Israel property event organisers apologise for West Bank listing in brochure
Great Israeli Real Estate event says details were included in print by mistake but stressed vendors were instructed not to market properties beyond the Green Line
Organisers of an Israeli real estate event held in London on Sunday have apologised for the inclusion of West Bank properties in event literature, but insisted they were not promoted or sold.
The apology, sent to Jewish News, comes after concerns were raised over brochures distributed at the event in Edgware, which campaigners claimed included references to developments in locations beyond the Green Line.
The issue has prompted political scrutiny, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirming the government has asked the Advertising Standards Authority to “urgently” investigate complaints relating to the Great Israeli Real Estate event.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, organisers said West Bank property references to locations such as Givat Zeev and Kfar Eldad had been included in printed material “by mistake” but stressed that vendors had been instructed not to market properties beyond the Green Line.
A spokesperson said: “We would like to re-emphasise that the venue made it clear to us that we were not in any way to promote the sale of Israeli real estate over the Green Line, and all participating vendors agreed to abide by that requirement. At the same time, we believe it is outrageous that in this day and age, anyone would seek to deny British Jews the right to purchase property anywhere in the world, whether in Paris, New York, or Israel. We also noticed false accusations on social media claiming that vendors at the event were selling ‘stolen Palestinian land’. These allegations are simply untrue. No one at the event promoted or spoke about properties in the ‘disputed territories’, such as Givat Zeev or Kfar Eldad. Their mention in the event brochure was made in error for which we apologise.”
The organisers added: “That said, we firmly reject the attempt to delegitimise established neighbourhoods in Jerusalem, Israel’s capital city, which are home to diverse communities and have long been part of the city’s urban fabric. Despite the disinformation and false accusations surrounding the event, we were proud that we were able to put together a beautiful and meaningful event that was warmly welcomed by many hundreds of members of the local and wider Jewish community.
“The event was created to provide practical information for people considering aliyah, exploring investment opportunities, or seeking a deeper understanding of the Israeli property market. It brought together a wide range of professionals, advisors, and vendors in a respectful and constructive atmosphere.”
When pressed about government action regarding claims that the Great Israeli Real Estate event at Edgware United Synagogue marketed properties in illegal settlements on British territory, Cooper told the House of Commons: “We have been very clear that no businesses should be engaging in trade or marketing related to the illegal settlements. They certainly should not be doing so on UK soil. That is why my colleague, the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, along with the Department for Culture, has raised this directly with the Advertising Standards Agency.
““We take this extremely seriously. We have asked them to urgently investigate and reassure us that, if there is any evidence of advertising or promoting property in illegal settlements at this or any other events, they will uphold all relevant laws, regulations, and guidance.
Both Sky News and Jewish Anti-Zionist Action reported that marketing materials handed out at the event at Edgware United Synagogue promoted properties in Ma’ale Adumim and Givat Ze’ev in the West Bank, as well as Ramat Eshkol and Givat HaMatos in East Jerusalem.
Fourteen people were arrested during clashes between pro-Palestinians and the Jewish community outside the venue. All have been released on bail pending further enquiries, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
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