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by COFIS Admin - Email the team at admin@cofis.org
David Miller came to our attention a few months ago when he wrote to us requesting information about COFIS. We didn't think this was because he had any sympathy for our work and, judging by what we are hearing about him, that may be an understatement. Professor of Sociology at Bristol University, Miller has been accused by author Dave Rich of promoting an antisemitic conspiracy theory in which the university's Jewish Society and Union of Jewish Students are accused of being "directed by the State of Israel." A petition to dismiss Professor Miller from his post has been started by Jonathan Hoffman at change.org Both Hoffman and David Collier allude to the long-term nature of allegations against Professor Miller, dating back more than a decade and preceding his current appointment. The latest controversy, reported in the Jewish Chronicle of 15 February involves an angry outburst in which he described Zionism as an "enemy" which needs to be "ended" and accusing Israel of "trying to impose their will over all the world." Bristol University has issued a statement stating that they "do not endorse the comments of David Miller": however, stopped short of indicating any disciplinary action against him, citing employment law and the need for privacy. In recent days, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Semitism [sic] has called for a meeting with the university's vice chancellor and the Board of Deputies has also written to him. SOURCES (All accessed on 23 February 2021)
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by COFIS Admin - Email the team at admin@cofis.org
Brilliant news today that more than 3 million Israelis - roughly 1/3 of the total population, have now received the crucial second coronavirus vaccination. This includes more than 90% of the vulnerable 60+ age group. The Chair of COFIS got his first coronavirus vaccination today and has confirmed to us that it is almost completely painless. Although many businesses re-opened on Sunday, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein is talking about the possibility of nighttime curfews and, certainly, there will be restrictions on Purim celebrations upcoming this week. Speaking of the 60+ age group, some of them may be old enough to recall the last time that legendary American show Saturday Night Live was funny. The antisemitic 'joke' that was made last Saturday by Michael Che, accusing Israel of only vaccinating Jews made no attempt at humour, instead transferring medieval blood libel to a modern context. It's good to see some of the creative ways that local authorities in Israel are using to encourage people to take up vaccinations. Tel Aviv has put in place a range of measures, from free pizza and hummus to setting up a mobile vaccination facility in a bar, with a free drink for volunteers. Meanwhile, the very conservative community of Bnei Brak has opted for a more traditional offering of cholent for those who come forward to be vaccinated. SOURCES: 1.https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/coronavirus/1614017268-israel-health-ministry-over-3-million-israelis-have-received-both-doses-of-covid-vaccine 2,https://www.jpost.com/opinion/coronavirus-israel-should-give-iran-vaccines-opinion-659836 3.https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/297243 4.https://www.timesofisrael.com/care-for-a-shot-with-your-shot-tel-aviv-sets-up-vaccine-station-in-local-bar/ 5.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-israel-vaccination-idUSKBN2AG21N 6.https://apnews.com/article/israel-misinformation-coronavirus-pandemic-local-governments-museums-462b98e0ff0d7d5bf4400c84a61047b2 by COFIS Admin - Email the team at admin@cofis.org
In September 2014, an Ethiopian-born Jewish man called Avera Mengistu wandered across the border fence into Gaza and into the deadly clutches of Hamas. From a desperately impoverished background, Mengistu had long-term mental health problems, including schizophrenia and depression. Since then, attempts by Mengistu's family; foreign governments and the Red Cross to have access to him have all been unsuccessful. It is thought that Hamas intends to release Mengistu only if Israel agrees to exchange imprisoned terrorists for him. In April 2015, a second Israeli made the same fateful journey. On this occasion, it was a Bedouin called Hisham al-Sayed, once again a man with mental health problems and from a marginalised community. Almost four years ago, Human Rights Watch investigated the cases of both men and confirmed that, contrary to Hamas' claims, both men were civilians, unconnected to the Israeli military or government at the time they went missing. Today, a Member of the Knesset, Ayelet Shaked, described it as "a shame and a disgrace" that Israel has agreed to the supply of Covid-19 vaccines to Gaza, without also insisting on the release of the two prisoners, as well as the bodies of Lt. Hadar Goldin and St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul who were kidnapped and murdered by terrorists during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. SOURCES
COFIS AdminEmail the team at admin@cofis.org Yes, the COFIS blog is finally here. Welcome to our daily (except Shabbat and holidays) updates of news from, and about, Israel.
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