British Jews break away from 'pro-Israeli' Board of Deputies

[Catchme]

A new organisation to represent British Jews is to be launched today in response to a perceived pro-Israeli bias in existing Jewish bodies in the UK.

The founders of Independent Jewish Voices, IJV, which will include such luminaries as the Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter and the historian Eric Hobsbawm, say that the group is being established as a counter-balance to the uncritical support for Israeli policies offered by established bodies such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

More than 100 high-profile British Jews have already signed the group's founding declaration: "Those who claim to speak on behalf of Jews in Britain and other countries consistently put support for the policies of an occupying power above the human rights of the occupied people."

Supporters hope to create an opportunity for Jews of different political affiliations to express opinions "without being accused of disloyalty or being dismissed as self-hating", said a spokeswoman. "The idea is to create a platform for critical debate about the situation in the Middle East that until now has not existed."

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_brit...icle2237707.ece

This a extremely important statement, and is pertinent to what is cutrtrently happening in Canada regarding the ME, Canadians need now more than ever to be informed. There are many voices professing to speak for Jews, when indeed they do not.

Signatories have put all in as this is a righteous monumantal and historic move, and whose names should be left out? They ALL deserve recognition and allocades and no doubt their numbers will grow:

Dr Lisa Appignanesi, Dr Paul Auerbach,Pete Ayrton, Julia Bard, Sir Geoffrey Bindman, Jonathan Bloch,Prof Irene Bruegel, Jennie Buckman, Prof Brian Butterworth, Jane Caplan, Sarah Caplin, Beatrice Clarke,Barry Cohen, Prof Gerald Cohen, Prof Stan Cohen, Lady Ellen Dahrendorf, Jenny Diski,Professor Elizabeth Dore, Musa Moris Farhi, Nicole Farhi, Nina Farhi, Prof Stephan Feuchtwang, Prof Nina Fishman, Prof John Forrester, Dr Edie Friedman, Stephen Fry,Uri Fruchtman, Alexander Goehr, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg,Martin Golding, Geoffrey Goodman,Jeremy Green, Sephen Grosz, Dr Don Guttenplan, Michael Halpern,Michelle Hanson, Jenny Harris, Prof Margaret Harris, Abe Hayeem,Rosamine Hayeem, Prof Sue Himmelweit,Prof Eric Hobsbawm, Marlene Hobsbawm, Eva Hoffman,Luke Holland, Dr Anthony Isaacs, Dr Jeremy Isaacs,Prof Anne Janowitz, Lawrence Joffe, Ann Jungman, Prof Emanuel de Kadt, Dr Keith Kahn-Harris, Prof Cora Kaplan, Anne Karpf, Amira Katz-Goehr, Beeban Kidron, Reva Klein, Pam Kleinot, Dr Brian Klug,Prof Francesca Klug, Dr Tony Klug, Marion Kozak, Richard Kuper, Prof Tony Kushner, Michael Kustow, David Lan,Judith Lancet, Mike Leigh, Prof Stephen Lerman, Dr Mark Levene, Dr Carl Levy, Susan Loppert, Heinz Lubasz, Prof Steven Lukes, Deborah Maccoby,Dr Ruth Mandel,Dennis Marks,Prof Shula Marks,Mike Marqusee, Neil Martinson,Dr David Metz,Chris Mohr,Ian Montrose,Louise Morris,Paul Morrison,Turi Munthe,Braham Murray,Maurice Naftalin,Prof Mica Nava,Diana Neslen,Victoria Neumark,Prof Mike Newman,Carey Oppenheim, Prof Susie Orbach,Dr Kathy Panama,Prof Naomi Pfeffer,Adam Phillips,Caroline Pick,Prof Daniel Pick, Harold Pinter,Sigrid Rausing,Prof Sir Nigel Rodley,Prof Jacqueline Rose,Barbara Rosenbaum,David Rosenberg,Leon Rosselson,Anthony Rudolf,Ken Sabel,Prof Andrew Samuels,Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah, Sarah Jess Wood Sarah,Prof Donald Sassoon,Ruth Schamroth,Dr Joseph Schwartz,Graeme Segal,Prof Lynne Segal,

