2020/2021

Featuring:

Message from the Prime Minister

Salam, Shalom: A New Dawn in the Middle East?

Spotlight on New MPs

1 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021 INTRODUCING

Parliamentary Group Editor: Sedef Akademir, CFI Chairman (Commons): Rt. Hon. Stephen Crabb MP Front Cover Image: Alamy Chairman (Lords): Rt. Hon. The Lord Pickles Vice-Chairmen: John Howell OBE MP MP Conservative Friends of Israel Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP CFI Ltd, PO Box 72288, , SW1P 9LB Officers:  T: 020 7262 2493 Baroness Altmann CBE E: [email protected] Siobhan Baillie MP W: www.cfoi.co.uk MP Andrew Bowie MP @CFoI Rt. Hon. MP Conservative Friends of Israel Peter Gibson MP CFI Youtube Robert Largan MP cfi_uk Damien Moore MP Matthew Offord MP © Conservative Friends of Israel Ltd, MP Company no. 8114952 Mary Robinson MP Registered Office: Lord Shinkwin C/O Blick Rothenberg, MP 7-10 Chandos Street, London, W1G 9DQ Rt. Hon. Lord Trimble Christian Wakeford MP Craig Williams MP

Directors of CFI Ltd Honorary President: Lord Polak CBE Chairman: Andrew Heller Deputy Chairman: Hilda Worth Treasurer: Stephen Massey

Professional Team Executive Director: James Gurd Parliamentary Manager: Elkie Clark Projects Manager: Natalie Jacobs Communications Manager: Sedef Akademir Head of Israel Office: Ellen Steel

2 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/20212020/2021 WELCOME

Welcome to a new, and Lord Polak CBE Andrew Heller James Gurd slightly different edition of CFI Honorary CFI Chairman CFI Executive President Director CFI’s Informed magazine.

2020 has been a year like no other. The unprecedented was a transformational moment. The region has been events of this year have touched us all and we would like transforming before our eyes in recent years and the to send our warmest wishes to all of you at this difficult moving images from the lawn of the White House as time. Israel signed peace deals with the UAE and Bahrain sent a powerful message throughout the Arab world that Following the excitement of a landmark election with vision and courage a better future is within reach. victory for Boris Johnson and the decisive rejection of Corbynism in December, 2020 started on a high for CFI Closer to home, in April we joined together remotely with exciting events in Parliament. After holding our with our parliamentary friends to celebrate the 70th biggest Annual Parliamentary Reception yet in January, anniversary of UK-Israel relations. The occasion provided we were delighted in February to be joined by 40 of the a timely opportunity to reflect how far the relationship newly elected Conservative MPs for a special lunch with has come and the exciting opportunities on the horizon Israel’s Ambassador. following the UK’s departure from the European Union. From record trade and tourism to science and security It has been a pleasure getting to know so many of the cooperation, the UK-Israel relationship has never new intake MPs; many from seats that have turned blue been better and in Boris Johnson Israel has a deeply for the first time. Ahead of the election we were joined committed and outstanding friend. in Israel by as many as ten Conservative parliamentary candidates from target seats who now sit on the green We’d like to thank our brilliant Professional Team at benches, and the waiting list grows by the week for new CFI for doing such a tremendous job in challenging MPs wishing to visit Israel when it is safe to travel again. circumstances to ensure Israel’s case was still heard by We would like to congratulate the 107 new Conservative parliamentarians and that you, our supporters, were up parliamentarians and we look forward to working closely to date on all things Israel. We’d also like to thank our with you for years to come. parliamentary supporters, and in particular our new Parliamentary Officer group, led by our Parliamentary Despite the many challenges we have all endured in Chairmen Rt. Hon. Stephen Crabb MP and Rt. Hon. The 2020, we are pleased with how the CFI organisation has Lord Pickles. risen to it. Throughout, Conservative parliamentarians in both houses continued to raise important issues, We’d also like to reiterate how deeply grateful we are to including Iran’s nuclear programme and UK-Israel all of our supporters for your continued support, which is cooperation in the fight against Covid-19. We so invaluable to our work. were delighted to host dozens of Conservative parliamentarians for virtual briefing events throughout We look forward to better times ahead and meeting you lockdown, including a memorable event with outgoing all in person again. Ambassador of Israel Mark Regev where over 50 Conservative parliamentarians paid tribute to his four years in London. Conservative parliamentarians joined us for online sessions on issues as wide-ranging as Israel’s political situation, Israel’s response to the pandemic, as well as a briefing with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) about the security threats facing the Jewish State.

