LJS, 20th November 2011

An outstanding line-up of panellists together with an audience of over 300 took part in a lively Question Time-style debate based on the popular TV programme at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St. John’s Wood, North West London on Sunday 20^th November 2011.

On the panel were Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty; Sir Max Hastings, author, journalist and broadcaster; Sir Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre; Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com; and Libby Purves, The Times theatre critic and radio presenter. Television and radio broadcaster Nick Ross was in the chair.

The topics included the St. Paul’s protest camp, whether the Palestinians should have a seat on the United Nations, and the controversial cost of the London Olympics.

The event was part of the LJS Centenary celebrations running throughout this year and was in aid of its Centenary appeal.

Its organiser, the synagogue’s Rabbi Emeritus David Goldberg, said, ‘In the synagogue’s best traditions of listening respectfully to diverse religious and political views, the panellists felt free to talk frankly about contentious issues such as Israel-Palestine or dealing with Iran’s nuclear threat. It was a great evening.’