Israel plays a leading role in the identity of Jewish Londoners and many will have close family and friends in Israel. Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, became popular as a response to antisemitism, and Israel represents a place of safety to Jews, and threats to its wellbeing impact on London’s Jews. Israel’s security can feel very imminent or personal to many of the capital’s Jews, as they may have a grandchild who must spend their night in a bomb shelter during military escalations, or a niece undergoing national service in the army. Therefore, while the London Jewish community has a full diversity of views regarding the policies of the Israeli government, the Jewish community is, in a social sense, intertwined with Israel like never before. Engagement with Israeli culture plays a critical part in maintaining their Jewish identity and passing it on to their children.

Efforts to target communal organisations such as university Jewish societies or the Jewish Film Festival, for engaging with Israel or having Israeli content, have threatened Jewish communal life in the capital. London’s politicians must stand against all attempts to shut down Jewish communal life, even when they are coated in the thin veneer of anti-Israel activity. As well as pushing back against divisive boycotts, City Hall should promote projects that unite communities. London’s politicians must also take care not to use inflammatory language, particularly at times of conflict.

A more positive approach can be taken by organising a trade mission to Israel. Both London and Tel Aviv’s economies are hubs of hi-tech innovation, financial services, cultural offerings and much can be gained by increasing links between the two economies.

We’re asking London’s politicians to make the following pledges: