tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76419124473585421922024-03-13T23:28:16.053-07:00Zionist Federation NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-34628283495921961002014-07-01T02:22:00.000-07:002014-07-01T02:22:06.009-07:00ZF STATEMENT ON MURDER OF THREE ISRAELI TEENS<br />
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The ZF would like to join Israel and the world-wide Jewish family in expressing our heart-break and anguish at the news that the bodies of Eyal Yifrach, Gil-ad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel have been found. Like everyone in our community, we had hoped and prayed that the three teenagers would be returned safe and sound to their families. Tragically, we know now that this was never to be.</div>
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We welcome David Cameron’s swift and accurate description of the murders as an “appalling and inexcusable act of terror.” We hope that he will make good on his promise to “stand with Israel as it seeks to bring to justice those responsible.” Specifically, he should unequivocally condemn the Unity Government between Fatah and Hamas, which bears responsibility for this barbaric act. The Department for International Development must also seriously consider withholding funding to the Palestinian Authority until it agrees to cancel the policy of automatically putting such murderers on its payroll if and when they are found and convicted.</div>
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Alan Aziz, ZF Director, commented:</div>
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“There are no words to describe the anguish that the families of Eyal Yifrach, Gil-ad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel must be feeling. For the last few weeks, we have seen the global Jewish community come together to raise the plight of the missing teens, and we must remain united in our fight against the terrorism that targets our children. Mahmoud Abbas should now both sever ties with Hamas and strike off the legislation that would otherwise automatically make these vicious murderers salaried members of the Palestinian civil service. Unless he is willing to do this, David Cameron must cease using UK taxpayer money to fund a government that is clearly opposed to peace.”</div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-897734492360404102014-03-21T03:35:00.000-07:002014-03-21T03:35:11.398-07:00ZF CALLS ON NETANYAHU TO RESOLVE LABOUR DISPUTE WITH MFA<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.6pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">The ZF this week called on Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to re-double his efforts to find a satisfactory
conclusion to the current labour dispute with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MFA). In an open letter to the PM, the ZF cites the “tireless work” of the
Israeli Embassy in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
work which is “crucial” for the promotion and defence of the Jewish state in
one of the most influential arenas in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.6pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">The letter is co-signed by a variety of
groups and individuals, including Christian Friends of Israel and Lord Palmer
of Childs Hill, who describe themselves as being “proud and privileged” to work
alongside the diplomats in the Embassy, including in “vital” outreach to
numerous cultural and political groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.6pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">ZF Chairman Paul Charney also criticised
those organisations that had failed to co-sign the letter:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">“At a time
when the delegitimisation campaign poses an increasing threat not just to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
but to the Diaspora, it’s a real shame that community organisations are
unwilling to back this letter, which endorses the tremendous work the embassy
does. All of these organisations state they support <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and many argue that they
should still be free to critique the actions of the Israeli government –
backing this letter would give them the perfect opportunity to do both.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">The full text of the letter, alongside
co-signers, is below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">Dear Mr. Prime Minister,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">As organisations and individuals committed
to working to advance the interests and understanding of Israel here in the
United Kingdom, we are writing to convey the importance of the work of the
Israeli Embassy and its diplomats here in Britain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.6pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">As you will be aware, the <st1:country-region w:st="on">United Kingdom</st1:country-region> is an important arena for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. As a
member of the Security Council, NATO, the G8 and other international bodies, it
is of key strategic importance, while as <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s second largest trading
partner it carries considerable economic weight. Moreover, with BBC and other
world media based in <st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city>, it has a
disproportionate impact on the perception of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>
and the <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place> throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">In all these fields, the tireless work of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>'s diplomats is absolutely crucial to
protecting and advancing the cause of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. We are proud and privileged
to work alongside them and to witness their tireless commitment to representing
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> in every arena, from
briefing the country's most influential leadership and appearing on the media,
to travelling the length and breadth of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region> to speak at often hostile
university campuses, union meetings and faith and cultural groups. We have also
been pleased to partner with them in important outreach programs increasing
understanding of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
through culture, innovation, and education.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">Without wishing to become involved in
internal labour disputes, we consider it important that you know what vital
work <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s
representatives are doing on a daily basis. We urge you to use all your efforts
to ensure that this crucial work can continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">Respectfully,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">ZF <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">West Midlands Friends of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Bridges
for Peace in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">ZCC <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manchester</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">Lord Palmer of Childs Hill<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">Christian Friends of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">Wizo <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">International Christian Embassy <st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city> - <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">Liverpool <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> support Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">The Israel Salon network for young
Israelis in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">The Congregation of United Synagogues<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Habonim Dror <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region></span>Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-39005163159727545702014-01-21T07:47:00.002-08:002014-01-21T07:47:49.378-08:00ZF STATEMENT ON UNESCO’S CANCELLATION OF EXHIBIT DETAILING HISTORY OF ISRAEL<div class="MsoNormal">
