tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75188677952333888662024-03-13T10:34:42.593-07:00Deputy AmandaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-65193656204657749602013-10-11T07:13:00.001-07:002013-10-11T07:13:32.846-07:00Respond to the Methodist Church consultation on Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I last blogged, but the Board of Deputies has just sent round a request for our help and I need your support:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Methodist Church of Britain has launched a consultation “to gather a range of perspectives” on the topic of "Israel and Palestine" as a result of a resolution passed at its annual conference in June. Sadly, the consultation is entirely framed around the question of Boycotts, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Board of Deputies has been in constant communication with the Methodist leadership and met with them this week to set out our very strong concerns and disappointment with the entire premise and process behind the consultation, and the report that will be produced for its 2014 conference as a result. On a more positive note, the Methodist Church has agreed to explore, as alternatives to BDS, giving support to projects that build bridges and support peace. It is important that the Methodist conference is given this alternative course of action to BDS and we shall do everything possible to bring this about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we have been presented with the opportunity to express our views on BDS it is important to respond to the invitation in a reasoned and well thought out manner. The final report that will be presented to the Methodist conference will not have any recommendations, only a summary of the arguments in favour and against boycotts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please participate in the consultation - we need pro-Israel voices to be heard. And the Board's office will give all the assistance and advice it can in helping you respond to the Methodist consultation.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In practical terms:</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is an open consultation, meaning any person – whether a Methodist or not - can contribute towards it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is open to individuals as well as organisations to respond.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Methodist Church's information on the consultation is <a href="http://www.methodist.org.uk/BDSBriefing" target="_blank">here</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The responses need to be submitted online <a href="http://dotmailer-surveys.com/09bvi0c-d0ktyd4" target="_blank">here</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All responses must be completed by 8:00 am on <b>Monday 4 November</b>. </span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How should people respond?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may not want to fill in the entire consultation form - which you may feel is long, loaded and skewed. However, you can still play your part - for example, by making a statement in response to question 1 and then answering "see above" to the following questions. An alternative approach is to simply fill in your answer under the ‘any further comments’ section. It is important that the Methodist Church is aware of <b>the number</b> of people who find this discourse unacceptable - so everyone who feels able should please respond in some way. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Key Arguments to make</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fundamental problem with the entire framework of this consultation which is one-sided and skewed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That boycotts are divisive and do not assist with the prospects of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. On the contrary they perpetuate one-sided narratives and encourage intransigence which makes reconciliation even harder.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A boycott of Israel harms both Israelis and Palestinians.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The true impact on the lives of many, including in the UK, of boycotting Israeli technological and medical advancements.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That boycotts ultimately target the people not the government. An academic boycott would discriminate against individuals restricting academic freedom and growth through discussion and the sharing of ideas. It would discriminate against people because of their nationality, irrespective of their views. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The impact of a boycott on the UK Jewish community. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That the Methodists should instead invest in positive peace-building initiatives that bring Israelis and Palestinians together.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please do use the opportunity we have been offered to tell the Methodist Church what we feel about BDS. Once again, the Board's office is here to help if you need it. Please contact <a href="mailto:joseph.moses@bod.org.uk">joseph.moses@bod.org.uk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With your strong help we may be able to demonstrate how ill-conceived is the BDS movement and make a real difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-33780047357923419882013-03-13T07:26:00.001-07:002013-03-13T07:26:26.921-07:00March Update<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's all been pretty busy at the Board over the last few months. After the 'excitement' of the January Plenary when the Board passed the motion to partner with Oxfam on training up 25 jewish volunteers to develop projects that in some way relate to food and poverty, there's been a lot going on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, last week the Board hosted a packed event with the <span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Leader of the Opposition, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP</b></span>. An audience of 300 heard him talk movingly about his family history and also about his vision for the United Kingdom, before putting questions to him on a variety of topics, including Israel and boycotts, Iran, immigration and integration, the NHS and a matter surprisingly close to his heart, baseball. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He also confirmed that he would protect kosher animal slaughter and Jewish circumcisions, practices that have come under fire elsewhere in Europe. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On boycotts of Israel, he not only stressed his opposition but said that he was prepared to say the same to trade unionists who have been at the forefront of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign in the UK, but who were also largely responsible for his election as Labour leader. Boycotts “are totally wrong,” Miliband said. “I have no tolerance for boycotts. I will say it to any trade union member who asks me. You don’t create a two-state solution with boycotts.” </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget, if anyone has anything they want us to raise with the Board, or if you want to know more about what we're doing, please do get in touch with me or with Jerry Lewis, Hampstead's other Deputy.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-10963566339239844702013-01-24T02:01:00.000-08:002013-01-24T02:01:09.943-08:0020th January 2013 - the first of a new style of Plenary?<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Sunday, the Board of Deputies met for its first meeting of 2013. Despite the snow, around 250 people made it into Central London from all around Britain because at this meeting we were due to discuss the controversial Social Action partnership with Oxfam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've written in previous blogs and articles about my initial impressions of being a Deputy and earlier this week, I wrote some more about this for the Changing The Board <a href="http://changingtheboard.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/im-not-backward-in-coming-forward-so-why-have-i-found-the-board-such-a-hard-nut-to-crack/" target="_blank">blog</a>. But the feel of this meeting was different, more contemporary and the 'Oxfam' debate felt really constructive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both Jerry Lewis and I had the opportunity to address the plenary. We only had two and a half minutes to put over our points of view and I thought that Hampstead Synagogue members might be interested in what I said (slightly adapted as I edited it down on Sunday so as not to repeat others)...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Oxfam’s income of almost £400m a year puts it in towards the top of UK charity league table. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>One of the reasons that they are so big is that they are very good at what they do. Their aim to save lives by providing aid and protection in disasters, to empower people to work their own way out of poverty, and campaign for lasting change is hard to disagree with. It’s just in relation to Israel that some of us disagree with their stance. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But they are good at creating an impact and their campaigning is exceptional. The Grow campaign is one example of this. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Our proposed partnership project Grow Tatzmiach will train 25 Jewish volunteers in how to be ‘food heroes’. They’ll learn from ‘the masters of the art’ and then go on to establish food justice social action projects in UK communities or internationally. They could work with local partners or with Jewish charities and they’ll be mentored for six months to make sure that they’re achieving the greatest possible impact. That’s a great opportunity and the Board of Deputies was invited to partner with Oxfam because of our status in the community.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This project directly supports the Boards’ goal to “Promote a better understanding of the Jewish Community in the UK and develop relations with other groups”. The social action that results will absolutely promote a better understanding of our community and build relations between Jews and non-Jews.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But I believe, because we’re working with <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.uk/" target="_blank">Oxfam</a> on this, we may also have the chance to achieve more. Yesterday at Shul, we were privileged to have Daniel Taub, the Israeli Ambassador address us and answer some of our questions. In response to a question about engagement with NGOs, he talked abut their rising importance and how even when we don’t agree, there was a need to find some common ground in order to create a platform for further dialogue. The Grow Tatzmiach project provides such an opportunity. We can work with Oxfam on an area of common interest, get to know them and hopefully build mutual trust, respect and understanding. And that has to be a good thing so that when we want to engage on other, more challenging issues, we can build on these foundations. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In my day job, I work in international development and specifically in promoting and building cross sector partnerships. Partnerships work if they have three things: respect, trust and mutual benefit. We can ensure these are part of GROW Tatzmiach. But if things don’t work out, the safeguards built into the project and articulated in the motion protect us and mean we can discontinue it"</i>...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you will already know, the <a href="http://www.boardofdeputies.org.uk/live/content.php?Item_ID=130&Blog_ID=689" target="_blank">Board voted to support the project</a> and so our volunteers will be trained in early February. The timing is great. Just yesterday, a new campaign, supported by over 100 UK charities including Oxfam, Tzedek and World Jewish Relief launched the <a href="http://enoughfoodif.org/" target="_blank">IF </a>campaign... working for 'Enough Food for Everyone'.</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-27307776429582303992013-01-12T08:20:00.000-08:002013-01-12T08:20:25.850-08:00And so the Oxfam-BOD Partnership debate continues...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A busy week for the Board of Deputies (BOD) in relation to the proposed partnership between the Board and Oxfam to train up 25 'local heroes' to establish social action projects to tackle world hunger.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A motion has been put to the Deputies <span style="line-height: 16px;">calling for the Tatzmiach GROW project to be put on hold and this is due to be discussed at the meeting on 20th January. The United Synagogue has asked all Synagogue Boards of Management to discuss this so that their Deputies can represent them fully at the meeting - and The Hampstead Board meets on 14th January to do just that.