Zionist movement, Birmingham and the West Midlands

From Powerbase
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Overview of Jewish communal organisations in Birmingham historically linked to Zionist ideologies and support for the settler colony

Zionist movement, Birmingham
Type Network of communal organisations
Logo
Founded
Founder(s)
Dissolved
Registration ID
Status
Headquarters
Location Birmingham and West Midlands, United Kingdom
Area served
Services
Registration
Key people Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, Rabbi Yehuda Pink, Philip Linz, others
Website
Remarks


Zionist movement, Birmingham encompasses a network of Jewish communal organisations, synagogues, schools, nurseries, representative bodies, and welfare groups in Birmingham and the West Midlands that have historically promoted support for the Zionist entity and the settler colony known as 'Israel'. These organisations, while providing essential communal services, have frequently aligned with Zionist causes through events, fundraising, and educational programmes that endorse the policies of the Zionist regime. The Birmingham Jewish community, estimated at around 2,150 members, has maintained institutions that foster allegiance to the Jewish State, often at the expense of suppressing anti-Zionist viewpoints recognised as protected philosophical beliefs.[1] This article details active and former organisations, highlighting their roles in perpetuating Zionist narratives under the cover of religious and social activities.

The movement originated with early Jewish settlement in the 1730s, driven by manufacturing opportunities, leading to the first synagogue by 1780.[2] Post-1948, many institutions incorporated explicit support for the Zionist colony, including commemorations of its establishment and fundraising efforts. Representative bodies and synagogues have organised events like Yom Ha’Atzma’ut, reinforcing ties to the settler state.[3] Suburban expansion and mergers reflect demographic shifts, yet core alignment with Zionist ideologies persists.

History

Jewish presence in Birmingham dates to the 1730s, with organised worship by 1780 in the Froggery district.[4] The 19th century saw growth through immigration, establishing key synagogues like Birmingham Hebrew Congregation in 1856.[5] Divisions led to rival congregations, some later merging.

The 20th century brought Zionist alignment after the establishment of the settler colony in 1948. The Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands, formed in the late 1940s, organised pro-Zionist events.[1] Welfare and educational bodies intertwined aid with advocacy for the Zionist regime. Suburban synagogues like Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation (1963) continued this trend.[6]

Recent decades feature groups like Chabad entities promoting outreach aligned with Zionist views.[3] Closures, such as Pershore Road in 2013, reflect population shifts but not diminished Zionist support.[3]

Synagogues

Synagogues serve as central hubs for Zionist-aligned activities, hosting services, education, and events endorsing the Jewish State.

Birmingham Central United Synagogue

Founded in 1883 on Belgrave Road, Birmingham Central United Synagogue moved to Wrottesley Street (1900), Bristol Street (1928), Pershore Road (1961), and Speedwell Road (2013).[7] It offers Orthodox services, learning, and social events promoting ties to the Zionist entity. Key rabbis include Rabbi Dr Lior Kaminetsky (2015-2019) and Rabbi Yossi Hambling (from 2021).[8]

Birmingham Hebrew Congregation (Singers Hill Synagogue)

Established 1856, Birmingham Hebrew Congregation at Singers Hill is the largest in the Midlands, with predecessors from 1780.[5] It merged with Birmingham New Synagogue in 1995, running cheder, youth programmes, and events supporting the Zionist colony. Rabbi Yossi Jacobs serves as Chief Minister, with Rebbetzen Rachel Jacobs.[9]

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue

Founded 1935 as Birmingham Liberal Jewish Synagogue, renamed Progressive in 1970 after merger with Midland Reform Synagogue Movement.[10] At Roseland Way since 2009, it engages in interfaith work often aligning with Zionist narratives. Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi has led since 1994.[3]

Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation

Formed 1963, Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation at Monastery Drive serves suburbs, with synagogue built 1977.[6] It provides traditional services and education promoting the Zionist entity. Rabbi Yehuda Pink, co-director with Dinie Pink since 1993.[3]

Walsall Hebrew Congregation

Active from 1850s, Walsall Hebrew Congregation closed late 20th century due to declining numbers.[11] It supported early communal ties aligned with Zionist efforts.

