Michael Goldstein

This year, as we light the first candle on the chanukiah, our thoughts will be with the victims of the horrific antisemitic attack at a Chanukah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia. For the next eight nights, you can head down to Trafalgar Square to see Europe’s tallest menorah beaming into the night sky - a powerful symbol of light overcoming darkness. And make sure to join us there on Tuesday at 5 PM for ChanukahLIVE! Stringent security checks will be in place, with the police and CST present to ensure everyone’s safety. With strength and solidarity, Chanukah Sameach from all of us at the JLC!

Our Candelabra is lit by survivors, descendants, and community leaders — honouring memory across generations. Followed by our 80-flame Yellow Candle procession, symbolising remembrance passed on. Watch the full #YomHaShoahUK ceremony: yomhashoah.org.uk #NeverForget

"We are overjoyed by the news that British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari has been reunited with her mum, Mandy, after more than 470 days being held captive. We are delighted for the families of hostages Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher who are also now finally together again. We pray that the next six weeks will see another 30 hostages released and that all those held by Hamas will be freed in due course. We recognise this deal comes at great cost to Israel with up to 1,000 terrorists being released in exchange for the hostages." Michael Goldstein, President, United Synagogue

While in Israel on Friday we met with Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari and her brother Sean. We pray that Emily will finally be reunited with her family today after more than 470 days in captivity. Pictured from left to right are our CEO, Jo Grose, Mandy, our Director of Rabbinic Development and Rabbi of Highgate United Synagogue, Rabbi Nicky Liss and Sean.

A joint statement from the JLC, @BoardofDeputies and @CST_UK on this Saturday's planned National March for Palestine

"Rabbi Kogan's brutal murder in the United Arab Emirates is utterly horrific. Baruch Dayan Emet - may his memory be for a blessing. We send our condolences to Rabbi Kogan's family and pray they will be spared further sorrow." - Michael Goldstein, President, United Synagogue

"If the government doesn't reverse its decision, it is vulnerable people across the country who will inevitably pay the price." - Michael Goldstein, President of the United Synagogue. The United Synagogue is calling on the government to provide this urgent exemption for charities.

It beggars belief that the British government, a close strategic ally of Israel, has announced a partial suspension of arms licences, at a time when Israel is fighting a war for its very survival on seven fronts forced upon it on the 7th October, and at the very moment when six hostages murdered in cold blood by cruel terrorists were being buried by their families. As Israel faces down the threat of Iran and its proxies, not just to its own people, but to all of us in the democratic west; this announcement feeds the falsehood that Israel is in breach of International Humanitarian Law, when in fact it is going to extraordinary lengths to uphold it. Sadly, this announcement will serve to encourage our shared enemies. It will not help to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages, nor contribute to the peaceful future we wish and pray for, for all people in the region and beyond. Britain and Israel have so much to gain by standing together against our common enemies for the sake of a safer world. Surely that must be the way forward.

We are devastated to share the news that Melvyn Hartog a'h has passed away. Our President, Michael Goldstein, said: "We are heartbroken at the passing of Melvyn Hartog, Head of the United Synagogue Burial Society, after a short illness. "Melvyn was a larger-than-life character who put his heart and soul into helping families at the most difficult and delicate times of their life. He led the United Synagogue Burial Society with distinction over 23 years and together with the Burial team, always went above and beyond to help in any way he could. "He spoke to communities regularly about the work of the Burial Society through a challenging session called "Talking about death won't kill you", to encourage loved ones to make arrangements should the worst happen. As a result, countless families were better prepared. "He was a champion of the selfless volunteers of the Chevra Kadisha and of the Essex Jewish community. He leaves an irreplaceable gap and will be sorely missed. "We wish arichat yamim, long life, to his wife Marilyn, his daughters Laura and Deborah, his siblings and all the family. We will find an appropriate way to commemorate Melvyn's life and achievements in due course."

We wish @PhilR_R, the incoming President of the Board of Deputies, a hearty yasher koach on his election. We pray that God gives him, and his newly elected Honorary Office team, the wisdom to lead our community during these challenging times. Congratulations to all the candidates who played their part in a very competitive election.

"Calling for the murder and rape of a young family is outrageous and we expect the authorities to take swift action. These despicable actions are sadly only the tip of the iceberg on British campuses where Jewish students have been facing threats since October 7. We call on all those able to de-escalate tensions to do so. We stand in solidarity with University Jewish Chaplaincy, the Union of Jewish Students, Leeds J-Soc and Hillel together with student leaders across UK campuses as they seek to support Jewish students at this challenging time." Michael Goldstein, President, United Synagogue

Wonderful way to start the week. Mazeltov to @chiefrabbi on this well deserved award. An acknowledgment of the great work he does.

Michael Goldstein, President of the United Synagogue, said: "For 70 years, the Queen has been a constant for generations of United Synagogue members, the wider Jewish community and the nation at large. Across the country, every week, without exception, we say the Prayer for Royal

We are just devastated to share the news of the tragic passing of Leonie Lewis. She was our dear friend, our former colleague, and most recently, our former Trustee. Our President, Michael Goldstein, has given the following tribute:

I was humbled to address the @UnitedSynagogue’s evening of prayer and reflection in response to the terror attacks in Israel. I wish to send my condolences to the families of those who were killed. We are grateful for the support of the British Jewish community.@MichaelHG

This is a remarkable clip. “We will prevail…no doubt”.

Unilever: Make Marmite Kosher - Sign the Petition! chng.it/ZdXZGMJR via @UKChange

Tickets going fast for the concert next Sunday in memory of my Dad featuring @IamShulem @YaakovLemmer. A few tickets available chazanutconcert.co.uk

A concert in memory of Jerry Goldstein, father of @jonnysgoldstein (Chair of the JLC) and @UnitedSynagogue's @MichaelHG is taking place on the 14th Nov. All the proceeds raised will go to two jewish schools. Find out more: chazanutconcert.co.uk ow.ly/xol650GG00v

An important issue that we all must help to resolve. The absence of Israel tours “runs the risk of reducing the flow of future youth leaders”. We must not the system collapse ⁦@jonathanboyd123⁩ thejc.com/comment/opinio…