The British Zionist Federation and the Israel, Britain and Commonwealth Association (IBCA) held a debate with the British Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Tom Phillips to discuss British and Israeli relations, at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem. The Ambassador stated that “somewhere in the U.K. the center of gravity has shifted against Israel."
Growing anti-Semitism in Britain, the Goldstone report, the boycotting of Israeli products, and the growing influence of foreign government funding of NGOs in Israel were some of the issues covered in the debate.
“I hope that this is a wake up call for pro-Israel voices in Israel,” said Daniel Taub, Senior Legal Advisor, of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also participating in the debate was Prof. Gerald Steinberg of Bar Ilan University, and Miri Eisin, Former Spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
This panel discussion aimed to combat anti-Semitism and to increase support for Israel in Europe by fostering awareness of a growing problem and encouraging participation and action.