The ZF today slammed the decision by UNESCO to cancel a
scheduled exhibition on the historic connection between <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> and the
Jewish nation as a ‘dismal capitulation.’ The exhibition, titled “The People,
the Book, the Land — 3,500 years of ties between the Jewish people and the Land
of Israel,”<span style="outline: none;"> was, after several years of preparation
and research by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, scheduled to open this week –
until it was shelved at the behest of the 22 members of the Arab Group. </span></div>
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ZF chairman <st1:personname w:st="on">Paul Charney</st1:personname>
elaborates</div>
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“The decision by UNESCO – a body that purports to be
concerned with educational, scientific and cultural matters – to cancel the
exhibition is both a dismal capitulation and nakedly political. To shelve an
exhibition after invites have been sent out is grossly insulting to all those
who spent years preparing it. But the reason, and reasoning, behind the
shelving goes beyond bad manners. It provides us with a microcosm of the
Israeli-Arab conflict. The official explanation given was that the Arab members
were concerned that the subject matter might harm the chance of a successful outcome
to the current peace talks. The opposite is true – the acceptance by Palestinians
and the Arab world in general that <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>
is not a foreign body, but the legitimate expression of the Jewish nation’s
longstanding connection to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">land</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Israel</st1:placename></st1:place>, is crucial to
peace. But instead of defending its principles, the UN is once again paralysed
between those unwilling to stand up for Israel in case they rock the boat, and
those that just want to throw Israel off the boat altogether. It’s particularly
striking given that the UN has just declared 2014 a year of solidarity with the
Palestinians – with nary a word about the risk of partiality."</div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-64419530889156051982014-01-15T01:47:00.002-08:002014-01-15T01:47:19.172-08:00ZF COMMEMORATES PASSING OF ARIEL SHARON 1928-2014<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The ZF joins <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> in commemorating the memory of
Ariel Sharon, her former Prime Minister, who passed away this weekend at the age
of 85. Described by Ben Gurion as ‘the greatest field commander,’ nicknamed in
the Knesset as ‘the bulldozer,’ and perhaps best defined by the title of his
autobiography, ‘Warrior,’ <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sharon</st1:city></st1:place> was an indomitable force both on and off
the battlefield. Born in the yishuv of Mandate-era <st1:city w:st="on">Palestine</st1:city> in 1928, the chronology of his achievements is in
many ways the history of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> and the defence of the Jewish
national home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">From engineering <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>’s lightning victory in the Six Day War, to
turning the tide during the Yom Kippur War, to overseeing the security measures
against the Second Intifada, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sharon</st1:city></st1:place> earned a reputation as a bold and
brilliant strategic mind, willing to make tough decisions when the fledgling
country could not afford the luxury of failure. His time as a politician was no
less noteworthy, with his unilateral disengagement from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Gaza</st1:city></st1:place> showcasing his ability
to pursue a resolution to conflict, even in the absence of a viable peace
partner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<st1:personname w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul
Charney</span></span></st1:personname>, ZF Chairman:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“All Israelis and Zionists owe Ariel Sharon a huge debt.
The history of his life is an effective reminder that the struggle for Zionism -
a national home for the Jewish people - was not completed in 1948 with the
establishment of the state of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Instead, it required the
ingenuity of military leaders like <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sharon</st1:city></st1:place>, as well as the staunch courage and
commitment of Israelis soldiers, to defend the state from the threats ranged
against her, from massed Arab armies on her borders, to Palestinian terrorists
targeting her civilians. While both his military and political careers aroused
controversy and prompted criticism from the left and right of the political
spectrum, the legacy of Ariel Sharon will remain his single-minded yet pragmatic
commitment to the survival of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-55268268133612323962014-01-10T06:39:00.003-08:002014-01-10T06:39:30.986-08:00ZF STATEMENT ON THE QUENELLE<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">From Paul Charney, ZF Chairman:<span style="color: navy;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“There should be no question that the quenelle is a
symbol of pure hatred against the Jewish people. It was invented and popularised
by a man, Dieudonné M’bala M’bala, whose entire raison d'être appears to consist
of ridiculing and denigrating the memory of the 6 million Jewish men, women, and
children murdered during the Holocaust. Its design as an inverted fascist salute
enables its supporters to indulge themselves in the sickening thrill of publicly
mocking the historic persecution of Jews, albeit in the most cowardly way
imaginable. And of course, the defence that the symbol is merely against ‘the
system’ or ‘the establishment’ is no defence either, since it implicitly
promotes the idea that Jews are intrinsically part of whatever political order
is being challenged at the time, therefore propagating the anti-Semitic myth of
Jewish global domination.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-41443575848881433192014-01-06T01:14:00.002-08:002014-01-06T02:36:13.401-08:00ZF CONDEMNS BBC COMEDY SKETCH<div class="yiv1035278254MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The ZF condemns the BBC for broadcasting a sketch that
not only propogates the oldest and most baseless stereotypes about Israelis,
but also ridicules anti-Semitism at a time when anti-Jewish bigotry is on the
rise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BBC 3’s ‘The Revolution Will Be Televised’ programme,
broadcast in December, included a candid camera sketch where the presenters
dress up as workmen and pretend to be representatives for the Israeli Embassy.
The presenters then begin informing local property owners that the embassy is
taking their land for a variety of spurious reasons – mocking Israel for its
supposedly expansionist policies. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The satirical explanations given to the members of the
public perpetrate the oldest stereotypes about Israel’s alleged attempts to
justify its supposedly illegitimate presence in the Middle East: “Before it was
your land it was our land, so we are really going to take what was rightfully
ours,” “This is our land that was given to us by the Almighty,” and “We’ve been
doing it for years.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Given that such one-sided and prejudiced portrayals of
Israel contribute to anti-Jewish bigotry, perhaps the most shocking aspect of
the programme is the open ridiculing of complaints about anti-Semitism. When one
member of the public expresses amusement at the situation, a presenter tells
him: “I’m finding that smile a bit anti-Semitic… so I think you should really
wipe it off your face” - suggesting that anti-Semitism is not a valid concern.
