Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland

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The Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland, also known as the British Zionist Federation or simply the Zionist Federation (ZF), was established in 1899 to campaign for a permanent homeland for the Jewish people. The Zionist Federation is an umbrella organisation for the Zionist movement in the United Kingdom, representing more than 120 organisations, and over 50,000 affiliated members.[1]

In 1917, the British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour communicated the Balfour Declaration to the leader of United Kingdom's Jewish community Lord Rothschild for transmission to the Zionist Federation.

In 1920, the Zionist Federation founded Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) and Keren Hayesod. The ZF also founded a number of Zionist youth movements.

Aims and objectives

Among its aims and objectives, ZF lists:

  • Support, co-ordinate and facilitate the work of all its affiliates nationwide, and to continue its commitment to the Zionist youth movements.
  • Encourage the participation of Jews in Zionist activities including education, culture, Hebrew language and Israel information, underpinned by the belief that the main goal of Zionism is Aliyah.
  • The Zionist Federation is an umbrella organisation encompassing most of the Zionist organizations and individuals in the country and, as such, represents the Zionist movement in the United Kingdom.

Activities

Rewarding Michael Gove's support for Israel

Gove accepting his prize for 'unrelenting' support for Israel from Eric Moonman

Eric Moonman, Zionist Federation President, presented the Jerusalem Prize to Michael Gove MP:

Mr. Gove was given the beautiful silver and glass award for his unrelenting support for the State of Israel. In accepting the Jerusalem Prize, Mr. Gove stressed that his love and passion was for democracy and since Israel was the only democracy in the Middle East, his support came naturally.[2]

Criticism of Amnesty International

The ZF has attacked Amnesty International UK on a number of occasions.

  • In January 2012 ZF chairman Harvey Rose wrote to Amnesty director Kate Allen complaining about a book launch it was hosting with author Ben White, who ZF alleged held 'abhorrent and mendacious views'. Amnesty responded that its work included raising issues about discrimination and that White's book, Palestinians in Israel: Segregation, Discrimination and Democracy, tied in to this.[3] It did not cancel the event.

People

See also

External links


References

  1. ↑ About Us. History The Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland
  2. ↑ Jerusalem Prize Awarded at Annual Zionist Federation Dinner February 17, 2008
  3. ↑ Marcus Dysch, Cancel event, Amnesty is urged by ZF, Jewish Chronicle, accessed 7 August 2012
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