Board of Deputies to stage emergency meeting to discuss humanitarian crisis in Gaza
More than 40 deputies in letter to President Phil Rosenberg: “Nothing could be more damaging to the British Jewish community than staying silent in this moment”
The Board of Deputies is to stage a special meeting to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Jewish News understands the meeting, which will take place on July 29, comes amid growing frustration amongst some deputies over the organisation’s silence over the humanitarian crisis.
A letter sent privately to Rosenberg, signed by over 40 deputies, including some representing United Synagogue establishments, noted how 100 aid agencies warned of the imminent risk of starvation in Gaza.
The letter even went so far to suggest the Board’s silence to crisis could be interpreted as “indifference” to a clearly horrific situation. “Nothing could be more damaging to the British Jewish community than staying silent in this moment,” added the letter.
While accepted there were “varying” views within the community on who was responsible for the crisis, but called for the Board to make strong representations to the Israeli government to “end this suffering .”
The letter also called for the Board to hold a special meeting to give deputies the opportunity to present a response to the situation that reflected majority opinion.
Jewish News has learned that Phil Rosenberg has emailed all deputies to announce next Tuesday’s meeting.
He said the scenes of human suffering in Gaza are “hard for anyone to bear.”
Under worsening circumstances he told deputies “we need your insight and support more than ever.”
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