It is hard to imagine that the BBC would allow racism against another minority
group to treated in this way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ZF Chairman Paul Charney added:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“No doubt the makers of ‘The Revolution Will be
Televised” thought they were being tremendously edgy and brave, mocking Israel
by suggesting it takes land with impunity. Instead, they simply pandered to the
prejudices of those who believe that the less-than-one-percent of the Middle
East which is devoted to Jewish national self-determination is still too
much.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“This biased viewpoint would be woefully inaccurate at
the best of times, but it seems especially egregious given that Israel is not
only currently negotiating with the express desire of ceding land to the
Palestinians, but continues to release convicted murderers just to keep them at
the negotiating table. But I’m sure the makers of this programme will turn their
sights on Israel ’s neighbours soon enough. The PA’s glorification of
terrorists? The collapse of democracy in Egypt ? Syria ’s civil war? Or maybe
the lack of human rights in the rest of the Middle East just isn’t that much of
a laughing matter?”</span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-27536627810669994752013-11-28T06:17:00.000-08:002013-11-28T06:18:04.313-08:00STATEMENT ON THE IRANIAN NUCLEAR DEAL<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The ZF today expresses its gravest reservations about
the Iranian nuclear deal recently struck in Geneva . The deal, brokered on
behalf of the P5+1 countries, has been widely hailed as a major breakthrough in
the long-running standoff over Iran ’s nuclear programme. However, by offering
to reduce the level of sanctions without gaining corresponding cast-iron
guarantees that the nuclear programme is only intended for civilian usage, the
international community has let Iran off the hook. Apparently desperate to
believe in the moderation of Hassan Rouhani, Western negotiators have now eased
the pressure on a regime that has a track record of duplicity and misdirection,
is currently knee-deep in Syrian blood, and might well soon trigger a nuclear
arms race in the most volatile region on the planet. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Failure to dismantle the infrastructure for
war</b></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The main problem of the negotiations is the failure to
address Iranian facilities that are clearly designed for the development of
nuclear weapons. Under the Geneva deal, Tehran will be allowed to keep both its
heavy water reactor in Arak and thousands of centrifuges – key elements for
military, not civilian, nuclear production. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>The threat of duplicity</b></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Iranian regime has a track record of duplicity over
its nuclear programme, and there is a very real threat that the easing of
sanctions will provide it with the cover it needs to complete a nuclear weapon.
Iran could easily follow in the footsteps of North Korea , surreptitiously
continuing its programme until it had reached the point of no return.
</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>The reality of the Ayatollah’s
regime</b></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Despite the charm offensive of Hassan Rouhani, Iran is
still the same state it has been since 1979– a reactionary, messianic theocracy
under the total control of the Ayatollahs. This Islamist regime shares the
ideology of the radical extremists who commit terrorist atrocities across the
globe, and has no regard for democracy or human rights. Those seeking proof of
the reality of Tehran ’s ambitions and ruthlessness should look no further than
Syria , where Iranian expertise, weapons and soldiers have played a central role
in the brutal massacring of the civilian population.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>The catastrophic implications of a nuclear
bomb</b></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="yiv1996028544MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There must be no misunderstanding the seriousness of
Iran procuring a nuclear weapon. Should this worst-case scenario occur, it would
most likely trigger an arms race in the Middle East . The nuclear brinksmanship
between the US and the Soviet Union was arguably the most dangerous period in
humanity’s history; for it to be repeated in this volatile and unstable part of
the world would be a global catastrophe. Additionally, a nuclear Tehran
represents a unique threat to Israel , given the frequent and shameless calls
for the annihilation of the Jewish state made by the Iranian
leadership.</span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-17550540581795185772013-11-19T01:22:00.000-08:002013-11-19T01:22:09.428-08:00LATEST BDS FAIL: PRO-PALESTINIAN WEBSITES RELY ON ISRAELI TECH<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The ZF today
highlighted the latest example of a BDS fail, in which extreme pro-Palestinian
activists who claim to support Boycotts, Sanctions and Divestment against <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> fail to practice what they preach. The most
recent stumbling block for those committed to singling out the Jewish state is
how to make an anti-Israel website without using Israeli
technology.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For example, the
website of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cornell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> branch of ‘<a href="http://cornellsjp.wix.com/home#!campaigns/vstc20=technion" style="color: purple;" title="blocked::http://cornellsjp.wix.com/home#!campaigns/vstc20=technion">Students for
Justice in Palestine</a>’ explains that the group’s campaigns include boycotting
skincare products, soft drink manufacturers, and even hummus. Or the ‘<a href="http://tunsol.wix.com/museum-palestinian-holocaust" style="color: purple;" title="blocked::http://tunsol.wix.com/museum-palestinian-holocaust">Palestinian Holocaust
Museum</a>’ website, which presumably is opposed to any recognition of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> since it promotes the baseless assertion
that Zionists have committed genocide against the
Palestinians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What do these two
websites have in common? They were both constructed using Wix: an Israeli
website-building programme, based in (where else?) Tel
Aviv.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul Charney, ZF
chairman said<span style="color: navy;">:</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“The misguided BDS
campaign to ostracise <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> has hit another snag, as yet again rabid
pro-Palestinians find that living without the benefits of the Start-Up Nation
might not be as easy as they’d hoped. Supporters of peace should be pleased,
since boycotting <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> does nothing to help the two sides
reconcile.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-34361926561287608272013-11-13T03:14:00.001-08:002013-11-13T03:18:49.836-08:00AL JAZEERA FOCUSES ON FAMILY OF HAMAS MASS-MURDERER<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">News
report critical of visitation rights for families of Palestinian prisoners
<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>
</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Story
focuses on family of Abdullah Barghouti, Hamas bomb-maker
<o:p></o:p></span>
</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">No
