By Lloyd Levy
LONDON–We cannot let the death of Margaret Thatcher pass , without a few thoughts on this truly great woman. Most people of my generation regard her as the most inspiring leader since Winston Churchill, and view her death with enormous sadness. In many ways she defined our whole world view.
There was no question that she was good for the Jews. Her Parliamentary seat was Finchley, an area with a very large Jewish population in London. A considerable number of her Cabinet Ministers and advisers were Jewish- Keith Joseph, Lord Young, Lord Levene, Malcolm Rifkin, and others. Like the Jews, she was an outsider in those days, battling against the elitist Anglo-Saxon establishment.
I cannot recollect any specific policy towards Israel, but I have no doubt she was a strong supporter. Not that this was always reciprocated- during the Falklands War, which was perhaps Thatcher’s greatest moment, Menachem Begin supplied arms to Argentina, because of his antipathy towards Britain.
Her death serves to underline the shallowness of our current leaders, and not just in Britain. I cannot think of anyone that can be called a Statesman. None seem to have any moral compass or principles, and their policies merely seem to reflect the latest opinion poll findings.
Margaret Thatcher was in many ways the opposite of President Obama. She was not a great public speaker, with a somewhat hectoring and shrill voice. She preferred action and getting things done, to speechmaking. How different from president Obama today. His oratory is remarkable- I urge everyone to listen to his speech to young people in Jerusalem on his recent trip- get it on YouTube, and listen to it in full (just under one hour !). The speech is the most remarkable pro-Israel speech you are ever likely to hear in terms of wordcraft. Yet one just instinctively knows it is mere words, and does not reflect anything concrete. Thatcher could walk the walk, but not talk the talk- Obama talks the talk, but cant walk the walk.- in my humble opinion, but then that’s my view seen from Britain.
*
Levy is a freelance writer and businessman who divides his time between England and Israel. He may be contacted via lloyd.levy@sdjewishworld.com
She was a Great Statesman& Leader but Living in Nottingham I always remember the Miners Strikes & the closing of the Mines. So many people lost their jobs & towns were devestated. The people & the towns never recovered.