Independent Jewish Voices

Thanks for the opportunity to post this. I was not alone in feeling very disappointed in Uri Avneri. His exposition seemed more suitable for a group of sixth-formers unfamiliar with the history of Israel/Palestine rather than for an audience of people informed and engaged with this subject for years. I heard words like 'Ladybird Book of the Middle East', dinosaur and similar epithets being applied to his contribution. What a waste of a marvellous opportunity.

I think the comment about Uri Avneri's presentation is rather unfair. He is clearly accustomed to to speaking to a wide variety of audiences, many of whom have a limited grasp of the history and politics of the Middle East. What he did offer, which I felt was very valuable, was some insight into the psychology of Israelis and of Palestinians. He was also refreshingly pragmatic and free of the wishful thinking and 'ivory tower' mentality of so many commentators.

Are you kidding us all - the academic Istvan Pogany moralising after what he's got up to?- What an unmitigated idiot!

Istvan Pogany should not be lecturing, let alone putting his name to Human rights issues. There is little virtue in arrogance!