COLD, NOT HEAVY HEART

In his article ( Comment, August 1), the Chief Rabbi appears to have confused his religious and moral role with a community leadership role in his analysis of the Gaza-Israel conflict.

Any view of the killing and destruction from a person in his position must surely be from a moral perspective, not a political one. That means any death is wrong. In mourning only Israeli deaths, he is placing himself publicly and firmly on one side of the conflict and, by implication, bestowing his moral blessing on the Israeli government actions, including the killing of over 400 children.

For the British public and the leaders of Muslim, Christian and other faith communities, I am afraid that this will look more like a cold heart, than a heavy one. If the Chief Rabbi is prepared to put himself in this position, how does he think he can be part of building “a future of hope and aspiration”?

Chief Rabbi Mirvis can use his position to reach out to communities on the other side of this conflict. So, if he genuinely wants to play a role in building hope and aspiration, then may I suggest that, on his visit to Israel, he also visits the other victims of this conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. Barry Kushner Councillor for Norris Green Ward Ye Priory Court, Liverpool