Friends of Israel: The Backlash Against Palestine Solidarity

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Friends of Israel investigates the role played byan organised network of groups and individuals, deeply committed to Zionism, in sustaining high-level support for Israel in Britain, despite significant public opposition. It provides an informed and evidenced account of the activities of Israel-advocates in the UK, showing how they contribute to maintaining the intolerable status quo in Israel/Palestine. Aked asks: who are the critical actors, what are their strategies and tactics, and how powerful are they really Accessibly written, empirically rich, and politically relevant, Aked draws on a range of sources including interviews with leading Zionist activists, alongside Palestinian rights activists, documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests, archival material and the wealth of literature produced by Israel-advocacy groups. Ending with a sober look at the strength of the Israel lobby, in the context of the UKs entrenched power inequalities, the book also emphasises possibilities for resistance. In particular, it points to the potential of the BDS movement to disrupt the influence of pro-Israel forces to and contribute to a broader democratisation process. Friends of Israel is a much-needed contribution, useful to anyone seeking to understand how power works in the UK, and to the Palestine solidarity movement.

Reviews

Friends of Israel is a meticulous study of the organizations seeking to reverse widening support for the Palestinian cause in Britain. On a topic that is fraught with exaggeration, distortion, and propaganda, Aked proceeds with precision and nuance, giving us a much-needed, authoritative analysis. Grounded in anti-racism, Friends of Israel paints a complex picture of Zionism in Britain, giving readers the tools to oppose both anti-Semitism and Israeli apartheid. -- Arun Kundnani, author of The Muslims Are Coming! and What Is Antiracism
This book expertly maps out the key figures supporting and defending the Israeli apartheid regime in Britain whilst also illuminating how the British government remains deeply complicit in the oppression of Palestinians. It is an invaluable addition to the literature and whilst it focuses on pro-Israel actors, Aked explains that Israeli regime and supporters strategies are a direct response to over a century of Palestinian resistance. This book thus not only makes an important academic contribution but also a political one to a struggle that is ultimately for freedom and justice. -- Yara Harawi, author of The Stone House
At last, a thoughtful, meticulously-researched study of the well-organised disinformation campaign against Palestinian rights, BDS and for supporting Apartheid Israel in Britain. In a work comprising the multiplicity of aspects of the Israel Lobby work in the British public and political spheres, Hil Aked offers the means for deconstructing Zionist myths, innate in British discourse since the Balfour Declaration, if not before. A must for anyone interested in understanding and countering this oppressive influence. -- Haim Bresheeth-Zabner, author of An Army Like No Other
In this compelling analysis and history of Britain's sordid relationship with Israel, we understand the individuals and organisations committed to endless occupation and violence against Palestinians, along with those courageous to imagine a humane alternative. -- Antony Loewenstein, author of The Palestine Laboratory
Not only the definitive study of political influence, state propaganda and lobbying by British actors on behalf of 'Brand Israel', but also a passionate defence of the universal application of anti-racist principles. Hil Aked has grasped the indivisibility of the fight against Israeli Apartheid and the fight against antisemitism. A lucid and thoroughly courageous intervention that will stand the test of time. -- Liz Fekete, Director, Institute of Race Relations, author of Europe's Fault Lines
No one who reads Hil Aked's meticulously-researched book can be left in any doubt about how Israel's friends operate to subvert British popular perceptions and the British political process in favour of Zionism. An essential and timely expose of an important and hitherto neglected subject. -- Ghada Karmi, author of Return
Those who are supporting Palestine in Britain know too well that they are targeted by a well-oiled and ruthless campaign. This is the first book that examines closely and meticulously this campaign of suppression and silencing. Now more than ever before, it is important to learn how Israeli propaganda and pro-Israel lobbyists in Britain operate. Hil Aked's brilliant book is a must read. -- Ilan Pappe, author of Ten Myths About Israel
This book is as urgent as it is a long-awaited critique of the Zionist movement and all those in government and civil society who support and defend Israeli apartheid, or work to dismiss and vilify solidarity with Palestinians. Hil Aked's is a brave intervention in addressing a topic considered taboo in part due to a concerted effort by pro-Israel advocates to resist, and make dangerous, critical scrutiny. This book deserves to be widely read and will be treasured by all those who support the Palestinian struggle for liberation -- Nadine El-Nany, author of (B)ordering Britain
An essential contribution to anti-imperalist movements, which details the role of top-down civic organisations in manufacturing consent for Zionism in the UK. A book for activists and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of the tactics of imperialism. A must read for those who believe that a free Palestine will be achieved through grassroots anti-racist struggle in solidarity with those fighting to end anti-semitism and all forms of racism. -- Aviah Sarah Day, co-author of Abolition Revolution

Author Bio

Hilary Aked is a doctoral candidate at the University of Bath, a qualified freelance journalist and researcher with UK lobbying watchdog Spinwatch (Public Interest Investigations). Aked is co-author of two Public Interest Investigations reports: 'Giving Peace a Chance The Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre' as well as The Henry Jackson Society and the Degeneration of British Neoconservatism: 'Liberal Interventionism, Islamophobia, and the War on Terror'. She has contributed to The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Huffington Post and Open Democracy and writes regularly for leading Electronic Intifada, Mondoweiss, The New Arab, Ceasefire, Spinwatch and Red Pepper.