2021/2022 Message from the Prime Minis ter Britain Bac ks the Abraham Accords A-Z of Israeli Innovations
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2021/2022 Featuring: Message from the Prime Minister Britain Backs the Abraham Accords A-Z of Israeli Innovations
CONTENTS
02 Introducing CFI 18 A-Z of Israeli Innovations
03 Welcome 21 Combating Antisemitism in its Evolving Forms,
Saqib Bhatti MBE MP
05 A Message from Prime Minister Boris Johnson
22 Four Elections in Two Years: Explaining Israel’s
06 A Message from H.E. Tzipi Hotovely, Political Illness, Prof. Reuven Hazan
Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom
24 Radicalisation Should Have No Place in the Palestinian
07 A Message from H.E. Neil Wigan OBE, School Curriculum, Caroline Ansell MP
British Ambassador to Israel
26 Conservatives and Israel, A Timeline: 2010 to Today
08 Conservatives On…
30 Misinformation in the Instagram Age,
10 Reclaiming Zionism from Israel’s Detractors, Rt. Hon. Robert Halfon MP
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP
32 The Importance of the UK’s Holocaust Memorial,
12 Britain Backs the Abraham Accords, Rt. Hon. The Lord Pickles
Rt. Hon. Dr. Liam Fox MP
34 CFI’s Calendar 2020/21
14 Britain Must Lead on Countering the Threat from Iran,
Rt. Hon. Stephen Crabb MP 36 Supporting Peace and the Future of the Two-State
Solution, Miriam Cates MP
16 In Conversation with Israel’s Ambassador to the UK,
H.E. Tzipi Hotovely
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 1
INTRODUCING
PARLIAMENTARY GROUP DIRECTORS OF CFI Ltd
Chairman (Commons) Rt. Hon. Stephen Crabb MP Honorary President Lord Polak CBE
Chairman (Lords) Rt. Hon. The Lord Pickles Chairman Andrew Heller
Vice-Chairmen John Howell OBE MP Deputy Chairman Hilda Worth
Andrew Percy MP
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP Treasurer Stephen Massey
Officers Baroness Altmann CBE
Siobhan Baillie MP PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Bob Blackman MP
Andrew Bowie MP Executive Director James Gurd
Rt. Hon. Karen Bradley MP
Miriam Cates MP Political Director Elkie Clark
Peter Gibson MP
Robert Largan MP Communications Manager Sedef Akademir
Damien Moore MP
Dr. Matthew Offord MP Projects Manager Sarit Ben Lulu
Nicola Richards MP
Mary Robinson MP
Lord Shinkwin INFORMED MAGAZINE
Craig Tracey MP
Rt. Hon. Lord Trimble Editor Sedef Akademir
Christian Wakeford MP
Craig Williams MP Design Graphical
www.graphicalagency.com
Print Cambrian Printers
www.cambrian-printers.co.uk
Front Cover Image PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
CONSERVATIVE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL
CFI Ltd, PO Box 72288, © Conservative Friends of Israel ltd,
London, SW1P 9LB Company no. 8114952
SUPPORTING
T: 020 7262 2493 Registered Office:
E: contact@cfoi.co.uk C/O Blick Rothenberg, 16 Great Queen Street,
ISRAEL AND
W: www.cfoi.co.uk Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5AH
PROMOTING
@CFoI
Conservative Friends of Israel
CONSERVATISM
CFI Youtube
cfi_uk
2 Informed Magazine 2021/2022
WELCOME
Andrew Heller Lord Polak CBE James Gurd
CFI Chairman CFI Honorary President CFI Executive Director
After a second year of unprecedented The Government also has a proud these crucial visits and showcase
global uncertainty, we are delighted record of taking a “zero tolerance” Israel, and its importance to the
to report that CFI has continued to approach towards Antisemitism success and health of the UK, to
rise to the challenge. in the UK and beyond. The Prime this new generation of leaders.
Minister and his Cabinet led the
Throughout the pandemic we have all strong and immediate condemnation CFI’s fantastic Professional Team
been reminded of the importance of of a surge in Antisemitic incidents in has continued to do a tremendous
friendship. All of us involved with the the UK during the May 2021 Israel- job and shown great skill and
organisation are incredibly grateful Hamas conflict. The UK also took a commitment in adapting to
for the friendship CFI has received principled stand with its decision to ever-changing circumstances to
at all levels of the Conservative not attend the latest iteration of the deliver more output than ever –
Party. Hundreds of Conservative notorious Durban Conference due to they deserve a big congratulations.
parliamentarians have stood up in its historic links to Antisemitism.
Parliament - in record numbers this We give thanks to our committed
year – to support Israel on a whole We also applaud the UK for its election members for their continuing support
host of issues and it has helped ensure to chair the International Holocaust and are looking forward to seeing
that the UK-Israel bilateral relationship Remembrance Alliance in 2024. IHRA’s you at our forthcoming in-person
is emerging from the pandemic working definition of contemporary events and campaign sessions. We
stronger than ever. These friends have Antisemitism has been pivotal in the thank our fellow Directors Hilda
been there through thick and thin and fight against anti-Jewish racism and Worth and Stephen Massey and CFI’s
we pay tribute to all of them. this success would not have been Advisory Board. We’d also like to give
possible without the incredible work thanks to CFI’s Parliamentary Officer
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his of our great friend, Rt. Hon. The Lord group who do so much to support
Conservative Government have been Pickles, who leads the UK delegation to Israel day in, day out. And, of course,
especially resolute in their support for IHRA. The UK was the first country in a huge thank you to the best double
Israel on all fronts. The UK steadfastly the world to adopt the IHRA definition act in Conservative politics – our two
asserted Israel’s right to self-defence and we support the Government’s Parliamentary Chairmen, Rt. Hon.
against the Hamas terror group. In ongoing efforts to ensure all Stephen Crabb MP and Rt. Hon.
a letter to CFI, the Prime Minister universities and local councils adopt The Lord Pickles.
confirmed the UK’s opposition to this critical tool in our collective effort
the International Criminal Court’s to stamp out Antisemitism. We’d like to reiterate how deeply
controversial probe into Israel. At grateful we are to all of our friends
the United Nations Human Rights All of us in the CFI organisation have for your continued support, without
Council, the UK voted against biased enjoyed getting to know the 107 new which none of our work would be
anti-Israel motions. The Government Conservative MPs elected in 2019. possible. Thank you.
is also set to deliver on its manifesto Many of these members have already
commitment to stop public bodies spoken in support of Israel, attended We send our warmest wishes to all
engaging in divisive and politically- CFI events and joined the ever- of you and look forward to seeing
motivated boycott, divestment and growing waiting list for a delegation you in person again soon.
sanctions activities against Israel. to Israel. We’re excited to resume
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 3
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 5
6 Informed Magazine 2021/2022
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 7
CONSERVATIVES
Ariel Schalit/AP/Shutterstock
ON...
