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BRITAIN’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER 28 November 2019 • 30 Cheshvan 5780

• Issue No.1134 •

@JewishNewsUK

‘Can I finish, can I finish…?’

…He’s finished! VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS Few more prescient questions have been asked in British politics of late than when Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn asked BBC interviewer Andrew Neil if he could finish on Tuesday evening. Under fire after Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis laid into the party leadership over antisemitism, accusing it of “spreading a new poison,” Corbyn refused to apologise to British Jews FOUR times and claimed Mirvis had got his facts wrong. The interview, which included bizarre moments such as when Corbyn wouldn’t say whether Rothschild conspiracies and Holocaust denial were antisemitic, left even died-in-the-wool Corbynites pawing their brows. Over 30 minutes, the Labour leader disputed that the party’s problem with antisemitism stemmed from his reign, and grew increasingly agitated as Neil (pictured, pictured, inset) repeatedly asked if he was sorry. “Can I finish? Can I finish?” Corbyn asked during the one-to-one at 7pm on BBC One, as British Jews watching at home across the country replied in the affirmative. Corbyn’s car-crash interview came just hours after the most senior Jewish religious figure in the UK felt he had to write a fiercely party political column attacking the Labour leadership for lying about its success in tackling antisemitism in the party.

Asked about Mirvis’s claim that Corbyn peddled “a mendacious fiction” in claiming that all antisemitism cases had been investigated, the Labour leader said: “He’s not right, because he would have to produce the evidence to say that’s mendacious.” Asked about Mirvis’s wider claim that Corbyn was unfit for office, Corbyn said: “I look forward to having a conversation with him, because I want to hear why he would say such a thing. So far as I’m concerned, antisemitism is not acceptable anywhere.” Asked why antisemitism had suddenly become an issue since he became leader, Corbyn said it “didn’t rise after I became leader”. Asked why a member who questioned the number of Jews who died in the Holocaust had only received a warning, he said he’d strengthened processes since then, with “then” appearing to be 2017. Asked if someone saying “Rothschild Zionists run Israel and world governments” was antisemitic, Continued on page 20

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

News / General Election 2019

Corbyn offers to meet Chief Rabbi Jeremy Corbyn has offered to meet Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and condemned antisemitism as “vile and wrong” after the senior Jewish leader warned that “a new poison sanctioned from the very top” had taken root in the Labour Party, writes Mathilde Frot. Corbyn made the invitation at the launch of his party’s race and faith manifesto at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in London on Tuesday, where he was joined by shadow equalities secretary Dawn Butler, Labour politician David Lammy, and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott. The Labour leader offered to meet the Chief Rabbi alongside other faith leaders to “come around the table and discuss with us their issues, their concerns but above all how we create a society that is respectful of all faiths”. But Corbyn made no direct reference to Mirvis’ scathing attack in The Times, which accused him of being “complicit in prejudice”. Writing “with a heavy heart,” Mirvis said that Labour “can no longer claim to be the party of diversity, equality and anti-racism. This is the Labour Party in name

Jeremy Corbyn shared a stage on Tuesday with several election candidates previously embroiled in controversies over antisemitism at the launch of the Labour Party’s race and faith manifesto. Claudia Webbe, Labour’s candidate for Leicester East, defended Ken Livingstone after he was suspended for accusing a Jewish reporter of behaving like a Nazi. She wote that the decision “smacks in the face of true democracy.” Apsana Begum, the candidate for Poplar and Limehouse, apologised for sharing a Facebook post

Jeremy Corbyn made no direct reference to Mirvis’ attack in The Times

only”. He added that “the overwhelming majority of British Jews are gripped by anxiety at the prospect of Corbyn becoming prime minister. “The party leadership have never understood that their failure is not just one of procedure, which can be

remedied with additional staff or new processes. It is a failure to see this as a human problem rather than a political one,” said Mirvis. In his speech, Corbyn said: “Antisemitism in any form is vile and wrong. It is an evil within our society. It’s an evil that grew in Europe in the

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1920s and onwards and ultimately led to the Holocaust. “There is no place whatsoever for antisemitism in any shape or form or in any place in modern Britain and under a Labour government. It would not be tolerated in any form whatsoever.” He added: “An attack on a mosque, an attack on a synagogue, an attack on a temple, abuse of a Jewish woman on a train, abuse of a Muslim woman in the street, abuse of a black

Webbe, Begum and Khan

in 2017 suggesting Saudi Arabian leaders were “inspired by their Zionist masters”. Shadow immigration minister Afzal Khan said he “was mortified and sincerely sorry” for posting a video referring to an “Israel-BritishSwiss-Rothschilds crime syndicate” captioned “mass murdering Rothschilds Israeli mafia criminal liars”. youngster happily walking home from school, is not acceptable.” But Corbyn insisted that the party’s complaints process was a “rapid and effective system”, which was “constantly under review to make sure it is rapid and it is effective”. He also praised Lord (Alf ) Dubs, who addressed the launch after telling BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday morning that Mirvis had “gone too far” in his rebuke.

Berger: I did all I could, but Labour is now lost Former Labour MP Luciana Berger has said she had to leave her old party as she “couldn’t change things from within” when faced with instances of antisemitism. Berger is standing for the Liberal Democrats in Finchley and Golders Green, after leaving the Labour Party earlier this year. On Tuesday she toured the constituency with former Tory and Independent Group for Change MP Heidi Allen and accused Jeremy Corbyn of being involved in a “litany” of incidents which have served to heighten fear within the Jewish community. Addressing her departure from Labour, Berger said: “I did everything within my power to try and change things. I had meetings, I put forward motions, I spoke out in the press when some very ugly things surfaced. Not only did it not get any better, but it got worse and there has to come a moment when you say enough. “I couldn’t change things from within and sadly, as I said then and I feel very strongly

today, the party is institutionally antisemitic.” The 38-year-old added there was a “sea of cases” of antisemitism in the party which the leadership “chose to brush under the carpet”. Referring to Jeremy Corbyn, she said: “It’s just a litany of examples. One thing might be a mistake, but you can’t collect such a catalogue of experiences that heighten any minority community’s fear and to try and explain it away like the party has done.”

Luciana Berger, right, with Heidi Allen

SHADOW MINISTER ‘SORRY’ FOR HURT A Labour frontbencher who falsely denied claiming Zionism was the enemy of peace has said his party is “sorry” for the hurt caused to the Jewish community. Jeremy Corbyn faced a backlash after he repeatedly refused to apologise for the way the party acted during a TV interview on Tuesday – despite the blistering attack on his record by the Chief Rabbi. However, shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon insisted the Labour leader had already

apologised to the Jewish community on a number of occasions. Burgon – a close ally of Corbyn – acknowledged Labour had not acted fast enough to deal with the issue and said they were sorry for the “very real hurt” that had been caused. “Of course we’re sorry for the hurt caused,” he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. “Jeremy has apologised on a number of occasions and said that he’s sorry for the very real hurt felt by people in theJewish community.”

28 November 2019 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

General Election 2019 / News

Other faiths back Mirvis of insecurity Rabbi of a Euroand fear felt by pean nation has many British to say this about Jews”, and a contender for Bhanot wrote high office in 2019. to Mirvis saying We should reflect “Labour has Sajid Javid and Archbishop Welby on the state of i n crea s i n g ly our politics.” become antisemitic and antiBerger, who left Labour citing Hindu”. antisemitism, said Mirvis’ intervenThe Muslim Council of Britain tion as “devastating”, adding she agreed with Mirvis’ observation raised concerns about antisemitic that “some politicians have shown Facebook groups with Corbyn in courage but too many have sat 2017 but “nothing was done”. silent,” but criticised the ConservaAustin, who also left in February tive Party for seemingly having and recently advised constituents “a blind spot” for Islamophobia. to “vote Conservative”, called his Javid said: “To think the Chief former party “utterly shameful”,

while Neuberger told Radio 4’s Today programme: “Since Jeremy Corbyn has been leader, there has been this insidious antisemitic tone to quite a lot of what’s happened and an unwillingness to really face it.” The Board said Mirvis’ remarks were “sadly reflective of how many British Jews feel,” adding Labour was guilty of a “combination of disdain, injustice, incompetence and malevolence”. Kindertransport refugee Lord Alf Dubs, told Today he had respect for Mirvis, adding: “But I think [he] has gone too far”, although he agreed said Labour had been “much too slow” in dealing with cases.

Your say: Golders Green reacts to Chief Rabbi’s attack Rachel Dobrik

Gili Goldberg

Elia Baderman

Adam Fineberg

28, politics student and manager at Falafel Feast in Finchley

22, Musician

23, student in Finchley and Golders Green

53, public services adviser

A Labour government would make me consider my future in this country.

There’s a lot of anxiety. To say gripped with anxiety, no, everyone’s still themselves. I know Jewish people who will vote Labour.

The majority of Jews in the UK are extremely concerned with the possibility of Corbyn being elected.

The Chief Rabbi does not represent the majority of Jews. He doesn’t speak for me. It’s detrimental because it isolates and suggests the whole of the Jewish community is against the Labour Party.

‘

KEY POINTS MADE BY EPHRAIM MIRVIS

We sit powerless, watching with incredulity as supporters of the Labour leadership have hounded parliamentarians, party members and even staff out of the party for facing down antiJewish racism. Even as they received threats against themselves and their families, the response of the Labour leadership was utterly inadequate. The way in which the leadership of the Labour Party has dealt with anti-Jewish racism is incompatible with the British values of which we are so proud – of dignity and respect for all people. It has left many decent Labour members and parliamentarians, both Jewish and non-Jewish, ashamed of what has transpired. The leadership have never understood their failure is not just one of procedure, which can be remedied with additional staff or new processes. It is a failure to see this as a human problem rather than a political one.

‘

Politicians and religious leaders lined up to support the Chief Rabbi after his scathing attack against Labour over antisemitism. Ephraim Mirvis accused the party’s leadership of spreading “poison” and of lying about internal investigations, and supporting him were Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Hindu Council founding member Anil Bhanot, Conservative Chancellor Sajid Javid, former Labour MPs Luciana Berger and Ian Austin, the Board of Deputies and crossbench peer Baroness Rabbi Julia Neuberger. Welby tweeted Mirvis’ attack “ought to alert us to the deep sense

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General Election 2019 / The battle for Ilford North

Why Ilford voters are ‘ago Ilford North, once home to London’s largest Jewish neighbourhoods, has faltered in recent years with four wards in Redbridge seeing their population contract by more than 40 percent. Schools such as Clore Tikvah and King Solomon have consequently take in more non-Jews. In the 2010 census 10 percent of the constituency was Jewish.

If Boris Johnson is to return to Downing Street with a commanding House of Commons majority on 13 December, Ilford North is the type of seat that the Tories should be eyeing up, writes Adam Decker. The east London constituency has swung back and forth between Labour and the Tories for decades. Held by the Conservatives since 2001, it switched back to Labour in 2015, and the incumbent MP, Wes Streeting, significantly increased his majority to almost 10,000 in 2017. The race is expected to be closer in this election, although Streeting’s margin of victory last time around means that winning the seat back is a tough ask for the Tories. Still, the Labour candidate is taking nothing for granted. He tells Jewish News that he is fighting a “proper local campaign” on issues including falling police numbers, cuts to school budgets, and growing hospital waiting lists under the Tory government. His opponents, meanwhile, are trying to turn the debate to more national issues. Ilford

Labour’s Wes Streeting (wearing rosette) is defending a majority of almost 10,000

North voted for Brexit by a narrow majority (53.3% backed Leave) but Streeting has been a vocal campaigner for a fresh referendum. Defending his record, the Labour candidate says that giving the public the final say on Brexit is the right outcome, and points out that most people who voted for him backed Remain. “People might not agree with me but they’ll always know where I stand and that I would rather do the right thing by the community and by the country and risk losing my job than vote for people in my constituency and across the country to lose theirs, which is where I think we’re heading if we have a hard Brexit,” he says.

