BICOM

The Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre or BICOM is a lobby and political action group for the benefit of Israel. The lobby group is bankrolled by its Chairman Poju Zabludowicz. According to the Jewish Chronicle, it has been 'reinvigorated' under the leadership of Lorna Fitzsimons. Its primary activity is to provide daily and weekly briefings on media coverage of Israel -- including MEMRI publications. BICOM plans to concentrate on long-term measures to cultivate relationships and influence decision-makers and media leaders in Europe. BICOM is associated with AIPAC and former Director Daniel Shek stated: "AIPAC is assisting BICOM with developing grassroots networks in Britain and with organizing pro-Israel events similar to AIPAC’s conference, but on a much smaller scale." Furthermore, "There is stronger motivation now than ever for communities to stand up for Israel and stand up for their own,” Shek said. "We want to invest today in things that will matter in five to 10 years."

BICOM's chief executive, until July 2006, was Danny Shek, a high-level official of the Israeli foreign ministry on a two year leave of absence. He was previously the chief spokesman and director of the press division of Israel’s foreign ministry. He left to become the Israeli ambassador to France.

Conservative Friends of Israel/BICOM Links
According to Peter Oborne:


 * Despite the Conservative Friends of Israel and BICOM not formally merging there is a huge amount of co-ordination. Many of BICOM’s key figures also play roles in the CFI: Trevor Pears, Michael Lewis and Poju Zabludowicz are driving forces behind both lobbies. David Cameron also accepted £20,000 from Trevor Pears in his leadership election.

Principals

 * Lorna Fitzsimons CEO since Sept 2006
 * Daniel Shek former chief executive (whose father was an Israeli ambassador )
 * Lee Petar director
 * Ben Overlander Head of Media
 * Jeremy Lucas Press Officer

In 2006, Michael Lewis is reported to be depute Chairman. At the time Lewis was also Chairman of UJIA and is described as 'a South African emigré whose business interests run from retail and restaurants to biotechnology'.

Gerald Ronson (Community Security Trust chairman) was also on the Board in 2006, alongside Trevor Chinn (UJIA president), Lord Janner, Brian Kerner (former UJIA chairman), Isaac Kaye (who is described as 'a veteran supporter of Israel'), Jonathan Kestenbaum (former UJIA chief executive) and Henry Grunwald (Board of Deputies president).


 * Poju Zabludowicz - Zabludowicz is described as 'A “quiet power” in key organisations, particularly Bicom...'

Supporters of Bicom in 2006 included, Michael Sherwood - co-chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs International (Sherwood took part in Bicom's 'fundraising mission' to Israel the previous year), Ron Beller and Jennifer Moses (husband and wife who also have previous links with Goldman Sachs), Richard Harrington (Conservative Friends of Israel chairman), Edward Atkin and Celia Atkin. According to the report, 'Another name to watch is the vice-chairman of the Parliamentary Committee against Antisemitism, Trevor Pears, whose family foundation has become a major funder of Jewish causes'.

Affiliations

 * AIPAC
 * Europe Near East Forum (France)
 * Champollion (PR Company)
 * Stop the Boycott
 * Atlantic Bridge – BICOM funds this group in the UK

Contact

 * Website: www.bicom.org.uk/news
 * Tel: +44 (0)20 7636 5500
 * Fax: +44 (0)20 7636 5600
 * Email: info AT bicom.org.uk

External Resources

 * PowerBase profile