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.

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.

Following the outstanding success of last year’s event, we were delighted to have the honour of being hosted, once more, by the British Ambassador H. E. Neil Wigan – in the beautiful grounds of his residence – for a reception on Thursday 6th October.

As last year, the reception was be followed by a talk given by an excellent guest speaker. On this occasion IBCA was exceedingly privileged that Mr Andrew Abir, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel, gave a presentation on “The return of inflation? Challenges for Monetary Policy”.

British born Andrew Abir earned a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, and an MBA from Jerusalem’s Hebrew University.

His talk was interesting and informative and was enjoyed by all.

We were honoured to be joined by Canadian Ambassador H.E. Lisa Stadelbauer, Australian Deputy Head of Mission Mr Mathew Wise and Indian First Secretary Mr Naveen Ramakrishner.

The post Reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence 2022 first appeared on IBCA Israel, Britain & the Commonwealth Assoc.