Our statement on news that the first group of seriously ill Gazan children has arrived in the UK for medical treatment on the NHS:
Jewish values of compassion and humanitarian principles drive HIAS+JCORE’s work. As such, we hope that many in the UK Jewish community will join us in welcoming the UK government’s programme, which provides essential support to seriously ill children whose lives have been devastated by the war in Gaza. It is right that we support any policy which affirms the dignity and humanity of Palestinians.
We have to be frank though: while to save one life is to save the world, we know too that this programme is just a drop in the ocean of what is needed. The devastation in Gaza – from repeated forced displacement, to the collapse of the healthcare system and reported famine – is appalling. Such human suffering must always be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
This move from the UK government must just be a first step toward a future where all in the region can live in dignity, safety, and peace. Our elected officials must do all they can to make this vision a reality.