By Emb Hashmi
The British Parliament some believe has been slow to react to the intentional and historical crises in Gaza where thousands of innocent people have lost their lives, homes destroyed and the landscape transformed from its historic symbolic scenery to a deadly war zone.
One man of power, a person in the public eye with a high profile does not shy away from speaking about the atrocities and dire human rights violations in Gaza.
Sir Gerald Kaufman has been an influential member of parliament for 40 years. He first won his seat to represent his constituency in 1970 and has successively won eleven general elections to date. His current constituency is Manchester Gorton. Sir Gerald Kaufman is most recognised by some for his tireless work to support and help Palestinians suffering in the constant attacks from Israel.
Sir Gerald Kaufman spoke to Asian World to explain why he feels he needs to help the fight in Gaza and promote the cause highlighting the horrifying situation where and when he can.
Sir Gerald Kaufman was born into a Jewish family; he was born in Leeds in 1930, both Sir Gerald Kauffman’s parents both came from Poland before the First World War.
Sir Gerald told Asian World he feels the world is a different place now then what it used to be “a great deal has changed since I first came to office.
Asian World asked Sir Gerald about Gaza and his response.
What issue are you most passionate about?
On a local level I feel strongly about deprivation in my own constituency, where youth employment is so high, justice for pensioners, a need for many people to have better housing.
On an international level I have great passion to help people suffering in Palestine who I believe are being oppressed by Israel, and the human rights violations in Kashmir and other situations such as the one in Cyprus.
I think it is unacceptable that the Palestinians are deprived.
Why do you famously wear ‘A cry for Palestine sweatshirt’?
I wore that sweat shirt as I wanted to show my support for the dire situation in Palestine.
Do you have a personal connection with Palestine?
Yes I have friends in east Jerusalem, who are Muslim. I have visited them and both Israel and Palestine so many times that I lose count at the amount of times I have visited. I felt very passionately about Palestine for a long time, I feel very strongly about this issue. The situation in Palestine has got worse and worse and worse.
You famously made a speech at the House of Commons on the Israeli attack in Gaza why did you feel you had to make this statement?
The Israelis are like Nazi in Palestine
If I feel strongly about something then parliament is the place to express my views.
You find a lot of people in high profile roles such as yourself shying away from controversial issues why are you so different?
I believe I’ve got the privilege of sitting in parliament it seems to me I should use that privilege. Someone said to me once I agree with your views but I don’t think you should express your views in parliament, which I thought was disgusting.
Spoke in parliament this week about Gaza I should take every opportunity I can.
Why do you think historically the situation in Gaza and Israel occurred?
We’ve got a situation where the Israelis have misguided views on how to secure Israel’s future and national security, I believe the last couple of weeks have shown Israel national security and their views are a shambles.
Would you like to be part of a peace delegation to try and find a solution to the many issues faced in that region?
A peace delegation will not find a solution. The only thing that will find a solution is the Israelis respecting the rights of the Palestinians. The only person who can help is the President of the United States who has been useless on this so far. The American president will not do this as he does not have the right views for this.
What do you think needs to happen in Gaza for a permanent state of peace where everyone regardless of religion can live in harmony?
I think the only thing that can make Gaza free, is firstly Israel lifting their illegal blockade and secondly a settlement where Gaza will be part of a free Palestine.
Do you think this will ever happen?
My own personal view is there is no prospect whatsoever on peace. The peace process will not work. In the end it will be up to the Palestinians to decide their future.
How have the Israeli responded to your support and statement about Palestine?
They don’t like it, but that can’t be helped. I’m not in public office to appease the Israelis. If they did contact me I would tell them where to get off.
Have you ever been to Israelis and Palestine?
First time I went to Israel was in 1961 and I have been there more times than I can count since. I have in the past led two parliamentary delegations to the west bank, and to Gaza, consisting of sixty delegations from 13 countries. Last time I was there was in June this year.
You did once state along with British MP Martin Linton, that the Conservative Party are “too close” to Israel. Do you still believe that to be true?
Yes I certainly believe that to be true, and that’s why in the week of the 22nd November, Britain abstained in the vote on recognition of Palestine in front he the United Nations. But thankfully the UN voted overwhelmingly to support the Palestinians.
Sir Gerald Kauffman ended the interview by saying “I shall go on fighting for Palestinians’ until justice is done”.
