Issue 1001

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Why I had to visit SOAS Ambassador Mark Regev on putting his country’s case to one of Britain’s most anti-Israel campuses Page 16

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BRITAIN’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER 4 May 2017

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8 Iyar 5777

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Issue No.1001

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Ambulance donated to Israel by Jewish News readers attends its 10,000th emergency. Page 8

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Jewish Labour Movement chiefs target Hendon and Finchley seats Bold move to oust communal ally Tories provokes support and anger

By Justin Cohen justinc@thejngroup.com @JewishNewsUK

The Jewish Labour Movement [JLM] chairman’s decision to stand for Parliament against one of the community’s greatest friends sparked both applause and criticism this week.

Hate crime awards Jewish News set to honour heroes on the front line of fight against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia Page 7

Jeremy Newmark [pictured, left] will contest the Finchley and Golders Green seat held by Mike Freer [pictured, right], who won a second term with a majority of more than 5,800 two years ago, while JLM vice-chair Mike Katz will aim to overturn Matthew Offord’s 3,700 majority in Hendon. Both candidates have been at the forefront of tackling cases of anti-Semitism in the party.

While some political opponents condemned the pair for standing at all on a Labour ticket in the wake of the antiSemitism crisis,

Happy 69th to Israel!

The Jewish state turns blue and white as thousands celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut Pages 24-26

communal sources indicated there was “anger” at Newmark’s challenge against one of the most vocal supporters of the community in Parliament, when JLM’s prime function has been to advocate within the party.

There would not be such concern if the former Jewish Leadership Council chief fought a seat elsewhere, they argued.

But Labour peer Lord Mendelsohn defended Newmark’s decision. “I’m encouraged these constituency parties have the sense to select someone closely associated with supporting Israel and fighting anti-Semitism,” he said.

“It’s an important signal about how the party sees its relationship with the community. I hope this will be an increasing part of its future.” He also insisted it was not uncommon for more than one Continued on page 2

CHIEF RABBI AND ARCHBISHOP UNITE IN PRAYER Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby prayed for peace alongside Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis at the Western Wall this week, as part of a Middle East tour. Welby had earlier travelled to Jordan, where he met Iraqi Christian refugees and visited religious sites. See page 4

SHE’S SIMPLY THE FRESS! MasterChef finalist Emma Spitzer reveals the mouth-watering inspiration behind her debut recipe book of hearty, healthy meals Page 27

The distress of fools Our columnist Brendan O’Neill on why Israel outrage is the lowest common denominator Page 18

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

News / General Election 2017 ELECTION BRIEFS

MCDONNELL CROPS OUT SYRIAN FLAGS FROM MAY DAY MARCH May Day activists flew Palestinian flags and sang anti-Israel chants in Trafalgar Square at a rally attended

by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, who also gave a speech.

Photos from the May Day March show the Syrian flag and images of Joseph Stalin have appeared, but social media commentators pointed out that those tweeted by Jeremy Corbyn’s right-hand man had been airbrushed.

Elsewhere, Twitter users posted a video of activists waving Palestinian and Communist flags while chanting: “Labour friends of Israel no more”.

CHAREDI MAYORAL HOPEFUL CAUGHT IN BONDAGE CLAIMS A UKIP mayoral candidate who is also a Charedi father of four has reportedly been using an alter ego on a bondage and sadomasochism website to attract submissive women.

The Daily Mail reports that Shneur Odze, 36, who is in the running to become mayor of Manchester, sought out sexual partners on fetish website Fetlife.com, calling himself “The Right Reverend”.

Odze has previously refused to shake hands with female political opponents on ‘religious grounds’.

LABOUR CANDIDATE CALLED FOR ARMS EMBARGO ON ISRAEL Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Hertsmere called for an arms embargo on Israel during the 2014 war in Gaza.

Fiona Kay Smith, who is looking to unseat Oliver Dowden’s 18,000 majority in the constituency, posted her remarks on Twitter during the conflict three years ago.

Smith wrote: “Call on the UK government to halt the supply of arms to Israel. We must not facilitate war crimes”, alongside a link to an Amnesty International appeal.

Hertsmere is home to the UK’s fastest growing Jewish community, which grew 35 percent between the 2001 and 2011 censuses.

Hertsmere Labour Party has been asked to comment.

Gloves are off as JLM chiefs target Hendon and Finchley Continued from page 1 person with a strong record of support contests a seat with a large Jewish population, he added: “After the election I hope we can feel confident that Finchley and Golders Green will be represented by someone who is a good friend.”

Clive Sheldon QC, a long-time Labour supporter who represented the party against Ken Livingstone at his recent disciplinary hearing, insisted the fact Freer is a good friend to the community “does not mean he should not face proper opposition.

While a number of lifelong Jewish voters are not prepared to support the Labour Party under the current leadership, there are others who will vote for Labour if the right candidate is put forward. For many, Jeremy Newmark is that candidate. He is committed to ensuring that Labour remains a place where mainstream Jews can feel comfortable”.

But former Conservative candidate Jeremy Brier condemned the pair’s decision to stand as “an astonishing act of communal self-harm”, adding: “It is very sad that prominent Jewish activists are fighting great friends of the community like Mike Freer and Matthew Offord and – whether they like it or not – fighting to hand Corbyn and McDonnell power.

While Freer opposed Britain leaving the European Union, Offord supported the Brexit campaign. Both Labour candidates immediately

policy and communications, said: “To Jews who are Labour-leaning, but are struggling with the idea of voting Labour now, I say that we don’t solve this problem by running – in the words we said at Cable Street: we stay, we stand, we fight.

I’m determined to win this fight, and I’ll be even better placed to do that as a Labour MP.” Jewish News and the London Jewish Forum are set to host hustings for both constituencies this month, which will cover issues of specific interest to the community, including faith schools, anti-Semitism and the Middle East, as well as those of national concern such as Brexit, the NHS and the economy.

Mike Katz, inset, left, is taking on Conservative Matthew Offord, right, in Hendon

Prime Minister Theresa May with some chips during campaign stop in Cornwall

said they would oppose what Katz described as a “hard right” deal.

Newmark said: “I am proud to be Labour’s candidate in Finchley and Golders Green for June’s General Election. I will fight against a reckless extreme Tory Brexit and work tirelessly to let local people know that this election is a choice between a Labour Party that will stand up for local people or a Conservative Party that only looks after the privileged few.”

Katz, who works in public

Jewish Labour donor set to fight ‘blinkered’ Corbyn A prominent Jewish Labour donor has pledged to stand against Jeremy Corbyn in the General Election if Corbyn does not stand down.

Michael Foster (pictured) said Labour is facing “annihilation” on 8 June because the “blinkered” leader lacks the attributes required to win.

The challenger also made the accusation that supporting Corbyn’s leadership “means supporting a political strategy that kills people” – linking Tory dominance to waiting times for heart operations.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Foster, who was suspended by the party after launching

a legal bid to oust him, said the results of tomorrow’s local elections should decide Corbyn’s fate.

“If the results are as bad as predicted, then Jeremy should stand down voluntarily and let someone else lead the fight in June,” he said. “If he does not – and I don’t believe he ever would – I would be very happy to fight him and his fellow travellers on the extreme left of the party by standing in his constituency.”

Experts have predicted Labour will suffer heavy losses in today’s council elections.

Foster attacked Corbyn’s “incoherence, weakness and lack of leadership”, and

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But even in the event of an electoral “disaster”, he said, Corbyn would not stand down, relying on activist supporters to beat a no-confidence vote.

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General Election 2017 / News

Farron: ‘I hold Israel dear as a friend’

by Justin Cohen justinc@thejngroup.com @cohenjust

Tim Farron has vowed “muscular intervention” in countering anti-Semitism and to “hold Israel dear as a friend” as he revealed plans to visit the country.

The Liberal Democrat leader spoke exclusively to Jewish News this week as he sought to reach out to “progressives” in the Jewish community disaffected by Labour during a visit to Westminster synagogue.

After sacking David Ward as the party’s candidate in Bradford East over his repeated offensive comments on Jews and Israel last week, Farron said he was “horrified and surprised” when he discovered the former MP had been re-adopted. “If I’d have seen it coming it wouldn’t have happened,” he said.

He insisted he spent the hours after discovering the section exploring whether he could take action, having originally suggested he wouldn’t intervene, adding: “As soon as I found out I was able to act I did.”

It comes six months after another offender of the community Baroness Tonge, another serial offender of the Jewish community, was suspended – and quit the party.

He said: “My record is of swift action. I believe in liberal actions and that sometimes means muscular intervention.”

There had been a “deliberate” effort under his leadership, he said, to promote discourse on Israel and the Palestinians “which is inclusive and doesn’t allow the tip-toeing – in fact galloping – into anti-Semitism we’ve seen under some aspects of Jeremy Corbyn’s support and where we’ve dealt with it in our own party. If you’re a progressive and you’re Jewish the Liberal Democrats are a place you’ll find yourself massively welcome with a leader who is deliberately of the view we need to cherish our relationship with the Jewish community and promote it and defend it.”

He also revealed that he had been due to be in Israel on polling day before Theresa May called a snap election – but still planned to visit this year.

He strongly opposes the campaign for an apology for the Balfour Declaration, saying “we shouldn’t be using it [the upcoming centenary] or allowing others to use it as a way to undermine Israel”. He said: “That there is a state of Israel is something we should celebrate. It doesn’t mean the Israeli government is protected from criticism. We want to hold Israel dear as a friend and support the existence of Israel and its right to protect itself.”

But asked if he’d describe himself as a Zionist, but added: “I think I’ll probably sidestep that. I am, however, someone who believes in a homeland and who believes in the state of Israel. You can describe that how you wish.”

Relations with the party were also strained

Farron acted swiftly against David Ward

after Nick Clegg described Israel’s actions in the last Gaza war as “disproportionate”. Farron said he would defend Israel’s right to defend itself

when attacked but reserved the right to call out the government “when it makes decisions we think are excessive and may actually make the situation worse”. He said many were too quick to condemn Israel’s failures “but very quiet when it comes to the terrorists that attack Israel and acclaim innocent lives”.

Following a focus on his own Christian faith in the early days of the election campaign, he said his “faith makes me stronger. Whether it makes me more electable remains to be seen. Those who belong to faith communities need to be able to utterly respect the fact it’s a secular society. But at the same time not be ashamed of who we are. We are stronger in our diversity, not via assimilation”.

Saying that “nothing makes you more aware of the importance of defending minority rights than being one yourself”, he back the right to practise shechita and circumcision.

He insisted faith schools had been an “advantage” to Britain, added: “I think it’s important we respect diversity and where possible we emphasise the need for integration.”

Turning to Brexit, he warned that leaving the Single Market risked giving the appearance of a country isolated and less attractive to business. He said: “If you make yourself isolated and if the message that goes out – intentionally or otherwise – is that we’re less interested in other communities there’s a danger in particular to minority communities that are already proudly part of British life.”

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

News / Archbishop of Canterbury in Israel

Chief joins Archbishop on stroll around Old City

By Noga Tarnopolsky @ntarnopolsky

Ephraim Mirvis served as something of a guide for his old friend Justin Welby during the first joint visit to Jerusalem of an Archbishop of Canterbury and a Chief Rabbi.

Meeting at the Old City’s Jaffa Gate on Wednesday, the two strolled towards the Jewish Quarter, where Mirvis pointed to the first flat he lived in with his wife, as newlyweds, and described the huge explosion heard when archeologists uncovered Hezekiah’s tunnel, now a gated site teeming with tourists.

“It dates back to the 8thcentury before the Common Era,” the rabbi mentioned, adding that the fact is “ironic, as UNESCO just passed another resolution denying Judaism’s connection to Jerusalem”.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, accompanied by his wife, crossed the border into Israel from Jordan earlier in the day, as part of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land lasting more than a week. According to aides, Welby invited the Chief Rabbi to accompany him on the Jewish segments of his day in Jerusalem.

The two men, whose friendship dates back decades, have an uncommon amount in common: both embarked on their married lives in Israel, both lost a child, and both became leaders of their faiths.

While the Mirvises lived in Jerusalem for the first two years of their marriage, the Welbys honeymooned in Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee, where Christians believe Jesus walked on water. Their tour

‘A SPECIAL SPIRITUAL MOMENT TOGETHER’

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in Yad Vashem’s Hall of Names

He wrote: “No strength of words, no horror of mind, no revenge can adequately reach the depth of human evil here described: neither can good intentions or fine thought replace the lost. But here is the beauty of human remembering set out by a people of learning.”

Mirvis expressed the hope that “our fragile and divided world will indeed achieve peace”, adding: “That will be the ultimate tribute for us to pay to the victims of the Shoah.”

Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site.

Both men were plainly moved by the visit to Yad Vashem. The Archbishop lingered by a slender tree planted in memory of a British soldier, the incongruously named Charles Coward, who rescued hundreds of Jews at Auschwitz, asking many questions about the rescue of Jews in Europe.

Exiting the memorial to children killed in the Holocaust, Welby took time to compose himself before signing the Memorial Book.

includes a private return to the northern lakeside city.

A Jerusalem-based Anglican cleric, who accompanied Mirvis and Welby to the Holocaust memorial at Yad Vashem, described the visit as an “essential part of the Archbishop’s mission of reconciliation.”

In a few hours, Welby visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most important Catholic site in Jerusalem, the Western Wall, Judaism’s most holy site, and the al-Aqsa

Seventy-five years after the wartime establishment of the British Council of Christians and Jews, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis told Jewish News that his unprecedented visit to Jerusalem alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury is symbolic of ever deepening ties between the Jewish and the Anglican communities.

“We spent a very meaningful day together,” he told Jewish News at the Western Wall plaza, having just concluded a joint prayer with the Archbishop. “Through being together in Jerusalem, and having that very special spiritual moment together, we want to send out a message that it is important for people to be in dialogue together, to raise issues – sometimes there are challenging issues, and let’s discuss them as well.”

The world is so fractured, he said, “that we need a lot more harmony and understanding”.

Asked about growing anti-Semitism in the UK, the Chief Rabbi issued a plea to keep it in perspective. “We’re a thriving community,” he said, “we’re developing, more and more Jewish schools, more and more synagogues, a very strong bond with Israel, a lot of Jewish pride. In the midst of that, we are challenged by increasing anti-Semitism. It is a problem and it’s a growing problem, but it’s a problem that should be seen in the overall of a good and healthy situation.”

He said the “warm and friendly relationship” between him and the Archbishop should be seen as “a reflection of congenial ecumenical relations in the UK”.

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5

‘The Boys’ reunion / Sacks TED talk / News

‘The Boys’ help bid Sir Eric goodbye at reunion dinner Sir Eric Pickles fulfilled his final official function as an MP on Monday, addressing nearly 300 people at the annual reunion dinner in London celebrating the Jewish survivor group ‘The Boys’.

Former cabinet minister Pickles, who is also relinquishing his role as chair of Conservative Friends of Israel, has been instrumental as the UK special envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues, and said he could not think of a more appropriate send-off.

The celebration at saw a reunion of 20 of

the original Jewish orphans rescued from countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary in an operation which saw 732 children – mostly boys – brought to the UK in 1945. Some flew over from Canada, the US and Israel especially for the occasion.

The group, who stayed close and became each other’s family, later formed the ’45 Aid Society, to raise money for survivors and teach the lessons of the Holocaust.

Many of their family members – both second and third generation – are now overseeing the running of the group.

New ’45 Aid Society chair Angela Cohen, herself the daughter of one of ‘The Boys,’ voiced concern about the recent rise in anti-Semitic attacks across Europe, saying: “As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, born in the post-war era, I never imagined

that I would be witnessing attacks on Jews here and across Europe… Once again, antiSemitism is alive and kicking.”

Among the evening’s highlights was the emerging story of Toronto-based Elise Stern Gropper, who discovered her father Leib Strulovic (Leo Stern) was one of ‘The Boys’ when she heard a talk by a local survivor who mentioned him.

Gropper then read The Hide and Seek Children by Barbara Barnett, which detailed Stern’s story, and the two women met for the first time at the reunion.

After 25 years in politics, Pickles told the audience forgetting the Holocaust was as bad as denying it, and this had driven his efforts to establish a National Holocaust Memorial and Education Centre in Westminster near Parliament.

Far left: Sir Eric Pickles gives his speech at the meeting and, left, part of the audience who listened to him

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LORD SACKS MAKES HIS TED TALK DEBUT

Former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks has joined the list of modernday luminaries by giving his first TED Talk.

Speaking to an audience in Vancouver, prolific author Sacks began by quoting Thomas Paine, saying: “These are the times that try men’s souls, and they’re trying ours now.”

TED is an online media organisation posting videos of short talks on hot topics ranging from cutting-edge science to the changing moral and political landscape. It gets billions of views.

Sacks, who won the prestigious £1.1million Templeton Prize for “bringing spiritual insight into the public conversation,” spoke about increasing isolationism, with nationalist

policies gathering support across Europe and America.

Addressing the “growing sense of intolerance”, he told the audience: “We need to renew those face-to-face encounters with the people not like us in order to realise that we can disagree strongly and still stay friends.”

Intolerance of others was, he argued, a product of people’s focus on themselves. “When we have too much of the ‘I’ and not enough of the ‘we,’ we find ourselves vulnerable, fearful and alone,” he said. “When you tell the story and your identity is strong, you can welcome the strangers. But when you stop telling the story, your identity gets weak and you feel threatened by the stranger.”

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

News / SOAS University protest

Sparks fly at SOAS over Regev talk Mark Regev told demonstrators his country “is not going anywhere” as he became the first Israeli diplomat to speak at SOAS in 12 years, despite an audible protest outside, writes Emma Yeomans.

The event, organised by SOAS Jewish Society and Model UN Society, drew some 200 protesters, including many who claimed Regev’s presence on campus was an affront to SOAS Student Union’s BDS policy.

More than 1,000 people registered interest in the protest, labelled by organisers Apartheid Off Campus.

Publicity for it described Regev as “the public face of Israeli barbarism”.

Pro-Israel groups staged counter-demonstrations, with one observer noting nearly as many Israeli flags as Palestinian in the crowd, but despite a tense atmosphere the protest did not become violent and police did not separate the two groups.

