Monday 25th October
Is Jewish identity in crisis? Does the prevailing world view of Israel make us feel uncomfortable, ashamed even? Does it jar with our self-image as a liberal people?
And has proving those liberal credentials to non-Jews become more important to us than identifying with the Jewish state?
British Jews who publicly oppose Israel often say they are the true upholders of the time-honoured Jewish values of social justice and compassion. Their detractors say that far from turning to their Jewish identity, they are turning against it.
And is Jewishness now always refracted through the prism of Israel, or can we be proud British Jews, irrespective of what’s happening in the most Jewish place on earth?
Join celebrated novelist and broadcaster Howard Jacobson
philosopher at St Benet’s Hall, Oxford, Brian Klug
former director of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research Antony Lerman
award-winning journalist and commentator Melanie Phillips.
This compelling discussion will be chaired by JC editor Stephen Pollard.
After the discussion, Howard Jacobson will be signing copies of his latest novel The Finkler Question which has been shortlisted for the 2010 Man Booker prize. Brian Klug will be signing copies of his book Being Jewish and Doing Justice, which comes out in October, and Melanie Phillips will be signing copies of her new book The World Turned Upside Down: The Global Battle over God, Truth and Power.
8pm, Hampstead Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 4QP, £10 in advance, £12 on the door
To book Click here
