Poll: 45 percent of Britons favor banning shechitah

Published on March 29, 2013

About 45 percent of 1,900 Britons polled favored banning Jewish ritual slaughter and 38 percent said they favored banning nonmedical circumcision.

Attack on British soccer fans in France appears to be anti-Semitic

Published on February 21, 2013

Fans of the British soccer team the Tottenham Spurs were targeted in an apparent anti-Semitic attack at a pub in Lyon, France.

Why the Sunday Times of London’s cartoon IS anti-Semitic

By Michael Berenbaum
Published on January 30, 2013

Gerald Scarfe the British cartoonist who published the sketch of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu building a wall on the bodies of Palestinians and using their blood as cement, has denied that he is or ever was an anti-Semite. Scarfe said: "I am not, and never have been, anti-Semitic." Fair enough.

Pakistani girl shot by Taliban leaves British hospital

Published on January 4, 2013

A Pakistani girl shot in the head by the Taliban for advocating girls' education has been discharged from a British hospital after doctors said she was well enough to spend time recovering with her family.

Hebrew to be nixed as foreign language in U.K. schools

Published on December 17, 2012

The British government reportedly is planning to exclude Hebrew from a list of recognized foreign languages in the national education system.

British soccer fans again face anti-Semitic chants

Published on November 26, 2012

Fans of a popular British soccer club spewed anti-Semitic taunts and chants at fans of a second British club whose fans are sometimes referred to as the "Yid Army."

BBC correspondent slammed for ‘Jewish lobby’ tweet

Published on November 8, 2012

The umbrella organization of British Jewry criticized the BBC's correspondent in Washington for referring to the "Jewish lobby" in a tweet about the U.S. election.

Abbas hints has no ‘right of return’ to home in Israel

Published on November 1, 2012

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas made a rare if symbolic concession to Israel on Thursday, saying he had no permanent claim on the town from which he was driven as a child during the 1948 war of the Jewish state's founding.

Gambling British haredim blamed for spate of burglaries

Published on October 4, 2012

Gambling debts among haredi Orthodox British Jews spurred a spate of burglaries in Jewish homes and institutions, The Jewish Chronicle reported.

British politician slammed London ex-mayor for ‘rich Jews’ quote

Published on October 2, 2012

Douglas Alexander, a former British government minister, has criticized former London mayor Ken Livingstone for allegedly saying Jews won't vote for Britain's Labor Party because they are rich.

British Jewry rips Church of England’s vote to support ‘inflammatory’ pro-Palestinian program

Published on July 11, 2012

Britain's organized Jewish community slammed the Church of England's General Synod for endorsing an "inflammatory and partisan" pro-Palestinian program.

British exam board criticized for question on prejudice against Jews

Published on May 29, 2012

One of Britain's leading exam boards is facing criticism for asking high school students to explain why there is prejudice against Jews.

British union boots Israeli lecturer

Published on April 30, 2012

A workshop in Britain set to be led by an Israeli expert on negotiation and conflict management was canceled after pressure from a pro-Palestinian national union.

British TV looking for ‘ultimate Jewish mother’

Published on March 15, 2012

A British television station is searching for the "ultimate Jewish mother" for a new series.

British peer quits party post after anti-Israel comment

Published on February 29, 2012

British peer Jenny Tonge resigned as party whip of the Liberal Democrats after saying that Israel would not survive for long in its present form.

A Jewish housemaid in England at wartime

Published on February 25, 2012

Natasha Solomons is a British writer whose first novel, published in the United States in 2010 as “Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English,” should have received a wider readership. Inspired by the experience of the author’s grandparents, European Jews who fled Nazism for safety in England, that novel focused largely on the challenges and conflicts of assimilation.

British lawmaker loses post over Nazi-themed party

Published on December 19, 2011

A British lawmaker was fired from his job working for a senior Conservative Party minister after attending a Nazi-themed party

In tiny Gibraltar, an outsized Jewish infrastructure

Published on December 9, 2011

Four synagogues, a mikvah, a kosher coffeehouse and separate boys and girls religious high schools.

British lawmaker questions Jewish ambassador’s ‘loyalty’

Published on December 2, 2011

A British lawmaker came under fire for suggesting the country's Jewish ambassador to Israel is biased because of his religion.

Keira Knightley on (early 20th Century) Jews and Aryans in Love

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on November 26, 2011

‘Friday Night Dinner’ (aka Shabbat) heads to NBC

By Lauren Bottner
Published on November 11, 2011

Alter Hitler figure, British Jewish group asks Madame Tussauds

Published on August 31, 2011

A Jewish organization in Britain has called on Madame Tussauds to make its wax replica of Hitler look more defeated.

Jewish member to sue British academic union

Published on July 12, 2011

A Jewish member of Britain's University and College Union is suing the academic group for what he alleges is a pattern of anti-Semitic harassment.