This year can also be remembered as one marking a new era for the Middle East; one of peace and prosperity. The announcement of Israel’s establishment of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates

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4 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021

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Autumn 2020

Supporting Israel. Dear Friends, Promoting Conservatism. I am delighted once again to send my thanks and support to Conservative Friends of Israel.

I have always been proud to be considered a friend of Israel. From my first expeditions to Israel as a young man to my recent visits as Mayor and Foreign Secretary, I have always been struck by the ingenuity and fortitude of the Israeli people – and by the great achievements of the State of Israel in the face of ever-present threats and intimidations. The United Kingdom has always stood by Israel and its right to live as any nation should be able to, in peace and security. Our commitment to Israel’s security will be unshakable while I am Prime Minister. With over 3,000 supporters, In the year in which we celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK CFI is proud to have a strong and Israel, I am delighted to say that the friendship between our two nations remains as strong as it has ever been. As the UK forges a new role on the global stage outside the EU, I want us activist base supporting our to continue to strengthen our bilateral relationship with Israel including in areas such as trade. work in Parliament. And we will continue to work side by side with Israel in the fight against coronavirus, as we share information and insights on how to overcome this unprecedented challenge. I know that Exclusive supporter benefits both our countries will come through the pandemic and build back stronger than ever. include: Despite the challenges of the current circumstances, it has been extremely encouraging to see the recent exciting news of the normalisation of relations between Israel and two other great CFI's 'Informed' weekly email friends of the UK: the UAE and Bahrain. These have been extremely welcome developments, and I hope that others will follow to help secure a more peaceful Middle East. briefing CFI plays a vital role in making the case for Israel and in supporting the UK’s relationship Invitations and discounts to with Israel. Thank you for all your great work, and for everything that you do for our Party – events including all the tremendous support you provided last December to help us win an historic majority in the general election. Your efforts made a real difference in many key marginal seats – and with your ongoing support, our Conservative Government will deliver on the Join our ever growing community: people’s priorities. www.cfoi.co.uk/membership

@CFoI | www.cfoi.co.uk 5

Conservative Campaign Headquarters, 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, SW1H 9HQ

Promoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party, both at 4 Matthew Parker Street, London SW1H 9HQ SALAM, SHALOM: A NEW DAWN IN THE j Shutterstock MIDDLE EAST? RT. HON. STEPHEN CRABB MP, RT. HON. THE LORD PICKLES, LORD POLAK CBE

t the start of the establishment of reciprocal following Egypt and Jordan. 2020, who embassies as well as direct would have flights and collaboration in Yet unlike Israel’s treaties predicted areas such as security and with Egypt and Jordan, there both a global healthcare. is a hope that peace will Apandemic and the emergence be felt within the countries’ It is also a breakthrough in a of a new path to peace in the populations; not just a peace region that has been beset Middle East? between governments, with religious wars; shining a but a “coexistence, mutual The signing of the Abraham light on an alternative path for understanding and mutual Accords in September, a the future. respect” between peoples. peace treaty between Israel In normalising ties with Israel and the United Arab Emirates It has since been heartening to at a landmark ceremony in the (UAE) and Bahrain, marks a read reports of young Israelis White House in September, landmark breakthrough in and Emiratis meeting each the UAE and Bahrain became Israel’s relations with the Arab other online over video calls; the first Arab states in 26 years world. The mutually beneficial companies of both nations to make peace with Israel – deal includes provisions for working together to fight

6 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021 coronavirus; and tech links being forged.

