OCTOBER 2021


VIEW PHOTOS


GEOFFREY CHARIN
 
Geoffrey Charin is currently studing for a PhD at Buckingham University on the relations between the Yishuv and Britain under the two distinct threats of invasion by the Nazis in 1941 and again in 1942.

Geoffrey's first degree was in Accountancy and Economics at the Hebrew University and this month sees the publication of his first novel 'Without Let or Hindrance' which is available from Waterstones, WH Smith, the Book Guild and Amazon.  He will also bring with him several copies should you wish to buy a copy on the night.

Click below for details about 'Without Let or Hindrance':
https://www.waterstones.com/book/without-let-or-hindrance/geoffrey-charin/9781913913397



THE LECTURES

The Abandoned Ally
Britain's relations with the Jewish National Home in Palestine during 1940-41 under the threat of enemy invasion

Britain had been instrumental in setting up the Jewish National Home in Palestine (The Yishuv) and had relied on Jewish support during the Arab Revolt there 1936-39.  When German armies entered the Middle East in 1941, how did the British and the Jews of Palestine come together to face the common enemy?  Was this an opportunity to build a stronger than ever alliance, overcoming what the Jews hoped had been a temporary reversal of British policy towards the Yishuv in 1939?  This talk looks at developments with a focus on the British General, Archibald Wavell Commander-in-Chief Middle East.


The Final Fortress
Palestine in 1942: the Germans advance again and Palestine prepares for a German occupation

How had the geo-political situation Britain was facing in the Middle East changed since 1941?  How had their attitude changed towards the Yishuv and its military capability?  In summing up the two talks, Geoffrey Charin contends that 1941-42 is the often overlooked point at which relations between Britain and the Yishuv irretrievably broke down. It was from this point that violent confrontation between them became inevitable.