Syria orchestrated border infiltration, British paper reports

Published on June 14, 2011

Syria's government orchestrated the infiltration of Israel's northern border by hundreds of Palestinians, a British newspaper reported. Michael Weiss, blogging on the Daily Telegraph website, reported that he had been forwarded "what appear to be Syrian state documents" leaked by the governor of al-Qunaitera, in southwest Syria.

Oh Sarah Palin, what nonsense fell out of your mouth now…

By Julia Bendis
Published on June 7, 2011

Israeli man wants British monarchs’ names

Published on May 23, 2011

An Israeli man has asked to officially change his name to that of several British monarchs.

British Jewish lawmaker apologizes for ‘Jews again’ remark

Published on March 31, 2011

A British lawmaker has apologized for insulting a fellow Jewish lawmaker and Labor Party member during a debate in the House of Commons. During a debate Wednesday on plans to change the law of universal jurisdiction, Gerald Kaufman turned to a lawmaker sitting next to him and said, "Here we are, the Jews again," as pro-Israel lawmaker Louise Ellman rose to refute a claim by the Labor Party's Ann Clwyd that the lawmakers were trying to change the law -- making it more difficult to issue an arrest warrant against a suspected international war criminal -- to appease the Israeli government.

British authority upholds complaint against Travel Palestine ad

Published on March 17, 2011

Complaints against an advertisement for travel to Palestine were upheld by the British Advertising Standards Authority. The authority in a ruling released Wednesday said that the Travel Palestine ad should not be published again as it is currently constituted.

Israel picks British envoy Prosor for U.N. post

Published on February 14, 2011

Israel has tapped British Ambassador Ron Prosor to be its envoy to the United Nations. The nomination, which was made public Sunday, comes after Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan decided last week to turn down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer to serve as U.N. ambassador. Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky reportedly also turned down the post.

Tunisia: the first Arab revolution

By Mona Eltahawy
Published on January 19, 2011

Every July 23 for the past 58 years, Egypt, my country of birth, has celebrated its “July revolution” that overthrew King Farouk and ended the monarchy and British occupation once and for all. It was no revolution: It was a coup staged by young army officers. And so it has been with a series of “revolutions” around the Arab world in which a succession of military men went on to lead us in civilian clothes — some kept the olive drabs on — and rob generations of the real meaning of revolution. For years I looked at the Iranians with envy — not at the outcome of their 1979 revolution, but because it was a popular uprising, not a euphemism for a coup.

More indictments in soccer stadium plot

Published on January 4, 2011

Two eastern Jerusalem residents employed by the British Consulate have been charged in connection with a plan to attack a Jerusalem soccer stadium. Israel indicted the men, both Palestinians, on Sunday for arms trafficking for Hamas. A gag order was lifted on the case Sunday. The charges have no connection with their jobs as maintenance workers at the consulate, which is located in the eastern Jerusalem community of Sheikh Jarrah, British media reported, citing Israeli officials.

British student paper pulled over Palestinian journalist’s quote

Published on May 5, 2010

The student newspaper at a British university was removed from campus distribution after publishing a comment by a Palestinian journalist interpreted as derogatory toward Jews.

New book stirs controversy about British chief rabbi

Published on April 28, 2010

A new book that criticizes Britain’s chief rabbi is opening old wounds and sparking a new debate about whether the institution of the British chief rabbi has outlived its usefulness.

British lawmakers: Israel ‘buying’ political influence

Published on April 1, 2010

Two British lawmakers accused supporters of Israel of “buying” influence in the Conservative Party.

Both used anti-Semitic stereotypes in their statements, reportedly made last week, which drew criticism from the body that monitors anti-Semitism in Britain.

No stiff upper lip as U.K. Jews celebrate Israel @ 60

Published on July 1, 2008

The unprecedented show of pride and self-confidence by British Jews in the nation's first-ever Salute to Israel parades may be a sign of the transformation of a community long considered timid and low key.

Vintage British sitcom sketch: The Two Ronnies ‘Jewish Insurance’

By The Web Guy
Published on July 13, 2007

Only a British sitcom could come up with a skit about someone wanting to purchase 'Turning Jewish' insurance. From 'The Two Ronnies' circa 1987.

British boycott moves reveal anti-Israel bias

By Alan Dershowitz
Published on June 14, 2007

The British Union cares less about journalists or freedom of the press than it does about blindly condemning the Jewish state...it has everything to do with anti-Israel bigotry.

Briefs: Journalist: West Is losing ‘War of Ideas;’ Daniel Pipes comes to Pepperdine

Published on January 25, 2007

Community Briefs

Congress OKs bill barring military chaplains from mentioning Jesus in official prayers

Published on October 5, 2006

Briefs courtesy of Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Candidates for U.N. Secretary-General post consult with U.S. Jewish leaders;

Published on September 21, 2006

World News.

Al Qaeda urges Israel attacks; Israeli Arab lawmakers represent Hamas in court

Published on September 14, 2006

Al Qaeda urges Israel attacks; Israeli Arab lawmakers represent Hamas in court; Conviction in Attack on Palestinians; BBC Ordered to Release Report; British Jews Meet on Security; Trump to Observant Jew: You're Hired; Babi Yar Event to be International; Danish Newspaper Publishes Holocaust Cartoons.

