Thirty-six members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews are formally appealing disciplinary measures taken against them after they publicly criticised the Israeli government’s military actions in Gaza, according to The Guardian.
The members published an open letter in April in the Financial Times, describing the current Israeli government as “the most extremist” in the nation’s history. They accused it of escalating violence in the West Bank, damaging the Palestinian economy, and accelerating settlement expansion.
“Israel’s soul is being ripped out,” the letter warned, adding that the signatories feared for the future of a country they “love and have such close ties to.” The letter was signed as a message from “representatives of the British Jewish community.”
Disciplinary Action Sparks Free Speech Debate
The Board of Deputies, the UK’s largest Jewish communal organisation, announced on June 24 that all 36 signatories were found to be in breach of its internal code of conduct following a two-month investigation.
According to the board’s chief executive, Michael Wegier, while the organisation values open debate and freedom of expression, it must also maintain cohesion and protect its institutional reputation.
“The code ensures deputies do not create misunderstandings about the board’s position, do not bring it into disrepute, and treat colleagues with respect,” Wegier said.
Five members who spoke to the Financial Times received two-year suspensions and were removed from elected posts. The remaining 31 were issued formal notices of criticism.
Members Defend Position, Highlight Gaza Crisis
On June 26, the group released a new statement, confirming their decision to appeal the sanctions. They reiterated their concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the fate of remaining hostages, and the deepening conflict in the West Bank.
“We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Gaza,” they said, “as well as the further deterioration of the situation in the West Bank.”
The case has sparked wider discussion within the UK Jewish community over the boundaries of internal dissent, public criticism of Israeli policy, and the role of diaspora institutions in political discourse.