RT. HON. BORIS JOHNSON MP RT. HON. LIZ TRUSS MP
PRIME MINISTER FOREIGN SECRETARY
“I have always been proud to be considered a friend of Israel. “As two democratic free trading nations, both with thriving
From my first expeditions to Israel as a young man to my technology industries, I’m looking forward to deepening
recent visits as Mayor and Foreign Secretary, I have always the historic ties between the UK and Israel. Together
been struck by the ingenuity and fortitude of the Israeli we will work to remove barriers to trade between our
people – and by the great achievements of the State of Israel two countries and work towards an advanced free trade
in the face of ever-present threats and intimidations”. agreement that supports jobs and drives growth”.
CFI Informed Magazine, September 2020 Visit to Israel, June 2021
“As we emerge from COVID-19, this is an exciting time for “The UK and Israel are both leaders in technology,
the UK and Israel to continue working together to advance from agri-tech to gaming to med-tech, and there are
peace and prosperity for all”. Congratulating new Prime huge opportunities for us to work together. What we
Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett, Twitter, June 2021 will be seeking in the new trade deal with Israel is an
advanced digital data and technology chapter that
“We oppose the ICC’s investigation into war crimes in looks to the industries of the future to give both
Palestine. We do not accept that the ICC has jurisdiction countries more opportunities”.
in this instance, given that Israel is not a party to the House of Commons, June 2021
Statute of Rome and Palestine is not a sovereign state.
This investigation gives the impression of being a partial
and prejudicial attack on a friend and ally of the UK’s”.
Letter to CFI, April 2021
8 Informed Magazine 2021/2022Ilyas Tayfun Salci/Shutterstock
RT. HON. PRITI PATEL MP
HOME SECRETARY
“We celebrate the extraordinary contributions that the
Jewish community have made to life in the UK over the
centuries. We are committed to ensuring that this remains
a country where our Jewish friends and neighbours will
always feel safe and where Jewish communities continue
to thrive. The existence of Antisemitism in modern Britain,
and the spike in Antisemitic incidents that we have
witnessed, should be felt by all as a stain on the UK.
It is the duty of every decent person to call out and
combat Antisemitism wherever it is encountered. This Foreign Secretary Liz Truss
is a Government steadfastly committed to doing so”.
Letter to the Jewish Chronicle, May 2021
RT. HON. SAJID JAVID MP RT. HON. NADHIM ZAHAWI MP
HEALTH SECRETARY EDUCATION SECRETARY
“Israel has a right to security and a duty to defend its “[Israel is] leading the way and in many ways we look to
people, just as much as we do… Imagine living in London them for the real life, real world data that’s now coming
while terrorists indiscriminately fire 1000s of rockets at your through, which to us is very, very positive. They’ve done
family’s neighbourhood. You’d expect the government to do an extraordinary job of protecting the most vulnerable,
everything in its power to find and target those attackers”. and now, taking the vaccine to other age groups. We share
Twitter, May 2021 ideas all the time. And we share data all the time. And I’m
very grateful to them for all the work that they’re doing”.
Mass vaccination event organised by Hatzola and the local
RT. HON. DOMINIC RAAB MP Hackney Jewish community, February 2021
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
AND JUSTICE SECRETARY RT. HON. JAMES CLEVERLY MP
“We have stood up for Israel when it has faced bias and, MIDDLE EAST MINISTER
frankly, politicised attacks in the UN and other forums. We
will continue to press for the abolition of [UNHRC] Item 7, “The UK unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets
because it is the only country-specific standalone agenda at Jerusalem and other locations in Israel. We strongly
item and it focuses on Israel, and that cannot be right”. condemn these acts of terrorism from Hamas and other
House of Commons, March 2021 terrorist groups, who must permanently end their incitement
and rocket fire against Israel… There is no justification for
any targeting of civilians. Israel has a legitimate right to
RT. HON. JACOB REES-MOGG MP self-defence and to defend their citizens from attack”.
LEADER OF THE HOUSE House of Commons, May 2021
OF COMMONS
“We expect higher education providers to be at the RT. HON. OLIVER DOWDEN CBE MP
forefront of tackling Antisemitism, making sure that CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE
higher education is a genuinely fulfilling and welcoming
experience for everyone. Providers should have robust
CONSERVATIVE PARTY
policies and procedures in place to comply with the law, “I believe in a two-state solution and I believe that Jewish
to investigate and to swiftly address hate crimes, including people have the right to a homeland in Israel and that is the
any Antisemitic incidents that are reported. Antisemitism essence of Zionism so, yes, I support it in that sense and I
is one of the most evil creeds and thoughts. It has been a support the right of the State of Israel to defend itself”.
blot on the history of the world for hundreds of years and Jewish Chronicle, May 2021
it has no place in our society. Universities must be part of
ensuring that Antisemitism ceases to exist”.
House of Commons, February 2021
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 9RECLAIMING ZIONISM FROM ISRAEL’S DETRACTORS 10 Informed Magazine 2021/2022
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP
CFI Vice-Chair
I have always felt a strong affinity Zionism should not be seen as a it helped to deliver the only real
to the State of Israel and the UK’s pejorative; it does not reject the democracy in the Middle East and a
Jewish community. During my 20 establishment of a Palestinian state refuge for people who had suffered
years in elected office, I have taken alongside Israel and is compatible centuries of persecution, culminating
part in many campaigns in support of with a two-state solution. Support in the horrors of the Holocaust.
