Helping French integrate ‘will be in US’s interest’

THE INFLUX of French Jews to Britain could dramatically change the way synagogues and schools are run, the French-born Hendon United Synagogue chairman has claimed.

Marc Meyer estimates that more than 10,000 French Jews have moved to the UK over the past decade. “They have come because they sense the opportunity and quality of life within the Jewish community here that is offered to them.

“I do think it is the responsibility of the United Synagogue to help integrate French Jews into Britain. But I also think it’s in the US’s interest. It will add a dimension of vibrancy and growth.” Should demand be demonstrated for a minyan with Sephardi tunes, it was up to the US to satisfy it.

Mr Meyer — who led last year’s United Synagogue Strategic Review — noted that St John’s Wood shuls had, in particular, seen a surge in membership from French Jews, with resulting Sephardi minyans.

“I think that is going to happen increasingly across London,” he predicted. “My synagogue would 100 per cent open up a separate minyan if there was demand for it. We don’t have the numbers yet.”

US community services director David Kaplan pointed out that “many of our communities have instituted programmes and services to welcome the large and growing French Jewish community in the UK.

“The United Synagogue, in partnership with its rabbonim and lay leadership, will continue to welcome them and find ways to ensure that their traditions are maintained.”

Mr Meyer hopes that more schools will teach Sephardi history. “It should be incorporated into the curriculum. It’s important that people understand their neighbour. In any case, it’s interesting.”

His comments were echoed by Rabbi Shlomo Farhi, whose Chazak centre for young S e phardim was of f i c i a l l y

Marc Meyer launched last week.

Rabbi Farhi, who is of Syrian descent, wanted schools to offer more “Sephardic pronunciation and customs in Jewish studies lessons — and teaching about refugees from Arab lands”.

There could also be culinary benefits. “The French love going out and will demand the highest quality butchers and restaurants.” Mr Meyer is currently planning a renovation at Hendon United Synagogue, providing space “where people can communicate and where there will be shiurim facilities”. He is also a director at the Conference of European Rabbis — the only non-rabbi on its executive — backing its efforts to protect “Jewish rights, ritu

als and fight BDS”.