Co-op petitions gathering momentum

Co-op petitions gathering momentum

Local communities and pro -Israel support groups have been petitioning their local Co-op stores to urge the supermarket chain to bin their boycott policy regarding Israel. What started in Northern Ireland - with petitions there gaining over 600 signatures - has been taken up in various parts of Great Britain as well.

The Board's consultant on communal engagement with Israel, Steven Jaffe says: "When we reported on this initiative in Community Briefing the story was taken up by Christian Friends of Israel. I received emails pledging support from North Wales, Cornwall, Aylesbury and elsewhere and the number of petitions is growing all the time. It is hugely encouraging."  

Belmont for Israel has led the way and petitions have also been launched in South London by members of Wimbledon synagogue. 130 signed our petition in South Ealing asking for an end to Co-op boycott of Israel. More petitions are being set up across UK 

Church congregations in Liverpool and Bournemouth have presented petitions to their local stores.  

Steven says: "This is an excellent way for local communities to get involved in restoring balance and fair play at the Co-op. I can provide a full briefing and wording for the petition. The petition can be done on-line or in paper form and should be presented to the local store manager. 

"There has been much change at the Co-op recently. A new management team is reviewing past governance and decision making. It is imperative we make our voices heard at this time." Steven can be contacted at steven.jaffe@bod.org.uk. 

The Co-op is boycotting four Israeli companies, because they may source some products from Israeli settlements. They are the only major supermarket chain to have taken this step, and the Co-op does not boycott produce from any other country in this way. The campaign to overturn the Boycott  is being coordinated by the Board of Deputies and We Believe in Israel. 

Steven's work for the Board is part funded by the Jewish Leadership Council.