information provided about Barghouti’s involvement in
terrorism<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The ZF today condemned an Al Jazeera story as a ‘failure
of basic journalistic integrity.’ “<a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2013/11/children-visit-jailed-palestinian-relatives-2013111273218568702.html" title="http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2013/11/children-visit-jailed-palestinian-relatives-2013111273218568702.html">Children
visit jailed Palestinian relatives</a><span style="font-size: small;">” focuses on the experience of the family
of one Abdullah Barghouti, serving time in an Israeli jail. The audience is
encouraged to sympathise with the young girls who make the hours-long journey
from Ramallah to visit their father, with the programme noting how exhausting
these ‘special occasions’ are. The news story uses the girls as an example of
Palestinian families whose children have to travel alone because their adult
relatives are denied access into </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-size: small;">. Faeda al Barghouti, the wife
of Abdullah, complains that she herself is banned from visiting her husband, and
has only seen him twice in the last decade. She describes how she has been
‘refused security clearance’, but that no reason has been given for this. Since
the only information the audience receives about Abdullah Barghouti is that he
is serving 67 life sentences, the inference from the report is that </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-size: small;">
deliberately and arbitrarily denies family visits, feeding into the standard
narrative of unjust treatment of Palestinians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Abdullah Barghouti is in fact one of the most senior
Hamas figures held by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>. He was sentenced due to his
role in constructing the bombs used in multiple suicide attacks on civilian
targets, responsible for the deaths of 66 Israelis and the wounding of over 500.
The victims of these attacks, such as the Sbarro massacre at a Jerusalem
restaurant, included children and pregnant women; nonetheless, Barghouti remains
unrepentant to this day, and has stated that if released he would continue to be
actively involved in such acts of terrorism. None of this is mentioned in the
report.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Paul Charney, ZF chairman,
commented:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Al Jazeera’s story on the family of Abdullah Barghouti
represents a failure of basic journalistic integrity. Surely any discussion of
the security concerns surrounding a prisoner must explain what they have been
imprisoned for? Instead, Al Jazeera deliberately omitted any information about
Barghouti except for his prison sentence – perhaps in order to imply that
</span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-size: small;"> simply hands out lengthy
imprisonments for no good reason to Palestinians. This omission suggests two
points. Firstly, that Al Jazeera recognised that to mention Barghouti’s history
would undermine the entire point of their piece – indeed, many viewers might be
surprised by how many rights even an unrepentant murderer of civilians gets. And
secondly, this means that Al Jazeera were more interested in producing a cheap
smear of </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> than actually reporting on the
situation.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-43249306843177687352013-10-30T05:14:00.001-07:002013-10-30T05:14:08.370-07:00ZF EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER COMMENTS BY JACK STRAW MP<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The ZF today expressed its deep concern over comments
made by Jack Straw, Labour MP for <st1:place w:st="on">Blackburn</st1:place><span style="font-size: small;">.
Straw, who was previously Foreign Secretary, stated during a meeting in the
House of Commons that the “unlimited” funds of Jewish organisations, supposedly
used to control American foreign policy, are one of the biggest obstacles to
peace in the </span><st1:place w:st="on">Middle
East</st1:place><span style="font-size: small;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ZF Chairman Paul Charney argues
that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Mr Straw’s comments echo some of the oldest and ugliest
prejudices about ‘Jewish power’, and go far beyond mere criticism of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
They would be unacceptable in any context, but for a sitting Member of
Parliament to do so in the House of Commons is especially troubling, given that
his status will give credence and respectability to beliefs that would otherwise
be dismissed as bigoted nonsense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“That the statements he made are woefully untrue should
be obvious given a moment’s thought about the current state of the </span><st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place><span style="font-size: small;">. It has only been through the applied pressure
of the American government that Israelis and Palestinians have finally been
brought back to the negotiating table. Despite several arguably more pressing
concerns, such as instability in </span><st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region><span style="font-size: small;"> and the civil war in </span><st1:country-region w:st="on">Syria</st1:country-region><span style="font-size: small;">, the </span><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> has remained
resolute in its commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian
conflict – a resolution which is supported, not opposed, by the organisations he
chose to smear.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-88281313988118359652013-10-16T10:38:00.004-07:002013-10-17T02:38:37.337-07:00ZF CALLS FOR THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HAMAS TUNNEL<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The ZF is calling for wider recognition of the
implications of the newly-discovered tunnel running from <st1:city w:st="on">Gaza</st1:city><span style="font-size: small;"> into </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="font-size: small;">. The tunnel, which was built
by Hamas, was reinforced with concrete and reportedly 2 and half kilometres
long. It’s most likely purpose was to facilitate the kidnapping of Israelis, as
suggested by the subsequent statement by a senior Hamas
figure:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“The tunnel which was revealed was extremely costly in
terms of money, effort and blood. All of this is meaningless when it comes to
freeing our heroic prisoners. It would not have been possible to free hundreds
of our prisoners without the [Gilad] Shalit
tunnel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ZF Chairman, Paul Charney, explained the
significance:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Any time there is condemnation of the <st1:city w:st="on">Gaza</st1:city> blockade, the critics of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
need to acknowledge that this is the reason why goods cannot be allowed to pass
freely into the area. This is the true face of Hamas – an organisation that
cares more about kidnapping Israelis than looking after Palestinians. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
has no interest in denying ordinary Gazans access to everyday materials, which
is why it maintains a dedicated border crossing for this purpose. But those who
ceaselessly demand that the blockade be dropped altogether must answer how else
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> is supposed to defend its
