The Muslim Council of Britain is dismayed by the Chief Rabbi’s attempt to recast a modest UK measure against illegal settlement trade with Israel as contributing to the rise of anti-semitism or mere “domestic politics.”
Let’s be clear about what is being defended: settlements built in flagrant violation of international law, on occupied Palestinian land. Opposing action against that is not a neutral position. It is advocacy for the continued occupation and theft of Palestinian land and homes.
This is, regrettably, consistent with a pattern we have watched for years. As Israel wages a campaign that the world’s leading academic scholars, human rights bodies and the International Court of Justice have found plausibly amounts to genocide, the same individuals did not just remain silent, but advocated in favour of those committing the atrocities.
The UK government is taking a step in the right direction and should be supported in continuing to do so. All religious and political leaders should stand up for justice, freedom and the upholding of the human right to self determination. If they fail to do so, they do a disservice to their faith, their values and their nation.