In gestures that would have previously been unthinkable, the Emirati hospitality industry has welcomed the agreement and is now preparing for an expected influx of observant Jews, with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, U.S. Senior Adviser Jared Kushner and UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash Tourism instructing hotels to provide supervised kosher those speculated to come next nations has actually been food to their guests. include Sudan, Saudi Arabia building over a number of It was undoubtedly special, and Oman. years, with covert meetings if not slightly surreal, to see and quiet security cooperation Signs of a domino effect the photos of the Israeli and taking place at the highest look promising, with Saudi UAE flags draped side by levels. Benjamin Netanyahu Arabia opening its airspace side as the first El Al flight officially visited Oman in 2018, to Israeli flights and the Arab landed in Abu Dhabi. Not to and Saudi news published an League rejecting a resolution mention the poignant front unprecedented 2017 interview proposed by the Palestinian page of the Emirati daily, the with Israel’s IDF Chief of Authority that condemned Khaleej Times, with its headline Staff, Gadi Eisenkot, in which the UAE-Israel deal. Yes – declaring, ‘Salam, Shalom’. he publicly offered to share the same Arab League that intelligence on Iran. At the White House ceremony, issued the infamous ‘Three all leaders spoke of their Nos’ after the Six-Day War in It is also no secret that these shared hopes for the region. 1967: “No peace with Israel, incredible strides towards It is language that is so no recognition of Israel, no regional peace have been strikingly different from the negotiations with it”. aided by great mutual unease usual frustrating narrative of towards the Iranian regime, It is our hope that the UK will irreconcilable differences and whose hegemonic ambitions now use its extensive and intransigence. have long cast a shadow warm relations with countries over the region. Israeli and As President Trump’s senior throughout the region to Arab leaders share the same adviser Jared Kushner support this landmark regional concerns over Iran’s nuclear observed, the developments peace effort. programme and destabilisation suggest “a new script for The sands have been shifting of multiple countries via its the Middle East”, where “the in the Middle East for over a terrorist proxies. future doesn’t have to be decade, refuting the outdated predetermined by the past”. The landscape in the Middle mantra that the Israeli- East is changing in front of The shift has been heralded Palestinian conflict is the root our eyes. Let us hope that as a “new dawn” in the of all discord in the region. despite this year’s immense region, and half a dozen other Taking some by surprise, the challenges, 2020 can mark the countries are predicted to rapprochement between the beginning of a tangible move follow the UAE and Bahrain Jewish State and many Arab towards lasting peace in the in recognising Israel. Among region.

@CFoI | www.cfoi.co.uk 7 SPOTLIGHT ON

NEW MPS

In December 2019, the Conservative Party won a stunning majority in the general election. The election victory was a great high, with the defeat of Corbynism and triumph of self-declared “passionate Zionist” Boris Johnson. Of the total 365 Conservative MPs elected, 107 are new to Parliament; a significant 29%.

Over the course of the election, Team CFI spent five weeks travelling across the country campaigning in support of Conservative candidates - leafleting, canvassing and seeing the political movement on the ground. From Wales to Yorkshire and Derbyshire to London, we were busy travelling in support of as many as 18 Conservative candidates.

Several of the new intake of MPs had also visited Israel on CFI delegations as candidates, prior to being elected. Here we shine a spotlight on some of the newest friends of Israel in Parliament.

Shutterstock

Jonathan Gullis MP (Stoke-on-Trent North) In March 2020, former school teacher and newly elected MP, Jonathan Gullis, led his first Westminster Hall debate on the subject of radicalisation within the Palestinian school curriculum. 20 Conservative MPs were in attendance in the debate, which focused on concerns about the content of the Palestinian Authority’s school textbooks which contain incitement of hatred, martyrdom and violence towards Israelis. He visited Israel with CFI in August 2019.