Israel – from combating the pernicious for the notion of two states for two
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions peoples implicitly embraces support Zionism has also led to the
(BDS) movement to proscribing the for Zionism – the right to self- establishment of the only state in the
Hezbollah terror group. determination for the Jewish people in Middle East where women enjoy equal
their ancestral homeland. rights and where the LGBT community
I am, therefore, greatly troubled that does not face victimisation and injustice.
attempts to delegitimise Israel still During the debate on that 1975
permeate our political discourse, and in resolution, the Israeli Ambassador to The country which Zionism created is
some respects seem to be worsening. the United Nations, Chaim Herzog, also a scientific powerhouse that has
said in his historic speech, “Zionism benefitted the world in so many ways,
It seems to me that Israel-hate has is nothing more – and nothing less including medical breakthroughs that
been normalised at the highest – than the Jewish people’s sense of have saved countless lives.
levels. It is scandalous that the origin and destination in the land”.
United Nations, the body tasked with Over 70 years since Israel’s rebirth,
promoting international peace and “Historically, it is based on a unique the Abraham Accords have signalled a
cooperation, is so often the source of and unbroken connection, extending new age of Israeli-Arab relations that,
blatant hostility to Israel and entirely some 4,000 years, between the People until recently, was unimaginable. The
disproportionate criticism of its action. of the Book and the Land of the Bible”. landmark peace agreements between
The name ‘Zion’ appears 152 times Israel and her Gulf neighbours have
Though the infamous “Zionism is in the Old Testament referring to demonstrated that, with willing
racism” UN resolution of 1975 was Jerusalem, Mr Herzog recalled. partners, the opportunities for
revoked in 1991, the intention behind increased cooperation and mutual
the motion lives on. He famously ripped up the 1975 understanding are vast.
declaration, stating: “For us, the Jewish
The latest conflict between people, this is no more than a piece of I will continue to do everything
Israel and Hamas has shown that paper, and we shall treat it as such”. possible to promote peace, standing
Israel’s critics still deliberately firmly against Israel’s detractors, and
distort the meaning of the term Today’s pro-Israel movement now clear in my support for Zionism –
‘Zionism’ beyond all recognition needs to reclaim the word Zionism without which the world’s only Jewish
to stoke divisions. and work to educate people on how State would never have been created.
“ The latest conflict between Israel and Hamas has shown that
Israel’s critics still deliberately distort the meaning of the term
‘Zionism’ beyond all recognition to stoke divisions”.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 11BRITAIN BACKS noamgalai/Shutterstock THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS 12 Informed Magazine 2021/2022
Rt. Hon. Dr Liam Fox MP
Chair of the UK Abraham Accords Group
One of the most encouraging climate change, and develop renewable Daily commercial flights now shuttle
developments in the recent history energy. It is also the education and back and forth between Tel Aviv
of the Middle East was the signing in healthcare sectors, as well as future and the UAE. Emirati hotels and
September last year of the Abraham technologies yet to be invented. restaurants have developed kosher
Accords in Washington DC. menus for Israeli visitors. Israel
I will be making the case for the and the UAE have set up student
These agreements saw the UAE and Abraham Accords being one of the exchange programmes and made
Bahrain commit to having normal biggest opportunities we have to commitments to jointly fight against
diplomatic and commercial relations promote peace and stability. There food insecurity and climate change.
with Israel. With the stroke of a pen, are still some people who doubt this.
the Accords ended decades of futile There are those who dislike Israel so Tax treaties have been signed. So
standoff. No longer would these key much that they are hostile to peace. have agreements intended to give
Persian Gulf nations reject any form of Others are still trapped in the old investors the confidence to strike
cooperation with the Jewish State. thinking that saw normalisation as a deals in each other’s countries.
reward for reaching a final settlement Entrepreneurs and businesspeople
The Accords created an opening for with the Palestinians. are already putting their money to
dialogue, deradicalisation and peace work in joint ventures and startups.
building. They created a path for None of this means that the
other countries to follow, including Palestinians have been forgotten. The Abraham Fund, a joint project
Morocco and Sudan which have Their cause still matters to the Arab with the U.S., will see more than
already followed suit. And they have states. But some of those states have $3 billion in private sector-led
unleashed an extraordinary burst of realised that it can be promoted better investment and development
pent-up economic activity. through friendship and dialogue than initiatives. Put together, they
through enmity and boycott. will promote regional economic
This is an agenda we should all get cooperation and prosperity. It all
behind. And it is why I am proud Happily the case for the Abraham adds up to a truly transformational
to have been appointed by the Accords is becoming overwhelming opportunity for Israel, the region and
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain as the signatories forge ahead and the world. The Abraham Accords
as chair of a new organisation called make a new future for themselves. deserve our forthright support.
the UK Abraham Accords Group.
The group will promote the ideals of
the Abraham Accords among policy
makers as well as key figures within
industry, finance and technology.
British business has a role to play in
ensuring the Accords meet their full
potential. As Global Britain pursues its
free trade agenda, the UK should use
future trade deals, and existing trading
relationships, to help integrate Israel’s
economy into the rest of its region.
There are many sectors where we
can play a role. It is not just trade and UK Abraham Accords Group launch in Parliament, September 2021
investment. It is also our work to tackle
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 13saeediex/Shutterstock
BRITAIN MUST LEAD
ON COUNTERING THE
THREAT FROM IRAN
14 Informed Magazine 2021/2022Rt. Hon. Stephen Crabb MP
CFI Parliamentary Chairman (Commons)
Six short years ago the Joint was killed. It continues to launch The establishment of a realistic
Comprehensive Plan of Action missile strikes against U.S. bases in and respectful relationship must be
(JCPOA) nuclear deal between Iran the region, with little to no response. based on a new framework founded
and world powers was heralded It deliberately takes British citizens on three key areas: unfettered and
by many as a landmark moment hostage as diplomatic bargaining indefinite IAEA verification of nuclear
in international nuclear non- tools. Meanwhile, the country has just activities both historic and present;
proliferation. Yet the hope that Iran’s installed a new hard-line President who rolling back Iranian support for
leaders would look to become a force is personally subject to U.S. sanctions terror proxies; and constraining Iran’s
for good within the international for his alleged involvement in the ballistic missile programme.
community in return for sanctions execution of thousands of Iranians.
