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Are you really saying that disliking what the Government of a foreign country (Israel) does, justifies being hostile to British citizens who happen to be Jewish. Do you also blame British Catholics for what the Italian Government does. Isn't that called stereotyping & prejudice?

One of the best quotes about antisemitism I've heard is that an antisemite is someone who dislikes Jews more than is absolutely necessary. It implies that dislike is the norm, however undeserved and illogical...which explains its prevalence even amongst otherwise decent people.

What is even more appalling than the mass exhumation of the graves of 796 babies yesterday is the fact that it took place not in some far away country, but in Tuam in County Galloway...and not in the grounds of a brothel, but that of a former convent. Religion was crucified.

St George's House continues to excel: its dinner last night, graced by the Princess Royal, brought together people of diverse backgrounds to mingle & share perspectives. It's motto "nurturing wisdom" quietly plays the long game of enhancing society through deep conversation.

Amazing last 12 minutes of full-time in the England- Sweden game last night and then utterly gripping penalty shoot out after extra-time. What a warm-up to the return of the football season itself. Can't wait to get back to the stadium (Reading, of course).But semi-final first!

I was at a synagogue yesterday where they prayed for all Israelis, Palestinians & Lebanese (be they homeless, injured or hostages). I think God responded "Amen". I hope all other synagogues, churches & mosques mention not just one of the groups but all three side by side.

I had several rabbinic colleagues round for tea yesterday. If you have a herd of cattle and a shoal of fish, what is the collective noun for a group of rabbis? I reckon one contender is: a rabble of rabbis. Other suggestions welcome....

that certainly reflects Jewish tradition

I like the alliteration

that depends on which of my colleagues are present!

not for the ones I know - though maybe a disagreement!

that's quite clever.....

Cheers & tears last night as we brought to a close the 3 year project to teach English to Ukrainian refugees in Maidenhead area after the invasion; almost 200 attended classes - most of whom are now proficient and have work. Magical evening & job done. Long live free Ukraine.

I didn't dare call anyone after 8.00 pm last night - lest I interrupted them watching the Lioness game and get an irate response. Anyway, I couldn't as I was watching too! And what a great result. Roll on Sunday.

Came across such a powerful story attributed to Ernest Hemingway. He was challnged to write a moving two sentence story in only six words. He delivered: "For sale: baby shoes. Never worn". It conjures so many different scenarios of pain and loss, be it in war-time or peace-time.

France recognising Palestine as a state doesn't change anything on the ground. Instead, pressurise Hamas (who started the war by invading Israel on October 7th 2023) to surrender & release all hostages. That is the key to stop the fighting,feed Gazans & get Israel to withdraw.

Every death is terrible. Hamas gunmen were once lovely babies. But we would have stopped WW2 midway if social media had shown the suffering of German civilians during British raids and we'd ignored the root of the problem: defeating Hitler. Let Hamas surrender & the war is over.

Expect a few power cuts at 5.45 pm this afternoon when the ref. blows the whistle for half-time and millions go to put the kettle on (or open the fridge for a beer). And who cares if we're 0-2 down by then, we'll just score in the 89th and 91st minute as before. Won't we?

Now that the Lionesses have put women's football on the map as much as women's tennis, which women's sport will be next to gain prominence? Golf is already a contender, alongside athletics. Any others? (And would a straight win have been so notable without all those penalties)?

The two-state solution for Palestine/Israel was proposed by the UN in 1947 (accepted by Israel, rejected by the Arab States - big mistake). I hope it's still possible, but can't see it working now until there's a major mindset change on both sides. How to undo decades of hate?