U.K. Jews plan Israel solidarity event
Organizer Danny Newman says supporters and opponents of disengagement are setting an example and joining hands in support of Israel. 'Israel's society must endure this trauma with its unity intact'
Jewish community groups from across the religious and political spectrum will stand shoulder to shoulder at a solidarity event in London on Sunday, August 21, to mark the disengagement from Gaza and to send a message of support and hope for a positive outcome for the State of Israel.
The non-political event is set for addresses from religious and secular, left-wing and right-wing Zionists who will show support for Israel as it faces this major challenge in its history, organizers said.
Among the many projected participants will be representatives from all the religious communities, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Zionist Federation, the Zionist youth movements, the Union of Jewish students, the New Israel Fund, Bicom and the Israeli Embassy.
What unites us
The event has been organized by Danny Newman, former Union of Jewish Students chairman, who said he returned from a recent trip to Israel deeply concerned at how polarized political debate had become and the harm being done to the fabric of Israeli society.
“Our diverse views are not as important as what unites us, namely our deep love for Israel and our wish to stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult time," he said. "Israel's society must endure this trauma with its unity intact."
Newman said no event in Israel's history has polarized opinion and divided society as much as the disengagement from Gaza.
"Israeli commentators have talked openly about the threat of civil war and the breakdown of Israeli civil society," he said. "The implementation of the disengagement carries with it the very real fear that violent clashes between Israelis could lead to fatalities. This would be an unprecedented trauma for the State of Israel and for Jews around the world. This event is a message of support and love to the people of Israel from the Jewish community in the U.K.”
The event's message to the people of Israel, from the U.K Jewish community is:
- We are deeply concerned at the polarization developing and the threat this poses to the unity of the Jewish people and the well-being of the State of Israel.
- The peace, security and independence of Israel depend on the unity of Israel.
- We understand the enormity of the pullout for the State of Israel and the dilemma it poses for so many Israelis.
- We hope and pray that the events of the next few weeks will lead to positive outcomes for the State of Israel, the Jewish people and the prospects for peace with the Palestinians.
