The Association mounts a Colloquium every other year bringing together a select number of people from the UK and Israel to discuss topics of mutual interest. These gatherings have played an important role in bringing together prominent British and Israeli academics and leaders in industry, science and the media.
The Anglo-Israel Colloquium was launched in 1997 at the initiative of the Anglo-Israel Association, London, with the aim of bringing together at regular intervals, a select number of people from Great Britain and Israel, to discuss a particular topic which varies from year to year. The hope is that the participants, drawn from various backgrounds and expertise, will be able to share ideas, thoughts and practical knowledge in the expectation that the results can be to the mutual benefit of both.
Following each Colloquium, the proceedings are published in report form. Copies are available from the Anglo-Israel Association in London or Jerusalem.
A booklet listing all previous participants in the Colloquia is also available on request.
The colloquium follows the pattern of several other similar encounters between Britain and other countries. Each year, it brings together some of the UK’s and Israel’s most distinguished personalities in a wide range of disciplines, for two days of intensive meetings in an informal atmosphere. In the ten years since its launching, the Colloquium has played an important role in bringing prominent British and Israeli personalities together, and has helped to promote an atmosphere of mutual understanding and create a platform for a valuable exchange of views and knowledge.
The First Colloquium was held in 1997 at Wiston House, Sussex, on the Topic “The Politics of Heritage”.
The Second, in 1998 was at Beit Gabriel, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee on the topic “Arts and Culture – Whose Responsibility”.
The Third, in 2000 was at Kibbutz Ma’aleh Hahamisha in the Judean Hills, on the topic “Power and Responsibility: the role of the Media in the Information Age.”
The Fourth, in 2001 at Balliol College, Oxford was devoted to the topic “The Universities – What Are They For and How Can We Afford Them?”
The Fifth was held in 2004 in the small town of Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev Desert, a fitting location for the topic “Ensuring a Healthy Environment for Future Generations: is Development Sustainable?”
The Sixth Colloquium in 2005 was held at Kibbutz Ginosar, on the Sea of Galilee, on the topic “Multiculturalism – a Comparative Perspective”.
The Seventh Colloquium was held in November 2007 at Kibbutz Kfar Blum in the Northern Galilee on the topic “Wealth and Happiness in Israel and the United Kingdom”.
The Eighth Colloquium was held at Kfar Maccabiah from 10 – 13 September 2009 under the joint chairmanship of Baroness Ruth Deech, a distinguished academic lawyer, and Viscount David Samuel on the topic of ‘In Loco Parentis – who should raise our children?’ For a report by David Elliott the UK Co-ordinator CLICK HERE.
The Ninth Anglo-Israel Colloquium was held from 8 – 11 September 2011 at Neve Ilan, Near Jerusalem. Anjana Ahuja who is a former science writer for the Times attended. To read the article CLICK HERE.
Some comments by participants
“I found the Colloquium both eye-opening and mind-opening. Everyone I spoke to feels the same – the weekend gathering was probably the best of its kind I have ever attended.”
“I think everyone who took part agreed that it was not only extremely productive, but entertaining as well. I have personally followed up at least two leads on arts and education which may bear fruit – one in Britain and one in Israel, and have managed to extract three articles from it.”
“The Anglo-Israel Colloquia are a valuable component in our relations with Israel. They help to extend people to people contacts and allow influential figures in both countries, who might not otherwise come into contact with each other to share their expertise and experience.”
“I came away like all participants in the Colloquium with a reservoir of new and strengthened friendships with people whose commitments to and knowledge of the creative arts represent a treasure of our individual and shared cultures.”
“The Colloquium ranks high on the list of conferences I have attended in the past few years,
not only because of the spectacular and seductive setting but also because of the particular mix.”“The Colloquium was a fascinating opportuinity to discuss a wide range of social policy issues… The participants were well-informed and this plus the informal and informal friendly atmosphere contributed much to the discussions.”
“The Colloquium was outstanding for all sorts of reasons, not least, the beautiful setting. The subject was not an easy one but was superb for stimulating a collection of excellent minds in so many different
directions.”(“(I”) felt privileged to be able to participate in such a thought-provoking event. The high level of the presenters contributed greatly to the success of the venture.”
“The Colloquium and the discussions and the debates were most stimulating and it was lovely to renew friendships and make new ones.”
For UK residents wishing to participate in the next Anglo-Israel Colloquium please contact the AIA to register your interest:
The Anglo-Israel Association
PO Box 47819
London NW11 7WD
Tel (44) 020 84 1284
Fax (44) 020 8458 3484
Email: info@angloisraelassociation.com
For those resident in Israel, please contact:
The Anglo-Israel Colloquium
PO Box 7705
Jerusalem 91076
Israel
Tel: 972 02 6432147
Fax 972 02 6437502
Email: debasher@netvision.net.il