Israeli cabinet condemns British boycott

JERUSALEM, June 3 (UPI) -- Calls from within Great Britain to boycott Israeli schools and commerce represent anti-Semitism in Europe, an Israeli official said Sunday.

"There is a long trail of anti-Semitism in Europe, which includes one-sided articles and anti-Semitic harassment," said Social Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog. "This is a great challenge for the Israeli government to deal with."

The planned boycott was one of the topics Sunday at Israel's weekly cabinet meeting, Ynetnews.com reported.

Citing Israel's treatment of Palestinians, academics at England's University and College Union have called for a boycott of academic institutions in Israel.

A group representing British architects is considering a similar move and there is concern "this phenomenon may spread," Israeli Immigrant Absorption Minister Ze'ev Boim said.