BOYCOTTING ISRAEL HARMS THE WORLD

Professor Stephen Hawking has pulled out of a commitment to give a lead lecture at a major international science conference in Israel next month.  The event is also a celebration of the 90th birthday of President Peres. 

Hawking has visited Israel four times. Most recently, in 2006, he delivered public lectures at Israeli and Palestinian universities as the guest of the British Embassy.

Boycotts of Israel like this are discriminatory and demonise the only stable and mature democracy in the Middle East, where the rights of minorities are protected.

Additionally, Israeli expertise is leading to productive partnerships that are helping to change the world for the better. For instance, The Hanquing Foundation, that provides scholarships for outstanding Chinese students, will be providing scholarships of up to $35,000 a year for Chinese students to go to the world leading technological university, Technion in Haifa, Israel. This shows how Israeli expertise is bringing nations worldwide together to the benefit of all. Boycotts endanger this.

Chairman of the ZF Paul Charney said, “Boycotts of Israel are based on hatred and lies, which harm the prospects of peace that are based on dialogue. Much of what we take for granted, like our computers, medicinal drugs or mobile phones are made or designed in Israel, the same products that the BDS movement wants to boycott.”

The ZF and all its UK members will always speak out against these boycotts that delegitimise and would deprive the world of Israel’s significant contributions.  

46TH ANNIVERSARY OF JERUSALEM DAY MARKED IN THE PRESENCE OF CHIEF RABBI ELECT AND SENIOR MUSLIM CLERIC

To celebrate the 46^th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, The ZF in conjunction with Edgware United Synagogue and the Springboard Trust marked Jerusalem day with a special event.

Over 125 guests saw the first showing of the film produced by the Springboard Trust called ‘Jerusalem and the Temple Mount’. A major person in this film was the renowned historian Martin Gilbert. This short documentary film examines the 3,000 year old connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem. 

This event took place in the presence of the Chief Rabbi-elect, Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who said “Jerusalem is the eternal city, the beating heart of the Jewish people”.

Our special guest for the night who came all the way from Rome was Sheikh Imam Abdul Hadi Palazzi, the Secretary General of the Italian Muslim Assembly. He is also the co-chairman of the Islam-Israel Fellowship that seeks to promote a positive Muslim relationship towards Jews and Israel. His speech showcased his strong support for the State of Israel and its sovereignty over Jerusalem.

Alan Aziz, Executive Director of the ZF said “This event reminded us of the importance of Jerusalem. The 46^th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem reminds us of the age old connection of Jerusalem to the Jewish people and how it is central to the state of Israel”.

Edgware United’s Synagogue Chairman, Carroll Raphael said “On 28th Iyar 5727 the city of Jerusalem, previously divided, became one.  Edgware United Synagogue was proud to host this important event for the 46th anniversary of re-unification and wish Jerusalem and its inhabitants Hatzlacha raba”.

The ZF and all its UK members will continue to highlight the centrality of Jerusalem to the Jewish people.

More photos available upon request.

Stephen Hoffman

Campaigns Officer, Zionist Federation UK
020 8202 0202 / www.zionist.org.uk

Paul Charney Letter on the ZF'S Iranian Revolutionary Guards Campaign

Dear Sir,

In light of the recent judgement and conviction of key members of the IRG (Iranian Revolutionary Guards) for its plot in targeting the Israeli Embassy in Kenya, it is clear that the IRG is acting with impunity and freedom in its terrorist activities worldwide.

Considering its major role in assisting Hezbollah in the 2012 attack in Burgas, which killed five Israelis and one Bulgarian, it’s clear that the IRG is an active and dangerous international terrorist organisation. Further, considering its supply of weapons to the Taliban, used to target British servicemen in Afghanistan, one cannot ignore the threat the IRG poses internationally.

Recently the ZF launched a campaign calling on the UK Government and the EU to formally label the IRG as a terrorist group. If the EU and UK refuse to act to proscribe the IRG then this will send a clear message for them to continue to spread terror across Europe and the world.

If you want to take part in our campaign we urge you to write to your MP and MEP on this important matter, as well as sign our petition here http://tinyurl.com/cfgtcvc and read our research on the matter here: http://www.zionist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IRGbriefing.pdf

Yours sincerely 

Paul Charney

ZF CHAIRMAN 

46TH JERUSALEM DAY TO BE CELEBRATED IN THE UK

The Zionist Federation together with Edgware United Synagogue and the Springboard Education Trust will proudly celebrate Jerusalem Day on Tuesday 7^th May at 7.30pm in fine style to mark the 46^th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem with an evening in Edgware of film, music and food.

The event will be with speakers Chief Rabbi elect Ephraim Mirvis who will stress the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish life, and Sheikh Abdul Hadi Palazzi the Secretary General of the Italian Muslim Assembly who will say that Jerusalem is the capital city of the Jewish state of Israel. Guests will also see the first showing of Springboard’s new film ‘Jerusalem and the Temple Mount’ featuring historian Sir Martin Gilbert.  This short documentary film examines the 3,000 year old connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem. 

Alan Aziz, Executive Director of the ZF said “this event is a fitting way to mark the 46^th anniversary of the re-unification of Jerusalem, its significance to the Jewish people and why it should never be divided”.

Edgware United’s Synagogue Chairman, Carroll Raphael said “On 28th Iyar 5727 the city of Jerusalem, previously divided, became one.  Edgware United Synagogue is proud to host this important event for the 46th anniversary of re-unification and wish Jerusalem and its inhabitants Hatzlacha raba”.

