Foreign Secretary William Hague should be applauded for signing an agreement to strengthen scientific cooperation between Britain and Israel.

In Jerusalem yesterday, William Hague and Yaakov Perry, Israeli Minister of Science, Technology and Space, signed an agreement to strengthen scientific cooperation between our countries. Building on research programmes in areas such as regenerative medicine, the initiative expands cooperation into the fields of advanced materials and nanotechnology; agri-sciences, neuroscience and space research.

Marrying Israel’s passion for innovation with Britain’s ability to scale up and commercialise technological advances has helped UK-Israel trade more than double in the past decade. But the partnership sends a deeper message. It reflects a shared commitment to scientific research as an investment in a better future. Already, in a number of areas – most especially medicine, water treatment and alternative energy – it has made significant contributions to aid and development projects globally.

As such, the Foreign Secretary’s signing of this agreement stands in stark contrast to the small but strident boycott campaign that seeks to break down channels of cooperation and dialogue with Israel. Most recently, the campaign has pressured Professor Stephen Hawking into cancelling a trip to Jerusalem to participate in President Shimon Peres’s conference on “Facing Tomorrow”. Held annually since 2008, this brings together leaders, thinkers, innovators and academics of all faiths and nationalities to address pressing international challenges. It is a unique forum for discussion and debate which should, one would hope, appeal to anyone committed to progress and genuine scientific inquiry.

Ambassador Taub - "It is hard to see how spurning the conference could advance the boycott campaign’s declared goals of promoting Palestinian interests or the prospects for peace"

Dissuading Prof Hawking from attending a conference with a focus on Israeli innovation seems particularly invidious in view of the many ways in which Israeli technology has changed the lives of those with special needs. It was an Israeli bionic walking device that enabled the paralysed British horse-rider Claire Lomas to rise from her chair and complete the London marathon. Indeed, Prof Hawking’s own speech-generation device is operated by a silicon chip designed in Israel.

It is hard to see how spurning the conference could advance the boycott campaign’s declared goals of promoting Palestinian interests or the prospects for peace. Every year – including this year – the gathering has included senior Palestinian officials and academics. In the highly charged atmosphere of the Middle East, surely those rare spaces where genuine dialogue between the parties takes place should be cherished and not shunned.

But the campaigners have little interest in scientific inquiry or peace. Their aim is to isolate Israel – even if that involves the loss of innovation that benefits humanity or the rejection of the fundamental principle of academic freedom or the dismissal of genuine overtures of reconciliation.

Those who care about the prospects for peace work to support and strengthen those who seek peace on both sides. When the author Ian McEwan was subjected to a similar campaign of pressure to boycott Israel after being invited to receive the Jerusalem Prize, he insisted on attending. “My feeling was that I wished to engage with the best elements of Israeli society,” he explained, “and I don’t want to isolate those people.”

Wholesale rejection of the forums in which minds can freely meet and true engagement takes place is anathema to science and to reconciliation. If the moderates, innovators and visionaries are beyond the pale, who are you hoping will actually make peace?

This article was first posted in The Telegraph on the 23rd May 2013

The President of the State of Israel, President Peres, met this morning with the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague. President Peres conveyed his condolences, and those of the State of Israel, for the attack yesterday in London. The two discussed the changes in the Middle East, ways to restart the peace process with the Palestinians, the Iranian nuclear threat, the situation in Syria and strategic relations between Israel and Britain.

President Peres began by saying, “I’m really glad to see you here, you made your positions extremely clear on the major issue, on Iran, on terror, on the need to move forward with the peace process and we feel your friendship and understanding. I think our relations are in a good shape and I’m glad you added scientific cooperation to it. Trade and investment between our two countries is flourishing. Your visit is timely and important. In spite of all the difficulties the time is right for peace. I can see positive developments on our side, on the Palestinian side and on the Arab side. I think that Arab Initiative is a departure from a strategy of war to a strategy of peace, which is important. I see that quietly things are moving.”

