Israel supporters lobby British Parliament

At least 300 Christians and Jews of UK lobby parliament, Zionist Federation says.

By JONNY PAUL JERUSALEM POST CORRESPONDENT
lobbyists make the case for Israel in Parliament 390 (photo credit: Courtesy)
lobbyists make the case for Israel in Parliament 390
(photo credit: Courtesy)
LONDON – The Zionist Federation of the UK reported a record attendance at its annual lobby of Parliament with 300 turning up to make the case for Israel.
Organized with the Christian Friends of Israel, the group was made up of Jews and Christians from across the country.
Participants heard from a range of parliamentarians from all parties who are supportive of Israel. The MPs gave updates on issues and initiatives concerning Israel, such as the Iranian threat and the UK’s stance on Syria.
The MPs encouraged participants to continue to advocate for Israel and maintain regular contact with their MPs to make their voices heard on Israel related issues.
Conservative MP Patrick Mercer spoke of how proud he is that the Holocaust Museum is in his constituency, while Labor MP Luciana Berger spoke about her involvement in the International Committee of Jewish Parliamentarians, which met recently in Jerusalem to coordinate and communicate efforts to support Israel in parliaments across Europe.
MP Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, called for all political party leaders to speak up firmly for Israel. Conservative MP David Burrowes referenced recent comments made by Canon Andrew White, who said that Israel was the only country in the Middle East where Christians can live freely and safely.
Alon Roth-Snir, Israel’s Deputy Ambassador, and Vivian Wineman, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, also spoke.
The ZF said the general message from the MPs who spoke was that Israel was not without strong support in Parliament, but more needed to be done to galvanize support. There were also calls for grassroots activists to do their bit and ensure that MPs were informed on relevant issues.
Following the meeting, participants met with around 100 MPs and their officials to raise their concerns about Israel.
“We run the Lobby Day every year and it goes from strength to strength,” said Alan Aziz, ZF’s executive director. “To have 300 people in the House of Commons sends a very loud message of grassroots support for Israel across both the Jewish and Christian communities in Britain.”