Our Patrons

We welcome our latest patrons, all highly distinguished in their fields and internationally known.

Professor Noam Chomsky. Professor of Linguistics, Linguistic Theory, Syntax, Semantics and Philosophy of Language, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Noam Chomsky has written and lectured widely on linguistics, philosophy, intellectual history, contemporary issues, international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Known for controversial and biting insights, scourge of the Establishment, espcially in the USA.

Harold Pinter, playwright, poet, polemicist and now patron. Alliteration can take us no further.

Dr. Ilan Pappe. Still a senior lecturer of Political Science at Haifa University, he is one of the most controversial of the Israeli "new historians". His writings, based on access to material recently released by the British and Israeli archives, have started to undermine what he terms myths about the foundation and early years of the Israeli state.

John Pilger. An Australian, he has been a war correspondent, film-maker and playwright. Now based in London, continues with fearless journalism and documentaries.

Richard Eyre. Knight of the theatre, artistic director of the Royal National Theatre for ten years, now brilliant at films, also author, lecturer...Whatever he does, he leaves his inimitable mark.

Professor Avi Shlaim. Supreme internationalist, born in Baghdad, dual Israeli/British citizen and Professor of International Relations and Professorial Fellow of St. Antony's College, Oxford University. A new historian, he has published extensively on the Middle East. A recent book is The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World.

Roger Lloyd Pack. A man of many, many parts, seen on the big screen and the little screen, rubbing shoulders with Harry Potter and the Vicar of Dibley. One of our busiest and best-regarded actors, but with time for other things as well.

Susie Orbach, psychotherapist and writer. Visiting professor at the London School of Economics. Dare we mention Fat is a Feminist Issue?

Julie Christie. Dr. Zhivago would have been enough. In fact her successes went on and on, including an Oscar for Darling. On-screen magnetism goes along with off-screen thoughtfulness that leads her to campaign for social issues she feels deeply about.

Dr Jane Manning, leading contemporary soprano, founder of Jane´s Minstrels and campaigner for British music. And clearly not just British music.

Anthony Payne, who has enjoyed a rich and productive career as a composer and music critic. Known world-wide for his acclaimed realisation of Elgar´s 3rd. symphony.

Clare Short, outspoken Member of Parliament, heart always in the right place, great for international development.

Baroness Jenny Tonge. Likes simply to be known as Dr. Jenny Tonge. Strong views, including being anti-Iraq war. Caring of the oppressed and weak.

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. Senior Researcher at the Foreign Policy Centre, journalist, broadcaster and leading commentator on race, multiculturalism and human rights. Author of numerous books on these subjects including the groundbreaking Foreign Policy Centre pamphlet After Multiculturalism.

Moris Farhi, MBE. Of Turkish origin, and author of acclaimed books Children of the Rainbow, Journey Through the Wilderness and most recently the excellent Young Turk.

Susannah York. Has a hugely successful career in film acting from 1960 to the present and no sign of stopping. In 1972 she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in Images. Also author of two children's fantasy novels, In Search of Unicorns and Lark's Castle. CND member from way back.

Sir Anthony Sher. An actor who brings a vital difference to all his many roles. Multi-talented, he writes incisive novels and has produced a fascinating biography.

Uri Fruchtman. Israeli film producer who spiced up a film with the five Spice Girls. But also has serious Galoot (Exile), and An Ideal Husband in his credits. A member of the consortium resuscitating the Ealing Studios.