New Israel forum on campus seeks to ‘transform’ debate
The packed lecture theatre listening to Col. Richard Kemp
The packed lecture theatre listening to Col. Richard Kemp
A new intellectual forum has been initiated on campus to discuss Israel, with leading speakers and advocates lined up to help ‘transform’ the discussion.
Called ‘vibrant and grassroots’ by its founder, Elliot Miller, the Pinsker Centre for Zionist Education is an initiative of students who want to change the discourse around Israel on campus.
UCL graduate Elliot Miller, who helped found the organisation said “we seek to transform the way in which we promote the case for Israel on campus.”
“Instead of continuing to avoid a direct discussion.. we intend to facilitate completely open academic debate with leading experts from across the world.”
After launching in late April, Elliot said they have six talks lined up, all of which won’t be revealed until term time due to security.
Kemp during the inaugural event
The first talk was held at UCL, with Colonel Richard Kemp who was Commander of some British forces in Afghanistan, during the height of Israeli Apartheid Week.
Kemp discussed the “libelous myths of Israeli War Crimes” during a talk with nearly 180 students.
The Pinsker Centre also led a small delegation to this year’s AIPAC policy conference in Washington D.C,. and plans many such trips in the future.
Oxford MA student Jonathan Hunter, said ”currently there are dozens of opportunities for young Jewish people to visit Israel – but virtually no coherent programme for non-Jewish students with a similar passion to defend Israel on campus. The Pinsker Centre is perhaps the first Zionist organisation in the UK which will lead a trip to Israel exclusively for students of all backgrounds. Who have never visited the country.”
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