Liberal Judaism, our rabbis, leaders and congregations cannot help but be heartbroken by the news today of the death of far too many on the Channel.

Yet we also recognise that there is equal tragedy in the knowledge that this was inevitable.

Boats filled with those desperate to reach safer shores, making their perilous way across the channel in search of safety, know there is little chance of their journey being successful. Yet, they continue to try. No one risks that unless what they are fleeing is far worse.

This tragic news of 27 souls, maybe more, the largest number so far, losing their life to the sea cannot go past unremarked on, but more than comments it must make us act.

We have to challenge the new Nationality and Borders Bill. We have to seek ways to eradicate the need to take journeys such as these and ensure that arrivals here in the UK happen in as safe and humane a way as possible.

Our history as Jews calls us to remember the difficult journeys many of our families took to find safety, that the UK was a place of refuge and safety.

Our Jewish ethics call us to remember that every person is B’tzelem Elohim (made in the image of God) and that we have a divine responsibility for each other and our safety.

We pray for those who have died, for comfort for their families and loved ones, but we know we need more than prayers for those who seek refuge here.

By Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi René Pfertzel
Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors