Why Jewish-Only Spaces Matter - And Always Have

Every now and then, someone asks: “Isn’t it a bit exclusionary to have a Jewish-only business network?”

But Le'karev has never been about excluding others - it’s about creating safety, trust, and breathing space. It’s about what it means to be part of a group that instinctively gets you. And for Jewish people, especially right now, that’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

We’ve Always Had to Create Our Own Spaces

Throughout history, Jewish communities have built our own schools, businesses, charities, and support networks - not out of separatism, but survival. When doors were closed to us, we opened our own. When we were scapegoated, mistrusted, and pushed out, we leaned inwards. Not because we didn’t want to belong – but because we weren’t safe when we tried.

In the UK today (and elsewhere around the world), antisemitism hasn’t just persisted – it’s escalated. Since October 2023, Jewish people have faced an unprecedented wave of abuse, threats, and isolation. Online and offline. In business, education, media, and everyday life.

What makes it worse is how invisible it can seem to those outside our community. The people who’d never dream of saying something antisemitic often have no idea what’s being said to us, about us, and around us – or how normal it’s all started to feel.

So we build spaces where we don’t have to scan. Or shrink. Or explain.

It’s Not Just About Safety – It’s About Flourishing

Le’karev isn’t a bunker. It’s a bridge.

We’re not hiding from the wider world – we’re creating a network that allows Jewish business owners to grow, thrive, and connect as our full selves. No editing what we say. No avoiding Jewish phrases or stories in case someone doesn’t get it (or in case it makes us an instant target). Just shared values, mutual support, and space to breathe.

There’s a unique strength in working with people who understand your references, your holidays, your humour, and your history – not because it’s been explained, but because it’s shared. That connection isn’t just comforting. It’s empowering.

"Jewish-Only" Spaces Don’t Mean "Anti-Everyone Else"

This part matters: creating Jewish-only spaces doesn’t mean we’re shutting everyone else out. It means we’re making room for what we need – and we’re asking allies to respect that space, not take it personally.

We welcome collaboration. We value community. But sometimes, to do our best work in the world, we need to regroup with those who’ve walked a similar path. That’s not exclusion. That’s resilience.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Right now, Jewish people in the UK are feeling more visible and more vulnerable than we have in years. The climate of fear is real – but so is our determination to respond with connection, not isolation.

That’s why Le’karev exists. Not as a protest. As a place to belong.

If you’re not Jewish and you’re reading this, thank you. Your support matters more than you know. Stand with us. Cheer us on. And understand that sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is give us space – to gather, to grow, and to come back stronger.