relief and rapprochement has been To demonstrate that it cannot be
comprehensively disproved. It is time It was a strategic error by the JCPOA business as usual, the UK Government
for a long-overdue strategic rethink. signatories not to include terms must show its renewed commitment
relating to Iran’s financing of wars, to rooting out Iran’s support for
Under the cover of the pandemic terrorism and proxy militias throughout terrorism by proscribing the very
and despite a new White House the region and beyond, not only for nucleus of Iran’s global terror
administration, Tehran has shown no the impact it has had on the wellbeing network, the Islamic Revolutionary
hesitation in ratcheting up tensions. of Iran’s own citizens but for the many Guard Corps, and leading essential
The International Atomic Energy casualties of its violent exports. international efforts to strangle its
Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly financing of terror surrogates.
sounded the alarm over Iran’s nuclear The UK, alongside its E3 partners –
transgressions, even discovering man- France and Germany – are sluggishly A successful cessation of Iranian
made uranium particles at previously waking up to this danger and have terror financing would offer a precious
undeclared facilities suggesting the begun to increasingly call out Iran for chance to usher in a period of regional
country is operating a clandestine its provocative attacks and nuclear peace and stability. In the absence
nuclear weapons programme. activities which patently go beyond of emboldened terror groups, a
those of a country engaged in a stronger civil society will emerge.
Iran is now decisively moving towards legitimate peaceful, domestic nuclear
possession of weapons-grade uranium energy programme. As a world leader in the field of
through its installation of advanced international development and soft
centrifuges and production of 60% Iran’s systemic non-compliance leaves power to strengthen civil society,
enriched uranium – a short jump the UK with little alternative but to the UK can – and must – play a
towards the 90% required for an reimpose swingeing sanctions; the leading role. Simultaneously, trade
explosive nuclear device. Add to this most effective coercive tool at its opportunities would abound, providing
Iran’s stockpiling of enriched uranium disposal. The absence of consequences Iranians and those throughout the
at unprecedented quantities and its has merely incentivised Iran to take region, a chance to enjoy the benefits
production of uranium metal, a key incrementally larger acts of defiance. of economic growth.
ingredient in nuclear weapon cores.
IAEA inspectors have at times even Faced with reimposed sanctions, These measures are the first necessary
flown blind after Iran’s refusal to Iran’s leaders would have little steps towards welcoming Iran as a
allow them access to cameras installed alternative but to re-engage – as responsible world power. The growing
at its nuclear facilities. they have before when faced with hopes for shared regional prosperity
severe sanctions. Concerted efforts will be in jeopardy for as long as Iran
Iran has attacked vessels peacefully must then begin to reshape Iran’s goes unchecked - it is time for a clear-
navigating international shipping lanes. dangerous behaviour through a newly sighted assessment of this reality.
In one such incident, a British citizen negotiated long-term framework.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 15IN CONVERSATION WITH ISRAEL’S AMBASSADOR TO THE UK, H.E. TZIPI HOTOVELY H.E. Tzipi Hotovely became Israel’s Ambassador to the UK in 2020, and is the first woman to be appointed to the position. Ambassador Hotovely previously held a number of roles in the Israeli Government, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs 2015-20, and served as a Member of Knesset from 2009-2020. CFI sat down with Ambassador Hotovely to hear about her experience in the UK so far, and her views on the UK-Israel partnership. 16 Informed Magazine 2021/2022
How are you finding your time in Just recently, Foreign Secretary Liz During May’s conflict between
the UK and your role so far? Truss visited Israel and started talks Israel and Hamas, there was a great
for an updated trade agreement. deal of online misinformation and
The first year was very challenging This agreement will be tailored to Antisemitism. What in your view
due to COVID. I received a warm the advantages of both countries can be done to combat this?
welcome from everyone, and to maximise the added value and
London is a great city with many competitive advantage of Israeli During the last conflict, I saw the
opportunities. However, I missed and UK trade. Increasing economic demonstration in front of the Israeli
the personal touch and now when relations is one of my top priorities Embassy with the burning of Israeli
things open up again, I look forward since the UK is Israel’s second largest flags and chanting Antisemitic
to many more in-person meetings. trade partner in commodities and slogans. Next to my house, there was
This is the heart of diplomacy, services, and I would like to expand a convoy of cars chanting “death
meeting people and telling them this collaboration. to Jews”. This is the same ideology
the Israel story. we see with Hamas in Gaza that
is now coming to the streets of
London. Social media plays a big
In what areas would you like to see role in spreading hate and we need
How will you promote the UK-Israel more cooperation between Israel to fight it. Education is the main tool.
relationship? and the UK? We need to educate people about
modern Antisemitism and inspire
I would like to reach out to as many During the pandemic we increased them to tolerance.
people as possible. In government, our cooperation between our Health
business, academia, media and establishments. We had visits by
civil society. My aim is to have the then-Cabinet Office Minister Michael
Embassy as the focal point for Gove and by Deputy Chief Medical Is there anything that has surprised
everyone that wants to cooperate Officer Jonathan Van-Tam. Our you about the United Kingdom?
with Israel and to showcase the systems have regular discussions
mutual benefits to both our on a variety of issues including I thought that London is the best
countries. I would like to focus sharing best practices to cope with part of the UK, and only after
mainly on the younger generation. the pandemic. I believe this is a very restrictions were lifted I found out
I think that being the first woman good model since both our countries that actually the countryside is
Ambassador here and also relatively have so much to share with each beautiful. Coming from Israel I really
young could be important when other in many other scientific fields. enjoyed the green landscape and the
engaging with those audiences. historical heritage of the UK.
What in your view are the biggest
What in your eyes are the challenges Israel faces on the What do you think are the biggest
greatest strengths of the UK-Israel international stage? similarities and biggest differences
partnership? between the UK and Israel?
