Dozens of members of Britain's largest Jewish advocacy group have condemned Israel for the "heartbreaking war" in Gaza, saying they cannot “turn a blind eye or remain silent” over the continued assault of Palestinians.
In a major break with the Board of Deputies’ customary support for the Israeli government following the October 7 massacre, the 36 signatories to an open letter say “Israel’s soul is being ripped out” amid the IDF’s continued offensive against Hamas.
The signatories include Harriet Goldenberg, vice-chair of the Board’s international division, and lawyer Philip Goldenberg.
The letter, published in the Financial Times, said the "renewed loss of life and livelihoods" as a result of Israel’s renewed offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory cannot be ignored.
It also took aim at Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu for chosing to "break the ceasefire and return to war", rather than engage in diplomacy over the next phase of a peace agreement with Hamas.
Our Jewish values compel us to stand up and to speak out
It says: “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, with hopes dwindling for a peaceful reconciliation and the return of the hostages.
“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.”
Mr Goldenberg, a corporate solicitor, told BBC’s World at One that Mr Netenyahu had “absolutely adopted the Trump playbook” in Gaza.
Last month, following a pause in fighting during which dozens of Israelis held hostage by Hamas were released, Israel blocked the entry of food, medicine and vital supplies, and resumed fighting in Gaza.
Since then, Israeli attacks have killed more than 1,650 people in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry claims.
Hamas have accused Israel of violating the US-backed deal, but Israel say Hamas have failed to release more of the 59 hostages it is still holding.
The Board of Deputies said it understood about a tenth of its members were signatories "and potentially others would associate themselves" with its message.
A spokesman said: "Others would no doubt put more emphasis on the fundamental responsibility of Hamas for this ghastly situation and the need to ensure that they are prevented from ever repeating the heinous crimes of October 7."
Israel has campaigned to destroy Hamas in response to the atrocity of October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 others taken hostage.
More than 50,000 people are reported to have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
