LONDON (JNS.org) — Jewish groups and leaders in the United Kingdom swiftly reacted to voters’ decision to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed the hope that Britain “will now come together” after a “divisive and bruising” campaign, adding that the group “will nonetheless continue to work with colleagues and organizations across Europe as part of our broader program of advocacy on international issues of concern to the Jewish people.”
Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, said the Brexit campaign “sharply divided” the U.K. and that it is “more essential than ever before that we unite so that the ensuing political upheaval does not adversely affect the most vulnerable in our society and that our moral leadership role in the world remains undiminished.”
The leader of the U.K.’s Reform Judaism movement, Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, said that “the campaign has been an emotional one that has at times divided our society in ways we might never have imagined,” and that people should “move forward into a period of negotiations and redefining our relationship with the rest of Europe and the wider world.”
*
Preceding provided by JNS.org. Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the United States.)