The BBC on Gaza, Zionism and British Jews

An example of fairer reporting on Israel from the BBC. How Gazans are being treated in Israeli hospitals which are themselves the target of Gazan terrorists:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7375439.stm

Also the first of a two-parter on Radio 4 in honour of Israel's 60th anniversary, entitled

British Jews and the Dream of Zion:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/britishjewsdreamofzion/pip/y3vos/

The Chief Rabbi of the UK was excellent on the religious aspirations of Zionism. Other gems were Tony Benn saying something nice about Israel (despite interviewer Jonathan Freedland's best efforts to get him to criticize the country). It appears that Benn was sailing on the Sea of Galilee when the war ended and then returned to his kibbutz, to join in the general euphoria. Mind-boggling!

And the present Professor of Chemistry at Manchester University waxed lyrical about the links between beer and Chaim Weizmann's acetate produced in the same department and which were crucial to the British 1st World War effort. Weizmann went on to become Israel's first President:

http://www.president.gov.il/chapters/chap_3/file_3_3_1_en.asp

Historian, Colin Schindler

http://www.engageonline.org.uk/archives/index.php?id=34

was interviewed in London's Brick Lane, once home to a great many English Jews.

http://www.icons.org.uk/theicons/collection/brick-lane/biography/jewish-brick-lane-in-progress

A far cry from this then:

http://www.spectator.co.uk/melaniephillips/643841/the-minaret-vote.thtml