1,600 British Jews call for ‘robust action’ to end conflict with Hamas
Letter signed by members of all synagogue denominations, and 40 rabbis, is sent to Lord Cameron outlining steps for UK government to take to try to end the conflict
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
More than 1,600 British Jews, including 40 rabbis, have signed a letter sent to Lord Cameron calling on the government to join with the international community in “robust action” aimed at finally ending conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
The letter, whose signatories include synagogue members across all denominations, argues that only a political solution, and not a military one, will bring an end to the conflict.
Without the necessary dialogue it states, “Israelis and Palestinians are doomed to live in a state of perpetual violence.”
Signatories include current and former members of the Board of Deputies, and a significant number of members of the United Synagogue.
Co-ordinated by the pro-peace advocacy group Yachad, those signing declare themselves to be “proud Jews” who since October 7th, “have witnessed the horrors that the Israel-Gaza war has inflicted on Israelis and Palestinians alike. ”
It adds: “Many of us have friends and family personally affected by the atrocities that Hamas and other terrorist organisations committed on that dark day.
“We remain steadfast in our support for the people of Israel who, every day, live with the fear and trauma of what took place on October 7th.
We are resolute in our support for the hostages and their families, who are living through a daily nightmare.”
But significantly, the letter also sets out a list of key steps it believes the UK government should push for, including expanding sanctions against settlers and settlements in the West Bank and recognition of Palestine as clear policies that could help reset the politics of the region.
It was also sent on Thursday to Labour shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, and Layla Moran, the Lib Dems foreign affairs spokesperson.
Backing calls for a bilateral ceasefire to the current war in Gaza, made by both the Conservative and Labour Party, it continues: “Only a ceasefire will ensure that the remaining hostages come out of Gaza alive and that enough aid can enter Gaza to prevent a complete humanitarian catastrophe.
“Hamas cannot be eliminated purely by military force, not least because it is an ideology. Indeed, our fear is that the devastating impact of the war will breed the next generation of extremists.”
It also calls for recognition of a Palestinian state arguing that ” Israelis must be protected from the possibility of Hamas ever again being able to commit the atrocities of October 7th, and Palestinians need freedom and security in a state of their own.
The only way to ultimately resolve this conflict is through a political, and not a military resolution.”
Controversially, it continues: “Recognition of Palestine, on 1967 borders – alongside an understanding that the precise shape of the final borders will be subject to the mutual agreement of Israelis and Palestinians – would help give confidence to Palestinians that there is something to be gained from a diplomatic process.
“It would also serve to weaken Hamas who do not accept the legitimacy of the State of Israel within 1967 borders.”
Other suggested steps for the UK government, both now, and after the next election, to embark on, include:
The UK playing a leading role in convening an international contact group that would support the international community in driving forward a political process.
Aiding and supporting the security guarantees the international community will need to make to Israel to secure its borders.
Working to strengthen and support reform in the Palestinian Authority (PA) as a moderate governing force and as a legitimate alternative to Hamas.
Supporting international efforts to reconstruct Gaza – a reconstruction plan that is tied to a political process resulting in independence and statehood for Palestinians is essential for the region.
Assisting Israel in its efforts to rebuild communities destroyed by Hamas in the south of Israel.
Executive Director of Yachad, Hannah Weisfeld,said: “We know that it is not always possible to hear the wide variety of perspectives and opinions that exist in minority communities, and yet assumptions are often made about what the community does or does not think or support.
“No one organisation can truly claim to speak on behalf of the community, unless they represent the wide variety of opinions that exist. We know this rarely happens which is why we have decided to send this letter.
“Without robust action from the international community, whilst this war may eventually end, Israelis and Palestinians are doomed to live in a state of perpetual violence.
“Only a political resolution will end the conflict. It is time for our government to listen to the moderate voices in the centre who support action on long-term resolution, as opposed to the polarised extremes who would rather deny the pain and suffering of each other.”
Signatories include numerous members of the United, Masorti, Progressive, Liberal, Reform, synagogues and also from the Chabad Lubavitch, and the Federation.
Organisations represented include the New Israel Fund, the Jewish Labour Movement, and various student groups, along with Yachad themselves.
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