The first speaker was Gali Baram, a former Consul General in Toronto and now Director of the MFA’s activity across the world.  She explained the difference between classic, public, and economic & humanitarian diplomacy and the role of the 108 Diplomatic Missions around the world.

Akiva Tor, another former Ambassador and now Director of Academic Coordination, gave us an insight into his research on the current antisemitic situation on university campuses, particularly in English speaking countries.  He has compiled a comprehensive list of recommendations on how to tackle this dangerous issue.

Akiva was followed by Tamar Schwarzbard, the Head of Digital Operations who, along with her team of 10, have posted 40,000 pieces of content on social media in Hebrew, English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Russian and Persian since October 7, 2023 with 8 billion views!

Then it was the turn of Ruth Cohen-Dar, a former Deputy Ambassador and now Director of the Combating Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance Department.  It was sobering to hear that recent research by the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) estimates that 46% of the world population holds antisemitic sentiments.

After a short lunch break, Dan Oryan, another former Ambassador and now Director of the Civic Diplomacy Department moderated a panel which included Mark Regev who was, of course, Ambassador to the UK and spokesman for the PM; Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and a familiar face on English news channels; Arsen Ostrovsky, a Human Rights Lawyer and CEO of The International Legal Forum; Ofir Dayan, Researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies.  They talked about their experiences after October 7, 2023 and their views regarding the prickly subject of Israeli Public Relations!

Although running over, we were still invited to a short tour of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departing with a much better understanding of what the 1200 staff at the MFA have to deal with in their day-to-day work load and how we can all do our bit to help as mini ambassadors.

Judi Herman

23/01/2025www.OxfordIL.co.uk

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The post Letter from our Chair Melvin Berwald to the British Ambassador to Israel H. E. Simon Walters regarding the ICC first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

H.E. Simon Walters

Britain’s Ambassador to Israel

2^nd November 2023

Dear Ambassador Walters

At the outset, on behalf of IBCA, may I express our Association’s heartfelt appreciation for the support given to Israel by the British Government, headed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at a time when Israel has experienced the barbaric murder of innocent men, women and children – it is much appreciated.

However it is with immense sadness that IBCA, whose membership includes many with close family in the UK, notes the unprecedented rise in antisemitism throughout Britain. That a massacre, carried out by Hamas, on a Jewish Festival Day should spark this reaction is deeply worrying. According to the UK’s Community Security Trust (CST) reports of antisemitic incidents have risen 581% this year compared to the same time last year.

Prior to my coming to live in Israel, I was privileged to head a number of organizations; the last position I held was that of being the chairperson of the Hillel Foundation whose main raison d’etra was supporting Jewish students on campus. 

Yesterday I spoke with Edward Daniel UJS’s Communication and Public Relations’ Officer.  He shared his deep concern today for Jewish students on campuses throughout the UK.  He said  that on October 8^th (the day following the massacre in Israel’s South)  UJS received over 100 calls from Jewish students expressing concerns, anxieties and reports of antisemitic incidents on their campuses;  Jewish students have reported verbal abuse and intimidation and even death threats. In addition I have been privy to a series of motions (all carried) at Cambridge University, Oxford University and UCL (among others) where there is one sentence referring to the massacre of Israeli civilians within numerous pages of abuse against Israel in its fight against Hamas the terrorist organization responsible for the genocide of innocent civilians. The motions passed called for a “mass uprising” and “Intifada until victory”.

It is from universities that tomorrow’s leaders emerge. We in IBCA are deeply worried by the reality of the leadership that might emerge in Britain tomorrow if the current heightened level of antisemitism is not curbed.

Having been involved with IBCA for some 20 plus years this is the first time I have ever felt the necessity to express concern as to the safety and future for Jewish students in the UK.

Sincerely

Brenda

Brenda Katten

Chairperson IBCA

The post A Letter from our Chair Brenda Katten to the British Ambassador to Israel H.E. Simon Walters first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

At this challenging time our hearts are with all who have suffered tragic loss and those whose loved ones have been taken hostage.  Our thoughts are with the brave combatants within the Israel Defense Force and we pray for their safe return home.

The post Balfour Dinner Postponed first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

Our Chair Brenda Katten said that the evening was a truly joyous occasion in which we were able to relive the amazing spectacle of Coronation Day in the beautiful grounds of the Ambassador’s residence. 

Ambassador Wigan gave a speech, in Hebrew, which was (without doubt) the envy of many Brits who have lived here for considerably longer than he has and yet would not be able to stand up and make a speech with such eloquence! 

Thank you for having us!

The post Coronation Celebration! first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service is a commemoration of the landing of Australian and New Zealand (ANZACs) troops at Gallipoli, Turkey on 25 April in 1915. The ceremony is help at dawn as this commemorates the time that the soldiers actually set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. It was named Anzac Day in 1916 and remembers and pays tribute to the tremendous courage and sacrifice of those who died in the war. The ceremony was held at the Commonwealth Graves at Mount Scopus in Jerusalem. This year’s ceremony was particularly poignant as ANZAC Day fell on the same day as Yom Hazikaron, Israeli Memorial Day.

Our Membership Secretary, Andee Goldman, attended the ceremony and laid a wreath on IBCA’s behalf. Andee said “I found the ceremony very emotional. So many fought and died far from their homeland. We shall never forget their bravery or their sacrifice.”

The post ANZAC Day Dawn Service 2023 first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

The post Interview with the New Australian Ambassador to Israel H. E. Dr Ralph King first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

IBCA wishes the Ambassador every success in his new position and looks forward to working closely with him for the benefit of Australia and Israel.

The post IBCA Welcomes Australia’s New Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Dr. Ralph King first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

Over this period of time Sam (as he was known to all) was the prime activist in organizing the Balfour Dinner – IBCA’s flagship event.  His professional experience enabled him to ensure that the venue was suited to the occasion recognizing the importance of a well -equipped sound system.  He was an excellent Master of Ceremonies at this prestigious event for many years. 

Sam’s leadership qualities were an invaluable asset to IBCA and to each successive chairperson.  His contribution to the organization will be sadly missed by our Executive,  members of IBCA and specifically by me as the current chair of IBCA. 2023 will see the reinstatement of the Balfour Dinner following a COVID hiatus. His absence will be felt at many levels as IBCA will be denied the benefit of his warm personality and vast experience.

Aside from the important role he undertook for IBCA Sam Lewis was the Chairman of AJEX (Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen) in Israel.  Each year (excluding the period during the height of COVID) he was an active participant at the Annual British Remembrance Sunday taking place in Israel at the British War Cemeteries. It was at last year’s ceremony that he gave his final moving address to the participants.    

Sam was born and spent his early days in the East End of London. When evacuated, during World War II,   he began violin lessons which, ultimately, led to his professional life as a musician.  He later turned to the viola as his main instrument and became part of the London Symphony Orchestra.  He began a career as a conductor and became the conductor of the orchestra at London’s famous Drury Lane Theatre.

He made Aliyah in 1968 when invited to manage and conduct the Haifa Symphony Orchestra.  In 1972 he formed the Netanya Orchestra attracting numerous Olim from the Former Soviet Union. The Gulf War saw the demise of the Netanya Orchestra.  He was approached by Boosey & Hawkes, the largest classical music publishers in the world, to represent the company ensuring composers rights were observed both during and after their death. This prestigious appointment led to his being appointed to represent many other such agencies.

Sam leaves a son and daughter and their respective families. He also leaves his beloved partner of 31 years, Batsheva Israels, who supported him in all his endeavors both professionally and personally; they formed a great team.   

May his memory be as a blessing.

Brenda Katten

The post In remembrance of our wonderful Vice Chair, Sam Lewis first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.

The post Service of Remembrance and Dedication at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Ramleh first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.