Matthew visited Israel again to see the work being undertaken by JNF UK. He also took the opportunity to meet with Israeli politicians, including Moshe Ya'alon, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, Education Minister, but his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to be delayed as a result of the announcement of the new coalition being formed.
Matthew also visited Ofakim and Sderot where, in the latter, he saw the opening of a skateboard park that has been constructed by JNF UK for the young people, many of whom have been affected by the rocket attacks. The frequent air-raid sirens and explosions of incoming projectiles have caused severe psychological trauma amongst many and the skateboard park has been designed to give young people a chance get away from the horrors of their everyday existence.
Matthew said: “The last time I was in Israel I told the Deputy Prime Minister that the Coalition Government would reform the law on Universal Jurisdiction and on this visit I was able to tell Moshe Ya’alon that we have done just that, to allow him and his colleagues to visit the UK without fear of unfounded arrest. As such I am very pleased by the announcement from the new coalition that “advancing a responsible peace process” is one of the top four priorities of the new administration, though I stress that the process was stalled because of an unwilling partner, not because of a lack of willingness within the Prime Minister’s camp.”
Matthew continued: “It was also a great pleasure to meet with young people in Sderot who have suffered so much through rocket attacks. JNF has provided a wonderful resource that was being well used by skateboarders when I visited and is clearly proving a valuable asset to the community.”
Photo: Matthew takes the plunge on the ramp in the skateboard park