Our commitment to action against antisemitism and promoting the rights, inclusion and voice of Jewish social workers.

BASW’s commitment to anti-racism and anti-discrimination is inclusive of all ethnic, religious and racialised groups affected.  This commitment is clear in our BASW UK Anti-racism statement and overarching Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement.  Taking action against antisemitism within social work and wider society is a vital part of this.

Today we are issuing an open letter of apology from BASW Council for holding the AGM on the eve of Yom Kippur this year. This is going out to key Jewish leaders. 

Apologies are very important markers of respect and contrition. But embedding actions against anti-Jewish sentiment and antisemitism must go further than that – as it does for all aspects of racism.  Our next actions in respect of promoting the rights and identity of Jewish social workers and tackling antisemitism include the following:

• A ‘Lets Talk Social Work’ podcast exploring the experiences of Jewish social workers and the fight against anti-semitism will be going out in October 2021
• We will be working with Jewish members and allies to explore how we establish professional, supportive spaces, forums and events for and led by Jewish social workers
• The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group to Council will ensure issues for Jewish social workers and wider issues of tackling antisemitism are kept on its agenda and will advise Council on strategy and actions accordingly.
• We are reviewing how our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and workplans can evolve to be inclusive and supportive around all aspects of racism, across all communities

There will be more to come on this matter, and on all issues of exclusion and discrimination that affect social work and social workers.  This is a core and developing commitment for BASW.  If you want to get involved or share your views, please email us at comms@basw.co.uk