Siobhan Baillie MP (Stroud) Siobhan Baillie is the new Conservative MP for Stroud. She joined CFI on a Parliamentary delegation to Israel in July 2019, where she said that she was “blown away by the innovation, determination and strength of this tiny country”.

8 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021 Christian Wakeford (Bury South) Christian Wakeford is the new MP for Bury South, a Greater Manchester constituency with one of the most sizable Jewish communities outside of London. He has already stood up in support of Israel in Parliament on numerous occasions, and in February joined CFI on a delegation to Israel alongside seven Conservative parliamentarians.

Miriam Cates MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge) During the election campaign, Team CFI joined Miriam Cates in Penistone and Stocksbridge with CFI Parliamentary Chairman (Lords) Rt. Hon. The Lord Pickles. Miriam, who is a business owner and former schoolteacher, visited Israel with CFI prior to her election.

Nicola Richards MP (West Bromwich East)

Nicola Richards is the newly elected MP for West Bromwich East, and at the age of 25 is one of the youngest MPs in Parliament. In the 2019 election, Nicola overturned a Labour majority of 7,713, winning the seat for the Conservatives for the first time in its 45 year history.

In March 2020, Nicola took part in a panel event that CFI hosted to mark International Women’s Day, where she spoke about her journey into politics.

Robert Largan MP (High Peak) A staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, Robert Largan joined a CFI delegation as a candidate in 2019. In the House of Commons, Robert has condemned the Palestinian Authority’s practice of paying monthly salaries to convicted terrorists and their families, with higher salaries given to those who have killed more Israelis.

@CFoI | www.cfoi.co.uk 9 IN CONVERSATION WITH Jewish Women’s Business Network

FLEUR HASSAN-NAHOUM DEPUTY MAYOR OF JERUSALEM

of Jerusalem as a high-tech the atmosphere is that of a kind orn in London, Fleur ecosystem. of solidarity and collaboration, Hassan-Nahoum has cooperation with the most diverse served as Deputy CFI spoke to the Deputy Mayor population of the country, which is Mayor of Jerusalem about her work and her views on the other thing I love most about since October 2018. the challenges and opportunities Jerusalem. BIn the role, she is in charge of facing the city. foreign relations, international 2. What are the biggest economic development and 1. What do you love most challenges Jerusalem faces? tourism. Additionally, she is the about Jerusalem? co-founder of the UAE-Israel Jerusalem’s main challenge is The thing I love most about that we are home to the two Business Council. Jerusalem is that even though most economically marginalised it’s the largest city in the populations in the country, She has become well known country by far, it actually feels for her leadership in the which are the Arabs and the like a village. In the different Ultra-Orthodox. 25% of the city advancement of women’s rights neighbourhoods, everybody and marginalised groups in the is Ultra-Orthodox and 38% of knows each other. So even the city is Arab, and it is the city, and in the development though it’s a big capital city,

