860 British Jews warn annexation will cause ‘fundamental schism’ with Israel
Signatories, including 16 rabbis, say 'unilateral annexation would diminish already fragile chances of a political agreement between Israel and Palestinians' s'
More than 860 UK Jews have backed an open letter warning that Israel’s plans to unilaterally annex parts of the West Bank would cause a “fundamental schism” between Israel and Anglo-Jewry.
“We are deeply alarmed that the plans of this current Israeli government to undertake unilateral annexation of territory held by Israel since 1967 will result in a fundamental schism between Israel and our community,” reads the letter, organised by the advocacy group Yachad.
It is expected to be delivered to Israel’s diaspora affairs minister Omer Yankelevich in the coming day.
Signatories – described as “a cross section of British Jews” – include 16 rabbis, dozens of academics, the Labour peer Lord Jeremy Beecham and Jewish Labour Movement national chair Mike Katz, who put his name to the letter in a personal capacity.
It warns: “Unilateral annexation would diminish even further the already fragile chances of a political agreement between Israel and her Palestinian neighbours.
“The consequences for the Palestinian people will be manifold and Israel’s international standing will be severely damaged. Furthermore, if Israel annexes territory without giving full and equal rights to the Palestinians living in those areas, it will be betraying its own democratic character.”
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said he planned to move forward with annexation plans by 1 July but that date has come and gone without any Israeli action.
Meanwhile, deputies are to debate three motions about Israel at a plenary meeting on 23 August, the Board of Deputies confirmed today.
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