The European Jewish Association (EJA), representing hundreds of Jewish Communities across Europe, condemned the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) for a “reckless and irresponsible” statement about an Israeli Minister.
The Times of Israel reported that the EUJS originally issued a statement denouncing Minister Chikli, citing his comments on LGBT and Reform communities as unacceptable and saying that "he does not represent the Diaspora. We are turning our backs on him."
In a statement this evening, Alexander Benjamin, the Brussels Office Director for the EJA, advocating for European Jewry and Israel, said, “The EUJS statement regarding Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, Mr Amichai Chikli, cannot be left unanswered. It is reckless and irresponsible. We absolutely condemn their statement and its message. European Jewry should not interfere with Israeli politics."
"For many years all mainstream Jewish organizations worldwide worked with any elected government in Israel despite differences of opinion and this should continue to remain the case. The Jewish state is an independent and democratic country and its government represent its citizens. Young people who publicly attack the world’s only Jewish state and its democratically elected public representatives are displaying a breathtaking arrogance, a naivety, and a reckless and irresponsible attitude to the very country that represents their insurance policy."
“Additionally, just as there is not one single European body representing all Jews, so there is not one single body representing all Jewish Students. Nonetheless, any body purporting to speak for Jewish students operating at a pan-European level, has a deep responsibility towards European Jewry. It is clear that they have not understood this."
“It is a shame that we must respond in such a derisive manner, but we repeat, such a statement cannot be left to stand unanswered.”
Minister Chikli declined to comment on the issue, saying only that "I am used to criticism, and accept it with love."