BBUK ADVOCACY News

Yesterday saw the parliamentary launch of a report from B’nai B’rith UK on Antizionism: the New Face of Anti-Jewish Extremism. It took place in the Thatcher room at Portcullis House and featured an expert panel, consisting of Dr. Daniel Allington , Dr. Lesley Klaff, Manwar Ali and Dr. Jeremy Havardi, with Mark Sewards MP and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP as co-chairs. The report outlines the history of antizionism, as well as the extremist ideology underpinning it, and makes clear the range of harms it brings to Jews (principally), Palestinians and the wider society. It argues for the need to reclaim the narrative around both antizionism and Zionism, without delay or equivocation. There were spirted exchanges and interesting points discussed and the event was chaired by eminent journalist Nicole Lampert . PDF copies of the report are available on request.  Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

Elliott Abram's online talk on 13 October 2026

On the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the largest massacre of Jews on one day since the Holocaust, B’nai B’rith UK mourns all the victims who were murdered in acts of unspeakable barbarism. We will never forget the horrors that unfolded as Hamas terrorists rampaged through southern Israel, slaying the innocent, destroying entire families, raping women and kidnapping children and the elderly. These were horrors on an appalling scale and they have left deep wounds in Israeli society. At the same time, the Hamas attacks have led to a tsunami of antisemitism around the world. For three years, Jews have been attacked, victimised, ostracised and harassed in public spaces, compounding the grief of October 7. We stand with the Israeli nation on this solemn day, mourn alongside her victims and hope that in time, the wounds can be healed. We also hope that there can soon be a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians, one that is truly based on security, prosperity and dignity. Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK is appalled by the Green Party's adoption of an explicitly antisemitic resolution, which is now party policy, that equates Zionism with racism. In effect, the party has taken one of the central definitions of Jewish identity and declared it to be racist, putting them at loggerheads with the majority of Jews in the UK. The motion also calls for the destruction of Israel, denying the right of Jewish national self-determination, sanctifying mass violence and echoing the genocidal rhetoric of Hamas. That such a motion falls so close to the commemoration of the October 7 attacks is a further mark of shame. The party has since claimed that Jewish members are safe from discrimination and bigotry. But this rings hollow when a motion to safeguard those members from disciplinary proceedings for attending a synagogue or other Jewish organisation was decisively rejected. As the party is almost certainly in breach of the Equality Act, it is time to refer it to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for institutional racism. Until this resolution is rescinded, the party must be treated with the same contempt one would reserve for any far-right grouping. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK views with dismay the Govenrment annoucement of sanctions against Israeli settlement products. It is a policy which will do nothing to move towards peace and co-existence and will further encourage extremist politicians on all sides. The Foreign Secretary has said that the move is necessary to preserve a path to the two state solution. But his speech today placed the overwhelming responsibility for its failed implementation on Israel. This ignores the many times that the Palestinian Authority has rejected a two state compromise, continued their 'pay for slay' policy and incited hatred in their education system. It is true that there are extremist elements within the settler movement that carry out reprehensible acts of lawless violence, and that these people are encouraged by far right ministers. It is right that they are condemned. But this latest measure risks a wider trade ban on Israeli goods, giving succour to antizionists who believe that Israel as a whole is illegitimate. Worse, it will only add fuel to an already insecure enviroment and unprecedented climate of antisemitic hostility that will make British Jews feel even more vulnerable at this time of year.. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