The President of the State of Israel, President Peres with the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague. Photography by Mark Neiman, GPO

President Peres expressed his condolences for the attack in London and said, “I want to express our sympathy to the family of the soldier who was so brutally killed. We know what it is like and our hearts are with you. I sent a letter to Her Majesty expressing our sympathy and support.”

Foreign Secretary Hague addressed the peace process and said, “It is a crucial time in the entire region with the Iranian nuclear program, the tragic situation in Syria and our hope that we can through supporting Secretary Kerry and his work really help to make some decisive moves forward for permanent peace. The United Kingdom will do what it can to assist with this process, in the hope that all the great opportunities of this region can be fully realized in the next generation.”

Foreign Secretary Hague also addressed relations between the two countries and said, “You are right that relations are good. There is a tremendous amount of very good bilateral work going on. I was very pleased to sign the agreement yesterday, the memorandum with the Minister of Science on expanding our cooperation , our academic and scientific cooperation, in this case particularly in the field of regenerative medicine and there are plans to do more in nanotechnology and space science. It’s a very exciting part of our bilateral relations.”

The memorandum sets out five priority areas of science cooperation between the UK and Israel: advanced materials and nano-technology; agri-sciences with a focus on water; neuroscience; space research; technology; and regenerative medicine. It celebrates the achievements of the BIRAX Regenerative Medicine programme and confirms that the UK and Israel will award 30 new fellowships in 2013-14.

The Ministers were joined at the ceremony at Hebrew University by the British Ambassador to Israel, Matthew Gould, the President of Hebrew University, Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson, and members of the UK Israel Life Sciences Council.

Foreign Secretary William Hague and Israel’s Minister for Science, Technology and Space Yaakov Peri. Photo by Mati Milstein courtesy of British Embassy Israel.

Commenting on the agreement, the Foreign Secretary said, “Both the UK and Israel are scientific superpowers, and many of our universities and academics are already doing tremendous work together. Today I had the pleasure to meet some Israeli scientists working closely with British colleagues working on cures to some of the world’s worst diseases as part of the BIRAX project. The Memorandum of Understanding I signed today will focus our efforts in five key areas, and increase our cooperation even further.”

Minister for Science, Technology and Space Yaakov Peri said: “Despite the fact that there are people in British academia who call to boycott Israel, the British government shows that it acknowledges the importance of scientific collaboration with Israel and is interested in expanding our co-operation on our path to excellence”.

Hebrew University President Prof. Menachem Ben Sasson added” it is symbolic that the British Foreign Secretary continues to deepen the academic ties between the two countries, in the way his predecessor Lord Balfour had done, in the beginning of the 20th century.”. The president presented a copy of the historic speech to the Foreign Secretary. He added: “the Hebrew University has many research fellowships with the UK. We are proud to participate in the signing of the memorandum between the two countries”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs will hold the 4th International Conference of the Global Forum for Combating Antisemitism, to take place in Jerusalem on 28-30 May 2013, co-hosted by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Zeev Elkin and Minister for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett.

The delegates will convene to discuss ways of combating the different manifestations of current Antisemitism at a three-day conference in Jerusalem. This conference will serve as a follow-up mechanism to previous conferences, and will aim at discussing, through 10 different working groups, viable models for facing the global challenge of Antisemitism.

There will be a live link for viewing videoed plenary session deliberations – http://bcove.me/qcugyutsLink to conference photos: http://tinyurl.com/GFCA2013 Follow #GFCA2013 on Twitter for live updates from the conference.

Participation in the conference is by invitation only.

Registration to the conference is closed.

A highlight of this upcoming 2013 Conference, will be the convening of 10 working groups that will deliberate and formulate concrete action plans on the second day of the conference (29 May).

