BBUK welcomes the ceasefire agreement announced on 8 October

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled by the decision of Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, as recommended by the West Midlands Police, to ban the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. This has been done for on the grounds that it is ‘high risk’ and that the safety of travelling Israeli fans may be compromised. Yet it is an egregious decision to ban or discriminate against the victims of prejudice, something that completely violates all standard protocols of anti-racism. Worse, it appears that the authorities have simply capitulated to a campaign of extremism from local figures. Iqbal Mohamed MP, in a statement on X, welcomed the ban as it would stop “Israeli hooligans and terrorists” from being able to “run riot in our country”. In a chilling threat, Muslim imam Asrar Rashid declared in a video that, “We will show no mercy toward Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who will arrive in several weeks for the match against Aston Villa.” These words are inflammatory and represent a clear form of incitement. If there are genuine safety concerns, the police could increase their presence or, in the worst case scenario, the match itself could be relocated. To prevent Israeli fans from travelling to the game sends out a clear message that they are not welcome in the United Kingdom.  Given the rampant levels of antisemitism we have witnessed recently, this would also further alienate British Jews, still reeling from the murderous Yom Kippur attack in Manchester on 2nd October. It is now essential that this ban is reversed and the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police held to account for this divisive and poorly judged decision

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.

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