Chas Newkey-Burden's Blog, page 38

George Galloway: 'Israel only takes money'

On the most recent edition of his Press TV phone-in show Comment, George Galloway made the following remark, while discussing Greece's role in preventing the flotilla: 'That's true,' agreed his caller. But it isn't. Israel makes regular humanitarian donations around the world, including to help refugees from Darfur and Chad, and to Aids victims in [...]

Ah well…

So, the flotilla and flytilla were both utter failures. Appropriate, really, given that the same can be said of the lives of many of those who devote their time to demonising Israel. This raises a thought in my mind. I love the eccentricity of some collective nouns, such as a 'business of ferrets', a 'labour [...]

What the flytilla is really about

As the flotilla flops in the Mediterranean, the flytilla gets underway. All this, hot on the heels of the border protests in May and June. A specific theme unites these new routes of anti-Israel hatred. The basic fact of national self-determination is to have borders and security, and  the common theme of these protests is [...]

Once (again) in a lifetime

Last summer I was asked if I'd like to join a two-week bloggers' trip to Israel arranged by Hebrew University students. Everything would be paid for, and I'd learn more about all aspects of Israel including its politics, nightlife, religion and culture. During the trip, me and the other bloggers would be interviewed by and [...]

Aroma ice coffee hits the UK! (In a way)

Regular readers might be aware of my love of the blended ice coffee sold by the Israeli chain Aroma. It was my good friend Jonathan Sacerdoti who introduced me to it. For that, I regard him with a mixture of gratitude and contempt. Gratitude, because it tastes divine. Contempt, because it's hellishly 'moreish'. Indeed, during [...]

Israel delivers 6,000 tons of goods to Gaza daily

Yeah, remember you saying…

How many times can Ed Miliband say the same thing in one short interview? Quite a few times, it turns out. And this man wants to be Prime Minister one day? Bring back Tony Blair!

The IDF increases transparency as the flotilla censors reporters

Another interesting fact to arise during the New Media briefing I joined was Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich's revelation that the IDF has invited 12 foreign journalists to join the navy as it confronts the flotilla. Meanwhile, as Israel attempts greater media transparency, many of the journalists planning to join the flotilla are losing patience with [...]

The mask slips further

The Dutch parliament has voted to ban shechita (kosher slaughtering). The Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands and other Jewish leaders have pointed out that the same move was made early in the reign of the Nazis. 'Old people are scared and young people who are just married are calling me to ask if they should [...]

'We want to bring the soldiers home safely'

I just got off the phone from a 'New Media' briefing regarding the flotilla, from Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. There were a few interesting themes regarding the nature of the organisations involved and also how Israel will manage press coverage of any confrontation, which I'll blog about in further detail [...]