Lynch Mob in Lichfield: Pappe & Co head to Israel-bashing conference at city’s cathedral
http://daphneanson.blogspot.com/2016/09/lynch-mob-in-lichfield-pappe-co-head-to.,
Lichfield, England-perhaps most famous as the birthplace of Dr Samuel Johnson, is a pretty city in the English Midlands. It’s the location of a medieval cathedral, notable for its unusual feature of three spires.
And it is on the premises of that cathedral that a conference (plus related book sale) is to be held over the weekend of 7-9 October (hat tip: Ian G).
As seen at left, the title of the conference is “Holding Palestine in the Light,”which reflects the despicably one-sided nature of the enterprise, for the overwhelming majority of the speakers are notable, to a greater or lesser degree, for their antipathy towards Israel.
That sad fact reflects the prejudices of the apparent driving force behind the conference, the Dean of Lichfield.
Explains the conference’s website:
“The weekend is hosted by the Very Revd. Adrian Dorber: Dean of Lichfield and Diocesan Co-ordinator for the Friends of the Holy Land, with longstanding connections to Palestine & Israel where he led both Pilgrimages and study tours.”
Dorber has held the post of Dean since 2005. Before that, we learn here,
“he was Director of Ministries and Training in the Durham Diocese, Senior Chaplain and Lecturer at Portsmouth University and served in parishes in Reading and Bracknell. He is a Trustee of the Foundation for Church Leadership, a Governor of Staffordshire University, Chairman of Governors of Lichfield Cathedral School and a member of the Lichfield Festival Board. He serves on the West Midlands Training Partnership and chairs the Diocesan Local Ministry Governing Body. He is deeply interested in the impact cathedrals have on Church and nation and how cathedrals can use their unique opportunities for mission and regeneration. Adrian was co-opted onto the AEC Executive in March 2011 and elected in June 2011. He was appointed as Chairman in July 2015. In addition to chairing the AEC, Adrian leads on cathedrals-related research”.
Below, in bold type, is the list of speakers as given on the conference website:
Professor Ilan Pappé: Israeli born leading historian at Exeter University. He has written many books on the conflict.
If there is one participant in the conference who surely doesn’t require an introduction it is the reprehensible Pappe. His topic is “‘Palestine is Still an Issue’ – why Palestine is a central issue affecting global events”.
The outrageous One State Declaration that he co-authored in 2007 is indicative of his vile attitude.
Comments below each bold typed profile, and not in bold type,are my observations.
Ahmed Masoud: is a Palestinian writer, director and academic based in the UK; he has written plays and a debut novel set in Palestine and Gaza.
At the “literary dinner” on Friday, 7 October entitled ‘Gaza in Literary Fiction” that opens the conference, Ahmed Masoud and Hannah Khalil will mention their published works. The session will include a film, “Britain in Palestine 1917-1948”.
Hannah Khalil: born of Palestinian/Irish parents, she has written a number of plays promoting the cause of Palestinians and other Arabs.
That Friday dinner will be followed on Saturday, 8 October with one of only two free sessions on the conference programme. Here’s how it’s billed:
Sumud Exhibition, with sale of goods from the Holy Land including hourly screenings of: ‘Britain in Palestine 1917-1948’ and ‘The Suffering Church’
Read about ‘Sumud’ here: it is clear that this session will consist entirely of anti-Israel pro-Arab propaganda.
Dr Jane Clements: Director of the Council of Christians and Jews and founder of a charity to promote Israeli/Palestinian dialogue.
Dr Clements is taking part in the session with the Very Revd Hosam Naoum (see directly below). It is billed as ‘The effects of the conflict on Jewish-Christian Relations’:The Very Rev’d Hosam Naoum, Dean of Jerusalem in conversation with Dr Jane Clements.
Professor Yossi Meckleberg [sic; i.e. Meckelberg]: a distinguished academic and commentator on international affairs, who sits on the Human Rights Watch London Committee.
Professor Meckelberg’s topic is “‘Justice and Peace in the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict”.
Sir Vincent Fean: British Consul General in Jerusalem from 2010 to 2014 who has lectured on the Israel/Palestine situation since his retirement.
His talk is entitled “Israel and Palestine: two states or one? The prospects for a just peace”.
Dervla Murphy: as a travel writer, relies on the hospitality of Palestinians and Israelis whom she meets on the way.
Ms Murphy’s session is ‘Living with Conflict,” in conversation with Tetty Bayley.
Professor Kamel Hawwash: a British/Palestinian and a long standing campaigner for justice for Palestinians.
His talk is entitled “Can a just peace be reached in the Holy Land? Reflections of a diaspora Palestinian“.
Rabbi Dr. David Goldberg: is a liberal [sic; i.e. Liberal] Jew, active in promoting interfaith harmony and understanding.
Dr Goldberg is Emeritus Rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood, London.
William Bell: has worked for 15 years for Christian Aid in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories
Bell is due to speak on “Building Peace between Israelis and Palestinians”.
Dr. Yazid Said: an Israeli-Arab Anglican priest, lecturing on Islamic studies at Liverpool University.
Dr. Clare Amos: is on the staff of the World Council of Churches, with a Doctorate of Divinity for her contribution to ecumenical engagement and inter-religious relations.
“Morning Eucharist, including a dialogue with Dr Clare Amos and Dr Yazid Said” (for Dr Said see directly below).
Patricia Cockrell: an extensively travelled Quaker based in Tulkarem, whose travels include 3 months in Palestine as an ecumenical accompanier.
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