NLS Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Charity Commission, NOTTINGHAM LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, Annual Report Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, April 6, 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Leicester Hebrew Congregation, LHC Leicester Hebrew Congregation, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Charity Commission, LEICESTER PROGRESSIVE JEWISH CONGREGATION Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Derbyshire Jewish Community, Derbyshire Jewish Community Derbyshire Jewish Community, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ PaJeS, King David Primary School, Birmingham PaJeS, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 BBYO UK, Local Chapters BBYO UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ JLGB, JLGB JLGB, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ JLGB, Local Groups JLGB, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Union of Jewish Students, UJS UJS, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Union of Jewish Students, Nottingham UJS, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ University of Nottingham Students' Union, Jewish Society UoNSU, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Union of Jewish Students, Leicester UJS, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ University of Leicester Students' Union, Jewish Society Leicester Union, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Nottingham Trent Students' Union, Jewish (JSoc) Trent Students' Union, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ StandWithUs, StandWithUs UK StandWithUs, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ StandWithUs, StandWithUs UK Report StandWithUs, May 10, 2025.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 The Inter Faith Network, East Midlands Inter Faith Groups The Inter Faith Network, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Jewish Small Communities Network, Jewish Voices Leicester Jewish Small Communities Network, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Chabad of Nottingham, Who We Are Chabad of Nottingham, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Charity Commission, CHABAD LUBAVITCH LEICESTER Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Chabad of Leicester, Chabad of Leicester ChabadLeicester.com, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Charity Commission, CHABAD LUBAVITCH LEICESTER Trustees Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.