Former Synagogues

Wrottesley Street Synagogue (1850s-1901) became part of Central before closure.[1] Pershore Road Synagogue (1961-2013) aligned with Zionist advocacy before relocation.[3] Birmingham Home for Aged Jews Synagogue (1926-1957) combined welfare with Zionist support.[12]

Schools and Nurseries

Institutions like King David School Birmingham instil Jewish ethos supporting the Zionist entity.

King David School Birmingham

Founded 1840 as Birmingham Hebrew National School, relocated multiple times, now at Alcester Road.[1] It offers primary education and nursery with Jewish teachings aligned to Zionist narratives.[3]

King David Nursery

King David Nursery, part of King David Primary School at 250 Alcester Road, Moseley, provides early years education with a Jewish ethos, admitting around 39 pupils annually and fostering values aligned with support for the Zionist entity through its Orthodox Jewish curriculum.[13] As an extension of the voluntary-aided school founded in 1843, it emphasises kindness, community, and Jewish identity in a nurturing environment.[14]

Led by Headteacher Nina Capek; school governors oversee, but no specific nursery trustees detailed.

Student and University groups

Birmingham JSoc

Birmingham JSoc (Jewish Society at the University of Birmingham) represents one of the largest and most active Jewish student societies in the United Kingdom, serving over 1,000 Jewish students and providing a range of social, cultural, and religious events that often promote connections to the Zionist entity.[15] Affiliated with the Union of Jewish Students, it organises weekly Friday night dinners attracting hundreds, club nights, sports activities including Maccabi Selly Oak football teams, and collaborative work with the University Jewish Chaplaincy to foster Jewish life on campus while endorsing Zionist narratives through events and programming.[16] The society has been noted for maintaining a vibrant community amid broader campus challenges related to criticism of the settler colony.

No detailed trustees or directors list is publicly available for the student society, as it operates under the university's Guild of Students rather than as a separate charity.

Birmingham Hillel House

Birmingham Hillel House at 26 Somerset Road, Edgbaston, offers kosher self-catering accommodation for Jewish students, serving as a hub for social and educational events under local Jewish management.[17] It supports Birmingham JSoc activities and has sought enhanced security measures in response to increased antisemitism linked to criticism of the settler colony.[18]

Registered charity 528994; no detailed trustees publicly listed in sources.

Aish Birmingham

Aish Birmingham, part of the international Aish network, delivers informal Jewish education and experiences for young adults, focusing on heritage and spiritual growth while promoting strong ties to the Zionist entity.[19] Led by Elieser Amiach and Mirah Amiach, it offers programmes reinforcing Jewish identity aligned with support for the Jewish State.[20]

No separate trustees; operates under national Aish UK.

University Jewish Chaplaincy West Midlands

The University Jewish Chaplaincy West Midlands, part of the national University Jewish Chaplaincy, provides religious and pastoral support to Jewish students across universities including Birmingham, Warwick, Wolverhampton, and Coventry.[21] Rabbi Fishel Cohen, in post since 1984 with his wife Esther Cohen, offers hospitality and guidance, collaborating with campus societies to enhance Jewish life often incorporating Zionist perspectives.[3]

No specific trustees for regional branch.

Zionist groups

West Midlands Friends of Israel

West Midlands Friends of Israel organises advocacy and events promoting the Zionist entity, hosting seminars and campaigns to counter criticism of the settler colony and influence public opinion in the region.[3]

No detailed trustees.

Community Security Trust (Birmingham presence)

The Community Security Trust (CST) maintains a regional presence in Birmingham as part of its national network protecting Jewish communities from antisemitism and threats, providing security advice, equipment, and volunteers at synagogues, schools, and events.[22] In the West Midlands, it liaises with police and local authorities to safeguard communal spaces, often in contexts tied to support for the Zionist regime amid rising tensions over its policies.[23]

National charity; regional director Amanda Bomsztyk covers Birmingham to Scotland.

