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Douglas Murray headlines first UK Israel Alliance event
The political commentator shared his experiences of visiting Israel and Gaza after October 7
November 27, 2025 07:59
The political commentator shared his experiences of visiting Israel and Gaza after October 7
November 27, 2025 07:59UK Israel Alliance (UKIA) held its inaugural event in central London last week, headlined by Douglas Murray.
Some 300 people listened to the political commentator in conversation with award-winning Daily Telegraph journalist Allison Pearson, as he shared his experience of reporting from inside Israel and Gaza in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 atrocities and his thoughts on the Abraham Accords and the future of Israel advocacy.
UKIA, formerly the UK Israel Future Projects, has been set up to strengthen the “crucial bilateral relationship” between the UK and Israel by bringing together thought leaders and activists in support of the state from all political, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Committee members Bernard Shapero and Sir William Shawcross paid tribute to the late Martin Green who passed away earlier this year, aged 92. The founder of UK Israel Future Projects was a passionate Zionist and mainstay in the pro-Israel community.
Alongside UKIA supporters, the event was attended by cross-party members from both Houses of Parliament, diplomats and journalists.
Chaired by Lord Bew, its multi-faith committee includes Shawcross, Israel advocate Tim Vince, Simon Marks, Shapero and foreign policy expert Dr Efrat Sopher.
UKIA will be hosting a series of events with high-profile speakers from around the world and “covering the most pressing issues facing the UK, Israel and our societies”, said its heads.
UKIA chair Lord Bew said: “It’s exciting to see the depth of support for Israel outside the Jewish community. UKIA’s duty is to proactively reach Brits from all walks of life and proudly celebrate the fact that our two countries are stronger together.
"Israel has been subjected to an appalling smear campaign, but it is abundantly clear that many Brits cherish the shared values our great countries stand for.”
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