Pink Floyd’s Waters Caught Red-Handed

By Ali Austerlitz
Published on June 29, 2006

Waters' performance received much acclaim in Israel, but it is his spray-painting stint at the security fence in the West Bank the day before the showcase that is making lasting waves there and abroad.

Nation World Briefs

Published on June 1, 2006

Briefs

Jewish Jury Still Out on Christian ‘Narnia’

By Joe Eskenazi
Published on December 15, 2005

Catholic publishing companies are putting out companion guides. And the Jewish community is ... well, no one knows quite what to think. That's because the film in question isn't Mel Gibson's "The Passion." It's "The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the special-effects laden adaptation of British author C.S. Lewis' classic 1950 children's book.

7 Days in The Arts

Published on October 13, 2005

7 Days in the Arts

Cutting Israel Ties Sparks U.K. Outrage

By Daniella Peled
Published on May 5, 2005

The backlash against the decision by a union of British university lecturers to sever ties with two Israeli universities began almost as soon as the controversial motion was passed.

Heads Carolina, Tails California

By Shoshana Lewin-Fischer
Published on January 20, 2005

Are you part of an outgoing, talkative, loud Jewish family? And are you looking for a new place to live? And are you dying to have the whole experience air on national TV?

Then consider applying for the WB's upcoming "The Relocation Show." The new reality show (produced by RDF Media, the British production company that created "Wife Swap"), helps make the process of selecting a new place to live slightly less daunting and will move the family anywhere in the 50 states, including Hawaii.

British Writer Snubs Pro-Israel Letters

By Richard Allen Greene
Published on August 14, 2003

"I have developed a habit when confronted by letters to the editor in support of the Israeli government to look at the signature to see if the writer has a Jewish name. If so, I tend not to read it," Richard Ingrams wrote in his July 13 column.

‘Terrorist’ Helped Israeli Heal

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on May 29, 2003

The straightforward but intensely personal piece stands out amid the flurry of third-person documentaries emerging on the Middle East crisis, including Ilan Ziv's 2002 suicide bombing expose, "Human Weapon," and Oliver Stone's "Persona Non Grata".

Ozzy’s Father-in-Law Bails Out Synagogue

By The Manchester Jewish Telegraph
Published on May 22, 2003

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne's father-in-law has intervened in the Higher Crumpsall/Higher Broughton Synagogue row with the Synagogue Council to settle the shul's debt with a burial board.

A Hero for Seder

By Si Frumkin
Published on April 17, 2003

Michael and his wife went to a kibbutz in British-ruled Palestine in the 1930s. He joined the navy when war broke out and later ended up teaching French and metal shop at a London high school. It was there that he accepted a challenge that changed his life.

Moonves: No Sympathy for Hitler

By Ivor Davis
Published on January 23, 2003

Talking With Lipstadt

Published on April 20, 2000

Before the verdict was handed down by Justice Charles Gray on April 11, Deborah Lipstadt says she had no doubt that "We would win." She just did not expect that he would render his decision "in such a still, small, level voice," almost without inflection. And therefore with such forcefulness and emphasis.

Seale on Syria

By Eric Silver
Published on December 16, 1999

Patrick Seale, President Hafez al-Assad's official biographer, predicted this week that Syria and Israel would conclude a comprehensive peace agreement within one year. Since Ehud Barak was elected six months ago, the veteran British Middle-East journalist has played a key role as the nearest to a Syrian emissary shuttling between the chronically hostile capitals of Damascus and Jerusalem.

Two In Brief

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on November 4, 1999

On July 18, 1947, Dr. Ruth Gruber stood on a wharf in Haifa and watched the battered ship Exodus inch into the harbor. The ship had been rammed by British warships determined to keep the 4,554 Holocaust survivors aboard from reaching Palestine.

Conflicting Stories

By Tom Tugend
Published on January 22, 1998

During World War II, did an anti-Semitic Swiss government split up Jewish refugee families, require the men to perform back breaking work in forced labor camps, and treat Jews markedly worse than Christian refugees?

The Melting Pot

Published on December 11, 1997

My Thanksgiving column a few weeks ago was about pumpkin pie, the sine qua non of non-Jewish desserts. In passing, Imentioned mincemeat, which I had never seen nor tasted but felt certain was the Maginot line separating "us" from "them." Spam, lacedwith lard and pieces of raw tongue, is what I imagined it to be.
Turns out, I had stumbled upon a widely sharedethnic blind spot.

Spectator

By Diane Arieff
Published on June 26, 1997

In July 1947, a Chesapeake Bay steamer loaded with 4,500 Holocaust survivors was attacked by the British navy on its way to Palestine. The ship was called Exodus 1947, and its aborted voyage galvanized world opinion in support of the struggle to create a Jewish state.