A letter signed by 30 UK rabbis and published by the Sunday Times has defended the new Labour government's approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, countering criticism from
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Background
Last Sunday, Rosenberg expressed concerns about the Labour government's foreign policy stance towards Israel in an op-ed, stating that “many British Jews find themselves with grave concerns about the new government’s foreign policy stance towards Israel.” He criticized Labour's decisions to restore UK funding to UNRWA and to drop objections to the ICC's jurisdiction over potential war crimes committed by Israeli and Hamas leaders, suggesting these moves could jeopardize national security.
Rabbis’ Response
In response, the 30 rabbis, primarily from the Progressive Judaism spectrum, penned a letter to the editor of the Sunday Times. They acknowledged Rosenberg's points but defended the Labour government's actions, emphasizing a commitment to the rule of law and an international rules-based order.
The rabbis wrote: “Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, rightly says that many British Jews have strong personal ties to Israel. We are rabbis from a variety of Jewish movements and, like others in our community, we hold deep concern for the wellbeing of Israel’s citizens, and in particular for the hostages still held in Gaza. We also hold deep concern for the many Palestinians killed during the war and for the unfolding humanitarian crisis.”
Support for Labour’s Policies
They continued: “The new Labour government has put respect for the rule of law at the heart of its approach to the conflict in the Middle East. While that may present difficult choices that some of us may find hard to accept, we believe that the government is correct to uphold an international rules-based order.”
Call for Balanced Approach
The rabbis called for an equitable application of international law and urged the Jewish community to consider the implications for their relationship with Israel. They expressed hopes for an end to the war, the release of hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Signatories
The letter was signed by notable rabbis including Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen, Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Rabbi Daisy Bogod, Rabbi Dr. Barbara Borts, Rabbi Janet Burden, Rabbi Douglas Charing, Rabbi Janet Darley, Rabbi Paul Freedman, Rabbi Adam Frankenburg, Rabbi Margaret Jacobi, Rabbi Richard Jacobi, and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner.
Labour’s Stance and Engagement
Senior Labour figures have reaffirmed their commitment to respecting international law, despite the political challenges this stance might pose. They have engaged with Israel at a high level, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, and Defence Secretary John Healey meeting his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv.
The new Labour government remains committed to addressing the complex legal and humanitarian issues surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, while maintaining strong ties with Israel. Photo by I, Aviad2001, Wikimedia commons.