citizens.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is especially relevant given that kidnapping
attempts by Islamic extremists often prompt fresh bouts of violence. Paul
Charney explains:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Pro-Palestinian supporters should be the first to thank
the Israel Defence Forces for uncovering this tunnel, thereby avoiding a
terrorist attack and any subsequent response. Attempts by Hamas to kill, kidnap
or otherwise harm Israelis frequently trigger escalations, causing hardship and
suffering on both sides. Let’s see if any of them are willing to condemn the
construction of this tunnel by Hamas, or if they’ll maintain their silence over
its actions as they always do.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-36462514683710334022013-09-23T06:31:00.000-07:002013-09-30T06:36:50.377-07:00ZF BRIEFING IN BRIGHTON WITH HILIK BAR MK <div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">The ZF
hosted a breakfast meeting this morning with Hilik Bar, MK, who was in the
country for the Labour Party Conference <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">The event,
in association with the Sussex Jewish Rep council, was attended by 30 people
including ZF patrons, leaders of the Jewish and Christian communities, and
Israeli activists.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Hilik, who
at 38 is one of the youngest MKs, is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_of_Knesset" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_of_Knesset
Member of Knesset"><span style="color: black;" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_of_Knesset"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_of_Knesset">Member of
Knesset</span></span></a> for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Labor_Party" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Labor_Party
Israel Labor Party"><span style="color: black;" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Labor_Party"><span style="text-decoration: none;" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Labor_Party">Israel Labour
Party</span></span></a>, the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, and the Secretary
General of the Labor Party – the youngest person ever to have held the position.
Bar has played a crucial role in leading the rehabilitation of the Israeli Labor
Party.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">He briefed
the audience on a number of issues, including the current status of the peace
talks. Bar, who is the chair of the Caucus for Ending the Israeli-Arab Conflict,
described how in the Knesset today there is a clear majority of MKs (70 out of
120) who favour a two state solution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Bar also
argued that, although Aliya is important and should be encouraged,
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> will always need its Diaspora
Jewish communities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Alan Aziz
said that the ZF is extremely proud to have been able to host as high-calibre a
speaker as Hilik Bar, who is as passionate an advocate for Israel as he is for
peace, and delighted to be able to reach out to different communities and
activists across the UK in order to inform and empower those who care deeply
about Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-52337552001871360672013-09-13T04:41:00.001-07:002013-09-16T07:33:20.771-07:00ZF CONDEMNS INFLAMMATORY CAMPAIGN BY MAP<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Zionist Federation today condemned in the strongest
terms the latest campaign by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). The campaign,
which debuted in Oxford and Islington this week, focuses on the negative impact
of security precautions on Palestinian patients seeking to enter Israel for
medical treatment, without providing any necessary context, or mentioning that
thousands are admitted every year. The subject of Palestinian violence is wholly
absent from MAP’s campaign, giving an incomplete picture as to why Israel
maintains security checkpoints, or refuses to grant a minority of Palestinians
permits to enter from Gaza and the West Bank. Instead, leaflets, mobile
billboards and full-page adverts in papers used emotive imagery and highly
selective information to suggest that <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> is deliberately and
maliciously trying to prevent Palestinians gaining access to adequate medical
support. The truth is the exact opposite, as Paul Charney, ZF Chairman,
explained:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“I’m sure many people would be surprised to learn that,
despite their history of conflict, thousands of Palestinians travel into
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> every year in order to receive
medical treatment. Whilst fringe activists abroad like to demonise
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> for being somehow
“racist”, Palestinians in the region know the reality: in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
they will be treated just like any other patient, irrespective of political
differences. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Only last year, for example, the brother-in-law of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh
was one of the many admitted from</span> <st1:city w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gaza</span></st1:city> <span style="font-family: Arial;">for
emergency surgery – despite Hamas’ longstanding commitment to violence against
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">. But rather than
highlight the positive examples of Israeli-Palestinian interaction, MAP would
rather vilify the Jewish state instead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The ZF is investigating a variety of avenues to counter
the campaign, and will continue to empower its supporters to combat anti-Israel
propaganda. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-51151007954112323162013-08-13T08:07:00.002-07:002013-08-13T08:07:53.968-07:00ZF STANDS UP TO CAROLINE LUCAS MP<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF
has recently learnt of attempts by The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) to
place pressure on Southern Water to terminate its contract with Israeli company,
Arad Group using misguided information. Arad Group supply world leading water
meters to more than 50 countries around the world. The PSC have persuaded
Caroline Lucas MP to join their efforts in attempting to boycott the Israeli
company, stating that using <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Arad</st1:place></st1:city> water meters is at the expense of
Palestinian Human Rights.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We have
invited our members, particularly those served by Southern Water to write as
appropriate to Southern Water showing their support for Arad Group. Southern
Water is required to and subsequently confirmed that they have awarded its
contract for the supply of water meters to Arad Group on the basis of economical
advantage. The suggestion that Southern Water should use an alternative supplier
due to political considerations would be illegal under <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> and EU law.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Paul
Charney, ZF Chairman, stated that “The call to boycott Arad Group discriminates
on the basis of nationality. This is not only illegal in the
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> but certainly immoral to the right
minded. We must not allow distortions of the truth to mislead public opinion and
ultimately place pressure on misguided politicians to support boycotts of
