Progressive Judaism leaders condemn Netanyahu's ' UK Islamic Republic' jibe

Statement says Netanyahu 'does Not Speak for British Jews'

The Movement for Progressive Judaism has insisted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “does not speak for British Jews” after he referred to Britain as an “Islamic republic” in an interview.

In a statement, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy said Progressive Judaism is “appalled” by the remarks, made during an army radio podcast interview.

They accused Netanyahu of divisive language at a time when antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and social division are causing real fear across the UK.

It is understood the Board of Deputies raised concerns over the Israeli PM’s comments with the Israeli Foreign Ministry, and with its Embassy in London.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, co-leads of Progressive Judaism meet with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband

But in strongly worded criticism, the Progressive Judaism co-leads said: “The Movement for Progressive Judaism is appalled by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s description of the United Kingdom as the ‘Islamic Republic of Britain’.

“At a time when antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and social division are causing real fear across our country, language of this kind is dangerous and irresponsible.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu does not speak for British Jews. His words do not represent us. British Jews are not made safer by rhetoric which denigrates British Muslims or portrays an entire community as a threat.

“Jewish leadership in this country must be clear in saying so. We have a responsibility to call out language which fuels prejudice and division.”

Discussing Winston Churchill’s son Randolph Churchill and grandson Winston Spencer Churchill, who, like the World War II-era UK prime minister, were journalists, Netanyahu told an army radio podcast the pair “came here and covered the Six Day War in a very positive way for us.”

“Try to find that now in Britain, which you could call the Islamic republic of Britain,” added the Israeli PM.

He then responded “yes” when the interviewer asked “if all of Europe isn’t already like that, no?” apparently referring to Muslim communities in countries there and many European governments’ increasingly critical postures toward Israel in recent years.

“The first nuclear Islamic republic will be the Islamic republic of Britain,” Netanyahu further joked. “We’re making sure there won’t be another one in Iran.”

Danielle Bett, Director of Communications for Yachad, said: “”Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments referring to the UK as an “Islamic Republic” must be rejected by British Jewish communal leadership – loudly and unequivocally.

“His comments do not speak for British Jews. We can’t allow Netanyahu to spread hateful and divisive rhetoric against British Muslims nor to use Jewish communities in his cynical election campaign.

“We welcome the strong leadership shown by Progressive Judaism and hope to see others in our community speaking out loudly and clearly.”