U.K. Sanctions on Israeli Settlements Spark Debate Among British Rabbis

Britain’s imposition of sanctions on Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has led to a public divide among prominent rabbis in the country. Their reactions are framed by concerns about potential repercussions for Jews living in the United Kingdom.

Some rabbis expressed support for the sanctions, discussing instances of violence they have witnessed or personally experienced from extremist settlers in the West Bank. Conversely, the chief rabbi, who serves as the spiritual leader for Britain’s Orthodox Jews, joined other notable figures in condemning the sanctions.

The conflicting views emerge during a significant time in the Jewish calendar, highlighting the deep divisions within Britain’s Jewish community, which has recently encountered a series of violent attacks.

“Nobody should ever suggest that they represent the single opinion of any group of Jews anywhere,” stated Rabbi Jeremy Gordon, who published a letter supporting the sanctions, sharing his own experiences with settlers. Despite differing opinions on Israeli and British politics, he emphasized that few Jews endorse the violence. “There are very, very few people who would associate themselves with the extreme far right in Israel,” he noted.

The sanctions, announced in collaboration with Canada and France, prohibit trade in goods produced in the settlements, and have gained the support of a dozen countries.