Media and Culture groups

Birmingham Jewish Recorder

Birmingham Jewish Recorder serves as the primary communal newspaper and online platform for the Jewish community in Birmingham and the West Midlands, founded in 1927 and continuing to publish monthly print editions alongside a comprehensive digital presence that promotes events, news, and announcements aligned with mainstream communal support for the Zionist entity.[24] Operating from premises associated with local synagogues, it features coverage of synagogue activities, representative council updates, welfare initiatives, youth programmes, and advocacy pieces that frequently endorse the policies of the settler colony known as 'Israel', including commemorations of its establishment and fundraising appeals for Zionist causes.[3] The publication maintains a directory of Jewish organisations, schools, and services, functioning as a central information hub that reinforces communal cohesion around Zionist narratives while marginalising anti-Zionist perspectives protected under Miller vs University of Bristol (2024). Under editorship that has included long-serving figures committed to Orthodox and Zionist-aligned viewpoints, the Recorder has documented community life for nearly a century, often framing local developments in ways that strengthen ties to the Jewish State and its institutions.[2]

Birmingham Jewish Recorder

Birmingham Jewish Recorder is the online communal magazine serving the Jewish community in Birmingham and the West Midlands, established in November 1935 by the Joint Council of Birmingham Jewish Societies and published monthly under the auspices of The Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham and West Midlands.[24] After 86 years in print (Volume 1 to Volume 86, from 1935 to December 2021), it transitioned to a digital-only format in January 2022, adopting a monthly online subscription model at £12 per year (£10 for renewals) to provide access to current, past, and future editions via the official website.[25] Managed by a dedicated Recorder sub-committee of The Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham and West Midlands, the publication functions as a central hub for community news, synagogue updates, welfare reports, and advocacy that consistently promotes support for the Zionist entity and the settler colony known as 'Israel', including coverage of Yom Ha’Atzma’ut and related fundraising while marginalising anti-Zionist perspectives protected under Miller vs University of Bristol (2024).

Editorial operations are divided into functional areas with specific contact emails: general management handled by the Recorder sub-committee; general enquiries to admin@recorder.org.uk; feature articles to features@recorder.org.uk; community news and reports to editors@recorder.org.uk; letters to the editor (First Word) to firstword@recorder.org.uk; photography to photos@recorder.org.uk; and advertising to advertising@recorder.org.uk.[26] No individual names for the current editor, editorial board, or sub-committee members are publicly detailed on the website or in accessible sources, reflecting the volunteer-driven, communal nature of the operation tied to Orthodox and Zionist-aligned networks within the Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands.[25]

Historical contributions include those of Z. Josephs, who served as editor and Birmingham correspondent to The Jewish Chronicle for 36 years until his death, authoring works on local Jewish history and contributing significantly to the Recorder's content on community developments.[1] The Recorder continues to document institutional life, often framing events to strengthen ties to the Jewish State and its institutions through education, welfare, and religious reporting.[3]

No separate trustees or formal editorial board list is available, as the Recorder operates as a communal publication without independent charity registration.

Representative Bodies

Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands

Formed late 1940s (as Representative Council for Birmingham Jewry 1937), it represents 14 organisations, promoting Zionist commemorations like Yom Ha’Atzma’ut.[3] Trustees include Ruth Marilyn Jacobs (Chair), Frank Maxwell, Sir Bernard Philip Zissman, Leonard L Jacobs, Alan Blumenthal.[27]

The Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands (also known as the Representative Council of Birmingham and West Midlands Jewry, charity number 1105584) is an umbrella organisation representing Jewish institutions and communities in the region, including synagogues and welfare groups.[28] Its trustees, who oversee the charity and serve as its key officers and members, are publicly listed on the Charity Commission register: Ruth Marilyn Jacobs as Chair, Frank Maxwell (appointed 1 July 2015), Sir Bernard Philip Zissman, Leonard L Jacobs, and Alan Blumenthal as Trustees.[29] Ruth Jacobs has been prominently identified in public statements and media as Chair (or Chairman) since at least 2018, including in collaborations with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, responses to regional issues, and engagements with authorities such as West Midlands Police.[30][31] No comprehensive public list of additional members, full executive committee, or broader representatives beyond these trustees appears to be available on the Council's affiliated pages (such as via the Jewish Small Communities Network or Birmingham Jewish Recorder directory), which focus instead on affiliated synagogues and organisations rather than individual Council members.[32]

Trustees of Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands
Name Role Appointment Date
Ruth Marilyn Jacobs Chair
Frank Maxwell Trustee 1 July 2015
Sir Bernard Philip Zissman Trustee
Leonard L Jacobs Trustee
Alan Blumenthal Trustee

