Sacha Stawski 's Zoom Talk for the Bureau on 18 February

B’nai B’rith UK would like to express our immense sorrow at the return to Israel of the bodies of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, their mother Shiri Bibas and peace activist Oded Lifshitz. We mourn the loss of their beautiful souls and send comfort to their families at a time of deep sadness and anguish. As a community, we clung to hope that these innocents would be returned safely to their families. Now we know that they were victims of Hamas’s fathomless barbarism and cruelty. Indeed even in death, they could not be respected. Few of us will forget how their coffins were daubed with vile slogans and subjected to a ghoulish and obscene display of propaganda. The killing of these innocents reminds us that Israel’s enemies have an insatiable appetite to murder Jews. They are the enemies of their own people, not just Israelis, and they must play no role in Gaza, and beyond. We call for all remaining hostages to be released now and for the world to stand by Israel as it seeks to protect its citizens.

Zoom Meeting to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day

Since 7 October, B’nai B’rith UK has campaigned for the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Reports confirm that they have been held in appalling conditions and subjected to various forms of torture and degrading ill treatment. We welcome the fact that in the ceasefire proposal just announced, some of these hostages will be released back into the arms of their loving families. It is essential that they are given the time and space to rehabilitate after what they have endured. Ultimately, all the hostages must be released. At the same time, we remain deeply concerned at the heavy price that this deal will incur, especially if it means that Hamas will survive in the long term. We must never forget the acts of unspeakable savagery that were committed on 7 October and the promise that these would be repeated if Hamas had the chance. It is essential that these terrorists are never again allowed to rule Gaza if there is to be any chance of long term peace and security.

BB International is pleased to announce that, following elections held at the Triennial Convention on 16th January 2025, 

Last night, Shadi Khalloul, founder of the Israel Christian Aramaic Association, spoke to a BBUK online audience about the history and culture of the Aramean community in Israel and his efforts to advocate for them in Israel. He highlighted the positive role that Aramean Christians have played in the modern life of the state, contradicting the claims made by the BDS movement. Shadi also spoke about the position of Christians in the Middle East and the problems they would face in light of recent geopolitical events in the region. Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B’nai B’rith UK welcomes the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. It is clear that Israel’s robust campaign against the terror group has created the horizon for a political solution that allows Israeli and Lebanese citizens to return home and for the terror threat to subside in northern Israel. Many believe that this may now herald the opportunity for a wider ceasefire, allowing the Israeli hostages held by Hamas to be returned and for Gaza to be ruled by a political entity other than Hamas. B’nai B’rith UK welcomes developments that will bring security, relief, and prosperity to Israeli and Palestinian civilians after more than one year of war.

Jeremy Havardi, Director of the Bureau of International Affairs, reports that he was honoured on Sunday to lead B’nai B’rith UK at the annual AJEX parade at the Cenotaph. He also attended the pre-march reception with some stirring speeches by, among others, the Chief Rabbi. The main theme of the march was ‘Standing tall’ and the march commemorated the enormous role played by Jewish servicemen to HM’s Armed Forces.  2024 is a highly significant anniversary: the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings and Monte Cassino. Jeremy says: “But this march, like the one last year, happened under the shadow of the 7th October attacks, the ongoing wars in the Middle East and the spike in antisemitism, both in the UK and abroad. It has served as a reminder that standing tall in today’s fractured world is so vital.”

B’nai B’rith UK is sickened and appalled by the violence directed towards Israelis in Amsterdam on Thursday night. Video footage clearly shows how Israelis were hunted down and savagely beaten by what appear to be Arabic speaking groups in the city. It has been rightly likened to a pogrom from an earlier time and we welcome the strongly worded condemnation from the King and Prime Minister of Holland. Yet regrettably it is no surprise that it has happened. For a year, capital cities across Europe, including London, have been convulsed by anti-Israel protests, ones which have seen antisemitic tropes and incendiary language used on many occasions. It is shocking but not surprising that the result is an orgy of premeditated violence against Israelis.  We call on the Dutch authorities to ensure that such assaults cannot recur and that Israelis and Jews, along with other communities, can feel safe and welcome in Holland. We also call on the authorities in the UK to display maximum vigilance against copycat attacks against the Jewish community.

Last night, Geoffrey Corn, George R Killam, Jr., Chair of Criminal Law and Director of the Centre for Military Law and Policy at Texas Tech University School of Law, spoke to members and friends of B’nai B’rith UK on ‘How International Law Frames Attack Decisions in War”. Professor Corn spoke about the key principles of international humanitarian law and explained them within the context of the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. He gave special emphasis to notions such as necessity, distinction, proportionality and precaution, arguing that much of the media coverage of these conflicts showed a lack of understanding of core legal principles, with the consequence that they distorted any understanding of events on the ground. Feedback from the talk was very positive with many participants showing appreciation for the erudite presentation.