IT is becoming more and more difficult to make an impact within the trade union movement, Shadow International Development Secretary Ivan Lewis told the Big Tent.
He said at the opening plenary session to discuss trade unions: “It is not as straightforward as it seems.
“Israel is presented as a proxy state of America and is seen by many trade unions as part of a paradigm.
“For years, Israel has had to fend off boycotts, resolutions and political criticisms, but there is no quick fix.”
Joining Bury South MP Mr Lewis on the panel were pro-Israel Unitarian minister Chris Hudson, Trade Union Friends of Israel director Steve Scott and Histadrut chief of staff Yakov Triptou.
Trade Union Friends of Israel executive chairman Doreen Gerson chaired the meeting.
Mrs Gerson, who has been involved with the Trade Union Friends of Israel for more than 25 years, has taken more than 30 delegations of trade unionists to see Israel.
Mr Triptou co-ordinates all contact with government authorities, non-governmental organisations and employer organisations.
He also develops political and communication strategy for the Histadrut.
A lawyer by profession, Mr Triptou said: “We have thousands of new members joining us every year, including many Arabs.
“The situation regarding trade unions outside of Israel with regard to trying to get them to support and not boycott Israel is not great at the moment.
“They should see the work that the Histadrut does.”
Mr Triptou explained that the Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini regularly meets the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions general secretary Shaher Saed to discuss co-operation.
“It shows that there can be agreements and co-operation between different trade unions,” Mr Triptou said.
“We have held vocation schemes for Arabs and have made sure that the Palestinian labourers who work on the settlements have the same rights as the Israeli workers.”
Mr Hudson, who heads a church in Belfast, blasted Israel’s critics for comparing the Jewish state to apartheid South Africa.
He said: “There is absolutely no comparison.
“I was head of the South African anti-apartheid movement in Ireland and the comparison is part of the constant demonisation of Israel by many trade unions and churches.
“To say that Israel is an apartheid state is a real lie and crosses the line of truth.”
Mr Scott, who promotes an understanding of Israel and Israeli trade unionism within the UK trade unions, said he was concerned about the boycotts of Israeli trade unions.