The Scriptwriters Guild of Israel is crazy, fierce and funny in their defence of their rights.  They have nearly 400 members and have led their industry in a whole series of battles (to use their word) for rights, residuals and the very existence of their industry.  They’ve done it with a sense of moral right and a sense of humour.

Theirs is a story I hope to find time to tell in this space.

But not now.

What I can tell you is that they were accepted as full members of the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds this afternoon and it was an excellent moment.

Two of their members have been here with us all week; Chair Leora Kamenetzky and Deputy Chair Amit Leor.  It’s been fun getting to know them.  One of the things I like best is that they have great stories about industrial action but it’s also wonderful to talk craft with them.

In fact, the highlight of these IAWG meetings happens late at night when the discussions about collective agreements, collection societies and jurisdictional problems are over and the writers gather to talk about craft, what they’re writing and what they’re watching. It is incredible how much we all have in common and how much all of us love the work. This is one of the greatest values of the organization and it is a delight that we can welcome a new guild into our midst.