President’s Newsletter January 2026
January 1, 2026
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.

We are delighted to announce the launch of the flipbook and PDF versions of our programme for the 2026 European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage, with the theme of 'Love'! Here you will find all the information you need for a whole host of fascinating events, talks, guided walks and exhibitions taking place around the UK between 1st September and 31st December: Check them out and make sure you pre-book any that need advance booking. We hope you enjoy a wonderful autumn enjoying Jewish culture and heritage across the UK!

BB International have just published the Summer 2026 edition of their IMPACT REPORT. This includes a message from soon-to-be-former CEO, Dan Mariaschin, who will be stepping down and transitioning to become Honorary Executive Vice President and Special Advisor, together with a roundup of tributes to his outstanding contribution over 40 years at the organisation Here is the full list of contents:

B'nai B'rith UK condemns unreservedly and in the strongest terms the acts of violence perpetrated in Belfast, Southampton and other cities. It is clear that acts of criminality and thuggishness like these are often fuelled by incendiary rhetoric about immigrants and asylum seekers. As such, we must stand with vulnerable communities facing intimidation and incitement, as well as faith groups who deserve to practise their beliefs free from fear. Legitimate debates are needed on questions related to immigration policy and border checks, and the right of peaceful protest must be upheld. But acts and threats of violence are always unacceptable and must be rejected. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK is appalled by the latest act of violence perpetrated against the Jewish community in London. The two Jewish men who were stabbed in Golders Green this morning, one in his 70s and another in his 30s, are in stable condition in hospital and we wish them a speedy recovery. We also salute the bravery of those who responded so quickly and prevented a greater act of violence. While we welcome the decision of the police to declare this a terrorist incident and of the Prime Minister to convene Cobra, we know that words alone are insufficient. The repeated attacks on the Jewish community are now a national emergency which requires a fully co-ordinated response from the police, intelligence services and the government. Given that an Iran linked group has now claimed responsibility for the attack, it is high time that the UK took some meaningful actions. It is essential to immediately proscribe the IRGC, shut down media stations that disseminate Iranian propaganda and investigate all those charities, schools and organisations that cover for the regime. There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism and antizionism and for all those who use political slogans to hide their malign intent. These attacks are fundamentally an affront to British values and to all those who cherish tolerance and decency. Thus, unless this threat is dealt with, it is not just the Jewish community that will suffer but the UK as a whole. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B’nai B’rith UK is shocked and appalled by the arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green last night. Hatzola serves an essential role in our community, saving life and tending to the injured, and such an attack is both cowardly and reprehensible. The incident is rightly being treated as an antisemitic hate crime and we hope that the police bring the perpetrators to justice. It is equally a horrific assault on core British values and freedoms. As Jews face an unprecedented surge in antisemitism, this attack illustrates once again the need for security and vigilance within the Jewish community. We thank the police and the CST for their efforts at this time and will continue to work with them to keep our community safe. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs



