Whether the Commission insisted on complaints against 36 members, they signed a letter to the Financial Times that would not change the fact that Israeli response to Hamas’ shocking October 7 attack (dozens of British Jewish institutions facing criticism of Israel’s disciplinary actions).
In Judaism, there is a disagreement for “the sake of heaven.” Yeshiva students learn in pairs, each student takes a different side of the argument to sacred the truth of any particular text. Any attempt to deny a voice on one side is not only meaningless (it won’t miraculously unite the community), but is Jewish without Jews. We do not need to choose one side to applaud those who choose to express their resentment to understand how Israelis and Palestinians are progressing.
Ben Richie
Former advisor to the board of directors of the British Jewish representative; CEO of Reform Judaism, 2011-13