The ZF and all its UK members will continue to highlight the importance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people.

Photos will be available upon request.

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SHEIKH  Prof. Dr. ABDUL HADI  PALAZZI

In 1987, Sheikh Abdul Palazzi, after completing religious and secular education in Rome and Cairo has served as Imam to the Italian Islamic Community in Rome.   Holds Ph.D in Islamic Sciences from the Grand Mufti of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He has lectured on the History of Religion and wasco-producer of reportages from Middle East for Italy’s public television. He was secretary-general of the Association of Italian Muslims and nowadays he is president of the Italian Muslim Assembly.

Apart from his websites he has published numerous papers and articles and addressed international conferences on a variety of issues on peace in the Middle East and the relations of Muslims and the State of Israel.

Sheikh Palazzi is not only a “Muslim Zionist”.   He also denounces Muslim extremists - the PLO, the Al Aqsa Brigade and their like as perverting authentictraditional Islam.

In 1998, Sheikh Palazzi and Dr. Asher Eder (Jerusalem) co-founded the

Islam-Israel Fellowship which promotes a positive attitude towards Jews and

Israel based on what Sheikh Palazzi believes are the authentic teachings of

Muhammed as expressed in the Koran and Hadith (Muslim oral tradition).

Sheikh Palazzi serves as Muslim co-Chairman of the Fellowship.  Dr. Eder

is the Jewish co-Chairman. 

It is thanks to the Springboard Education Trust that Sheikh Abdul Hadi Palazzi was able to come to the UK and see the film on Jerusalem that the Springboard Education Trust put together. 

TIME TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM

The ZF has launched a campaign calling on the EU and the UK Government to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRG) as a terrorist organisation.

We are calling on the EU and the UK to proscribe the IRG as a terrorist organisation due to it being a leader in state sponsored terrorism. The IRG has also been active in sponsoring and supporting terrorism including in Europe, as well as targeting the UK, through attacks on UK soldiers. It is also a major funder and trainer of international terrorist groups including Hezbollah and Hamas, making it a major protagonist in global terrorism.

Paul Charney, Chairman of the ZF said, “The EU and the UK must take practical steps to deal with international terrorism. By proscribing the IRG, it would be showing its commitment to fighting terrorism and protecting the security of EU citizens”.

The ZF and all its UK members will continue to campaign for the EU and the UK to take a stand against international terrorism.

Further information on our campaign can be found here - and if you’d like to take part in our campaign against international terrorism you can sign the petition here. 

ZF TRAINING MEDIA SPOKESPEOPLE

On Sunday May 5^th and Monday 6^th May 2013 the ZF will be holding a 2 day spokesperson training course led by Mark Regev’s media trainer Linda Lovitch, who is coming especially from Israel for this.

There is a clear demand from the media for Israel spokespeople. We believe considering the success of our four previous media training events that through our latest spokesperson training course, we can help train the next generation of spokespeople.

Those attending the course will be trained by one of the best in the business. Linda has been working as a media consultant and adviser for over 15 years. Her trainees include the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs renowned spokesman Mark Regev, who has appeared on Channel 4, the BBC, Sky News, CNN and many more well-known news channels.  She also has experience of training Government Ministers and the Israeli Government press office and many more people. Those attending the course will benefit from training by an expert.

Alan Aziz, Executive Director of the ZF said “The ZF will continue to be at the forefront of speaking up for Israel, through providing people with the tools to make Israel’s case”

Pictures will be available from the event upon request and if you’d like to cover the event in person or interview Linda Lovitch please email stephen@zfuk.org

ZF AND SIX THOUSAND PEOPLE CELEBRATE ISRAEL 65

The ZF hosted the largest concert on Yom Ha’azmaut in Europe, last night, for 6,000 people at Wembley Arena. Those who attended celebrated Israel’s birthday in style.

The event began with a moving speech by Ambasssador Daniel Taub, who said the ZF’s Israel 65 show was the best party in town. The night was expertly MC’d by top TV and Radio personality Vanessa Feltz who spoke about her close relationship with Israel and a guest appearance was made by Israeli celebrity Uri Geller.

Stacey Solomon, a finalist of the X Factor and well known TV personality, sang a medley of songs including a rousing rendition of ‘What a Wonderful World’. Her performance showed why she has been one of the most successful X Factor finalists.

The audience witnessed a masterclass in dancing from Britain’s Got Talent record winners, Spelbound. Their outstanding moves amazed everyone.

The show was completed with talented Israeli singers Ivri Lider, Israel’s male singer of the Year and Ishtar, the Madonna of the Middle East, alongside her French band Alabina. Ishtar created an electric atmosphere with her performance and Ivri Lider wowed the audience. This highlighted the best of Israeli culture.

The concert was given an international flavour by Chico, the founder of the Gipsy Kings with his band Chico and the Gypsies. Chico also performed with Alabina showing how international artists were coming together for Israel’s anniversary.

The audience was treated to one of the best comedians in the UK, Mark Maier. Mark had the audience laughing throughout the night.

Those wanting to party after the show were able to do so thanks to an after party exclusively for young professionals. Featured at the party was Israeli DJ, Adi Ulamansky, who flew in especially from Israel to play a selection of chart hits.

ZF Director and producer of the show, Alan Aziz said, “We wanted to bring thousands of people from across the UK together to celebrate Israel’s existence and achievements that make us proud to stand with Israel and that’s exactly what we did”.

More photos are available via dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f0f4upo9nasgdas/4gxK284awF. Please credit all photos to Steve Winston whose website is www.stevewinstonphotos.com