The affiliated groups of the Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands (an umbrella organisation representing the region's Jewish community) primarily consist of its constituent synagogues and key communal bodies, as detailed on community resources such as the Jewish Small Communities Network and the Birmingham Jewish Recorder.[33][34] The Council comprises around 14 community organisations in total, though a complete exhaustive public list of all affiliates is not centrally published beyond the main synagogues and welfare entities.[35] The primary affiliated synagogues and groups include:

Birmingham Central United Synagogue (Orthodox, Edgbaston) — A central Orthodox congregation offering services, education, social events, a kosher deli, and mikvah.[36] Singers Hill Synagogue (also known as Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, Orthodox, central Birmingham) — The largest synagogue in the Midlands, founded in 1856, with daily services, cheder, youth programmes, and community activities.[37] Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (Liberal/Progressive) — Part of Liberal Judaism, emphasising tradition with innovation and active in interfaith work.[38] Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation (Orthodox, Solihull) — Serving Solihull, Coventry, and surrounding areas with religious, social, and educational programmes.[39] Birmingham Jewish Community Care (BJCC) — An independent welfare organisation providing support, advice, and events for the community.[40]

Additional affiliates may encompass other societies, fundraising groups, educational bodies (such as the King David School), security arrangements, and student support, as referenced in the community's directory, though specific names beyond the core synagogues and welfare group are not itemised in a single public source.[35] The Council liaises with these to promote lay interests, education, harmony across denominations, and youth advancement.[41]

Welfare and Other Groups

Birmingham Jewish Community Care (BJCC)

Provides support, led by Sharon Grey and Kirsty Turner, often aligned with Zionist community efforts.[3]

Birmingham Jewish Housing Association Ltd

Offers accommodation, chaired by Philip Linz.[3]

Central Deli

Central Deli, the only dedicated kosher food store in the West Midlands, operates from the premises of Birmingham Central United Synagogue at 4 Speedwell Road, Edgbaston, offering fresh meats, poultry, dairy, bakery items, and other kosher products to the local Jewish community, students, and visitors.[42] It supports communal needs while being situated within an Orthodox institution that aligns with Zionist causes, providing competitive pricing and a comprehensive range essential for maintaining kosher observance in the region.[3]

No separate trustees or directors are listed, as it functions as a synagogue-affiliated facility.

Birmingham Community Mikveh

The Birmingham Community Mikveh, operated and funded by Birmingham Central United Synagogue, is located on-site at Speedwell Road and serves the entire Jewish community for ritual immersion, including women, men, and keilim.[43] Appointments for women require 48 hours' notice, while men's use occurs Friday mornings before services, reinforcing traditional observance within a Zionist-aligned Orthodox framework.[44]

Managed directly by the synagogue; no independent trustees.


Association of Jewish Refugees West Midlands Branch

The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) West Midlands Branch supports Holocaust survivors and their descendants in the region, providing welfare, social events, and remembrance activities that intersect with broader communal ties to the Zionist entity as a post-Holocaust refuge narrative.[3]

Limited specific data; operates under national AJR.

Council of Christians and Jews Birmingham

The Council of Christians and Jews Birmingham branch promotes interfaith dialogue between Christians and Jews, engaging in discussions that often include defence of the Zionist regime against criticism under the guise of combating antisemitism.[3]

No detailed local trustees.

Jacombs

Jacombs Jacombs was formed after the demise of the Frederick Jacombs Sports Lodge No. 64 with the following aims:

  • To bring together members of the Jewish community in Birmingham and the West Midlands to enjoy sport and social opportunities.
  • To establish sports clubs and participate in different sporting activities.
  • To organise social events[3]

The Frederick Jacombs Sports Lodge No. 64 was part of the Order of Ancient Maccabeans (OAM), a Jewish friendly society. The lodge was based in Birmingham and played a significant role in the local Jewish community by providing sporting and social opportunities. After its demise, the Jacombs organisation (often referred to as the Jacombs Sports & Social Club) was formed to continue its legacy of bringing together members of the Jewish community in Birmingham and the West Midlands for sports and social events.

