Reaction to the evictions of Arab families from where they were living in the Sheikh Jarrah district of east Jerusalem has universally given the impression that the Israelis threw out Palestinian families from their homes in order to colonise a traditionally Arab area for further ‘illegal’ Jewish ‘settlement’ (see for example reports by the BBC and the Times). The response by the British government was particularly aggressive. The British consulate said: We are appalled by the evictions in East Jerusalem. Israel’s claim that the imposition of extremist Jewish settlers into this ancient Arab neighbourhood is a matter for the courts or the municipality is unacceptable. Their actions are incompatible with Israel’s desire for peace. We urge Israel not to allow extremists to set the agenda. The US and the UN also condemned the evictions: A number of West End theatres are now employing bouncers to cope with intoxicated patrons who fight, fondle one another and even urinate in the auditorium... One production was interrupted after a woman was caught ‘pleasuring’ her partner in the stalls. And the cast of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music were stunned to see an audience member walk over to the side of the stage and relieve himself. Critics believe the vulgar antics have been fuelled by falling ticket prices designed to attract younger audiences and the ease with which theatregoers can take alcohol into the auditorium. Great Britain: first into the Enlightenment, and now first out.
Tuesday, 4th August 2009
The British decide that Israeli law is 'unacceptable'
9:36am
Monday, 3rd August 2009
Britain rediscovers the delights of pre-modern bacchanalia
11:27am
The Sunday Times reports:
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
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