BBUK statement on this momentous day - 13 October 2025
Jeremy Havardi • October 13, 2025
B’nai B’rith UK rejoices in the return of all 20 living hostages to Israel. We have waited for this momentous day for so long and we share in the joy and relief of their families. We hope that the hostages have all the support they need to make a speedy recovery from their unspeakable ordeal.
We also share in the grief of those families that have received the remains of their loved ones and wish them long life.
We extend our thanks to President Trump for making this day come and hope that his vision for peace and co-existence comes to pass.
At the same time, we are outraged that Hamas has withheld the remains of the remaining hostages. It is now essential that the world demands their swift return in order to bring some much needed closure for their families.
Dr Jeremy Havardi
Director, Bureau of International Affairs
B'nai B'rith UK has welcomed the news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, announced last night. We are overjoyed that the Israeli hostages will be finally coming home and reunited with their families after such a long and traumatic experience. We hope that this can lead to a longer term political agreement based on the 20 points as outlined by President Trump. This must involve the removal of Hamas as the governing authority, the disarmament of all terrorists and the creation of a transitional authority in the Strip which is committed to both deradicalistion and reconstruction. We wish to thank President Trump for his efforts in mediating this agreement and all those in the region who are working for long term peace, security and stability.
B’nai B’rith UK is appalled and devastated by yesterday morning’s attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue that killed two people and injured others. That this appalling attack took place on the solemn day of Yom Kippur makes it all the more cowardly and reprehensible. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish them long life, and hope the injured make a swift recovery. We also salute the bravery of the synagogue guard who helped prevent a far greater tragedy, as well as the swift response of the Greater Manchester Police. We would like to thank the King, as well as political and religious leaders for their support following the attack. We will continue to work with the authorities and other communal organisations to tackle the horrific scourge of antisemitism that has spiralled in the UK since October 7.
Update on our Heritage Days Event with Anthony Julius
B’nai B’rith UK welcomes the historic plan announced last night by President Trump and agreed by Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the Gaza war to an end. The agreement fulfils Israel’s principal war aims. Hamas must be disarmed and removed from Gaza, all hostages must be returned and Gaza can never again be a threat to Israel. This agreement gives Israel real security and allows Palestinians enhanced aid, economic reconstruction and the chance of a better future under new leadership. Pressure must now be placed on Hamas to agree to a deal that can bring lasting benefits to Israelis and Palestinians alike.
BB International have just published the Winter 2025 edition of their IMPACT REPORT - here is the list of contents:
B’nai B’rith condemns in the strongest terms the abhorrent terror attack this morning in Jerusalem which has so far claimed six lives. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a swift recovery. We also salute the heroism of first responders and soldiers who prevented an even greater tragedy this morning. For too long, Israel has faced the daily reality of terror attacks and the murderous incitement that accompanies them. Instead of recognising a Palestinian state that would be seen as a reward for terror, western governments should stand with Israelis in their just fight against those who wish them harm
BBUK's representatives were honoured to be invited to attend
Itai Reubeni's online talk on 19 August 2025
Bureau of International Affairs Newsletter April 2025
Heritage Days 2025 - interactive flipbook now available
