Council leader's message on anniversary of October 7 attacks
"We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Sheffield can live their lives here, free from fear or prejudice"
Sheffield Council leader has issued a statement to mark the "appalling" October 7 attacks on Israel, and reaffirmed Sheffield's support for a two-state solution.
Councillor Fran Belbin, leader of Sheffield City Council, marked the third anniversary of the largest terror attack in Israel's history, with a statement to the strategy and resources committee meeting.
Around 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 251 were taken as hostages after terrorists fired rockets and attacked civilians, including at a music festival.
"It will not have escaped members attention that we are meeting today on 7 October which is the third anniversary of the Hamas attack in southern Israel," the leader said.
"It was an appalling act of antisemitic terror on innocent civilians and as leader of the council I want to express my condolences and solidarity with the Jewish population in Sheffield and beyond who have felt the impacts of that day."
Coun Belbin reaffirmed the councils position, to promote a peaceful solution to the conflict that recognises Palestine as a sovereign state alongside a safe and secure Israel.
"The conflict in the Middle East did not begin on 7 October, and before and after that date we have used our positions as councillors here in Sheffield to promote a peaceful solution.
"Here today I reiterate our commitment to this two state solution, the preferred option of most Israelis and Palestinians.
"I also reaffirm our rejection of antisemitism and of those who seek to equate the actions of the current Israeli government with the wider Jewish population
"We have condemned the Israeli governments actions, the equally unjustified murder of innocent Palestinians many times in this chamber, but to extend that condemnation to Jewish or Israeli people more generally, people who hold a huge diversity of views and opinions and who have a right to self-determination, is antisemitic and racist."
She said Sheffield Council has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.
The definition states: "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."
Coun Belbin ended her statement and said: "We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Sheffield of whatever background or faith can feel safe here and live their lives here, free from fear or prejudice."