13th October 2014

Liberal Judaism today released the following statement:

Liberal Judaism would welcome a vote in support of giving recognition to Palestine alongside Israel in the House of Commons tonight as an inevitable step in achieving a two state solution. Recognition of statehood cannot be a bargaining chip in negotiations but instead is a right and should be seen as a statement of mutual respect.

But this can only be the start of a process, not an end. Neither side must be allowed to use a recognition of Palestinian statehood as an excuse to avoid - or work round - bilateral negotiations, which are ultimately the only way in which a just and sustainable settlement can be achieved.

Lucian J Hudson (Chairman) and Rabbi Danny Rich (Chief Executive)