There has long been a tension between those who favour direct confrontation with our enemies and those who take a different approach.

It was present within the 35s campaign for Soviet Jewry and it is present today in the campaign against Israel's delegitimisers. Tensions can rise as either side finds the other's tactics frustrating. But the libelling of Jonathan Hoffman is of an altogether different order.

The Zionist Federation co-vice chairman generates strong reactions, but he is indefatigable in his espousal of peace in the Middle East. For a representative of the Union of Jewish Students to repeat outrageous smears put out by Israel's enemies, as a deliberate means of doing down Mr Hoffman, is indefensible, and he should apologise now.