World
Global politicians in Jerusalem to combat antisemitism and discuss Ukraine
UK MP Mark Pritchard gives candid speech on Israel's stance on Russia
March 25, 2022 10:51
UK MP Mark Pritchard gives candid speech on Israel's stance on Russia
March 25, 2022 10:51Parliamentarians from around the world met in Jerusalem to sign a resolution to fight anti-semitism and to discuss the Ukraine situation and the Iranian nuclear deal.
The 23-strong political delegation - the largest to come to Israel since the pandemic began - included British MP Mark Pritchard, US Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn and representatives from Uruguay, Colombia, Finland, Sweden, England, Wales, Kenya, and Liberia.
Mr Pritchard, vice-chair of the UK’s parliamentary group on Ukraine, was candid in his view of Israel’s stance on the conflict with Russia.
In a seven-minute speech at the King David Hotel, he said: "Any Israeli government should avoid being tempted to see Russia as a partner or see Russia as half a reliable partner. For Israel Russia is an unreliable partner. Israel must call out evil when it sees it.
"Not sure if Putin has privately threatened Israel, but Israel's foreign policy should not be guided by bullies in the region.
"Israel should not sit on the fence when most of the world has taken a stand.”
However, the president of the conference organisers Israel Allies Foundation (IAF), Josh Reinstein told the JC: "I believe that Israel is in a unique position to try to mediate because of our relationship with both the Ukraine and Russia.
“Israel has of course condemned the Russia aggression and we were one of the first on the scene to build a field hospital and provide humanitarian assistance. Israel has to date taken in 4 times as many refugees as all of England."
Speaking to the JC after the panel with Finnish, Swedish and Slovakian members of parliament who also condemned Russia's actions, MR Pritchard: "As a friend of Israel I thought it was right to be candid, I know that my comments will be seen in the context of someone who has supported Israel over many years, and I hope it will be seen in that context and in that light."
Mr Reinstein said: "This year, the Jerusalem Chairman’s Conference will prepare legislators from all over the world to tackle rising anti-Semitism. While meeting with ministers and leading political figures in Israel, we will also focus on the war in Ukraine and strengthening our united capital of Jerusalem. We will continue to empower faith-based diplomacy and will use all the means at our disposal to fight anti-Semitism around the world."
Many of the parliament members serve as Chairman of the Israel Allies Foundation which focuses on legislation against antisemitism, anti-Zionism and de-legitimization of Israel. This year, a parliament member from Malawi will travel to Israel for her first time, announcing the opening date of the embassy in Jerusalem.