10 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021 poorest city in the country. to the world. In particular, Covid-19 to leave their homes The main challenges are for I’m bringing new funding to so that they don’t infect their the men in the Ultra-Orthodox a women’s entrepreneurship entire family. We’ve had a lot community, where only 50% programme in East Jerusalem, of collaboration between East are employed. It’s of course that has created lots of small and West Jerusalem, between very low productivity on the businesses for Arab women Jews and Arabs, an amazing side of that community which and lots of new employees in volunteer response task force causes poverty. On the Arab East Jerusalem. I’m supporting we set up with all the volunteer side, women have the lowest them and helping them with organisations from around the workforce participation in the funding. Recently I connected a city from every single type of entire Middle East, and that’s few hundred Ethiopian families population working together, mainly due to their educational in West Jerusalem who didn’t and creativity in making cultural system, which doesn’t teach have internet to a non-profit activities social distance friendly them Hebrew, meaning organisation that does that. for all the communities in the that both boys and girls are What I’m always most proud city. completely unequipped to go of is bringing opportunity We’ve seen a lot of generosity into higher education or secure to people who haven’t had during times of Corona; people employment. What happens opportunities. caring for others, distributing is that the boys get jobs in 70,000 food packages to a great supermarkets or in construction 5. How has the Covid-19 number of people in the city. and they learn Hebrew on the pandemic affected We have 70,000 elderly in the street, and the girls don’t learn Jerusalem and how has the city and we made sure that each Hebrew – it becomes a gender city adapted to it? one of them had a volunteer, issue. When they go out to work The Covid-19 pandemic has making sure that they didn’t stay after they’ve had their children, affected Jerusalem quite on their own – lots of initiatives they’re only employable in badly because the two most to combat loneliness. So overall cleaning jobs. So those are the traditional communities are the I think we came out of the crisis main economic challenges that ones who have issues in terms a lot more united than we were the city has. of gatherings and communal before. activities, as well as their high 3. What have been your 6. In what ways do main plans for Jerusalem? density dwellings. And so the high number of cases that we you hope to see more My plan is to empower these see in our city, they’re not the cooperation between two communities to get them highest in the country, but they Jerusalem and London? into good education that gives are mainly because of these I think there’s a lot of similarities them better opportunities and two population groups (the between Jerusalem and London. high-quality jobs. We want them Ultra-Orthodox and Arabs) I lived in London for nine years to be part of the prosperity of who are more traditional by so I have some experience – the Start-Up Nation. nature. We’ve adapted to it both big cosmopolitan capitals, quite well, setting up ‘Corona a lot of innovation, a lot of 4. What achievements are hotels’ separating the sick diversity and I think that there’s you most proud of since from the healthy, especially a lot that we can learn from entering your role? taking into account that these each other. We can collaborate families are living in smaller I guess I have a few things particularly in areas of innovation accommodations, so trying to that I’m proud of – one is start-up, Covid-19 solutions, and encourage people who have bringing awareness of the other issues facing our capitals. problems in East Jerusalem

@CFoI | www.cfoi.co.uk 11 WE MUST STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH OUR ALLIES

Gabriele Pedrini / Shutterstock.com AGAINST THE THREAT FROM IRAN

12 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021 Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP CFI Vice-Chairman

s the strategic Via the proxies it has The UK Government should realignment across supported, the Iranian regime accept that the JCPoA process the Middle East gains is responsible for the deaths of has failed. A new more wide- momentum, the Iranian British and American soldiers ranging deal is needed that Athreat continues to in Iraq. In January 2020, a addresses Iran’s regional destabilise the region and harm British servicewoman and two activities alongside its nuclear UK interests abroad. Iran’s Americans were killed in a rocket programme. Iran’s proxy wars subversive activity is one of attack by an Iranian-backed and its nuclear ambitions are the key driving forces of the group. Recent rocket attacks inter-connected. They go hand rapprochement between Israel on U.S. targets in Baghdad in hand as Iran seeks to bolster and a number of Gulf states. and a roadside bombing that its regional influence with a may have targeted a British nuclear insurance policy. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary diplomatic vehicle are troubling Guard Corps (IRGC) continues developments. The UK is well-placed to to exert a malign influence in bridge the gap between the multiple conflicts, providing It is time to look afresh at the U.S. ‘maximum pressure’ financial and material support status of the IRGC. Though the campaign and the European to regional terror groups via its Government’s proscription of position. A cohesive response elite Quds Force since the 1979 Hezbollah in February 2019 was to shared challenges is vital, Islamic Revolution. a welcome step, it is inexplicable with a pending $400 billion that many of Iran’s terror proxies deal strategic deal between The IRGC’s support for are proscribed while the IRGC Iran and China over 25 years Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian remains unlisted. set to further unsettle regional Islamic Jihad, the Houthis in dynamics. Yemen, Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq, Foreign Secretary Dominic al-Ashtar Brigades in Bahrain, Raab has described the 2015 Designating the IRGC as a terror and other groups in Syria and Joint Comprehensive Plan of group in its entirety in line with the Gulf, sows division and Action (JCPoA) nuclear deal as a our American allies would send instability throughout the Middle “hollow shell” following flagrant a clear message that Iran’s East and beyond. Iranian breaches. Yet there destabilising actions will not go have been repeated statements unchallenged. Calls for UK proscription of the from the E3 (the UK, France IRGC have increased following and Germany) in support of the The Iranian regime has a violent the United States’ decision deal. This inconsistency needs and brutal record at home and to designate the group in its to be addressed. The Prime overseas and it is time to take a entirety as a Foreign Terrorist Minister has previously stated tougher line. Organisation (FTO) in April his concerns over the JCPoA’s 2019. The U.S. administration shortcomings and called for has stated that the IRGC “has it to be replaced with a new engaged in terrorist activity agreement. since its inception 40 years ago”, and noted that its support for terrorism “is foundational and “It is time to look institutional”. afresh at the status of the IRGC”.