More than Brexit, it is the apparent unpopularity of his party leader that is causing a bigger problem on the doorstep. Streeting, who co-chairs the all-party parliamentary group on British Jews, has been one of the Labour MPs most critical of Jeremy Corbyn, and even in the midst of an election campaign is bracingly honest about the matter. “There is always pressure in an election campaign to be unquestionably and uncritically loyal and to say things you don’t believe in the name of party unity,” he says. “[But] I can’t pretend that I haven’t said the things about Jeremy Corbyn that I’ve said in the

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last four years. I can’t pretend that I have confidence in Jeremy when I voted no confidence in Jeremy, and I can’t pretend not to be one of Jeremy Corbyn’s most vocal critics in Labour because there have been too many areas where the problem has been Jeremy’s leadership.” There are around 6,500 Jews in Ilford North and Streeting says he has met many lifelong Labour voters who are now “agonising” over whether to support the party again because of fears over antisemitism. “We’ve put Jewish Labour voters in an absolutely invidious position and I’m not just sorry but angry beyond words that we’ve put them in this position,” he says. “I’ve had to apologise to people on the doorstep for the fact that Labour has presented them with this moral dilemma. “These people are lifelong Labour voters who now feel there is a conflict between being Jewish and voting Labour. That’s an appalling situation.” Streeting says he is trying to reassure the Jewish community that his support is “unconditional” and that he will continue campaigning against antisemitism in Labour “even if the Jewish vote simply collapsed and even if not a single Jewish voter in Ilford North voted for me”. Yet he accepts that, for all his efforts, the record of his party leadership means he will lose the support of many Jewish voters who previously voted for him. “I just think it’s the inevitable consequence of failing to listen and failing to act in response

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28 November 2019 Jewish News

The battle for Ilford North / General Election 2019

nising’ over election day to serious concerns about antisemitism in the Labour Party. There are too many cases, including high profile cases, where people have used the most appalling language or behaved in the most appalling way and are still members of the party. That is the litmus test of whether we’re taking it seriously and I’m afraid then when leading figures are saying ‘we have done all we can’, that is simply not true.” So does Streeting actually want to see Jeremy Corbyn in Number 10? There is a pause of almost 10 seconds before he says he wants to see a Labour government, but adds, tellingly: “When people go to the ballot box, particularly at this election, they’ve got to vote for the Howard Berlin with Boris Johnson Lib Dem candidate Mark Johnson person they think would be the best MP.” That aside, he is reluctant to directly criticise “Brexit is the number one issue,” he says. The local Tories, meanwhile, are doing their best to exploit concerns about the Labour leader- “Ilford North is a Leave constituency – 53.3% his Labour rival, saying the two have pledged to ship. Their candidate, Howard Berlin, is placing voted Leave. I voted Leave and we should respect have a “clean fight” and that he will “not have Brexit at the heart of his campaign. He is a local the democratic decision, not just of Ilford North anybody bad-mouth” Streeting on the doorstep. It is a different matter, however, when it comes councillor, a campaigner against building on the but of the whole country, and it’s not happening greenbelt and has lived in Ilford for more than 30 at the moment because the Labour candidate is to Corbyn, and he says the Labour leader’s record on antisemitism has been raised on the campaign years. He is also a distant relative of Irving Berlin blocking and has blocked for the last two years.” Berlin is committed to backing Boris John- trail by Jewish and non-Jewish voters alike. – his grandfather, he says, was the composer’s “Wes is a decent guy, but his boss Jeremy first cousin and grew up 18 miles away from him son’s Brexit deal, and says local people are “disapin modern-day Belarus, before Irving moved pointed” in Streeting for not. “They use the word Corbyn isn’t. I think he agrees with me on that… to the United States and made a name as one of betrayal,” he says. “The people who are trying to I don’t need to say on the doorstep that Jeremy the world’s great songwriters. Howard also has block the democratic will of the nation should be Corbyn is antisemitic, because people say it to his riffs in order. Like Tory candidates across the listening to the people that won the referendum, me, and not just Jewish people. It’s incredible. Certainly the Indian community are very, very not those that lost the referendum.” country, he is promising to “get Brexit done”.

concerned about it. Jeremy Corbyn’s friends are terrorists. Whether it’s the terrorists in Kashmir or terrorists in Hamas or Hezbollah or the IRA.” Is Berlin confident of winning the seat back for the Tories? “It’s going to be close, but we’re enjoying ourselves. We’re the underdogs but we’ve seen in politics that the underdogs have won.” The Liberal Democrats also insist they have momentum, although it would not be hard for them to make progress in a seat where they won just two percent of the vote in 2017. Their candidate, Mark Johnson, 25, works in advertising and is standing for the first time. He is hoping to benefit from disillusionment with the two main parties. “In Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn, you’ve got two men who are not fit to be prime minister,” he says. “I do think in this campaign in Jo Swinson we’ve got a leader who cuts a striking figure in comparison to them and would be good to leader.” He is warning voters about Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, saying that even if it is approved by Parliament, it could lead to “a damaging Brexit” if no trade deal is in place by the end of 2020, when the transition period ends. He believes the Liberal Democrats will cause a few upsets, saying internal party polling suggests they are 10-12% higher than they were in 2017. “There’s a lot of momentum behind us across London,” he says. “The Lib Dems will surprise people around the country at this election.”

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28 November 2019

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News / General Election 2019

It’s Umunna versus Jenrick versus Shah at JW3 hustings Jewish voters will have the chance to quiz leading figures from the country’s main political parties next week in the community’s only national hustings of the General Election campaign, writes Justin Cohen. The Conservative’s Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick will be joined by Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Chuka Umunna and Labour shadow equalities minister Naz Shah. The event, next Wednesday evening, is being organised by

Jewish News together with the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), Board of Deputies and JW3. It will be chaired by Skys News’ Tamara Cohen, who will invite questions on a variety of domestic and international issues. The event come as Jeremy Corbyn and his party continue to be dogged by the antisemitism scandal, following unprecedented condemnation from the Chief Rabbi and the leader’s failure to apologise to British Jews in a BBC interview.

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TORIES TO PREVENT ‘DIVISIVE’ BOYCOTTS The Conservatives have vowed to stop local authorities holding “divisive” boycotts including against Israel. The policy was unveiled in the party’s election manifesto, launched on Sunday. It pledges to legislate to tackle “direct or indirect boycotts, disinvestment or sanctions campaigns against countries”, saying “these undermine community cohesion”. It would ban public bodies from imposing sanctions and boycotts against countries, including on goods and services, not already endorsed by the government.

Chuka Umunna will appear alongside Naz Shah and Robert Jenrick at next week’s debate

The hustings have been in the planning for more than two weeks, but Labour only confirmed Shah’s attendance as Jewish News was going to press after repeated failed attempts were made by this newspaper to invite a member of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet. Shah has herself been praised for her efforts to better understand antisemitism and get to know the community after she was suspended over antisemitism three years ago. Jenrick said: “I’m very much looking forward to taking part in

THURSDAY

DECEMBER

the hustings next week and setting out the Conservative Party’s strong support for the Jewish community in this country. Boris Johnson will continue to champion your cause and we will fight antisemitism wherever we see it.” Shah said: “I’m grateful to have this opportunity to address members of the Jewish community at this difficult time.” Gillian Merron of the Board of Deputies, said: “We hope that members of the community will join the Board of Deputies, the JLC and Jewish News

at this important event.” A JLC spokesperson said: “This is a vital opportunity for members of the community to challenge the main political parties on issues which affect them.” JW3’s chief executive Raymond Simonson said: “It’s important for JW3 to give everyone the chance to quiz leading politicians from all three parties ahead of election day.” The event kicks off at 7.30pm and tickets can be booked on a first come first served basis at www.jw3.uk/hustings

RAAB CLASHES WITH LABOUR OPPONENT Dominic Raab has clashed with Labour’s transport spokesman Andy McDonald over racism in their parties. They had just taken part in a Sky News interview about the leaders’ Question Time debate. The pair pointed fingers at each other as they argued about the Tories’ failure to hold an inquiry into Islamophobia and antisemitism in Labour. Raab said: “Two parties have been investigated by the EHRC, Labour under Corbyn and the BNP.”

Beattie phone groan: Lipman gives Labour a real earache Maureen Lipman’s beloved grandmother in a short clip Beattie has made a surprise produced by Mainstream, an comeback in a blistering anti-extremism campaign led video attacking Jeremy by former Labour minister Ian Austin. Corbyn. In character as Beattie, Beattie Bellman made television history in British Tele- Lipman tells her friend com’s 1980s adverts in which, Nora: “Of course, we were all Labour, everybody on the phone voted Labour. to her grandson I voted Labour all who lamented my life. his poor exam “You know performance, but what my late passed pottery husband said? and sociology, she If you’re Jewish, claimed: “You get they gave you an ology, you’re your Labour a scientist.” Party badge Lipman, 74, the day after who plays Evelyn Plummer in Coroht make you your circum‘An ‘ology’ mig nation Street, rec- a scientist, Mr Corbyn, but cision. They akes gave with reated the Jewish ‘ideology’ usually t’m tis for a mad scien

one hand, they took with the other.” She adds: “But this lot. This lot’s not Labour. They’re not socialists. You know what they are, Nora? They’re extremists, that’s what my Melvyn says, and he’s not often wrong.” Lipman told Jewish News: “Thirty years it’s taken me to shrug off Beattie. Why would I ruin what’s left of my career? That my life as a national treasure was perhaps less important than the rest of my life in an uncivilised country.” She added that while she could “easily have written an article” on the subject, she hoped she could “move mountains with humour”.

Umunna lashes out at Labour TO SIGN UP, CONTACT SASKIA@ALYTH.ORG.UK

Chuka Umunna has launched a stinging attack on Jeremy Corbyn for having “allowed anti-Jewish racism to proliferate” in the Labour Party. In a wide-ranging speech in Watford, the Liberal Democrats’ foreign affairs spokesman hit out at both the leader of the opposition and Boris Johnson, accusing them of racism. Umunna quit the Labour Party in February to join Change UK, citing Corbyn’s

failure to tackle Jew-hate and the party’s stance on Brexit. He stepped aside to join the Liberal Democrats in June. Umunna said: “Jeremy Corbyn has done things which, arguably, amount to antiJewish racism. And he has allowed antiJewish racism to proliferate in the party, the Labour Party, during his leadership.” He also criticised Boris Johnson for having “said and done” racist things.

28 November 2019 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Cadet force / Life magazine / News

JFS gets first Jewish school cadet force The Ministry of Defence has approved a Combined Cadet Force at JFS, the first at a Jewish school and the first all-Jewish cadet force since the 1950s, writes Stephen Oryszczuk. News of the approval came just days after JFS students took part in the annual AJEX (Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women) Remembrance Ceremony and Parade, honouring Jews who fought and died for Britain, including thousands in the First World War. There are Combined Cadet Forces (CCFs) in more than 400 secondary schools across the UK, whereby cadet programming is incorporated directly into the curriculum. JFS – the largest Jewish school

JFS pupils will be able to take part in an approved cadet force

in Europe – has been approved to launch an Army Section, but aspires to expand to include both Royal Air Force and Royal Navy Sections.

Students will be able to learn navigation, first aid, skill at arms, field craft, communications and drill, allowing them to develop their confidence and bearing as well as helping them learn how to work in teams. “It’s hugely significant,” said AJEX chief executive Major Danny Yank. “It’s the first time in almost 70 years that our community can boast a Jewish cadet force. The current JFS headteacher should be extremely proud to have led this project and her efforts benefit her pupils hugely.” JFS headteacher Rachel Fink said: “We are excited to be able to establish a cadet force at JFS, which will reestablish our historic and strong connection to HM Armed Forces.”

