Can we talk about Israel?

What’s the right attitude for diaspora Jews to take toward Israel? Can they speak about it freely – even when that means voicing harsh criticism - or is it their responsibility to express constant support?

In the aftermath of Operation Cast Lead in Gaza and a new, right-of-centre government in Israel, where should the rest of the world’s Jews stand? And can they have a discussion in which one side is not demonised as Fascists while the other is slammed as self-hating Jews? What is more important to the Jewish community: freedom of speech, or solidarity with the Jewish state? Or does Amos Oz have it right: that first you express solidarity with Israel, then you can say whatever you like?

Joining us will be a number of eminent people who have long wrestled with these issues in public, including Jonathan Freedland, scholar Jacqueline Rose, and lecturer and editor of Engage, David Hirsh. Chaired by Ned Temko.