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF
will make every effort to inform MPs and the public of the truth regarding water
supplies. Together with UK Lawyers for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, we will provide first hand
resources and legal research confirming as such. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-51236085618647694452013-08-06T08:07:00.001-07:002013-08-06T08:07:00.012-07:00ZF CONDEMNS IRISH MEP WHO GLORIFIED TERRORISM <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF
were appalled by remarks made by Paul Murphy, an Irish socialist MEP, calling
for another Palestinian Intifada. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In his
statement last week to Russia Today, Mr Murphy stated “You’ve seen significant
protest, significant movement, the potential to redevelop a struggle along the
lines of the first Intifada”. Murphy’s remarks are inciting indiscriminate
violence against Israeli and Palestinian civilians. His call to armed struggle
is irresponsible and dangerous, especially for a man in his
position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Chairman of the ZF, Paul Charney stated “Mr Murphy’s
remarks glorifying the Intifada and justifying it as an alternative to peace
talks is disgraceful and highly irresponsible. It dangerously incites the masses
to violence, at a time in the <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place> where
war and terror is all too common. I call on the Irish Socialist Party to deal
swiftly with this issue by publicly confirming that they support peace and
further condemn Mr Murphy by stating that his comments are unacceptable”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF
will continue to speak out against those glorifying terrorism. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-40727403053770580092013-07-23T03:35:00.003-07:002013-07-23T03:35:51.405-07:00PROSCRIPTION OF HEZBOLLAH MUST GO FURTHER <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ZF and its <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>
members welcome the news that the EU has agreed to proscribe the military wing
of the terrorist group Hezbollah. The ZF, along with many other pro <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
organisations, campaigned for months for Hezbollah to be listed as a terrorist
organisation. This involved working with MPs, MEPs and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>
Ministers on the issue and producing detailed research. We’d like to thank all
our supporters who wrote to their MPs, MEPs, the EU Commission and The Foreign
Secretary on the matter. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, proscribing Hezbollah’s military
wing does not effectively counter terrorism. In 2009 Hezbollah’s deputy leader,
Naim Qassem, stated: “Hezbollah has a single leadership. All political, social
and jihad work is tied to the decisions of this leadership”. Consequently, for
the EU to thwart global terrorism they should proscribe all wings of Hezbollah
as a terrorist organisation. Furthermore, the EU cannot ignore the role of the
Iranian Revolutionary Guards who created Hezbollah and have made it the force it
is today. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ZF Chairman Paul Charney stated “Whilst I
welcome the news that the EU is proscribing some of Hezbollah, I am left
questioning what about the rest. Since it is and always has been a single
organic terrorist organisation, then how does this help?<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:place u3_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">The EU has made an irrelevant distinction
and </st1:place>should proscribe Hezbollah immediately in its
entirety”.<span style="color: navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ZF and all its members will continue to
stand up to international terrorism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StAIs5QQuU0/Ue5cdSu3DlI/AAAAAAAAANI/tiVUNh5vJb4/s1600/hezb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StAIs5QQuU0/Ue5cdSu3DlI/AAAAAAAAANI/tiVUNh5vJb4/s320/hezb.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-27513905371280110622013-07-22T07:08:00.000-07:002013-07-22T07:08:39.993-07:00ZF EMPOWERS ACTIVISTS TO WRITE<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Over 30
ZF activists who had to apply for the courseattended the ZF’S 2013 writing
course, run by David Harris. David is an experienced multimedia journalist on
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> and the wider
<st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place>. During his time as a journalist
David has interviewed Tony Blair and Shimon Peres, amongst many others. David is
currently the Director of Research and Content for The Israel Project.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">During
the course people were trained on how best to write Op-Eds, letters, blogs and
how to utilise social media effectively to advocate for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The
writing course is one of a series of training programs that the ZF offers during
the year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ZF
Director, <st1:personname w:st="on">Alan Aziz</st1:personname> said “this
writing course gave activists the opportunity to realise the power of the
written word to be able to tell the truth about <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
In the constant struggle against those who hate <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
the pen really is mightier than the sword”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Participant Andrei Voica stated “David Harris gave
precious knowledge on how to write an Op-Ed and what are the best tactics to be
applied when it comes to using social-media. The ZF team, as always, proved to
be outstanding organisers”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF
will continue to train people to stand up for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">More
photos in both high and low resolution available upon request.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--S94xEpFZCs/Ue081RAmPoI/AAAAAAAAAMk/fb9X4O6IBy8/s1600/ZF+Writing+Course+Training-+Low+Res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--S94xEpFZCs/Ue081RAmPoI/AAAAAAAAAMk/fb9X4O6IBy8/s320/ZF+Writing+Course+Training-+Low+Res.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQycHhDrHg4/Ue081bLeXUI/AAAAAAAAAMs/S9-MfE9VIAI/s1600/ZF+Writing+Course-+David+Harris+3+-+Low+Res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQycHhDrHg4/Ue081bLeXUI/AAAAAAAAAMs/S9-MfE9VIAI/s320/ZF+Writing+Course-+David+Harris+3+-+Low+Res.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqaxiYCWu8k/Ue083iW0RBI/AAAAAAAAAM4/RRhtomPmHWQ/s1600/ZF+Writing+Course-+David+Harris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqaxiYCWu8k/Ue083iW0RBI/AAAAAAAAAM4/RRhtomPmHWQ/s320/ZF+Writing+Course-+David+Harris.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-17831585524007368202013-07-19T04:48:00.001-07:002013-07-19T04:48:34.167-07:00ZF STATEMENT ON NEWS THAT DAVID WARD MP HAS WHIP WITHDRAWN<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“I am pleased to hear
that David Ward MP has had his whip withdrawn for two months. His use of
anti-Semitic language veiled in anti-Israel rhetoric has finally been dealt with
by his party.<span style="color: navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I applaud Lib Dem Chief
Whip Alistair Carmichael MP and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP for taking
this necessary action. Should Mr Ward continue to abuse his position by using it
as a platform to broadcast his prejudice against Jews and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, then his
