ByLeon Symons, Leon Symons
The former head of Israeli security agency Shin Bet has said in London that diaspora Jews have a duty to tell Israel “exactly what you think [of us]”.
Addressing a Muswell Hill Synagogue meeting on Monday, Ami Ayalon said that Israel saw “only one piece of the picture. We have our own narrative.”
Mr Ayalon — whose subsequent Israel Society-organised meeting at King’s College London was ambushed by pro-Palestinian protesters — continued that “if you love us and care about us, it’s your duty to tell us what you see, not defend what you hear from us. If you’re not doing that, you’re helping our enemies because you are not telling us the truth.”
He added: “How much of what we see in London is pure antisemitism and how much anti-Israel feelings? It’s a rhetorical question. Part of what you suffer in London is because of what we do in Israel. We are responsible for each other.”
Mr Ayalon explained how he had gone from military leader to working for peace. His UK tour has been hosted by peace-promoting charity Yachad.
“How much of what we see in London is pure antisemitism and how much anti-Israel feelings? It’s a rhetorical question. Part of what you suffer in London is because of what we do in Israel. We are responsible for other.”