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Supporters heard from Noam Gershony, an Israeli Paralympic athlete, who credits MDA with saving his life in 2006 after his Apache helicopter collided with another helicopter during the war in Lebanon. MDA UK chief executive Daniel Burger said: “It was incredible to hear about the lifesaving work

bestselling books, providing an The 83-year-old daughter of inside account of the Third senior Nazi and Hitler’s Reich, before dying of personal architect Albert a stroke in 1981. Speer has said he would be Schramm has since sold pleased she had spent her the art her father left her lifetime helping Jews. to fund a charity supporting Speaking to Jewish restitution for Nazi victims, News’ Life magazine, Hilde giving almost half a million Schramm, 83, one of six of Hilde Schramm pounds in grants to more Speer’s children, has dedicated her life to helping victims of the than 100 Jewish women for projects. In a wide-ranging interview, SchNazis and of antisemitism, including fighting for restitution, for which ramm talks about being Speer’s she has won numerous awards from daughter, of what he would think of her helping Jews, and of Germans who Jewish organisations. An architect, Speer designed the “don’t want to know about another 1933 Nuremberg Rally, and in 1937 used story that blames their ancestors”. the Nuremberg Laws to dispossess • Full interview in Life magazine 75,000 Jews while acting as Berlin’s building inspector, before later becoming minister of armaments, using WONDER WOMEN AND forced Jewish labour. GAL POWER One of 24 senior Nazis deemed “major war criminals” who stood trial at Nuremberg after the war, he pleaded ignorance about the Holocaust and was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. Released in 1966, he wrote several Hilde with Hitler Life magazine cover Winter 2019 JN LIFE MAGAZINE

Nearly 400 guests pledged a “staggering” £2.5 million at Magen David Adom’s 70th anniversary dinner at Marriott Grosvenor Square. The guest of honour at Monday’s event was a kitted-out ambulance, which had been dedicated by benefactor Alan Rind in honour of Prince William’s visit to Israel last year.

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

News / Dynamic duo / Communal ties NEWS IN BRIEF

APOLOGY FOR ‘JUST ANOTHER F***ERY’ A co-founder of the Extinction Rebellion environmental movement has apologised after describing the Shoah as “just another f***ery in human history”. Roger Hallam was accused of minimising the Nazis’ systematic murder of six millions Jews in extracts from an interview with a German newspaper. The 53-year-old British activist told Die Zeit genocide has been “an almost normal event” throughout human history. In a Facebook post, Hallam said he was “very sorry for the words I used”.

LABOUR POLITICIANS JOIN LIMMUD LINE UP Labour’s Jess Phillips and Wes Streeting have signed up to speak at next month’s Limmud Festival. They will feature alongside Lord (John) Mann and the Brexit Party’s Jewish MEP Lance Forman. This year’s event takes place from 20 to 26 December near Birmingham. Israeli musician Idan Raichel will perform and other speakers include Isaac Herzog of The Jewish Agency, transgender educator Abby Stein and Kfir Damari, cofounder of SpaceIL.

Two rabbis replace Neuberger Two rabbis at West London Synagogue will jointly replace the shul’s senior rabbi, Baroness Neuberger, in March. Rabbis Helen Freeman and David Mitchell will share the role of senior rabbi at the 179-year-old synagogue, with Mitchell “humbled” to become the first gay rabbi to be given one of the world’s major pulpits. Neuberger has led the 3,000-strong congregation at West London Synagogue since 2011, and will now become its first Rabbi Emerita from 31 March 2020, when Mitchell and Freeman take over. All three will oversee celebrations as the shul turns 180 next year, when congregants will also mark 150 years in the Grade II building in Upper Berkeley Street in Marble Arch. Patrick Mocatta, the synagogue’s

chair, whose family helped to found the shul, said Freeman and Mitchell got the nod after an extensive search, with “interest shown from across the globe”. He added: “They are an exceptional pair, with a synergy between them and an overlap of skills, experience and interests.” Speaking to Jewish News, the rabbis paid tribute to Neuberger. “She enables Jewish principles to be enacted in practice,” Freeman said. “She’s been an inspiration.” Asked about their new partnership, Freeman said: “I can’t think of anywhere else in the world where you have two senior rabbis – one older, one younger, one male, one female, one brought up Orthodox, the other Reform, so when we say [at West London] that we’re inclusive and welcome everyone, in a way the

Rabbis Helen Freeman and David Mitchell at West London Synagogue

two of us personify that.” Mitchell said: “I’m not sure any [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender – LGBT – rabbis] have been appointed to a pulpit of this prestige before… I’m hugely humbled by that.” He added: “Helen has

done more same-sex marriages than any progressive rabbi in this country, but I’m beginning to catch up on her tally. It was only this year that I pipped her to the post on the [LGBT] wedding scorecard!”

STANMORE ACCORDS BRANDED OBSOLETE Senior Reform Rabbi Laura JannerKlausner this week warned that the “moribund” Stanmore Accords need to be “refreshed”. The accords were signed in 1998, after a rift between movements culminated in former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’s conspicuous absence

from a Reform leader’s funeral, Rabbi Hugo Gryn. The accords, reached by the Reform, Liberal, United Synagogue and Masorti movements, ended a bitter schism between Progressive and Orthodox leaders, signalling a shift towards greater unity. Janner-Klausner told Jewish

News: “They need to be refreshed and we need to work together far more. I am upset by the lack of coordination and collaboration and our community deserves far more.” She added: “Particularly in these times, we have to work together and be seen to work together on vital

subjects.” Speaking at a meeting of the Board of Deputies on Sunday, the senior rabbi urged the community to sit together to discuss antisemitism, interfaith issues, and the Holocaust. “These are not religious issues. These fall within the now moribund 1998 Stanmore Accords.”

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28 November 2019

News / Rivlin in London

Israeli President meets UK ‘tribe’ on flying London visit by Jenni Frazer @JenniFrazer

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin made a short visit to London

this week under the auspices of the Portland Trust and Yad Hanadiv, the charitable arm of the Rothschild family. On the agenda were in-depth discus-

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sions expanding on President Rivlin’s detailed analysis of the “four tribes” of Israel society – secular, strictly-Orthodox, modern Orthodox and Arabs. “We are not doomed to live with each other, but destined,” the president said, but added that there were “critical” challenges that Israel faced in closing the gaps between the different groups. Israel, he said, was a success story, which had grown from a developing country to “a world innovator. It is a miracle”, he said, adding: “But now we need another, to build trust among all sectors of Israeli society.” The president’s audience at Spencer House, the 18th century central London townhouse leased by Lord Rothschild, represented a part of the Jewish community largely unfamiliar to mainstream Anglo-Jewry For the Portland Trust, Yad Hanadiv, and other philanthropists present, specialise in improving lives in the Arab, Bedouin, Druze and

Charedi communities, using what is known as “impact investment”. Sir Ronald Cohen, chair of the Portland Trust, said the overall aim was “to help those who have been left behind: our goal is to improve the lives of people on both sides of the divide.” He said that working with the President’s office, he and his colleagues “see the opportunity to work with you and tackle the next miracle, to transform Israeli society from an agricultural to a technological economy.” Doug Krikler, the Portland Trust’s chief executive, outlined some of the imaginative work being undertaken in Israel. The projects range from improving maths results — and, ultimately, employment prospects — in the Bedouin town of Rahat, to establishing “social bonds” to deal with high levels of diabetes in the Palestinian community. The Trust has improved employment possibilities for

Incoming MDA UK chair Russell Jacobs and MDA UK chief executive Daniel Burger with the Israeli president

religious Druze women, who have previously, because of tradition and religious practice, been unable to leave their villages once they have graduated, although they are well educated. Instead, it has been made possible for them to work remotely in Israeli high-tech, earning vastly better salaries than in the kind of jobs usually available. And, together with the Hebrew University, the Trust has established a three year degree course for Haredi men, destining them for “elite, hightech employment”. Louise Jacobs, chair of UJIA, spoke about the impact and community philanthropy

which has now become a hallmark of the charity’s work. Dame Vivien Duffield, chair of the Clore Duffield Foundation, asked President Rivlin how he hoped to make Jewish and Arab children communicate when the language teaching of Hebrew for Arab pupils and Arab for Israeli students was so “appalling”. Rivlin acknowledged that things had changed considerably since he was taught Arabic as a child. “It’s a real tragedy and we have to talk to each other,” he said, The Israeli president held a meeting with leaders of British Magen David Adom yesterday before returning to Israel.

Spanning from Inquisition-era Spain through modern day Israel, the Jewish people have acted to fulfill their dreams for a better world. But no dream is without its caveat.

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

News / Donors boost / Pitching project / Fashion fail

Sixfold jump in stem cell donors The number of new young Jewish stem cell donors has grown by 600 percent in the past year, according to a charity that led recruitment efforts. The Sue Harris Trust says more than a thousand young Jewish donors joined the register compared with 206 new stem cell donors in the previous year. The trust launched Jewish Swab Week in February, after identifying a clinical preference for younger donors. Sessions were held in Jewish secondary schools, youth movements and student societies. Nearly 800 donors were added to the national register during the week. Further recruitment on Israel Tour in the summer brought the total to more

than 1,200, the trust said. “We’re very encouraged by the results from the first Jewish Swab Week and excited at the prospects for achieving more in 2020,”

trust secretary Lionel Salama told Jewish News. The trust unveiled the results of its campaign at an annual talk last Monday

in memory of Sue Harris, who died aged 34 after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in December 1992. The evening, hosted at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, marked what would have been The Sue Harris Bone Marrow Campaign founder’s 57th birthday. During Monday’s event, certificates of thanks were given to representatives of organisations (pictured), that took part in the trust’s recruitment efforts, and the audience heard stem cell donor David Gould talk about his experiences.  Jewish Swab Week 2020 will run from 3 to 7 February. To take part, contact the trust on 020 3793 2360

PUPILS FACE ‘DRAGONS’ DEN’ CONTEST Teams of up to four pupils have the chance to win up to £8,000 for a special project in their Jewish schools this year – but must face a Dragons’ Den-style panel first. The initiative from Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJeS), a division of the Jewish Leadership Council, is called PaJeS Pitch, because the primary and secondary school

children will need to pitch their project to scoop £8,000 (the secondary school team) or £5,000 (primary school team). It is open to teams from Jewish primary and secondary schools across the country, and the six most promising teams to submit an entry – three teams from primary schools and three from secondaries – will be selected as finalists.

These finalists will then present their ideas at the Jewish Schools Awards on 11 February 2020, with two teams announced as winners. The initiative is being supported by the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) and organisers said the winners’ funding should “make their dream project a reality”. Applications must be in by Monday 9 December 2019.

LUXURY ‘HOLOCAUST’ OUTFIT PULLED

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NEWS IN BRIEF

YAVNEH AND JCOSS AMONG LONDON’S VERY BEST SCHOOLS Yavneh College has been ranked the second best performing comprehensive school in the country in the Sunday Times‘ Parent Power guide. The annual ranking of the country’s top 2,000 primary and secondary state and independent schools according to recent exam results, released online, was unveiled in print at the weekend. Executive headteacher Spencer Lewis said: “We are absolutely thrilled that our pupils have once again performed so incredibly well in comparison to all their peers across the entire country. “To be placed as second highest performing school in the UK and by definition, the best performing Jewish school makes us all incredibly proud. This is a great credit to our hard working pupils and their dedicated teachers.” Also featured in the ranking was JCoSS, which was named the top state secondary school in Greater London. In a letter to parents on Friday, the school’s headteacher Patrick Moriarty said the accolade “recognises our outstanding results at GCSE and A level, and our rapid rise up the rankings in recent years.”

