This Is a Jewish-Only Network - Here’s Why

If you’ve come across Le’karev and noticed that we’re a Jewish-only business network, you might be curious. Some people are surprised. A few are uncomfortable. And one or two are outraged. Here's some helpful context for those who genuinely want to understand.

Jewish-Only Spaces Are Not New - But They’re More Needed Than Ever

Jewish-only spaces have always existed - from youth groups to prayer communities to social gatherings. And they’ve never been about excluding others: they’ve always been about creating spaces of shared understanding, safety and identity in a world where antisemitism never quite goes away.

But right now, these spaces are more important than they’ve been in decades.

Since October 2023, antisemitism in the UK has risen to record levels. We’re not talking about political disagreements - we’re talking about real-world threats, harassment, vandalism... and boycotts of Jewish-owned businesses purely because they are Jewish.

Jewish business owners across the country have seen:

• Antisemitic graffiti on their business premises

• 1-star reviews coordinated by strangers online

• Events cancelled due to pressure from activists

• Venues refusing to host them

• A sharp decline in sales when people learn they’re Jewish

  
  

We know this because we’ve seen it happening... and because we asked. Our 2025 Jewish Business Inclusion Survey revealed that:

• 58% of Jewish business people felt they needed to hide their Star or David or other Jewish symbol when meeting a client, or have considered doing so

• 47% have hidden their Jewish identity on their business social media accounts, or have considered doing so

• 64% have avoided certain business events due to fear or antisemitism, or have considered doing so

  
  

Bottom line? Jewish business people in Britain do not feel safe. And this is why we created Le’karev.

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But Why Jewish-Only?

Because there needs to be somewhere we don’t have to explain ourselves. Somewhere we can show up fully - with our values, our culture, our fears and our hopes - and not worry that someone might be judging us, questioning our identity, or waiting to challenge our views. Somewhere where we can - for a short time, at least - let go of the fear that someone in the room may wish us harm simply because of our religion.

Somewhere we can rebuild confidence, visibility a

nd success in a business world that often feels like it’s shutting its doors on us. It’s not about shutting anyone out. It’s about creating space to lift one another up.

We’re Not Hiding

Le’karev is not a secret society or an exclusive club for the sake of it. We’re proud to be here, proud to be Jewish, and proud to support each other in business. We will always welcome the opportunity to work with non-Jewish allies who understand our purpose and want to help. But the network itself - the space we’ve created - is unapologetically Jewish-only.

Is This Even Allowed?

Yes – entirely. It is completely legal under the UK’s Equality Act 2010 to restrict membership of a group based on protected characteristics (like religion, sex, or sexual orientation) if that is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Le’karev’s aim is to provide a space for Jewish business owners and professionals to network safely and meaningfully, particularly in light of increased hostility. This is a clearly legitimate and proportionate purpose.

It's Not Only Jews Doing This!

There are many thriving business networks that exist to serve people from a specific identity or background. For example:

• Muslim Women Connect – a network for Muslim women in business

• OutBritain – the UK's LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

• Sikh Network – focused on Sikh professionals

• Black Business Network – supporting Black entrepreneurs

• Neuro Network – for neurodivergent business owners

  
  

All of these are legal. All serve a real and necessary purpose. And they all help people connect with others who share their experiences, values and concerns. So if you’ve never questioned those networks - but find yourself questioning this one - you may want to ask yourself why.

Put another way... if you don't have a problem with these other groups but you have a problem with Le'karev... you have a problem.

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