Shul talk by Israeli envoy marred by 12 activists
AN APPEARANCE by Israel’s UK ambassador at Westminster Synagogue on Tuesday was marred by complaints from several members and a protest by about 12 activists.
Tzipi Hotovely visited the independent shul for a conversation with congregant and former Times editor James Harding to discuss her work and the current situation in Israel.
A Westminster Synagogue representative told the JC that Ms Hotovely’s appearance was part of a broader series of talks featuring people with a range of views, including Hannah Weisfeld, director of Yachad (Together for Peace).
There was a wide range of opinions on Ms Hotovely’s visit among members, from those who felt “we must show respect” to an Israeli ambassador, “all the way over to people who believe her private positions are a real conflict with our values. We proudly span that divide”.
While some members had raised opposition in private before the event took place, the shul leadership wanted to ensure that “difficult subjects” were tackled.
But around a dozen people from Jewish campaign group Na’amod picketed the event with a banner reading: “Racism isn’t kosher. No hechsher for Hotovely.”
Questions inside the room were both supportive and critical and synagogue staff talked to the protesters to ensure their opinion was heard.
Writing online, the protesters said: “Make no mistake: Hotovely is an active supporter of oppressive occupation and must not be welcome in our community. But the currents of anti-Palestinian racism run deeper.”
They added: “It is only by challenging this racism wherever it manifests that we can live up to the Jewish values we hold dear and fight for justice and dignity for all Palestinians and Israelis.”
Standing outside the venue, they sang and passed out mock flyers from “Anti-Racism Synagogue”.
Na’amod did not respond to a request for comment.