28 November 2019 Jewish News

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Tube heroine / News

Dad reunites with Muslim woman who defended his children from Tube abuser

18 Dec 2019 5.45pm - 9pm Asma Shuweikh with the father

A woman who came to the defence of Jewish children subjected to racial abuse on the London underground has met the father whose family she stood up for, writes Mathilde Frot. Asma Shuweikh was hailed as a hero by online users after footage widely shared on social media showed her confronting the man who read anti-Jewish bible passages at two young boys wearing kippot travelling on A scene from the video that was widely shared the Northern Line. Manchester to thank her for her intervention. The video shows the man threatSpeaking to Jewish News on Monday, she said: ening another commuter off-camera who intervened, before Shuweikh, 36, a mother of two “He gave me beautiful flowers and we sat down and had a coffee and we were talking about our from Birmingham, confronts the abuser. “I tried to bring him down to a level where experiences and our backgrounds. “It was very you can have a conversation so he doesn’t go nice. It was lovely,” she added. “We’re going to back to the Jewish family that were on the train,” keep in touch.” Shuweikh said she had faced she said. “I thought if I were with my children, I Islamophobic abuse. “We get these things. It’s would want someone to intervene, and the poor unacceptable, and I’m the kind of person that if I see that, I can’t be quiet,” she said. man was trying to keep calm for his children.” “My faith is what drives me to do this. We In a statement released by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, the father, who did always encourage to speak out against injustice.” Shuweikh said the response from friends not wish to be named, said he was “extremely and strangers across both Jewish and Muslim grateful” to Shuweikh for stepping in. “We are certain that without her interven- communities had been “very overwhelming”, tion, he would have continued his abuse which adding: “It’s lovely to see communities can could have escalated to violence,” he said. “This come together and put aside our differences.” Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim journey left me with mixed feelings about society. My children and I were subject to vile has been supporting the family. A man was abuse in a full Tube carriage. However, I am arrested on suspicion of committing a racially aggravated public order offence and bailed. grateful for those who stood up for me.” The father met Shuweikh on Monday in Editorial comment, page 20

NEWS IN BRIEF

BOYS ATTACKED ON LONDON BUS

BOARD’S CONCERN FOR UIGHURS

Three Orthodox Jewish children said they were attacked on a bus in the borough of Hackney on Sunday morning as nearby CCTV captured images of those wanting in connection with the incident. Neighbourhood watch group Shomrim said the fracas occurred on a parked 253 bus in Clapton Common, adding: “One victim was punched in the eye, all three had their hats thrown off.” Two black males are wanted in connection with the incident.

The Board of Deputies has said British Jews “will not turn a blind eye” to the mass detention of Muslim Uighurs in China after a massive trove of classified documents showed up to a million people incarcerated. The documents, leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, revealed what the Chinese government’s mandatory “vocational training” for an entire population entails. Huge schools, which have the notional

goal of combating terrorism, are in fact the centre of a vast and Orwellian surveillance network which includes pervasive CCTV with “no blind spots” and something called “predictive policing”. Among the more alarming findings from the China Cables is the revelation that Chinese embassies worldwide help facilitate the mass detention, as well as the Chinese government explicitly targeting foreign nationals to send to the camps. The Board said: “We will continue raising awareness of this grave issue.”

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

World News / Rabbi conference / Jewish preservation essopMember WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

NEWS IN BRIEF

NETHERLANDS CUTS PA FUNDING The Dutch government has cut funding for the Palestinian Authority over its salaries to terrorists serving time in Israeli jails. The aid ministry announced the move last Wednesday during annual budget talks. In 2017, the Palestinian Authority paid about £154 million ($198m) to a fund for the families of terrorists killed during their attacks and about £124m ($160m) to Palestinians being held in Israeli jails, according to Israeli Defense Ministry figures. u Opinion, page 24

JUDGE CLEARED AFTER RACIAL SLURS A judicial board in Tennessee cleared a judge who linked on social media to articles saying the Jews should “get the f*** over the Holocaust” of being antisemitic, racist and anti-immigrant. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jim Lammey, who had also called Muslim immigrants “foreign mud”, was reprimanded by the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct for violating judicial codes with partisan statements. Lammey must now take an educational class.

Your weekly digest of stories from the international press.

Nearly 5,000 Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis gathered in Brooklyn for its annual conference

Anyone seen a rabbi? Almost 5,000 Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis descended on New York from all over the world last week for the organisation’s annual conference in Brooklyn. The five-day event, which culminated in a gala banquet, featured 4,900 rabbis from countries such as Rwanda, Slovakia and Turkey, and a keynote speech from US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.

The conference was aimed at “strengthening Jewish awareness and practice around the world”. On the final day, rabbis visited the gravesite (ohel) of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneersohn, the most recent of the Lubavitcher Chasidic dynasty. Rabbis waited in line saying psalms, learning the Rebbe’s teachings and reflecting on their work. Friedman said it was “an oasis of spirituality”.

BERLIN ATTACK

Jewish heritage

A 76-year-old man was punched in the face by a male teenager in broad daylight in Berlin in what police are calling an antisemitic incident. The suspect was released to the custody of his father, according to news reports. The victim, who was injured on his forehead and nose, was not Jewish, police later said. A witness pulled the teenager off the man and held him to the ground with his knee until police arrived. It is the second such incident in recent weeks in the Berlin district of Pankow.

A European body has adopted a far-reaching resolution to preserve Jewish heritage across the continent after accepting an argument made by UK-based activists that it is the “common responsibility” of member states to do so. The Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe passed the resolution after a report by Swiss parliamentarian Raphael Comte, which argued Jewish cultural heritage “forms an integral part of the shared cultural heritage in Europe and requires a common responsibility to preserve it”.

HUNGARY

USA

PORTUGAL

GERMANY

The Orthodox Jewish community in Hungary has been officially recognised for the first time since the Second World War. Chief Rabbi Shlomo Koves said the agreement “marks a significant milestone for the resurrection of the Hungarian Jewish community, which was all but wiped out during the Holocaust”.

The tiny Jewish community of Porto has completed a £1 million feature film about its history. The 90-minute Sefarad is believed to be the most expensive production by any European Jewish community. It focuses on the individual stories of real historical figures from the 15th century to today. It was released last Friday on Amazon Prime and is scheduled for release on iTunes on 15 December.

A Hebrew Bible dating back 1,000 years has gone on display in Washington, D.C. The Washington Pentateuch, which was first owned by the Jewish community of Ukraine and contains all five books of Moses, was opened up to the public at the Museum of the Bible, which bought it from a British collector.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit AuschwitzBirkenau for the first time next month, almost 75 years after it was liberated. Merkel, who is soon to step down after leading the country for 14 years, will participate in events to mark the 10th anniversary of the AuschwitzBirkenau Foundation founding. She has already visited Nazi death camps at Dachau and Buchenwald, and Israel’s Yad Vashem.

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

World News / Likud battle / Holocaust forum / Special stamps

Likud a sight for Saar’s eyes A senior Israeli politician has challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for leadership of the Likud Party in the first serious internal threat to his extended reign. Gideon Saar, one of several well-known names in right-

wing Israeli politics, threw down the gauntlet to Netanyahu in a TV interview last Saturday evening, calling for snap primaries. Days earlier, shortly after coalition negotiations to form a unity government finally

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cation minister who is broke down, Israel’s opposed to a Palesattorney-general tinian state, Saar announced Netanis one of several yahu was being heavy-hitters in indicted for Likud who have bribery, fraud always lined up and breach of behind Netantrust, with a yahu – until now. criminal trial set Others who may to take place. declare an interest Netanyahu, who is refusing to step Gideon Saar in running for the party leadership in down and denies any wrongdoing, is now the first sit- the coming days include exting Israeli prime minister to Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat, finance minister Moshe have been indicted. His legal woes were a major Kahlon, strategic affairs minstumbling block in negotia- ister Gilad Erdan and Knesset tions between him and former speaker Yuli Edelstein. Analysts say Saar, 52, is the military chief Benny Gantz, who jointly leads the Blue and most likely to succeed NetanWhite party with Yair Lapid, yahu, and he has always been but until now senior Likud upfront about his ambitions. politicians have refused to have In a 2017 interview with The refused to publicly call for his Washington Post, he said: “I am not in a rush to become prime resignation. Israelis have voted in two minister, but I said general elections this year upon my return and Saar said Likud needed a I intend to lead change in leadership in order the party and to avoid “a third, fourth, fifth country in the future.” or sixth election”, as the parliamentary arithmetic continues to create deadlock. Benjamin A former interior and eduNetanyahu

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Auschwitz anniversary More than 30 heads of state will gather in Jerusalem on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The leaders will be attending the fifth World Holocaust Forum in January, which will coincide with the anniversary. Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Emmanuel Macron of France, along with their counterparts from Germany, Italy and Austria, are among the leaders who have already confirmed their participation, Israeli President

Reuven Rivlin said last week. “We will come together to think about how to pass on Holocaust remembrance to generations who will live in a world without survivors, and what steps we must take to ensure the safety and security of Jews all around the world,” he added. Rivlin was joined in his announcement by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Yad Vashem chairman Avner Shalev and World Holocaust Forum Foundation President Dr Moshe Kantor.

SPACE TORAH STAMPS A new set of commemorative Israeli stamps shows the first Torah that was flown in space. The stamps also feature Jeffrey Hoffman, the first JewishAmerican astronaut to enter space who first brought the Torah there in 1985, Space.com reported on Monday. The Israeli post office produced only 200 sheets of the stamps, which are being sold online. The proceeds will go towards the production of a film about Hoffman bringing

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the Torah into space. “It kind of blows me away. I’ve never been on a stamp before,” Hoffman, now a professor in aeronautics and astronautics, told Space.com.

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28 November 2019 Jewish News

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28 November 2019

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28 November 2019 Jewish News

Russian anniversary / Multilingual theatre / Grave return / Diaspora News

Landmark for Hillel Russia Anniversary celebrations for Hillel Russia have been held in central Moscow acknowledging 25 years since its founding by a rabbi who became known for his sardines, writes Stephen Oryszczuk in Moscow. The event took place at the School of Modern Drama Theatre and included performances such as a circus act, a storytelling dance, enactments of excerpts from Woody Allen’s collected stories and a song from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Between the performances, the audience heard from Hillel Russia founder Rabbi Yossi Goldman, who recalled one of his first seminars for 300 students in St Petersburg in 1995. “Back then there was no kosher meat, so for breakfast we had sardines, lunch – sardines, dinner – sardines,” he said. “On the third day, a student stood up and said ‘Yossi, we love it here, but we’re Russian – we love meat.’ After that, I became known as the Ryba Rebbe, because ryba is the Russian word for fish!” Hillel Russia is supported by Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG), one of whose trustees – businessman and philanthropist Mikhail Fridman – told the audience the organisation helped

Anniversary celebrations at the School of Modern Drama Theatre

embed students’ Jewish identities. Founded in the capital not long after the fall of Communism, in 1994, Hillel Russia today operates across six time zones and in eight Russian cities but, unlike Hillels in North America, they are not affiliated with a university and are community based. Echoing Fridman’s words,

THERE’S NO FALSE NOTES FOR ISRAELI PREMIERE The multinational influence was hard to ignore this week as a Ukrainian theatre company performed a French play in Israel in the Russian language with Hebrew translation. The premiere of False Note by the Lesya Ukrainka Russian Drama Theater, which is based in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, was performed on 20 November at Israel’s national Habima Theatre, directed by Ukrainian Kirill Kashlilov. It is based on a 2017 play by con-

temporary French playwright Didier Caron, which has drawn the attention of several of the world’s leading theatres, and will now be shown in Tel Aviv, with the support of Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG). Last year, Habima Theatre celebrated its centenary with an anniversary guest performance at the Vakhtangov Theater in Moscow, and has since worked with GPG to bring more Russian-language productions to the stage in Israel.

Hillel Russia chief executive Elena Voltsinger said the Russian Jewish community faced the challenge of assimilation, meaning it is often in higher education that a student first connects to their heritage, if they grew up in families where parents did not raise their children as Jewish. “In Russia, Hillel serves as a

starting point for beginning an independent and meaningful Jewish life,” she said. This is done by giving young Jews “a Jewish lifestyle” and connections to peers around the world. Also speaking at the event was Viktor Naishuller, a Moscow businessman and chair of trustees of Hillel Russia, who was elected in January.

He praised the organisation for “preparing young people to be the next leaders and encouraging Jews to be individuals”. He also explained how it related to his own children, saying: “I failed to raise my son as a good Jewish boy. He’s now 36. My youngest son is three, and today I’m more prepared and able to raise him with this identity.” Alongside Moscow and St Petersburg, homes to the country’s two biggest Jewish populations, Hillel Russia also operates in Yekaterinburg, Penza, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Saratov and Khabarovsk, where Shabbat begins earlier than anywhere else in Russia. Together with support from GPG, Hillel Russia also receives support from Hillel International, Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and the JDC. This enables initiatives such as last year’s launch of the Oy Vey Jewish culture festival in St Petersburg, which drew 1,200 people and featured a Tel Aviv market set up on Vasilyevsky Island, lessons of Hebrew in Moscow parks, active participation in the international Good Deeds Day and other educational and volunteering initiatives.

