Daphne Anson: Judah's Lion and the Judge: the scandalous courtroom remarks of George Bathurst Norman

Eretz Israel is our unforgettable historic homeland...The Jews who will it shall achieve their State...And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind. (Theodor Herzl, DerJudenstaat, 1896)

We offer peace and amity to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. The State of Israel is ready to contribute its full share to the peaceful progress and development of the Middle East. (From Proclamation of the State of Israel, 5 Iyar 5708; 14 May 1948)

With a liberal democratic political system operating under the rule of law, a flourishing market economy producing technological innovation to the benefit of the wider world, and a population as educated and cultured as anywhere in Europe or North America, Israel is a normal Western country with a right to be treated as such in the community of nations.... For the global jihad, Israel may be the first objective. But it will not be the last. (Friends of Israel Initiative)

Thursday, 15 July 2010

Judah's Lion and the Judge: the scandalous courtroom remarks of George Bathurst Norman

In the old days, when Anglo-Jews of a certain status relished the appellation "gentlemen of the Mosaic persuasion", and often preferred the term "Hebrew" or "Israelite" to "Jew" with all its unpleasant stereotypical connotations, communal concerns tended to be raised sotto voce. The approach achieved results, but it was despised by more forthright newcomers.

There are still critics who characterise Anglo-Jewry's elected leaders as "trembling Israelites". But that charge could never be brought against the esteemed Vice-President of the Zionist Federation, the extraordinarily active and fearless Jonathan Hoffman (pictured, at a recent pro-Israel demonstration in London). His willingness to play Daniel in the lion's den is legendary; indeed, his courage is itself leonine.

Now, Mr Hoffman has obtained the 87-page transcript of the case of Regina versus Robert Nicholls and Others, heard at Lewes Crown Court on 28-29 June, which after a scandalously biased-against-Israel summing up by Judge George Bathurst Norman resulted in the acquittal of all seven defendants, who successfully argued that in illegally breaking into and smashing up an armaments factory they believed to be supplying Israel, they were preventing a greater crime.

Mr Hoffman's masterly blog here http://cifwatch.com/2010/07/14/the-judge-who-thought-he-was-defence-counsel/shows with analytical precision just how offensive, mischievous and improper Judge Bathurst Norman's summing up was - far more scandalous than at first imagined, although that was scandalous enough.

The blog's a must-read, and a must-do is the action that Mr Hoffman suggests.

6 comments:

Matt16 July 2010 at 02:48
Hi Daphne,

I just wanted to share the full transcript of the judge's summing up:

http://thejc.com/35771/judge-bathurst-norman-full-summing

Pretty alarming stuff, I think the old boy has lost his marbles.

Matt
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Daphne Anson16 July 2010 at 03:43
Many thanks, Matt.
I doubt he's lost his marbles - I think he probably felt emboldened to make his remarks because he feels that in the current poisonous climate even a judge can make an outrageous political statement inside a courtroom with impunity.
I just hope he gets the come-uppance he deserves.
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Oy Va Goy16 July 2010 at 05:51
Jonathan Hoffman is such a hero.
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Felonious Monk16 July 2010 at 09:52
Melanie Phillips has also blogged on this issue:
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Daphne Anson16 July 2010 at 17:25
Yes, the indefatigable Melanie Phillips can be read on this issue at:
http://www.spectator.co.uk/melaniephillips/6143404/summing-up-for-a-legal-lynching.html
ReplyDelete
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Daphne Anson16 July 2010 at 17:35
And for a taste of Jonathan Hoffman's fan club go to:
www.oyvagoy.com/20101/01/18/the-brilliant-jonathan-hoffman/
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