Ireland, Spain and Greece spearhead controversial vote critics call discriminatory isolation campaign against Israelis.
The Israeli Union of Social Workers faces a dramatic expulsion vote from the International Federation of Social Workers after Ireland, Spain, and Greece formally demanded action over alleged ethical violations.
The three countries argue that Israeli social workers should have sought military service exemptions or issued a “call for peace.” The federation previously censured the Israeli body in January 2025, citing ethics provisions stating social workers “should not use weapons” in professional or personal capacities.
The expulsion vote, scheduled for February 18, requires a 75% majority among 141 national associations.
🇮🇱 Israeli Union Rejects “Unimaginable” Demands
The Israeli union has urged members to abandon the vote, warning that suspension would deepen polarization and undermine dialogue with Palestinian counterparts.
In a firm response, the union stressed that military service in Israel is a universal civic duty, especially during wartime. It described demands for blanket exemptions as “entirely unimaginable within Israeli society,” particularly in a war it insists Israel did not initiate.
The union reaffirmed commitment to professional dialogue, warning that isolation would empower extremists opposed to coexistence.
⚖ Broader Pattern of International Marginalization
This latest move follows previous tensions. The federation censured the Israeli body in 2018 before lifting the measure in 2022 after renewed engagement efforts.
Jewish advocacy groups, including the Jewish Social Work Consortium, have condemned the expulsion attempt as nationality-based targeting rather than conduct-based accountability. A petition urging American and Canadian members to oppose the motion has reportedly gathered more than 10,000 signatures.
Critics argue the effort reflects political activism within professional institutions rather than neutral ethical enforcement.
