Last night at UCL there was an event hosted by the UCLU Friends of Palestine Society (UCLUFOP). The speaker was Ilan Pappe and the title for the talk was ‘am I an antisemite’? The event was set up as part of a general trend in anti-Israel activism: To find extremist Jews who are willing to deflect accusations of antisemitism and provide an umbrella for all … Continue reading UCLUFOP, witch hunts, intimidation and antisemitism
Given the event last night at UCL (7/3/2017), I have split my response into two pieces. One is a direct accusation against the university, the other (this) an open post to Ilan Pappe. I did intend to ask this question, but was not chosen during the Q&A. Ilan I have seen you speak many times. Although I disagree with almost everything you say, I acknowledge … Continue reading An open question to Ilan Pappe: Why do you defend antisemites?
Brunel 2 March Last night, 2nd March 2017, I was in Brunel for yet another event during ‘Apartheid Week’. There is a difference between an argument shaped to reflect your perspective and delivering raw propaganda. Opposition to ‘Apartheid week’ is not about a difference of opinion. The endless distortion provided by speakers is supported by pillars of outright deceit. Those standing in front of the … Continue reading From Manchester to Brunel, polishing the propaganda machine
I have just concluded an in-depth investigation into antisemitism inside The Palestine Solidarity Campaign that has spanned months but drew on several years of underlying research. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) claims to be “the biggest organisation in the UK dedicated to securing Palestinian human rights.” The PSC patrons include: Jeremy Corbyn MP, Pat Gaffney, Rev Garth, Ken Loach, Dr Ilan Pappe, Hilary & Steven … Continue reading Hugging antisemitism and holocaust denial. Welcome to the PSC
22 January 2017. I am at an event organised by the Richmond Palestine Solidarity Campaign. A big crowd, perhaps 180, have gathered to hear Israeli Arab member of the Knesset Haneen Zoabi speak. The room is full, but the demographic breakdown is simple. A large majority are white, British and over 55. It is the typical PSC crowd. Haneen Zoabi had received a standing ovation … Continue reading Haneen Zoabi and 180 of the adoring faithful in Richmond
100 years since Balfour, , 70 years since partition. Why is there no State of Palestine? There is no State of Palestine because after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, when the League of Nations used the Mandate system to facilitate the creation of Nation States, the Arabs living in the British Mandate of Palestine didn’t want one. There is no State of Palestine because … Continue reading Why is there no State of Palestine?
It is difficult not to be moved by events in Syria. Images from Aleppo, Syria are heart-breaking. It is also fair to say, most of us in the west, despite vocally shouting that ‘something needs to be done’, haven’t got much idea about exactly what. Syria is a tale of 1000 trenches with 2000 armies. During the ‘Arab spring’ in 2011, I remember being engaged … Continue reading 325 miles to Aleppo, Syria. Hard lessons for Israel
Have you heard the one about the Jewish Rabbi ‘for Human Rights’ aggressively pushing another Jew in a church? It may sound like the opening line from a stand-up routine, but this is what happened as a speaker from the organisation came to join the modern church choir singing the age-old hymn, ‘oh Lord, let us all demonise Israel’. This was at St James Church … Continue reading The intolerant, angry and aggressive Rabbi for Human rights
50 years since the 1967 war. 100 Years since Balfour. 70 years since partition. A launch of another anti-Israel campaign. And breathe. This week I have been busy, Friends of Al-Aqsa, suspect academia and Ben White. It is going to be a long year. What was notable about the 3 events, was that they came from different spheres of the anti-Israel movement. The first from … Continue reading A three day nightmare, living within an industry of hate
Some pieces are easy to write. I go to an event and hear people suggest that the Zionists were responsible for the holocaust, or witness mention of Jewish power. If it is a speech by Max Blumenthal or Tom Suarez, I will hear tales of Jewish conspiracy. I return home, analyse the recordings, research, and write. It is an easy process to follow. The more … Continue reading The science of hating Zionists, why most anti-Zionism is antisemitic