In the run-up to the event, a letter signed by more than 100 staff called on SOAS to cancel

the event, saying: “We fear that if this provocative event proceeds as planned, it will cause substantial distress and harm to many of our students and staff who are, have been or will be affected by the actions of what a recent UN report refers to as the Israeli ‘apartheid regime’.”

A statement from SOAS Jewish Society said: “Our society has been at the forefront of bringing another dimension to the debate often intimidated off university campuses.

“Hosting the ambassador fits within our guidelines of providing an additional viewpoint that we will be able to challenge throughout the course of the evening.”

A separate statement signed by SOAS student societies including the Palestine Society, Herb Society, Decolonising our Minds and others claimed the event “flies in the face” of SOAS Students Union’s BDS policy. It also suggested “armed embassy staff ” would be policing the event and students would

Protesters vent their feelings over the visit to SOAS last week by Israeli ambassador Mark Regev, pictured left

be made unsafe. They likened the supposed security to “living under military occupation in Palestine”.

However, SOAS and the Jewish Society both put out statements refuting the accusations.

Footage of ‘anti-Semitic hate speech’ emerged from the protests, including a man on video claiming victims of the Holocaust were “cowards”.

SOAS registrar Paula Sanderson said: “There is no place for hate speech on the SOAS campus and freedom of speech does not permit the expression of racist or anti-

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Semitic views.

“We condemn unreservedly the comments that were made by the person shown on the video – he is not a student or staff member at SOAS.” Sol Schlagman, who posted the video, told Jewish News after the event his video “affirmed to me that this conversation isn’t about Israel.

We’ve created a legitimate way in which people can be anti-Semitic.”

During his talk, as protesters could be heard, Regev said: “I would like to tell them a secret. Israel is not going away. Israel is not going anywhere.”

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ical experience then answered questions from the crowd, which varied from dealing with anti-Semitism to questions of border walls and settlements.

He said: “If I’m a provocation, then I apologise. But I think there is a problem that people view Israel through a colonial prism.”

SOAS Jewish Society president Avrahum Sanger said: “I think SOAS did an amazing job handling the protest, which seemed to be very well contained. We really appreciate them standing up for the right of free speech.”

JSOC PRESIDENT, SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL & AFRICAN STUDIES

SOAS is the only higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. It’s designed to grapple with the pressing issues of these regions.

So there should have been no furore around the Jewish Society’s event with Mark Regev.

Such talks aren’t a sign of an institution, “failing to uphold its basic duty of care to staff and students”, as the Palestinian Society claims. It’s a sign of a university doing what it’s embodied to do – providing a platform for free speech, debate and discussion.

In 2015, 20 percent of our student body voted to censor and cut ties to all associated with Israeli academic institutions. However, banning by association contravenes one of the basic tenets of a university, free speech. To form proper conclusions, we need to hear all sides. If you disagree, don’t censor, engage and debate instead.

If it’s ‘dangerous’ to invite people we disagree with, what kind of debate do we aspire to? One must ask oneself, especially when attending a centre for higher education: “Do I care about determining the truth through reasoned discussion and debate or am I only able to tolerate discussions with those agreeable to my viewpoint?”

SOAS academics and staff, particularly Centre for Jewish Studies chair Yair Wallach, have also played their part after suggesting in an email that because “Regev’s talk is likely to be a controversial and fraught affair”, JSoc and the

SOAS UN Society “should reconsider the event”.

Why did he effectively ask us to cancel? Do we actually care about free speech or do we only care about hearing those who agree with us?

Do we reserve the right of free speech at our university only to the likes of Ilan Pappe, who belittles anti-Semitism; Shlomo Sands, who denies the existence of a Jewish people; Thomas Suarez, who gave an anti-Semitic lecture, and homophobic preacher Haitham al Haddad, who supports female genital mutilation?

This is double standards. We should pride ourselves on free speech for all, not selective hate speech. Engaging in debate with people you disagree with isn’t ‘sponsoring’ their views, it’s an opportunity for us all to broaden our minds to dimensions of a discussion often ignored.

Societies that wish to bring controversial speakers shouldn’t be dissuaded from hosting events. They should be encouraged, because it allows students to challenge both the speakers and their own conceptions and arrive at independent conclusions.

We have had to respond to breaches in confidentiality by either management or the student union. Before approval had even been received for this event, the Palestinian Society released a statement and wrote to the university demanding censorship.

The university and the student union should provide greater support to students and societies, not attempt to dissuade and sabotage them.

How about those that show solidarity with far more controversial speakers and events on campus listen to and question those with differing views instead of trying to silence them?

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

7

Hate Crime Awards 2017 / News

AWARDING THOSE WHO SET EXAMPLE

BY RICHARD BENSON PRESIDENT, TELL MAMA, BOARD MEMBER, CST

Many victims of hate crimes have told me that while being targeted for a part of their identity is upsetting and shocking, the real pain is caused when members of the public who could have intervened to stop the abuse simply walked by and did nothing.

Take, for example, the case of Fatima, a 21-year-old who was abused on the bus by a man twice her age. The anti-Muslim abuse continued for more than 15 minutes with people listening to it and no one even intervening to ask how this young woman was.

This case is virtually identical to incidents that have taken place against young Jews travelling on public transport and against people with disabilities, those from LGBT communities and from trans communities.

Simply put, people who could have challenged hatred,

intolerance and prejudice through a number of ways simply failed to do anything, leaving the victim feeling more vulnerable and ostracised.

Last year, Faith Matters launched the #No2H8 Crime Awards and this year I was appointed to head and chair these national awards, which will honour those volunteers, individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to support victims of hate crimes and those who challenge hatred where they come across it.

We are proud to have the Jewish News as our media partners in the 2017 #No2H8 Crime Awards.

These awards mark out the remarkable spirit that is unique to our country. It is something that will be celebrated on the night.

Nominations can be made by any member of the public through the awards’ website.  Make your nomination at hatecrimeawards.org

Jewish News to honour heroes on front line of hate crime fight A national initiative honouring individuals tackling hate crime is launched today, with the support of Jewish News.

The #No2H8 awards will recognise individuals and organisations battling antiSemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia and other forms of hate-fuelled incidents and will culminate in a glittering awards ceremony in central London in October.

The awards – conceived by Faith Matters – are held with the support of partners including the Community Security Trust (CST), Tell MAMA, GALOP, Stop Hate UK and Stonewall. The initiative, now in its second year, is chaired by former CST chief executive Richard Benson.

“It is time to celebrate the enormous capacity for good that sits within our country and which ensures our collective continuing resilience against hatred, racism and intolerance,” said Faith Matters founder Fiyaz Mughal.

“We have been through some very difficult times in our country, from Islamist extremism which has taken lives and led to hate crimes against other law abiding Muslims, to anti-Semitism. We want to honour those who stand up and do the right thing to stop hatred and intolerance.”

From the nominations received,

Vile graffiti daubed outside a mosque in Worcestershire

it will be down to an expert judging panel to decide the recipients of awards in 10 categories including young, community enforcement and parliamentarian upstander as well as community volunteer.

A special Jo Cox Award will also be presented on the night in honour of the late MP’s vision and values.

The judges will include Rabbi Baroness Neuberger, the former chief executive of the King’s Fund; Lord Carlile, independent

When Natalia was born, her parents decided to make a will to protect her future.

When something changes in your life, it’s time to change someone else’s too.

reviewer of terror legislation and PREVENT; Canon Mark Oakley, Canon Chancellor at St Paul’s Cathedral; and chief executive of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Nazir Afzal.

Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer – who will also join the panel along with Benson and Mughal – said: “It’s a huge honour to be working with such a group of highly-respected organisations battling hatred and intolerance across our country.”

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

News / JN ambulance landmark

Our ambulance answers 10,000th call An ambulance donated to Israeli medics by Jewish News readers in 2010 has been called to more than 10,000 emergencies since it entered service.

Together with members of Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue, Jewish News readers raised enough money to buy the ambulance and donate it to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national ambulance, blood-services and disasterrelief organisation.

Based in Bat Hefer, the ambu-

lance has attended 10,733 calls, including almost 8,000 adult emergencies and more than 600 child emergencies. The vehicle and crew have also helped more than 100 women to give birth.

MDA’s fundraising director Yonatan Yagodovsky marked the achievements with a message of gratitude to British Jews.

He said: “We thank you for your ongoing support to MDA in Israel in helping us to keep our mission.”

MDA-UK chief executive Daniel Burger also added his thanks.

“I remain extremely grateful to the readers of Jewish News for their generosity in helping to fund

Life-saver and friend in need – the JN ambulance at Bat Hefer. Left, how JN reported the fundraising drive

this Mobile Intensive Care Unit,” he said. “They are responsible for the saving of many lives since the vehicle entered service.

“What makes it even more special is that Bat Hefer, the MDA station where the vehicle is based,

is also funded by British philanthropy.”

Jewish News news editor Justin Cohen said: “It’s incredible to look back now and think the money we all raised has helped to save thousands of people.

“We’re so pleased to hear that the ambulance has been crucial in doing so. It’s certainly a legacy our readers and the shul can be extremely proud of, as it shows Anglo-Jewry at its best.”

• Editorial comment, page 14

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4 May 2017 Jewish News

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

News / UN vote criticised / News briefs

LORDS BLAME ISRAEL FOR PEACE STALEMATE

A House of Lords committee advising the Government on foreign policy has blamed the stalled peace process on the “politics and policies of Israel” and told ministers not to go along with Donald Trump’s “peace-negating” approach to the conflict.

In a report published this week, called The Middle East: Time for New Realism, peers warned that the new US president “mercurial and unpredictable nature” of policy-making should not affect the UK’s position. Members of House of Lords International Relations Committee (IRC) wrote: “The politics and policies of Israel diminish the possibilities of peace, specifically the rapid expansion of settlements.”

They said that settlement-expansion was due to the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu and noted a new bill in February to “allow the expropriation of privately owned Palestinian land”.

Noting Trump’s promise to relocate the US embassy to Jerusalem, and his choice of a pro-settlement ambassador, they warned of diverging UK-US interests, since Trump abandoned the commitment to a two-state solution.

UNESCO’s Jerusalem vote is dismissed as ‘shameful’ Jewish representatives and Israel advocates have strongly criticised a “shameful” protest vote against Israeli action in Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

In the UK, Jewish groups thanked the Government for voting against the motion, put forward on Tuesday, which proponents said was “aimed at safeguarding the cultural heritage of Palestine and the distinctive character of East Jerusalem”.

It was approved by 22 votes to 10, with 26 abstentions and absences.

The motion said Israeli action in Jerusalem had “altered the character and status of the Holy City” and was therefore “null and void,” prompting protests from Jewish groups around the world.

Board of Deputies president Jonathan Arkush said it was “another unacceptable UNESCO resolution on Jerusalem,” adding: “Against all historical evidence, it seeks to deny or diminish the central connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Judaism since the time of the Bible.”

Some Arab states claim Israel has “altered the character” of the holy city

He added: “By voting against the resolution, the UK Government has recognised the UNESCO resolution as one-sided and inflammatory.

Britain’s Jewish community and all fair-minded people will support the UK’s principled stance.”

Conservative Friends of Israel chair Sir Eric Pickles said the vote, which took place on Israel’s Independence Day, indicated a rejection of Israeli sovereignty in any part of Jerusalem, and thanked the British government for voting against it.

A UK government spokesperson said: “While we agreed with many points in the Culture resolution, we could not vote in favour of a text that ignored terrorism. We have seen repeated inflammatory and unacceptable UNESCO resolutions on Jerusalem which seek to deny the Jewish people’s connection to Jerusalem.”

The resolution was put forward

by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan. European countries including Italy and Germany voted against the motion.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

MSP REFUSES TO DEBATE WITH ISRAEL SUPPORTERS The Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Palestine has condemned as “astonishing” the conduct of its treasurer, who refused to debate anti-Semitism with “Zionist organisations”. The pro-Palestine group rounded on Philip Chetwynd after he was accused of calling Zionist representatives “ideological terrorists”. Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament Jackson Carlaw tabled a motion calling Chetwynd’s comments as “potentially anti-Semitic”.

BEATEN BOUATTIA CALLS FOR A ‘FREE, FREE PALESTINE’ Outgoing student leader Malia Bouattia was given a standing ovation after she signed off her leaving speech by shouting: “Free, free Palestine.” The controversial president of the National Union of Students, who lost her bid for reelection last week made a farewell speech in which she championed her support for Palestinian rights.

The JLC’s Simon Johnson tweeted: “What diplomacy! I wish her a happy retirement.”

4 May 2017 Jewish News

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Stem cell donor / Raymond Goldman mourned / News

Stem cell donor asks ‘I wanted to give a critically-ill others to follow lead patient his best chance of life’ A stem cell donor has spoken of the “tiny price to pay to save someone’s life” and is urging others to join the Anthony Nolan register.

David Gould, 24, from Hendon, heard of the charity, which helps patients with blood cancer, during a drive to help fellow Leeds University student Alex Samuels find a bone marrow match.

Samuels was diagnosed with Anaplastic Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2011, and while Gould was unable to help then, he stayed on the register and six years later received a text to say he was a potential match for someone else.

According to the charity, those on the register have a one in 790 chance of being asked to donate, but this varies according to age and gender.

“I had forgotten about it and it never crossed my mind I might one day be a match,” said Gould, who is originally from Manchester. After tests, he was told there was a one in four chance of him being able

to help an anonymous male patient and last month was confirmed as a match.

After four days of injections to prompt his body to produce more stem cells, Gould spent five hours on Monday hooked up to a machine that extracted blood from his left arm and returned it to his right. In between, the blood was filtered and centrifuged to extract the stem cells.

Supported by his mother and girlfriend, the Transport for London mechanical engineer admitted he was nervous but said he was “relatively comfortable” in hospital.

He added: “This is not the same as donating bone marrow, which is a major procedure. It’s just a few days of injections, which at worst leave you with flu-like symptoms but nothing more.

“It seems incredible a process so simple and with such a tiny price to pay can save someone’s life. I feel really privileged to have been able to do this and would urge others to sign up.”

BY DAVID GOULD STEM CELL DONOR

I joined the Anthony Nolan stem cell register in my first few weeks at Leeds University. I thought nothing of it until two months ago when, on a lunch break at work, I checked my phone and saw I’d missed call and a text saying: “URGENT! We are trying to contact David…”.

I joined the Anthony Nolan register when a friend and fellow Jewish Society member at the University of Leeds was diagnosed with Anaplastic Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and needed a life-saving stem cell transplant. Although my friend Alex successfully had his own stem cells transplanted back into him – making a full recovery – I, and many of my friends, remained on the register.

On the phone to Anthony Nolan, I had many many questions: What does it involve?

How long would I need off work? Who was the patient and what were their survival chances? As soon as I understood that there would be absolutely no long-term impact on me, yet I was going to be giving a critically-ill patient his best chance of life, I knew deep down I had to go ahead with it.

REFORM’S GOLDMAN DIES AT 87 Reform leaders have paid tribute to a “major figure” in the development of Reform Judaism in the UK who passed away in Israel, aged 87.

Raymond Goldman, who was Reform’s first executive director, was described as “instrumental” in the movement’s set-up in Britain almost 60 years ago, even relinquishing the directorship of a family business to do so.

He was connected with Alyth since childhood.

His parents were members and he later taught at the school and chaired the Alyth Jewish Fellowship, before serving as vice-chair and chair.

Reform leaders said he was “heavily involved” in establishing the precursor to today’s youth movement RSY-Netzer, where he met his wife Joy. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he dedicated much of his time to Finchley Reform Synagogue and the fledging movement, then called Reform Synagogues of Great Britain

(RSGB).

Travelling the country, he said his ambition was “to make RSGB articulate to its membership and build a movement of committed Jews” and see it “playing the full influential role which was its right in Anglo-Jewry”.

This week, colleagues said his success came from “his ability to work with the hundreds of different council members and synagogue representatives” and paid tribute to his “patience and tact”.

Senior Reform Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner said she recalled “his drive for excellence, learning and achievements”, his “outstanding professionalism” and “deep voice resounding through our conferences and services”.

David Jacobs, a former Reform director and lifelong friend, said: “This marks the passing of a generation and the end of an era. Raymond served with an absolute dedication.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

PRESENTER SORRY FOR NAZI TATTOO COMPARISON

WHITEHALL SUSPECT WENT TO GAZA ON AID FLOTILLA

MOURNERS PAY RESPECTS TO JFS SIXTH-FORM PUPIL

Presenter Janet Street-Porter apologised on Loose Women after appearing to compare micro-chipping children for their own safety to the Nazis tattooing Jewish people. She said: “During the last world war, Jews had triangles and had tattoos put on them and it was just absolutely offensive.”

She later said: ““All right, I’m not comparing it and I apologise if I’ve offended people for that.”

The man arrested carrying a knapsack full of knives near 10 Downing Street was a passenger on the Mavi Marmara when it was raided by Israeli soldiers in 2010. The suspect arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist act was identified as Khalid Omar Ali, 27, from London. Reuters reported that Ali was on the Mavi Marmara, as well as other aid flotillas to the Gaza Strip.

Mourners have attended Bushey Cemetery to pay their respects to Joel Ingram, a JFS sixth-former from Mill Hill whose sudden death shocked the community. The family belongs to Mill Hill Synagogue. A shul spokesperson said: “The funeral took place with lots of people present. A eulogy was read for Joel.”

The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service has been working with JFS to support the students.

David Gould smiles in hospital

I arranged to go to the Anthony Nolan offices the next day to give blood samples to confirm if I was the best match.

At this point I knew the chances of me being a match and the procedure going ahead were approximately one-in-four.

For a few weeks it slipped to the back of my mind but then I received a letter confirming me as the best match, shortly followed by a phone call giving the date of my stem cell donation.

Anthony Nolan was amazing –

arranging absolutely everything and even managing to answer the concerns of an anxious Jewish mother.

They visited during donation as well as arranging for a companion to travel and stay in London to support me. Work were very supportive, too, enabling me to take time off and work flexibly so my donation could go ahead.

There are many false myths surrounding stem cell donation. My donation was simple, comfortable and straightforward. For the four days before donation, I received G-CSF injections.

This naturally-occurring stimulant makes the bones create more stem cells and release them into the bloodstream.

This was perhaps the hardest part of the donation process as my bones ached a little and I felt as if I had flu.

