Dear Gavin Re: Withdrawal of University of Southampton from the Anti-Israel Conference, 17-19 April 2015 I have not received any reply to you so write further drawing your attention to my correspondence with Ben Dor and the extensive research and writing of David Collier in addition to my own open letter and article unpacking the negative discursive position. The analysis revealed how Israel had been … Continue reading Withdrawal of Planned Anti-Semitic Anti-Zionist Hatefest at University of Southampton

So much talk, so many arguments. Unsurprisingly, many of the people who favour boycotting Israeli academics, shouting down anyone speaking in favour of Israel, taking kosher products of shop shelves and verbally abusing Jews in the street are all suddenly worried about the importance of freedoms. The word ‘hypocritical’ comes to mind. But this is not about the freedom to criticise the only nation in … Continue reading University of Southampton – say no to anti-Semitism

“I believe that universities should make clear that their names cannot be invoked as the purported sponsor for conferences or dialogues in which the primary thrust is demonization of Israel.” Lawrence H. Summers, Columbia Center for Law and Liberty, January 29, 2015   We have already exposed enough information to be able to state clearly and loudly that the anti-Israeli conference at the University of … Continue reading Southampton U – If Dr James Parkes could see you now

THE BIG CON (ference) The organisers have issued a statement on the conference (17/03 – see image – webshot 17/03) included is this part:- “The conference organizers accept that the granting of permission for this event does not imply support or endorsement by the University of any of the opinions to be expressed at the conference.” Which I suppose indicates the University are at least … Continue reading Ben Dor / Uni of Southampton, who are you trying to kid?

To the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. I am a British born Jew. In 1936 as anti-Semitism released all its venom in Europe, my grandfather was at Cable St, when in the name of freedom of speech and expression, the police tried to disperse the demonstrators against Mosley’s ‘Black-shirts’ to allow the fascists to march. With hindsight, I think we both know … Continue reading An open letter to Eric Pickles

THERE IS A STATEMENT ABOUT THIS LIST YOU SHOULD READ FIRST BY CLICKING THIS LINK You could not write this script. A statement in support of Southampton, signed by academics in the name of ‘free speech’. They claim “to the best of our knowledge, the conference invitations in this case are based on qualification to speak on the topic rather than on political positions held.” … Continue reading The list of ‘indignant’ academics – A list of BDS activists

First off, let’s dispose of the freedom of speech defence. On August 27 2014, Professor Mark Auslender, from Ben-Gurion University Israel, was scheduled to speak at the Mountbatten Building, Highfield Campus at the University of Southampton. It appears that due to quickly organised and small opposition, the talk was cancelled. The reason it was cancelled – he was Israeli, and some people felt this was … Continue reading Open letter 2 -University of Southampton, hypocrisy, anti-Semitism and free speech

I write in connection to the upcoming conference under the auspices of the Southampton Law School titled “International Law and the State of Israel: Legitimacy, Responsibility and Exceptionalism” to be held over the weekend of 17-19th April. I have no doubt given the subject matter you have received ample communication on the subject. Indeed, I am sure you were warned in advance by those that … Continue reading An open letter to the University of Southampton