party should withdraw the whip permanently. This action sends a clear message
that racially prejudiced language will not be tolerated in our society”. </span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-69907687830259099422013-07-17T07:51:00.000-07:002013-07-17T07:51:00.568-07:00ZF WELCOMES NEWS THAT TfL ISRAELI EXLUSION CONDITION REMOVED <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“I am pleased to report that following
swift public outcry and a ZF chairman’s statement, the Israeli exclusion
condition agreed between Emirates Airlines, the UAE official airline, and TfL
has since been removed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">As part of the agreement, the Docklands
cable car scheme would not be able to receive funding from Israeli owned finance
houses, nor could it sell a majority stake to Israeli owned
companies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Thankfully, this oversight has not had any
lasting effect on the important trading relationship between the
<st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region> and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
I firmly support a strong and mutually profitable trading relationship between
the two democracies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I would personally like to thank Sir Peter
Hendy from TfL for urgently resolving this matter with Emirates Airlines.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We must remain vigilant against any
back-door attempts to boycott <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Paul Charney- ZF CHAIRMAN <span style="color: navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-75726435650385023372013-07-16T08:11:00.001-07:002013-07-16T08:11:19.027-07:00ZF STATEMENT ON TFL ISRAELI EXCLUSION CONDITION <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am extremely disappointed to hear that Transport for London (TfL) has agreed to an Israeli exclusion condition put forward by the UAE relating to Thames Cable Cars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As part of the agreement the cable car scheme can not receive funding from Israeli owned finance houses or banks. It also cannot sell a majority stake in the scheme to Israeli owned companies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This sets a dangerous precedent effectively allowing UAE money to dictate government policy through commercial contracts. Bi-lateral trade has doubled over the past year making Israel one of Britain's key trading partners. This contractual exclusion would not benefit the UK in the long run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I call on TfL to urgently discuss this matter with foreign and trade ministers and reconsider this agreement before any lasting damage is done” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul Charney- ZF CHAIRMAN</span>Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-58599052612741264052013-07-10T08:18:00.001-07:002013-07-11T06:43:43.949-07:00A TRIBUTE TO MARGARET THATCHER <div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Around
100 people, including Marina Yannakoudakis MEP, came to Kinloss Synagogue to
hear from Charles Moore about the true story of Lady Thatcher.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Charles, a former editor of the Spectator and Telegraph,
was a close confidant of Margaret Thatcher and was asked by her to become her
authorised biographer upon her death. He recently released the first volume of
his biography 'Not for Turning'. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He
spoke knowledgeably of how Margaret’s strong Christian faith meant she had a
special place in her heart for the Jewish people. <span style="background: white;">Thatcher claimed her greatest accomplishment<span class="apple-converted-space"> was
her work alongside her sister Muriel to help save a Jewish teenager in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Austria</st1:country-region></st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>from the Holocaust in 1938.
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">Margaret Thatcher was a staunch
friend of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>. In 1986 she became the first
Prime Minister to make an official state visit to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
Moreover, Charles Moore highlighted how during a Cabinet meeting at the height
of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, alongside Keith Joseph, she said that the UK
Government should support <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> and ignore the Arabist Foreign
Office. She was strongly opposed by the then Prime Minister Ted Heath.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">Alan Aziz, director of the ZF said
“Lady Thatcher stood by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> and the Jewish people
throughout her life. The event at Kinloss Synagogue, where I hea<span style="color: navy;">r</span>d Lady Thatcher speak many
times, gave the Jewish community the chance to pay tribute to this”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">Attendee Joel Musongela stated “Her
love for the Jewish people gave me a perspective of my own affiliation to
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> and the Jews. It gave me a
greater determination to stand against those who spread lies about <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
and the Jewish people”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-34462975072377764082013-07-08T06:17:00.001-07:002013-07-08T06:17:32.583-07:00MP SORRY FOR ANTISEMITIC OUTBURST <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">On
Monday 1<sup>st</sup> July Paul Charney, ZF Chairman, met with Patrick Mercer
MP. This meeting was arranged following reports of anti-Semitic remarks made by
Mr Mercer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Mr
Mercer gave a heartfelt apology to Mr Charney, the ZF and the entire Jewish
community admitting his remarks were thoughtless, stupid and insensitive. Mr
Mercer spoke at length to Mr Charney expressing his admiration for
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> and the Jewish people.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Mr
Mercer confirmed that he will stand up for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> in Parliament, which should illustrate his
support for both <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> and
the Jewish community in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ZF
Chairman Paul Charney stated, “In my meeting with Patrick Mercer it was clear to
me that he was deeply sorry for any offence his comments caused. The ZF accept
his apology and will work with him to show that he is a valued friend of
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> and Jewish
people”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF
will continue to make <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> ’s voice heard in
Parliament.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-40011036869872178672013-07-01T08:34:00.001-07:002013-07-01T08:34:42.975-07:00TRIBUTE TO MARGARET THATCHER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In
honour of Margaret Thatcher's support of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
both during her time in Parliament as MP for Finchley and Golders Green and as
Prime Minister from 1979-1990, the ZF in conjunction with Kinloss Synagogue are
holding a tribute night. The venue is Kinloss Synagogue which is poignant as
Lady Thatcher spoke there a number of times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The
speaker is former editor of the Spectator and the Telegraph, Charles Moore.
