Chief Rabbi ‘deeply concerned’ by shocking rise in anti-Semitism
The Chief Rabbi has said the rise of anti-Semitism in the wake of the Gaza conflict has caused anxiety within the “deeply concerned” Jewish community.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “The situation in the Middle East should not be used as an excuse for simply abominable and unacceptable conduct… which is in fact what is happening.
“Anti-Zionism is not necessarily anti-Semitism. However, anti-Zionism does create a context within which anti-semitism can thrive. This is exactly what we are seeing.”
He also branded as “offensive” remarks made by comedian Joan Rivers who said some Palestinian victims deserved to be dead.
He said: “We are filled with pain for the suffering of innocent civilians. I don’t think one should be flippant about such suffering. I think I speak for all of my community in expressing the pain and anguish that we feel.
“She (Rivers) is not a representative of the Jewish community of the world. Absolutely no offensive comments should be mentioned.”
Meanwhile, David Cameron has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that both sides need to take the “necessary but sometimes difficult steps” to achieve a permanent ceasefire, according to Downing Street.
A No 10 spokesman said of the phone call: “The Prime Minister reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself and said he hoped that discussions in Egypt would result in a permanent ceasefire.
“The Prime Minister emphasised that both sides would need to take the necessary but sometimes difficult steps to achieve that goal, and that a genuine peace deal was the only way to allow Palestinians and Israelis to live alongside one another, free from terror.”
The PM also spoke to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
The No 10 spokesman added: “They agreed on the urgent need for the current ceasefire to lead to a lasting peace deal, ending the bloodshed for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
