AJC Applauds British Prime Minister Cameron's Knesset Speech

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Mar 12, 2014, 01:20 ET

NEW YORK, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC expressed profound appreciation for British Prime Minister David Cameron's extraordinary speech to the Knesset today on his first visit to Israel as prime minister.

AJC Executive Director David Harris stressed the significance of Prime Minister Cameron's remarks. "Great Britain is a major power—a permanent member of the Security Council and a key component of the P5+1 group that is negotiating with Iran over its nuclear ambitions," he said.

Speaking with great warmth to the Israeli legislature, Cameron issued a passionate condemnation of anti-Israel boycotts, declaring that "Britain opposes boycotts. Whether it's trade unions campaigning for the exclusion of Israelis or universities trying to stifle academic exchange, Israel's place as a homeland for the Jewish people will never rest on hollow resolutions passed by amateur politicians."

In addition, Cameron had strong words for Iran, saying "I am not starry-eyed about the new regime. A nuclear armed Iran is a threat to the whole world—not just to Israel…Britain will ensure that it is never allowed to happen."

"For the prime minister of such a diplomatically and strategically vital country to endorse Israel's quest for peace and security, and especially to denounce boycotts so unequivocally and, importantly, Palestinian incitement, is highly significant. We applaud the British leader for his laudable courage, conviction and common sense," said Harris.

The prime minister also condemned manifestations of anti-Semitism in Europe and pledged to safeguard the right of British Jews to practice ritual slaughter.

David Harris is AJC Executive Director, Edward and Sandra Meyer Office of the Executive Director.

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SOURCE American Jewish Committee