Ronald Segal,Susan Segal,Prof Richard Sennett,Prof Avi Shlaim,Rabbi Sheila Shulman,Dr Jonathan Sklar,Hazel Slavin,Gillian Slovo,Robyn Slovo,Shawn Slovo, Henry Stewart,Ruth Stone,Dr Judith Suissa, Susan Sutcliffe,Janet Suzman,Dr Barbara Taylor,Ruth Tenne, Asher Tlalim,Ronit Tlalim,Dr Elaine Unterhalter,Zoë Wanamaker,Eyal Weizman, Prof Sami Zubaida,

This their purpose and reasoning;

We come together in the belief that the broad spectrum of opinion among the Jewish population of this country is not reflected by those institutions which claim authority to represent the Jewish community as a whole. We further believe that individuals and groups within all communities should feel free to express their views on any issue of public concern without incurring accusations of disloyalty.

We have therefore resolved to promote the expression of alternative Jewish voices, particularly in respect of the grave situation in the Middle East, which threatens the future of both Israelis and Palestinians as well as the stability of the whole region. We are guided by the following principles:

1. Human rights are universal and indivisible and should be upheld without exception. This is as applicable in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories as it is elsewhere.

2. Palestinians and Israelis alike have the right to peaceful and secure lives.

3. Peace and stability require the willingness of all parties to the conflict to comply with international law.

4. There is no justification for any form of racism, including anti-Semitism, anti-Arab racism or Islamophobia, in any circumstance.

5. The battle against anti-Semitism is vital and is undermined whenever opposition to Israeli government policies is automatically branded as anti-Semitic.

These principles are contradicted when those who claim to speak on behalf of Jews in Britain and other countries consistently put support for the policies of an occupying power above the human rights of an occupied people. The Palestinian inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza Strip face appalling living conditions with desperately little hope for the future. We declare our support for a properly negotiated peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people and oppose any attempt by the Israeli government to impose its own solutions on the Palestinians.

It is imperative and urgent that independent Jewish voices find a coherent and consistent way of asserting themselves on these and other issues of concern. We hereby reclaim the tradition of Jewish support for universal freedoms, human rights and social justice. The lessons we have learned from our own history compel us to speak out. We therefore commit ourselves to make public our views on a continuing basis and invite other concerned Jews to join and support us.

More on this in particular note the unwarranted uncertainty surrounding speaking out against Zionism and Israel:

If there is one thing on which Jews can agree, it is this: it's good to argue. Jewish culture has thrived on argument - frank, sincere disagreement - ever since Moses disputed with God. But today an oppressive and unhealthy atmosphere is leading many Jews to feel uncertain about speaking out on Israel and Zionism. People are anxious about contravening an unwritten law on what you can and cannot discuss, may or may not assert.

It is a climate that raises fundamental questions: about freedom of expression, Jewish identity, representation, and the part that concerned Jews in Britain can play in assisting Israelis and Palestinians to find their way to a better future.

As the situation in the Middle East deteriorates yearly, more and more Jews watch with dismay from afar. Dismay turns to anguish when innocent civilians - Palestinians and Israelis - suffer injury and death because of the continuing conflict. Anguish turns to outrage when the human rights of a population under occupation are repeatedly violated in the name of the Jewish people.

These are the back ground reasons for the breakaway from the board:

When a "solidarity rally" was held in London last July in the midst of the conflict with Lebanon, it was the board that organised it.

All of which suggests that British Jewry, speaking with one voice, stands solidly behind the Israeli government and its military operations.

Two things are wrong with this suggestion. First, it's false. Jews were deeply divided over Israel's campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon last year. Certainly, there were those who shared the sentiment of the chief rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, who, addressing the rally, said: "Israel, you make us proud." Others felt roughly the opposite emotion.

Second, the board has no business taking a partisan position on the Middle East. Let groups such as the Zionist Federation or perhaps the Israeli embassy organise solidarity rallies. The role of the board is to promote the welfare of British Jews in all their variety, not to defend Israel. Similarly, the chief rabbi is entitled, ex officio, to bring a religious perspective to political matters, but it is not his role to act as political spokesman for his flock.

http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/brian_...ish_voices.html

[jbg]

I have no idea who those Quislings are.