The threat of Iran is a threat not only
The biggest strength is the values we to Israel but to our region and the The biggest similarity is our
and the UK are sharing. Democracy, entire international community. Iran values. Both our countries care
rule of law and promoting human is led by the Butcher from Tehran for democratic values, freedom,
rights. We trust each other. Therefore, [Ebrahim Raisi], who is responsible safeguarding human rights,
we could cooperate in the most for the execution of 30,000 international law and the rights of
sensitive issues. Our security dissidents, journalists and human women and minorities. Of course,
cooperation is saving lives and rights activists and continues to the main difference is an obvious
growing constantly. We recently accelerate the Iranian nuclear project one - the weather.
had a visit by the Commander of with the enrichment of uranium and
the Royal Air Force and there is supports Jihadi groups around the
a growing understanding we are region. The international community
facing similar challenges in the needs to come together to stop Iran.
growing influence of Jihadi groups, We saw only recently the attack of
such as Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah Iran on international shipping and the
etc. In addition, the economic death of a UK citizen. Iran is a threat
cooperation is extremely important. we all need to come together to fight.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 17OF ISRAELI
INNOVATIONS
Since Israel was founded, an enormous number of inventions and innovations
have emerged from the country, despite the challenges of geography, size
and security threats. The country is home to the highest density of startups
(6,500) anywhere in the world, earning its title as the ‘Startup Nation’.
Anobit EluNIR
Israeli flash memory developer Anobit The flexible stent has helped save
developed a chip that significantly millions of people’s lives since it was
improves the endurance, performance first developed in 1996. The tube-
and cost of flash storage systems and shaped device is commonly used to
products. The chips can be found open up arteries to treat patients
in all Apple products and numerous with coronary heart disease thereby
Samsung devices. avoiding risky open-heart surgery.
Babysense Firewall Software
Babysense is a no-contact, no- The first commercial firewall security
radiation device designed to prevent software was developed in 1993 by a
crib death by monitoring a baby’s team of Israeli computer scientists at
breathing and movements through the Check Point Software Technologies
mattress during sleep. The device was protecting millions of technology
developed by Israeli company Hisense users from malicious cyber activity.
in 1992 and is widely sold across Asia,
Europe and the United States. Gaming
Circuit technology engineers at the
Copaxone IBM Haifa Development Lab were
Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) was key to the development of the cell
originally developed by a doctor at broadband engine chip controller
the Weizmann Institute of Science in that has powered Sony PlayStation
Rehovot, and has become the world’s video game consoles.
top-selling treatment for multiple
sclerosis since its introduction. The HP Indigo
drug is marketed by Petah Tikvah- Benny Landa, an Israeli inventor,
based Teva Pharmaceuticals. launched the E-Print 1000 in 1993
with his Rehovot company, Indigo. It
Deep Breeze was a turning point for the printing
The Or Akiva-based company, Deep industry enabling printers to print
Breeze, has developed an innovative directly from a computer file. Landa
medical device that allows patients now has more than 500 patents to
with chronic obstructive pulmonary his name worldwide.
disease (COPD) to be monitored
remotely from home.
18 Informed Magazine 2021/2022Intel OrCam Voice-Over-Internet
Semiconductor chip maker Intel was OrCam harnesses the power of Protocol (VoIP)
one of the first multinationals to artificial vision by incorporating Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) is
go to Israel, setting up a small chip pioneering technology into a wearable a technology that lets users make calls
design centre in Haifa in 1974 and is is platform which improves the lives using a broadband Internet connection
now the corporation’s headquarters of individuals who are blind, visually instead of a standard phone line.
for global R&D. The 8088 processor, impaired, and have reading difficulties.
and the Centrino and SandyBridge Watergen
processor chips, were designed and Pillcam Watergen, developed in the late
developed by Intel Israel, powering Pillcam is a digestible, disposable 2000s, allows water to be condensed
millions of laptops worldwide. medical camera developed to help out of thin air. It is often used in many
diagnose and treat infections, such disaster zones to provide drinking
Judean Date Palm Revival as intestinal disorders, and cancers water for millions of people.
An international team of scientists affecting the digestive system.
from Israel, the US, France and the Xvision by Augmedics
United Arab Emirates has successfully Quicktionary Xvision, a revolutionary headset,
sequenced and analysed the genomes The Quicktionary TS Premium is a uses augmented reality to translate
of seven Judean date palms that were handheld scanning and translation a patient’s CT scan into a 3D
germinated from 2,000-year-old device that offers single word or full line visualisation, with the potential
seeds recovered from archaeological translations in 45 languages, including to help surgeons during delicate
sites in the Southern Levant. slang, idioms and phrases in real-time procedures and to see what is under
on its LCD touchscreen display. the skin without the need for an
Kamada Ltd operating table.
Kamada is a plasma-derived protein ReWalk Exoskeleton
therapeutics company, and is ReWalk is a battery-powered Yokneam-based
leading research and development exoskeleton that was developed Syneral Dental Lasers
of alpha-1 antitrypsin and specific to aid paraplegic patients in In 2012, Syneral Dental Lasers
immunoglobulins, which have learning to walk again. The ReWalk of Yokneam Israel developed
helped COVID-19 patients. has been available to the public an innovative wireless system
since 2014 and has made numerous – LiteTouch - that now plays a
Leviathan Energy appearances in the London pivotal role in transforming the
Leviathan Energy created the Wind Marathon and Paralympics. way practitioners perform dental
Tulip, a cost-effective, vibration-free treatments.
turbine. The device is used as an SMS Text Messaging
aesthetic environmental structure SMS text messaging was pioneered Zebra Medical Vision
which produces clean energy and high by Israeli companies Amdocs and Shefayim-based healthcare startup
efficiency from any direction while NICE Systems. Zebra Medical Vision has transformed
allowing people to enjoy living next to it. the world of triage. The company’s
TrialJectory technology uses deep-learning and
MobilEye The service, named after the Israeli artificial intelligence to automatically
MobilEye was developed in 1999 company that developed it, uses identify medical conditions from
by Israeli inventor Amon Shashua. artificial intelligence to quickly examine patient scans, and quickly enable
MobilEye systems consist of tiny thousands of potential clinical trials radiologists to prioritise urgent cases.
cameras that are placed in cars to and match them to specific cancer
alert drivers of potential hazards like patients for the best results.
pedestrians or other obstacles.
