Account of Advocacy Conference 2008

On Sunday 6th April, BICOM hosted its Inaugural Advocacy Conference in North London. Over 200 participants braved the snow in order to take part in the largest event dedicated solely to Israel advocacy ever to take place in the UK.

Conference delegates were treated to insight and guidance from leading experts in the realms of politics, journalism, communications and campaigning. In sharing practical, effective ways of promoting positive messages on Israel to a wide range of audiences, BICOM's conference ensured that participants left more qualified and confident to speak up on behalf of Israel. 

Feedback since the conference has been   extremely positive. There is a strong belief that BICOM's work is crucial and that they can be trusted to defend both their and Israel's interests in the UK in a professional, effective manner.

Through plenary and breakout sessions, delegates tackled the major issues of "Who is the messenger, what is the message?" and "Upcoming threats and challenges."

The opening session, focussing on strategic communication, featured the specialist knowledge of Rt. Hon. John Spellar MP, Dermott Kehoe, formerly of the BBC, BICOM pollster Rick Nye and Simon Buckby, MD of Champollion and expert communicator. This session gave the audience a front row insight into the inner-workings of the country's most influential opinion forming bodies.  The second plenary discussed the upcoming celebrations of Israel 60, the resurgence of Israel boycotts, Iranian threats and the BNP's prospects at the upcoming London elections.

Highly interactive breakout sessions gave participants the opportunity to further explore the issues raised in plenary sessions. Guest panellists, including Michael Prescott, former political editor of the Sunday Times, offered further experiences to each group.

Delegates challenged both the panellists and each other on the key issues faced by the community in influencing change at the highest levels of media, politics and local activism.

Beyond a simple discussion of issues, breakout groups were encouraged to take what they learnt and act upon it.

His Excellency Ron Prosor, Israeli Ambassador to Britain was the keynote speaker of the grand plenary, drawing together the many themes of the day.

A highly decorated advocate, the ambassador encouraged delegates to take up the challenges posed by the conference, using the skills they had learnt in order to better speak up for Israel. He thanked BICOM's chairman Poju Zabludowicz, as well as Lorna for the invaluable work BICOM carries out in order to create a more supportive environment for Israel in the UK.

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