I met up with my dear friend and StandWithUs UK boss Gili Brenner on Saturday. It was as fun as always. Regular readers may recall that she recently presented me with a kippah, emblazoned with my name in Hebrew. This time, she once more came bearing a gift. It was a fridge magnet featuring my favourite ever politician, Menachem Begin.
Here I am with Gili on Saturday (easy boys):
Here is the fridge magnet (easy goys):
This is a guest post from Josh Zietcer
It all began after a conversation with my Grandmother, an Auschwitz survivor, who told me that the most important thing we could do would be to ‘never forget the Holocaust’. She later went on to tell me how it was of the upmost important that my generation should be fully aware of the events of the Shoah, so that it is less likely to be repeated in the future.
After hearing these words, I went off to see how much people knew about the Holocaust. It was not a surprise that all of my friends were aware of it – as I live in a predominantly Jewish area of London. However, I then ventured to Hackney where I asked two 21-year-olds why they thought it was important to remember the Holocaust, and was met with the reply, “I don’t mean to sound stupid but what was the Holocaust? Was it that thing where they sacrificed themselves in the Docklands?”
Now, I do not share this to ridicule those two people, or to label them as ‘stupid’. In fact, this response lead me to realize that the reason these young adults had no idea what the Holocaust was, is that it to them, it was simply a page in their History textbooks.
However, this realization motivated me to act. In order for my generation to be fully aware of the horrifying event, I had to make it relevant to them. At first, it was a struggle to think how I could do this – but eventually, it occurred to me that a way to contact young people and increase Holocaust Awareness would be to use a tool that visited by millions every day – Twitter.
A Twitter page was created and I had an aim, so my first step was to get young people engaged. It was useless telling people why it was important to remember the Holocaust because after all, it is relevant to me in a completely different way to many others. From this, I had an idea for a campaign – I would use Twitter to get people completing the sentence, ‘It is important to remember the Holocaust because…’ and answer it in a way relevant to themselves.
The rest is history. On Thursday alone @Memorial Project received hundreds of retweets, completed sentences and words of support. Including a retweet by the comedian, David Baddiel. Despite Holocaust Memorial Day 2011 being over, the campaign is most certainly not!
I urge you to complete the sentence yourself, and to follow @MemorialProject – to do your bit to make this world a place where differences are respected.
Israeli soldiers…breaking hearts since 1948 
Thanks to Elan Miller for sending the video
This morning, courtesy of my lovely friends Tal and Hadar Hevroni, I have received a package full of my favourite Israeli snacks and treats. Perfect timing, as I enjoy a week-off work! Thanks so much to the Hevronis!
This is a guest post from Israelinurse
Some define me as an obstacle to peace. Others call me a right-wing extremist. Ben Bradshaw would describe me as an ‘illegal Jewish colonialist’, whilst many internet commentators and journalists say that I’m a thief and some are trying to make me complicit in an internationally recognised crime.
None of them actually know me, of course, but I am judged and convicted in absentia day in and day out around the world on the basis of the simple fact that I live in a place where, according to my accusers, Jews should not be permitted to live.
They call that place a ‘settlement’ and me a ‘settler’. The ability of that label to instantly conjure up reactions of hatred, disdain and an immediate dismissal of everything else I am or have done in my life makes me feel profoundly sorry for my accusers. It is a sad thing when a person becomes so consumed with hatred for and prejudice against an unknown other based purely on a stereotype. I was brought up to call that racism and bigotry, but times have apparently changed.
Those who accuse and disparage also choose to ignore and even try to hide the reason why I live where I do. I think it’s time to jog some memories and can think of no better way than with this song, written just after the Six Day War in 1967 – “Daughter; are you crying or laughing?” by Yovav Katz and David Kribushie.
This is my latest column for Jewish News:
Since I started writing this column in 2009, it has been a pleasure to connect with the Jewish community on this page. I’ve enjoyed being your ‘goy correspondent’. The feedback I’ve received has been wonderful. I’d like to thank everyone who has written to me on Facebook, or via my blog, or even approached me on the street, with kind words about my column. I’ve decided that the time is right to call it a day, though.
Looking back over my columns, I am reminded how much fun it has all been. During my early pieces I praised the lovely X Factor finalist Stacey Solomon (I called her a ‘heron-like wonder’), and complained that I was not treated rudely enough in New York delis (‘What am I? Chopped liver?’) Then, after another visit to good old Israel, I sang the praises of the rigorous security checks of EL AL (‘”Don’t be offended,” they told me. Offended? I loved every moment.’)
