British hostility to Zionism was so intense after WWII that its secret agency went so far as to blow up ships that were to take Holocaust survivors to Mandatory Palestine. According to this review of the book, it seems no-one was hurt, as the ships were attacked when in port, empty.Some latter day Brits still intensely dislike Israel, and they're busy passing anti-Israeli resolutions. Across the pond some folks don't like Israel much either. They pretend they're merely upholding fine moral principles, but sadly, a fellow named Dr. Fred Gottheil unveiled their dishonesty when he asked hundreds of signatories of an anti-Israel petition to sign one about human rights in Muslim societies: most refused to sign.
If you enjoy reading about such nastiness you'll be gratified to learn there's a new blog all about antisemitism, titled JHate - a blog about anti-Semitism. (Remind me to write about the different spellings of the term someday).
Finally, on a related but upbeat note. Remember when after the earthquake in Haiti an Israeli medical team did such a fine job that the usual suspects united in condemning Israel for pulling out its field hospital after a mere month? Well, it appears the story is more complex. Once there were larger hospitals in operation there wasn't much need for an emergency field hospital there, but it seems various Israeli organizations are still in Haiti, till this very day and not packing up to leave.
Update: Juergen sends in this nice article about Ireland: the author thinks the post of Israeli ambassador in Ireland must be the worst job an Israeli diplomat can have. (Worse than Turkey?)
oh Andrew Roberts
ReplyDeletehe is well-known as an Israel-defender :-)
George W. Bush is said to have liked a book by him - I think it was "Masters and Commanders"
Silke
Israel has been condemned in the Guardian by Seth Freedman (a good friend of our Alex Stein btw)because according to him - we should have helped the Palestinians instead of the far away Haitians.
ReplyDeleteObviously the field hospital has been pulled out due to the lack of fresh bodies for organ harvesting - as a leading British politician - Baroness Jenny Tonge thinks.
I believe NATAN is also still in Haiti, although you'd have to check. They were there almost immediately but have had next to no coverage, unfortunately, because the government press releases have tended to ignore their participation.
ReplyDeletehttp://moreyaltman.blogspot.com/2010/04/haiti.html
I've got some issues with Dr Gottheil's methodology and whatnot -- you can peruse what I've posted on the subject on my blog here -- but I do like his Statement of Concern, to the point that it is now posted at PetitionsOnline.com, and is accepting signatures from anyone willing to speak out against human rights abuses in the Middle East. As you're obviously interested in the story, I urge you to step up and sign it: Support Regarding Discrimination in the Middle East against Women, Gays, and Lesbians Petition
ReplyDeleteI look forward to receiving your signature(s).