Charles was a close confidant of Margaret Thatcher and was asked by her to
become her authorised biographer upon her death. He recently released the first
volume of his biography 'Not for Turning'. During the reception and talk
Charles will reveal the woman behind the myth and highlight her connection and
support for the Jewish people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Director of the ZF, Alan Aziz said, "I am honoured to
help the Jewish community honour Margaret Thatcher. I personally heard her speak
at Kinloss Synagogue when I was younger and we should remember Lady Thatcher's
support for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> shown by
the first ever official British state visit to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
in 1986. Moreover, throughout her life Margaret Thatcher was a vigorous opponent
of antisemitism”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Photos
from the event in high and low resolution available upon request. Free press
entry available. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-83954754239325557822013-06-25T07:53:00.001-07:002013-06-27T01:07:51.586-07:00ZF PROVES THAT THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF (Zionist Federation) is running a writing course
on Sunday 21<sup>st</sup> July 2013 to help <st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> advocates do their bit to support
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> in the media. The writing
course is being led by David Harris, an experienced multimedia journalist on
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> and the wider Middle East.
During his time as a journalist David has interviewed Tony Blair and Shimon
Peres, amongst many others. David is currently the Director of Research and
Content for The Israel Project. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">The 30 people who had to apply to take part in this
unique writing course will be expertly trained on how best to write and submit
op-eds, top tips for blogging, letter writing and effective use of social media,
in particular facebook and twitter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">Executive Director of the ZF, Alan Aziz said, “In the
constant battle against delegitimisation of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> the pen is mightier than the
sword. Therefore, the ZF is committed to telling the true message of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> to the media. Through our
writing course we want to give <st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>’s <st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region> supporters the tools to make <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region u2_x003a_st="on" w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s case in the press”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">The ZF also holds numerous other training courses
designed to help people stand up for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
This includes our Knowledge Seminar that will be taking place in October 2013
and our yearly Spokesperson training course.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">David Harris will be available for
interview.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">Photos in high and low resolution will be available from
the writing course. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641912447358542192.post-7425612634783281182013-06-14T02:21:00.002-07:002013-06-14T04:59:41.031-07:00ZF HELPS PARAPLEGIC MARATHON HERO VISITS ISRAEL FOR FIRST TIME<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Claire
Lomas, a paraplegic who completed the London Marathon will be visiting
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> for the first time ever where
the technology made this amazing feat possible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The
ReWalk was famously used by Claire Lomas in the 2012 London Marathon, where it
took her 16 days to cross the finish line. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In
February 2013, as part of the ZF’s (Zionist Federation) Science Week, Claire
Lomas had the chance to meet the inventor of the ReWalk suit Amit Goffer.
Explaining the difference Goffer’s invention had made to her, Claire said, “It
has been the best year of my life - and I never thought that would happen after
my accident. I met (London Mayor) Boris Johnson, (Prime Minister) David Cameron
and (London 2012 chairman) Seb Coe when I lit the cauldron and I met them all at
eye level. You can see a clip from this meeting <a href="http://uk.news.yahoo.com/woman-meets-bionic-suit-inventor-164940616.html" title="http://uk.news.yahoo.com/woman-meets-bionic-suit-inventor-164940616.html"><span style="color: black;" title="http://uk.news.yahoo.com/woman-meets-bionic-suit-inventor-164940616.html"><span style="color: windowtext;" title="http://uk.news.yahoo.com/woman-meets-bionic-suit-inventor-164940616.html">here</span></span></a>, which also shows her
completing the London Marathon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">During
the ZF trip, alongside 40 other attendees, Claire will have the chance to meet
the head of the BBC in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>, Gilad Shalit and the inventor
of the Iron Dome, <span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Brig. Gen. Danny
Gold,</span></span><span style="color: navy;">
</span>alongside many other high profile speakers including high profile
journalists and politicians. <span style="color: navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Claire
will also be visiting the <st1:placename w:st="on">Technion</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Haifa</st1:city></st1:place> where a lot of the
technology for the ReWalk was developed and whilst at Technion will be trialling
new technology to help the paralysed. Claire will also be meeting with the
company who invented the Rewalk, Argo Medical Technologies.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Executive Director of the ZF, <st1:personname w:st="on">Alan Aziz</st1:personname> said “The ZF wanted to give Claire the
chance to see the country that helped transform her life and we believed our
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> trip was the perfect way of
achieving this”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Claire
will be available for interview in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> from next week or upon her
return. If you would like to cover the story or interview Claire Lomas, please
contact our Executive Director <st1:personname w:st="on">Alan
Aziz</st1:personname> either by his Israeli telephone number 00972526000444 or
via email at <a href="mailto:alan@zfuk.org" title="mailto:alan@zfuk.org">alan@zfuk.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Pictures of Claire Lomas’s visit to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> will be
available in both high resolution and low resolution. If you would like any
pictures please contact <st1:personname w:st="on">Alan
Aziz</st1:personname>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Zionist Federation Moderatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16178736231664847232noreply@blogger.com