Later, on a (slightly tongue-in-cheek) creative bent, I suggested two reality television shows. The first would be based around Pesach, my favourite Jewish festival, and would feature people competing to create the best Seder. It’s name? Come Lean With Me. My second red-hot proposal was a reality television contest in which anti-Israel folk such as Baroness Tonge and Jon Snow would compete for the mantle of the country’s biggest Israel-basher, called Britain’s Got Bigots.
My friend Josh Gershuny is running this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for Emunah, a charity that cares for those children in Israel whose lives are in danger. As Josh explains, “I just got back from my gap year in Israel at the start of this academic year. During my gap year I visited an Emunah children’s home a few times. I was lucky enough to see the ‘Emunotes’ live. So I have seen firsthand the difference the resources makes to these children and how much the smallest item can mean to them.”
I met Josh at the Israeli Embassy event I spoke at last year. He’s an impressive guy, as you’d expect from somebody running a marathon for Emunah. Having run two marathons myself, I know what challenges and fun he has ahead of him. I wish him the very best. You can read more about his race, and sponsor him, here.
This is a guest post from Israelinurse
One of the things I love about the Jewish festivals is the way they are so intimately connected to the cycle of nature here in Israel. Not only do they serve to remind us of our ancestors’ agricultural past in this land, but they also directly connect us to one place, with a specific climate and cycle of natural life – something which one does not find in many other faiths – and Tu B’Shvat is of course an excellent example.
This time last year I was making vain attempts to dig a hole in the frozen English soil in order to plant a tree for Tu B’Shvat – the New Year of Trees – but nothing around me was sprouting or blossoming and my little sapling had an aghast look of “you can’t be serious!” about it, so back into the poly-tunnel it went to await more clement times.
But here, where the festival originates, the trees are indeed waking up after winter and the first new leaves and blossoms are beginning to appear. Often, the almond trees manage to time their first blossoms exactly right for Tu B’Shvat – creating a spectacular display – but this year, perhaps due to the fact that we have only had about a quarter of our annual rainfall so far, they seem to have missed the deadline as can be seen in the picture below.
On Friday afternoon, our whole kibbutz –old and young alike – will be out planting trees as we always do. My grown-up children still enjoy pointing out every tree they planted with their own hands as they walk around the various neighbourhoods. And then of course, as with every good Jewish holiday, there’s the subject of cuisine.
I am a big admirer of El Al, the national airline of Israel. As I wrote last January, the security measures El Al uses are superb. If all airlines followed suit, then aviation would instantly become a much safer mode of transport.
I’ve always quite enjoyed the extra security questioning that is part of the El Al experience. Living in Britain where hatred of Israel runs wild, it is always reassuring to be given that instant reminder that Israelis are stronger and wiser than their enemies will ever be.
I also quite enjoy the moments of fun that can arise during the process. Last February I made a quick trip to Israel, mostly to meet some friends I made through this blog. The El Al security lady was surprised to learn of a British gentile who runs a pro-Israel blog. “And what is the name of this blog,” she asked. “OyVaGoy,” I replied, and watched as she tried to keep a straight face.
She then explained there was a problem with my electric toothbrush and that it would need to stay behind in Heathrow. “You can collect it when you return,” she said, “we just need your mobile number for the form.” I explained that I didn’t know my mobile number, and asked if my landline would do instead. It wouldn’t, as it turned out.
Her: “No, we need your mobile number. What is it?”
Me: “I’ve no idea, I never phone myself.”
This was an honest answer, but she thought I was being cheeky. She gave me a stern look, as if to remind me that we could do this the easy way, or the hard way. I gulped nervously and smoothed everything over quickly.
I was reminded of this story as I was reading Yehuda Avner’s magnificent, magnificent book The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership. I will review the book properly when I have the time to do justice to it. For now I will just say that if you appreciate insider’s guides to politics, and non-fiction stories told with a grace worthy of the finest novelist, then you will already love this book. That would have been enough, as they say. Add in that it is about Israeli politics, and you understand why it is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read.
So, I was going to tell you why the book reminded me of the El Al questioning. Well, the real hero of Avner’s book is Menachem Begin. I have read several books about and by Mr Begin, as he is a long-term hero of mine. Yet Avner’s book taught me so many new things about this man who has for so long inspired me. Avner really brings him to life on the page. Among the new facts I learned about Mr Begin were that he enjoyed word-play, which made me smile, as I enjoy a bit of it myself – oy va goy!
