‘Deeply disappointed’: Board of Deputies and JLC react to judicial reform vote in Israel
British Jewish communal organisations "plead with Israeli leaders to return urgently to dialogue" following the passing of the "reasonableness law"
The Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council have expressed “deep disappointment” with the outcome of the first vote on judicial reforms in Israel.
Following the passing the “reasonableness law”, which bars the country’s High Court from striking down government decisions and appointments of ministers deemed “unreasonable,” the Board of Deputies and JLC last night issued a joint statement, outlining their support for Israeli President Herzog’s efforts to achieve compromise between supporters and opponents of the proposed reforms.
They stated their deep disappointment that “at this stage, the efforts have failed.”
JOINT STATEMENT: “Both the Board of Deputies and the JLC have been supportive of the efforts by President Herzog to find a compromise between supporters and opponents of the proposed judicial reforms and we are deeply disappointed that, at this stage, the efforts have failed.” pic.twitter.com/jhwWSyak0p
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) July 24, 2023
Their statement comes after the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, passed the first judicial reform on Monday, leading to thousands of demonstrators taking to roads and highways in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in protest.
In a statement on Twitter, Yachad said the principles on which Israel was founded “are being eroded by this extremist government” and that “Israel can no longer claim it wishes to be a democracy.”
The values and principles on which Israel was founded are being eroded by this extremist government – Israel can no longer claim it wishes to be a democracy.
We stand with Israelis fighting for their rights. It’s time Jewish communal leaders who care about Israel do the same. https://t.co/pKFxqh01F0
— Yachad UK (@YachadUK) July 24, 2023
British social justice organisation The New Israel Fund also issued a statement, calling Monday’s vote a “dark day”, pledging to continue to “keep fighting for democracy, equality, and justice”
We will never back down.
Today the Israeli government forced through their repeal of the "reasonableness clause". It is a dark day yet we keep fighting for democracy, equality, and justice, but we are still fighting (THREAD).
— New Israel Fund UK (@newisraelfunduk) July 24, 2023
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