On the day of donation, I was hooked up to a large machine for around four hours, which took blood out of my left arm, removed the extra stem cells and put my blood back into my right arm.

During the procedure, I was awake and chatting and busy on my phone and laptop. Following the procedure, my aches had totally gone.

I was tired but pain-free and happy.

The workshops proved invaluable to me

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

World News / Terrorists rebrand / French election /IVF cancer link

Hamas charter revision dismissed as ‘PR stunt’ Jewish representatives in the UK have said tweaks to the Hamas charter are “nothing more than a PR stunt” after the terror group said: “We don’t hate the Jews.”

It comes after the Gazabased terror group revised its 1988 charter to say they would be open to the possibility of a settlement with Israel based on the 1967 borders, arguing that this would then “connect” with the world.

Hamas leaders took the opportunity to redraft the charter’s anti-Semitic wording, which articulated “a struggle against the Jews”. This has now been changed to describe their fight against “occupying Zionist aggressors”.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said: “The document gives us a chance to connect with the outside world.

To the world, our message is: Hamas is not radical. We are a pragmatic and civilised movement. We do not hate the Jews. We only fight [those] who occupy our lands and kill our people.”

The Gaza Strip terror group has softened its language

Israeli officials dismissed the changes as cosmetic, rather than substantive, while in the UK, Board of Deputies’ senior vice-president Richard Verber said it was “nothing more than a PR stunt aimed at detoxifying its image abroad”.

He added: “It does nothing to rid Hamas of its inherent anti-Semitism. The group continues to refuse to recognise the right of the Jewish people to national self-determination and its charter, which calls for the murder of Jews, remains in place.”

He said Hamas still had, as its ultimate goal, “the destruction of the world’s only Jewish State,” and urge journalists “to avoid handing a propaganda victory to what is still a terror organisation”.

Dr Ido Zelkovitz, a research fellow at Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, said the redrafting was prompted in part by infighting between the political and military wings of Hamas, as well as “inter-generational” factors.

“When phrasing the new document, Hamas took into

account the limitations of the Islamist rhetoric and the weariness it invokes among the Palestinian public and the Arab world,” he said.

“Hamas had to use a more moderate language, in order to get closer to Egypt that serves as its main external gate to the world. Hamas is also seeking a path to join the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), as a first step towards assuming the leadership of the Palestinian national movement.”

The charter tweaks came just days before Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, amid continuing tensions over the hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

The hunger strike ringleader, convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti, is thought to be the only Palestinian leader capable of agreeing a peace deal with Israel encompassing both Gaza and the West Bank, as he is well-respected by both Fatah and Hamas.

LE PEN AT MARSEILLE SHOAH MEMORIAL Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate in the French presidential elections, visited a Holocaust memorial in Marseille days after news that her choice for interim party head had denied aspects of the Holocaust.

Le Pen laid a wreath at a memorial in Marseille to French victims. It was erected in memory of 30 Jewish women and children rounded up by the Gestapo in 1943.

The French government in 1954 dedicated the last Sunday

in April as “National Day of Remembrance of the Victims and Heroes of Deportation.”

There was no media present at Le Pen’s wreath-laying. A campaign worker later tweeted a picture of the ceremony.

Last month, Le Pen came under fire for saying that her country is not responsible for the deportation of thousands of Jews to death camps in 1942.

“In very general terms indeed, if anyone is responsible, then it is those in power at the time, not France as such.

IVF or ovulation induction (OI) treatment.

In findings published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, they state IVF babies were almost three times more likely to go on to develop paediatric cancer and tumours, with OI babies twice as likely.

Illnesses included leukaemia, brain and spinal cord tumours, neuroblas-

Israel stands silent for its 23,544 fallen Israelis across the country stood to attention on Sunday for a minute-long siren to mark the start-Yom HaZikaron, or Memorial Day. During the day Israel remembered the 23,544 men and women who have died defending the State of Israel and its pre-state Jewish population since the start of the Zionist movement in 1860.

The event also recalls the 3,117 terror victims who have been killed in the same time period.

Some 97 Israelis have been added to the count since last Memorial Day, including 37 disabled Israelis who have died of their injuries.

In a Memorial Day eve service at the Western Wall, a torch was lit by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and the widow of Haggai Ben-Ari, flanked by two of her three young children, who succumbed in January to his injuries sustained during the 2014 Gaza war.

He had been in a coma for more than two years and died at the age of 31.

“We know that there is a price to be paid for our existence here, for our liberty. There is a price, and we, in awe and terror, are willing to pay that price,” President Rivlin told those in attendance at the ceremony.

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

Your weekly digest of stories from the international press...

UNITED STATES

Marine Le Pen at the Holocaust memorial in Marseille

It wasn’t France,” she said.

Jean-François Jalkh, who took Marine Le Pen’s place at the helm of the National Front Party last week, was replaced two days after his appoint-

ment, after an interview from 2000 with the Le Monde daily newspaper surfaced in which he was quoted as questioning the use of the Zyklon B poison

by Nazis during the Holocaust.

Israeli study shows IVF babies cancer link Scientists in Israel who studied the health of more than 242,000 babies over 18 years have found those born after fertility treatment are more likely to contract cancer in their early years.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) working at the Soroka University Medical Centre in Beersheba studied Israeli children born to mothers who had had

A solider observes a minute’s silence on Yom HaZikaron

tomas, Wilms tumours and lymphoma, including both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin.

“The research concludes that the association between IVF and total paediatric neoplasms and malignancies is significant,” said Professor Eyal Sheiner, dean of BGU’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

“With increasing numbers of offspring conceived after fertility treatments, it’s impor-

tant to follow up on health.”

During studies during the follow-up period, scientists from BGU and the Israeli Health Ministry found the incidence rate for neoplasms was highest among children either after IVF, accounting for 1.5 in every 1,000, while for OI births it was one in 1,000.

By comparison, the rate for naturally conceived children was 0.59 in every 1,000.

American terror victim Ezra Schwartz has been posthumously inducted into the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi at Rutgers University.

Schwartz was 18 when he was killed in a West Bank attack in November 2015. “He could have been sitting here, he could have been your room-mate” his father said at the ceremony.

NORTH KOREA

Officials in Pyongyang have turned their attention to Israel, threatening a ‘merciless, thousand-fold punishment,’

after Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Kim Jong-un a ‘madman.’ The dictator’s henchmen said the remarks were ‘sordid, wicked and a grave challenge’ before vowing vengeance.

NETHERLANDS

The first Dutch Jewish military wedding since the Holocaust has been held in Amsterdam.

Chaim Benistant, dressed in uniform complete with sword, wed Nancy Koster on Sunday, in a ceremony conducted by the Jewish chaplain. The pair then walked under a Navy sabre arch performed by Marines.

This mother and daughter pictured at an Emunah Day Care Centre south of Tel Aviv were among the 8.6 million people in Israel celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Emunah is one of the largest welfare providers caring for 12,000 children and their families.

4 May 2017 Jewish News

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13

Jewish News meets... Dona Haj / News

Matchmaker to start-ups that need a helping hand Stephen Oryszczuk meets the Arab-Israeli helping British companies find commercial common ground with Israeli innovators

D

ona Haj is a business matchmaker with a long list of shidduchs to her name. As part of the British Embassy’s UK Israel Tech Hub, she has spent the past few years making matches from Tel Aviv. But late last year, the Hub expanded. Welcome to London’s new shadchan.

Before arriving, Haj led the Hub’s work the Arab sector, helping Israeli-Arab start-ups go global with British firms. An Arab Israeli herself, she retains a keen interest, having begun her career by helping entrepreneurs and small businesses in Nazareth take off.

The Hub – started in 2011 by then-ambassador Matthew Gould – aims to give British companies a “competitive edge” by accessing Israeli technology. Hubbers work out what UK firms need, then “scout” Israeli start-ups that can help.

Sectors include banking, retail, healthcare, insurance and pharmaceuticals, and examples of matches abound: British drugs giant GSK got smoochy with Technion University; bank RBS got down and dirty with Tel Aviv innovation centre The Floor; and Oxford University Press found love in an Israeli start-up able to digitise its publications in a more engaging way. Macho British innovators, such as Dyson, just can’t get enough of their petite Israeli peers.

It’s not just firms that want in on the action, says Haj. UK Government agencies are also interested, and want the Hub’s help in fields such as cybersecurity. Why? “A lot of factors went into creating a [cybersecurity] success story like Israel,” she says.

“For example, how the government intervened, how the chief scientist intervened, how the academics helped, how they scaled up companies in this sector. That’s why they come: to see how they can duplicate the model.”

She’s just back from taking a delegation of

UK-based auto manufacturers to Israel, where they toured tech hubs, visited companies such as Mobileye (just sold to Intel for $15 billion) and saw the sights. Who pays for all this? It’s partfunded by private donors, she says, but won’t tell me who. She also won’t tell me what the Hub’s financial key performance indicator is either.

Likewise, she’s cagey on her age and status, but does, eventually, tell me she’s “over 30” and a Muslim Arab, but that she’s not religious. She finally discards the corporate speak, telling me how she grew up in an Arab town near Acre, worked with Tsofen in Nazareth, helped get Arab-Israeli women into high tech, and how she is passionate about overcoming the challenges the Arab sector faces.

“If I’m an Arab entrepreneur, even though I’m in the start-up nation, I don’t have connections, I don’t have the access,” she says.

Because Israeli Arabs don’t serve in the IDF, they lose out on the networking this gives.

“Besides this, most Arab towns are not near Tel Aviv, where everything’s happening.

Most can’t access tech firms, or foreigners who invest in start-ups. Most don’t have uncles or cousins already in tech. That’s why there’s this disconnection. Also, Israelis travel; they spend time in Europe or America then come back and start a company. But for Israeli Arabs, their international experience is very limited.”

This makes her unusual, she says. “You don’t see many Arab girls living abroad. My background was different to that of my Jewish friends – my education, environment, values, opportunities… When you’re born an Arab Israeli, it’s an amazing culture, but there are also challenges. That’s why we’re here. We want to help them accelerate this talent.”

When the Hub brings Israeli-Arab entrepreneurs to the UK, it’s usually their first time abroad, certainly in a major Western city. Most don’t know how to navigate a modern city, and many get lost. It’s a steep learning curve.

The British companies choosing which Israeli partner (Arab or Jewish), to smoothtalk are “colour-blind,” she says. The patter’s working; more than 80 partnerships worth £600 million equate to dozens of notches on the Hub’s bedposts.

And what of Haj? She’s in love – with the Brits!

“It wasn’t easy, I had a good life in Israel, but I love it here. They’re open to doing stuff.

The British are dreamers and doers. For me, this is the best environment.”

❝

BRITS ARE DREAMERS AND DOERS. ISRAELIS ARE INNOVATORS

Founders & Coders opened its first international branch in partnership with the UK Israel Tech Hub

My pipe dream is now a credible business

Suzanne knew what she loved to do, but didn’t know if she could turn her hobby into a business.

She met the business advisers at Work Avenue and now is balancing a successful business together with looking after her family.

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Editorial comment and letters 1001

VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS

10,000 pats on the back Occasionally, everyone deserves a thank you. This week that pat on the back goes to Jewish News readers and members of Cockfosters and New Southgate Synagogue, who raised enough money for an Israeli ambulance in 2010. This week, as the Jewish state celebrated its 69th birthday, we were told of its incredible landmark: clocking up more than 10,000 emergency call-outs.

It was a proud moment, when ordinary London Jews scraped together what they could for a life-saving present for Magen David Adom.

We give in all manner of ways to all manner of causes, but there can be few better forms of support to Israel than to buy an emergency ambulance for the country’s medics, who deal with everything from terror attacks to early pregnancies. Of course, vehicles get old and technology advances, but the gesture of friendship shown by London’s Jewish community towards the grateful residents of Bat Hefer lives on much longer.

That your fundraising efforts helped save lives in turn gives us strength, as we remember the wisdom of ages: Whoever saves one life, saves the entire world.

Happy birthday, Israel!

The state of Israel didn’t have an easy birth. Founded with just half-a-million Jews, the country doubled its population within three years by absorbing survivors of the Shoah and Jews fleeing persecution in the Arab world.

Inequality exists, between Jews and Arabs, rich and poor, new and old immigrants. And peace has only been made with two of Israel’s Arab neighbours.

But, at the tender age of 69, the state remains very much a work in progress.

Issues of identity, security and territory remain hotly disputed – not just

by Israelis, but by a diaspora that also has a profound stake in the future of the Jewish state. Happy birthday, Israel!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send us your comments

PO Box 34296, London NW5 1YW | letters@thejngroup.com

ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY Flo Kaufmann’s disparaging comments on my article on the role of women (Jewish News, 13 April) did not contain a single argument on the subject itself.

All she does is to question my research on the issue, accuse me of writing “drivel”, emphasise the “educated, capable” credentials of United Synagogue ladies (something I have never doubted for a moment) , and tell me I belong “back in the 18th century”. Hardly intelligent observations.

Mrs Kaufmann expresses the curious objection I am not an elected spokesman for the United Synagogue. To the extent this has any relevance, I would say as a lifelong member and lay officiant of that organisation, who served for many years on a synagogue board, as its representative on the Board of Deputies and on the US Council, I think I am as eligible as anyone could be to express an informed

Sketches & kvetches

Andrew Sherwood 020 7692 6949 andrews@thejngroup.com

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Shabbat goes out Saturday night 9.33pm

BADDIEL’S ONE RULE FOR ANTI-SEMITISM AT CHELSEA, ANOTHER FOR TOTTENHAM supporters at a home game. Yet he could not wait to go on national TV to condemn Tottenham supporters for using the “Y” word.

If not for the “semite” investment by Mr. Abramovitch, Chelsea would be a mid-table club.

Russell Ballen By email

CHANGE, OR AM I JUST AN ETERNAL OPTIMIST?

THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT TIMES...

Shabbat comes in Friday night 8.15pm

Brian Gordon Barnet

Where is the reaction from Chelsea supporting David Baddiel, who recently proclaimed his strong dislike for anti-Semitism, to the story about the video showing vile Chelsea fans singing an antiSemitic song? Presumably he is in the same place when he admitted doing nothing about anti-Semitic comments by Chelsea

CONTACT DETAILS Publisher and Editor Richard Ferrer richardf@thejngroup.com

view regarding the policies the US pursues.

However, what is Mrs Kaufmann’s problem?

She wants more rabbis to enter “into dialogue” with women so some of the issues “would be resolved” . Precisely what issues? I challenge her to cite two examples of things she would like to US Women’s Annual be able to do within the Dinner 2015 US “within halacha” (to quote her words) which she is currently unable to do.

Sedra: A charei-Mot / Kedoshim

Printed in England: West Ferry Printers Limited Published by: The Jewish News & Media Group. www.thejngroup. com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of advertising without prior permission in writing from the editor. Registered as a newspaper by Royal Mail. The Jewish News reserves the right to make any alterations necessary to conform to the style and standards of The Jewish News and does not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all – although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers. Further it does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy Member of in the publication of an advertisement. Signatures of both parties involved are sometimes required in the case of Audit Bureau some announcements. An order for an advertisement shall amount to an acceptance of the above conditions. Hotels, products and restaurants which are not supervised are marked with an [N]. The Jewish News reserves the right to edit of Circulations letters for size and content without prior consent. Submission of letters is no guarantee of publication.

“No, he’s not standing for election – he’s my grandson. I’m just going door to door to show everyone what a nosh he is!”

All in last week’s Jewish News: Liberal Democrats finally put ‘unfit’ David Ward to the sword; Jewish students heartened by Bouattia NUS election defeat; Khan tells hate crime meeting Livingstone

must go.

Do I detect a sea change in attitudes towards antiSemitism or is it just the eternal optimist in me?

Barry Borman Edgware

Photo by United Synagogue

ISSUE NO.

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

15

Editorial comment and letters

Survivors’ asset limits raised Following your story on Shoah survivors receiving more money for increasing needs, readers might be interested to know that, acting on behalf of the UK Umbrella Group (Agudas Israel Community Services, Bikur Cholim, Jewish Care (Shalvata) and North London Bikur Cholim), the AJR disbursed homecare assistance to some 350 people and made hundreds of emergency assistance awards to Holocaust survivors and refugees last year.

The group has now raised the asset limit for eligibility from the previous £50,000 to £328,000 (disregarding home and car) and income of less than £16,000 (disregarding pensions).

To qualify, a person must also be verified by the Claims Conference as a Jewish victim of Nazi oppression.

For details, contact any agency in the group or the AJR on 020 8385 3070.

Michael Newman Chief executive, The Association of Jewish Refugees

THANKS CLIVE & MONTY May I take this opportuI want to mention Clive Garsin nity to congratulate Jewish who back in 1993 started ShaNews on its 1,000th issue. lom. It evolved into London lom th ISSUE , 1,000 It truly is a magnificent Jewish News in 1997 but if it achievement and I extend It’s Zionara at last! wasn’t for Clive and his father, sincerest mazeltov to all the Monty, there is a possibility staff who help produce this we wouldn’t be toasting the excellent publication. success of Jewish News. So I thought Richard Ferrer’s article ‘A thank you Clive and all who worked Grand Occasion’ was good but it was on Shalom, London Jewish News and a mistake to thank various colleagues Jewish News. and predecessors by name as it was Laurence Stein inevitable some would be forgotten.

NW4 EE

A light in the dark part in

FR

Survivors take emotional havdallah ceremony for March of the Living See page 12

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Bouattia loses election on same Anti-Israel NUS leader Malia Dems for ‘anti-Semitic’ views Lib day David Ward is sacked by of the International about Bir- union’s adoption Alliance Bouattia, whose past comments to depose Holocaust Remembrance being a ‘Zionist outpost” British students voted and Malia mingham University from definition of anti-Semitism anti-Zionist student leader electo an unprecedented protest – the same last year led Jewish candidate Izzy Lenga’s Bouattia on Wednesday across the country, had her finally Jewish societies tion as NUS vice-president. day the Liberal Democrats shattered after rival ShaMP re-election dreams Meanwhile Ward was “fired” of votes. She sacked “anti-Semitic” former the kira Martin scooped the majority election. soon after being selected as David Ward ahead of the to Bouattia’s 272. A UJS for the conpresi- claimed 402 votes with Lib Dem candidate The National Union of Student said: “After Shakira’s work for Brad- spokesperson stituency he represented from dent and would-be candidate a trip to Poland ahead of marching UJS, which included 2010-15, with party leader Day, we look forward to ford East both received their “unfit other, after Holocaust Memorial of Farron saying Ward was orders within hours of each continue to prioritise the welfare to represent the party”. in the morning, seeing her students voted in Brighton among all students.” page 4 sacked Jewish students the national  Full story and Lib Dem leader Tim Farron Jewish students also hailed Ward on Wednesday afternoon.

