In Letter, B’nai B’rith Expresses Deep Disappointment with Gaza Characterization:

B’nai B’rith International has sent a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron to express “strong disappointment” with his characterization of Gaza as a “prison camp.” This kind of language is used regularly by those who seek to demonize and delegitimize Israel. Sadly, Israel’s enemies can now quote the British prime minister in their efforts to undermine the Jewish state.

Speaking in Ankara, Cameron also condemned Israel’s actions in May as a Turkish ship attempted to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The letter from B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick, Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin, and President of B’nai B’rith Europe Graham Weinberg notes: “To blame Israel for the situation of the Palestinians in Gaza is both simplistic and unfair. It ignores the fact that Gaza is under the rule of Hamas, a terrorist organization whose declared purpose is to destroy Israel and who regularly fires rockets against Israeli civilians.”

With full control over Gaza, the power to ease the blockade rests with Hamas.

In the letter, B’nai B’rith reminds Cameron that the blockade is meant to keep weapons to be used against Israel from being smuggled into Gaza. Glick, Mariaschin, and Weinberg also note that humanitarian aid passes into Gaza on a regular and consistent basis.

“It is our sincere hope that your government will recommit to a more balanced and fair approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, something that will certainly favor the efforts for stability and reconciliation in the Middle East.”

Click here to read the full letter.