Hugo Rifkind

The Kindle version is inexplicably £1.99 today. Might as well, eh?

The Kindle version is inexplicably £1.99 today. Might as well, eh?

This would obviously be a real roadblock for Israel recognising Palestine. But I'm not clear why it should be one for the UK. For one thing, we're not Israel. For another, recognising a state and recognising a government are different things.

I broadly agree, but I also think recognition is the right thing to do, whatever the circumstances. BTW, I regard (I believe correctly) anyone who believes there should be any sort of Israel at all, with any sort of borders, as a Zionist, which means I'm one, too.

I suppose, but that would seem to be more about whether Israel recognises it than whether we do. The ceasefire wouldn't be with us, after all. Plus recognising Palestine isn't remotely the same thing as recognising Hamas.

Are you against it? Not fighting, but keen to know why. Most Zionists I know favour two states, and you can't have two states if the world only recognises one of them. And while I appreciate the timing isn't perfect, it never will be.

A *third* of the Commons has called on the PM to recognise Palestine as a state. Never seen anything quite like this.

I've got an early proof PDF I got off the author. I keep telling you I'll sign your kindle any time.

Thank you, mum, yes.

I thought I'd mastered it, but I'm now worried the app might do it better.

With a hammer?

Really bothers me that my patronising fucking Kindle app doesn't know I'm a novelist who went to Cambridge. Bastard.

Hmm. Unclear on what you mean by Ni. As in the Knights Who Say Ni? As in, Nee? Or Nye, as in Bevan? Because Scots would say Nye-Oh-Mee. And I refute the suggestion that an Englishman would, utterly. Although on further reflection, maybe the issue here is the Oh?

Nei = Nay. No?

I enjoyed every part of @hugorifkind.bsky.social's book Rabbits except for the very specific claim as to how all English people pronounce Naomi.

Thank you! But that may be the most important bit. Naymee?

Jim Moir: I like talking about teabags The man better known as Vic Reeves tells us what to expect from his appearance at Fringe by the Sea. Plus, Joe Wicks, Christopher Biggins and Patricia Hodge

Birds, comedy AND art? <rubs thighs>. They let me interview Jim Moir, the artist formerly known as Vic Reeves, who'll be talking to @hugorifkind.bsky.social at Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick on 10 Aug.

In print in today's Times Scotland

www.thetimes.com/article/d104...

This is really really good. His best novel so far, I reckon. Starts off all Amisy - oh here we go, it's Glasgow Fields, oh and here's Keith McTalent- but it develops into something heart-stoppingly brilliant. Hard recommendation, as hard as a Brutalist car park.

Again, it's a column about what it is about. I'm sorry it wasn't about other things, but it wasn't.

That's true. I also don't mention the people who live in Israel. It's a column about Britain .

I've got Rudolf Hess Point Blank, but I think it needs some work.

Thank you! Always an education with Mark.

It's not about "feelings". Again, you can read the column.

Depends what you mean by "the chant", I guess. If you just mean the words, no. If you mean the act, then and there, as I did, then yes. Honestly, I'm not sure I can explain this in any more detail than I have already done. But thank you for the manner in which you are engaging.

There are indeed more important things going on, especially in Gaza. And it's pointless continuing to discuss a column you haven't read. But the impact of current antisemitism on observant Jews in the UK is considerable and I don't accept they should just pretend otherwise or that they deserve it.

Also, thank you for your concern, but I find my social prestige is bearing up pretty well, all in all.

Based on my articles you doubt what? That I was vehemently opposed to the Iraq war? Then I guess you haven't read many of them. Which is fine, but you are at liberty to do so and needn't just guess.

As I said, both in this exchange and in the column itself, one who is writing primarily about the impact on British Jews and who is imploring people to make their entirely valid point in another way. I'm assuming you haven't read the column, but this is addressed directly.

Sure. Including me, probably. But I don't remember people at music festivals calling for the death of the entre US Army.

That is indeed my point, yes. If the IDF were a non-Jewish force committing genocide, nobody would be chanting about it at Glastonbury. Thank you for stating it so cleanly.