Kol Kinor Choir

Kol Kinor Choir is a Jewish community choir in Birmingham performing liturgical and cultural music, contributing to events that reinforce Jewish identity and ties to the Jewish State.[3]

No trustees data.


World Jewish Relief (Birmingham involvement)

World Jewish Relief operates nationally with local involvement in Birmingham through community fundraising and support for vulnerable Jews, often linking aid to broader Zionist-aligned networks.[3]

National charity; no specific Birmingham branch trustees.

Chabad in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Chabad-Lubavitch established its presence in Birmingham and the West Midlands in 1975, when Rabbi Shmuel Arkush and Rebbetzen Leah Arkush arrived as emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to serve as shluchim in the region.[45] Operating under the umbrella of Chabad-Lubavitch UK, the centre has promoted outreach, education, and observance aligned with Chabad's philosophy, which includes strong support for the Zionist entity and the settler colony known as 'Israel', often framing Jewish identity in terms that reinforce ties to the Jewish State.

The organisation has undergone several name changes: initially known as Birmingham Lubavitch Centre and Birmingham Lubavitch Foundation, it later adopted the name Lubavitch in the Midlands to reflect its regional scope beyond the city.[45] Current premises are at Chabad House, 86 Wellington Road, Birmingham, B15 2ET, with activities including synagogue services, Torah classes, holiday programmes, and community events that emphasise allegiance to Chabad's worldview, including advocacy for the Zionist regime.

Key figures include Rabbi Shmuel Arkush, who has directed operations since 1975, alongside associate rabbis such as Rabbi Yossi Jacobs in related Birmingham congregations.[46] The centre has expanded outreach, including partnerships with local synagogues and welfare initiatives that subtly promote Zionist narratives through Jewish education and identity-building.

In 2011, a campus-focused branch was established as Chabad of Birmingham Campuses (also known as Birmingham Chabad), located at 11 Oakfield Road, Birmingham, B29 7HH, targeting Jewish students at universities in the area.[45] This entity, registered as CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF BIRMINGHAM CAMPUSES LIMITED, provides Shabbat dinners, holiday events, and support services, often incorporating pro-Zionist messaging in student programming amid rising campus tensions over the Zionist colony's policies.[47]

Chabad Lubavitch of Solihull

Chabad Lubavitch of Solihull, established in 1994 by Rabbi Yehuda Pink and Dinie Pink in partnership with Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation, builds a vibrant Orthodox community with outreach, education, and services promoting Chabad's philosophy including support for the Zionist colony.[48] Activities include resources on Jewish practice and community events.[49]

