Britain’s decision to implement sanctions against Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has created a public divide among British rabbis. This move has provoked reactions that mix support, condemnation, and concern about its implications for Jews residing in Britain.

Many rabbis have expressed their endorsement of the sanctions. They speak of violence they have witnessed or personally experienced from extremist settlers in the West Bank. Conversely, Britain’s chief rabbi, a leading figure for Orthodox Jews in the country, is among several prominent Jewish figures who have condemned the sanctions.

These conflicting views emerge just days before the most sacred period in the Jewish calendar. The division emphasizes the increasing tension among British Jews, who have suffered from a series of violent attacks in recent months.

“Nobody should ever suggest that they represent the single opinion of any group of Jews anywhere,” said Rabbi Jeremy Gordon, who published a letter supporting the sanctions and detailed his encounters with settlers.

Rabbi Gordon notes that while British Jews hold a variety of opinions on political matters involving Israel and Britain, very few support or condone violence. He emphasizes that hardly anyone associates themselves with the extreme far-right factions in Israel.

The sanctions, announced in partnership with Canada and France, prohibit trade in goods from settlements. This move is backed by a total of twelve countries.