Anyway, one of Avner’s stories in the book concerns the day that, while he was visiting Mr Begin at his house, the Prime Minister suddenly ordered him to get President Jimmy Carter on the phone. Neither Avner nor Mr Begin had the direct number for the White House to hand, as they were not at the office. So Avner phoned the general White House switchboard, explained the purpose of his call and asked to be put through to the President.
Naturally, the White House operator was sceptical as to whether the caller really was who he said he was. She told Avner: “Please give me the Prime Minister’s number and we’ll get back to you.”
So Avner called out: “Mr Begin, what’s your number?”
“I’ve no idea,” replied Mr Begin, “I never phone myself.”
Couldn’t have put it better myself!
For a goy who lives in a Berkshire village, I have a surprising number of Israeli friends. Among them is Ashley Perry. He is an adviser in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a fellow Arsenal fan, and the man who introduced me to amba. Regular readers may recall his name from these pages. He has written a guest post for OyVaGoy, he once interviewed me on Israeli radio and I have written about him on a few occasions, including here.
Last weekend was the 10th anniversary of Ashley making aliyah to Israel. To mark it, he wrote an interesting article for the Jerusalem Post, entitled The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made.
In it, he wrote:
Whether it is celebrating Jerusalem Day in a sea of blue-and-white flags in the shadow of the Temple Mount, joining an impromptu rave party of 250,000 people when Maccabi Tel Aviv won the EuroLeague, camping under the desert sky in the Negev or being invited into the homes and hearts of complete strangers, living here is an experience like no other. Familial events aside, these are just a very small sampling of some of my most memorable moments from the last 10 wonderful years.
My humble suggestion for prospective immigrants is to get to know the real Israel. One may have visited the Kotel, swam in the Dead Sea, skied the Hermon and enjoyed all the other fantastic landmarks , but until you have seen the real Israel it is unlikely that the greatness of this country will be fully grasped.
However, it is not a matter of what Israel has to offer us, its prospective and actual immigrants, which remains of consequence. It is more what we as immigrants have to offer this country that makes life here so rewarding and fulfilling.
He also writes of how for so many years he had never given serious attention to the thought of aliyah, but then “began to feel a pull” of Israel and took the plunge. I find it very interesting. I’d love to hear how many of my ‘disapora’ Jewish readers plan to make aliyah one day, and how those who have already done that feel about their decision.
When I was published by Penguin last March, it fulfilled a long-term dream. My Dad was excited, too. He phoned and said he wanted to buy me a ‘special lunch to celebrate’. Today, nine months later, we are finally having that lunch. Took a while to get organised, but I’m looking forward to the Hungarian delights.
In related news, I was delighted to be sent this review of a very different kind of book I wrote some years ago.
This is a guest post from Dena Addlestone of the FZY
For the first time ever, FZY are going younger…
On SUNDAY 16th JANUARY 2011, FZY is launching A NEW & EXCITING North London Chavura (Sunday night social), open to all FZYniks ages 12-16 in the FZY Bayit, The Burroughs, Hendon, between 5-7pm.
The Federation of Zionist Youth (FZY) is the largest youth movement for 12-18 year olds. At FZY, we strive to challenge, stimulate, educate and excite the British Jewish Youth with imaginative peer-led programmes. We are a pluralist youth movement, which means that our members come from a variety of backgrounds and from all different streams of Judaism.
One of our aims is to create a unique and positive atmosphere where all our members feel comfortable to express themselves and to develop a strong Jewish and Zionist identity. They will have the most amazing, unforgettable experiences.
We also recognise that there is a great need in the movement for 12-16 year olds to be engaged on a weekly basis. With our experience and professionalism, we are able to provide the best Chavurot (groups). FZY is now welcoming 12- 14 year olds to our weekly meetings. This move to make FZY younger reflects our “increased demand for FZY activity in the London region for those aged between 12 and 14″. The meetings are peer-led, run by FZYniks who have graduated from our outstanding leadership (Hadracha) course. This gives FZY an opportunity to offer people an early leadership opportunity.
If any family member or friend is interested in coming along on Sunday night please email dena@fzy.org.uk. If you have any questions or would like to chat about the new London chavura, feel free to get in contact either by phone (02082016661) or email. There will be a small charge of £4 to cover costs of food and materials.
