Our statement by Board of Deputies Vice-President Andrew Gilbert:
“This evening Bournemouth Council did not proceed to debate a motion which was attempting to de-twin the city from the Israeli city of Netanya, despite attempted pressure from protestors outside. We applaud this decision; this motion would have done nothing to achieve peace, but would have had a significant detrimental effect on the local Jewish community.
“In the last week, the Board of Deputies has been in contact with local MPs, the council leader, Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative councillors – and of course we have liaised closely with the local Bournemouth Jewish community. We would encourage any Jewish community whose local council is being made to consider a similar motion to contact us; we will do all we can to help.”