Jewish News launches major international Israel policy conference

By Richard Ferrer
  • Richard Ferrer has been editor of Jewish News since 2009. As one of Britain's leading Jewish voices he writes for The Times, Independent, New Statesman and many other titles. Richard previously worked at the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, edited the Boston Jewish Advocate and created the Channel 4 TV series Jewish Mum Of The Year.
 13 February 2015, 9:57 am

Security, foreign policy and economic challenges facing Israel will be explored in a groundbreaking new policy conference organised by the Jewish News this summer. 

The forum, convened in partnership with BICOM, will bring together leading figures from the policy community for debate and discussion just weeks after the General Election and in the early days of Israel’s new Government. 

Held in a London venue on 22 June, the conference will be boosted with the participation of Israeli TV news network Channel 10 and America’s fastest-growing Jewish media outlet Algemeiner.

Both will take part in panel sessions and cover the event. Announcing the event, Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer said: “There is a strong consensus that a gap exists in this country for such a conference and Jewish News is delighted to be continuing its proud track record of promoting a balanced understanding of Israel’s dilemmas and achievements.

”The event will offer high-level discussion on the issues affecting Israel within a setting that is at the same time supportive of the Jewish state and readily accessible to serious members of the policy community. We are delighted to be working with partners that will help take its messages to such a wide audience.”

Participants will include high-ranking politicians, diplomats and analysts from the UK, Israel and Europe. The event is designed to complement BICOM’s ‘ We Believe in Israel conference’, which is set to be the biggest grassroots Israel conference this country has seen.

Its Chief Executive Dermot Kehoe believes that the time is also right for an event aimed at the policy community. He said: “BICOM are delighted to partner with the Jewish News on this conference.

There has been a conspicuous need for such a high level opportunity for serious discussion and foreign policy debate relating to Israel and the region.”“This conference could not be more timely, happening shortly after General Elections in both Britain and Israel. BICOM looks forward to working with the Jewish News to deliver this much-needed event.”

Jewish Leadership Council chair Mick Davis said: “I commend Jewish News on this initiative. Israel occupies the attention of many but so few understand its complexities and existential imperatives. I have no doubt that this conference can make a significant contribution to the debate and formation of policy both outside and inside Israel.”

This historic event will mark the first time Channel 10 or Algemeiner have supported an event in Britain. Nadav Eyal, head of Channel 10’s foreign news desk, said: “We are looking forward to this important occasion.

There is a growing need to expand the conversation between the UK and Europe and Israel, and it is our hope that a vibrant and open discussion will do just that.”

Algemeiner editor Dovid Efune said: “We greatly value our partnership with the Jewish News on this important endeavour which promises to increase awareness and understanding of the major challenges and issues facing Israel.” 

Political consultant Jeremy Newmark is advising Jewish News and partners on the event.

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