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Now we know that we can't believe everything we read in the press and the Jewish press has had lots of reports, quotes and speculation about the project this week. Some of the reporting is accurate, and according to the BOD, some of it is not. For example, the printed copy of the Jewish Chronicle was 'completely inaccurate' according to the BOD President Vivian Wineman, while the </span><a href="http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/97711/oxfam-accepts-board-deputies-red-lines" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank">online version</a><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> still includes inaccuracies because Oxfam were never asked to sign any document clarifying their assurances and conditions for the partnership. Indeed, the document that was simply shared with Oxfam as a courtesy confirmed the NGO's assurances and the BOD's 'red lines' for the partnership: t</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">hat the Board will discontinue involvement if Oxf</span>am GB: </span></span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Supports a boycott of any type of Israeli goods</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Partners with or supports any organisation that promotes of condones violence</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Partners with or supports any organisation that calls for the destruction of the State of Israel</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Board is proposing that in order to rigorously monitor the project, they will: </span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Create an oversight committee to monitor the project</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask the committee to reassess the project and the relationship with Oxfam GB after four months and at the end of the programme (at six months)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask the committee to submit an informal report of its findings to the Executive after four months and a formal report to the entire Board at the end of project.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jerry Lewis was invited to attend the meeting and was quoted in the <a href="http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=19199" target="_blank">London Jewish News</a> to say that <span style="line-height: 16px;">leaders were "misguided" in pursuing the joint initiative, which he argued would "in affect give a hechsher to an organisation which will relish a seal of approval from the community. It will give succour to others who are avowedly anti-Israel".</span><span style="line-height: 16px;"> Ask Jerry for more details of the meeting...</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">On the other hand, Henry Grunwald, ex President of the BOD, ex Honorary Officer at Hampstead Synagogue, and President of World Jewish Relief said </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I think it's absolutely right that the Board seeks to engage with Oxfam and other NGOs."</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marcus Dysch has blogged that he believes that the row is completely <a href="http://www.thejc.com/blogs/marcus-dysch/the-board-and-oxfam-a-wholly-unnecessary-row" target="_blank">unnecessary</a> but this in itself has elicited much argument and comment and he has also reported at length about the <a href="http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/97429/oxfam-project-chaos-after-secret-meeting" target="_blank">'secret</a>' meeting held between the Board and Oxfam.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to know more, or tell us what you think? Please do contact me or Jerry Lewis. Jerry as you know used to Chair the Community Division of the BOD and I'm part of the BODSA (Social Action Group).</span></span><br />
<br /><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-56225992740080568782013-01-04T05:57:00.001-08:002013-01-04T05:57:30.301-08:00To Grow or not to Grow?<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly, apologies for the silence on the blog front. No excuses, just very busy. And rather than make a new year's resolution I may not keep, I'll just commit to trying to do better about updating you all here on what's going on at the Board of Deputies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's been lots of heated email traffic over the holidays between Deputies about a proposed partnership between the Board and Oxfam UK that was first announced in the <a href="http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/89021/oxfam-and-board-deputies-new-tie" target="_blank">Jewish Chronicle </a>last November. </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Grow Tatzmiach</i> is the Board of Deputies’
proposed new food justice campaign. Jewish volunteers, Deputies and non-Deputies,
</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">interested in alleviating food poverty and social justice issues, can learn from experts and mentors, including some from one of the largest and most influential NGOs - Oxfam GB - together with various Rabbis and Jewish charities.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> The goal is that m</span><span style="text-align: justify;">embers of our community can raise their game and improve their campaigning skills on important matters.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a letter from the BOD President today to all Deputies, Vivan Wineman comments that Oxfam's project<span style="text-align: justify;"> "to end world hunger
is of huge significance and is comparable to the programme regarding millennium debt
more than a decade ago. Involving the community in this would be feather in the
cap of the Board and of the community and a great </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%5C%5CKiddush" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kiddush</span></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> Hashem – sanctification of the Divine Name."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He goes on to say "Ordinarily
there would be no question as to the value of such a programme, but because
some of the training is coming from Oxfam GB, objections have been raised on
the grounds that they are hostile to Israel, and that any engagement with them
should be limited to holding them to account for their views on Israel... </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There
are some NGOs that are implacably opposed to Israel per se, but there are
others that raise objections to certain Israeli policies, seeing it as speaking
out for the people they seek to help.
