83 per cent of Deputies back motion expressing ‘grave concern’ over far-right Israeli MKs

A motion confirming the Board of Deputies are “gravely concerned”  the new Israeli government “includes individuals whose views and actions are in contrast to the tolerant and inclusive values of our community” has been passed with overwhelming support.

After a vote at Sunday’s monthly Board plenary a resounding 83 per cent of Deputies backed a motion that did not condemn Israel, but focused on politicians who it said have “demonstrated hostility on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or Jewish denomination”.

It was amended from an early version of the motion which included the names of far-right Israel politicians “Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Avi Maoz.”

Even Deputies who had previously been cautious about public criticism of Israeli politics, were inclined to support the amended motion.

“Today’s result shows that the centre ground of the Board has shifted to a position much more critical of the Israeli government,” was the verdict of one deputy, who spoke to Jewish News,  following the vote.

Another senior deputy told the meeting, which was not streamed on the Board’s social media platforms, that the result of the vote on the motion would be keenly watched by government ministers and MPs in this country.

Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies, later said:“This meeting, conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, showed the Board of Deputies at its best.

“All those who spoke both for and against the motion were clearly united by their deep love of Israel.

“We hope that other conversations on this topic can be conducted in a similar spirit, where Jews come together in an exchange of views underpinned by civility and courtesy.”

The motion was proposed by Amos Schonfield (deputy, Masorti Judaism) and Harriett Goldenberg (deputy, Liberal Jewish Synagogue).

The amendment to the motion was proposed by Dori Schmetterling (deputy, New West End Synagogue) and John Melchior (deputy, United Synagogue).

The motion that was overwhelmingly backed stated:”British Jews are deeply committed to Israel. We are gravely concerned that the new Israeli government includes individuals whose stated views and actions are in contrast to the tolerant and inclusive values of our community.

“The Board condemns politicians who have demonstrated hostility on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or Jewish denomination.

“The Board remains committed to supporting those who continue, in line with Israel’s Declaration of Independence, to “foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants”.

Schonfield later said:”I’m delighted to see such a broad consensus standing for the majority of Israelis who have been protesting in support of democratic values.

“Our community has clearly and interdenominationally stated that we condemn the reprehensible views and actions of members of this current coalition.

“This motion comes after the motion at the Board supporting the two-state solution, showing the community continues to stand up against the entrenchment of the occupation and illiberal policies against minority communities.

“Those of us who care about Israel need to take a stand even when it is uncomfortable. “