Chief Rabbi condemns Ben-Gvir video
Foreign Office demanded explanation from Israel over detention conditions shown in footage condemned by Chief Rabbi Mirvis
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has condemned a video shared by Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists, as the UK summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain over the “inflammatory” footage.
Sir Ephraim posted online: “I have rarely seen the Jewish world so united in revulsion than in its response to this shameful display.
“Such conduct is the very antithesis of our core Jewish values and an awful Chillul Hashem (desecration of God’s name).”
The Government has also expressed concern over the detention conditions depicted – what appeared to be a makeshift detention area at Ashdod, on Israel’s coast – and has demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities.
Foreign Office staff are also working to help British activists detained in Israel return home, minister Hamish Falconer told the Commons.
He said: “Our consular staff are in contact with the families who have asked for consular support and with a number of the members of this House.
“Our staff in the region are now working to help British nationals get home.”
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