OPINION: How can British Jews make their voices heard at this crucial moment?
Dr. Yizhar Hess, vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization, responds to Jewish News' poll published this week on British Jews’ opinions on Israel 's political direction.
As I write this, just a kilometre or so away at the Knesset, members of Israel’s government have put forth an aggressive package of legislation that threatens to change the dynamic of Israel’s relationship with the world as a whole and in particular, with Jewish communities around the world.
For decades, Jews around the world – including in the United Kingdom – have been deeply connected with an Israel that is both Jewish and democratic, and indeed, they have proudly and successfully shared the message that Israel is such a country with their children, neighbours, and governments.
Jewish News’s poll shows a majority of British Jews opposing the idea of boycotting extreme right-wing figures from the Israeli government.
Undermining the independence and standing of Israel’s internationally-acclaimed judicial system puts at risk Israel’s democracy and with it, the roots of the bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world like the one in Britain.
As The Jewish News’s poll shows, despite years of challenges and negativity in the public discourse surrounding Israel in Britain, an overwhelming majority of British Jews say Israel plays an important part in their Jewish identity.
A majority of British Jews also believe it is acceptable for them to publicly express concern about Israel’s government and its policies, and that the inclusion of extreme right wing voices in Israel’s government would impact their feelings towards Israel. This all goes to show that in a moment as critical as this one, British Jews have the underlying bond with Israel, the inclination, and the concern that together form the basis for making their voices heard.
The question is how should British Jews act on this foundation in this pivotal moment? Jewish News’s poll shows a majority of British Jews opposing the idea of boycotting extreme right-wing figures from the Israeli government. This of course follows the Board of Deputies’ decision to boycott far-right now-finance minister Bezalel Smotrich last year.
But in the moment we find ourselves today, with Israel in the midst of a decisive battle, such action – well thought-out and properly targeted – might be a powerful way British Jews can make it clear that advancing an anti-democratic agenda has diplomatic and strategic consequences. For proof of this, look no further to the reactions in Israel to the Board of Deputies’ move last year.
Although from different circumstances, British Jews know more than most the cost of political extremism and divisiveness run amok. The impact it has on a society and its unity. In this moment, the clear importance British Jews place on Israel and their relationship with it, combined with their understanding of their right to make their voices heard must compel them to action.
Such action can range from engaging with their Israeli friends to writing in the Israeli press. But whatever it is, no lover of Israel wants to find themselves waking up in a few short years asking themselves “where was I in the battle for Israel’s democracy?”
The Zionist movement has always belonged to Jews everywhere, and it has always been democratic. This is a moment that calls on Jews everywhere, in Israel, Britain, and around the world, to live up to these two principles.
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