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ISRAEL DESERVES TO BE RECOGNISED WITH A ROYAL VISIT J D Milaric (Letters, 4 June) is right about a Royal visit to Israel. In international matters, you can’t always choose your associates based on their democratic practices.

We fought along with the tyrannical USSR in the Second World War, despite the earlier loathsome pact with the Nazis.

Now, in fighting terrorism, we have no choice but to be friends with Saudi Arabia, one of the most repressive regimes around where, regardless of its bad human rights and treatment of women, the Prince of Wales has danced with its warriors while waving a sword.

Notwithstanding the longfestering Israel-Palestine dispute, it truly is time to recognise the equally long overdue acknowledgement of Israel with both a prime ministerial and State royal visit.

Barry Hyman Bushey Heath

TALK ART. WATCH ART.

ARTISTS UNDER HITLER A discussion and film on art and politics in the Weimar

Tuesday 9 May from 6.30pm at Belsize Square Synagogue

STUDY HERE? FORGET IT As an Israeli university graduate who later worked in higher education in Israel and the UK, I found your article on the fall in Israelis studying in the UK interesting. Rather than mourning the lack of Israelis studying here, I find it surprising any do.

Apart from the hateful boycotts, and the prevalent atmosphere of outright anti-Semitism, the academic advantages of studying in the UK are non-existent. Israeli higher education is of a superior level. UK univer-

sities charge higher fees, are financially strapped, and cannot afford the excellent tutorials available to Israeli students. Basic housing is expensive and the cost of living is prohibitive.

Britain’s ambassador to Israel is keen to promote good relations between the two countries, but this is not a viable solution. Israeli universities have excellent programmes tailored for overseas students.

A W Kaye Stamford Hill

Tune into this Friday’s Jewish Views podcast!

• As Israel marked Yom Ha’atzmaut, we ask the chairman of the Zionist Federation what the celebration means to British Jews.

• Author Julian Furman discusses his new book This is How We Talk, about a young Israeli couple with relationship issues.

HOW TO LISTEN...

PODCAST: Fridays iTUNES ‘The Jewish Views’ MW RADIO: Sundays 558AM at 12 noon WEB RADIO: Sundays at 10pm on Wandsworth Radio ONLINE: jewishnews.co.uk and spectrumradio.net

• David Gould on the personal reason that drove him to donate stem cells.

Not just co-working but grow working

with distinguished historian and author Jonathan Petropoulos talking about his new book Artists under Hitler following a viewing of the film Art and Politics in the Weimar directed by Ron Orders Jonathan Petropoulos is John V. Croul Professor of European History at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. He writes about National Socialism and, in particular, the fate of art looted during World War II. This event complements our current exhibition at Ben Uri Refugees: The Lives of Others including German artists whose work was classified as ‘degenerate’ and who were not permitted to practise, including Hans Feibusch and Ludwig Meidner.

Adam joined WE Hub 6 months ago and it has proved an invaluable place to work. The network of people he regularly meets has proved integral to the growth of his business.

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16

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Opinion

Freedom to speak at my university is paramount BARONESS VALERIE AMOS DIRECTOR, SOAS UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

L

ast Thursday, Ambassador Mark Regev – my neighbour on this page – spoke at SOAS University of London at the invitation of the Jewish Society. It was an invitation that caused controversy because a lot of students and staff are strongly opposed to Israeli policies in relation to Palestinians, especially settlement activity in occupied Palestinian territory. SOAS’ position has always been, and remains, that it is a place that promotes freedom of debate. There is a long tradition of hosting speakers from all over the world and we do not close down or stop events taking place owing to the political views or beliefs of speakers. We’ve been doing this throughout our proud 100-year history.

SOAS prides itself on its diversity and the commitment of our students and staff to making the world a better place. We know this will sometimes create disagreements but that is an important part of what universities are about.

The ability to argue, debate, challenge, make one’s case with confidence and listen to the views of others, even if you don’t agree with them.

Standing up for freedom of debate is an important way to support our students . One of

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FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS NOT A CARTE BLANCHE FOR THE EXPRESSION OF ANTI-SEMITIC AND OTHER RACIST VIEWS the core components of these freedoms is the protection of minority views and opinions.

Even where – or perhaps especially where – those opinions are not ones we individually or collectively share, the defence of freedom to speak and debate is paramount.

SOAS’ Jewish students – who come from many countries – must feel their identity is respected and that their voices can be heard.

They have the right to feel safe among the expression of views that are critical of, as well as supportive of, Israel. Taking a critical stance towards the policies of the Israeli government – or any government – is part and parcel of the cut and thrust of debate on university campuses and a vital ingredient of our democracy.

While some student voices may be well heard at SOAS, we are aware the voices of many of our students are not heard or dismissed in

the context of wider debate on issues including immigration in the UK or in their own countries of origin. The government’s Prevent strategy seeks to tackle radicalisation by placing some limits on freedom of speech. SOAS has vigorously defended the right of controversial speakers to speak on campus, in the face of some public criticism and pressure from government.

But freedom of speech is not a carte blanche for the expression of racist, anti-Semitic or other discriminatory views. Far from it. It’s about respecting the right to hold different opinions, within the boundaries of the law and being able to express them without intimidation.

We are fully aware of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism, which was recently sent to universities by the UK Government for their information. We are also aware the definition is a matter for intense debate among scholars in the field. As a university, our role is to facilitate this debate, not arrive at a final definition. This is true for anti-Semitism as well as Islamophobia and other forms of racism, which we study.

SOAS has more than 100 scholars specialising in the Middle East. Our long-standing expertise in this area ensures we are able embrace the multiple and nuanced approaches that characterise the political, economic, cultural and social circumstances in the region.

As Dr Yair Wallach, chair of the Centre for Jewish Studies pointed out in his recent blog about the Hebrew and Israeli Studies programme at SOAS, we aim to move beyond “the heated, over-familiar, and frustratingly performative debate” on Israel and Palestine.

We are the only place in the country where students can take not only a Hebrew degree, but also a joint honours course in modern Hebrew and Arabic, splitting their year abroad between An-Najah National University in Nablus and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

SOAS has a strong academic track record in research and teaching that relates to Israel Studies and Jewish culture – including the UK’s first professor of Israel Studies, an active centre for Jewish Studies, a range of degree programmes – and the school is home to the Jewish Music Institute and the European Association of Israel Studies. All of this is part of our leading role in the development of thinking on issues pertaining to the Middle East.

I am acutely conscious of the need to balance conflicting interests from across our academic community, the realm of public policy we operate within, and the vital social, cultural and political matters we study at SOAS. Freedom of debate in a respectful, open, robust and engaged environment is a lodestar through these sometimes tricky waters.

Why I accepted invitation to talk to SOAS students MARK REGEV

ISRAEL’S AMBASSADOR TO THE UK

E

ngaging with university students is an important aspect of any ambassador’s job, especially when that ambassador’s country is the subject of keen interest and academic enquiry. Such is the case in the UK when it comes to Israel.

Over the past year, I have been invited to some 20 universities to discuss the Jewish state, the Palestinians, the Middle East and Israel’s desire for peace.

A visit to SOAS, formerly the School of Oriental and African Studies, an institution that specialises in my region, ought to have been routine.

Regrettably, there was nothing routine about last Thursday: for more than a decade, no Israeli Government voice had been heard at SOAS. This absence of an official Israeli perspective conforms to a troubling trend.

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SERIOUS STUDY OF THE MIDDLE EAST REQUIRES THAT SOAS STUDENTS CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR ISRAEL’S CASE In recent years, there has been a tendency within some academic circles at SOAS to rewrite history and portray Israel as a colonial imposition on the region’s indigenous peoples.

This groupthink tends to ignore the central role played by the west in the formation of several nations in the Middle East following the break-up of the Ottoman Empire – ranging from Syria to Lebanon to Iraq to Jordan.

All this while falsely portraying the Jews as infiltrators and the Jewish state as imperialist.

Jews and Arabs alike are indigenous to the Middle East, To deny this is to deny the history of the Middle East itself.

These same voices speak of Israel as a serial aggressor, dismissing the history of Palestinian rejectionism and casting murderous attacks against innocent civilians as some form of heroic resistance.

On numerous occasions, speakers notorious for their vociferous hatred of the Jewish people and the Jewish state have been welcomed on to SOAS’ campus.

These have been individuals who have uttered the ugliest of anti-Semitic slurs, sympathised with terrorists and stood up for tyrannical regimes.

Those who have expressed support for the Middle East’s only true liberal democracy have not been so welcomed. They have instead been ostracised.

One cannot do justice to the study of the Middle East while wilfully dismissing one of

the region’s vital geopolitical, military and economic actors.

That is why I saw the importance in accepting an invitation from SOAS’ Jewish Society to speak with students.

A century ago, in February 1917, the School of Oriental and African Studies was officially opened with the purpose of expanding knowledge of the languages, histories, religions and cultures of the peoples of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Nine months later, the government of the day issued the Balfour Declaration, formalising British support for the establishment of a ‘national home for the Jewish people’ in the land of Israel.

Both the opening of SOAS and the issuance of the Balfour Declaration demonstrate the keen interest in, and passion for, the Middle East that existed in the UK a century ago: an interest that remains today, as I witnessed first-hand during my visit.

Serious study of the Middle East requires that SOAS students continue to be given the opportunity to hear Israel’s case.

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

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Opinion

Freer or Newmark? It’s an emancipating choice DAVID HIRSCH WRITER & ACADEMIC

T

he decision of the local Labour Party in Finchley and Golders Green to stand Jeremy Newmark against the Tory MP Mike Freer emancipates Jews, at least in this constituency, to vote as citizens. It relieves us from the humiliation of being forced to vote as Jews against anti-Semitism.

Let’s pause and re-feel the blood-boiling gravity of that situation. Once Jews voted Labour, almost as a block. Now the party’s candidate for prime minister is a man with a record of supporting anti-Semitic politics and Israel-boycotters.

But Jews on the left have been fighting back, and they have been led by Jeremy Newmark. Jeremy was the campaigns organiser of the Union of Jewish Students, he was chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council and has been the driving force behind the Jewish Labour Movement, which

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LABOUR’S CANDIDATE FOR PRIME MINISTER IS A MAN WITH A RECORD OF SUPPORTING ANTISEMITIC POLITICS organises the fightback against the Corbyn faction within the party. His JLM has been taking the argument to the membership, educating people about anti-Semitism and winning motions within party structures. It was Jeremy Newmark who gave evidence to the party tribunal, explaining what was antiSemitic about Ken Livingstone’s behaviour.

Mike Freer, from the liberal wing of the Conservative Party, understands the threat of anti-Semitism. He gets how it comes packaged with hostility to Israel and has

opposed it inside and outside Parliament.

He lives three doors down from me. I like him, I chat with him.

A vote for Mike is a safe vote for people who want a Tory MP who opposes and recognises anti-Semitism.

Even in the era of Trump and Brexit [and God forbid Le Pen], Corbyn has only the tiniest chance of winning the election. And if Labour did find itself in a position to form a coalition, the anti-Corbyn Labour MPs would hold the balance of power at Westminster. In my judgement, electing Newmark would not put Corbyn one centimetre nearer to control of the nuclear button.

But the key issue in this election is Brexit.

Mike Freer understood why Brexit would be catastrophic but he flipped, within a week of the referendum, going along with the requirements of the new British patriotism, which subordinates the national interest to the fake and menacing division between ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’. We still have years to oppose this self-harm.

Theresa May is right that Brexit is Brexit.

There is no ‘soft’ Brexit or ‘left’ Brexit.

Brexit would endanger European peace and democracy, peace in Ireland, stability in Scotland and make us poorer; it would hurt the NHS, schools and social security. May stands in this election as the person who promises to drive us off this cliff.

Brexit is dangerous for Jews. It endangers the post-war European democratic settlement and the European institutions which guarnatee it. Brexit encourages the rise of xenophobic and racist politics.

It mainstreams Islamophobia and the antiSemitic politics of Corbyn and Mélenchon.

And it risks crashing the economy which will strengthen the politics of resentment.

Freer is good on anti-Semitism; Newmark is better. Let’s see what Newmark says about Brexit. And let’s celebrate the opportunity, in Finchley and Golders Green, to take opposition to anti-Semitism for granted and to choose between different programmes for the country.

Having a choice between Newmark and Freer makes me feel a bit more British; and I hate the way Brexit and anti-Semitism have made me feel less than fully British.

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Opinion

Join a march while survivors can share their experiences RABBI GIDEON SYLVESTER UNITED SYNAGOGUE’S ISRAEL RABBI

I

magine your best friend is having a nightmare. He thrashes about in his sleep, crying and screaming hysterically. Naturally, you would wake him, comfort him and reassure him that everything will be alright. But when the psychiatrist Viktor Frankl faced this predicament, he resisted the temptation to awaken his friend. Instead, he let him sleep on. They were in Auschwitz and however grotesque the nightmare was, reality was undoubtedly worse.

This portrayal of inhumanity which surpasses our worst nightmares encapsulates our inability to comprehend, let alone describe, the enormity of the Holocaust.

Yet the victims of the Holocaust urged us to tell their tale. In the Warsaw Ghetto, people gathered evidence of their persecution and buried it in milk churns so their story would be told. In Auschwitz, the Jewish workers buried notes among the ashes testifying to the genocide. Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi

writes that while at the moment of liberation, he and his friends would have wanted the camps torn down, bulldozed and destroyed, on reflection, he realised the importance of preserving them to educate future generations about the evils of Nazism.

The Holocaust is overwhelming, but we have a sacred obligation to learn from the survivors and recount their stories to the next generation.

It’s a duty that has become all the more urgent in the wake of Holocaust deniers who seek to refute the reality of mass murder while feeding the prejudices of those who would repeat it.

For the past three years, I have been part of the faculty of March of the Living UK leading

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THE SHOAH IS OVERWHELMING, BUT WE ARE OBLIGED TO LEARN FROM SURVIVORS AND RECOUNT THEIR STORIES

the United Synagogue bus. Our journey explores the richness of a thousand years of Jewish life in Poland, our troubled relationship with our Polish neighbours and the murderous destruction of the Holocaust.

March of the Living UK’s deep commitment to examine the facts and wrestle with the complexities of our history is striking.

Meeting some of the educators of the 10,000 people from across the world who attended the march, I saw that our British delegation has much to be proud of.

What marks our education programme is its passionate commitment to the highest standards of education. Each year, the seasoned educators who lead our groups gather for a seminar to learn from experts, refresh our knowledge and rekindle our passion; all that to guide a trip that only lasts for six days each year.

This outstanding programme of professional development sets a new standard in Jewish educational programming.

The results are evident in the participants, who return shocked by the depths of evil, but inspired by a deeper appreciation of their heritage and the need to upgrade their

Jewish engagement.

It’s impossible to convey the extent of the evil of the Holocaust, but the British March of the Living team is leading the field.

Those who have not yet taken the chance to join one of our journeys would be well advised to do so while the survivors are still alive and strong enough to share their testimonies.  Find out about next year’s March of the Living at marchoftheliving.org.uk

Meltdown over ambassador visit is the distress of fools BRENDAN O’NEILL EDITOR, SPIKED

T

o see how illiberal and outright irrational anti-Israel sentiment has become, look no further than the fear and horror that gripped SOAS over last week’s visit by Mark Regev.

Yes, in a brilliant PR move, Regev, the colourful Israeli ambassador to the UK, agreed to speak at SOAS, a uni known for its agitation with all things Israeli, about the prospects for peace in the Middle East.

It’s like the Chippendales visiting a convent, or Shane MacGowan crashing a meeting of temperance-movement bores. It’s hilarious.

People at SOAS didn’t find it funny, though.

It’s questionable whether they ever find anything funny, so steeped are their minds in the depressing creeds of post-colonial studies and ethnographic theory. No, they thought Regev’s visit would cause “substantial distress” to the SOAS community. Really.

According to the Guardian, there were “fears” Regev’s visit would not only “spark unrest” – par for the course: every visit by an Israeli representative to a British campus sparks unrest – but that it would also lead to “substantial distress on campus”.

More than 150 academics from SOAS and

other universities wrote to SOAS director Baroness Amos to plead with her to call off the Regev meeting and save SOAS students from the “substantial distress” of having someone with a different opinion from theirs on campus.

The first thing to note here is how craven it is – a McCarthyite level of cravenness – for academics to demand the silencing of a speaker they disagree with.

The academy is meant to be a hotbed of chatter and philosophy and disagreement, and academics are meant to protect this free intellectual zone.

Yet here we had 150 uni workers calling for the silencing of someone, the medieval-style expulsion of him from campus, simply because he thinks differently from them. For shame.

The second thing to note is the overblown and outrageous use of the word “distress” to describe how the students might have felt about Regev’s talk.

Distress, according to my Oxford English Dictionary (OED), is “extreme anxiety, sorrow or pain”. I’m sorry, but if you feel extreme anxiety, sorrow or pain upon hearing views you don’t like – or simply knowing that someone with views you don’t like is on the same campus as you – then you shouldn’t be at university. You should be at home, hiding behind your mother’s apron.

The idea that Regev talking about the Middle East would cause students distress –

maybe even “difficulty in breathing”, which is another part of the OED’s definition of distress — speaks to the censorious cult of fragility that has a hold on British campuses.

Books come with trigger warnings; the National Union of Students creates ‘safe spaces’ in which certain things must not be said; and now there are efforts to chase Israelis off campus lest their ideas invade student minds and disrupt their sanity. This isn’t only insulting to Regev; it’s more insulting to students, who are depicted as overgrown toddlers who cannot cope with this basic fact of adult life: some people disagree with you.

Israeli things – its politicians, its supporters, its academics, its produce – are the number one victim of this new campus censorship, and campus intolerance of Israeli people and ideas has reached alarming levels.