Czech gravestones are returned Fragments of Jewish gravestones found during excavation work in the centre of Prague are to be returned to the 19th century Jewish cemetery where they were taken. The fragments were found during work in a pedestrian zone at the foot of Wenceslas Square, one of the Czech capital’s most visited areas, and will be returned to the Old Jewish Cemetery in nearby Zizkov. Up to 350,000 Jews lived in or near Prague before the Second World War, and the post-war Jewish community has called for the stones’ return ever since they were first used as cobbles in 1987, when the Jewish population was less than 8,000. The cobbles were made from gravestones that were cut into squares. Today’s community is driving

Some of the gravestones found during excavation work in Prague

a project, Finding the Lost Face of Jewish Cemeteries, to identify

the fragments, according to Radio Prague International.

Director and writer STUDENT UNION SORRY awarded over famine OVER KOSHER CLAIMS

The premiere of False Note was performed in Tel Aviv

A director and a journalist received Ukraine’s coveted Order of Princess Olga of the Third Degree last week for their work advancing knowledge of the famine that killed millions of Ukrainians in the early 1930s. Polish-Jewish director Agnieszka Holland and US journalist Anne Applebaum were given the honour by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Holland’s film, Citizen Jones, tells the story of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, the first Western journalist to report on Holodomor, the name given to the man-made famine of 1932-33, while Applebaum’s book, Red Famine, was published on 23 November.

The students union at the University of Toronto has apologised after an official told a student it would not support kosher food on campus because the organisation sponsoring it was “pro-Israel”. The Kosher Forward Campaign, by the University’s Hillel, would go against the “will of the membership”, said the external commissioner of the Graduate Student Union, who was later said to have

“intended no harm”. In 2012, the union voted to support the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, but on Sunday the union was forced to apologise for the “harm caused” by the commissioner’s comments in an email to a student. The union further added that it was as yet undecided as to whether the student union’s executive body would vote on the kosher initiative.

Jewish News 28 November 2019

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Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.

1134

VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS

Like a chief rabbit in the headlights Continued from page 1 he said: “It should not be used.” Yes, Neil said, but is it antisemitic? “I just said it should not be used.” Asked about the moon landing, Corbyn said it was still to be proved and that he would await the findings of an investigation by notruthundeniable.org. We jest. He didn’t. But it was that kind of interview. The 30 minutes of non-answers elicited so much puzzlement and so many questions as to make one stand out: “Are you for real?” From a purely tactical point of view, refusing the opportunity to apologise to British Jews FOUR times was insane, because he had already done so – in a to-camera video message posted in the summer of last year. Likewise refusing to acknowledge such blatant antisemitism as that infamous mural was nonsensical because – again – he has already done so, albeit through gritted teeth. Among the more surprising realisations to emerge from the Neil interview was not the lack of empathy but the grinding truth that Corbyn could actually make this sorry saga worse, for himself and his party.

Thank you, Asma

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send us your comments PO Box 815, Edgware, HA8 4SX | letters@thejngroup.com

Lib Dems lead to Labour I attended a meeting a few weeks ago with Luciana Berger, the former Labour MP now standing for the Lib Dems in Finchley & Golders Green, in the hope that the combination of Remain voters and the constituency’s large Jewish population (roughly 20 percent of the electorate) will get her to Westminister. At the meeting, Ms Berger was asked four times what her new party would do in the event of a hung parliament. Four times she prevaricated. Four times she waffled about nebulous groups of “like-minded MPs” “coming together” to prevent Brexit.

Parents often say the hardest part of the all-consuming job is that you can’t protect your children from the world. But you shouldn’t have to prepare them for the devastating notion that on a quiet Friday afternoon on the London Underground a stranger might accost your family and launch into a racist rant, subjecting you and those you care for most to the ignominy of being robbed of your dignity. Should this happen, however, one can only hope that a brave commuter might revive your faith in humanity and stick up for you, as Asma Shuweikh did. The 36-year-old mum-of-two from Birmingham, a hijabwearing hero, was hailed around the world for her actions after footage of the incident was widely shared on social media, a gesture she said was inspired by her faith. Asma revealed she had been subjected herself to racist abuse in the past, recounting an incident in which a motorist had thrown jelly beans at her face. But, while no one stuck up for her then, she still found the inner strength to come to this family’s defence. Would you?

THE LEFT DOES SUPPORT US Those who are urging the Jewish community to vote for Boris Johnson are making a big mistake. Historically, the biggest danger for the Jewish community comes from the right, not from the left. In the UK, the Left – especially the extreme Left – has always supported the Jewish community against antisemites. The covert antisemitism endemic among England’s upper class, which is the backbone of the Tory Party, is far more dangerous than

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Four times she refused to answer the question. Couple that with her leader Jo Swinson’s (pictured) comments that the price of Lib Dem support for any party would be the imposition of proportional representation (yet another Lib Dem pledge to ignore a referendum result, but hey, what do the people know?) and it’s clear that the Lib Dems are preparing the ground for a deal that would put Corbyn into power. It is quite clear – vote Liberal, get Labour! Brian Gedalla Finchley

the rants of the left-wing antisemites infiltering Labour. The former are men of power whose supporters are Middle England xenophobes. The latter may imagine they are winning support from England’s working class, but they underestimate their cynicism and good humour and fail to understand the harmless nature of the xenophobic banter that sometimes conceals these virtues.

Maurice Jay NW11

WELCOME TO 90, SIR BEN! “I’d leave the last one off if I were you – they’ll never believe it.”

When you are a youngster, the thought of being 90 feels like a million miles away. When you are 89, the thought of being 90 still feels like a million miles away. Wel-

come Sir Ben Helfgott to the club! How wonderful to read all the birthday messages to you in last week’s edition.

Norman Brill Whetstone

28 November 2019 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

SETTLEMENT DECISION IS FAIR Regarding the United States’ decision to legally recognise Jewish settlements, any genuine attempts to define any justified Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria have been ignored by the international community for too long. No consideration was ever given to the history of the land, the defensive wars, Israel’s current legitimate security concerns and current opposing international law. Instead, political and biased false allegations have manipulated international law to smear and delegitimise Israel within the world arena. We therefore welcome this new approach by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in his statement confirming that the Trump Administration views Israel’s settlements as entirely

legal and not inconsistent with international law. There is a recognition that this baseless allegation of illegality has done absolutely nothing to further peace, but rather drive the prospects of peace further away. During the 19 years of Jordanian occupation of the West Bank, not a single so-called settlement existed and yet there was no peace, but continued outright refusal of the Arab world and the Palestinians to recognise Israel. The Zionist Federation views Secretary Pompeo’s statement as fair, true and just, and is considerate of the needs and aspirations of both sides in order to further peace.

Paul Charney Chairman, Zionist Federation UK

Corbyn poses no danger As so many of my fellow British Jews are scared of Jeremy Corbyn, I would like to try to lessen their fears by providing these facts, which they might not know. He has signed dozens of Early Day Parliamentary motions condemning antisemitism; helped organise protests against anti-Jewish marches; visited Terezin concentra-

tion camp to commemorate Holocaust victims; attended numerous Jewish events in his constituency; and read the war poetry of Isaac Rosenberg at his local Remembrance Day service, as well as actively opposing racism of every kind during his long political career. Ros Kane By email

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The Jewish News, in partnership with London Jewish Forum, Board of Deputies of British Jews and Jewish Leadership Council are coordinating hustings for the forthcoming General Election. Constituencies where we will be promoting hustings are:

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To find out details of the hustings visit thejlc.org/hustings2019 bod.org.uk/hustings2019 londonjewishforum.org.uk JEWISH

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

Opinion

Chief Rabbi can criticise, but here’s why he’s wrong JENNIE FORMBY

GENERAL SECRETARY, LABOUR PARTY

n 12 December, everyone should cast their vote according to their conscience and without fear. The key Jewish values of social justice, peace and community are exactly the values that Labour stand for. That there are Jewish people in Britain who feel they may have something to fear from a Labour government is deeply concerning to us. Rabbi Mirvis has every right to highlight the anxiety that Jewish people feel. Antisemitism is on the rise around the world. Within the Labour Party, it has been deeply troubling that a small number of members have perpetuated conspiratorial thinking and recycled ancient antisemitic tropes, sometimes under the guise of criticising Israel. Sadly, a minority in our party have adopted a bunker mentality in response, denying the existence of antisemitism in our movement and dismissing the very real experiences of Jewish people. That has

never been my position, nor that of Jeremy Corbyn. Where Rabbi Mirvis and I respectfully part ways is over his claim that our efforts to tackle anti-Jewish racism are “a mendacious fiction”. I want to set out the decisive actions we have taken to tackle antisemitism in Labour. Shami Chakrabarti and Baroness Royall’s 2016 inquiries made clear that nobody in our party should use Zionist as a term of abuse or compare Israel to Nazi Germany. Our 2017 Conference passed a rule change, drafted with help from the Jewish Labour Movement, which made Labour the first party in Britain to have a rule explicitly prohibiting antisemitism. When I took over in 2018, it was clear that the party’s slow and cumbersome disciplinary processes were not fit for purpose. So we set up an Antisemitism Working Group from our National Executive Committee which met experts and stakeholders and recommended a number of reforms. In line with the Macpherson Principle, we made sure every single complaint of antisemitism is recorded. We introduced smaller, specialised NEC antisemitism panels to hear

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I AGREE WITH RABBI MIRVIS THAT IT IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF PROCEDURES BUT OF CULTURE AND EDUCATION TOO cases monthly (rather than quarterly), advised by an independent barrister with expertise in equality law, ensuring cases are reviewed more swiftly and with sound legal advice. We changed our rules to ensure that all antisemitism complaints are investigated nationally, as complaints of racism should not be subject to the whims of local parties. A major cause of delays was that the power to expel lay solely with the National Constitutional Committee (NCC), a quasi-judicial disciplinary body created in the 1980s, hearing cases via lengthy trials, often involving lawyers. So, in 2018, we doubled the size of the NCC and introduced new guidelines to enable them to hear antisemitism cases on paper, but these reforms still didn’t allow for indisputable cases of antisemitism to be dealt with immediately. So this year, Conference approved a major rule-change - initiated by Jeremy Corbyn - to give NEC panels the power to expel members. Now, when someone engages in antisemitism, they can be expelled within weeks - rather than months - of us receiving the complaint. Just this month a number of members have been expelled using these new powers. We have doubled the staff working on antisemitism disciplinary cases and a designated member of staff works on improving our antisemitism processes. All staff have undertaken antisemitism education delivered by the Pears Institute for the Study of Antisemitism, alongside NEC and NCC members. Staff have developed methods to identify the individuals behind the ‘faceless social media trolls’ that Rabbi Mirvis mentioned. We have created automated tools to search social media histories and detect patterns of behaviour and we have strengthened our membership checking system with a dedicated member of staff vetting membership applications. And we have improved our recording of information, so that we now have data on the length of time cases take to be dealt with. Analysis of this shows a more than four-fold increase in the rate at which we are now dealing with antisemitism cases. In line with suggestions from Jewish communal organisations to make our processes more transparent, I have twice published a detailed breakdown of data on antisemitism disciplinary cases and we will be publishing these on a regular basis going forward. As previous publications of our figures have made clear, complaints relate to a small

minority of party members, about 0.1%. While any suggestion that there are thousands of unresolved cases is categorically untrue, in recognition that some older complaints, before new procedures were brought in, were not dealt with swiftly or robustly enough, staff have been conducting audits of historical antisemitism complaints. While these improvements give me confidence that complaints of antisemitism are thoroughly investigated, I agree with Rabbi Mirvis that this is not just a matter of procedures or discipline, but of culture and education too. That is why we have launched proactive education which we are continuing to roll out. This aims to give members the tools to identify antisemitic tropes and conspiracies, and challenge them. Our website “No Place for Antisemitism” includes the IHRA definition of antisemitism as well as materials discussing antisemitism, its history and its modern manifestations in discussions on Zionism and Israel. To tackle the unhealthy culture around some of these discussions, Jeremy has made clear in video messages, emails to members, articles and speeches that there is no place for antisemitism and that anyone who denies its existence is wrong and is contributing to the problem. And I have communicated to local parties that meetings should not discuss disciplinary procedures or give platforms to members who have been suspended for antisemitism. Working with the Chief Whip and Leader, we’ve made clear MPs must abide by the same principle. But we know we will always be playing catch-up, as long as social media platforms allow individuals to spread antisemitism within Labour-supporting networks. Online spaces which are used as fertile breeding ground for antisemitic conspiracy theories should never be allowed to legitimise themselves by hijacking our party’s name. Tech giants have turned a blind eye to this problem for a decade. In 2010 Jewish News reported on this very problem and Jeremy Corbyn signed a motion to Parliament congratulating them on this important investigation. I wrote to the administrators of a number of Facebook groups last year to advise them on how to better moderate content. And our staff have provided information to Facebook to enable them to close down groups which use Labour’s name to disguise their sharing of racist content. We continue to be in contact with them on this issue. The list of actions I’ve outlined above is by no means exhaustive, but it demonstrates the extensive work the party has undertaken. We know we have further to go to root out antisemitism, but I believe we are firmly on the path to achieving that. The Labour Party seeks to build a better world, free from hatred and intolerance. To do that we must build a movement in which Jewish people feel not only safe and secure, but also celebrated, respected and welcome. This is an objective to which I am fully committed and which I will never cease to pursue.

