JLC Members Tea

On Monday 30th June, the Jewish Leadership Council hosted close to 130 lay leaders, professional staff, MPs and Peers for at our annual Summer Parliamentary Members’ Tea in the House of Lords. This event was hosted by JLC Vice President Baroness Margaret Hodge and is an opportunity to celebrate the work of the JLC’s members alongside our friends in Parliament.

The event was addressed by Lord Khan, Minister for Faith and Communities. He was introduced by JLC Chair, Keith Black.

We were joined by dozens of MPs and Peers including Leader of the House of Lords Baroness Smith, Minister for Prisons Lord Timpson, and Shadow Communities Secretary Kevin Hollinrake MP.

Welcoming attendees Baroness Hodge said:

“Our community has endured one of the most challenging times in generations, experiencing an unprecedented and sustained rise in anti-Jewish racism. Yet we remain resilient, and our community is stronger than ever. Thousands of Jewish communal professionals, volunteers and lay leaders - many of whom are in this room - have dedicated countless hours to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our community.”

Addressing attendees, Chair of the JLC, Keith Black said:

“The violence in the Middle East has swept over this country and Jews have become targets. We have seen a horrendous rise in antisemitism, not simply in the statistics that we collect and publish but in the even more pernicious exclusions and micro aggressions we have faced.

“It’s intolerable, it’s not British, it’s not fair. The virus of antisemitism let’s call it what is – anti-Jewish hate – should be by now banished from our society.

“I urge all Parliamentarians here today to recognise our reality and act now not just in our interests but to preserve everything that this country stands for: decency, fairness, peaceful co-existence and respect for the law.”

Lord Khan, Minister for Faith and Communities added:

“Jewish culture and achievement have helped shape the character and success of modern Britain.

“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to all those whose work, values, and leadership have and continue to enrich our society

“This afternoon was a great opportunity to celebrate the JLC, its members, and their tireless support for the Jewish community and wider society.”