ZF RESPONSE TO MICK DAVIS (JC 19 NOVEMBER)

The comments by ZF Chairman Harvey Rose in today’s JC were edited and did not reflect the tone of what he said.
 
Rose was quoted as follows: “ …. while agreeing with "much" of Mr Davis's position, [Harvey Rose] said: "How Israel is perceived in the UK has a direct bearing on our comfort levels in Britain . It troubles me that so many people place the blame entirely on Israel ."
 
What he actually said to Simon Rocker (the reporter) was:
 
“I think that the comments of Mick Davis of the LJCC are very interesting and I agree with much of what he says.
 
“The majority of leadership are left of centre.  We at the ZF are more in the centre but as we seem to be the organism most willing and ready to stand up in support for Israel when needed, this has given the impression that we are on the right of this debate.
 
“There is no doubt that how Israel is perceived has a direct bearing on our comfort levels in Britain .
 
“I believe we need to concentrate on how we can present to the media a more balanced and factual position on events that all too often produce a one-sided anti-Israel response from the media.  
 
“It is certainly my opinion that the failure to reach a two state solution is more at the door of the Palestinians than the Israelis. It troubles me that so many people place the blame entirely on Israel : “If only Israel did this or did that, then peace would prevail.”
 
“Obviously Israel has its part to play but to continually give the Palestinians and their leadership a free pass does nothing to move the peace process forward. Until we get these important messages across the comfort levels of Jews in this country will not improve.”