Bureau of International Affairs Zoom Meeting with Adam Louis Klein

B'nai B'rith UK condemns unreservedly and in the strongest terms the acts of violence perpetrated in Belfast, Southampton and other cities. It is clear that acts of criminality and thuggishness like these are often fuelled by incendiary rhetoric about immigrants and asylum seekers. As such, we must stand with vulnerable communities facing intimidation and incitement, as well as faith groups who deserve to practise their beliefs free from fear. Legitimate debates are needed on questions related to immigration policy and border checks, and the right of peaceful protest must be upheld. But acts and threats of violence are always unacceptable and must be rejected. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK is appalled by the latest act of violence perpetrated against the Jewish community in London. The two Jewish men who were stabbed in Golders Green this morning, one in his 70s and another in his 30s, are in stable condition in hospital and we wish them a speedy recovery. We also salute the bravery of those who responded so quickly and prevented a greater act of violence. While we welcome the decision of the police to declare this a terrorist incident and of the Prime Minister to convene Cobra, we know that words alone are insufficient. The repeated attacks on the Jewish community are now a national emergency which requires a fully co-ordinated response from the police, intelligence services and the government. Given that an Iran linked group has now claimed responsibility for the attack, it is high time that the UK took some meaningful actions. It is essential to immediately proscribe the IRGC, shut down media stations that disseminate Iranian propaganda and investigate all those charities, schools and organisations that cover for the regime. There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism and antizionism and for all those who use political slogans to hide their malign intent. These attacks are fundamentally an affront to British values and to all those who cherish tolerance and decency. Thus, unless this threat is dealt with, it is not just the Jewish community that will suffer but the UK as a whole. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

Bureau of International Affairs Zoom Meeting with Daniel Ben Ami

Yesterday saw the parliamentary launch of a report from B’nai B’rith UK on Antizionism: the New Face of Anti-Jewish Extremism. It took place in the Thatcher room at Portcullis House and featured an expert panel, consisting of Dr. Daniel Allington , Dr. Lesley Klaff, Manwar Ali and Dr. Jeremy Havardi, with Mark Sewards MP and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP as co-chairs. The report outlines the history of antizionism, as well as the extremist ideology underpinning it, and makes clear the range of harms it brings to Jews (principally), Palestinians and the wider society. It argues for the need to reclaim the narrative around both antizionism and Zionism, without delay or equivocation. There were spirted exchanges and interesting points discussed and the event was chaired by eminent journalist Nicole Lampert . PDF copies of the report are available on request.  Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