Oxfam GB falls into the latter camp, and in our discussions with them we
have stressed the need to clarify their position, so their views cannot be
misrepresented by Israel’s enemies.
Consequently and possibly in response to our urging, Oxfam GB have now
stated categorically that they support a two state solution, will not work with
organisations advocating violence and do not support boycotts of Israeli goods,
including settlement goods."</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The JC has reported on this further in today's issue. You can read Laura Mark's opinion on <a href="http://www.thejc.com/node/96352" target="_blank">Why 'we' are doing it</a> and Jonathan Hoffman's view on <a href="http://www.thejc.com/node/96353" target="_blank">Why we Shouldn't</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll be debating this at the Board of Deputies Plenary on 20th January. Jerry and I are your representatives on the Board, so please do share your views with us so that we can feed these in to the discussions.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-56990461498785598952012-07-12T15:28:00.000-07:002012-07-13T08:01:00.971-07:00My International Division Election Manifesto<b style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda Ruback - International Division Manifesto</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My
professional life has focused on two areas - communications and international
development, enabling me to bring value and highly relevant skills to the
activities of the International Division.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the
last 10 years I have specialised in international development, encouraging
businesses to engage with communities in emerging economies – providing unique experience
that the International Division can use. This includes encouraging
entrepreneurship, leading sustainable development programmes, supporting women’s empowerment, and disaster
relief. My work in over 30
countries has given me the opportunity to work extensively with international
organisations such as the United Nations and the Clinton Global
Initiative. It has brought me into
contact with world leaders in politics, diplomacy, business and academia.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of
my work involves campaigning and developing partnerships amongst different
organisations. I look forward to
bringing these experiences to the benefit of the Board and my community.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of
specific relevance is my work engaging with the Muslim world. In projects in Pakistan and Central
Asia, I worked very closely with the Aga Khan Development Network. This experience has equipped me with
the skills to deal with cultural sensitivities, recognising there are issues
which bridge religious and communal divides for the benefit of the wider
community.<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And for any Deputies reading this, if you want more reasons to vote for me...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I’m a new Deputy, I am confident that as a fast learner, I can add value to the International Division as well as bring a blend of first hand experience of real-life international development from my professional life, together with a vision of how the UK Jewish community - with all its diversity of belief, passion, energy and intrinsic benevolence can make a positive contribution and support and protect Jewish communities around the world.<br />
<br />
I believe that as our society becomes more polarised, as different groups become more entrenched with the real danger of retreating into fundamentalism and prejudice, we need to project Jewish values in a positive light - whether secular, spiritual, or Zionist. For me this means practical engagement, such as Israel's work in areas of the world traumatised by natural disaster, for example in Haiti. In my own work, I have succeeded in getting major private and public sector bodies to support international development in many parts of the world and in a wide range of ways - from earthquake relief in Pakistan, providing micro finance in Africa, and promoting sustainability initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe – experience that I’m sure will be valuable to the International Division.<br />
<br />
There are many active advocate groups for Israel, but the Board of Deputies can deliver its support in more practical ways than just through hasbara and lobbying. A bigger vision is needed, and I would relish the opportunity of working within the International Division to make this happen, learning from what has already worked and sharing my ideas further.<br />
<br />
In addition to international development, I have a background in marketing and communications and so I am sure that I can support the Division in many ways and wherever it focuses its efforts. Women now make up almost a third of all Deputies. That’s brilliant for the Board for so many reasons – not least that we’re great at making change and doing so with creativity and insight but without confrontation or conflict. I’d really love your support and your vote – as high up your preference list as possible – to help make sure that women also make up their fair share of the International Division too. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-46816664142005887362012-07-12T15:18:00.000-07:002012-07-12T15:18:57.236-07:00Board of Deputy Divisional Elections - another first for meThis coming Sunday - 15th July - sees my first experience of the Board's Divisional Elections. Those in the know have encouraged me to get stuck in and stand for one of the Divisions - the choices are between Community Issues, Defence, Finance and Organisation and International. Given my career is in international development, I felt that it was here that I could make the greatest contribution. <br />
