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, claiming, in 2012, to represent '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.
  • In May 2012, ZF attacked Allen again after she stated in an interview with the Jewish Chronicle that she had never had a letter of complaint from any member of the Jewish community accusing Amnesty of being biased against Israel. Executive Director Alan Aziz claimed his organisation was still awaiting a reply from Amnesty about the January 2012 Ben White book launch about which ZF had complained, though Allen said the charity had already responded.[4] Aziz also penned a comment piece in the Jewish Chronicle stating: '[I]t is inexcusable for groups to use phrases like "war crimes" with a total disregard to the damage such words can cause. There is an urgent need for NGOs to deal with their blatant anti-Israel bias, a bias that ultimately does damage to their reputations.'[5]
  • In July 2012 the ZF attacked Amnesty campaign manager Kristyan Benedict claiming that he had 'regularly shown a partisan approach' on Israeli-Palestinian issues, for instance by organising the January 2012 Ben White book launcg, and had threatened to assault an Israel supporter (Zionist blogger Richard Millett) at an Amnesty event. The charity responded to the ZF claims, saying all its staff members adhered to principles of independence and impartiality in their work. Benedict reportedly apologised to Millett but the ZF turned down the offer of a meeting with him, claiming 'there would be nothing to gain from meeting him'.[6]

People

Eric Moonman - President | Alan Aziz - Executive Director | Harvey Rose - Chairman

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ The Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland About Us, Accessed 24 December 2012
  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
  4. ↑ Marcus Dysch, Amnesty boss attacked over Israel claims, Jewish Chronicle, accessed 7 August 2012
  5. ↑ We deserve more from Amnesty, Jewish Chronicle, accessed 7 August 2012
  6. ↑ Marcus Dysch, Amnesty International defends official accused of anti-Israel bias, Jewish Chronicle, accessed 7 August 2012
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