50 deputies sign letter urging Board to condemn Netanyahu’s far-right alliance
Deputies have signed a letter to the Board sent to the Board last week, seen by Jewish News
The Board of Deputies has faced fresh calls from within its ranks to condemn Otzma Yehudit, the far-right party which brokered a deal with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The deal would see the nationalist-religious Bayit Yehudi take in Otzma Yehudit ahead of April elections, provoking outrage and concern in the US and UK.
Around 50 deputies from across the political spectrum urge the Jewish group to condemn the views and policies of Otzma Yehudit in a letter seen by Jewish News.
“We, the undersigned deputies condemn legitimising the views and policies of Otzma Yehudit party,” it reads.
“The Board of Deputies is committed to the core values of Israel’s democratic and Jewish character and committed to supporting the complete equality of social and political rights for all Israeli citizens, regardless of characteristics such as religion, race or sex, as envisioned in Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
“Otzma Yehudit racist and extremist ideology, contradicts Israel’s declaration of independence and do not represent Judaism.
“It is imperative for the Board of Deputies to make a statement condemning this deal in order to provide moral leadership for our community.”
According to a source close to the story, the Board has yet to issue a response.
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