Dear Masorti Olami and the Incoming Directors of Masorti UK - Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffett, Martha Limburg and Chantal Jacobs,

As members and leaders of Masorti institutions in the UK, we are writing to request that you use Masorti Olami’s upcoming briefing with Benny Gantz MK to address his recent support for Trump's plan, which entertains the permanent relocation of the Palestinians of Gaza. We ask that you hold him to account for this extreme position and make clear that it has no place in our movement.

While diverse in political opinion, we are united by the moral conviction that 'Transfer' is not a view to normalise. Exiling two million people from their homeland is a crime to which Jews should be particularly sensitive. And yet, Gantz says that 'Israel has nothing to lose' in supporting it. Like the Israeli far right, he uses the euphemistic language of 'voluntary migration' while backing plans that are more coercive, such as those of Trump. He has contributed to the mainstreaming of an idea that, until a few weeks ago, was entertained only by the fringes of Israeli society.

We remain appalled by the atrocities of October 7th and the subsequent maltreatment of the hostages, as evidenced particularly by those released on February 8th. Yet, national traumas and the trials of handling Hamas must not compromise our most basic universal moral principles.

In line with calls from peace activists within Israel, and in the spirit of feeling accountable for each other, we believe this is a time for Jewish community organisations to state unequivocally that support for Transfer is never justified. Far from having nothing to lose, Israel risks losing touch with its conscience, with potentially catastrophic effects for us all.

Do not let this opportunity go by to prevent extremism from being normalised in our community. Please state that Transfer is unconscionable and encourage Benny Gantz to reflect on his view. Without meeting these conditions, hosting him may well be a mistake.

We look forward to hearing from you in this critical moment for our movement and our people,

Yours sincerely,