@CFoI | www.cfoi.co.uk 13 LONDON AND ISRAEL

j CAN LEARN FROM EACH OTHER

SHAUN BAILEY AM, CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF LONDON

’ll never forget my Perhaps above all, I was It became quickly apparent first time in Israel. struck by the energy of why this is a country that Visiting the country the place and the attitude consistently punches above with CFI all the way of the people there when its weight; the belief in Iback in 2010 shattered visiting the very different the power of technology preconceptions and was a but immensely vibrant cities to change lives. I also real eye-opener. of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. discovered that the Jewish

14 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021 state remarkably has a population the same size as London’s, which puts its great achievements into scale.

Unbeknown to many Londoners, a lot of our capital’s future is twinned with the innovation and growth that is happening in Israel. Our friendship not Shaun Bailey AM addresses the Jewish community at JW3, London’s Jewish only enriches the lives of Community Centre. Londoners but also helps keep us safer and healthier. years of diplomatic ties; a strengthen and maximise Israeli tech and ingenuity significant milestone. There our partnership. impacts upon the lives of is so much to celebrate As our city moves forward Londoners everyday – from and also to build on. Trade from these challenging the Waze navigation app to between our two nations is times, I believe we can the Gett black cab app, and flourishing – now exceeding replicate the can-do spirit NHS prescription drugs to $10 billion – and Israeli seen in the Start-Up Nation. online banking. exports to the UK grew by It is imperative that we an astonishing 286% in the The strengths show up all encourage collaboration, past decade. the more how ludicrous support entrepreneurs and counterproductive the The UK and Israel have and invest in innovation. Boycott, Divestment and already signed a trade Ultimately, it can only be Sanctions (BDS) campaign continuity agreement possible with a Mayor against Israel is, and as which simplifies trade and who believes in London Mayor I pledge to oppose allows businesses to trade and wants to get the city j such divisive stances every as freely as they do now running again. step of the way. after , so everything Likewise, it’s clear that is set in place for a smooth London has a lot to offer transition. Israel was one of Israel, which is why many the first countries to agree Israeli companies choose a deal with us, showing the to head to our capital. 26 appetite on both sides. Israeli companies are listed So the signs are in London with a market encouraging, but we capitalisation of about $18 should look at this as only billion, and the numbers are a starting point. I look set to rise. forward to heading a In April this year, the UK London trade mission to and Israel celebrated 70 Israel as Mayor in order to

@CFoI | www.cfoi.co.uk 15 ISRAELI CULTURE GUIDE: CONSERVATIVES AND EXPERTS SHARE RECOMMENDATIONS

Looking for a new book, film or TV series to get stuck into? Israel is experiencing a major boom in original television, with the country producing and exporting a remarkable number of international TV successes. Over the last decade, the Start-Up Nation has sold the rights for many of its hit shows to the US for remakes, due to the industry’s rapid production of quality television.