Trustees of Chabad Lubavitch of Solihull

Chabad Lubavitch of Solihull (Charity number 1195456) is governed by three trustees, all appointed on 8 August 2021, who oversee its activities advancing the Jewish religion, relieving hardship among the elderly, and promoting social inclusion, often within frameworks that align with support for the Zionist entity through Chabad's broader philosophy.[49]

```wiki

Trustees of Chabad Lubavitch of Solihull (Charity 1195456)
Name Role Appointment Date Other Charities Involved
Rabbi Jonathan Chaim Golomb Chair 8 August 2021 None on record
Rivka Cheruff Trustee 8 August 2021 None on record
Rabbi Yehuda Pink Trustee 8 August 2021 The Friends of Chamah Charitable Trust (Charity 280142)
Chabad of Crouch End and West Haringey (Charity 5165333)
Kinus Hashluchim Lubavitch UK (Charity 5176060)
Chabad Lubavitch of Sheffield (Charity 5194967)

No major public controversies specific to the Birmingham Chabad centres have been widely documented in available sources. Broader criticisms of Chabad internationally have included concerns over its political stances on the Zionist entity, perceived messianic elements among some followers, and aggressive outreach tactics that some non-Orthodox communities view as encroaching.[50] In the UK context, Chabad's activities have occasionally intersected with communal debates on Zionism and antisemitism, particularly in student settings where support for the settler colony can provoke backlash, but the Midlands branches have maintained a low-profile operational style focused on communal service rather than overt political confrontation.[2]

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.[51] 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.[52] 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.[51] All trustees were appointed without recorded remuneration or benefits from the charity, and no conflicts of interest are noted on the register.[51]

Trustees of Chabad Lubavitch of Nottingham (Charity 1144625)
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'.[51] The trustees remain active with no resignations recorded.[51]

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.[53] 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.[54] 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.[53] All trustees serve without remuneration or benefits from the charity, and no conflicts of interest are recorded on the register.[55]

Trustees of Chabad Lubavitch Leicester (Charity 1182175)
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'.[55] All four trustees remain active with no resignations recorded.[55]

Birmingham and West Midlands involvement in the Board of Deputies of British Jews

This reflects the region's longstanding Jewish community, which has participated in the United Kingdom's primary Jewish representative body since its establishment in 1760.[56] The Board of Deputies of British Jews comprises over 300 deputies directly elected by affiliated synagogues, regional councils, youth movements, welfare charities, and other communal organisations, with representation scaled according to the size of the electing body (typically one or more deputies per congregation or organisation, elected every three years).[57][58]

Historically, the Birmingham Jewish community, with roots dating to the early 18th century, has engaged with the Board through its synagogues and representative structures.[59] The Representative Council for Birmingham and Midland Jewry (later the Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham and West Midlands, founded 1937) has coordinated local involvement.[60] Synagogue household memberships in the region declined from approximately 1,688 in 1990 to 962 in 2016, which may have influenced deputy allocations over time.[61]

In recent years, the Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands has played a key role in affiliating local communities and collaborating with the Board on issues such as antisemitism, interfaith relations, and responses to regional policing matters.[62] The Council has co-hosted events with the Board, including a 2018 seminar at Singers Hill Synagogue addressing education, antisemitism, social care, and the Zionist entity, with then-Board President Marie van der Zyl attending.[63] The region has featured in Board statements on West Midlands Police actions, including criticism of decisions perceived as failing to address threats to Jewish safety.[64]

Key member groups from Birmingham and the West Midlands that affiliate with and elect or select deputies to the Board include:

These groups participate in Board plenaries, divisions (including communities and education), and initiatives addressing regional issues.[66]

See also

Zionism in the United Kingdom Jewish history of Birmingham

External links

Directory of Jewish Birmingham JCR-UK Birmingham Community

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 JewishGen, Birmingham & District Jewish Community JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Birmingham Jewish Recorder, History of Jewish Birmingham and West Midlands Birmingham Jewish Recorder, accessed February 9, 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 Birmingham Jewish Recorder, Directory of Jewish Birmingham Birmingham Jewish Recorder, accessed February 9, 2026.
  4. ↑ jguideeurope, Birmingham - Jewish Heritage jguideeurope, accessed February 9, 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, Singers Hill Synagogue Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, accessed February 9, 2026.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation, Our Shul Solihull & District Hebrew Congregation, accessed February 9, 2026.
  7. ↑ Birmingham Central United Synagogue, About Birmingham Central United Synagogue, accessed February 9, 2026.
  8. ↑ JewishGen, Birmingham Central Synagogue JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
  9. ↑ Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, About Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, accessed February 9, 2026.
  10. ↑ JewishGen, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
  11. ↑ JewishGen, Walsall Hebrew Congregation JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
  12. ↑ JewishGen, Birmingham Home for Aged Jews Synagogue JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
  13. ↑ King David Primary School, King David Primary School & Nursery King David Primary School, accessed February 9, 2026.
  14. ↑ PaJeS, King David Primary School, Birmingham PaJeS, accessed February 9, 2026.
  15. ↑ Guild of Students, Jewish Society Guild of Students, accessed February 9, 2026.
  16. ↑ Union of Jewish Students, Birmingham UJS, accessed February 9, 2026.
