UK chief rabbi and foreign secretary talk antisemitism and Gaza

Sir Ephraim Mirvis, chief rabbi of the U.K., and Foreign Secretary David Lammy met on Thursday and discussed antisemitism in the U.K., the threats facing Israel and the new British government’s policy towards the war against Hamas in Gaza.

Many Jewish leaders in the U.K. are concerned that the new Labour Party government is shifting British policy away from seeing Israel as a strategic ally.

Following the meeting, Mirvis wrote on X: “I was pleased to have a wide-ranging conversation with the Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy this afternoon. We discussed the imminent and vast threats facing Israel across the Middle East, UK Government decisions relating to the conflict, the urgent importance of freeing the hostages, achieving long-term peace, and the deep impact of the war in this country.”

Lammy reciprocated the post on the social messaging platform, writing, “Thank you @ChiefRabbi Mirvis. We will work together to stand up for the Jewish community, combat antisemitism, and promote Holocaust remembrance. This government will continue to press for peace and stability in the Middle East, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages.”

A bit later in the day, Lammy wrote on X about the indirect truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas:

“These talks are an opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. It is in the long-term interests of Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider region to agree this deal urgently. I thank Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their ongoing efforts in co-ordinating this vital work, at what is a critical time for security and stability across the Middle East.”

The new Labour Party government has indeed taken steps against Israel of late, restoring funding to UNRWA and dropping its objection to the International Criminal Court‘s chief prosecutor’s request for the court to issue arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Britain is also reportedly considering imposing an arms embargo on Israel.

Lammy visited Israel and met with Israeli and Palestinian Authority officials soon after winning the July 4 general election and being appointed foreign secretary.

“I met with U.K. hostage families just last night, who shared with me their concerns and fears for their loved ones,” Lammy told reporters during his visit.

He added that he was exercising all diplomatic efforts to get a hostage deal done. He balanced his comments by also stating, “I hope, too, that we see a ceasefire soon, and we bring an alleviation to the suffering and the intolerable loss of life that we’re now seeing also in Gaza.”