[Catchme]

Most likely they do not know who you are either jbg, perhaps they do not move in Zionist circles?

Funny that you call them quislings, when all they are doing is saying not all Jews speak for all Jews and they want their voices to be heard as being different from those raving irrationally about Muslims and Palestinians. Nor do they believe this you cannot discuss the bad things Israel is doing or you're anti-semetic. Because they believe in human rights, truth and good actions and do not believe what you do, is no reason to negatively label them.

[jbg]

Funny that you call them quislings...

I have to give you credit for knowing what a Quisling is.

[sharkman]

What a lllooooong first post!! Could you shorten things up next time? Why every single name?

[Catchme]

Listed the names to give every opportunity for name recognition, as there are mostly significant Jewish names there, so many that I really do not understand how JBG would not know them. Tis starange that he doesn't and there are many Rabbis who have broken away too from the Jewish council. A council that they feel has been taken over by people appropriating their names and their Jewishness to support the nasty actions of the Israeli government, when indeed they have no right.

For example:

Eric Hobsbawm is one of the best known historians of the Twentieth Century. In addition to many books on a variety of topics, Hobsbawm has written two important texts dealing with the subject of nationalism. These include: Nations and Nationalism Since 1780 and The Invention of Tradition. The excerpt included here is drawn from Nations and Nationalism since 1780.

Stephen John Fry is an English comedian, author, actor and filmmaker. In September 2006, he was also voted by the general public as number 9 in a poll of TV's Greatest Stars. In December 2006, Fry was ranked 6th for the BBC's Top Living Icon Award

Rabbi Dr David Goldberg is emeritus rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, London, and author of The Divided Self: Israel and the Jewish Psyche Today.

Carey Oppenheim is a special advisor to No 10 downing St, or rather to the Prime Minister of England

Stanley Cohen won The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986

Lady Ellen Dahrendorf is a prominent historian and translator of Russian political works.

Professor Elizabeth Dore is an world renowned author and is Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Southampton,

Sir Geoffrey Bindman, who jbg should know is a prominent UK lawyer was Knighted for his life long pursuit

of human rights

Julia Bard, a renowned Jewish journalist on Jewish issues and David Rosenberg who is a teacher are committed Jews. They feel passionately about Jewish history, they have a strong Jewish element to their social lives and fight endlessly for anti-semitism and Jewish causes.

You can see, just from the few briefs I did, the people who have stepped away and who have signed on to a new organization, are not just any Jews. They are prominent world renowned Jews who fight strongly for Jewish rights, it amazes me that anyone who professes to be Jewish, does not recognize their names. It would be impossible not to know at least some of them.

[jbg]

Listed the names to give every opportunity for name recognition, as there are mostly significant Jewish names there, so many that I really do not understand how JBG would not know them. Tis starange that he doesn't and there are many Rabbis who have broken away too from the Jewish council.

Been reading a bit much of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion lately? I don't know every single Jew in the world, trust me.

A council that they feel has been taken over by people appropriating their names and their Jewishness to support the nasty actions of the Israeli government, when indeed they have no right.

Too bad we have never had the opportunity to see if the Israeli government would have been "nasty" if left to live in peace. Their government, from 1948 to 1977, was a left-wing Labor government; Maybe if the Israelis had been left alone from the get-go there would have been no 1967 War, no "occupied territories", no "targeted assassinations", no "wall" and no "settlements".

[scribblet]

Too bad we have never had the opportunity to see if the Israeli government would have been "nasty" if left to live in peace. Their government, from 1948 to 1977, was a left-wing Labor government; Maybe if the Israelis had been left alone from the get-go there would have been no 1967 War, no "occupied territories", no "targeted assassinations", no "wall" and no "settlements".

Exactly.

If the Palestinians laid down their arms there would be peace

If Israel laid down its arms - there would genocide, they would be 'pushed into the sea'

[August1991]

Palestinian are involved in an ugly civil war and Harold Pinter says that he wants Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians - as if that's a pressing problems right now.

----

I posted this elsewhere but it seems relevant here.