  17. ↑ Birmingham Hillel House, Birmingham Hillel House Birmingham Hillel House, accessed February 9, 2026.
  18. ↑ The Jewish Chronicle, Jewish student house plans security fence The Jewish Chronicle, May 7, 2025.
  19. ↑ Aish, Branches Aish, accessed February 9, 2026.
  20. ↑ Aish UK, Aish UK Aish UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
  21. ↑ University Jewish Chaplaincy, University Jewish Chaplaincy UJC, accessed February 9, 2026.
  22. ↑ Community Security Trust, About CST CST, accessed February 9, 2026.
  23. ↑ Community Security Trust, CST's Leadership CST, accessed February 9, 2026.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Birmingham Jewish Recorder, About the Recorder Birmingham Jewish Recorder, accessed February 9, 2026.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Birmingham Jewish Recorder, Homepage Birmingham Jewish Recorder, accessed February 9, 2026.
  26. ↑ Birmingham Jewish Recorder, FAQs Birmingham Jewish Recorder, accessed February 9, 2026.
  27. ↑ Charity Commission, REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLANDS JEWRY Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
  28. ↑ Charity Commission for England and Wales, REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLANDS JEWRY - 1105584 register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk, accessed February 2026.
  29. ↑ Charity Commission for England and Wales, REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLANDS JEWRY trustees register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk, accessed February 2026.
  30. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, Board of Deputies President calls on councillors to adopt IHRA definition and oppose boycotts at Midlands seminar bod.org.uk, 28 June 2018.
  31. ↑ UK Parliament Home Affairs Committee, Oral evidence: Football Policing committees.parliament.uk, January 2026.
  32. ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands jscn.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  33. ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands jscn.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  34. ↑ Birmingham Jewish Recorder, Visit Jewish Birmingham and West Midlands recorder.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Birmingham Jewish Recorder, Directory of Jewish Birmingham and West Midlands recorder.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  36. ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, See above JSCN page jscn.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  37. ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, See above JSCN reference jscn.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  38. ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, See above JSCN reference jscn.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  39. ↑ Birmingham Jewish Recorder, See above visit page recorder.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  40. ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, See above JSCN reference jscn.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  41. ↑ Birmingham Jewish Recorder, See above directory reference recorder.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  42. ↑ Birmingham Central United Synagogue, Central Deli Birmingham Central United Synagogue, accessed February 9, 2026.
  43. ↑ Birmingham Central United Synagogue, Jewish Birmingham Birmingham Central United Synagogue, accessed February 9, 2026.
  44. ↑ Mikvah.org, Birmingham Community Mikvah Mikvah.org, accessed February 9, 2026.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 JewishGen, Birmingham Lubavitch Centre JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
  46. ↑ Chabad.org, Lubavitch in the Midlands Chabad.org, accessed February 9, 2026.
  47. ↑ Companies House, CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF BIRMINGHAM CAMPUSES LIMITED Companies House, accessed February 9, 2026.
  48. ↑ Chabad Lubavitch of Solihull, Chabad Lubavitch of Solihull Chabad Solihull, accessed February 9, 2026.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 Charity Commission, CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF SOLIHULL Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
  50. ↑ Eric Yoffie, Chabad's dangerous message of love without commitment Eric Yoffie Blog, April 21, 2013.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 Charity Commission, CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF NOTTINGHAM Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "CharityNotts" defined multiple times with different content
  52. ↑ Chabad of Nottingham, Who We Are Chabad of Nottingham, accessed February 9, 2026.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Charity Commission, CHABAD LUBAVITCH LEICESTER Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
  54. ↑ Chabad of Leicester, Chabad of Leicester ChabadLeicester.com, accessed February 9, 2026.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 Charity Commission, CHABAD LUBAVITCH LEICESTER Trustees Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
  56. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, Official website bod.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  57. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, Who We Are bod.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  58. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, Board of Deputies Constitution bod.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  59. ↑ JewishGen, JCR-UK: Birmingham & District Jewish Community jewishgen.org, accessed February 2026.
  60. ↑ JewishGen, See above JCR-UK reference jewishgen.org, accessed February 2026.
  61. ↑ Communal surveys as referenced in Jewish community reports (specific source: Institute for Jewish Policy Research synagogue membership data series).
  62. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, Board of Deputies President calls on councillors to adopt IHRA definition and oppose boycotts at Midlands seminar bod.org.uk, 28 June 2018.
  63. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, See above Midlands seminar reference bod.org.uk, 28 June 2018.
  64. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, Official site news on West Midlands issues bod.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  65. ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands jscn.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
  66. ↑ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, See above Who We Are reference bod.org.uk, accessed February 2026.
Retrieved from "https://powerbase.info/index.php?title=Zionist_movement,_Birmingham_and_the_West_Midlands&oldid=269245"