The response to an open letter criticising Israel’s offensive in Gaza, signed by some representatives of the largest communal body of Jews in the UK, has sparked a wave of controversy. President Phil Rosenberg of The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed his disagreement with the letter, which he felt unfairly placed blame solely on the Israeli government. In addition, he highlighted the letter’s minimal mention of Hamas and its role in the breakdown of hostage negotiations.
The letter, signed by 36 members of the Board, marked the first instance of internal opposition to the Gaza war within the organization, which consists of over 300 Deputies. Rosenberg addressed the issue in an opinion piece published in the Jewish News, emphasizing that the letter signatories did not speak for the entire Board or the UK Jewish community. He criticized the media’s portrayal of the letter as representative of the organization as a whole.
Israel’s decision to resume its offensive on Gaza following the expiration of the initial ceasefire agreement has been a point of contention. The failure to extend the ceasefire, blamed on Hamas, led to renewed hostilities. Rosenberg pointed out Hamas’ rejection of mediation attempts aimed at disarming the group, highlighting the complexities of the situation. Despite differing opinions within the Board, he underlined the shared commitment to peace and security in the region.
Rosenberg’s visit to Israel, where he met with Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar, further emphasized the organization’s stance on pursuing peace. His social media post underscored the importance of unity among Jewish leadership in advocating for lasting peace and security. The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to draw criticism from various quarters, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact and the need for diplomatic solutions
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