Received from: National Education Union
Congress notes:
i. On 4 September, it was announced that Israeli president Isaac Herzog will visit Britain on 10 and 11 September.
ii. Herzog is the head of a state that is currently on trial for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
iii. In January 2024, the ICJ cited statements made by Herzog – that sought to dehumanise Palestinians and called for their collective punishment – as plausible evidence of Israel’s genocidal intent towards the Palestinian people. Herzog’s chilling statements include that there “are no innocent civilians in Gaza” and that Israel will “fight until we break their backbone”. Sickeningly, he was even pictured writing messages on bombs in preparation to be dropped on Gaza.
iv. As a state party to the Genocide Convention, Britain has a responsibility to prevent and punish genocide including by bringing to justice those responsible for incitement to commit genocide.
Congress believes:
a. Faced with overwhelming evidence of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which includes the systematic killing of education, health, media and other workers, no Israeli government official should be welcomed to Britain, and no British minister should be meeting with them as part of such a visit.
b. If this visit goes ahead, Herzog must be subject to robust action and investigation by the police.
Congress resolves to:
1. Call on the prime minister and home secretary to prevent Isaac Herzog from entering Britain.
2. Support protests against this visit if it goes ahead.
3. Continue to support and promote the workplace days of action in solidarity with Palestine.
Mover: National Education Union
Seconder: University College Union