The topics of the 10 working groups are:

1. Antisemitism in the Muslim and Arab World

2. Antisemitism in Latin America

3. Antisemitism in the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe region

4. Antisemitism in the EU and Western Europe region

5. Antisemitism in the Guise of Delegitimization and Anti-Zionism

6. Antisemitism in the Internet and in the Media

7. Law, Legislation and Enforcement in the Combat of Antisemitism

8. Inter Faith Dialogue as an instrument to mitigate Antisemitism

9. Maintaining continuance of Diaspora Jewish Life (Kosher slaughter; Circumcision etc.)

10. Antisemitism on the campuses and Education for Tolerance and Mutual Respect

For more information write to: Global.Forum@mfa.gov.il

Note: Invitees will be expected to independently arrange and bear the costs of their flights, travel, and accommodation. Main meals will be provided by the organizers.

(source: http://mfa.gov.il/)

Alistair Burt MP spoke about football’s ability to build bridges between communities and noted his delight at the fact that the event combined so many things that are important to him: Israel, football and young people.

H.E. Ambassador Taub said: “Both in Israel and the UK football arouses strong passions, but it also has a unique ability to transcend the pitch, to promote tolerance and build bridges across society. As we look forward to the UEFA Under 21 Championship in Israel this summer, I am delighted to support the cooperation between the football associations of the two countries and the exciting ‘Football for all’ project.”

FA Chairman David Bernstein, Ambassador Taub & Alistair Burt MP

David Bernstein expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming championships in Israel and how he was looking forward to watching Israel and England square off. Reflecting on his tenure as FA Chairman, Bernstein cited his efforts to curb discrimination and taking the English National Team to the Auschwitz death camp as two the FA’s most important initiatives. Avraham Grant spoke about how football levels the pitch – offering all who work hard the opportunity to succeed.

The reception included a team-shirt exchange between Ambassador Taub and Chairman Bernstein, symbolising the great friendship between the two national teams.

Ambassador Daniel Taub with FA Chairman David Bernstein

Among the notable Israeli footballers who attended were Abbas Suan, famous for scoring the game-tying goal in the 90th minute of a 2006 World Cup qualifying match against Ireland, and Beram Kayal, a mid-fielder for Israel’s national team and Celtic FC. Kick It Out’s delegation included Maryam Abu-Ghanem, the first woman sports teacher from Israel’s Bedouin community. Known affectionately by many as “Mrs. Maradona,” Maryam’s story is one of determination and drive, epitomising how football allows individuals and communities to break down barriers and promote values such as fair competition, equal opportunity and cooperation.

Ambassador Taub with Maryam Abu-Ghanem, the first woman sports teacher from Israel's Bedouin community

Picture (from left to right): Iris Reff Ronen, Ceo of Unistream, HE Daniel Taub, Adi Schneider Head of the International Marketing at Etgarim and Yarden Leal-Yablonka, Project Manager at the Peres Centre for Peace.

Etgarim seeks to enable children and adults with special needs to realise their potential, to enhance their skills and to integrate into society. The organisation was founded in 1995 by a group of disabled Israel Defence Force veterans, disabled civilians and rehabilitation experts. Their work is done via outdoor training and adventure therapy which takes places within challenging environments found in nature. Click here to learn more about Etgarim.

Video of Etgarim

The Peres Centre for Peace is Israel’s leading non-profit organisation promoting peace building between Israel and its Arab neighbours. The organisation was founded in 1996 by the President of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shimon Peres, and conducts dozens of projects, involving thousands of Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs, fostering socio-economic cooperation and people-to-people interaction. Click here to learn more about The Peres Centre for Peace

Video of the Peres Centre

Unistream was started in order to reduce socio-economic gaps in Israeli society. Their main focus is to empower youth from resource-scarce environments who demonstrate potential to excel in leadership in society and the business world. Among their activities, they provide a unique three year junior M.B.A. programme, which encourages the development of these young people as leaders in social action and business entrepreneurship in their local communities and throughout Israel. Click here to learn more about Unistream

Video of Unistream

During their visit, the Israeli NGOs also had the opportunity to present their work to UK media outlets and the Jewish community. Those non-profit organisations are very representative of the growing influence of civil society in Israel, which aims at inducing significant changes in people’s lives and helping individuals to cope with challenges from a grass-roots level.