At UCL last year, a mob hounded former Israel Defence Forces soldier Hen Mazzig and his supporters off campus. Academics demand boycotts of Israeli universities. Israel-

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supporting students say they sometimes don’t feel safe on British campuses: their meetings are shouted down, their societies threatened with closure.

The irony is that anti-Israel activists talk about “Israeli Apartheid”, yet they enforce a discriminatory system against all things Israeli.

They treat that nation’s professors, artists, politicians and produce as poisonous almost, liable to warp minds — or cause substantial distress — and therefore deserving of censorship or destruction.

They single out Israeli people for nasty, censorious treatment, and then have the front to accuse Israel of having apartheid attitude.

And why the obsessive focus on Israel, when there are numerous other nations that are involved in war or tension with their neighbours?

This is the million-dollar question. It’s always Israel. Curious. One might call their neverending meltdown over Israel the Substantial Distress of Fools.

STUDENTS ARE DEPICTED AS OVERGROWN TODDLERS WHO CANNOT COPE WITH THE FACT SOME PEOPLE DISAGREE WITH THEM

4 May 2017 Jewish News

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19

Opinion

Why does no one want to listen to anybody else?

JENNI FRAZER

T

he past couple of weeks have been filled with demonstrations and boycotts of one sort or another.

One person’s free speech, as we all know, is another’s hate and intimidation, and there seems an inordinate amount of people determined not to listen to the other lot – and regrettably, that goes as much for “our side” as it does for the loonies in the anti-Israel camp.

Where to start? Perhaps with the controversial group Breaking the Silence, a cabal of left-wing Israeli soldiers for whom not everything the IDF does is rosy. Breaking the Silence, as it happens, was up for a campaign award (which it did not get) from Britain’s Index on Censorship last week. The group’s very presence on the shortlist drew outraged demonstrations outside the Unicorn Theatre from right-wing Jews.

These same demonstrators must have thought they were in good company when the Israeli prime minister, no less, threw

a hissy fit and refused to meet the German foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel, because Gabriel had decided to see some people representing Breaking the Silence.

Bibi’s people issued all kinds of justifications for not meeting the minister, but the fact is that Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, who is scarcely a rabid left-winger, thought it more appropriate to meet Gabriel and then tell him, face to face, what he thought of the IDF faction.

Surely a more productive attitude? As it is, Gabriel will have gone back to Berlin more convinced than ever that Bibi is not a politician Europeans can deal with.

During the week there were three big Israel-related events in London — and an odd event in Edinburgh.

The London events were the meeting at SOAS addressed by Israeli ambassador Mark Regev, a meeting in Parliament by the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) and David Broza’s sold-out concert in Islington.

A lot has been made of Regev’s “bravery” in speaking at SOAS, the first such visit by

Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman celebrating the songs of the great Barbra Streisand with her six piece band, The Stardust Ensemble

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Wednesday, May 3rd COVENTRY Belgrade Theatre Friday, May 5th MILTON KEYNES The Stables Wednesday, May 10th HORSHAM The Capital Friday, May 19th DIDCOT Cornerstone Arts Centre Wednesday, May 31st RADLETT The Radlett Centre Friday, June 2nd HOLT The Auden Theatre Sunday, June 4th NORTHAMPTON Royal & Derngate Thursday, June 8th JERSEY Opera House

Booking info - www.lizapulman.com/tour-dates

an Israeli diplomat since 2005. It can’t have been comfortable for Regev to be introduced by the chairman with the observation that many people considered him a “war criminal” for his defence of the government during the 2014 Gaza operation. But Regev replied, quite properly, that he was doing his job, and in my opinion that is what he was doing at SOAS – representing the government of Israel, which is what he is paid to do.

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SCOTLAND SAW THE IRONY OF AN ATTEMPT TO REMOVE JEWS FROM A MEETING THAT WAS DUE TO TALK ABOUT ANTI-SEMITISM

However, there was a great deal of snowflakery and “safe-space-ism” surrounding Regev’s appearance, as though the choice were not there for the angry demonstrators simply to ignore him. Perhaps their real objection was that someone might listen to him and engage in dialogue, which seems to frighten the loonies more than anything.

At the PRC meeting in Parliament, proIsrael demonstrators were thrown out at the behest of the MP chairing the event – a pity, but sadly inevitable.

And up in Scotland, there was the delicious irony of an attempt to throw three Jews out of a meeting where anti-Semitism was due to be discussed.

Part of the problem, it seems to me, is that no one wants to listen to anyone else.

David Broza brought on-stage an Israeli Arab singer and a Palestinian rapper, whose presence was greeted with loud cheers by the audience — a number of whom I know to be to the right of Attila the Hun. But for one brief moment, it felt as though everyone was listening.

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Recruitment / New careers Lead Programme Director Part time – 3 days per week Passion for the Jewish community and developing leaders?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, experienced and motivated Programme Director to join Lead, the JLC’s leadership development division.

The Programme Director will develop and run the Adam Science Leadership Programme, our flagship young adults’ programme which has developed 250 communal leaders over the last 25 years.

He/She will also play a key role in developing the range of Lead’s offering, including providing consultancy to communal organisations.

We are looking for a great relationship builder with experience of leadership development, event management and an understanding of the UK Jewish community, who can help shape Lead’s programmes going forward.

Applications should be made by CV and covering letter to Natasha Glass at Natasha@thejlc.org. A full job description can be found at www.thejlc.org/vacancies.

Closing date for applicants: Monday 8th May 2017 The Jewish Leadership Council is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

THE INDUSTRIAL DWELLINGS SOCIETY (1885) LIMITED Appointment of Board Members IDS is a long established housing association which owns or manages 1,500 homes in London. We have been providing affordable homes for Jewish people for over 130 years.

We are now seeking to recruit two new Board one with experience in social housing and the other in management of property repairs. These are challenging roles for individuals who wish to serve both the Jewish and wider community in London.

This is a non-executive voluntary position but travel and other expenses can be claimed. You would also be eligible for an ongoing programme of training.

Job Vacancy - Youth Director(s)/Youth Couple at Lauderdale Road Synagogue We are looking to recruit dynamic and enthusiastic Youth Director(s)/ couple at Lauderdale Road Synagogue to expand and enhance the range of religious and social activities provided for our children and youth on Shabbat, Yom Tov and during the week.

• Create and implement a dynamic youth programme for the community.

• Produce annual plan of key activities and organise same activities via all social media.

• Improve the quality of the children’s and youth services on Shabbat and Yom Tov. • Provide special events at key points in the Jewish calendar.

Qualifications and Experience

Your commitment would be to attend up to four Board meetings each year, usually held in central London in the early evening.

You would also be invited to join one of the Board’s committees which meet quarterly. Board members are also expected to attend an annual half day seminar, appropriate training and other events relevant to the Board member’s role.

For an informal discussion please contact our Chief Executive, Suzanne Wolfe on 020 8800 9606 or e-mail to swolfe@ids.org.uk by 19th May 2017.

You may wish to visit our website. www.ids.org.uk

1st Floor Anna House, 214-218 High Road, London, N15 4NP

• Proven experience with youth work to include developing and implementing youth programmes and training madrichim.

• Good communication and excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate youth.

Initially a 12 month contract with potential to extend.

Accommodation is available on site for the right candidate/s Salary is circa 20K for a minimum of 35 hours a week including evenings and weekends.

The post is subject to receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS (CRB) disclosure.

Please send a covering letter + a C/V to: alison@sephardi.org.uk Application deadline is Monday 22nd May 2017.

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

21

Community / Scene & Be Seen

1SINGING FOR ISRAEL Staff and children at Tracy Lewis Childcare enjoyed celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut by wearing blue and white, singing happy 69th birthday, as well as decorating their own flags – including a giant one to hang in the nursery.

2PUPILS’ PARTY

And be seen

Pupils at Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School, including Libbi Wohlman from Year 1 and Zecharia Singer from Year 2 (pictured) enjoyed a day of celebrations for Israel’s birthday. After a special assembly and a performance by the school’s Israeli Dance Group, all pupils participated in a variety of arts and crafts activities based on symbols of Israel, the Israeli map and landscapes, and the Negev.

The latest news, pictures and social events from across the community

3SHOEBOX FUN

David Goldberg and Rabbi Feldman got in to the spirit at Bushey Synagogue’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, where more than 100 people enjoyed traditional Israeli food and dancing. Children also took part in a special activity, ‘Israel in a shoebox’, decorated biscuits, made Israeli flags and other crafts.

4UJIA’S BIG BREKKIE

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Photo by Blake Ezra Photography

Three hundred supporters raised more than £200,000 at UJIA’s Investec Yom Ha’atzmaut business breakfast. Held at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, the event was attended by Israeli Ambassador Mark Regev and guest speaker Martin Wolf CBE, the Financial Times’ chief economics commentator. The money raised will help change the lives of those who most need support in the Galil.

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Scene & Be Seen / Community

YOM 1 ANNICK’S HASHOAH TALK

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The League of Jewish Women (LJW) marked Yom HaShoah by holding a talk with Annick Lever at the Jewish Museum.

League member Annick was saved as a baby by a French family after her mother was taken by the Nazis during the Second World War. LJW president Yvonne Josse said: “Our members were very moved to hear the story bravely related by Annick.”

Photo by Marc Morris

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Photo by Blake Ezra Photography

OUR MEMBERS WERE VERY MOVED TO HEAR THE STORY BRAVELY RELATED

BY ANNICK

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Jewish Women’s Aid hosted a private showing of the Amy Winehouse Exhibition at the Jewish Museum. More than 60 people attended the viewing of an installation of paintings of Amy, after which they heard from JWA’s chief executive Naomi Dickson.

The event raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

UK FILM 5 ORT SCREENING

FRIDAY 2 SHUL’S NIGHT WITH MALA

ORT UK marked the end of Yom HaShoah with a sell-out charity screening of The Zookeeper’s Wife.

The evening, which was supported by Everyman Cinemas, also included a discussion between film critic, Dr Julia Wagner, and children’s author Antony Lishak, who has been involved with the story of the Warsaw zoo and researching the Zabinski family for many years.

Woodside Park Shul hosted a Friday Night dinner in memory of Yom HaShoah.

Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE, and Theresa Villiers MP viewed the ‘memory quilt’ where the stories of ‘The Boys’ are displayed. More than 150 people then attended a candlelit Kabbalat Shabbat Service and dinner with Yiddish songs and a traditional Shabbat meal.

3

PRIVATE 4 JWA’S AMY EXHIBITION

6 VOLUNTEERS ABSEIL FOR JBD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LANGDON!

Langdon celebrated its 25th anniversary at its annual dinner, the appeal for which raised £400,000. The reception’s 400 guests watched a new exhibition, The Invisible Disabilities Revealed, before being entertained by former England rugby union captain Phil Vickery MBE, and addressed by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.

Chairman Jonathan Joseph said: “This is indeed a night for celebration.”

Twelve volunteers, aged from 14 to 60, performed a freefall abseil down the UK’s tallest sculpture and raised more than £8,000 for Jewish Blind & Disabled. The daring dozen took on the 262ft drop over the edge of the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London. Participant Andrew Passe said: “The first part was very scary; as for the rest of it – exhilarating wouldn’t begin to describe the experience!”

Your simcha announcements Ethan Debby Joory celebrated his barmitzvah at Radlett United Synagogue.

Reece Crugman celebrated his barmitzvah at Edgware District Reform Synagogue.

Photo by Mydas Photography

Photo by Paul Lang Photography

Benjamin Moont celebrated his barmitzvah at Borehamwood Synagogue.

Photo by Neville Bloom

Photo by The Photo People

Mathilda Steen celebrated her batmitzvah at Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue.

Have you had a recent simcha?

Send your picture to picturedesk@thejngroup.com

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

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Community / Scene & Be Scene

The United Synagogue hosted its Tribe Continuity Dinner at the Kinloss Banqueting Suite.

The event aimed to raise funds for Tribe to ensure it continues to engage with Jewish youth and helps create leaders for UK Jewry. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis spoke about its work “sowing the seeds for a great Jewish future� and the appeal included young members speaking about their experiences on its programmes, which have powerfully impacted on their Jewish identity. Guests were entertained by international performer Dudu Fisher.

Photos by Blake Ezra Photography

Tribe looks to the future for Jewish youth

2015

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Scene & Be Seen / Community

The art of celebrating Israel Photos by Steve Winston

More than 300 people marked Israel’s 69th birthday on Tuesday night at the Arts Depot in Finchley, enjoying live music and stand-up comedy. Hosted by the Zionist Federation and media sponsored by Jewish News, the event saw performances from the Israel Dance Institute, Children’s School Choir, former X-Factor contestant Osnat Zeno and the Israeli Academy for the performing arts. The evening, hosted by British Jewish comedian Mark Maier, saw Israel envoy Mark Regev praise the country’s successes and the ZF in generating support for the state.

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4 May 2017 Jewish News

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Community / Scene & Be Seen

Don’t let the tax man help himself KKL is the Jewish community’s first and favourite Wills and Estate Planning organisation. KKL services are provided free*, and our professional team can reduce your Inheritance Tax liability or eradicate it completely, ensuring that your Estate goes only to the people and places you want it to.

For a free no-obligation and confidential consultation with Carolyn – one of the highly qualified professionals within our team – please get in touch and we’ll come to you. Call 0800 358 3587 or email carolyn@kkl.org.uk

*Terms and conditions apply. KKL Executor and Trustee Company Ltd (a Company registered in England No. 453042), is a subsidiary of JNF Charitable Trust (Charity No. 225910) and a registered Trust Corporation (authorised capital £250,000).

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Scene & Be Seen / Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations

Spirits soar as Israel marks 69th birthday

Israelis celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut this week with a cross-country flyover by the state’s new F-35 stealth fighter jets, as crowds cheered 69 years of sovereignty.

Thousands of flag-waving Israelis crammed in to the Western Wall plaza amid joyous scenes while at Har Herzl military academy scores of IDF soldiers witnessed a torch-lighting ceremony to kick-start a series of events.

Elsewhere, President Reuven Rivlin oversaw the traditional annual award of the Medal of Excellence to soldiers of the IDF. Down south in Eilat, the traditional naval flotilla parade took place while across the country various IDF bases were

opened to the public, offering variety of fun activities.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said: “Every year the country gets stronger, advances and strengthens its status as a clear world power. Its accomplishments are great in the fields of security, economics, foreign relations, technology, science, culture, and every other field.”

However, Speaker Yuli Edelstein used the day to hit on a serious point, reflecting on an increasing polarisation in the country and warning that “not everything in our lives is right or left… not every right-winger is a rightist fascist, and not every left-winger is a leftist traitor”.

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Life

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Traditional Jewish cuisine / Lifestyle

IN THIS SECTION: Nosh 29 / Competition 38

Simply the Fress!

Masterchef finalist Emma Spitzer gets cooking with Francine Wolfisz and reveals the inspiration behind her debut recipe book vibrant and appetizing 240-page embodiment of that passion, which celebrates Jewish cuisine at its best.

“Many of the recipes are ones I grew up with,” says Spitzer, who was born and raised in Brighton. She credits her mother, Hilary, for her knowledge of Ashkenazi fayre, while mother-in-law, Judith, who is Israeli and had an Algerian mother, introduced her to Sephardi flavours.

Of the former, she includes recipes for schnitzel, roast chicken and the nostalgia-inducing oxtail stew, which she tried out on willing friends and family, including her four children and husband Carl.

“I made the oxtail stew and all I could hear was the slurping of bones,” she laughs. “That was my childhood, just as I remembered it. We sat there, like greedy animals, sucking out all the jelly. I thought, ‘That’s it, that’s the way it should be. It’s so good.’”

Other recipes have been given a more contemporary spin. She admits, for example, to “taking lokshen pudding and making it sexy”.

Adventurous and flavoursome cooking it is indeed, but Spitzer is also keen to point out that the recipes are not complicated. “They are all very simple and none require any technical skill because I’m not a trained chef.

So anybody can cook it. That was my mission when I set out to do the book.”

V ID EO

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here’s a tantalising aroma of exotic spices and the appealing sizzle of gentlyfried vegetables as I arrive at Emma Spitzer’s kitchen.

The MasterChef finalist welcomes me into her East Finchley home and seems in her element as she quickly rustles up a portion of the salivatinglynamed “amba-spiced courgette with barberries and labneh”.

It’s just one of the many mouthwatering recipes from her new cookbook, Fress, which neatly reflects her Ashkenazi roots, while also showcasing Sephardi recipes shared by her mother-in-law and influenced by her travels throughout the Middle East and Africa.

For Spitzer, her debut book is the culmination of a whirlwind period of two years since she appeared on the popular BBC show and was described by judge Gregg Wallace as “one of the best cooks we have seen throughout MasterChef”.

“So many things have come my way,” reveals the bubbly 42-year-old.

“I’ve done private dining and cookery classes, some catering and I’ve also worked with big brands, including a campaign with Samsung to get kids cooking and stop food waste, causes that I really care about.”

Before going on the show, turning her hobby into a profession was not on the horizon, with her plate – so to speak – already more than full running two travel websites.

She explains: “I didn’t set out to do MasterChef and have a career in food.

I set out to prove something to myself.

I didn’t expect things to happen the way they did, but I’m hugely grateful and feel really lucky.”

Her latest project, Fress – a Yiddish term meaning “to eat copiously and without restraint” – is a colourful,

Emma Spitzer cooks amba-spiced courgettes – see jewishnews.co.uk

Above: Emma Spitzer prepares a red cabbage salad. Left: Sticky pomegranate salmon and sweet honey chicken

Even her daughters have had a go at trying her recipes. “My nineyear-old helped me make a large vat of hummus for the book launch,” she explains with a smile. Spitzer is a huge fan of letting her children tie on an apron and help her in the kitchen.

“The more responsibility I give them, the more they thrive,” she says.

“So I give them that. I let my five-yearold crack eggs into her own bowl.

I’ve learnt to let go and not be such a control freak in the kitchen, because I want my kids to have an interest and they eat so much better for it.

“In return, for them it’s a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.”

Aside from her culinary wisdom, Spitzer has also tried to impart her youngsters with the best thing she learnt during her stint on MasterChef.

