Petition details
Human Rights Violation
· It is not anti-Semitic to hold the Israeli Government to the same standards as other liberal democracies, or to take a particular interest in the Israeli Government’s policies or actions, without additional evidence to suggest anti-Semitic intent.
The clarification above will give Jews and Israelis the freedom to criticise the government of Israel’s policies; such as the military service for Yeshiva students. Also, this will allow other Jewish groups, such as Haredim and Neturie Karta to freely express their views. I am concerned that if Tower Hamlets Council restricts the opinions of Jewish individuals or groups, it may be seen as anti-semitic. I hope that you and other councillors agree with this recommendation, which was recently adopted by University College London.
As you know well, the Jewish community have been persecuted and
violated over the years, we have also been subjected to the worst
crimes against humanity. The approach taken by Tower Hamlets
Council in our opinion takes away the basic fundamental rights we
have which is our voice. This in itself we feel along with members
of the Jewish community as institutional anti-Semitism authorised
by the local authority. This is unacceptable and is truly hurtful
to the minority community of Jews.
As we have seen in the recent,(according to the UN) illegal
eviction by Israel against the Palestinian and the attack on
worshipers in one of the most-holiest sight of Muslims; Tower
Hamlets Palestinians and supporters should be able to speak out
against Israel, without being labelled anti-semitic. We are
grateful to see the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and other labour
councillors (not all) have written to the Rt Hon. Dominic Raab MP
requesting the condemnation of Israel’s “breach of
international law and continuation of human rights
violation.”
Dr Norman Finkelstein (Son of a Holocaust victim) stated
“There is nothing more despicable than to use their suffering
(Holocaust) and their martyrdom (of Jews) to try to justify the
torture, their brutalisation, the demolition of homes that Israel
daily commits against the Palestinian.” Tower Hamlets
Council, in our opinion have therefore with this decision set an
unprecedented stance in protecting a state which is responsible for
oppression. The latest report by the Human Rights Watch officially
recognising Israel as “operating an Apartheid system”
would therefore under your acceptance of the definition would be
label as anti-Semitic.
As you are fully aware of the current atrocities being carried out
by the Israeli government which in our opinion, falls under the
categories of crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war
crimes (for the deliberate targeting of international Media
organisations). It is important more than ever that we correct and
rectify the stance taken by Tower Hamlets Council. Every person has
a right to voice their concern and it is fundamental in a democracy
that when a Country or Government is the oppressor, we speak up
against the oppression freely and without prejudice just as the UK
Government has spoken up again Hong Kong and Myanmar. We urgently
request Tower Hamlets Council to review their discussion or provide
clear clarification and justification to members of the public if
you chose to retain your stance on this matter.
This Petition ran from 18/05/2021 to 30/06/2021 and has now finished.
1095 people signed this Petition.
Council response
Re: Tower Hamlets Council - ePetition – Human Rights
Violation
Thank you for your petition with regard to the above
matter.
The Council have also considered similar petitions at other
meetings in recent years and I provide the links here for your
information.
The Mayor set out the Council’s position following previous consideration of this matter and there has been no change to the Council’s position since that time. Tower Hamlets Council - ePetition - Free Speech on Palestine
Yours sincerely
Janet Fasan
Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer