We must work together for Israel

THE AJC Global Forum in Washington DC is a gathering for considered debate, conversation and action on a broad range of Jewish issues.

Widely regarded as the “State Department of the Jewish people”, the American Jewish Committee has a worldwide footprint unsurpassed by any other Jewish advocacy group.

In an election year the conversation at last week’s conference was always going to be dominated by the upcoming US election — and by the spectre of one man in particular, Donald Trump.

But Europe remains a key focus for the organisation. The ongoing antisemitism row in the Labour Party has not gone unnoticed on the other side of the Atlantic. I find myself in the unenviable position of having to articulate that while there is a problem with the British far-left, Jews are also continuing to live in a vibrant, diverse and above all confident community. The issue has nonetheless damaged the UK’s standing in a number of arenas, and it will take time and effort to repair this damage to our reputation.

I addressed a dinner of AJC supporters with a particular interest in the UK. I attempted to provide context and explain the work being carried out on a number of levels, not least by the Jewish Labour Movement, to remedy the situation. The questions from the audience were considered and thoughtful, but it is clear that nerves have been rattled in many places.

I participated in a conference call for leaders of the Anti-Defamation League which takes a keen interest in combatting antisemitism. I highlighted the vocal response of the UK Jewish community, and indeed this newspaper.

There was growing concern over the situation for Jewish pluralism in Israel. If Israel is to continue to garner the overwhelming support it has enjoyed from the diaspora for decades, it is going to have to deal with issues including the dominance of the rabbinate in religious affairs, lack of recognition of non-Orthodox movements and particular flash points such as the stalled Western Wall compromise agreement. While dialogue has been constructive so far, practical solutions need to be found for these issues.

The horrific homophobic attack on an LGBT nightclub in Orlando will undoubtedly have implications for political debate and the upcoming election. While the focus has largely been on Islamist extremism in Europe, the US will also need to contend with its own increasingly pernicious problem of home-grown extremism.

On this, Jewish organisations on both sides of the Atlantic will have much to bring to the table.