Around this time last year I first encountered Jonathan Hoffman when he gave an excellent speech on a demonstration outside the Iranian Embassy in London. As he delivered the speech he was passionate, charismatic and inspiring. Jonathan is co-vice-chair of the Zionist Federation but he is so much more than that.
Over the last twelve months I’ve marvelled at his commitment to the cause. I’ve witnessed first-hand his bravery and brilliance on numerous demonstrations, meetings and on a vile day at Press TV. But that’s just the start of the legendary contribution he makes on a daily basis. The list could go on and on (and on and on) but just take a look at this video (4mins, 48seconds in) and read this brilliant speech for a taster.
His courage and commitment cannot be doubted, but unlike some who display enormous commitment to their political cause, he remains a modest and selfless man whose admirable energy is fuelled only by the simplest of motivations: to defend Israel and fight antisemitism. As with any movement this is one not without cliques and elites. But Jonathan is a man of the people, who will recruit and inspire more each year than many others at the top.
Still, I can understand why some resent him. If I thought Israel must be vilified, I would object to his clear-headed corrections. If I thought Jews deserve to be bullied and libelled without rebuttal I would resent him. Likewise, if I was one of the many who talk a good talk about defending Israel but do precious little to actually help, his example would perplex me and would nag away at my conscience. Long may that continue.
And you know what? Maybe on occasion his passion bubbles a little too furiously over the surface. But I’m not even sure about that. Better too much passion than too little, as this is a difficult fight against bitter enemies, not a flower-arranging society. Jonathan is at the frontline of that fight week in week out, that he remains such a warm and charming man is all the more to his credit.
Oy Va Goy doesn’t do knighthoods, but if it did…
Seen him on the televison. He is good.
Chas, thank you so much for writing this.
I also met Jonathan about a year ago, and I haven’t met anybody like before. Some people constantly complain about and attack him, protesting about his ‘style’ or his ‘tone’. I say enough. Jonathan doesn’t suffer fools gladly, and quite right too. He says what he sees, and when he sees antisemitism, bigotry, racism, spin or lies, he is often the only person to speak out. I and many others have been inspired by him and his actions to get more involved, and I thank him for that. He is an example to us all that we can make a difference if we keep it simple, and simply stick to what we believe in and know to be right.
Jonathan is also a lovely, kind and generous person, and the constant attacks on his personality are beyond pathetic.
Some people cannot deal with Jonathan’s persistence and determination. I have no idea why. Perhaps they think it’s ugly to watch, but that only increases my admiration for what he does: fighting antisemitism is not easy, fun, or attractive, but none of that stops Jonathan from doing it every single day. Nor does having a demanding and very time consuming job and a family.
Thank you Chas, and more than ever, thank you Jonathan.
Thanks Jonathan S, I agree with all you’ve written.
But, other than all that, you don’t mind him too much?
Jonathan H had no idea I was writing this, by the way.
Jonathan Hoffman is a giant among men, on a stage so often (sadly) populated by pygmies. There is an ancient Jewish legend about the 36 wise men who live in the world at any one time. A Lamed Vavnik makes a dramatic appearance using his hidden powers to defeat the enemies of Israel. With Jonathan, I am convinced, we have a Lamed Vav!
Jonathan is a great friend to Israel and a wonderful resource for the ZF. I hope he is appreciated and I know he is greatly respected by those of us who work to put the case for Israel.
He has been a very kind friend to me and I value his advice and opinion. And I love his sense of humour.
Rarely has the combination of intellect and passion expressed so articulately been witnessed in one person and I am deeply grateful for the presence in this world of the inimitable Jonathan Hoffman.
And I love his sense of humour.
Yes! He’s hilarious. And coming from me – a man of iconic wit – that is quite a compliment!
Whereas most British Jews still view themselves as being relatively safe, it is vitally important that the Jewish community protect itself from the hideous accusations thrown against it in the form of anti-Semitsm and the more trendy anti-Zionisism.
I can think of no man more committed to this cause than Mr. Hoffman. His dedication is highly laduable; after all, how many of us who identify with Israel take the time to sit through meetings of those who support BDS against Israel in order to shine a candle in a dark place?
Although his style has come in for criticms in some quarters, I’d prefer to have one of him than one hundred silent worriers behind me. Kol HaKavod, Mr. Hoffman!
Is this piece meant to be ironic?