“What the show taught me is not how to be a better cook, it was how to be a more confident cook,” she recalls.

“It taught me to trust myself. By the end, my confidence levels had rocketed and that was something that had always held me back. We can all make

recipes our own if we trust our own instincts. Anybody can.”

Spitzer is now as keen to enthuse others with her passion for cooking, as she is for spreading the word about Jewish cuisine. “There’s been a huge explosion of fantastic food places in recent years, such as Ottolenghi, Honey & Co, The Good Egg, The Palomar, Bala Baya, and now Monty’s,” she says.

“This is a moment for Jewish food and deservedly so. Jewish cuisine has always been tasty, but now it’s really getting out there.”  Fress: Bold flavours from a Jewish kitchen by Emma Spitzer is published by Mitchell Beazley, priced £25 and available now.

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Features / Survivor at 104 years young!

Salzburg’s very Fein man Brigit Grant speaks to Marko Feingold, the gatekeeper at the Austrian city’s shul and survivor of four concentration camps, ahead of his 104th birthday this month

T

he synagogue at 8 Lasser Strasse in Salzburg is easy to find. There is no high wall or brace of security guards signposting its location, just a low railing and pretty front garden between the car-lined street and a locked gate.

A few Stars of David in the windows are the only clue that this is a place of worship, but the existence of the Israelitische Kultusgemeinde (as it is officially known) is a curiosity, as there are fewer than 100 Jews in Salzburg within a population of 150,000.

In fact no one, not even the tour guides, is exactly sure how many Jewish people live in the city as they choose to be anonymous, except for one – Marko Feingold.

Feingold is the synagogue’s literal gate keeper and as he is the holder of the keys opening times are down to him, along with encouraging attendance and throwing down the welcome mat when tourists of the faith come looking for a religious hit.

Otherwise known as Max, the celebrated veteran will turn 104 on 28 May and is one of Salzburg’s most decorated citizens, with more medals and gold crosses than he can count for services to the liberation of Austria.

The latest is for his “active resistance to the Nazi regime”, but as he would be the first to admit, “resistance” for a prisoner in Auschwitz amounted simply to refusing to die.

Not that he mentions this to the numerous dignitaries who repeatedly line up to shake his hand and decorate his lapel. But in quiet moments, the memories of his time at four concentration camps are ever present; along with the faces of his immediate family, all of whom lost their lives.

It is ironic that this remarkable man who has survived such personal tragedy and lived for more than a century is now a key figure in a city so tainted by the fascist past. So why did he come back?

“I was born and living in Vienna before the war,” says Feingold, who relies on his wife, Hanna, to translate.

“I wanted to return to the city after the liberation, but the Americans put me on a bus with 127 former inmates from Buchenwald concentration camp and because of the zonal borders I had to get off in Salzburg, and that is where I stayed.”

That he chose to stay was fortuitous for the thousands of displaced people he later helped to get to Israel.

“I was working in a kitchen cooking three times a day for 500 political prisoners, receiving 2,000 Schillings a month,” he explains. “One day, American officials came to me, claiming that the Jews were refusing to eat meat and wanted vegetables instead.

“What started as a simple food exchange led to me meeting Asher ‘Arthur’ Ben Natan, who later became the first Israeli ambassador in Germany, and Dr Abba Geffenlater, both of whom were in charge of the ‘Bricha’, the underground organised effort to help Jews to escape from Austria and Salzburg to the Palestine Mandate.

“We got German army vehicles from the Austrian authorities and drove 5,000 Jews over the Italian border in three months. It helped that I could also speak Italian.”

Feingold learnt Italian when he moved there with his brother and best friend Ernst Marko Feingold as a younger man, left, and, below, as he is now with his wife Hanna

during Austria’s economic downturn in 1932 If they had not returned home in 1938 to extend their visas their lives might have been different, but they did and were arrested.

On release, the entire Feingold family left for Prague and then on to Poland, but an attempt to return to Prague led to Feingold and his brother being arrested again, sent to a Polish prison and eventually to Auschwitz.

“When I got there, they beat me and burned my hair with a candle,” he says now.

“Auschwitz at that time was still under construction, but due to the work and the hard physical conditions, I went down to just under five stone.

“After two months, I was unsuitable for work, but I was sent with Ernst to the labour camp at Neuengamme, in northern Germany.

“We got there during the winter, which was very cold, and forced to dig a channel with our bare hands between the brick factory nearby and the city of Hamburg.

“At this stage, I was so-called ‘gas-able’ and was about to be sent there. But the crematorium in the camp wasn’t ready yet.

“I was sent with 250 other prisoners to Dachau in the south. Only 75 of us survived the trip, which lasted two days and this was the last time I saw Ernst.”

Feingold’s mother died in Vienna in 1936 and is buried there, but there is no grave for his father, who was killed in 1939 during the German bombing of Warsaw, or for his sister Rosa and brother Fritz, both of whom simply disappeared in the upheavals.

The fate of his fellow traveller, Ernst, who had dreams of being a film star, was discovered much later as there were no documents: “I learned he died in a euthanasia institution in Bernburg in 1942.”

Ernst’s son and Marko’s nephew, Walter, lives in Northwood and while claiming to be less agile than his age-defying uncle admits that his own experiences as a child under Nazi

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I WAS SO-CALLED ‘GAS-ABLE’ FOR AUSCHWITZ, BUT THE CREMATORIUM IN THE CAMP WASN’T READY occupation turned him away from religious observance. This is not the case for Feingold, who considers every minyan achieved a miracle at the shul to which he has dedicated his life. But he worries about its future.

“I give many talks at lots of institutions, but I do not know where young Jews will be coming from to keep this special place open,” he says with obvious sadness.

“Sometimes young Jews from Israel who live in Salzburg for a few months or years come, and I think Jews from the Ukraine might arrive. We shall see.”

Although he is not the rabbi – and indeed, the synagogue does not have one – serving the Jewish community for 40 years has given Feingold a special, spiritual status. When he isn’t on holiday, he opens the gate on Shabbat and all high holy days.

He is also responsible for the placing of stolpersteine, the small brass memorials set into Salzburg’s pavements that commemorate Holocaust survivors by name.

Zionist founder Theodor Herzl was a resident of Salzburg for a time and there is a plaque to mark this.

It reads: “I spent some of the happiest hours of my life in Salzburg and would gladly have stayed, but as a Jew I would never have been able to gain a judicial position.”

At the age of 104, Marko Feingold may have almost proved him wrong.

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

29

Nosh / Lifestyle

PLATEExpectations

Baked cinnamon butternut squash and cauliflower rice

With

Denise Phillips

PREPARATION TIME 20 MINS

For anyone who has not tried cauliflower rice, this recipe is a must if you are trying to cut out down on the carbs. The recipe combinations are endless, but this particular one is a favourite.

SERVES 6

COOKING TIME 30 MINS

Ingredients 300g butternut squash – peeled and cut into long strips 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon Salt and pepper 1/2 Cauliflower – about 250g in weight 2 tablespoons fresh thyme 1 to 2 courgettes – spiralized or shredded

oil and season with cinnamon, salt and pepper, and bake for about 20 minutes or until soft.

3 Place cauliflower into a food processor and pulse for a few seconds until it looks like rice.

4 Place it in a saucepan with 100ml water and cook for about 10 minutes or until soft, or place in the steam oven and cook for 10 minutes on 100 percent steam.

Drain if cooking on the hob.

5 Transfer to a serving dish.

6 Let cool for a few minutes, then stir in thyme.

7 Add the roasted butternut squash and raw courgettes and mix well.

Garnish: Toasted hazelnuts – roughly chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves only

Season to taste.

DOWNLOAD DENISE’S JEWISH COOKERY MOBILE RECIPE COLLECTION AT

www.jewishcookery.com

MY NEXT COOKERY CLASS: Wednesday 10 May Sweet pastry creations

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Business / West End Travel

Travel broadens the business Richard Cawthorne speaks to David Segel, founder of West End Travel, which is still going strong after almost half-a-century

D

avid Segel has a deceptively simple formula for success. He has steered his company, West End Travel, to a commanding position in the industry, signalled most recently by being awarded – for the second year running – El Al’s agent of the year accolade.

The business has just celebrated its 45th anniversary, a notable achievement, especially for an independent firm in a notoriously fickle field.

Segel himself is a sought-after commentator for print and radio about the mechanics of moving people around the country and around the world. And he has done it all, he

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YOU DON’T WANT TO BE AN ORDINARY TRAVEL AGENT. YOU GO FOR THE NICHE MARKET

tells me, by following three simple rules.

One is paying attention to detail. Two, focusing on niche markets. And three: “Getting to know everyone that matters.”

To call Segel’s undertaking a ‘travel agent’ is like calling Theresa May an MP. The preferred description is ‘independent business travel management company’, although leisure travel, especially but not exclusively to Israel, is part of it too.

Among clients, Segel lists TV production companies, national sports organisations, the Irish Football Association and “most of the major Jewish UK communal organisations”.

He has worked with the office of every Chief Rabbi since Israel Brodie. “The Jewish community is very important to me,” Segel, an active member of Ner Yisrael Synagogue in Hendon, explains.

This straight-talking, but ever-polite son of German parents who left for England in 1939, was thinking of becoming a barrister when he first contemplated a career.

He attended Avigdor Jewish primary and grammar schools, but the closure of the latter and loss of its sixth form dashed his hopes of Everything you need

to create the perfect

holiday

www.jewishnews.co.uk

2 FEBRUARY 2017

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BRITAIN 10 November 2016

LET THERE BE SHAB BAT LIGHT!

’S BIGGE ST

• 9 Cheshvan 5777

JEWISH N EWSPA

• www.jewishnews.co.uk

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@JewishNewsUK

Heaven help US!

How you can join the thousands taking part in this weekend’s ShabbatUK celebrations Pages 8 & 19

Israel • Mexico

• Italy • Cool Kosher

It’s time for a

• 24% of American Jews voted Trum p • ‘End of era’ for Pales tinian state hopes • Fury over UK Jewis h ‘congratulations’

HOLIDAY!

SALES EXECUTIVE VOICE

OF THE JEWISH The popular consensus NEWS elect Donald Trump’s on President- more like a statesman surprise march during his victory to the White House speech on Wednesday somehow managed has been shock and to gain the trust morning, but this horror. How can and won’t begin to wash votes of 50 million Pragmatic politicians a man who says what away the unstatesAmericans – a quite are, of course, he manlike bravado says and behaves making the best how he that marred his campaign staggering statistic. of it, insisting the displaying the emotionalbehaves – while from start to finish. new leader of the free Most politicians – world should be judged maturity of a Vladamir Putin and 12-year-old – be Nigel Farage aside If this man has on future actions allowed to have his – didn’t want to see rather than the wicked fin- certainly didn’t any hidden depths they billionaire ger on the nuclear reality TV star anywhere the words that brought him to codes? emerge during his power. battle the White near with Hillary Clinton.

He may have looked Theresa May said House. Now that’s and sounded a little the UK and US where he’s will heading, The often-vile personality remain “strong we witnessed knuckle the world will simply have to and close partners on trade, down and deal with security and defence” him.

Continued on page 12

Reports and reaction,

pages 2, 3, 4, 5,

6 & 12

The Sales Executive role

The Jewish News is looking for a Sales Executive. As part of the sales team you will be responsible for maintaining certain existing customer accounts as well as bringing in new business. Through discussions with clients, you will establish their marketing requirements and match them to products within our portfolio in order to convert these clients into sales. The role will be office based but you’ll be encouraged to go on out-of-office meetings.

What we’re looking for: Out-going, self-motivated Sales Exec looking to develop their career in a dynamic and ambitious business. You will have: • Previous sales experience in a B2B environment with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets • Experience in digital advertising a bonus, but not essential • Excellent communication skills

David Segel with celebrity clients George Best, left, and Pat Jennings, centre

university, leaving him, he says, “at a bit of a loose end”.

He lived next door to a travel agency in north London at the time and began to notice the numbers of people going in and out. “It was busy all day,” he recalls. “You couldn’t travel without a travel agent and I saw a tremendous amount of movement there. I liked geography and was decent at languages, so I went into travel.”

With his first company, Fryer Travel, Segel set about building the client list. The company dealt with groups travelling to the then Soviet Union and Segel, an avid Arsenal fan, noticed the Northern Ireland team had just drawn the USSR. He contacted the Irish Football Association (IFA) about travel arrangements and has been working with it ever since. It followed him when he set up West End Travel in 1972.

He has described the company as “the IFA London branch office” and in 1994 the association conferred on him its Life Membership, making Segel the only non-Northern Ireland resident to hold the honour.

The coup set Segel on the path his instincts had suggested. “You don’t want to be an ordinary travel agent – there are thousands of them,” he says. “You go for the niche market.”

The IFA business led him to the BBC and, for 25 years, West End Travel went from handling

arrangements for the Commonwealth Games through to the World Cup and later BBC Sport itself and all it entails in terms of transporting people to and from airports, getting them on and off planes and arranging places to stay.

Eventually the BBC work ended, but Segel went on to deal with BT Sport. Of the initial work with the BBC, he says: “We were just a small independent company. I was very proud.”

Now, West End Travel is one of only six companies handling sport at such an enhanced level. Segel reckons sport accounts for a third of his business, the corporate world another third and Israel the rest. It is a busy life, but he’s used to it.

“People think travel is glamorous, but it’s a rough old business, hard work, low margins,” he says. He still remembers West End Travel’s first day. “I was a bag of nerves. I left Fryer on a Friday and started on Monday in Sabena House in Piccadilly. They felt sorry for me, so they gave me an old cupboard, which I still have, and a desk. I had to buy a chair.”

The company is now based just round the corner from Finchley Road Tube station in north London, having moved by way of Regent Street, Oxford Street and Maddox Street in the intervening years.

Throughout, Segel says, he has had the support of his wife Gillian, and later of his son Jeremy, who runs West End Travel’s branch in Edgware and to whom Segel gives much of the credit for the El Al accolade.

The couple have two other children, Joanna, who lives in Borehamwood, and Sharon, who lives in Israel.

As for the impact of the internet, Segel sees little problem for his operations. “It’s super if you’re booking yourself a flight, but it’s not designed for groups,” he says. “Imagine how difficult it would be for 35 people with loads of luggage. There is still a role for travel agents.

“Things may not be my fault, but they become my problem if airlines lose baggage or cancel flights or there are delays – that’s what we are there to resolve.”  Details: Westendtravel.co.uk or call 020 7644 1500

What we’ll offer you

You will receive a great basic salary and open-ended commission structure, as well as: • Full in-house training programme • Friendly, fun and supportive working culture • You’ll be a member of a small but determined team, with the ability to have a real impact and shape our business If you would like to join the Jewish News as a Sales Executive, please email your CV and covering letter to Sales Director, Daniel Barres, danielb@thejngroup.com David Segel, centre, with his son, Jeremy, left, and finance director David Kershman

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

31

Sedra: Achrei Mot/Kedoshim / Torah For Today / Orthodox Judaism

SEDRA

Achrei Mot/Kedoshim

Torah For Today What does the Torah say about… Kim Jong-un

BY RABBI YONI BIRNBAUM One of the most well-known lines in the entire Torah, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”, appears in the second of this week’s sedrot.

Over the centuries, rabbinic scholars have been fascinated in particular by the use of the term ‘neighbour’ in this verse.

One interpretation, offered by Safed-based 16th century scholar and Kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Vital, is the word ‘neighbour’ goes beyond familial or national ties and pplies to all members of humanity, both Jew and non-Jew alike.

Two years ago, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, killing 9,000 people and injuring more than 23,000. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, international offers of aid came flooding in to Nepal from across the globe. Among these rescue efforts, one stood out. According to a CNN report, Israel’s total official aid delegation, discounting several private aid groups, numbered some 260 people, more than all the other aid efforts combined (excluding India).

The next-largest delegation, from the UK, numbered 68 people, followed by China’s 62 and the US’ 54. That Israel sent five times as many rescue workers as China and the US was remarkable.

The way to express love is by giving to others, and in particular through sacrificing one’s time and energy to constructively assist them. The lesson of “love your neighbour” is that the Jewish responsibility to help others goes far beyond our own community; it extends to the rest of humanity as a whole.

 Yoni Birnbaum is rabbi of Hadley Wood Jewish Community

Kim Jong-un is a serious worry to his neighbours, close and distant. Should the North Korean leader (pictured) be humbled or even deposed? What does the Torah say about this?

Nimrod was a Babylonian emperor whose arrogance and insistence on being worshipped as a deity got him into trouble.

He was taught a lesson when, on throwing Abraham into a fiery furnace, Abraham survived unscathed.

Pharaoh also gained historic infamy by defying God and his people suffering 10 plagues.

The prophets remember the Egyptian pharaoh as a person who was so

❝

NOT EVEN THE BIBLE IS AVAILABLE TO DELIVER A SOCIETY ISOLATED IN FEAR

BY RABBI ARIEL ABEL

haughty that he believed he had created himself, as well as the River Nile.

Elsewhere, King Rehoboam was too sure of himself to consult with his advisors. His father’s most loyal men left his court, leading to the split of the Israelite kingdom.

In another example, Ahasuerus’ prime minister, Haman, combined his meteoric rise to greatness in the Seleucid empire in Persia, with an evil

plot to annihilate its Jewish population. Ultimately, he ended up hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordechai, the leader of the Jews.

There is also the example of Nebuchadnezzar, who threw Daniel into the lion’s den and his friends into a superheated furnace for daring to defy the king and refusing to worship idols.

Eventually Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind and then his empire a short while later to the Persians.

Thus, the impetuous pride and self-obsessed confidence of powerful leaders has led to their humiliation, destruction or both.

In the Bible, God directly asked dictators to step down from their rhetoric and admit compassion, common sense and humility into their hearts.

As atheistic North Korea forbids any kind of religion with severe penalties, not even the Bible is available to deliver a society isolated in fear and repression.

Let us pray for the peace, safety and freedom of North Korea and all oppressed citizens.

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32

Jewish News 4 May 2017

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Progressive Judaism / The Bible Says What? / Progressively Speaking

The Bible Says What?

Progressively Speaking

Disability barred a person from the priesthood

What does the freedom of a home mean?

BY RABBI MARK GOLDSMITH According to The Equality Act 2010, a person must not be discriminated against because of a disability.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to enable you to participate on an equal basis with those who are not challenged by that disability.

