The thoughts of the rabbis, staff and congregants of Liberal Judaism are very much with Israel. We are thinking of all those who have had to leave their homes and work places due to the fires spreading through parts of Israel. We recognise how devastating it must be to watch places you love burn. We appreciate the help that has been sent from so many countries after Israel asked for assistance. We pray that this beautiful and green country will soon be safe and fire free once again.

Sadly our thoughts are also with those in Ra’anana. Members of the Reform congregation, Kehilat Ra’anan, went to open their kindergarten and found graffiti sprayed on its walls and death threats issued to the leaders of the world wide Liberal Jewish movement: Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of our sister Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Executive Director of our movement in Israel; and Anat Hoffman, chair of Women of the Wall and head of the Israel Religious Action Centre.

We commend the work of the fire and security services and will continue to play our full part in supporting those who resist violence and intimidation and support robust and liberal democracies whether in Israel or beyond.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who face intolerance and intimidation.