BBUK statement on the war in the Middle East

B'nai B'rith in action

Bureau of International Affairs Zoom Meeting with Dr Emanuele Ottolenghi

B'nai B'rith welcomes the return of Ran Gvili's body to Israel, fulfilling Israel's sacred mission to bring home all hostages from Gaza. Such news brings mixed emotions, given that Ran never had the chance to be reunited with his family in life, but we are thankful that he has been laid to rest. We are reminded of the immense sacrifices Israel makes to safeguard its citizens and the heavy price it must pay for peace. World leaders must now insist on the next phases of the plan for Gaza. They must demand the disarming of Hamas and the deradicalisation of Palestinian society, allowing new leadership to emerge that can genuinely build a better future for the inhabitants of that shattered enclave. We look forward to advocating a new pathway for Israelis and Palestinians that can bring both peoples peace, justice and prosperity. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK salutes the courage and defiance shown by millions of brave Iranians as they take to the streets against their government. It is now clear that the demonstrations and protests are taking place in hundreds of cities across all of Iran's provinces as ordinary people vent their fury at an oppressive and tyrannical regime. They oppose Iran's economic mismanagement and corruption but also its strategy of spreading terror throughout the Middle East in the service of a hateful ideology. So many of these people want better relations with the West, especially with Israel, and lament their country's isolation on the international stage. But right now, they face a draconian crackdown that has reportedly claimed dozens of lives, though the true figure may not be known due to censorship. We call on all western governments to show solidarity with these brave Iranian citizens and condemn their government's murderous response. We call on the UK government to proscribe the IRGC and sanction all other state entities that spread terror. We look forward to the day when Iranians can express themselves as a free nation and co-operate with their neighbours in a new era of regional peace and prosperity. Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

In his new January 2026 New Year Newsletter, National President Alan Miller reflects on events affecting the Jewish community in the UK and worldwide in recent months. This includes the terrorist attacks in Manchester and Sydney, as well as an update on Israel and Ukraine.

B’nai B’rith UK welcomes the joint statement issued by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, which states that the forces will act decisively and make arrests if anti-Israel demonstrators use hateful chants in public. For two years, B’nai B’rith UK has spoken with the Metropolitan Police, ministers and MPs, urging them to take forceful action against those who chant for a ‘global intifada’. This phrase is a call to arms against Jews and we saw its lethal consequences at Bondi Beach three days ago. We now hope that the police will translate words into action and that their approach is adopted by police forces throughout the UK. While we welcome any positive development in protecting the Jewish community, we will continue to exhort the authorities to take more stringent measures to reduce antisemitism. This should include enhanced security at all Jewish communal events, preventing all anti-Israel marches near synagogues and prosecutions for preachers who verbally attack Jews and Zionism.

B’nai B’rith UK is devastated to hear of the appalling slaughter at the ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ event at Bondi Beach. We understand that 12 people have been killed and we would like to wish their families a long life, as well as a speedy recovery to the injured. Our thoughts are with the Jewish community in Australia at a time when so many were celebrating a festival of light and joy. For two years, there has been a tsunami of hatred directed at Jews in Australia, as there has been around the world. The authorities must tackle this scourge of hatred and prejudice with robust measures rather than words.

Heritage Days Zoom Meeting with Malcolm Singer

BB International have just published the Winter 2025 edition of their annual Magazine - here is the list of contents: