Jewish Labour - Meretz: For A Democratic Israel
The Jewish Labour Movement and Meretz UK have joined forces to run as Jewish Labour-Meretz: For a Democratic Israel. We are proud to be the UK affiliates of Israel’s Democrats Party.
A vote for Jewish Labour-Meretz is a vote for a democratic Israel — and a clear rejection of the Netanyahu government’s settlement expansion, democratic backsliding, and failure to prioritise the hostages. It is a vote for a two-state solution, rebuilding shattered kibbutzim, supporting marginalised communities, advancing Jewish-Arab coexistence, and working towards peace with Israel’s neighbours.
The stakes at this election could not be clearer. Since October 7, the WZO’s $1.5 billion budget must be focused on rebuilding Gaza border communities, returning those displaced by Hezbollah and Iranian attacks, and supporting young people traumatised by war and terrorism. It must not be used to fund settlement expansion, which only deepens the conflict.
We believe the return of the hostages should have been the government’s top priority after October 7th. We support ongoing efforts toward a ceasefire and hostage release. But there also needs to be a serious long-term political strategy — something this government lacks.
The current coalition, most notably through Minister Ben Gvir and Smotrich, has seriously damaged Israel’s relationship with the Jewish Diaspora. Our slate is committed to working tirelessly to restore that relationship. At the same time, we acknowledge the serious rise in antisemitism across the Diaspora — a concern we will not allowed to go ignored in this election or within the WZO.
We are fierce advocates for an Israel for all that protects democratic values and the separation of religion and state. Religious pluralism and the respectful recognition of all streams of Judaism – including Orthodox, Masorti, Progressive and Secular Judaism – is something that we believe must be integral to the State of Israel.
These elections are an opportunity to send a message to the Netanyahu Government that the British Jewish community supports a secure, democratic Israel at peace with itself and at peace with its neighbours. We will not tolerate any erosion of democracy, a weakened judiciary or increasingly centralised power.
Dark times call for political engagement. Together we can create a better future for Israel and the Palestinians and help Israel live up to the original Zionist ideal of being a light unto the nations.
