Lush founder tells all on LBC.

What would you call people of a Jewish state? Canadians?

What do you call people of a Muslim state? Canadians?

richard, can you succeed where Garfield failed? Define Jewish state...

Well, don't tell the folks in Ireland. Next thing you know, they'll want to be called Irish.

Joe, the majority of the population get to decide the laws etc. and do their best to make sure that minorities have their desires fulfilled, whether it be a Muslim, Jewish or Christian state.

All well and good, Richard, but that isn't a definition; it's an explanation. Not a great start to the season on saturday, eh?

Millis - YOU define the Jewish state, as you keep blabbing on about it.

Millis, doesn't Lush' stance concern you? You have not said a word about it.

millis, this is typical of you. You claim you believe in Israel, but then imply that you don't think a Jewish state is possible. If you do, then define it. If you don't, then have the guts to say so.

You argue in a fundamentally dishonest way, refusing to put your cards on the table. Say what you think, and stop playing infantile games.

Joe, what's the difference between a definition and an explanation?

Huge, Rich. I would define a Jewish state as one where the majority of citizens are Jewish and where the state uses Jewish holidays as state holidays and where the language and symbols are, well, Jewish. Some, obviously, would go further, demanding a very narrow definition of "Jewish" and would want the state to be run along halachic lines.
Where do you stand?

Britain uses Christian holidays as state holidays. Many symbols here are Christian. I don't agree with running Israel along halachic lines, but many Christians would like to see a more Christian Britain. Until fairly recently stores couldn't trade on Sundays and there are still restrictions on that.

That was really worth waiting for, millis.

Indeed, Richard, the head of the British state, HMQ, is also head of the church. But then again, Britain is also probably the most secular state in the Western world. Thank God. I think the British model is probably the most apt for Israel. Respect for the religion, but laughing at the God botherers.

Interesting, millis, that you base part of your identity in laughing at others. Indeed, your last sentence is an oxymoron. What kind of respect is that?

Joe, do you think we should laugh at Muslim "God botherers" also? I don't think Israel is as religious as you would love to make it out to be. You are just using your dislike of religion as a means to batter Israel. Each country has its religious culture, including the UK. In Malta you couldn't divorce until a few weeks ago and you cannot have an abortion there.

All religions, Richard, including Islam and Judaism, hasve their God botherers - so yes. Every Israeli government - right or even further right - has sold out to the Orthodox parties in order to stay in power (usually unsuccessully). The point is that there has given them almost limitless power - you know, of course, that all Jewish conversions have to be done according to the corrupt rabbinate, that all marriages, divorces etc have to be through that institution too.
You and the other hasbara-ras may think of it as battering Israel, but unlike the hasbara-ras I will not let what I say be defined by the naysayers.

Joe, then let Israelis change the system. You and I don't live there so we have to let them sort it out for themselves. The ballot box talks in Israel. What you and I say as British Jews is meaningless. Our only vote is in the UK.

Richard, Israel is the state of the Jewish people - at least that's what it says on the tin - so you and I as fully paid up members of the tribe have every right to say what we like on Israel. That's why you and I are so interested in the bloody place.