Campaign Update 6
20th July 2007
Thank you to the many list participants who donated to the Stop the Boycott campaign. We appreciate your support in the boycott battle ahead.
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New EU research deal for Israeli Universities
- Israel has this week signed a new deal that lets its universities join a six-year European Union research programme.
- As part of its pro-boycott policy, UCU's annual Congress voted to "campaign for ... a moratorium on research and cultural collaborations with Israel via EU and European Science Foundation".
- However, by joining the Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7), worth £34bn, Israel and the EU have disregarded this pressure.
- For example, Israel is the only country outside the EU participating in a research partnership to on green air transport to be funded under the programme.
- Jeremy Newmark, the Chief Executive of The Jewish Leadership Council, said:
"The signing of the FP7 agreement clearly demonstrates how out of touch those who support the boycott are with the majority of the academic community. The agreement illustrates the desire of scientists from all over the world to work together regardless of any political agenda."
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US Trade Unions Slam UCU and UK Trade Union Boycott Motions
- US trade unions have come together to slam the UK trade union boycotts
- Trade Unions as diverse as the Teamsters and the American Postal Workers have branded the boycotts as "inimical" and questioned the motives of singling out Israel.
- On the academic boycott, the Union leaders' statement said:
"Rather than limiting interactions with Israeli educators, academics and educational institutions, we see the importance of maximizing, rather than proscribing, the free flow of ideas and academic interaction between peoples, cultures, religions and countries" - Commenting on the Union leaders' statement Jon Benjamin, Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said:
"They have clearly stated what most people understand to be the case, that boycotts aimed at Israel are nothing more than partisan attempts to demonise Israel." - Lorna Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of BICOM said:
"I hope that this will be noted by Tony Woodley, the T & G, and UNITE who are trying to tighten up relations with the trade union movement across the pond." - You can read the full statement on the Jewish Labor Committee website, here.
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Boycotts condemned in Parliament
- An Adjournment Debate on the Government's response to the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Antisemitism was held in Westminster Hall on Thursday.
- In the course of the debate, MPs from all three major parties attacked the academic boycott of Israel.
- MPs also called on both the Government and University leadership to do more to fight the boycott threat.
- Iain Wright MP, responding for the Government, also condemned the T&G's boycott.
- You can read the debate in the Parliamentary Record here: http://tinyurl.com/2m5hwc
- Or you can watch a video of the debate here: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Player/?Meeting=7769
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Recent meetings
- A successful and well-attended meeting on the Boycott was held at Woodside Park Synagogue on Wednesday.
- The meeting was addressed by Lorna Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of BICOM, representing the Stop the Boycott campaign.
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Forthcoming meetings
Alyth Gardens 24th July
- There will be a meeting on the boycott on Tuesday 24th July at Alyth Gardens Synagogue.
- This will be an open meeting taking place from 20:00 - 21:30.
- Speakers will include Lorna Fitzsimons (Chief Executive of BICOM) and Roger Lyons (Chair of Trade Union Friends of Israel).
Hendon 30th July
- Raleigh Close Synagogue in Hendon is hosting an anti-boycott meeting on Monday 30th of July.
- The event starts at 20:30.
- Speakers include Jeremy Newmark (Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council) and Douglas Murray (author and commentator).
Manchester Engage Public Meeting "THE BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL CAMPAIGN AND CONTEMPORARY ANTISEMITISM".
- Engage's first Manchester public meeting is to be held on Sunday 9th September.
- The meeting is 19:00 - 22:00 at Manchester Maccabi, Bury Old Road , Prestwich.
- Admission is £5 by ticket only (payable on the night), light refreshments will be provided
- Email engagemanchester@gmail.com for a place with many tickets you require and in what names.
Speakers include:
- Denis Macshane MP (Chair 2005 All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry Into Anti-Semitism)
- David Hirsh (Editor Engage)
- Jane Ashworth (Campaigns Director Engage)
- Richard Gold (North West Organiser Engage)
- Philip Spencer (Advisory Editor Engage)
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BMJ debate and poll
- The British Medical Journal is conducting a poll and debate on the boycott of Israel
- They carry two articles on the boycott - one in favour and one against
- The anti-boycott piece is written by Professor Michael Baum
- You can join the online debate and vote in the poll here
