UK communal groups form ‘Choose Democracy and Peace’ coalition
Sir Mick Davis, MP Alex Sobel, Progressive Judaism and JLM among supporters of new grouping
More than a dozen UK Jewish organisations have formed a coalition to campaign for the end of the Gaza war and the release of the hostages, while voicing “deep concern” over Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Amongst the supporting organisations for ‘Choose Democracy and Peace’ are the UK-based organisations: Abraham Initiatives UK, Arzenu UK, British Friends of Rabbis for Human Rights, Habonim Dror UK, Jewish Labour Movement, LJY-Netzer, Meretz UK, New Israel Fund, Noam Masorti Youth, Progressive Judaism, RSY-Netzer, We Democracy, and Yachad.
Those voicing support for the initiative include former Tory Party treasurer Sir Mick Davis and the Labour MP Alex Sobel.
“At a moment when voices for democracy and peace need to be heard more clearly, this campaign provides a strong, constructive and nuanced channel, says Sir Mick.
“Its work is both urgent and practical. I encourage others to join in supporting it.”
Sobel added:”It’s hugely important that the British Jewish Community supports initiatives that brings together Arabs and Jews, Israelis and Palestinians into dialogue and looking forward to living in peace in two states both secure and prosperous.
“It may seem a long way away today with the threat of annexation by the Israeli Government but Jewish voices opposing occupation and calling for a two state solution are needed now more than ever. The Israeli people support an end to the war and an immediate release of all hostages – we should get behind them.”
Progressive Judaism co-leaders Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy said:”This is not only a political moment, but a deeply moral one. Jewish tradition calls us to reject violence and despair, and to pursue justice, compassion and peace.
“The Choose Democracy and Peace campaign is a powerful reminder that our values must shape our response to this moment.”
The initiative aims to build upon the success of two grassroots initiatives – “Choose Democracy,” which emerged during the attempted judicial overhaul in Israel, and “Our Jewish Values” which responded to the October 7th Hamas atrocities and the ensuing war in Gaza.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to Israel as both a homeland for the Jewish people and a democratic state.
But it also calls for urgent steps towards regional diplomacy that guarantee lasting security, dignity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians, to ensure the realisation of a two-state solution.
The campaign’s other priorities include ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza and standing against unprecedented levels of racism and hatred, not least the significant rise in antisemitism.
The coalition’s deep concern over the actions of Israel’s current government, cites the ongoing destruction in Gaza, violence and displacement in the West Bank, and threats to democracy within Israel.
“The horrors of October 7th and the ongoing war in Gaza show that real safety lies in freedom and equality,” says Jenny Kananov of the We Democracy group. “We must move beyond endless conflict, war and extremism toward a future of justice and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
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