Was it right for the Board to congratulate Donald Trump?

I refer to those who expressed concern at Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush’s congratulatory message to President Elect Donald Trump. Surely it is correct procedure and expected of one who represents the best interests of British Jewry to do so.

Jonathan Arkush’s sentiments that, “after a divisive campaign, I hope that Donald Trump will build bridges and ensure that America’s standing as a beacon of progress, tolerance and free-thinking remains strong,” show that, if anything, he is urging Mr Trump to rethink any untoward behaviour regarding home and international policy. His words in no way overlook any antisemitic or racist comments that might have been made.

Jonathan Arkush does not seek publicity as claimed by Ivor Caplin ( Nov 11). As a proud deputy for British Emu- nah, who care for, support and protect vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in Israel, I attest to the fact that Mr Arkush is a staunch and outspoken defender of Israel with their interest and safety as his concern. Flora Frank,

I’m so pleased that the President of the BoD rushed to congratulate Donald Trump on his election last week, before even our own Prime Minister or other world leaders had done so.

Never mind the objections of naysayers who regarded his campaign as one of the nastiest, most misogynist, racist, hate-filled election campaigns in living memory.

The BoD’s rush to welcome President-elect Trump’s victory on behalf of Anglo-Jewry seems all the wiser as news of the West Wing’s senior team has emerged, especially the choice of Steve Bannon as the Donald’s chief strategist.

After all, why wouldn’t British Jews welcome an appointment endorsed by no less than David Duke, leader of the Ku Klux Klan, who called it “excellent”, adding that Mr Bannon is “basically creating the ideological aspects of where we’re going”?

Who could object to such an appointment which has been applauded by leaders of both the American Nazi Party and the white nationalist National Policy Institute? After all, the leader of the NPI said that Bannon “might even push Trump in the right direction”.

Once again the BoD President has stood against the tide and debunked the dictum that fools rush in where angels fear to tread. We’re very lucky to have a communal leader with such excellent political judgment. Mike Katz, London NW6