International Federation of Social Workers Votes Against Expulsion of Israeli Union

The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) voted against a motion to expel the Israeli Union of Social Workers on Wednesday, following weeks of debate and opposition from various Jewish organizations. The proposal, which required a 75% majority from the IFSW's 67 member nations, was initiated by the Irish, Spanish, and Greek affiliates, who accused the Israeli union of not seeking exemptions from mandatory military service for its members. The vote concluded a contentious period marked by significant advocacy against the expulsion from Jewish groups and social work organizations.

Times of IsraelJewish InsiderJewish Insider

The IFSW had previously censured Israel in 2022, which set the stage for the recent expulsion discussions. The current motion was fueled by complaints from some European members regarding Israeli social workers' involvement in combat roles during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. In response, Jewish social workers in the U.S. and Canada organized a petition that garnered over 12,000 signatures, urging the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Canadian Association of Social Workers to oppose the expulsion.

Jewish InsiderJewish InsiderTimes of Israel

The NASW expressed its surprise and disappointment at the consideration of the expulsion motion, emphasizing that such actions contradict the profession's core values of unity, dialogue, and compassion. In their statement, they highlighted the importance of professional engagement over exclusion, stating, “We hope that, should they ever face similar challenges, they are met with the compassion, understanding, and empathy that they are currently denying to their Israeli colleagues.” The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington hailed the vote as a victory for inclusion, while Guila Franklin Siegel remarked on the need for international bodies to support Israeli social workers rather than isolate them.

Jewish Insider

Critics of the expulsion motion, including prominent Jewish organizations such as Hadassah and the Anti-Defamation League, argued that the measure was discriminatory and antisemitic. They contended that targeting Israeli professionals based on their nationality and military service was a form of exclusion that undermines the values of the social work profession. Carol Ann Schwartz, president of Hadassah, described the proposal as a “blatantly antisemitic maneuver.”

Times of Israel

While the IFSW's decision to reject the expulsion motion was celebrated, the leadership did not publicly comment on the vote's implications. Additionally, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the future relationship between the IFSW and its Israeli members, especially in light of the previous censure and ongoing tensions within the organization.

Jewish Insider

• “Hadassah is alarmed by this blatantly antisemitic maneuver to isolate and exclude Jewish and Israeli professionals solely based on their ethnic and religious identity,” — Carol Ann Schwartz, President of Hadassah

Times of Israel

• “We are deeply surprised and disappointed that our European colleagues, who have not experienced circumstances comparable to those faced by their Israeli counterparts, are now seeking to judge and exclude them,” — National Association of Social Workers

Jewish Insider

• “While it is disappointing that the IFSW even considered such exclusionary motions, we are hopeful that this closes the door on any effort to isolate Israeli social workers initiated by international bodies that should be supporting and lifting them,” — Guila Franklin Siegel, COO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington

Jewish Insider

The IFSW's decision not to expel the Israeli Union of Social Workers reflects a complex interplay of advocacy, ethical considerations, and the ongoing challenges faced by social workers in politically charged environments.

Jewish Insider