Congratulations to Avivit for starring in “Dreaming a Goddess” with three other female artistes. Avivit has got the X-Factor!!! As for the belly dancers…..say no more, guv.

Yehuda and Gertrude represented Meretz at the IJV public debate at Hampstead Town Hall. You may have seen reports in the press, and Yehuda has received all sorts of comments, helpful and otherwise, especially in the “Blogosphere”.

Our commemoration of Holocaust Memorial day with poetess Wanda Barford, and singer Minouche was very moving. HMD will continue to be an annual event at Meretz.

Hanukah celebration at Hashomer House, 2006.

On Thursday, 8 March, Amal Elsana Alh'jooj, an Israeli Bedouin woman, spoke movingly at Hashomer House on the plight of the Bedouins in Israel, and especially the life of women within this ancient community.

On Sunday, April 22, the London-based Palestinian author, Samir el-Youssef, spoke about his much praised first book in English, The Illusion of Return, published by Peter Halban. The meeting took place at Hashomer House, and Samir took questions from the floor after a short interview with Lawrence Joffe in the chair. It was a lively and memorable meeting, and we thank Samir for his frank, entertaining and always thought-provoking address!

On Sunday, 6 May, Dr Colin Shindler spoke about his latest and most thought-provoking book, What do Zionists Believe?, at Hashomer House. The book was published by Granta earlier this year.

Addressing a packed house, Colin initially surveyed relations between Jews and the left generally, and how these have changed over time - sometimes dramatically. He then focused more particularly on divisions within the British Jewish left, between supporters of a Zionist "national left" approach, on the one hand, and those who adopt a more decidedly anti-Zionist or anti-Israeli stance, on the other.

On Sunday 15th Meretz UK was treated to a lively debate about Two State Solution, featuring
Avraham Shomroni from Meretz Israel (former emissary of MAPAM), and
Brian Gordon formerly of Herut UK and a Barnet Councillor

The radio broadcaster Jon Kaye chaired the meeting

... as Borat might have put it!

Meretz UK held its annual summer jamboree on Sunday, 26th August, but this time it was a party with a difference. Guests were not only treated to talks by two unusual therapists, but also enjoyed free consultations afterwards.

Our special visitors were Mavis Klein, therapist and astrologer, and Marvin Shaw, a person-centred colour therapist. Sharing in the fun was a photographer from the Jewish Chronicle, whose pictures of several of those attending the event appeared in the JC a fortnight later. All in all, a successful and unusual event. Many thanks to all those who helped organise a most enjoyable and stimulating event!

On Sunday 18 November Miriam Harel spoke about the effect of years of violence on children and parents from both Jewish and Palestinian families. Miriam works in a Tel Aviv clinic and has recently published a book about her experiences. Below follows a report of what was a quite fascinating meeting...