Daphne Anson: The UK Methodists Remove Their Offensive Document

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)

Sunday, 8 May 2011

The UK Methodists Remove Their Offensive Document

The background paper entitled "Jewish and Muslim Perspectives on the Land of Israel-Palestine," to which, following Elder of Ziyon's lead, I drew attention on Friday has been withdrawn (hat tip: reader Ian G.).

It appears that academic Dr Elizabeth Harris, its author, is a specialist in Buddhism http://www.hope.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&Itemid=898&task=userProfile&user=819, and if that is the case she would seem to be well-advised to concentrate on her area of expertise.

The offensive nature of the report was examined by Elder as well as here: http://hurryupharry.org/2011/05/07/methodist-church-implies-that-only-european-jews-suffered-in-holocaust/

And it seems that the redoubtable pro-Israel Methodist preacher David Hallam was partly responsible for its wihdrawal. Well done, David! Read his exclusive report: http://www.methodistpreacher.co.uk/

6 comments:

David Sucher9 May 2011 at 04:07
Probably best that the background paper has been withdrawn as it wasn't very good work and oddly written but I still maintain that it has little if any anti-Israel sentiment.

Is the issue whether Israel's existence is in some part related to the Holocaust? As the background paper suggest?

If so, I don't see much anti-Israel content. It seems to me that of course _some_ of the impetus to establish Israel and to fight so fiercely for it has to be a result of the Holocaust. I see it that way historically and don't see anything wrong with it.

Had the pre-war Arabs done the decent thing they would have offered succor to their Jewish cousins and there would be lots more Jews in the middle-east though with lots less war.

----

And about the "Palestine Embassy" site, it would be nice to see if it is a fake. The Palestinians may be adversaries but we ought to be scrupulously accurate too.
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Daphne Anson9 May 2011 at 04:39
Much indignation in particular attaches to the part mentioned in Harry's Place, David. I think the perceived lack of empathy with Israel on the part of the Methodist leadership in the UK, sections of which advocate a fullscale Boycott, and the fact that anti-Israel Ben White is influential in that church, has made many people see the document as a bjuilding block in a steadt delegitimisation process.

I do agree with you re the need for accuracy.

Some sleuthing is required re the "Embassy" site!
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Daphne Anson9 May 2011 at 04:40
I meant "building block in a steady" - should have proofread!
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Daphne Anson9 May 2011 at 04:46
The site does appear to be genuine - quite amazing that what the amssador calls a "fantastic tool" should contain errors, and surely very odd that they would advertise their "one state solution" so blatantly to the UK government.
The Board of Deputies should take this up!
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Juniper in the Desert9 May 2011 at 06:25
Daphne, re action by the Board of Deputies: don't hold your breath.
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Daphne Anson9 May 2011 at 06:56
I certainly won't, Juniper!
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