British PM Resigns as patron of the Jewish National Fund

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign welcomed the decision.

Learn more about Gilad by visiting his Website

(LONDON) - The Guardian reported today that British PM David Cameron   has stepped down as a patron of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) in a “move pro-Palestinian campaigners claim is a result of pressure.”

British PM David Cameron

The JNF was originally a Zionist fund set up to buy land in Palestine to establish Jewish settlements before the creation of the state of Israel.

Since 1948 it has been operating as a global charity specialising in planting trees over Palestinian stolen land and eradicated villages.

Sofiah Macleod of the UK-based Stop the JNF Campaign told the Guardian that it was  the organisation's lobbying that had led Cameron to withdraw.

"There has been a change in public opinion and awareness about Israel's behaviour and there was specific pressure on [Cameron] to step down from the JNF," she said."

Traditionally, the leaders of the British three main  political parties have become patrons of the JNF.

However, Cameron's resignation means that none of the current three leaders are JNF patrons.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign welcomed the decision.

"It reflects the fact it is now impossible for any serious party leader to lend public support to racism," campaign director, Sarah Colborne, said in a statement.

The JNF did not respond to a request for comment.

More information: Cameron describes Gaza as 'prison camp' - By Felicity Spector, Channel 4 News

Gilad Atzmon was born in Israel in 1963 and had his musical training at the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem (Composition and Jazz). As a multi-instrumentalist he plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes, Clarinet and Flutes. His album Exile was the BBC jazz album of the year in 2003. He has been described by John Lewis on the Guardian as the “hardest-gigging man in British jazz".

Gilad Atzmon's essays are widely published. His novels 'Guide to the perplexed' and 'My One And Only Love' have been translated into 24 languages.

As a member of the Blockheads, Gilad has also recorded and performed with Ian Dury, Robbie Williams, Sinead O'Connor and Paul McCartney. Gilad has also recorded with Robert Wyatt, the Water Boys and many others. Learn more about Gilad by visiting his Website