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Leaders from more than 50 small Jewish communities gathered in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon for what organisers described as an “unprecedented and truly historic” meeting. The event – the first of its kind – brought together community figures from “the length and breadth of this country,” Ed Horwich, CEO of the Jewish Small Communities Network (JSCN) said. Representatives from communities from Belfast to Plymouth and Cardiff to Newcastle attended the lunchtime gathering, alongside Members of Parliament from across the House. Leaders from shuls in Cardiff and Lincoln at the JCSN reception (Yakir Zur)[Missing Credit] Delivering the opening remarks, Conservative MP for Fylde, Andrew Snowden, praised the “vibrant” Jewish community in St Anne’s, his constituency. “It is so important that we hold event like these [...] to celebrate Jewish communities. It’s really important that we also focus on the good things, the bright things, the things that bring us together,” Snowden said. In his speech to the packed room, Horwich highlighted the work of volunteers in small communities who sustain Jewish life and run educational programmes for local schools. “Volunteering isn’t something that you recruit for. It is simply who we are – everyone steps up, everyone contributes,” he said. “Each one, a volunteer driven by passion and commitment to their communities.” He noted that JSCN now has members from 110 small communities, up from 100 a few years ago. “We're thriving communities and we’re at the forefront of building bridges.” Horwich estimated that around 65,000 Jewish people live outside major centres in the UK – roughly a quarter of the country’s Jewish population. “Having leaders from 50 of these communities gathered here in Parliament standing shoulder to shoulder, visible and united – this is unprecedented, and truly historic. “Today is quite momentous,” he added. Ed Horwich, CEO of the Jewish Small Communities Network (Yakir Zur)[Missing Credit] He praised the network’s ability to “engage respectfully across differences,” emphasising the “beauty and complexity of diverse perspectives.” While noting that many in the community were “traumatised” by the events of October 7 and the subsequent rise in antisemitism, Horwich pointed to “something else: determination, resilience and unwavering commitment to their communities.” He commended MPs across the country who had visited Jewish communities following the Heaton Park terrorist attack. “Today represents everything we stand for: unity and diversity, resilience in the face of challenges, the power of community, the importance of dialogue, and the unshakeable belief that by working together, engaging with one another, and standing shoulder to shoulder, we build a better, stronger, more inclusive society for everyone. “Our communities – whether small or large – remain vibrant, engaged, and vital to British society.” Labour MP Luke Akehurst with guests at the JSCN reception (Yakir Zur)[Missing Credit] Among the MPs attending was Plymouth representative Fred Thomas, who told the JC he felt a personal affinity with the JSCN as his paternal grandmother was Jewish and lived in Cornwall. “To have strong community groups from monitory communities in Plymouth makes our community stronger,” he said. Meanwhile, Rebecca Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon, said she was proud to support the network. Smith – who visited Israel over the summer on a trip with Conservative Friends of Labour –said: “I am a strong Christian, for me religious freedom is essential. I studied Jewish history at university, I am an ally.” Tom Godwin, who recently formed a group representing the Jewish community in Plymouth, said the event was particularly valuable for communities that have felt isolated. “When you’re struggling alone to understand what your community can do, understanding what others are doing, learning from them, learning from others who have been there before is great,” he said. Conservative MP Rebecca Smith with community leader Tom Godwin[Missing Credit] Many of those present work actively to combat antisemitism. Godwin, for example, is engaging with local workplaces to support Jewish staff. Suzie Cree, chair of trustees at Bradford Reform Synagogue, said: “There are so many tiny communities, it’s really important that we network and show solidarity particularly in these times.” Cree’s synagogue works to educate local children about Judaism and reaches thousands each year. Most of these children attend schools where there are no Jewish pupils. Jane Carpenter, from Exeter Hebrew Congregation, told the JC: “Things like this are an eye opener to know that there are so many small communities around. We all share the same challenges and opportunities.” Stuart Diamond, the head of community engagement at the JSCN, said the event enriched the very fabric of Britain. “For the soul of our national Jewish life, and for the health of our democracy, it is vital that we bring our wonderful, resilient leaders from our smaller Jewish communities from the various corners of the country and into the heart of Westminster. Artist Caren Garfen and Horwich with Garfen's intricate tallit artwork (Yakir Zur)[Missing Credit] “Providing them a platform in Parliament not only allows them to network with each other, sharing unique experiences and resources, but crucially ensures their specific concerns are heard directly by Parliamentarians. This visibility and engagement strengthens the entire Jewish community and enriches the diverse fabric of our nation." The event included a textile display by artist Caren Garfen, whose work featured an embodied tallit titled “After the event”. Detailed lettering on the prayer shawl documents global antisemitic attacks on Jewish children and teenagers, as well as their parents, schools and nurseries, since 7 October 2023.
