Board of Deputies of British Jews (BOD)

The Board of Deputies of British Jews is the voice of the British Jewish Community, the first port of call for the Government, the media and others seeking to understand Jewish community interests and concerns.

The Board of Deputies is the only democratically elected, cross-communal, representative body in the Jewish community. It comprises over 300 deputies directly elected by the synagogues and communal organisations they represent, from congregations to youth movements, and social welfare charities to regional councils.

In addition, there are also a number of ‘Under-35 Observers’, appointed by synagogues and organisations to supplement their representation and to ensure that a new generation of communally-minded activists can contribute to our work on behalf of the community.

Each synagogue and organisation elects one or more Deputies, depending on the size of that particular body, with elections occurring every three years.

Antisemitism remains a fundamental challenge facing the British Jewish community. The Board of Deputies robustly challenges all manifestations of antisemitism in UK public politics.

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. – IHRA working definition of antisemitism”

Antisemitism remains a fundamental challenge facing the British Jewish community. The Board of Deputies robustly challenges all manifestations of antisemitism in UK public politics, as well as on campus, in the media, public institutions, and anywhere else in wider society.

We liaise on a regular basis with the Government, Parliament, our communal colleagues and other stakeholders to ensure that antisemitism is tackled whenever and wherever it appears. This means that we challenge extremism in all forms, including calling for hate speakers to be banned from campus, far right marches to be challenged, and for rogue public figures to be dealt with firmly when they cross the line.

The Board of Deputies ensures that those in power are held to account, to make sure that the Jewish community and others feel safe and comfortable in British society.

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