<br />
And so to the process. Each candidate provided a 200 word manifesto which was collated and circulated to all Deputies. We were all encouraged to reach out by phone and email to other Deputies to solicit their support - but where to start? As a new Deputy, my network is not yet well developed, so it didn't take long to get in touch with the people I know and ask for their support. I joined the Facebook groups and followed and contributed to the conversations and I reached out to a carefully selected group of people who I thought might vote for me. <br />
<br />
I may have been too selective and left it too late - but who knows. The elections work on a STV (single transferrable vote) system. Pretty complicated stuff, but the Changing the Board group posted a very useful 'unofficial' <a href="http://changingtheboard.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">guide</a> that made it clear that I need to get 21 votes to have a chance of getting in.<br />
<br />
I've read all the manifestos; I've pulled together a list of the people that have said they'll support me and who I want to vote for and there's pretty much little else I can do... except of course share my manifesto here. It's coming soon in my next blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-52307201528487202002012-06-29T08:48:00.000-07:002012-06-29T08:48:35.983-07:00Petition-Crazy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each week, the team at
the Board of Deputies send round an email update on what's been going on at the
Board and in the wider Jewish world. It's a helpful way for Deputies to
keep in touch with the wide range of issues that the Board covers and where
appropriate, take action.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week, we've been
encouraged to take action on three things and I share these with you in case
you want to take action too: </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0cm; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Show your concern about the Church of England's
motion at the General Synod that seeks to deepen ties between the Church
and Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI).
</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">A motion has been tabled at the Church of England’s General
Synod on 10th July which seeks to formally adopt and deepen the Church’s links
with the EAPPI. The General Synod is the highest legislative body in the
Church of England. The motion affirms General Synod’s support for EAPPI,
encourages parishioners to take part in the programme and urges Churches to
make use of the experiences of returning participants. If the motion is passed
it will significantly raise EAPPI’s profile and legitimacy. We<span style="background: white;"> can: </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 72.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0cm; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">“Like” the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Facebook page and comment on it,
expressing your concerns regarding this motion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 72.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0cm; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Write to the Bishop of Manchester as the chair of CCJ, expressing your
concern – His address is Bishopscourt, Bury New Road, Manchester, M7 4LE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 72.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0cm; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Write to the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace, London, SE1 7JU
and to William Fittall, General Secretary, The General Synod, Church House,
Great Smith St, London SW1P 3AZ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 72.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0cm; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Write to the Church Times. This is the most influential Church of
England newspaper – its address is Church Times, 3rd Floor, Invicta House,
108-114 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0TG<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0cm; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've written before about the Cooperative
Boycott. If you haven't already, sign the </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://webelieveinisrael.org.uk/CoOp-petition.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">petition</span></a><span style="background: white;"> created by We Believe and the Board asking the
Cooperative to reverse its policy on Israeli goods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-para-margin-right: 0cm; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13.5pt;">And finally, you can sign this <a href="http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/members-of-the-european-parliament-pass-acaa"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">petition</span></a> that