In recent years, The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens have become more and more aware of their responsibilities in promoting plant conservation and the preservation of endangered species. Last night’s event give an opportunity to showcase what work is being carried out in Israel and in the UK.

Ambassador Taub welcomed guests to his home and told the guest; “the Partnership between the JBD and Kew Gardens – one might say working hand in hand with green fingers – is a terrific example how two outstanding institutions can work together for the benefit of the world at large.”

The evening was chaired by Andy Jackson, Head of Wakehurst Place, who welcomed Dr Paul Smith from Kew Gardens who spoke about his work for the Millennium Seed Bank Project. Dr Ori Fragman-Sapir, Head Scientist of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, was introduced to the audience and presented the brilliant work that is occurring in Israel on plant conservation.

Ambassador of Israel HE Daniel Taub welcomes guests

Ambassador Daniel Taub welcomed the guests, reaffirming the long-lasting ties between Israel and Britain. The Ambassador remarked on the increasingly successful cooperation between Israel and Britain, in cultural and academic areas, in scientific fields and in stronger trade links between the two countries. The Ambassador told the crowd; ‘this 65th year has been a really outstanding example not just of what Israel can do, but what we and the UK can do together’.

The Ambassador paid tribute to those who continue to invest in Israel, speak up for Israel, visit Israel and to pray for Israel.

Following on from the Ambassador, guest were privileged to hear from Holocaust survivor, Ms. Lily Ebert who addressed the crowd. She spoke passionately of her experiences living through the worst and best events of modern history – the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel.

Holocaust survivor, Lily Ebert

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a live-performance of Israeli music and ate typical Israeli food.

Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks at Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations

The Embassy staff were privileged to hear from Ms. Lily Ebert who survived the Holocaust and came to Israel shortly before the state was declared. She spoke passionately of her experiences living through the worst and best events of modern history – the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel.

HE Daniel Taub with Ms. Lily Ebert

The Ambassador H.E Daniel Taub said: “It is enormously special for us to be marking this day with so many survivors. You are link for us to worlds that must not be forgotten, and an inspiration for the way you have rebuilt your lives and created a future for the Jewish people.”

Ambassador Taub welcomed Neil Taylor, Jewish Care’s Director of Care and Community Services, who told Embassy staff about the Holocaust Survivors centre’s positive work. The Holocaust Survivors Centre (HSC) is a Jewish social centre for survivors who were in Europe during the Second World War or came to the UK as refugees after November 1938 and on the Kindertransport. It offers a friendly, safe place where elderly survivors can meet and socialise, and where they can benefit from a full therapeutic programme. Testimonies are also recorded and survivors visit schools, colleges and universities to talk about their experiences. It is the only centre designed specifically for Holocaust survivors in the UK.

The ceremony ended with a Kaddish (Jewish prayer of mourning) in memory of the victims of the Shoah, said by Mr. Leo Barest who survived the atrocities of the Holocaust.

When does it happen?

5 – 18 June, 2013.

Which teams are taking part?

Group A: Israel, Norway, England, Italy

Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Russia

Where will the games be played?

The Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv
Teddy stadium in Jerusalem
Netanya
Petach Tikvah

Scheduled games:

June 5: Israel v Norway, Netanya Municipal Stadium, 18:00

June 5: England v Italy, Tel Aviv, 20:30

June 6: Spain v Russia, Teddy Stadium Jerusalem, 18:00

June 6: Netherlands v Germany, Petah Tikva, 20:30

June 8: England v Norway, Petah Tikva, 18;00

June 8: Israel v Italy, Bloomfield Tel Aviv, 20:30

June 9: Netherlands v Russia, Teddy Stadium Jerusalem, 18:00

June 9: Spain v Germany, Netanya, 20:30

June 11: Israel v England, Teddy Stadium Jerusalem, 18:00

June 11: Italy v Norway, Bloomfield Tel Aviv, 18:00

June 12: Spain v Netherlands, Petah Tikva, 18:00

June 12: Russia v Germany, Netanya, 18:00

The semi-finals will be played on 15 June, and the final on 18 June.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets have not yet been released, check back here for updates.