The Chief Rabbi has told Jewish News he has “lost count” of the number of times he has had to run for cover, after being stranded in Israel amid the country’s escalating conflict with Iran.
Ephraim Mirvis had been due to deliver a keynote address at the Conference of European Rabbis in Munich this week. Instead, he remains stuck in Herzliya following the closure of Israeli airspace, sheltering from missile attacks and unsure when he’ll be able to return to the UK.
“We’ve had four days and nights of sirens,” he said. “They’ve gone off three times a night on average. I’ve lost count. It’s not easy but being here with family brings home what ordinary Israelis are going through. As an average man, woman or child, you are the target. Iran is literally trying to kill us.”
He drew a sharp contrast between Israel’s military actions and Tehran’s indiscriminate targeting of civilians: “This couldn’t be further from what Israel is doing. Israel is going after military targets and key personnel. Iran is trying to murder civilians.”
Despite the relentless bombardment, the Chief Rabbi praised Israeli resilience and unity. “The morale is phenomenal,” he said. “There’s been so much damage, so many injuries and deaths. Everyone here either knows or is related to someone affected. But I haven’t heard a single person suggest that Israel is doing the wrong thing. From the far right to the far left, everyone knows this is a war for survival.”
He added: “What other country do you know that puts on emergency flights into a war zone because citizens are demanding to come home? It’s almost unheard of.”
While sheltering with extended family during what was supposed to be a trip for two simchas, Mirvis described the atmosphere as “inspirational”.
“This is one of the great features of the Jewish people, the unity, the strength, the shared pride. I just wish we could preserve that feeling outside of times of crisis.”
He also expressed concern for the most vulnerable: “There are people without safe rooms, without shelters. But so many have opened their homes to others — to family and even to strangers.”
In a brief interruption during the video interview, Mirvis smiled as he returned to screen with help from a grandchild. “Even the Chief Rabbi needs tech support,” he joked, adding: “I’m blessed to have many titles, but the most precious of all is ‘saba’ (grandfather).”
Before ending the call, he said: “I’m sorry I’m disappointing people who were expecting me in Munich and elsewhere, but everyone understands. I’ll return as soon as I can. For now, being here, in this time, in this place, is something we’ll never forget. Under fire, but together.”
He signed off with a message to British Jews: “We share in Israel’s pain and struggle. Our thoughts, our prayers, and our efforts are with them. And Israelis know this. They’ve felt our presence, our support, and our generosity ever since 7 October. I want them to know — they are an inspiration to us. We will get through this, and we will be stronger for it. Am Yisrael Chai.”
