BMJA Statements & LETTERS
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British Messianic Jewish Alliance Statement on Attack at Heaton Park Synagogue,
Manchester 3 October 2025 Yom Kippur
The British Messianic Jewish Alliance (BMJA), founded in 1866 as the oldest continuing association of Jewish disciples of Yeshua, stands in deep solidarity with the Jewish community in the United Kingdom in the wake of the abhorrent attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.
We grieve with those directly affected and with the wider Jewish community for whom this assault on Yom Kippur’ the holiest day of the Jewish year’ strikes at the heart of faith and community life. Violence and hatred have no place in our society. Such acts can never be justified and can never be excused.
From our beginnings, when Rev. Dr. Karl Schwartz first gathered Jewish believers in Jesus to strengthen one another in prayer, fellowship, and mutual support, we have known the bonds that unite us as descendants of Abraham and as disciples of Messiah. Today, 159 years later, we reaffirm those bonds with the wider Jewish people, sharing in their joys and sorrows, standing against antisemitism in every form, and bearing witness to the God who calls us to peace, justice, and hope.
The BMJA remains committed to building community, strengthening disciples of Yeshua, and working for the good of all in the United Kingdom.
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1).
British Messianic Jewish Alliance
Press Release – British Messianic Jewish Alliance Responds to Bishop of Gloucester’s Remarks on Israel
Date: 11 August 2023
The British Messianic Jewish Alliance (BMJA), representing ethnically Jewish believers in Jesus as Messiah is deeply concerned by recent statements made by The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, following her visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
While we appreciate Bishop Treweek’s commitment to understanding the complexities of the region and her outreach to victims on both sides, we believe her reflections, as published on the Diocese of Gloucester website, present a one-sided view that does not align with the principles of peacemaking.
Israel is a democracy where freedom of speech is upheld, contrasting sharply with the situation in Gaza. Criticisms of Israel’s policies, while valid in some instances, should not equate the country’s actions with apartheid, a comparison we find deeply hurtful and inaccurate.
Israel remains a safe haven for Jews worldwide and a beacon for Christians in the Middle East, fostering a thriving Christian community within its borders. Equating Israel’s security measures with apartheid overlooks the context of self-defense against terrorism and misrepresents the nation’s inclusive and democratic nature.
We urge Bishop Treweek to reconsider her stance and promote a balanced perspective that fosters true peace and understanding, in line with the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.
The Vilnius Statement:
The VA Groundbreaking Call for Jewish Disciples of Jesus
Date: 2 March 2025
Vilnius, Lithuania— In a historic gathering of Jewish disciples of Jesus from Israel, Europe and the USA, the Yachad BeYeshua (YBY) conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, unveiled a groundbreaking statement on the calling of Jewish disciples of Yeshua. The Vilnius Statement, developed through years of dialogue and reflection, represents a bold and unified commitment to reconciliation, Jewish-Christian relations, and the witness of Jewish believers in Jesus within both the Church and the wider Jewish world.
The British Messianic Jewish Alliance Committee
President; Dr Richard Harvey
The British Messianic Jewish Alliance categorically states that it has no connection whatsoever to Andrew Sheldrake, Adat Yeshua, or any of the activities described in the Jewish Chronicle's recent report (14 February 2025).
We call on the Charity Commission to investigate these serious allegations and to take appropriate action where necessary. Any cases of abuse must be brought to justice, and the individuals affected should receive the support they need.
At the same time, we urge the Jewish Chronicle to avoid misrepresenting Messianic Jews and Jewish disciples of Jesus by associating them with such accusations. There are many Jewish disciples of Jesus today who live ethical, moral lives as Jews and as followers of Yeshua. Abuse and misconduct, sadly, occur across all religious traditions, including both Judaism and Christianity, and should be addressed as such—without unfair generalizations.
Signed, President and Committee: British Messianic Alliance (founded 1866) P.O. Box 412, Ware SG12 4HE
Email: bmjaoffice2024@gmail.com Website: https://bmja.net
UK Charity 1088805