Perhaps you have heard of Maryam Farhat, who sits in the Palestine Legislature as a member of Hamas. Three of her six children were suicide bombers.

Here is what she said about peace and Israel (in December 2005):

Peace means the liberation of all of Palestine, from the (Jordan) to the (Mediterranean) Sea. When this is accomplished – if they want peace, we will be ready. They may live under the banner of the Islamic state. That is the future of Palestine that we are striving towards.

Dream2, Egyptian TV

Here's what Hassan Nasrallah (head of Hizballah) said about Israel (in 2000, his views have not changed):

I am against any reconciliation with Israel. I do not even recognize the presence of a state that is called "Israel." I consider its presence both unjust and unlawful. That is why if Lebanon concludes a peace agreement with Israel and brings that accord to the Parliament our deputies will reject it; Hezbollah refuses any conciliation with Israel in principle.

Washington Post

There is no negotiation possible with people having such a viewpoint.

[scribblet]

There is no negotiation possible with people having such a viewpoint.

Many recognize this, but many who seem to be on the left on issues, seem to feel the same way the Palestinians do. That is, Israel should not exist.

When you boil it down, isn't it really what they want, the destruction of Israel? I know that critique of Israel is not anti-Semitism, but the relentless assault on Israel and support of anti Israel forces makes one wonder.

" Profoundly anti-Israel views are increasingly finding support in 'progressive' intellectual communities. Serious and thoughtful people are advocating and taking actions that are anti-semitic in their effect if not their intent."

Lawrence Summers, 17 September 2002

[BC_chick]

You can see, just from the few briefs I did, the people who have stepped away and who have signed on to a new organization, are not just any Jews. They are prominent world renowned Jews who fight strongly for Jewish rights, it amazes me that anyone who professes to be Jewish, does not recognize their names. It would be impossible not to know at least some of them.

As usual, our Stephen Harper is going against the tide. I don't have a link to quote him, but to paraphrase him..... today he said in a speech to the Canadian Council of Israel that he's willing to lose his entire political career over his staunch support of Israel.

That's my type of politician! One that is willing to throw away all that he sees as "visionary" ideas for his beloved country, in order to give support - even if merely through the spoken word - to a country which serves absolutely no geographical or economical value to Canadian way of life.

In fact, I feel so strongly about things, that I think he should bring it up in the Knesset during the next session.

Ooops, I meant Parliament.

[scribblet]

In fact, I feel so strongly about things, that I think he should bring it up in the Knesset during the next session.

Fortunately Harper is principled enough to stand by Israel in its hour of need and I applaud him for it.

"A battle between a democratic state and the terrorist groups who seek to destroy both it and its people is not a matter of shades of gray," said Harper, who added that he hopes to see the birth of a democratic Palestinian state.

"It is a matter of right and wrong. . . When faced with such threats, Israel will always have a steadfast friend in Canada's new government."

[GostHacked]

What a lllooooong first post!! Could you shorten things up next time? Why every single name?

Anything to offer to the thread other than this??? Do you read books? Or are they too long for you?

Scriblett

There is no negotiation possible with people having such a viewpoint.

For that, there are equals on either side of the equation. Palestinians want their land back, which Israel illegaly took. The world community seems to really hate this 'security barrier' which really makes every day life EXTREMELY HARD on all Palestinians. Take a look at that security barrier route. I mean REALLY take a look at it, and then try to tell me it is for security purposes.

Tit for tat. Back and forth. Both blame each other. Both are stubborn and won't budge. Personaly I think this needs more exposure. If high profile people of the Jewish religion are comming out and saying Israel is in the wrong, then you should pay attention to it.

As for the war last summer, the Israeli soldier is still in Palestinian custody (Hammas or other). People within the Israeli government are saying overall, Israel overreacted to the whole situation. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If death is all you see, then death is all you believe. Palestinian suicide bombers (ok now I am purely guessing here butt..) seem to think they are justified in sacraficing themselves for their people. Why do people have a hard time with this view? Many soldiers go to war and die and are in a way sacraficed for the common goal. They believe in the cause. Try to talk them out of it. Can't. Try to talk to Israel to tear down the barrier, and give some land back and evacuate the occupied territories. They won't.