Thus, our synagogue has level, ramp or lift access to all areas including the bimah, a loop system for those with hearing challenges and a webcam, which streams our services to give “at home” access.

So it always strikes a discordant note when we read from Torah in Leviticus 21 that a disabled person could not serve as a Cohen in the Mishkan, the desert Temple.

Furthermore, anyone who had a blemish, was blind, lame, facially disfigured, hunch-backed or a dwarf, or with a disabling skin condition was automatically barred.

The ban did not stop the person being a Cohen. They were still entitled to all the other privileges of being part of the priestly class, including

being assigned their share of the meat and produce from the sacrifices which were offered, but the disabled person could not make the offerings themselves on the altar.

At this year’s Limmud Conference, where I taught a session on disability in Judaism, one participant told me her brother, decades ago, was forced to make his right hand dominant rather than his left, so he would not be excluded from performing the priestly blessing in synagogue.

Now that the synagogue has replaced the Temple, there is no reason why disability should limit access to any aspect of Judaism.

Our Mishnah tells us that a blind person can lead a seder, even though they cannot see the seder plate with its symbols that must be pointed out.

We should continue to put investment and effort into ensuring Jewish practice and learning is truly accessible to all in the community.

 Mark Goldsmith is rabbi at Alyth Synagogue

BY RABBI AARON GOLDSTEIN House prices are often referred to as a British obsession. Hardly a day goes by without a press story about them and last week, headlines were saturated with stories about asking prices having hit an all-time high.

Some may celebrate this, others will feel worried and even angry – but we should all remember there is a big difference between the cost of housing and the freedom of a home.

The renowned liberal rabbis John Rayner and Chaim Stern wrote of the home: “Most of us live in a home, whether as members of a family or a community, whether with others or alone, and therefore have a responsibility for the home in which we live: not only its physical safety… but also

its spiritual atmosphere.

“We should all like our home… to have the precious intangible quality of sh’lombayit, domestic peace.”

But what is a “home”? Adequate housing was recognised in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The UN defines ‘adequate

❝

I’M CONCERNED WHETHER PEOPLE HAVE FREEDOM TO CREATE A ‘HOME’

housing’ in many technical terms and in one place mentions freedom, so fundamental a Jewish concept.

It defines freedom as protection against forced evictions and the arbitrary destruction of one’s home, the right to be free from arbitrary interference with one’s home, privacy and family and the right to choose one’s residence, to determine where to live and to have freedom of movement.

As a Liberal rabbi, I’m concerned with whether people are granted the freedom to create a “home”.

Abraham and Lot, and Jacob and Esau needed to separate so they didn’t get in each other’s way, and to create a home for their families.

We might rather ask ourselves how we can afford every UK resident a proper “home”, one allowing the basic freedoms of humanity: to subsist, work, learn and grow. This would be the true definition of a shalom bayit.  Aaron Goldstein is Senior Rabbi at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Shul

16 MARCH

CLASS ACTS ALL SET FOR OUR BIG NIGHT

16 February

2017

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How the IDF works behind the scenes to ensure it keeps Israeli citizens safe from the terror group See page 14

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PERSUE ‘A GREAT Donald Trump held back from endorsing a future PEACE DEAL’ during a cordial press conference Palestinian state with Benjamin Netanyahu. The at the White House on Wednesday states and one US president said: state. I will like the one both parties“I’m looking at two like.” See page 2

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Who runs the world? Girls!

As Lena Dunham’s Girls begins its final series, we consider the legacy of the iconic cult show See page 25

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This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Jewish News, Britain’s biggest Jewish newspaper!

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Get help or donate at jwa.org.uk

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JWA supports Jewish women and their children affected by domestic violence and abuse: Helpline • Advocacy & Support • Refuge • Counselling • Specialist Children’s Worker • Education • Campus Outreach • Training Registered Charity Number 1047045

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Livingston but doesn’t kick him out

Police board plane trigger exit light after group hassle staff, and refuse to sit with women

Meet the high-profi Jewish networker le who has the ear of political leaders around the world See page 10

need to create

2 FEBRUARY

EWSPA JEWISH N BIGGEST

finds • Labour panel e guilty

By Francine Wolfisz francinew@thejngro

According to one witness, the up.com @FWolfisz chaos began upon her seat. “I chatted boarding, when to her later on. a group of male She couldn’t passengers refused believe the whole Desperate easyJet to take seats next thing and they to women. staff called didn’t even say police from The passenger, thank you. That 30,000ft during was something a “nightmare” want to be named, who did not staff mentioned the flight from Tel said: “They were as well, that they Aviv to Luton, blocking the aisle, did not say please after making it really or thank you.” strictly-Orthodox a group of difficult for The passenger other passengers also noted the to get group refused to take Jewish men past and take – a wedding their seat. their seats for party, which religious reasons.

“I was next to made up more quite an elderly than half of During the incident gentleman and the flight – kept using he did not sit down the call button which one air steward on Monday, the entire for the steward. time. Everybody described as had to “the worst flight walk round him.

“I’ve never heard in He was just oblivit go off so years”, one passengerthe route’s 11 ious, because many times. It he was trying to also plugged was dinging conswap stantly a mobile phone his seat, so he and it was really into the plane’s wouldn’t be sitting intrusive if control panel in next to a woman.” you were trying a “foolish attempt to read. to charge it”, Eventually, a “bemused” “I overheard causing the the steward say: female exit light to switch plane’s passenger offered ‘I’ve only got to swap on, panone pair of icking passengers. hands.’ They were really stressing out the staff.

“One steward said he’d been doing the route for 11 years and it was the worst flight he had ever experienced.”

EE

Everything you

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BRITAI

We are looking for a creative and knowledgeable person to work on the design and layout of our weekly newspaper and supplements, with a keen eye for detail, an ability to manage multiple tasks along with excellent organisational skills.

The ideal candidate will: • Have a degree, or equivalent, in Graphic Design or similar • Be proficient in the use of Adobe CS especially Indesign and Photoshop and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the design and packaging processes • Have experience working to tight deadlines • Have the ability to work within templates and brand guidelines • Be able to manage your own workload on a day-to-day basis • Will need to be committed, enthusiastic, confident and be able to work as part of a team Does this sound like you?

Email your CV to Diane Spender at dianes@thejngroup.com

Edited by

Brigit Grant

4 May 2017 Jewish News

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33

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

Ask our

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This week: Benefits of mediation over court, using a lettings agency and help finding a job in the UK ANDREW MILLER QC AMQC MEDIATION SERVICES See full profile on pages 34-35

Dear Andrew I’m shortly taking part in a one-day mediation in respect of a long-standing legal dispute. A four-day court trial is fixed for later this year. How can I be sure that a settlement reached at mediation is better than what I may get in court?

Sam Dear Sam The simple answer is that you can never be sure you will do better, or indeed worse, if your legal dispute goes all the way to trial.

However, what can be said with certainty is that the legal process and, in particular,

PAUL SHAMPLINA HAMILTON FRASER See full profile on pages 34-35

Dear Paul I’ve just bought a twobedroom flat as a buy-tolet. What’s the difference between a let-only service and a fully-managed service from a letting agent?

Richard Dear Richard Before instructing a letting/ managing agent to take over the rental of your property, do your due diligence on the

agent. Make sure they belong to a redress scheme and that they have Client Money Protection. Ask if they belong to a trade association such as Property Mark, NALS or RICS and check out their reputation online; a review website called allagents.co.uk has posts by tenants and landlords who have used the company.

Decide if you want them just to find the tenant for you, after which you deal with the tenant directly, or the agent does everything for you.

Generally, a let-only service will cost you five to 10 percent of the rental.

This includes the agent finding a tenant, carrying out all viewings, full tenant references including right to rent check, compliance with the Deregulation Act, drafting

a court trial is very expensive and full of uncertainties, with the outcome often being unpredictable.

By contrast, given that mediation is a wholly voluntary procedure, you can be sure that if you do reach a settlement as part of the mediation process (and more than 80 percent do), it will be a deal that both sides are willing to make and, most importantly, it is a deal that you personally are willing to make to bring your legal dispute to an end.

You can also be sure that, by entering into mediation, you are using the best tried and tested dispute resolution process to bring your legal dispute to an end.

One of the main attractions of mediation is the fact that the costs will usually be a fraction of the legal costs of the parties continuing their dispute to a full court case.

Good luck with your mediation.

of tenancy agreement and securing the deposit.

In a fully managed service, the agent takes over everything; you should not have any contact with the tenant, something many landlords prefer. As well as the let-only service, also included are property inventories, rent collection, dealing with maintenance issues and deposit disputes. This service can cost five to seven percent on top of the let-only service.

My advice to all newbie landlords is to use an accredited letting agent. There are more than 160 rules and regulations to renting out a property and many landlords don’t put a price on their time, especially as they don’t want to be taking emergency calls at 2am from tenants.

ERIC SALAMON RESOURCE See full profile on pages 34-35

Dear Eric I’m Israeli and recently relocated to the UK. I’m finding it difficult to find a job as the approach here seems quite different to what I’m used to.

Eitan Dear Eitan Job searches differ across countries and cultures.

For example, the way a CV is presented in the UK is

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media, tapping into groups created for Israelis.

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Get some interview coaching so you can present yourself and your skills in the manner expected.

Organisations such as Resource can help you in every aspect of your job search to ensure you approach it in a way best suited to the UK. You must demonstrate to prospective employers that you have adapted to the culture and can fit in.

We are running a free workshop on 6 June specifically to help Israelis improve their employment prospects, so get in touch.

34

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Jewish News 4 May 2017

Ask Our Experts / Professional advice from our panel

Our Experts Do you have a question for a member of our team? Email: editorial@thejngroup.com

JEWELLER

SOCIAL WORKER

JONATHAN WILLIAMS Qualifications: • Jewellery manufacturer since 1980s.

• Expert in the manufacture and supply of diamond jewellery, wedding rings and general jewellery.

• Specialist in supply of diamonds to the public at trade prices.

CAROLYN COHEN Qualifications: • Supports couples dealing with infertility and reproductive health.

• Strictly confidential helpline.

• Specialist medical support and information.

• Counselling for individuals and couples and educational events.

• Expert medical advisory panel.

JEWELLERY CAVE LTD 020 8446 8538 www.jewellerycave.co.uk jonathan@jewellerycave.co.uk

CHANA 020 8203 8455 Helpline: 020 8201 5774 / 020 8800 0018 www.chana.org.uk info@chana.org.uk

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

ESTATE AGENT

CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN

ELAINE KERR Qualifications: • Able to draw on the expertise of Norwood’s professional staff team, including social workers, educational psychologists, drug and alcohol specialists, speech & language and occupational therapists, teachers, psychologists, benefit advisers.

• Expertise in services available for children and their families and young people with special educational needs, and adults with learning disabilities.

STEVE WAYNE Qualifications: • Owner of Benjamin Stevens established in 2004 with offices in Edgware and Bushey and dealing with all surrounding areas.

• Specialist in buy 2 let investments and managing lettings portfolios.

• Deals with residential sales locally and an expert on all things property in North West London.

• Partner at Frederick George & Co

DR PIYUSHA KAPILA Qualifications: • MB ChB (Man) MD (Lon) FRCPCH; trained in the Childrens’ Hospitals in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London.

• Looks after children and newborns with all sorts of general problems.

• Specialises in endocrinology and diabetes in children.

• Works at N Middlesex University NHS Hospital; private sessions at the Wellington Centres and Hsopital of St John and St Elizabeth.

NORWOOD 020 8809 8809 www.norwood.org.uk elaine.kerr@norwood.org.uk

BENJAMIN STEVENS ESTATE AGENTS 020 8950 7777 www.benjaminstevens.co.uk Steve@benjaminstevens.co.uk

TELECOMS SPECIALIST MAXI ROSE Qualifications: • MD at RCUK since 1999. Grown the business into three substantial UK branches serving clients worldwide – USA, Europe & Middle East.

• Telecoms specialist in business & consumer mobile solutions, landline and broadband services and Ofcom Telecoms registered reseller.

MOBILITY SPECIALIST ELAINE FERGUSON Qualifications: • 20+ years experience with mobility and independent living products and services.

• Expert advice to make life easier whether you have restricted movement, are disabled or elderly.

• Manager of north London’s largest mobility centre, member of British Healthcare Trade Association (BHTA).

• Training provider: First Aid, carers, health and safety.

FORTUNA MOBILITY CENTRE 020 8344 4820 www.fortunamobility.com info@fortunamobility.com

RCUK 020 8815 4115 www.rcuk.biz maxi@rcuk.biz

LANDLORD EXPERT

TRAVEL AGENT

DR PIYUSHA KAPILA 07741 416557 enquiries@doctorpiyushakapila.org.uk

CHARITY EXECUTIVE SUE CIPIN Qualifications: • 18 years’ hands-on experience, leading JDA in significant growth and development.

• Deep understanding of the impact of deafness on people at all stages of life, and their families.

• Practical and emotional support for families of deaf children.

• Extensive services for people affected by hearing loss/tinnitus.

JEWISH DEAF ASSOCIATION 020 8446 0502 info@jewishdeaf.org.uk www.jewishdeaf.org.uk

SOLICITOR ADVOCATE

PAUL SHAMPLINA Qualifications: • Over 25 years in the legal field helping landlords with problem tenants.

• Founder of Landlord Action • Star of a Channel 5’s Nightmare Tenants and Slum Landlords • Brand ambassador for Hamilton Fraser.

DAVID SEGEL Qualifications: • Managing director of West End Travel, established in 1972.

• Leading UK El Al agent with branches in Swiss Cottage and Edgware.

• Specialist in Israel travel, cruises and kosher holidays.

• Leading business travel company, ranked in top 50 UK agents.

• Frequent travel broadcaster on radio and TV.

CARL WOOLF Qualifications: • 20+ years experience as a criminal defence solicitor and higher court advocate.

• Specialising in all aspects of criminal law including murder, drug offences, fraud and money laundering, offences of violence, sexual offences and all aspects of road traffic law.

• Visiting associate professor at Brunel University.

HAMILTON FRASER 0345 310 6300 www.hamiltonfraser.co.uk Paul.Shamplina@hamiltonfraser.co.uk

WEST END TRAVEL 020 7644 1500 www.westendtravel.co.uk David.Segel@westendtravel.co.uk

NOBLE SOLICITORS 01582 544 370 carl.woolf@noblesolicitors.co.uk

DIRECTOR OF LEGACIES

BARRISTER

PRINCIPAL, PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

CAROLYN ADDLEMAN Qualifications: Lawyer with more than 15 years’ experience in will drafting and trust and estate administration, eight years at KKL Executor and Trustee Company.

Keeps in close contact with clients to ensure all legal and pastoral needs are cared for.

Member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

MICHELLE FREEDMAN Qualifications: • 15 years’ experience as a family law barrister, specialist in divorce and financial relief.

• Approved by the Bar Council to undertake public access work.

• Can be instructed directly by the public for legal advice and representation without having to go through a solicitor.

• Appearances in the media, including BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Newsroom Southeast.

LOUISE LEACH Qualifications: • Professional choreographer qualified in dance, drama and Zumba (ZIN, ISTD & LAMDA), gaining an honours degree at Birmingham University.

• Former contestant on ITV’s Popstars, reaching bootcamp with Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw and Kym Marsh.

• Set up Dancing with Louise 10 years ago.

KKL EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE COMPANY 0800 358 3587 www.kkl.org.uk wills@kkl.org.uk

MICHELLE FREEDMAN 07465 880 123 www.clerksroom.com freedman@clerksroom.com

DANCING WITH LOUISE 020 8203 5242 www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk louise@dancingwithlouise.co.uk

• • •

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

35

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

ACCOUNTANT

IT SPECIALIST

TRAVEL MEDICINE

MELVYN SOBELL Qualifications: • Chartered accountant FCA. • Accounting, taxation and business advisory services.

• Specialises in forensic accounting.

• CEDR accredited mediator.

• Expert witness advice for all financial matters.

DR JANE ZUCKERMAN Qualifications: • Certified from Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in 1987 and practising travel medicine since 1995.

• Expertise includes immunisations, malaria prophylaxis, altitude medicine and advising patients with underlying health problems.

• Awards include Excellence in Medical Education, UCL 2007.

IAN GREEN Qualifications: • Launched Man on a Bike IT consultancy 15 years ago to provide computer support for the home and small businesses.

• Clients range from legal firms in the City to families, small business owners and synagogues.

• More than 18 years’ experience.

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ROYAL FREE PRIVATE PATIENTS 020 7317 7751 www.royalfreeprivatepatients.com rf.privateenquiries@nhs.net

MAN ON A BIKE 020 8731 6171 www.manonabike.co.uk mail@manonabike.co.uk

ALIYAH ADVISER

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

BUILDING CONTRACTOR

DOV NEWMARK Qualifications: • Director of UK Aliyah for Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organisation that helps facilitate aliyah from the UK. • Conducts monthly seminars and personal aliyah meetings in London.

• An expert in working together with clients to help plan a successful aliyah.

BAYLA PERRIN Qualifications: • Free professional service delivering immediate practical help with domestic administrative matters, assisting those alone and in crisis.

• Providing workable solutions for debt management, budgeting, bills, utilities, insurance, welfare & benefits, form filling, financial correspondence, bureaucracy and divorce procedures. Cross communal and throughout London.

HOWARD GOLD Qualifications: • Member of the Federation of Master Builders.

• Member of the Consumer Protection Association offering an underwritten insurance backed guarantee of 5 years on all projects.

• Providing a tailored end-to-end property service for residential property clients in north and north-west London. Focusing on a quality service.

NEFESH B’NEFESH 0800 075 7200 www.nbn.org.il dov@nbn.org.il

THE PAPERWEIGHT TRUST 020 8455 4996 www.paperweighttrust.com info@paperweighttrust.com

HPS 077 1005 7233 / 020 8457 1320 wwww.hpsuk.com howard@hpsuk.com

MEDIATOR

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

ANDREW MILLER QC Qualifications: • Mediator with more than 25 years of experience of using mediation to economically resolve commercial disputes.

• Queen’s Counsel (Barrister) with 25+ years legal experience of conducting commercial cases.

• Providing a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to the court litigation process.