You write that Jonathan offers ‘clear headed corrections’ when Israel is vilified. Really? how about this one in response to someone criticizing the ZF:
“You are a lying malodorous shameless libellous trolling reptile.”
Or this:
Jonathan Hoffman
12 January, 2010 – 12:01
@Troll
I have proof you are:
- a lying toerag
- an insignificant troublemaking muckraking creep
- a pathetic time-wasting nonentity
- a coward who will not use his real name
“Have you any proof (as in verifiable letters or emails) that you are not?”
You can find those two comments here: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/british-jews-owed-apology
He also seems to think he is the appropriate arbiter of who is and who is not a hoocaust survivor, recently writing that a woman who was on the kinderetransporte is not a survivor. how offensive – both to the many on the kindertransporte whose families were killed and so – justifiably, I think – conider themselves to have been survivors – and also to their families. At JFS, where I went, I remember being given talks from holocaust survivors – and they too had come on the kindertransporte. Perhaps Jonathan should inform the school that they are misleading their students!
I would like to endorse the praise above for Jonathan Hoffman. According to what I have seen of him, he is a brave, intelligent, dedicated, decent human being.
His absolute courage standing up to a roomful of hissing traitors and others impressed me deeply. He is the type of Jew who flies to Entebbe.
I have written to him in person more than once praising his courage, and now I am happy to have the opportunity to say this in public.
Thank you for letting me express my admiration here, Charles. Good to know of you, too. Not being Jewish and standing up for the moral and the unpopular takes a great deal of something very strong and individual
Me too. Kol Ha Kavod Jonathan Hoffman.
He is the type of Jew who flies to Entebbe.
Interesting. I was going to make that exact comparison myself in the original article, but left it out for no particular reason. So glad you said that.
And thanks for your kind words.
Keep it greasy!
Oh shucks Chas … how embarrassing .. but thanks!
I only know Jonathan through his contribution to various blogs, the JC, and the video clips – Britain needs more proud and committed Jews like him
I have had the pleasure of being with Jonathan on a couple of demos and have corresponded with him on a number of issues and I have nothing but praise for his courage and tenacity and focus on matters that concern all of us.
Chas, I would be only too happy to second your nomination for a knighthood for services to UK Jewry and anti-Semitism.
Jonathan, you are an inspiration – kol hakavod.
Chas, as I don’t have your email address, can I post this message here? I received it today and as you’ll note, its very topical.
Thanks and regards,
cityca
ISRAEL’ S DISPROPORTIONATE RESPONSE
Many countries and world leaders have accused Israel of responding disproportionately to aggression from Hizballah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
However, it is time that the world press and media speak of another disproportionate response from Israel.
The terrible disastrous earthquake in Haiti has generated responses from many nations. The US has sent supplies and personnel, Britain sent 64 firemen and 8 volunteers, France sent troops for Search and Rescue. Many large and wealthy nations of the world sent money.
The Arab and Moslem world nothing.
Israel, a nation of 7.5 million people has sent a team of 220 people that include Medical personnel and will establish the largest field hospital in Haiti, treating up to 5000 people a day, an experienced Search and Rescue team and medical supplies.
As in previous earthquake disasters, such as in Gujarat India in 2001 and in Turkey, in the bombings in Kenya, Israel has been one of the most generous givers of aid and assistance
Turkey seems to have forgotten this help as its extreme Moslem Government is cozying up to Iran.
Judge Goldstone, where are you now? Eating your heart out and hanging your head down in shame I hope.
The favorite occupation in the UN is Israel bashing. More resolutions have been passed condemning Israel than all the so called democratic nations such as Sudan, China, Russia and others for their crimes against their minorities.
I think it is time that the world should know about Israel’s disproportionate response.
Please forward this to as many people as you can.
Agreed, more Mr Hoffman’s please and less tremblers thanks.
In an age of Jew-hatred and “righteous anger” woefully misdirected, Jonathan Hoffman’s approach is like a breath of fresh air.
Go for it, Jonathan. Keep on telling it like it is.
thedgeofnowhere
I read the exchange in which Jonathn addressed a troll. I agree with Jonathan’s assessment of the troll. Were you the troll?
Hedy Epstein is not a Holocaust survivor, having forfeited that right by her numerous instances of abusing the memory of th Holocaust and of abusing her fellow Jews. She is no longer either a member of the Jewish community nor a that of Holocaust suvivors. May she rot in hell, soon.
