Col. Richard Kemp, a retired British Army Officer and counter-terrorism specialist, has seen his share of combat. On Sunday, Dec. 4, he will share his unique perspective on the Israel Defense Forces’ ethical conduct on the battlefield as the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Kansas City Israel Action Forum. The forum, sponsored by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, will be held from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. The theme of the event is “Israel’s Legacy of Morality.”
Kemp will speak for approximately 30 minutes.
“My intent is to present a fair view of the events,” Kemp said. “Israel is at the forefront of Jihadist attacks, and also propaganda attacks.”
Kemp began a recent telephone interview by giving a little history lesson about what is known as the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. In May 2010, Israel deployed a military operation against six ships that were a part of the flotilla. Organized by the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (widely considered a terrorist organization by a number of bodies — including the Israeli government), the ships were carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials, with the intention of breaking the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the Gaza Strip.
A conflict on one of the boats resulted in the deaths of nine activists and injuries to several people on both sides. Israel was then criticized for using too much force during the conflict.
A United Nations report on the incident also addressed these concerns, while also saying that Israel’s blockade was legal and questioned the true motives of some of the activists on the flotilla. Since then, the Gaza flotilla incident has been used as a tool in anti-Israel campaigns in some parts of the world.
“In my opinion, much of this criticism is totally unfair,” said Kemp. “No country, no army is above being criticized, but whenever Israel is involved, the voices get much louder. The anti-Israel message is spread very effectively.”
As an expert in this area, Kemp was asked to address the United Nations Human Rights Council. He was brought in to provide objective, expert commentary and analysis on the Gaza conflict, the wider issue of Israel’s security — including conflict with Hezbollah — and the Gaza “flotilla” incident.
“Israel is held to a higher standard than other democratic nations,” Kemp said. “Israel conducts itself the same way as other democratic nations who do not receive the same kind of scrutiny. And that doesn’t include countries that don’t have a democratic government, where we see lots of examples of acts that deserve worldwide condemnation.”
Kemp has been complimentary of Israel’s actions throughout Gaza. He reported to the United Nations Security Council that,
“During its operation in Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.”
He went on to say, “In these most difficult circumstances, the IDF commanders took unprecedented measures to minimize civilian casualties. When possible, they left at least four hours’ notice to civilians to leave areas designated for attack, an action that handed a distinct advantage to Hamas.”
Kemp sees the media as an increasingly powerful tool in the war of words to undermine Israel and its interests. However, it is a tool that can be used both ways, to also get the message out of the good work that Israel does.
“There is a campaign going on worldwide to delegitimize Israel, and obviously a lot of the criticism is directed at the Israel military,” Kemp said. “I’m not Jewish and I’m not Israeli. I’m an objective observer. Through my experience working and learning directly from Israeli anti-terrorist specialists I have learned what an important job they do in defense of all of us.”
Kemp has worked for the British Army for 30 years, serving in such hot spots as Northern Ireland, Germany and Afghanistan. Previously Kemp completed a total of 14 active duty tours as a military commander in locations across the world. Working alongside U.S. forces, he took part in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. He commanded British troops in the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia and was counter terrorism adviser to the Macedonian government. He was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his work on the July 2005 London bombings and in Iraq; Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for intelligence work in Northern Ireland; and was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for his action during the Bosnia conflict.
The last four years he has been working for Britain’s prime minister’s office, working in its crisis issues and management division. While he is no longer an active military man, he says he still stays actively involved in a number of international speaking engagements.
“I have been to Boston and New York before, but this will be my first trip to Kansas City and I am looking forward to it,” Kemp said.
AIPAC’s mission is to strengthen the ties between the United States and its ally Israel. As America’s leading pro-Israel lobby, AIPAC works with Democrats, Republicans and Independents to enact public policy that enhances the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Kansas City Israel Action Forum
Col. Richard Kemp will serve as the keynote speaker of AIPAC’s annual event Sunday, Dec. 4, at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Registration begins at 1 p.m. The opening plenary begins at 1:30 p.m. and the event concludes at 5 p.m. Admision is $30 per person, $5 for students. Advance reservations are preferred. To register visit www.aipac.org/kcforum2011 or contact Tali Jubelirer at 312-253-8984 or .