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Chief Rabbi Defends Israel, Denounces Genocide Claims

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations, says describing Israel's Gaza actions as genocide misuses the term and politicizes it.
In a Telegraph article, he notes genocide requires intent to destroy a group, an intent he says Israel lacks.
He says Israel's aims are to return hostages and disarm Hamas.
He condemns human rights groups for misusing the term.

History

Historical Context

The Genocide Convention, adopted by the UN on December 9, 1948, defines genocide as acts intended to destroy a group, reflecting historical atrocities like the Holocaust and the Armenian genocide. Sir Ephraim Mirvis argues that Israel's actions in Gaza do not meet this criterion, highlighting ongoing debates about the term's misuse, particularly in the context of Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, which can strain international relations.

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Story summary

Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations, says describing Israel's Gaza actions as genocide misuses the term and politicizes it.
In a Telegraph article, he notes genocide requires intent to destroy a group, an intent he says Israel lacks.
He says Israel's aims are to return hostages and disarm Hamas.
He condemns human rights groups for misusing the term.

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