StandWithUs UK expresses deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent letter from 30 UK rabbis concerning the new Labour government’s recent decisions regarding Israel. This letter was a response to the piece written last weekend by Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg, which highlighted the problematic nature of these decisions.
Israel faces imminent military challenges, and it is crucial to support its actions to protect its citizens and the one and only Jewish state in this historic time of crisis. We stand with Israel, and any efforts to undermine its defence strategies are counterproductive for the security of the region. As Israel anticipates potential attacks from Iran and its proxies, we find the timing of this letter unfortunate and not fully aligned with the pressing realities on the ground.
We urge all sides of the Jewish community to recognise the complexities and support Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against those who wish it harm.
About StandWithUs UK:
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organisation that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism. Founded in 2010, StandWithUs UK has become a recognised support system and leading resource for students on UK campuses. We empower and energise students and communities with leadership training and educational programmes on both school and university campuses. StandWithUs informs through social media, printed materials, digital platforms, film and newsletters. The StandWithUs flagship Emerson Fellowship programme seeks to raise students into future leaders, equipped to stand strong in the face of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We believe in the right of the Jewish People to self-determination in their historic homeland of Israel. We educate the facts in an unbiased and holistic manner, with an open mind, reflecting on views from all sides of the political, social and humanitarian spectrum whilst promoting peace. StandWithUs UK believe the current discourse surrounding Israel on campus all too often crosses the line between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and the dangerous, mainstream, antisemitic rhetoric which stands contrary to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. We work to educate on that distinction, encourage civil discourse on legitimate criticism of Israel, and to fight antisemitism wherever it emerges.