USB Flash Drive
Netafim The first ever patent for what is known
Netafim, developed by Israeli engineer today as the USB flash drive was an
Samkhya Blass in the 1960s, is an Israeli one with M-Systems, a company
innovative drip irrigation system and founded by three Israelis, producing
the global leader in precision irrigation the now ubiquitous device in 1999.
solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 19COMBATING ANTISEMITISM
IN ITS EVOLVING FORMS
Saqib Bhatti MBE MP
Last month, the Community Security I highlighted the need for accounts to open-minded, progressive, academic
Trust (CST) released its Antisemitic be registered with IDs, so that anyone establishments. There are still too many
Incidents Report for January to June who engages in racist abuse can be universities who have refused to adopt
2021, showing a staggering 1,308 anti- traceable and should know that they the IHRA definition, exacerbating the
Jewish hate incidents nationwide in can and will be prosecuted. suffering of our Jewish students. This is
a mere six-month period. This was a nothing other than a dereliction of the
49% increase compared to the same Additionally, specific terms and moral duty that these institutions have
period last year. There is no denying racial slurs must be recognised by an towards their students.
this alarming rise of anti-Jewish hate algorithm and should be dealt with
taking place right on our streets. immediately. It should not be left to Misrepresentations of the definition
other users to spot racist abuse and as a constraint on free speech must
Many of us witnessed the horrific report it, the mechanisms for dealing not be indulged; this argument
video of thugs circling Jewish with it must be a central priority for instead provides cover for those who
communities in London in May 2021, all social media platforms. Those who want to engage in Antisemitic abuse.
chanting hate and threatening families. engage in such racism must know
The chilling footage put into sharp that there will be significant real- At times in 2021 it may have felt as
focus the sheer scale of the problem world consequences. though efforts to combat the growing
at hand. It served as an important cancer that is Antisemitism in our
reminder that we have some way The ongoing debate surrounding the society were worthless. However, we
to go until Jewish communities in IHRA definition also illustrates how cannot lose hope. Collectively, we
Britain can practise their religion free Antisemitism has evolved. Campus must – and we will – take a stand until
from hate and discrimination. Antisemitism remains a depressing British Jews are free from the hate
reality for Jewish students and is in and discrimination that has become
Noteworthy too, is the vile complete contradiction to the ethos of so prevalent in our society.
Antisemitism taking place online.
According to the CST report, the
first half of this year saw the second
highest ever reported number of
online anti-Jewish hate incidents.
And that’s just the reported ones.
The actual scale of online abuse
goes much further, with coordinated
campaigns against Jewish accounts
now commonplace on social media.
As forms of Antisemitism evolve, so
must our solutions to the problem.
This is why I am calling on social
media companies to do more to
tackle online abuse where they see
it. In July 2021, I wrote to Facebook,
Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram,
Twitter and Reddit calling on
Convoy of cars filmed on London’s Finchley Road, with passengers yelling
them to be more proactive in
Antisemitic obscenities
dealing with online racism.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 21Gil Cohen Magen/Shutterstock
FOUR ELECTIONS
IN TWO YEARS:
EXPLAINING ISRAEL’S
POLITICAL ILLNESS
22 Informed Magazine 2021/2022Prof. Reuven Y. Hazan
Professor of Political Science and
Chair in Israeli Democracy and Politics
at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Israel and the UK share several first place, each with 35 seats, yet the split, half supporting a Netanyahu-led
democratic attributes, for example, result was clear: the two blocs that government and half opposing. After
both are parliamentary democracies had governed together since 2015 three elections in under one year, Israel
and both lack a written constitution. (hawkish-right and ultra-religious) won finally had a government, one born
However, the two are also very a majority. However, by 2019 a new of necessity rather than ideological
different; they do not share the same issue had risen to prominence in Israeli coherence. It soon began to fall apart,
electoral system, party system, type of politics, which focused on support for and could not agree on a budget – by
government or legislature. or opposition against embattled Prime law if one is not passed the Knesset is
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel’s dissolved and new elections held.
Elections in Israel are proportional longest serving PM, facing multiple
and take place in a single, nation-wide criminal indictments). One of the The success of the vaccines returned
electoral district. Each party presents hawkish-right parties refused to sit in a personal animosities to the political
a list of candidates and voters can government headed by Netanyahu. As forefront, and the March 2021 election
vote only for a party. The electoral a result there was no majority, neither was a referendum on Netanyahu.
threshold is 3.25% of the valid votes. for the hawkish-right and ultra-religious The results were again similar, with
Israel has a highly fragmented parties nor for the other three blocs. the hawkish-right and ultra-religious
multiparty system, there has never Feeling that this was an ‘accidental increasing their majority, but now two
been a majority party, and all of its outcome’, Netanyahu gathered enough hawkish parties refused to govern
governments have been coalitions. parliamentary support to dissolve the under Netanyahu. The anti-Netanyahu
Knesset and hold new elections only six forces came together, across four of
Israel’s 120-member unicameral months after the previous ones. the five blocs, and Yair Lapid (head of
legislature is called the Knesset. The term Yesh Atid, the second largest party)
of the Knesset is four years, but in recent The results in September 2019 were announced that he had succeeded in
decades early elections have become similar. While Blue and White won one forming a government.
the norm. However, we had never before seat more than Likud, the hawkish-
seen the Knesset dissolve itself (in March right and ultra-religious parties Israel’s new government is one of
2019) or be automatically dissolved (in increased their majority – but still came the strangest ever. It has a razor-thin
September 2019) immediately after an short without the party that refused majority of only 61, is composed
election without forming a government, to govern under Netanyahu. Benny of eight parties including an Arab
nor seen the new government lasting less Gantz (the leader of Blue and White) Islamic party for the first time, and
than one year (in 2020). could not form a majority government, covers most of the security dimension
and neither could Netanyahu, leading – meaning that no agreement or
Israeli politics, unlike those in the UK, focus to automatic dissolution and a third progress can be made here. The
on security as the dominant issue, and election in March 2020. Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, leads a
are based on party blocs, not individual party of only six seats, and will rotate
parties. Israeli voters are loyal to a bloc, not The 2020 results were similar, but with Yair Lapid in August 2023. After
a party, and coalitions tend to be formed different. The hawkish-right and a budget is passed, in November
between blocs. There are three blocs ultra-religious parties again increased 2021, this government may well stay
on the main security dimension: dovish- their majority, yet came short without in power until then. Its focus will be
left, centrist, and hawkish-right. The two the party that refused to govern internal, mending the rifts that have
remaining blocs represent Israel’s social under Netanyahu. By March 2020, torn at the fabric of Israeli society.
minorities: ultra-religious Jews (hawkish) COVID-19 had reached Israel, and As long as Netanyahu remains the
and Israeli Arabs (dovish). many politicians promised to put their polarising, criminally indicted, leader of
ideological and personal differences the opposition, the glue that holds this
In the March 2019 elections, the Blue aside in order to form a government large group of ideologically disparate
and White party tied with Likud for to tackle the crisis. Blue and White parties together might endure.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 23Caroline Ansell MP RADICALISATION SHOULD HAVE NO PLACE IN THE PALESTINIAN SCHOOL CURRICULUM 24 Informed Magazine 2021/2022
“Give me a child until he is seven and
I will show you the man” – Aristotle.
