Academic examines the origins of the Jewish State

An Edge Hill University academic has given a controversial lecture which examined the conflict surrounding the establishment of the Jewish State.

Dr James Renton, Senior Lecturer in History in the Department of English and History and recently elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, was invited to speak at University College London's Institute of Jewish Studies.

His lecture, 'Philosemitism, Antisemitism, Colonialism? The British Empire and Zionism, 1917-1948', discussed the contentious relationship between Zionism and the British Empire, which arguably led to the formation of the Jewish State and the defeat of the Palestinian Arabs.

Dr Renton said: "How Zionism is understood in international politics continues to be a point of great controversy. To what extent are approaches to Zionism in the international community shaped by philosemitic or antisemitic attitudes? Is Zionism seen as a colonial or national movement? Is Zionism viewed as a part of the West?

"In my lecture, I examined the origins of these debates by considering the ways in which Zionism was perceived by the British Empire during the period of British rule in the Holy Land - the crucial period which culminated in the establishment of the Jewish State and the defeat of the Palestinian Arabs.

"My research concentrates on the British Empire and the Middle East. Much of my work, including my first book, The Zionist Masquerade, has focused on the origins of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict.

"It was a real honour to be invited to speak at the Institute of Jewish Studies, and I was made to feel very welcome. There was some very interesting discussion after the lecture about the relationship between the British Empire, Zionism, and the Arab world."

The Zionist Masquerade is published by Palgrave Macmillan (2007) -www.palgrave.com/PRODUCTS/title.aspx?PID=280285.