Jewish community reacts to Warsi’s resignation
Jewish communal leaders this week gave a mixed reaction to the resignation of Foreign Office Minister Baroness Warsi after she resigned from the government, citing its “morally indefensible” policy on Gaza.
Warsi, the first Muslim to sit in Cabinet, was praised as a “staunch advocate” of the need to build relationships between people of different faiths, following her work on Holocaust remembrance and tackling anti-Semitism.
A spokeman for the Israeli Embassy said: “We regret the resignation of Baroness Warsi from a UK government that understands the challenges of a changing Middle East.
“The conflict has highlighted the fact, recognised by the majority of the Arab world and the international community at large, that Hamas today is the key obstacle to a positive future for Gaza. Only by defeating this terror can there be a real chance for progress.”
Citing the 43-year-old former minister’s support for initiatives such as the new Jewish/Muslim Women’s network, Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks said: “The Jewish community will miss her work in this area.”
However, the Board of Deputies was “disappointed by the decision”. It added: “Far from being morally indefensible, recognising Israel’s right to defend itself against a terrorists is the right thing to do.”
Warsi wrote to David Cameron on Tuesday , saying: “Our approach and language during the crisis in Gaza is morally indefensible.” She added it was “not in Britain’s interest and will have a detrimental impact on our reputation”.
Days earlier, Warsi voiced concern on Twitter, asking: “Can people stop trying to justify the killing of children.”
But to fellow Conservative MP Bob Blackman she simply “bowed to media pressure without considering the facts”.
He added: “It’s bizarre timing. If you’re going to resign, do it while the operation is ongoing, not when a ceasefire’s finally holding.”
A ministerial resignation on the grounds of policy was last seen over the Iraq War a decade ago and Warsi’s rare stand sparked feverish debate within government and across the country about Britain’s reaction to the conflict.
London Mayor Boris Johnson broke with senior Tories in admitting Israel’s actions were “disproportionate” while Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg led calls for a ban on all arms exports to Israel.
“We have been making this case inside government,” said Business Secretary Vince Cable, referring to an export ban. “We have not yet been able to get agreement, but I hope and expect this to change soon.”
UK policy states arms exports can not be used in the occupied territories or in any situation in which there is a risk they might be used to “provoke or prolong conflict within a country” or “be used aggressively against another country”.
Even supporters were left perplexed by the timing of her decision, with Energy Secretary Ed Davey saying: “She is leaving the Government when people like her and others are winning the argument. I think she should have stayed in to help those of us who are arguing for a tougher stance.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