As someone with a teaching
background myself, there is an
undeniable truth to this old adage. Early
learning experiences shape hearts and
minds in profound and lasting ways.
And yet, it is with this same knowledge
that the Palestinian Authority provides
its young population with a school
curriculum which carries Antisemitic
material, honours violence and negates
the very existence of Israel. What hope
then for the future?
I have closely followed this issue Caroline Ansell MP leading Westminster Hall debate on PA incitement
throughout my time in Parliament
and it has persisted too long. The
curriculum and its materials are Israel and of Jews, including repeat response to these moves was to
of primordial importance because glorification of the “heroine” Dalal double down on its existing curriculum.
nothing will perpetuate conflict as al-Mughrabi, who killed 38 Israelis,
much as seeding it in young children, including 13 children, in an infamous But change is possible where there
generation after generation. terror attack (as seen in the image is political will and leadership. From
from a textbook to the left of this Tunisia and Egypt through to Saudi
In the summer of 2021, the European article). The material is present, Arabia and the UAE, there is a clear
Union published a landmark report regardless of the school grade or trend across the region for improving
into the Palestinian Authority’s school subject (from maths through to curricula through the removal of
curriculum. It is a report that must geography and all in between). regressive anti-Israel and racist
act as the catalyst for change and the narratives and instead promoting
reason why I led a Westminster Hall The teaching of Palestinian children peace and coexistence. Inspiring the
debate following its publication. in this way will inevitably underpin PA to embrace this quiet revolution in
harmful real-life consequences for the region would be the very best way
The much-anticipated UK-backed Palestinians and Israelis today. Young the UK could serve future generations
report recognises greater focus students at UNRWA schools have of Palestinians and Israelis.
on human rights, tolerance, mercy, been quoted saying things such as
forgiveness and justice in the PA “I am ready to stab a Jew and drive Since 2018, UK Ministers have vowed
curriculum but significantly, notes a car over them”. Painfully, some to take action should the EU review
that these universal values are not children have been inspired to carry find evidence of incitement and they
applied or connected to Israel or out such acts of violence. have a longstanding commitment
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The to a zero-tolerance approach to
report highlights the persistence The UK and the EU directly fund the Antisemitism. In this light, the report
of anti-Jewish racism and features salaries of Palestinian teachers who necessitates a meaningful response
example after example of racist are involved in the production and from the UK.
material across 156 textbooks and implementation of these educational
16 teachers guides used between materials. British taxpayers would be Repeated representations over
2017-2019. It notes that coverage of appalled to learn of the harm this decades from UK Ministers – and
the peace process had in fact gone UK-sponsored curriculum is causing. those of international partners –
backwards or been downgraded have not moved the dial; now must
since 2014. It should have made Our closest international partners are be the time for the UK to join our
for very uncomfortable reading for already starting to take a stronger international partners in considering
international aid donors to the PA. stance in combating this material. Both aid conditionality linked to essential
the EU and the Biden administration curriculum reforms. Perpetuating
This EU review lifts the bonnet by have begun discussing the idea of conflict has no place in school, nor
detailing examples of encouragement conditionality for financial assistance will it secure the peaceful future for
of violence and demonisation of in the educational sector. The PA’s the Middle East we all hope for.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 25Marmalade Photos/Shutterstock
CONSERVATIVES AND ISRAEL,
A TIMELINE: 2010 TO TODAY
The UK-Israel partnership has gone from strength to strength during the
Conservative Party’s last ten years in power. Let’s look back at the friendship
between the Conservative Party and Israel over this time.
JULY 2017 MARCH 2017 DECEMBER 2016
The UK Government The UK Government delivered an Then-Prime Minister Theresa May
announced an unprecedented unprecedented condemnation of the UN announced at CFI’s Annual Business
£3 million in funding towards Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) bias Lunch that the UK was adopting the
peaceful coexistence projects against Israel, announcing that it was putting broad definition of Antisemitism
for Israelis and Palestinians the UN body “on notice” and would vote drawn up by the International
against every motion on the conflict unless Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
the body ends its “disproportion and bias” (IHRA) - the first country in the
against the Jewish State world to do so
NOVEMBER 2017 FEBRUARY 2018 APRIL 2018
Theresa May invited Israel’s then-Prime Minister The UK and Israel’s Over 50 Conservative
Benjamin Netanyahu to London, where the Science Ministers signed parliamentarians
UK and Israel celebrated the centenary of a joint declaration to celebrated Israel’s 70th
the Balfour Declaration. 100 Conservative increase cooperation, birthday, at a lunch
parliamentarians co-signed a CFI-coordinated building on the research hosted by CFI with the
letter celebrating the Balfour Declaration, and innovation strengths Ambassador of Israel,
published in The Telegraph of both nations H.E. Mark Regev
JULY 2021 JUNE 2021
The Government approved the UK’s Then-International Trade Secretary
Since 2010, first national Holocaust Memorial Liz Truss celebrated UK-Israel ties in her
CFI has taken over and Learning Centre in Westminster. first ever visit to the Jewish State, ahead
250 Conservative The memorial, set to be built next to of an expected advanced free trade
parliamentarians and Parliament, will commemorate the agreement between the two countries. The
activists to Israel on lives of six million Jews murdered in then-International Trade Secretary said
delegations. the Holocaust, and other victims of that she aims to build on the existing £5
Nazi persecution billion trade partnership with Israel
26 Informed Magazine 2021/2022SEPTEMBER 2011 OCTOBER 2011 MAY 2013
The Government amended Under then-Prime Minister David BIRAX, the Britain Israel Research and
Universal Jurisdiction legislation Cameron’s leadership, the UK Israel Academic Exchange Partnership, was
