The Board of Deputies of British Jews is, considering strengthening its ties, with Jewish communities on the Continent. But the objections of many members to such a move will have to be overcome first.
Michael Fidler, president of the Board, reported at today’s meeting that the time has come “to lay the foundations for some form of association between the European Jewish communities and British Jewry as represented by the Board.”
Fidler was reflecting the feelings expressed at the conference of European Jewish Communities held here last week which saw a need for greater unity among Western European Jewry in view of the expanding Common Market and other developments. But spokesmen for a fairly large faction of Board members expressed doubt as to whether British Jews should “rush into Europe.” They advised “caution before any commitment is made.”
Fidler said a proposal would be worked out for some form of association with European Jewish communities and submitted to the full membership for debate. Observers here said there might ultimately be a majority among the 425 deputies favoring an association with European Jewry, but it will be heavy going.
Isolationist tendencies and Victorian attitudes still run strong within the Board of Deputies. The prevailing attitude favors “intervention on behalf of afflicted brethren” rather than joint action. This has been the Board’s policy since its founding in 1760 and many members don’t want to abandon it, the observers said.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
