A Welsh Jewish cultural centre is facing calls to remove Huw Edwards as patron after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.

In 2022, the news anchor became patron of the Foundation for Jewish Heritage’s project to restore Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue and turn it into a heritage centre, thanks to funding from the National Lottery.

When asked if the Foundation for Jewish Heritage would remove Edwards as patron, a spokesman said: “We are considering what we do and need to consult the trustees.”

Merthyr Tydfil synagogue

Migdal Emunah, the only Jewish UK-wide sexual abuse support service helping children, women and men called for Edwards to be removed as patron.

Migdal Emunah chief executive Erica Marks said:  ”As a general rule, when public figures are involved in serious crime, it may also emerge that other organisations are linked with them. I would urge any organisation to consider their position very carefully when anyone with connections to them has been charged with a serious crime, such as in this instance, and to consider severing ties with anyone charged with such offences.

 “Our priority now must be the immediate welfare of the children and families involved in this crime, as they need prompt and ongoing professional support.” 

Marks added: “As the UK’s Jewish sexual abuse support service for children, women, and men, we understand that the viewing of indecent images is never a victimless crime, and my thoughts are with the numbers of children and their families, for whom this process will have been deeply traumatic, and may continue to be for some time.”

Laurence Kahn, Chair of the South Wales Jewish Rep Council, said it was “obvious” that Edwards be removed as patron of the project. 

"I don’t know why there would need to be any hesitation. We shouldn’t want him to be associated with our community in any way.”

On Wednesday, the veteran broadcaster, 62, arrived at Westminster Magistrates' and admitted committing three offences between December 2020 and August 2021.

Edwards had 41 indecent images on WhatsApp, including seven of the most serious type.

The category A images, which are the most serious kind, were mostly of children aged 13 to 15, the court heard.

According to prosecutors, there were two moving images of a young child, possibly aged between seven and nine years old.