We are dismayed to find Jo Wagerman of the Board of Deputies of British Jews once again trying to misrepresent the position of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) with respect to the tragic events in Palestine (The Times, 4th May 2002).

The MCB's principled position is that a peaceful resolution to this tragic conflict can only come through the ending of the occupation of all the Palestinian lands, the dismantling of the illegal settlements, and the return of Palestinian refugees in accordance with UN resolutions.

Earlier Ms Wagerman feared a worsening of Muslim-Jewish relations because of the "armed uprising in Israel and the Board putting forward the view of Israel", and now she says " we've got nothing to say to them" because according to her the MCB now supports the suicide bombing, which we have not. Even if we had, it cannot justify British Jews and Muslims not speaking to each other. We do not, however, take such dim view for there is more to Muslim/Jewish relations then the Board's total commitment to Israel, right or wrong.

Let me add that much as we greatly abhor the reported spurt in attacks on Jews we also feel greatly distressed by constant insinuations of anti-Semitism against the Muslim Community. Criticism or condemnation of Israel must not be construed as anti-Semitism.

Given wise and responsible leadership there should be no need to fear any worsening of Jewish/Muslim relations in Britain.

Yours sincerely

Iqbal AKM Sacranie OBE
Secretary General