Board president praised for speech addressing Gaza suffering and far-right Israeli ministers

Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg has been praised for a speech delivered at an emergency meeting of the communal organisation in which he displayed empathy with those becoming increasingly angry at the Israeli government’s failure to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Amid a global outcry over claims of widespread starvation in the war-torn region as a result of limited aid entering the enclave, and claims in the UK that communal organisations had remained silent amid the disaster, Rosenberg told Deputies that “the suffering we are witnessing in the Gaza  Strip demands a response.”

Calling for a rapid increase in humanitarian aid at last week’s meeting, Rosenberg said new measures announced by Benjamin Neatanyahu’s government “to address the humanitarian crisis are essential if long overdue.”

He added:”We need to see a rapid, uninhibited, and sustained increase in aid through all available channels, and we need to see all agencies cooperating in this endeavour.

“As we have been saying for months, food must not be used as a weapon of war, by any side in this conflict.”

In further significant comments, the Board’s president also described comments made by far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s government that “sound genocidal” as a “complete disaster” for those attempting to defend Israel against the allegation of genocide.

On the difficulty of mounting a defence of Israel’ actions in Gaza, while ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich made inflammatory remarks he admitted “it is very hard to continue to sustain if someone remains a minister after saying things that, you know, sound genocidal.

“And it is a fact that I think, despite the fact that many people serving the IDF are serving an incredibly difficult circumstances, and trying to take care, a lot of the ICJ case of genocide rests on the statements of ministers that they suggest prove genocide attempt.

“It’s a complete disaster. And the sooner they’re kicked out, the better.”

He added:”It is clear that our community overwhelmingly rejects the appalling rhetoric and unacceptable proposals from some Israeli ministers, particularly in relation to the forced displacement of Gazans, as well as the intolerable violence perpetrated by extremist settlers in the West Bank, all of which are in complete contradiction to our values.”

The Board had been pressed to hold its urgent meeting last Tuesday, after over 40 deputies said they were concerned at the apparent silence over the Gaza situation while anger mounting over the claims of starvation in wider society.

Following the meeting Rosenberg said:”Our membership embraces a diverse range of views that were expressed in the meeting, and we continue to work to build a broad consensus across our community. In our ongoing engagement with all parties we will continue to ensure the voices and concerns of British Jews are heard.”

Deputies previously critical of the Board leadership’s failure to be more outpoken on Israel’s war in Gaza were among those to contact Jewish News saying they welcomed Rosenberg’s intervention.

One said the meeting had helped ease “mounting anger” at the failure of the Board to condemn the Netanyahu government’s conduct.

Another pointed to the disciplinary action taken against deputies who were the writers of a letter published by the FT which contained criticism of the deadly conflict.

“Great speech by Phil tonight,” added the deputy. “But why are the 36 deputies still being sanctioned for being three months ahead of the curve?”

The timing of last week’s meeting clashed with the UK government’s announcement on Palestine recognition.

But Rosenberg said:”The Board of Deputies has long supported a negotiated two-state solution that ensures a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian State, whilst maintaining that recognising a Palestinian State without a diplomatic agreement risks putting gestures ahead of substance.

“However, our primary concern regarding the government’s announcement is to avoid empowering or rewarding Hamas, or giving it incentives to continue evading a ceasefire.

“We are therefore seeking clarification that the UK Government will not recognise a Palestinian State while Hamas fails to meet UK demands, including accepting a ceasefire and releasing the hostages.

“We will also continue to stress the responsibilities of the Palestinian Authority in relation to resolving the conflict, and the ongoing need to confront Iran and its proxies who remain implacably opposed to peace.”

Rosenberg continued:”“We are clear eyed about the heinous acts of Hamas on 7 October and since, and share in the UK government’s demands that Hamas immediately return all the hostages, accept a ceasefire, give up control of Gaza and disarm.”

He also told the meeting:”Our solidarity remains with the Israeli people. This war continues to take an unbearable toll on them, and we know that most want to see it end as soon as possible. It is also taking a toll on our own community, including through the unacceptable proliferation of hatred and discrimination directed at Jews in this country.

“In our engagements with all parties we will continue to call for a massive and sustained flow of aid into Gaza, the release of all remaining hostages, the removal of Hamas, and the need to work towards lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider Middle East. This is an urgent mission and we will play an active role in every way we can.”