The Israel-Palestine war has divided the world. Many has condemned the blatant attacks to human life in the wake of the violence. Now, a British Jewish group has branded the Football Association “spineless” and condemned the organisation for its “weak response” to the Hamas attack in Israel. The criticism came after FA on Thursday announced the Wembley Stadium arch will not be illuminated in blue and white to represent the Israeli flag.
England and Australia will sport black armbands and observe a minute’s silence before Friday night’s friendly match. It will be to pay respect to the departed souls in the violence amid the Israel-Palestine war.
In a statement, the FA said it will “remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine”.
“Our thoughts are with them, and their families and friends in England and Australia and with all the communities who are affected by this ongoing conflict.
“We stand for humanity and an end to the death, violence, fear and suffering.”
However, the Board of Deputies of British Jews criticised FA’s stand. It is the largest and second oldest Jewish communal organisation in the UK.
The Board of Deputies in a statement referred to the “Bataclan massacre.” 90 people died in the incident at a nightclub in Paris during the November 2015 attacks.
All Premier League stadiums had played the famous French national anthem “La Marseillaise” the following weekend after the attack in a show of solidarity.
The Jewish organisation said on Thursday: “When hundreds of innocent Israelis were murdered, raped and kidnapped in a coordinated terrorist campaign, unequalled since 9/11, the FA’s response is ‘to remember the victims of the conflicts in Israel and Palestine’ and the Wembley arches will not be illuminated in blue and white.
“This weak response brings no credit to the FA.”
The Chelsea Jewish Supporters’ Group described the response as “spineless” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