28 November 2019 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Opinion

Can everyone PLEASE stop using the A-word? RICHARD FERRER EDITOR, JEWISH NEWS

our community has always proudly defined itself by the contribution it makes to British life. As the Chief Rabbi emphasised this week to devastating effect, thanks to the Labour Party we are now tragically defined by antisemitism. And, frankly, everyone is sick and tired of hearing it. The enormity of Ephraim Mirvis’ shocking intervention in The Times this week, two weeks before election day, cannot be overstated. Nobody in the Jewish community, not the Chief Rabbi or indeed Jewish News which, last year, united with two other Jewish papers to publish identical front pages warning a Corbyn government would be a threat to British Jews, wants to face this harrowing ordeal day after day, month after month, year after year. Like the rest of the country, British Jews

want a Labour Party that, at its best, mirrors British values. A party that stands up for minorities, gives hope to the young and cares for the old. That’s why, for the majority of British Jews, a vote for Labour at election time always seemed the only moral choice. Not this time. Not this party. The Labour Party at this election has lost its soul, its legacy, its Britishness. The Chief Rabbi accused Corbyn of spreading “antisemitic poison”, but stopped short of calling him antisemitic. So is he?

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WE ALL WANT A LABOUR PARTY THAT MIRRORS BRITISH VALUES – ONE THAT STANDS UP FOR EVERY MINORITY

It’s a question many have asked but only Jeremy Corbyn can answer. He certainly gets on famously with antisemites. He likes antiJewish murals, mourns antisemitic terrorists and befriends the psychopaths of Hamas and Hezbollah. He shows genuine warmth towards people who, given half a chance, would slaughter every single Jew, from Tel Aviv to Tottenham. Last week footage emerged of him backslapping someone straight after they claimed Zionism made Jews “immoral”. This is Corbyn in his comfort zone. This is why Labour is only the second political party after the BNP to be investigated for antisemitism by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, a watchdog set up by Labour. Labour is fielding candidates at this election who shouldn’t be allowed in the party, let alone Parliament. Instead of firmly shutting the door in their faces, they are welcomed in and made would-be MPs. Labour’s candidate in Harlow defended a blog about a ‘Jewish final solution’. Labour’s

candidate in Coventry South told a pro-Israel tweeter told to “jump off a cliff ”. Labour’s candidate in St Ives is in a band that sings From the River to the Sea’, a song calling for Israel’s destruction. Labour’s candidate in Poplar and Limehouse shared social media posts about “Zionist masters”. Labour’s candidate in Leeds East lied on national TV when he denied saying “Zionism is the enemy of peace”. Five others have been removed for antisemitism – after media pressure. This lot should follow, but don’t hold your breath. These are precisely the sort of people who’ve enthusiastically joined the party since Corbyn took over. Call them out for what they are and he denounces his core support. That’s Corbyn’s catch 20-Jew. Rather than asking if Jeremy Corbyn is antisemitic, a more revealing question might be: what is it about the Labour Party that antisemites find so attractive? The answer is simple. Jeremy Corbyn. That’s the truth every voter must choose to ignore if they vote Labour on 12 December.

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

Opinion

UK, Israel and America: who has worst politicans? JENNI FRAZER

’d like this week to recall the verse of a 1930s poet and critic. Hilaire Belloc was deeply dodgy on the subject of Jews, as it happens, but on another subject — lying — he was spot on. Belloc wrote: “Matilda told such dreadful lies/it made one gasp and stretch one’s eyes/ her aunt, who, from her earliest youth/had kept a strict regard for truth/attempted to believe Matilda/the effort very nearly killed her.” In the three countries which matter most to us — Britain, Israel and America — the main politicians who are either in charge or competing to be in charge are frequently outright liars. And the thing that mystifies me is that no one seems to care any more. Let’s start with Donald Trump, America’s president since January 2017 and set to run again for a second term. His pet phrase is ‘fake news’, the term by which he has repeatedly dismissed anything he either doesn’t understand or with which he doesn’t agree. We know

that Trump gets almost all his information from television, particularly Fox News. He has, over and over again, been exposed as a serial liar, but that doesn’t seem to have any deleterious effect on his electorate, even though he is now in the throes of impeachment proceedings, attacks which would end the career of any normal politician. But these are not normal times. And those who support Trump for his apparently pro-Israel actions — moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and declaring that America no longer regards settlements as illegal — should beware: this will end in tears, for Israel at least, if not for the US. Israel, next, and the desperately disappointing spectre of a prime minister who is being indicted on three serious corruption charges and whose response is to denounce the judiciary and law enforcement agencies which brought the charges. Benjamin Netanyahu, whose guilt or innocence has not, it is true, yet been tested in court, has nevertheless wriggled and struggled to the point where he is ready to push Israel to an unprecedented third

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IT IS HARD TO PUT A CIGARETTE PAPER BETWEEN JOHNSON AND CORBYN FOR THE SHEER EXTENT OF LYING TAKING PLACE election in the space of several months. Can any normal electorate accept this? Are these normal times? So, finally, to our own backyard, where it is hard to put a cigarette paper (supposing anyone used them any more) between Johnson and Corbyn for the sheer extent of lying taking place in their attempt to stay as/ become prime minister. Johnson appears to have lied repeatedly about almost everything, from the amount of money which staying in the European Union

would cost the NHS, to the number of police he is ready to put on the streets. Not the least of his dissembling is his bizarre refusal to admit how many children he has. It could be the four he had with his last wife, Marina Wheeler, or there could be other offspring whom he may or may not acknowledge. And Corbyn? Well, this newspaper’s readers need little reminder about the Labour leader’s lies, from his “present but not involved” line to his most recent claim last week that his party had dealt with all antisemitism cases, despite the Jewish Labour Movement pointing out that at least 130 cases remain unresolved, and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission is still producing a report on whether or not Labour is an institutionally racist party. The wannabe London mayor and former Tory MP Rory Stewart got it right last week when he told a Have I Got News For You audience on the BBC that the public now believed that all politicians were lying to them. “Matilda/Trump/Bibi/Johnson/Corbyn told such dreadful lies…” This will end in tears.

Double mazeltov on Dutch Mid East policy JEREMY HAVARDI B’NAI B’RITH UK, BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

he Dutch Parliament is to be applauded for two recent interventions on Middle East policy. First, its vote last week to halt aid funds to the Palestinian Authority over the latter’s payments to terrorists in Israeli jails is a most welcome and overdue development. Dutch lawmakers, who used to allocate £1.2 million a month for the PA to spend at its discretion, objected to the authority’s ‘pay for slay’ practice and will now only provide funds for specific projects. Pay for slay is one of the most barbaric of all the PA’s domestic policies. Some 7 percent of the annual Palestinian budget is consumed by payments to imprisoned and released prisoners and their wider families, as well as generous allowances for the families of dead terrorists. Under the system, payments increase depending on the severity of the terror offence and the consequent length of the prison sentence handed down. In other words, the PA has deliberately incentivised the most violent terrorist activities through a perverse

system of financial reward. It was estimated in 2018 that the amount of money provided for these salaries dwarfed the $214 million annual PA budget for social welfare. The claim, so often made by naive western apologists for the Palestinian cause, that these payments are justified because of Israel’s occupation, conveniently overlooks the fact that the Palestine Mujahidin and Martyrs Fund, designed to recompense families of fallen fedayeen, was established by Yasser Arafat in 1964, three years before Israel took control of the West Bank and Gaza. It is yet another excuse for the violent culture of terror that is encouraged within Palestinian society. The PA is quite open about this heinous system too. As Mahmoud Abbas recently said: “If we are left with one penny, we will spend it on the families of the prisoners and marytrs.” It is an honest admission that this policy has a sacrosanct status in Ramallah. Thus, it is vitally important to pressure western governments that give unfettered aid to the PA. This is certainly a consistent message delivered by B’nai B’rith UK’s advocacy arm, both in London and at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, in every meeting with senior diplomats, politicians and NGOs. Pay for slay is correctly described

as one of the primary roadblocks to peace and a major impediment to the co-existence so badly sought in the region. Second, the Dutch Parliament should be congratulated for dissenting from a recent ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) which had ordered the labelling of Israeli goods made in settlements. It urged its government to object to the ruling unless a similar standard was also applied to all territories in dispute around the world. These parliamentarians have seized on one of the main reasons why the ECJ ruling is so egregious. It applies a single standard to only one territory in dispute and thus discriminates in the most blatant terms against the Jewish state. The calls to label products originating from Western Sahara (partially occupied by Morocco), Cyprus (over a third of which was illegally seized by Turkey), Tibet (occupied by China) or Kashmir (disputed by India and Pakistan) have fallen on deaf

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ears. In the words of legal academic Professor Eugene Kontorovich: “This is not about consumer protection, it is about adopting a unique legal standard for the Jewish state.” It is also a tremendous boon to the antisemitic BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, which seeks to isolate the Jewish state economically. Moreover, it also empowers the Palestinian Authority, which has rejected bilateral discussions with Israel in favour of demonising and delegitimising the Jewish state in international forums. Indeed, it did not take long for Saeb Erekat to call for the banning of all settlement goods. The parliamentary votes may not determine government policy if they are non-binding. But they represent a step in the right direction and, as such, deserve widespread praise. One can only hope that other parliaments across Europe will follow the Netherlands’ lead.

ONE ONLY HOPES THAT PARLIAMENTS ACROSS EUROPE FOLLOW THE NETHERLANDS’ LEAD

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28 November 2019 Jewish News

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

Scene & Be Seen / Community

1 DUAL IDENTITY

The former head of Israel’s security agency spoke to nearly 200 guests at a fundraising dinner for the Abraham Initiatives, which raised more than £120,000. Ami Ayalon, pictured inset, was joined by the Arab-Israeli singer Mira Awad, pictured, who performed at the event. “I embody the duality of a Palestinian who is also Israeli. And what some people may see as a contradiction, I see as a great asset,” she said. “Sometimes I feel like an acrobat walking a fine line between identities. But we are all – especially the Abraham Initiatives – like acrobats who need to carefully navigate our way, and, always seek to move forward despite ever-changing developments and a tough reality.”

And be seen! The latest news, pictures and social events from across the community Email us at community@thejngroup.com

2 SPECIAL DELIVERY Jewish News’ Justin Cohen (pictured, left) and Richard Ferrer (right) delivered last week’s edition of the newspaper to Holocaust survivor and communal icon Sir Ben Helfgott, featuring 90 messages for his 90th birthday. Among those who sent good wishes to Ben were five prime ministers, Stephen Fry, Sadiq Khan, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Lord Sacks and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

3 SHABBAT ABOARD

Members of the 20th Finchley Jewish Scout group, pictured, spent a night aboard HMS Belfast, an historic Royal Navy warship rumoured to have been among the first to fire on D-Day. The young scouts spent Shabbat on the Second World War cruiser – now permanently moored on the River Thames – to learn about the battleship, how sailors lived and worked and maritime communication.