to end the controversial practice Tech Hub was launched by the British launched to fund cutting-edge research
of anti-Israel activists obtaining Embassy in Israel and was the first to tackle some of the world’s most
arrest warrants for alleged of its kind in the world to promote challenging conditions and diseases. The
war crimes aimed at Israeli partnerships in technology and initiative has awarded over £13 million to
dignitaries who visited the UK innovation between the two countries more than 20 research projects bringing
together scientists in Britain and Israel
JANUARY 2015 MARCH 2014 JULY 2013
David Cameron pledged that Britain David Cameron addressed Israel’s Knesset in The UK led the
would have a National Memorial to Jerusalem, in his landmark visit to Israel as Prime EU-wide proscription
the Holocaust and a world-class Minister, expressing his “unbreakable” support of Hezbollah’s
Learning Centre, which was later for the Jewish State in a rousing speech to the military wing
chosen to be beside the Houses of Israeli parliament. He signed deals with top Israeli
Parliament in Victoria Tower Gardens medical and pharmaceutical companies, bringing
in £70 million investment to the UK
JANUARY 2019 JANUARY 2019 FEBRUARY 2019
The UK agreed one of Jeremy Hunt became the first Then-Home Secretary Sajid
the first post-Brexit free Foreign Secretary to recognise Javid made the decision
trade deals in principle that Britain’s 1939 White to proscribe the entirety
with Israel Paper capping immigration of Hezbollah as a terror
to Palestine was a “black organisation, making it illegal
moment” in history, speaking at for the group’s flag to be
CFI’s Parliamentary Reception flown on the streets of Britain
JUNE 2021 APRIL 2021 DECEMBER 2019 JULY 2019
UK withdrew from Prime Minister Boris Prime Minister Boris Johnson Then-Home Secretary
controversial Durban Johnson confirmed UK underlined in the Queen’s Speech Sajid Javid made
IV conference due to opposition to an ICC debate that the Government will stop an historic visit
historic concerns over investigation into Israel public bodies from developing their to Jerusalem’s
Antisemitism in a letter to CFI “own pseudo foreign policy against Western Wall
countries” and stop them from
boycotting Israeli goods, upholding
Conservative manifesto pledge
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 27MISINFORMATION IN
Twin Design/Shutterstock
THE INSTAGRAM AGE
30 Informed Magazine 2021/2022Rt. Hon. Robert Halfon MP
Chair of the Education Select Committee
In May 2021, violence tragically The Gaza terror group was, of course, and shocking attempt to intimidate
broke out once again in Israel and quick to congratulate the Taliban on Jewish Londoners.
Gaza. Over 3,500 rockets were fired their lightning takeover of Afghanistan,
indiscriminately at Israel by the terror giving an insight into who they see As a proud British-Jewish MP, I never
organisation Hamas, and acting in as their ideological bedfellows. It also imagined that I would live at a time
defence Israel struck over 900 targets came as little surprise that the only when myself and the Jewish community
in Gaza. This violence resulted in many country on earth that the Taliban would question whether Britain is a safe
casualties and heartbreak for Israelis have stated they will refuse to engage place for Jews anymore.
and Palestinians alike. with is Israel – perhaps some food for
thought for the social media warriors. The CST found that that Antisemitic
This time, what also erupted was an incidents during the conflict
avalanche of online misinformation As Chair of the Education Select disproportionately affected the
that was spread on social media Committee, it was especially educational sector in Britain, with
by celebrities and ‘influencers’ that disheartening to see this rampant 154 of the total incidents occurring in
had very little understanding of misinformation spread like wildfire schools and universities.
the situation through simplified, online. And this barrage has led to
one-sided, and often extremely consequences not only on our streets It is abhorrent to hear of incidents
inflammatory Instagram posts. but also at our schools. where Jewish students received death
threats and were targeted on their way
In reality, and as most who have The Community Security Trust (CST) to or from school. I was very concerned
visited the region can attest to, the charity reported a wave of “racist by one case reported by a Jewish
situation on the ground is much more hatred, abuse and intimidation” in school teacher in north London who
complex and cannot be packaged the wake of the conflict, recording spoke of how they became a magnet
neatly into a social media infographic. an “unprecedented number” of for harassment from pupils. The teacher,
Antisemitic incidents in the month who works in a non-Jewish school,
Many of those posts omitted any from 8th May to 7th June. said pupils competed to see who could
reference to the double war crime stick the most amount of Free Palestine
Hamas commits when it locates At demonstrations across the UK, stickers on their hair and clothing.
military infrastructure within densely the chant “from the river to the
populated civilian areas, including sea, Palestine will be free” was I am proud that the Conservative
near schools and hospitals, and then commonly heard – implying that the Government was resolute in their
uses this to attack Israeli citizens. whole of Israel should be replaced support for Israel during this tense time,
with a Palestinian state. In addition, unequivocally condemning the rocket-fire
In the effort to gain social media kudos numerous placards praised the Hamas and backing Israel’s right to self-defence
points, armchair activists ate into the terror group and drew comparisons against the Hamas terror group. Currently,
hands of a terror group that shares between Israel and the Nazis. Hamas’s ‘military wing’ is banned, but
very little of their purported values. now is perhaps the right time for the UK
Perhaps the most vile incident during to send a message about terrorism by
As well as advocating for the this period featured a convoy of proscribing the whole of Hamas.
destruction of the Middle East’s cars draped with Palestinian flags
only Jewish state and democracy, shouting despicable Antisemitic However small, we all have a part to
Hamas continues to commit heinous abuse through a megaphone. The play in speaking up for Israel - a beacon
crimes against the people of Gaza convoy had driven from northern in the region - against the tidal wave
and hinders the development of the England to Golders Green and of abuse it faces. As Education Select
territory by diverting international Finchley, both areas with large Committee Chair, and in my position as
funds into their own pockets. Jewish populations, in a deliberate an MP, I will continue to raise my voice.
Informed Magazine 2021/2022 31You can also read