We’ve asked Conservative parliamentarians and Israeli experts to recommend some of their favourite Israeli books, TV shows and films for your entertainment.

16 INFORMED MAGAZINE 2020/2021 TV

Sharon Bar-Li, Chargée d’affaires series Our Boys (HBO), set in the CFI recommends: Fauda (Netflix), at the Israeli Embassy to summer of 2014, based on the true a fast-paced global hit that follows London – “In recent years Israel events, following the kidnapping the adventures of an elite special has become a superpower in and murder of the three Jewish ops army unit where Israelis go exporting TV formats and having teenagers by Hamas, Israel is undercover as Palestinians in Israeli productions gaining world shocked, shaken and furious”. the West Bank in order to catch recognition. Everybody has heard terrorists.yptus about Fauda, Shtisel, In Treatment, Adom Prisoners of War, When Heroes Fly Machneyuda etc. I would like to recommend the Jacko Street BOOKS

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy “The audiobook is a pacy Professor Reuven Hazan (Hebrew Mayor of Jerusalem – “Simon introduction to Israel’s history, University) – “My favourite political Sebag Montefiore’sJerusalem is managing to squeeze a book (because it is centrist, a masterpiece. The most complete comprehensive understanding critiquing both left and right) is Ari biography of the complex, glorious not only of the stormy passage Shavit’s My Promised Land”. and painful history of Jerusalem. Not of events but of the incredible a light read; at parts reads like a love successes achieved against Middle East analyst Jonathan Spyer letter and in other parts a Game of sometimes seemingly insuperable – “I recommend Dream Palace of Thrones episode. It draws from all odds. The author manages, despite the Arabs by the late Fouad Ajami. disciplines to bring us the most vivid this accessible format, to paint a full It is from the 1990s and is a little picture of life in Jerusalem through picture of the towering personalities dated now, but it contains many the ages and explains the diverse of the age, whilst not sparing the priceless insights into Arab political and idiosyncratic city we live in more controversial aspects of the culture and recent history”. today”. times. A highly recommended, gripping introduction to Israel’s CFI recommends: No Room for Robert Courts MP (Witney) – formation, struggle to survive, Small Dreams, the inspirational Israel: A Concise History of a present and future”. autobiography of Shimon Peres, Nation Reborn by Daniel Gordis on the former President and one of audiobook – the founding fathers of the State of Israel.s Adom Machneyuda FILMS Jacko Street

Matthew Offord MP, CFI Officer a real must see. However, the stars as an Israeli Mossad agent who (Hendon) – 7 Days in Entebbe biggest surprise that caught me at runs a covert operation that helps – “Not the film starring Charles the end of the film was learning of Ethiopian-Jewish refugees escape Bronson (Raid on Entebbe) but the identify of the one fatal casualty to safe haven in Israel. Available on the 2018 update which depicts the in the raiding force – Yonatan Netflix. background and events leading up Netanyahu, older brother of Israel’s to the infamous hostage taking in current Prime Minister Benjamin Apples from the Desert (2014), in Uganda in 1976 and subsequent raid Netanyahu”. a tale of tradition versus modernity, by Israeli forces. Daniel Bruhl is a the only daughter in an Orthodox classic baddie but the threatening CFI recommends: Red Sea Diving family runs away with a young man violence of Rosamund Pike and Resort (2019), where Chris Evans to a kibbutz in the desert. the brilliant performance by Eddie Eucalyptus Marsden make this historical drama Adom Machneyuda Jacko Street

@CFoI | www.cfoi.co.uk 17 MAGAZINE 2020/2021

@CFoI Conservative Friends of Israel CFI Youtube cfi_uk www.cfoi.co.uk

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