DANCE AWARD

The founder and chairman of the Israeli Dance Institute has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday honours’ list for services to “dance and community cohesion”. Maurice Stone promoted Israeli dance around the world for more than 40 years, reaching out to emerging Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and non-Jewish groups. In the UK, the institute has welcomed thousands of students for weekly dance lessons and performing troupes. Pictured is Sir Kenneth Olisa presenting Maurice with his BEM.

28 November 2019 Jewish News

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Community / Scene & Be Seen

5 HELPERS THANKED 8 RIGHT AVENUE

Photo by Daniel Sagiv

Volunteers from across London, Essex and Hertfordshire celebrated Jewish Blind and Disabled’s 50th anniversary with a special lunch. Guests were treated to training from guest speaker Jo Masters and volunteers received a certificate and a gift presented by chief executive Lisa Wimborne and president Malcolm Ozin.

6 GREAT BAKE

Four hundred people attended a Great Challah Bake at Hasmonean Girls’ School, organised by Torah Action Life, Seed, Machzike Hadath and the Shabbat Project. The evening was led by Seed’s Joanne Dove and included a talk from Rebbetzin Ruthie Halberstadt and songs from Caroline Pakter’s show From Showbiz to Shabbos. Rabbi Jonathan Tawil said the events brought together community members for a “special Shabbat blessing of peace and tranquillity”.

9 WEALTH VISITOR

Businessman Sir Harry Solomon spent a morning with pupils at Immanuel College Preparatory School, where he was given a tour. The Reception class recited the Hebrew alphabet, while Year 1 pupils told him about a book they had written on life under the sea. Year 2 performed music prepared for the end of term show on the theme of kindness, and Year 6 gave the philanthropist a whistle-stop introduction to their politics.

RILEY COMMENDED

Countdown star Rachel Riley attended Rimon Jewish Primary School’s annual fundraising dinner, where she was interviewed by Glamour editor and parent Deborah Joseph. She discussed the fight against antisemitism and encouraged girls to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Almost 200 parents, grandparents, staff and friends came to support the school.

Job seekers and professionals attended Work Avenue’s one-day conference entitled Defining Your Second Career for advice on opportunities and challenges. Chief executive Debbie Sheldon said: “This event was a wonderful opportunity for some of our talented clients to come together to be inspired, network and hopefully also develop some new skills for the future.” Pictured is employment adviser Melanie Pearl at the event.

10 MONOPOLY FUN

Around 120 property agents and industry leaders raised £53,000 for Langdon after gathering in Holborn for a Monopoly themed fundraiser. After two rounds of the game, and a round of the Higher Lower game led by Knight Frank’s Josh Woolley, the winner was property finance specialist firm BM Samuels. Langdon’s CEO Neil Taylor said: “[Langdon Monopoly Night] showcased some of the best things about the Langdon community: teamwork, fun, and generosity.”

Your family announcements Natasha van der Zyl celebrated her batmitzvah at West London Synagogue

Yonah Levison celebrated his barmitzvah at Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue Photo by Gary Perlmutter Photography

Photo by Gary Perlmutter Photography

Photo by Devon Shoob

Jack Aronowitz-Gies celebrated his barmitzvah at Yavneh College United Synagogue

Photo by Gander Photography

Matthew Taylor celebrated his barmitzvah at Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue

Have you had a recent simcha? Send your picture to picturedesk@thejngroup.com

Jewish News 28 November 2019

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Scene & Be Seen / Community

JDA celebrates its love of life! The Jewish Deaf Association’s ‘For the Love of Life’ fundraising dinner was an uplifting and inspiring evening, showcasing the charity’s dedication to enabling every deaf person to live life to their fullest capacity. The dinner was critical in raising funds to enable JDA to support more people in our aging community, and to extend its care home services. Fun entertainment was provided by deaf sign singer Daryl Jackson and musical comedy act Bounder & Cad performing for the first time with a sign language interpreter.

Join Altermans Solicitors as a Consultant Over the last three years, six of us have joined Altermans as consultants – to work in property, company commercial, litigation, private client and family law. All of us have been partners elsewhere, and know the pain of running a team, hitting chargeable targets and driving revenue. However, each of us knew deep down that what we wanted to do was ﬁnd somewhere where we could work for our clients in a friendly and supportive environment. We found it at Altermans in Finchley, North London.

If this sounds like a firm where you could find a niche and be at home, get in touch to arrange a chat and come and meet us. There’s no management-speak; just lawyers working together. You can contact Gabriel directly at gabriel@altermans.co.uk or by phone on 07794 085 617. Our website is at www.altermans.co.uk for more details of the firm.

Photos by Claire Jonas Photography

The ﬁrm is run by Gabriel Alterman, who is growing a business where lawyers can work on their own or build a small team that meets their needs. The ﬁrm is not a “virtual network”. We work together, talk together and respect each other’s expertise. We share fees, reward each other for referrals, and have regular gatherings – both social and work – to make sure we’re on track.

28 November 2019 Jewish News

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Film / Weekend

A KILLER of a thriller Francine Wolfisz speaks to Israeli producer Ram Bergman about his latest murder mystery, Knives Out, starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans and Jamie Lee Curtis

tar Wars producer Ram Bergman likes nothing better than a cracking Agatha Christie novel. First the murder is committed, then the suspects are revealed, all seemingly with a great reason to have caused the demise of the now-deceased person, and finally some clever detective swoops in to reveal the killer, usually with some brilliantly-devised twist at the end. He’s also a massive fan of Alfred Hitchcock, mastermind of psychological thrillers. “So just imagine what would happen if you take Agatha Christie and add a little bit of Hitchcock,” smiles the Israeli-born producer (inset), who has teamed up with his friend and long-time collaborator Rian Johnson, for their latest film, Knives Out. “You end up with something you’ve never seen before.” Indeed, writer and director Johnson – who has worked with Bergman on every project since his debut film, Brick, as well as Looper and Star Wars: The Last Jedi – has rustled up a stylish throwback to Christie’s old school detective stories, combined with Hitchcock’s edge-of-the-seat psychological thrillers. Then there’s the all-star ensemble cast, which includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Chris Evans, Toni Collette, Ana de Armas, Christopher Plummer and Daniel Craig. Having already garnered a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is almost guaranteed –

The cast of Knives Out

appropriately – to make an absolute killing at the box office. Set in the sweeping estate of an old Bostonian mansion, the story begins with renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Plummer) found dead just after his 85th birthday. With a wound to his neck and a knife in his hand, suicide seems the only possible explanation, but debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Craig) has other ideas. He just needs to sift through the web of self-serving lies and red herrings to find out the truth, but just about everyone close to Thrombey has a compelling motive to have wanted him dead. “Essentially, it’s a Rian Johnson whodunnit,” laughs the 59-year-old cinematic hit-maker. “He came up with the idea about 10 years ago, but we only started working on it in January 2018. We worked fast and completed it by Christmas. “Daniel [Craig] suddenly became available because the next Bond was postponed, so we had a window and began getting a cast together. Lots of people were putting their hands up to sign on, because the film is fun, challenging and not the kind of thing that gets made every day.” With a lavish $40million (£31m) budget, Knives Out is a far cry from Johnson and Bergman’s first project together, Brick, which was made on a budget of just $500,000 (£389,000) in 2005. But from humble beginnings came what has turned out to be a very fruitful partnership – with the two recently launching their own film company, T-Street – and as Bergman

Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas

tells me, a lifelong friendship. Of meeting Johnson for the first time, he recalls: “Rian had been trying to make this movie for seven years after he got out of school and when I read the script, I realised I’d never seen anything like this. “I told him the way he was trying to make this movie was the wrong – it was too ambitious and no one wanted to give him $1m (£776,328) to make it, so I suggested we do it for a few hundred thousand dollars. “So we went and made the movie and it was a great experience. I knew from the first day of filming that this guy knew what he was doing. It’s rare to find people who are so uniquely talented, but also genuinely the nicest person. “You don’t think when you start what it could lead to. You just focus on making the movie, but we are partners and I think I’ll be the luckiest man if I continue making movies with him for the rest of my life.” Bergman began producing films during his early 20s, having moved from his native Rishon LeZion in Israel to New York and then Los Angeles, in 1991. He had no formal training, just a passion for the film industry and a willingness to keep at it. He worked as a valet, while also “trying to figure out how to make movies” and, within the year, was producing his first film, learning his trade on the job. Cut to more than two decades later, Bergman has established himself as a formidable film producer working with multimillion dollar budgets and the ability to churn out box office smashes. His 2017 film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, turned over a staggering $1.3billion (£1bn) worldwide. Of his success, Bergman, who is married to fellow Israeli producer, Limor Diamant, credits his father – who died 16 years ago – and mother for “never saying no to anything and always supporting our dreams”, adding: “They were the best parents that anybody could imagine.” Likewise, he attributes his Israeli upbringing for helping him achieve his dreams. “When you come to the US or anywhere as an immigrant, you are generally hungrier than the people who were born here, because whether or not they make it they are going to stay here. “You don’t have the base, the family or the support, you just have to figure out how to pursue your dreams. I don’t necessarily feel it in the day to day, but being Israeli probably did shape who I am.” As for his views on Israel’s burgeoning film and television industry, which has seen the likes of Homeland, Fauda, When Heroes Fly and Shtisel exported worldwide, Bergman says he is “blown away by the talent” and is pleased “more people are recognising Israel for this”. Having produced Natalie Portman’s 2015 film, A Tale of Love and Darkness, based on the autobiographical novel by Amos Oz, Bergman is keen to again work with Israeli film-makers and writers – with projects already on the horizon. “We are developing things and hopefully one day we can bring it to fruition. A hundred percent it’s exciting times for the Israeli film industry.”  Knives Out (12A) is out now in cinemas

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A look

Inside Books: From Chasidic rabbi to transgender activist, Abby Stein tells her story Food: Delicious caramel salmon to warm up your winter nights

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

Weekend / Entertainment

ART

BOOKS

Dora Maar

Shedding Our Stars At 92, Laureen Nussbaum is one of the few people still alive who personally knew Anne Frank. Nussbaum’s family lived in the same Amsterdam neighbourhood as the Franks, and Anne’s father, Otto, was the best man at her 1947 wedding. After the war, Otto spent months trying to find his daughters, Anne and Margot, who had been deported to Bergen-Belsen. With Nussbaum’s husband, Rudi – who was searching for his mother – Otto would go to the train station every day with photos of his children hoping for news of their fate. “They showed those pictures and asked everyone: ‘Did you by chance know this woman? Did you know by chance know these girls?’” Nussbaum said in an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “And that’s how they bonded.” Tragically, their effort was ultimately for naught. Of the 100,000 Dutch Jews deported from the Netherlands between 1942 and 1945, only 5,200 survived. Neither Rudi’s mother nor the Frank daughters were among them. But Nussbaum’s entire Jewish family survived. In her new memoir, Shedding Our Stars: A Story of Hans Calmeyer and How He Saved Thousands of Families Like Mine (written with Karen Kirtley), Nussbaum reveals the incredible story of Calmeyer, the little-known German official who saved her family. “So much has been made out of Schindler, who saved 1,200 Jews, and people really empathise with him and made him a hero,” Nussbaum said, speaking of Oskar Schindler, the German factory owner immortalised in the Oscar-winning film Schindler’s List. “And I felt that Hans Calmeyer, who has saved more people, is too unknown in the world. I thought it was time people knew about him.” Calmeyer, who is listed as Righteous Among The Nations at Yad Vashem in 1992, was a German lawyer assigned to adjudicate cases in which a person’s Jewish status was in doubt. He successfully argued that individuals could challenge their Jewish status if their grandparents could not be proven as Jews. During his tenure, Calmeyer oversaw 5,600 such petitions and is credited for saving thousands of Jewish lives – including Nussbaum’s family. “In two-thirds of the cases, he decided in favour of the petitioner, knowing he was being cheated,” Nussbaum told JTA, meaning Calmeyer was making it easier for petitioners to make the claim that they were not Jewish. “He allowed himself to be cheated.” Nussbaum was born Hannelore Klein in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1927. Aged nine, in 1936, she fled with her family to Amsterdam, where they moved in near the Franks. The Germans invaded in 1940, and in 1942 Jews were forced to register with the authorities and wear yellow stars on their clothing. In June of that year, the deportations began and shortly after, the Franks went into hiding in the secret annex that Anne would make famous in her diary. But the Kleins had become “Calmeyer Jews” and were able to continue to live openly. Nussbaum’s then-boyfriend and future husband, Rudi, was not however so fortunate and, like Anne, was forced into hiding during the war. After the war, the pair moved to the United States. Now decades later, she has put pen to paper about Hans Calmeyer, because she wanted his story to inspire others to stand up for what is right. “For our own integrity, those of us who are convinced that things are being done the wrong way, I think we have to, each in his or her own way, resist and do our best. That’s all we can do.” Shedding Our Stars: A Story of Hans Calmeyer and How He Saved Thousands of Families Like Mine by Laureen Nussbaum is published by She Write Press, priced £13. Available now.

