Israeli expats stage protest at Netanyahu corruption trial hearing in Brighton
Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara is present at Sussex courtroom, as Defend Israeli Democracy protesters gather as movie producer Arnon Milchan gives evidence in the case
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Around 200 Israeli expats staged a noisy and colourful protest outside a courtroom in Brighton, Sussex, on Sunday as a Hollywood producer made his video testimony in the Benjamin Netanyahu corruption trial.
Arnon Milchan, most famous for his production role in the Pretty Woman blockbuster, is a key witness one of the three corruption cases against the Israeli PM.
Netanyahu’s wife Sara was present during the proceedings having arrived via a hotel entrance to avoid clashing with protesters from the Defend Israeli Democracy movement.
Prosecutors in the trial allege that Netanyahu and his wife accepted luxury gifts in quid pro quo dealings with Milchan and the Australian billionaire James Packer.
The Israeli PM denies all allegations.
Milchan, who lives in Sussex, began his two-week testimony by greeting Netanyahu, who was viewing the proceedings for a Jerusalem courtroom.
He was set to be quizzed about the reason for gifts, including cigars and champagne bottles, being sent to the Israeli leader.
Security concerns were said to be a reason for staging the hearing in Brighton, rather than in central London.
קבלת הפנים לגברת נתניהו שהגיעה לברייטון ???????? ע"מ להלך אימים על מילצ'ן.#DefendIsraeliDemocracy@BonotAlt pic.twitter.com/uYPf8zOcxa
— Defend Israeli Democracy (@IsraeliDefend) June 25, 2023
But outside the Brighton venue protesters held up placards and Israeli flags, which have become synonymous with the Defend Israeli Democracy movement.
One sign read “If there is no bread, let them drink champagne” referred to allegations over gifts received by the Netanyahus. Another said “fraud” and “breach of trust” – to mirror the claims lodged by prosecutors against the Israeli PM.
Sharon Shochat, one of Defend Israeli Democracy’s leading figures in the UK said of the decision to congregate on the south coast: “An indicted prime minister is not fit for government, and we will be reminding him that from every corner of the world.
“Protesters have demanded that Sara Netanyahu, who in ‘Godfather’ fashion will be present at the testimony, should be ridiculed for the corrupt first lady that she is, but this is not personal. We stand here for democracy.’’
Sunday’s protests also featured in Israeli television coverage aired from Sussex.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.