Zionism envisioned Jews standing up for their human rights rather than cowering in a corner. Joanathan fits the bill admirably – and that’s what anti-Semites hate about him. A Jew who stands u to them, cannot be tolerated.
Thanks to Chas for this support.
I first met Jonathan last year and as an Israeli was amazed by his knowledge about and commitment to Israel.I am tremendously grateful for everything he does for our country and I hope one day soon to welcome him and his family to Israel as olim.
Herzl’s daughter.
What you say is shameful:
To suggest that someone ceases to be a ‘member of the Jewish community’ because they have expressed anti-zionist or anti-Israel sentiments is – as well as being entirely unhalachic – a disgraceful thing to do. To suggest that someone’s claim to being a holocaust survivor is lost if they are anti-zionist is even worse. You do both.
And for the record, if you read the exchange I linked to more closely it will become quickly apparant that I am not the ‘troll’ in question.
@theedgeofnowhere and Herzl’s Daughter
Thanks to both of you for contributing. But I’m not interested in this post becoming another forum for obsessive attacks on Jonathan. Nor am I overjoyed by the “May she rot in hell, soon” comment about Ms Epstein.
So we’ll draw a line under both here.
Oops,
My earlier commendation (4.50pm) for Jonathan should have read for FIGHTING anti-Semitism!
cityca
About time someone said all this. Mr Jonathan Hoffman is a man of fine words and fine actions.
Well said.
I’d also like to add that the Zionist Federation, in general, works really hard to help Israel get a fair hearing.
Earlier this week, I attended the annual Lobbying Day organised jointly by the ZF along with Christian Friends Of Israel. There was a good turn out – just like last year.
Several MPs spoke to us – while most were good, two in particular were appalling and made it painfully clear that many British politicians totally fail to comprehend what really goes on in Israel, and Gaza.
But thank G-d for Louise Ellman and Lee Scott – staunch and articulate friends of Israel. Andrew Dismore also spoke very well.
When is a Holocaust survivor not a Holocaust survivor, when he/she is an anti-Zionist! Not only has Hoffman tried to discredit Heddy Epstein, he led his henchmen in a chant of ‘Racists out!’ directed at 86 year old Auschwitz survivor, Halo Meyer, (also an anti-Zionist Jew), on Holocaust Memorial Day! The meeting was continually disruped by Hoffman and his thugs. So much for it being a sacred day for Jews.
I think this says it all about Hoffman’s attitude towards the Holocaust. It is only important when it serves a Zionist agenda. Halo Meyer obviously spoilted the Zionist arguments, hence all this anger. They did not listen to him (of course, they know more about Auschwitz than him), and then went and heckled a Palestinian survivor of Operation Cast Lead speaking from video link, such that he could not finish describing his experiences.
I’m sorry if I can’t admire someone who is a close-minded, bigot who behaves like a football holigan on Holocaust Memorial Day just because he doesn’t like someone’s views.
If any jewish Holocaust survivor seriously acts against Israel, it just shows that surviving attempted genocide does not necessarily make you a smart or knowledgeable person.
They, of all people, should recognise what is going on in the world of antiSemitism.
Chas you are obviously very perceptive as you are spot on. There is something very pure about Jonathans motavation to defend us from anti-semitism and prevent the spread of lies about Israel.
Jonathan is not conceited and does not care for titles. He does not have time for them. He is too busy being out there.
I know Jonathan and I’m inspired by his passion and refusal to be silenced.
He is not alone. Lead the way Jonathan, I am proud to stand with you.
Thank you Chas for bigging up the man who deserves it more than anyone I know.
Please stop bashing Holocaust survivors, regardless of their political opinions. We are not supposed to judge a person until we have stood in their shoes. Any volunteers? An elderly holocaust survivor who has been through hell and back or knows that their entire family perished in hell deserves only our compassion.
I don’t agree with Jonathan’s take on many issues. Although he is very often right, he is also often wrong. In my view.
However, I think that what is at the root of the opposition to Jonathan’s “style” is that he is unashamedly culturally Jewish. He comes across as a Jewish man, with Jewish mannerisms and Jewish patterns of speech.
It is important to realise quite how very much many Jews want to “fit in”. Jonathan embarrasses other Jews, who don’t want to stand out. He is a proud and “in your face” Jew.
I really do think that’s a component of the opposition to Jonathan.