BOTH SIDES won't budge one bit. International debate and 'talks' accomplish nothing, for after the fact they both revert to their tactics.

[jbg]

That's my type of politician! One that is willing to throw away all that he sees as "visionary" ideas for his beloved country, in order to give support - even if merely through the spoken word - to a country which serves absolutely no geographical or economical value to Canadian way of life.

In fact, I feel so strongly about things, that I think he should bring it up in the Knesset during the next session.

Ooops, I meant Parliament.

Except that Israel, just like the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand (the core English-speaking countries) are Canada's siblings (yes, Israel is Anglosphere). I am shocked that so many Canadians are willing to throw away that major claim to greatness.

Shocked and revolted.

[BC_chick]

Except that Israel, just like the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand (the core English-speaking countries) are Canada's siblings (yes, Israel is Anglosphere). I am shocked that so many Canadians are willing to throw away that major claim to greatness.

Shocked and revolted.

So, essentially you're saying that Stephen Harper is doing the right thing - even if it means losing the PM office and foregoing all the good he believes he can do for his own country - in order to show verbal support for a foreign country? And all because some would (questionably) argue that the said country is part of the Anglosphere?

Personally, I don't want to see the politics of any of the "Anglosphere" countries come in the way of our domestic issues. Even the English-speaking, former Commonwealth countries who are inarguably Canada's cousins.

Sorry if that shocks or revolts you.

[jbg]

So, essentially you're saying that Stephen Harper is doing the right thing - even if it means losing the PM office and foregoing all the good he believes he can do for his own country - in order to show verbal support for a foreign country? And all because some would (questionably) argue that the said country is part of the Anglosphere?

Personally, I don't want to see the politics of any of the "Anglosphere" countries come in the way of our domestic issues. Even the English-speaking, former Commonwealth countries who are inarguably Canada's cousins.

Sorry if that shocks or revolts you.

It's a well-written post. I suppose we don't agree though. The US, albeit belatedly, came to the aid of Canada and UK in both World Wars. It has also worked in reverse. From other countries, I see mainly symbolism, not blood, sweat, tears and toil.

[Catchme]

What has the USA coming into the World Wars got do to with Harper's verbal support of Israel besides not a thing?

Moreover, that Harper would signal support of Israel in the face of Jews around the world coming out against Israel, shows either that he is out of touch with reality, or he has another agenda, or both.

BC Chick hits the nail on the head, about Harper's ridiculous remarks.

[jbg]

What has the USA coming into the World Wars got do to with Harper's verbal support of Israel besides not a thing?

The Anglosphere alliance.

Moreover, that Harper would signal support of Israel in the face of Jews around the world coming out against Israel, shows either that he is out of touch with reality, or he has another agenda, or both.

Vidkund Quisling was Norweigan and not a good gauge of sentiment in his country or other countries in a similar situation.

[Catchme]

JBG, you can't make such an association sorry.

Zionist Israel does not = Jews around the world.

Zionist Israel cannot steal the voices of Jews around the world. Jews around the world are telling them that.

Jews around the world who are not supporters of Zionist Israel's actions, have a right to their own opinions.

[Figleaf]

I have no idea who those Quislings are.

You may not know who they are, but your comment proves they are right.

[Figleaf]

Been reading a bit much of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion lately?

Can you be more scurrilous?

[Figleaf]

Too bad we have never had the opportunity to see if the Israeli government would have been "nasty" if left to live in peace.

Left to live in peace by the people whose country they were taking away, you mean?

[Figleaf]

If the Palestinians laid down their arms there would be peace...

Peace, maybe, but no Palestine.

[Figleaf]

... said Harper, who added that he hopes to see the birth of a democratic Palestinian state.

Where?

[Figleaf]

Except that Israel, just like the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand (the core English-speaking countries) are Canada's siblings (yes, Israel is Anglosphere).

Nonsense. No anglosphere countries are based on the idea of being set aside for specific religious groups. Anglosphere countries have legal systems based on Common Law.

I am shocked that so many Canadians are willing to throw away that major claim to greatness.

Throw it away how? What has Israel ever done for Canada except abuse our passports?