On the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the largest massacre of Jews on one day since the Holocaust, B’nai B’rith UK mourns all the victims who were murdered in acts of unspeakable barbarism. We will never forget the horrors that unfolded as Hamas terrorists rampaged through southern Israel, slaying the innocent, destroying entire families, raping women and kidnapping children and the elderly. These were horrors on an appalling scale and they have left deep wounds in Israeli society. At the same time, the Hamas attacks have led to a tsunami of antisemitism around the world. For three years, Jews have been attacked, victimised, ostracised and harassed in public spaces, compounding the grief of October 7. We stand with the Israeli nation on this solemn day, mourn alongside her victims and hope that in time, the wounds can be healed. We also hope that there can soon be a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians, one that is truly based on security, prosperity and dignity. Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK is appalled by the Green Party's adoption of an explicitly antisemitic resolution, which is now party policy, that equates Zionism with racism. In effect, the party has taken one of the central definitions of Jewish identity and declared it to be racist, putting them at loggerheads with the majority of Jews in the UK. The motion also calls for the destruction of Israel, denying the right of Jewish national self-determination, sanctifying mass violence and echoing the genocidal rhetoric of Hamas. That such a motion falls so close to the commemoration of the October 7 attacks is a further mark of shame. The party has since claimed that Jewish members are safe from discrimination and bigotry. But this rings hollow when a motion to safeguard those members from disciplinary proceedings for attending a synagogue or other Jewish organisation was decisively rejected. As the party is almost certainly in breach of the Equality Act, it is time to refer it to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for institutional racism. Until this resolution is rescinded, the party must be treated with the same contempt one would reserve for any far-right grouping. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK views with dismay the Govenrment annoucement of sanctions against Israeli settlement products. It is a policy which will do nothing to move towards peace and co-existence and will further encourage extremist politicians on all sides. The Foreign Secretary has said that the move is necessary to preserve a path to the two state solution. But his speech today placed the overwhelming responsibility for its failed implementation on Israel. This ignores the many times that the Palestinian Authority has rejected a two state compromise, continued their 'pay for slay' policy and incited hatred in their education system. It is true that there are extremist elements within the settler movement that carry out reprehensible acts of lawless violence, and that these people are encouraged by far right ministers. It is right that they are condemned. But this latest measure risks a wider trade ban on Israeli goods, giving succour to antizionists who believe that Israel as a whole is illegitimate. Worse, it will only add fuel to an already insecure enviroment and unprecedented climate of antisemitic hostility that will make British Jews feel even more vulnerable at this time of year.. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK condemns unreservedly and in the strongest terms the acts of violence perpetrated in Belfast, Southampton and other cities. It is clear that acts of criminality and thuggishness like these are often fuelled by incendiary rhetoric about immigrants and asylum seekers. As such, we must stand with vulnerable communities facing intimidation and incitement, as well as faith groups who deserve to practise their beliefs free from fear. Legitimate debates are needed on questions related to immigration policy and border checks, and the right of peaceful protest must be upheld. But acts and threats of violence are always unacceptable and must be rejected. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith UK is appalled by the latest act of violence perpetrated against the Jewish community in London. The two Jewish men who were stabbed in Golders Green this morning, one in his 70s and another in his 30s, are in stable condition in hospital and we wish them a speedy recovery. We also salute the bravery of those who responded so quickly and prevented a greater act of violence. While we welcome the decision of the police to declare this a terrorist incident and of the Prime Minister to convene Cobra, we know that words alone are insufficient. The repeated attacks on the Jewish community are now a national emergency which requires a fully co-ordinated response from the police, intelligence services and the government. Given that an Iran linked group has now claimed responsibility for the attack, it is high time that the UK took some meaningful actions. It is essential to immediately proscribe the IRGC, shut down media stations that disseminate Iranian propaganda and investigate all those charities, schools and organisations that cover for the regime. There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism and antizionism and for all those who use political slogans to hide their malign intent. These attacks are fundamentally an affront to British values and to all those who cherish tolerance and decency. Thus, unless this threat is dealt with, it is not just the Jewish community that will suffer but the UK as a whole. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B’nai B’rith UK is shocked and appalled by the arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green last night. Hatzola serves an essential role in our community, saving life and tending to the injured, and such an attack is both cowardly and reprehensible. The incident is rightly being treated as an antisemitic hate crime and we hope that the police bring the perpetrators to justice. It is equally a horrific assault on core British values and freedoms. As Jews face an unprecedented surge in antisemitism, this attack illustrates once again the need for security and vigilance within the Jewish community. We thank the police and the CST for their efforts at this time and will continue to work with them to keep our community safe. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B’nai B’rith UK has been closely following the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East this weekend. We will shed no tears for Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, a man who served as the figurehead of an evil regime which has brutally repressed its own population and exported terror around the world. It is clear that the latest outbreak of war with Iran is inevitable, given the regime’s failure to accept the elimination of its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missiles. The Islamic Republic remains a major threat to the stability and security of the Middle East, as well as the UK, while it continues to seek Israel’s elimination. It has also committed unspeakable crimes against its own people, not just since the start of this year but for several decades. The people of Iran deserve a better future, free from tyranny and oppression, and we continue to stand in solidarity with them. Our thoughts are also with the people of Israel who are being forced into underground shelters because of Iranian attacks. We all look forward to a future in which the Israeli and Iranian peoples can stand together as friends and allies once again. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs

B'nai B'rith welcomes the return of Ran Gvili's body to Israel, fulfilling Israel's sacred mission to bring home all hostages from Gaza. Such news brings mixed emotions, given that Ran never had the chance to be reunited with his family in life, but we are thankful that he has been laid to rest. We are reminded of the immense sacrifices Israel makes to safeguard its citizens and the heavy price it must pay for peace. World leaders must now insist on the next phases of the plan for Gaza. They must demand the disarming of Hamas and the deradicalisation of Palestinian society, allowing new leadership to emerge that can genuinely build a better future for the inhabitants of that shattered enclave. We look forward to advocating a new pathway for Israelis and Palestinians that can bring both peoples peace, justice and prosperity. . Dr Jeremy Havardi Director, Bureau of International Affairs