A perspective on being a Jewish charity in 2026

Lucinda and Emily hear from the chief executive of the United Synagogue. Third Sector editor Emily Burt and senior multimedia reporter Lucinda Rouse are joined by Jo Grose, chief executive of the United Synagogue, to discuss how her charity’s operations have been affected by recent attacks on the UK Jewish community. Jo shares some of the operational adjustments made by the United Synagogue to protect staff, volunteers and service users, and describes the impact of a growing sense of insecurity on the charity’s long-term strategic direction. She explains why she considers the phrasing of some recent statements of solidarity by sector leaders to be problematic, and conversely why Dame Julia Unwin’s first speech as chair of the Charity Commission resonated strongly with her.