Chas Newkey-Burden's Blog, page 40

My top five books: number one

Coming Together, Coming Apart, by Daniel Gordis Daniel Gordis is a majestic writer. His reflections about Israeli society and politics are thoughtful, eloquent and wonderfully human. Few can educate, entertain, reassure and challenge with such understated power as he. I've read and loved three books of his about Israel, and any of them could have [...]

A literary 'PS'

Having listed my top five Israeli/Jewish books, I would like to add that my favourite book overall is the charming and hilarious Three Men In A Boat, by Jerome K Jerome. I explained why on Normblog last summer.

Gilad Shalit campaign latest

In recent years, the cities of Paris, Rome, Miami and New Orleans have awarded Gilad Shalit honorary citizenship as gestures of solidarity with him and his family. Now, British blogger Philip A Gardner is pushing Mayor of London Boris Johnson to make the same gesture. You can read more about Philip's superb initiative here. In [...]

Negotiation with terrorists: an unexpected supporter

In 1976, terrorists hijacked an Air France flight and diverted the plane to Entebbe, in Uganda. There, Israel performed a heroic and much-celebrated rescue. What is less known is that prior to the rescue plan being put together, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was about to negotiate with the hijackers, who were demanding the release of [...]

If a blog could be…

If a blog could be long, luxurious soak in a warm, scented bath. If a blog could be wonderful warm cup of cocoa on the sofa on a cold rainy day. If a blog could be a perfect day out with friends. If a blog could be a fun, inspiring chat with a loved one. [...]

Technical issues

Here, the IHH explains in full those 'technical issues' that mean the Mavi Marmara will not take part in the flotilla.