JFS admissions ruled as lawful
The admissions policy of JFS School has been judged to be entirely lawful and proportionate to its aims and objectives.
Mr Justice Munby ruled at the High Court today that the establishment of Jewish status is a matter of religious law and is not something to be determined by the secular courts.
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Commenting on the 72-page judgment, JFS chairman of governors, Russell Kett, said, “The judgment is fully consistent with the facts presented by JFS and its advisers from the outset. The School abhors all forms of discrimination and welcomes the judge’s express finding that JFS does not racially discriminate.
“This ruling is not only welcomed by JFS but will be welcomed by many in the wider Jewish community.”
He also observed that this has been a hugely expensive case for JFS to have to defend.
“Whilst the judgment wholly vindicates the position that the School has taken and justifies the necessary legal costs the School has incurred, it is of great concern and unacceptable that a state-school such as JFS has had to find these funds from within its own resources,” he added.
United Synagogue President Simon Hochhauser said: “We welcome the Court’s ruling and are of course pleased that JFS’s admissions’ procedures and policies have been so fully endorsed. We acknowledge the Judge’s ruling that Jewish status can only be defined by Jewish Law and welcome the Judge’s recognition of the fairness of the procedures and actions of the London Beth Din.
“It is most regrettable that this action has already cost the community over £100,000 in legal fees.”
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