Jewish News and JW3 to host: ‘Ehud Olmert In Conversation’

Jewish News and JW3 will jointly host a conversation with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in London on 16 October.

The event will take place at 7:30 at JW3’s building on 341-351 Finchley Road and will last two hours.

Speaking on behalf of the Choose Democracy coalition Hannah Weisfeld and David Davidi-Brown said: “We are delighted to be partnering with JW3 and the Jewish News to engage our community with Israeli leaders raising the alarm as Israel’s current government continues its assault on the rule of law and protections for minorities.”

“Coming a day after the Knesset begins its next session and with important decisions expected from the Supreme Court, this event is a timely opportunity to hear from a former Prime Minister keenly aware of the existential threats facing Israel,” they added.

Olmert was elected to the eighth Knesset in 1973 at the age of 28 and was reelected eight times. In 1993, he was elected as Mayor of Jerusalem and led the city through the difficult years of Palestinian terror attacks.

In 2003, he returned to national politics holding many senior ministerial positions and serving as PM Ariel Sharon’s Vice Prime Minister. Following Sharon’s stroke in 2006, Olmert became acting Prime Minister.

In the March 2006 elections, Olmert led the Kadima Party to victory and was elected as the 12th Prime Minister of the State of Israel.

During his time as Prime Minister, he led the country during the Second Lebanon War which re-established Israeli deterrence giving Israel quiet on its northern border for over a decade. He also worked towards a peace agreement with the Palestinians and in November 2007, attended the Annapolis Peace Conference led by President George W. Bush.

At the end of 2008, in response to ongoing attacks on Israel, Olmert ordered the launch of Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.

Click here to sign up for the event.