HAZEL KAYE Qualifications: • Able to draw on the charity’s 45+ years of experience in providing specialist accommodation designed to enable independence.

• Knowledge of the features and innovations that can empower people to undertake everyday tasks and awareness of relevant grants and benefits available.

• Understands the impact of a diagnosis of disability.

STEPHEN MORRIS Qualifications: • Managing Director of Stephen Morris Shipping Ltd. • 45 years’ experience in shipping household and personal effects.

• Chosen mover for four royal families and three UK prime ministers.

• Offering proven quality specialist advice for moving anyone across the world or round the corner.

AMQC MEDIATION SERVICES @ 2TG 020 7822 1260 www.2tg.co.uk amqc22tg.co.uk

JEWISH BLIND & DISABLED 020 8371 6611 www.jbd.org hazel@jbd.org

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING LTD 020 8832 2222 www.shipsms.co.uk stephen@shipsms.co.uk

KITCHEN SPECIALIST

SPECIALIST CAREER ADVISER

BERNARD MIEL Qualifications: Managing Director of Kitchens Continental, an independent design company specialising in function and form for bespoke high quality kitchens.

More than 30 years in the industry, providing both retail and contract kitchens.

Familiar with German, Italian and English kitchens.

Full service including cabinetry, worktops, appliances, sinks, taps, floors and fitting.

• • •

ERIC SALAMON Qualifications: • Career in corporate management working for among others Mars Confectionery, CBS Entertainment, Storehouse Retail & H.J. Heinz Foods, holding director level marketing, commercial and general management roles.

Provides specialist advice to help unemployed get work.

Free one-to-one mock interviews and workshops on making an impact.

KITCHENS CONTINENTAL 020 8203 6033 www.kitchenscontinental.com hendon@kitchenscontinental.com

RESOURCE THE JEWISH EMPLOYMENT ADVICE CENTRE 020 8346 4000 www.resource-centre.org office@resource-centre.org

•

FAMILY SOLICITOR

• •

CARE SERVICE MANAGER

REBEKAH GERSHUNY Qualifications: Member of Resolution, Law Society Accredited and registered with the Family Mediation Council.

Collaborative family lawyer, with more than 20 years’ experience and founder of family mediation practice, Evolve Family Mediation.

Promotes a constructive and non-confrontational approach.

•

POLLY LANDSBERG Qualifications: • 35 years care experience in supporting elderly people at home and in the community.

• Qualified nurse, providing advice and support for individuals with a range of needs.

• Providing care at home for those requiring reassurance and companionship, assistance with personal care, help around the house and specialist services for those living with long-term conditions.

FREEMANS SOLICITORS 020 7935 3522 www.freemanssolicitors.net rg@freemanssolicitors.net

SWEETTREE HOME CARE SERVICES 020 7644 9554 www.sweettree.co.uk info@sweettree.co.uk

• •

REMOVALS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Got a question for a member of our team?

Email: editorial@thejngroup.com

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY 36

Jewish News 4 May 2017

Business Services Directory

Clothing

Carer Auxiliary Nurse

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VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS. All Antique Hille & Epstein Counselling forFurniture adults & children who are Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Paintings, Porcelain, experiencing loss, Silver, and support groups.

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4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

37

Business Services Directory Mrs Clarke 4x1 995_Layout 1 22/03/20 COMPUTER CLOTHING

FURS WANTED Cash paid for Mink, Fox, Coats, Jackets, Boleros etc.

01277 352 560 For a lady to call

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BRIDGE WITH HAROLD SCHOGGER 2 FREE BRIDGE TASTERS Tuesday 2nd May 2 Beginners Courses Tuesday 9th May 2 Intermediate Courses Monday 8th May

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1 in 4 people will experience mental illness.

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38

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 4 May 2017

Fun, games & prizes

WIN AN EK’OH COFFEE POD MACHINE FROM ROMBOUTS! Jewish News and Rombouts have teamed up to offer one reader an Ek’Oh coffee pod machine and a selection of coffee pods worth £195!

Rombouts is a family-owned and run coffee company, founded in Belgium in 1896.

The Ek’Oh coffee machine from Rombouts makes delicious Americanos and espressos at the touch of a button.

Using biodegradable coffee pods, the Ek’Oh makes café quality drinks at home and switches off after making each drink to conserve energy – but is always ready

within a few moments when you want the next one!

The winner of our competition will receive a fabulous Ek’Oh coffee pod machine in black, plus Rombouts Café biscuits and a selection of the following coffee pods: Grande Reserve, Ristretto Espresso, Brazilian Coffee, Colombian Coffee and La Finca Fairtrade.

Rombouts also offers a range of One Cup Filters, available in Kosher Kingdom, Tesco, Morrison, Co-op, Waitrose and other retailers.

ENTER ONLINE:

jewishnews.co.uk Closing date 18 May 2017

JUST ANSWER THIS QUESTION: • Which of the following is a popular type of coffee?

A: Earl Grey B: Latte C: Malt

 For more information, visit rombouts.co.uk

Hilarious Hebrew Hilarious Hebrew Word of the Week Word of the Week

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD THE JewishNews CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

18 Distribute (4,3) 19 Prominence (6) 20 Chair or stool (4)

6

7 8

9

DOWN 1 Continuous pain (4) 2 American horse show (5) 4 Chinese frying pan (3) 5 Have faith in (5) 6 Wanting to eat (6) 7 Decline (6) 11 Poorly (6) 12 Glass container for marmalade etc (3‑3) 14 Boca ___, city in Florida (5) 15 Hangman’s loop (5) 16 Doctor’s ‘immediately’ (4) 18 Fell with an axe (3)

120 YEARS OF ZIONISM ”ZIONISM IS AN INFINITE IDEAL”

10

The WZO and ZF run subsidised Ulpan (Hebrew language) classes across the UK. For more information, contact ulpanuk@wzo.org.il or call 020 8202 0202

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The Hebrew word for 'elephant' is… pil ‫פִּיל‬ *** From the book Hilarious Hebrew – the Fun and Fast Way to Learn the Language, available on Amazon and in book and gift shops around NW London. www.hilarioushebrew.com

10 Something with no chance of success (3‑7) 13 Pulse‑increasing hormone (10) 17 Spout, gush (3)

Last issue’s solutions ACROSS: 1 Copse 4 Ford’s 7 Boa 8 Slobber 9 Seal 10 Stub 13 Yes 15 Abut 16 Arid 19 Lottery 21 One 22 Wages 23 Rifle DOWN: 1 Cubs 2 Plateau 3 Easily 4 Frog 5 Rib 6 Scrubs 11 Tail off 12 Tallow 14 Sawyer 17 Ness 18 Gene 20 Tug

See next issue for solution.

04/05

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com

COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

By Paul Solomons

The ELEPHANT is ill, he needs to take a PILL

ACROSS 1 Open, spacious (4) 3 Sample of fabric (6) 8 Fish of the cod family (7) 9 Tall vase (3)

20

One reader will win an Ek’Oh coffee pod machine (in black) from Rombouts and a selection of coffee pods worth £195. No cash alternative. Prize delivery to mainland UK only. Prize is as stated and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or exchange in whole or in part for cash. By supplying your email address you agree to receive marketing information from the JN Media Group or any of its affiliates and carefully selected third parties. The promotion excludes employees of Miroma and the promoter, their immediate families, their agents or anyone professionally connected to the relevant promotion. Proof of eligibility must be provided on request.

Normal T&Cs apply and can be found at jewishnews.co.uk/about-us/promotions -terms-and-conditions. For full Ts and Cs see jewishnews.co.uk.

Closing date: 18 May 2017

4 May 2017 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

39

Football review, pictures and video highlights: www.jewishnews.co.uk / Sport MGBSFL, MASTERS & LIONS PREMIER DIVISION

DIVISION TWO

Redbridge A 4 NL Raiders A 2

Hertswood Vale 0 RC UK FC 7

P W D L F Dif Pts Oakwood A 18 14 3 1 54 39 45 Redbridge A 17 14 1 2 82 61 43 Hendon United A 17 12 1 4 55 32 37 London Lions A 18 11 1 6 40 2 34 NL Raiders A 18 10 2 6 67 43 32 Brady Maccabi 18 7 1 10 40 -7 22 FC Team A 18 5 1 12 38 -41 16 Camden Park 18 5 2 11 25 -14 14 Woodford Wands 18 2 3 13 17 -41 9 SPEC FC 18 1 1 16 1 -74 4 jewishnews.co.uk/mgbsfl-prem-div-table/

P W D L F Dif Pts L’Equipe 20 16 2 2 79 41 50 Temple Fortune 20 12 6 2 64 31 42 RC UK FC 19 12 1 6 79 49 37 Redbridge C 19 9 5 5 42 6 32 Real Hendon 20 8 2 10 50 0 26 Mill Hill Dons 20 8 2 10 48 -22 26 NL Raiders C 20 7 4 9 54 -4 25 Faithfold B 20 7 3 10 52 -10 24 Catford & Bromley 20 7 1 12 46 -11 22 Hertswood Vale 20 5 1 14 42 -19 16 Boca Jewniors 20 4 1 15 27 -61 13 jewishnews.co.uk/mgbsfl-two-table

DIVISION ONE Finchley City 4 Oakwood B 3 Redbridge B P Athletic Bilbaum P

P W D L F Dif Pts

Redbridge B 18 16 1 1 57 41 49 London Lions B 18 12 3 3 55 28 39 Scrabble 18 12 2 4 47 18 38 Finchley City FC 18 10 2 6 52 7 32 NL Raiders B 18 9 4 5 54 15 31 Oakwood B 18 7 3 8 44 8 24 Los Blancos 18 6 0 12 34 -10 18 Faithfold A 18 4 2 12 31 -19 14 Athletic Bilbaum 18 4 1 13 18 -36 13 Hendon United B 18 1 0 17 15 -52 3 jewishnews.co.uk/mgbsfl-one-table/

Redbridge on brink of title Redbridge A are one win away from clinching the Premier Division title after defeating last season’s champions Raiders A to edge within two points of Oakwood.

Goals from Steve Summers, Ben Sollosi, Sam Sollosi and Adam Hakimi saw them to a 4-2 win. They now need to beat Hendon A in their final game of the season on Sunday to become champions.

Manager Jon Jacobs said: “We have one more game to turn good into spectacular. We’re determined to take that chance at Hadley on Sunday, when we take on our perennial rivals as we look to bring the title back to Redbridge.

“Raiders were a credit to the league, they did everything possible to win the game even though they have the Peter Morrison final on Sunday, and we wish them all the luck in the world to win against Manchester next week.”

Raiders manager Daniel Shafron said: “Today was a good warm up for our Morrison final, we will use this as motivation and continue our preparations before making our trip to Manchester.

“Redbridge have had an excellent season and deserve all their plaudits. I said it during the week, they’ve been the best team this season. They’ve got a great group, from management to players, and we wish them all the very best going in to their title decider next Sunday.”

Finchley City ended their Division One campaign in fourth spot following a 4-3 win over Oakwood B. Eli Davila, Sam Kanter, Yoel Deal and Rafi Kon – with the last kick of the game – sealing a dramatic win.

RC UK FC made sure of finishing in third spot in Division Two, after they recorded a 7-0 win at Hertswood Vale. Player-manager Avi Markiewicz and Jonti Aremband scored two each, with Avi Levy, Zalmy Cohen and Akiva Solomon also all on target.

SUNDAY’S FIXTURES: MMFL/MGBSFL Invitational Trophy Quarter-Finals: Brady Maccabi Masters vs NL Raiders C EDRS Stonegrove Masters vs Faithfold B Scrabble Masters vs L’Equipe Peter Morrison Trophy: South Manchester Sports vs North London Raiders A Premier Division: Hendon United A vs Redbridge A Division Two: RC UK FC vs Redbridge C

Sam Sollosi was on target for Redbridge A

 Full review, match pictures, & video highlights at:

Hemed ready to realise ‘a dream’ BRILLIANT BRADY

By Andrew Sherwood andrews@thejngroup.com @JewishNewsUK

Brighton & Hove Albions striker Tomer Hemed says he can’t wait to fulfill a dream by playing in the Premier League next year, as he reflected back on what he called “an amazing” promotionwinning season on the South Coast.

Speaking to Jewish News after a 1-0 home defeat by Bristol City, which put their title celebrations on ice – they need to either match or better Newcastle’s result this weekend to go up as champions, he said: “It’s been an amazing season. Of course we wanted to finish the season here with the three points to win the title, but we have one more game to do it. In the end we achieved our main target which was to be promoted. It was an amazing feeling after last season to come back and to do it, so I think all of us are really happy and looking forward to next year.”

Speaking on a personal level and what it will mean to be playing in the top flight of English football, he said: “I’m very excited. I came from the Spanish League, where I played against their best teams and best players. I then came here to Brighton, to the Championship, with one target – to go the Premier League with them and I’m very happy that after two seasons we did it.

‘Now we just have to think about staying in the division, for the first season it will be difficult, but we just

have to think about staying in the league and to show that we can compete there. Of course, we know against which teams we’ll be competing with, we’re not going to be fighting for the title, we know which sides are on our level – and have to show we are better than them.”

Another enjoyment factor for the 30-year-old has been playing alongside his compatriot Beram Kayal. “It’s a very good feeling to be playing with a friend when you’re away from your country”, he says. “We’ve been good friends since we were young, it’s a nice feeling, it’s

special, and apart from the football, we can share a bit of our life together as well.”

While the pair are playing in a foreign country, games at the Amex stadium are almost like a home from home for them, such is the support they receive. Saying how welcome he’s felt at the South Coast since joining the club in 2015, he said: “First of all I’ve got a big support in the last two seasons from all of our fans, they’ve been very good to me since my first day and I want to thanks them all for their support.

“The Jewish community have also supported me here, every time I go to the Synagogue or when I see friends of the community, they’re always asking me about the team, they support us and are happy for us and it’s nice to see the Israeli flags in the stadium.

“Of course I’m always happy to represent my country and community here and I’m happy for them that we did it and gave them a good feeling at the end of the season.”

With one game of the season left, and then a summer to look forward to life in the Premier League, where is he most looking forward to playing?

“I used to support Manchester United as a kid, so it will be special to play at Old Trafford”, he says, it’s the one I’m looking forward too most

 Full interview:

jewishnews.co.uk

Brady Maccabi A manager Daniel Collins praised his “heroic side” after he saw them beat favourites Chigwell 2-1 in the final of the Henry Swerner Masters League cup final.

Going into the game as underdogs – Brady had lost their last five games against them – Collins said: “I was extremely nervous going into this final, but I didn’t need to be. My team delivered in every way, they gave Chigwell no time on the ball, were 100 percent focused and committed, and wanted to win more than Chigwell on this occasion.”

Mark Wagman headed them ahead, though their lead only lasted five minutes when Russell Yershon equalised.

But Brady were to enjoy the last laugh, for the first time in six meetings between the sides, when Ashley Davidson headed in a corner from close-range.

Collins added: “All the team performed heroically and it was a truly memorable win for Brady, especially when you consider most of the squad are old enough to compete in Division Two of Masters Football.”

Meanwhile, the Masters League management committee has ruled the Nathan Horwitz cup final will be replayed on 17 May. London Lions beat St John’s Wood Tigers 6-0 in the initial match, but Lions were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player.

40 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

4 May 2017

Sport / Heavyweight hero / Lions’ treble

Golden gloves from Golders Green!

Revealed: Boxing star Anthony Joshua’s affinity with the mean streets of Jewish north-west London

By Andrew Sherwood andrews@thejngroup.com @JewishNewsUK

Anthony Joshua’s close ties to the Jewish community were celebrated this week after the world heavyweight champion’s electrifying victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium.

London Lions assistant manager Darren Yarlett boxes at the same place, Finchley Amateur Boxing Club, as the new star of world boxing and shares the same coach, Sean Murphy – who trained Joshua when he first took up the sport.

Delighted with Joshua’s win, whom he’s met on several occasions, he said: “I box at the club a few times a week and Josh comes in and sees everyone. I know him to say hello to, when I see him in the gym or on the street, he’s a very friendly guy who’s extremely humble and is everything that you see on TV. “After 10 fights he was asked by the press: ‘Now you have made some money, what will you buy for yourself?’

He replied: ‘I’m going to buy my amateur club some new punch bags’. That’s the sort of person he is, to see him win at Wembley was amazing for British boxing and everyone involved with his camp.”

Joshua is still a regular visitor at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club – where he trained as an 18-year-old – and lives with his mum in the Golders Green council flat he

Top: Darren Yarlett meets Anthony Joshua at the gym; above: Tony Milch trained under the same coach as Joshua; main: celebrating his win on Saturday

bought for her . He also owns a £500,000 penthouse in Finchley.

Middleweight boxer Tony Milch spent his early years at the Finchley gym, where he also trained under the same coaches as the new WBA ‘super’ belt holder. “I’m proud to say I come from the same gym as him”, he said.

“He showed the type of man he was when he praised the club, it showed how he remembers all the coaches who give their time to the youth in the sport and the direction they give. I thought he was phenomenal. I was impressed with his performance. He is a class act in and out of the ring.”

Lions secure historic league and cup treble

London Lions celebrate winning their league and cup treble

London Lions manager Andy Landesberg hailed his side’s “very special achievement” after he saw them secure an historic league and cup treble on Monday afternoon.

Beating Letchworth Garden City Eagles 7-1 in the final of the Aubrey Cup, to go alongside their Herts Senior County Premier Division title and County Trophy wins, Landesberg said: “What we’ve achieved today is history. We’re a club from our community, competing at a high level outside of our community, with 75

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percent of the squad coming from our youth development programme.

This is something very special, it’s is a real achievement by everybody.”

Full of praise for the club’s accomplishments, he added: “I’m not sure proud is a strong enough word to describe how I feel about what has been achieved. This performance is not only about this team, it is a story about a club that worked, developed and created a platform for our community to compete outside of our community. It’s about a club that has created an environment for kids

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from seven-years-old to develop their ability and skills, and have, aspirations to finish playing on that great pitch and delivering performances that we have all seen this year, beating everybody along the way.

“This team makes me feel very proud for so many reasons, especially when you see more than 12 players from the first team squad coming through from our youth development programme.”

 Full report and video

highlights: jewishnews.co.uk