Members of the largest body representing UK Jews, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, have broken their silence on Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying that they can no longer “turn a blind eye or remain silent” over the war in Gaza.
In an open letter published by the Financial Times (FT), 36 signatories voiced strong criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government actions in Gaza, saying that “Israel’s soul is being ripped out.”
Speaking Out against Israeli Actions
The letter marks a significant break with the Board of Deputies of British Jews’ policy of supporting the Israeli government. “The inclination to avert our eyes is strong, as what is happening is unbearable, but our Jewish values compel us to stand up and to speak out,” the letter said.
The signatories of the letter, representing about one in eight of the board’s members, said that diplomacy has proved the most successful way to release hostages and bring peace, referring to the 135 hostages released through negotiations during the ceasefire.
Brutal War
However, the Israeli government instead chose to break the ceasefire and return to war in Gaza, the letter said. “Since then, no hostages have returned. Hundreds and hundreds more Palestinians have been killed; food, fuel and medical supplies have once again been blocked from entering Gaza; and we are back in a brutal war where the killing of 15 paramedics and their burial in a mass grave is again possible and risks being normal,” the letter added.
“Such incidents are too painful and shocking to take in, but we know in our hearts we cannot turn a blind eye or remain silent at this renewed loss of life and livelihoods,” the signatories of the letter said.
Most Extremist Government
Moreover, the Board of Deputies members accused the “most extremist of Israeli governments” of “openly encouraging violence against Palestinians in the West Bank” by building more new settlements than ever.
They added that “Israel’s soul is being ripped out and we, members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, fear for the future of the Israel we love and have such close ties to. Silence is seen as support for policies and actions that run contrary to our Jewish values.”
The signatories of the letter made clear their position on the Gaza war. “We stand against the war. We acknowledge and mourn the loss of Palestinian life,” they stated.