calls for the European Union to pass an economic agreement with Israel. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-73386510659300279122012-06-18T09:43:00.002-07:002012-06-18T09:43:29.353-07:00Taking Action against the Co-Op Boycott of Israeli Companies<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt;">You can make a difference. In principle, I don't agree with boycotts. I don't think they achieve their goals any quicker than building a dialogue and real understanding of the underlying issues will do. So what can we, as individuals do about the Co-Op boycott, and what's it all about?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Co-operative movement has refused to stock products from the settlements since 2009. But in April, it chose to extend its policy and is now boycotting four named Israeli companies that trade with the settlements. This means that no matter where in Israel the companies' produce is sourced; it will be boycotted. The decision is seen as a slippery slope towards an across the board boycott of Israeli goods, Israeli culture or Israeli people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">So what can you do?:</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><br />You can support the campaign that </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;">is aiming to restore fairness and balance to the Co-Op's policies towards Israel. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;">It has already seen members of the community and their friends speak out against Boycotting at Co-Op annual meetings held across the co</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 11pt;">untry. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 11pt;">A Co-Op representative has said they have been inundated by emails objecting to the policy. Steven Jaffe, who works with the Board of Deputies has said: "There is no doubt the amount of opposition has taken the Co-Op by surprise. It is vitally important that people make their voices heard."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt;">Sign the petition online by clicking <a href="http://webelieveinisrael.org.uk/CoOp-petition.html" target="_blank">here</a> or print out the <a href="http://filesource10.net/wbi002/downloads/CoOp_Petition.pdf" target="_blank">petition </a>and get others to sign it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px;">Success will be seen when the Co-Op drop the boycott and give positive support to programmes that improve the economy, living standards and well being of the farmers and others - many of them Palestinians - that play a role in growing most of the exports from the region.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518867795233388866.post-44468220675786527702012-05-21T02:09:00.003-07:002012-05-21T12:34:31.268-07:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #7a7a7a;">Deputy Amanda - Amanda Ruback's blog about her Board of Deputies journey. Follow her on twitter</span><span style="color: #666666;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">@a</span>m</span></span><span style="color: #7a7a7a;">andaruback1</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yesterday (Sunday) I put a tentative toe into the water attending my first Board of Deputies (BoD) meeting as an observer. I wanted to be there when the new Vice Presidents were voted in and of course, get a sense of how the Board works.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year's elections had a different vibe. A group of predominantly 'young' people came together to create a social network around 'ChangetheBoard' and all the vice presidential candidates had manifestos that advocated change - whether it be around the formality and format of BoD meetings, around the role and engagement of women and young people, about reaching out to the unaffiliated jew and of course, working on the issues around Israel differently from before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And of course, all these things and more need addressing. The BoD should operate to the same standards that forward looking effective organisations are working to in the private, public and voluntary sector. The formality and processes that were the norm for many of the 'older' people in the room will continue to alienate the increasing number of younger Deputies. Why for example are reports read out to the room when they had already been issued in advance; why too do Deputies feel the need to make their own little speeches in the guise of asking questions about those reports? We need to build on the success of the election campaigning with regular webstreaming of meetings and 'new' ways for people to join Division meetings via web and audio conferencing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As for the elections, each of the candidates had the chance to address the Deputies and then respond to questions. Some seemed more prepared than others and presentation counts. But the real spirit of the room came over with Deputies' questions to the candidates. Some of the behaviour was shameful - personal vendettas, bigotry and vitriole, with the room cheering and jeering. In your Deputy's opinion, this does not move us forward the way we need to go - working together as a team. If there is only one reason why we needed a woman at the top table it would be because women leaders are proven to be better communicators, better at building relationships, collaboration and teams and championing change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This seemed to be the majority feeling in the room as demonstrated by the results: Senior Vice President going to Laura Marks - the founder of Mitzvah Day which we are proud to support at The Hampstead Synagogue, along with Alex Brummer and Jonathan Arkush. Our Jerry Lewis lost out this time, but I look forward to having him alongside me on the 'back benches'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So how do I feel today after a short opportunity to reflect? There's a huge amount to do; and I am hopeful that the new top table will be angling for the change that's needed. As for me, I hope I can find a way to play my part and get stuck in at the first opportunity.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0