FZY looks forward to welcoming everyone to our special launch of this new Chavura and hope they will have the first of many exciting and unforgettable experiences in our Movement.
Congratulations to three of my biography subjects for their Brit nominations. The Wanted are up for Best British Single for All Time Low, as is Alexandra Burke for All Night Long. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber is nominated in the International Breakthrough Act category. Although I’ve never written about him, I’m also very pleased to see the great Paul Weller in the Best British Solo Artist slot.
This year’s Brits will be held on February 15. I’ve attended a Brits ceremony before. It was wonderful, in one night I got to see so many acts that I love. Robbie Williams, Green Day, Franz Ferdinand and the Scissor Sisters were among those who performed. I also saw Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Girls Aloud, McFly, Matt Lucas, David Walliams and countless other celebs.
Great fun. Good luck to all the contenders next month. I’m particularly rooting for The Wanted, who fully deserve to walk their category with All Time Low, which was easily the best pop single of last year.
Israelis often do perspective better than anyone. So next time you hear some pompous Western bore hurl abuse at the Jewish state, rather than letting it spoil your day ask yourself the question: what would an Israeli think? For instance, Ynet reports on another vacuous outburst from Ken Loach today. The 74-year-old rages against Israel and the life-saving security fence, says peace negotiations are “fraudulent” and calls on the United Nations to enforce a solution.
Irritating stuff, until you peruse the reader comments under the article. ‘Tahl from Ashdod’ puts it best. “So some self-righteous British windbag doesn’t like us, I won’t be losing sleep over this ‘cockloach’”. Tov me’od, tov me’od! While the distortions of people like Loach need to be confronted, and his attempts to build the boycott must be opposed, the words of Tahl from Ashdod are worth remembering. To take Loach and his ilk too seriously would be to give them far more credit than they deserve.
A similar sentiment came from another Israeli on Harry’s Place the other day, during a discussion about a recent New Statesman comment article about the Moshe Katsav. Some have presented the NS article – which praised Israel for showing that not even an ex-President is above the law – as a positive, pro-Israel moment. However, I was troubled from the start by the NS’s condescending pay-off line: “Would that there be many more, and many happier, occasions when Israel can fill us once again with such admiration.”
In the discussion that followed on Harry’s Place, an Israeli called ‘Shira’ put it best: “Okay, non anti Israeli piece from [New Statesman] but: ‘Would that there be many more, and many happier, occasions when Israel can fill us once again with such admiration’ – we’re not here to make anyone happy… we live for ourselves.”
Amen. Israel is indeed not there to make outsiders happy, as both haters and even supporters of Israel need to realise. So too do those who float self-indulgently between the two positions: those who offer ever-more conditional ‘support’ to Israel as long as it continues to abide by their own, empathy-free expectations. For them it is not about Israel being ‘a light unto the nations’, it is about them patronisingly expecting a country to dance to their tune, whatever it might be.
Well, here’s the news: just like every other country on earth, Israel does not exist to win the approval of others, or to be patted on the head by wispy Western liberals. Get over it.
PS – if you are going to the StandWithUs UK party in London this evening, I’ll bloody well see you there.
This week, a wonderful book about the late, controversial snooker legend Alex Higgins hits the shelves. It’s written by John Virgo, the former snooker champion who has also commentated on the game and co-presented the hit BBC series Big Break. The book is called Let Me Tell You About Alex. Nobody is better placed than John Virgo to do that. He knew Higgins as well as anyone.
I worked with John on his book. As anyone who has seen him on his various entertainment shows on television will know, John is a warm, witty and charismatic man. Naturally, we had many chuckles (and more than a few pasties) as we worked on the book. I remember the first day we met up, we sat down in the summer sunshine in Surrey to begin the reminiscences, and John turned to me and said: “This is some way to work, isn’t it?”
Too true, and working with John on the book proved to be a rewarding, fun experience. His gloriously-delivered stories were always insightful, sometimes jaw-dropping and frequently hilarious. Higgins was an unpredictable and outrageous man, demonic almost. His ways were wild and oft-unpleasant, as you can read throughout the book.
For me, though, the most powerful aspect of the story is just how much patience and support John offered Higgins. So too did snooker legend Jimmy White, who has written a moving Foreword for the book. Lesser folk than John and Jimmy would have quickly deserted Alex. That they did not speaks volumes for them as men…and makes for a cracking read.