DRAMA

It’s Only Murder Enjoy a dead funny night, when Sam Borbrick’s It’s Only Murder arrives for a two-night run at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. Shy and frugal accountant Jerome Teppel (Eliot Cohen) has finally found his perfect match in the attractive, outgoing and vivacious Francine (Bettina Bacall). She’s everything he’s not but, amazingly seems attracted to him – just what is she hiding? Throw into the mix neurotic neighbour Lenore (Linda Joseph) and her deadbeat artist husband Anthony, as well as a slovenly detective (Charlie Gittlemon) and a sadistic prison guard. What could possibly go wrong in this light-hearted thriller from director Tevy Corman? It’s Only Murder runs tonight (Thursday) and Sunday, 1 December, borehamwoodshul.org/tickets

DAYS OUT Ice Rink at JW3 Flip, loop and lutz your way over to JW3, when its pop-up ice rink opens for the winter season on Sunday. With a skating area measuring 200 square metres, the outdoor ice rink at the Finchley Road community centre comes complete with glimmering lights, vibrant music and even penguin stabilisers and seated banana toboggans for less confident skaters. Suitable for children aged two and over, the Ice Rink operates until 5 January and is open on Bank Holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, www.jw3.org.uk/icerink

Hanukkah+

Adam Sandler is finally getting some competition in the Hanukkah (or as we Brits call it, Chanukah) music world. Haim, Jack Black, the Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo and other prominent artists have recorded songs for a festive album titled Hanukkah+, the record label Verve Forecast has announced, ahead of the album’s release this week. Rolling Stone reported that the record is a mix of covers and original songs. Haim’s contribution is a cover of the late Leonard Cohen’s If It Be Your Will. Black has also written two originals for the album.

Photo by Blake Ezra

MUSIC

The first UK retrospective dedicated to French surrealist photographer Dora Maar has opened at Tate Modern. Maar – who changed her surname from Markovitch and whose father was a Jewish-Croatian architect – had an eye for the unusual, and developed an innovative approach to constructing images through staging, photomontage and collage. Her street photography also captured the harsh reality of life during the 1930s economic depression in Europe. In her private life, Maar’s eight-year tumultuous relationship with Pablo Picasso had a profound effect on their lives and careers, with the famous surrealist citing her as his muse for his famed Weeping Woman paintings. After 1945, Maar gradually withdrew from artistic circles and her life became shrouded in mystery and speculation. She died in 1997. The exhibition also features a series of camera-less photographs that she made in the 1980s, four decades after abandoning the medium. The exhibition runs until 15 March 2020, at Tate Modern, www.tate.org.uk

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28 November 2019 Jewish News

Food & Drink / Weekend

SERVES: 4 TIME: 30 MINUTES SUBSTITUTION IDEA : If you like fish sauce but not in the amounts in these recipes, replace some of it with water or a combination of water and soy sauce.

INGREDIENTS ½ cup fish sauce 1 cup sugar 1 red onion, halved and sliced 1 teaspoon pepper, or more as needed ¼ cup rice vinegar, or to taste 1½ pounds salmon fillets or steaks ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander, for garnish Extracted from Dinner For Everyone by Mark Bittman, published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC, priced £30 (hardback). Available now.

CA R A M E L S A L M O N 1.Mix the fish sauce with ½ cup water in a measuring cup . Put the sugar in a large frying pan over medium heat, add two tablespoons water, and stir. Cook, gently shaking the pan occasionally but not stirring, until the sugar liquefies and begins to bubble. When the sugar is melted, continue to cook and shake until the caramel darkens to the colour of iced tea, a minute or two. Remove from heat. 2.Carefully and slowly, pour in the fish sauce mixture. Return the pan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel melts into the liquid. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens, three to five minutes. Add the pepper and vinegar and mix. 3.Nestle the salmon in the sauce (skin side down, if using fillets). If necessary, add enough water to bring the sauce about halfway up the sides of the fish. Adjust the heat so it bubbles very gently and cook, using a spoon to baste the top of each piece with sauce until the fish is almost opaque at the centre and flakes without looking dry, five to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. 4.Remove the fish from the pan. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar or pepper if necessary. Pour the sauce over the fish, garnish with the coriander and serve.

Minus 20. No heating. Little hope. This is Nina. Will you keep her warm this winter?

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Photo by Aya Brackett

ew techniques are as magical as cooking in a sweet and savoury caramel sauce, a technique I learnt while travelling in Vietnam. Caramel Salmon is a good place to start since the process is straightforward. Pairing jackfruit with piquant caramel sauce and winter squash for a meatless spin is an excellent way to balance the sharpness of the fruit. Buy jackfruit in water or brine, not syrup.

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

Weekend / Books

Photo by Isabel Epstein

‘If your life is just a straight line, then you’re dead… I’m alive’ From Chasidic rabbi to transgender activist, Abby Stein tells Alex Galbinski why she is happier now, despite being shunned by her parents and most of her family

Abby Stein as she is now

bby Stein was a girl trapped in an Orthodox boy’s body. It was something she had known from infancy – and was devastated when, aged three, her hair was cut off at her upsherin ceremony. As one of 13 siblings, she describes herself as “a child who was mistakenly believed to be a boy”. But Abby – then known as Yisroel – could never reveal this, as her family is considered rabbinic royalty. She is a tenth-generation Chasidic Jew descended from the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chasidism, and strict rules governed every aspect of her family’s life. As she explains in her compelling book published today (Thursday), Becoming Eve: My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman, she might have been born in New York city, but culturally, “I was raised in an eighteenth century Easter European enclave in the heart of its capital, the Ultra-Orthodox Chasidic Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.” In her world of strictly-defined gender roles, aged six she was no longer allowed to play with girls – but she hated being with the boys. Aged four, she would take a pin to her private parts, angry at their existence, and used to recite the traditional blessing recited by girls. She only learnt English seven years ago – her first language is Yiddish – and still speaks with a hint of an accent, while her knowledge of popular culture was non-existent, as her community forbade watching TV or reading of books or newspapers deemed unacceptable. By the time she reached her teens, she had gained a reputation for being a troublemaker, and was questioning everything she knew. “All these people were telling me I’m a boy and I know for a fact that’s inaccurate, so if they’re telling me about God and religion, what makes me think they’re not wrong there as well?” recalls Abby, now 28 and a trans activist. But she craved knowledge and started reading widely. Aged 15, a rabbi told her she should learn about Kabbalah, which includes the idea that gender is fluid and that the soul can be in the wrong body. She “cried like a

baby” upon reading this. Despite playing up in class, she was a gifted scholar, passing her rabbinic degree with relative ease. She tried to conform and was 18 when she married, revealing that she only learned about sex a few days before her wedding. Two years later, the couple had a child, Duvid, who is nearly eight. “I’m a baby with a baby,” she tells me wryly. This, and especially the brit milah (circumcision) ceremony, was her point of no return; having a child led her to the conclusion she could no longer deny who she was. With the help of Footsteps, a non-profit organisation, she left the Chasidic community. “When I left, it wasn’t because of gender, it was because I no longer believed in their lifestyle,” she explains. “I have so many issues with their philosophy, the way they practice and the abuses that are happening with their community.” Abby, who read gender studies and political science at Columbia University, became estranged from her parents and community after transitioning. She came out as transgender in 2015, and was given her new name, Abigail (Abby) Chava, at Romemu, a Jewish Renewal, egalitarian synagogue in New York City, where she now lives. She penned her book, having found blogging about her journey to be therapeutic and with the intention of preventing others feeling isolated like she had, until the age of 20. “Before I came out, there was not a single person who grew up Chasidic who has come out as trans,” she tells me. “I think it’s going to help a lot of people in that community; there will be people who will secretly read it and go ‘oh, this is something that exists’.” Having previously taken hormone replacement therapy, I ask whether she has undergone gender reassignment surgery. “When people ask the details about my physical transition, unless you’re my doctor or I’m planning to date you, it’s none of your business,” she says, not unkindly. We move on. What does Judaism mean to her now? “It means a lot of things. I love it,” says Abby, who works in public policy. She lights Shabbat candles weekly and says she celebrates,

Abby says that when she looks at photographs of herself before her transition, she feels a complete disconnect, as if she’s looking at pictures of her brother

rather than observes, Shabbat in her own way. Does she believe in God? “Define belief, and define God, and we’ll talk,” she retorts. She’s not being disingenuous; she has probably given more thought to this question than most people, dissecting it to find meaning in the spiritual. “I don’t think the God version I grew up with exists, the bogey man in the sky, who is going to get really angry if I switch on the light on Shabbat – I do not relate to that in any way. “However, if you’re going to talk about a God that is divine, that seems a lot like more like something I can relate to.” Could she not have suppressed her feelings and not rocked the boat, I ask. “They’re more than feelings,” Abby clarifies. “It’s an identity. It’s who I am. I’m not acting anymore. I think I acted for the first 24 years. Now I’m just living.” After she transitioned, she was shunned by most of her family and she receives hate mail. She was also shocked at the amount of sexism women have to put up with. But despite all that, she has no regrets. “I try to focus on the good parts. Hands down, the past four years have been the best four years of my life, in every single way,” she affirms.

“My old community doesn’t talk to me, but I have closer, more intense friendships than I’ve ever had. “I have two siblings who have a relationship with me, as well as 10 or 15 cousins out of a few hundred. “I like to focus on the reality that most people my age only have two siblings, and 15 cousins, that’s a huge family. “My life is better than anything I have could have ever imagined. Yes, there are struggles, but there’s an old Chasidic saying that if your life is just a straight line, then you’re dead. “It just means that I’m alive.” � Becoming Eve: My Journey from UltraOrthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman by Abby Chava Stein is published by Seal Press, priced £25

28 November 2019 Jewish News

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Orthodox Judaism

Torah For Today

SEDRA Toledot BY RABBI ZVI SOLOMONS Infertility is a very fraught issue. Anyone raising the issue to those experiencing such a situation has the potential to cause distress, especially with our community being so heavily based on family and celebrations being centred around brit milah and baby naming ceremonies, bar and batmitzvahs, and so on. The Torah recognised this in the stories of our matriarchs, and this is repeated in many instances in the prophets. Sarah is infertile, only giving birth at the age of 75, and only after Abraham’s circumcision and the birth of his other son, Ishmael. Rebekah is another case. She was 20 years married before she gave birth, and this only occurred after her husband prayed for her to be fertile. She is in many ways a curious individual. Brought up in the house of tricky Laban, she is decisive in her move to marry Isaac. When the twins in her womb cause a rumpus, she goes to talk to God and hears about their future rivalry. Ultimately though she serves the interests of her favourite son, Jacob, and for this she is punished by never seeing him again after he leaves for Syria. When we look at all of our patriarchs, we are reminded of our own lives. We love our families, want our children and our relationships to be successful, and yet we always worry. That’s the nature of true parenthood– we will always want the best for them, no matter the age of the child.

◆ Rabbi Zvi Solomons serves JCoB, the Orthodox Jewish Community in Reading

What does the Torah say about: The Chief Rabbi wading into politics BY RABBI ARIEL ABEL With just over a fortnight to go before the election, Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, issued a stark condemnation of Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of antisemitism in the Labour Party. He said “the overwhelming majority of British Jews are gripped by anxiety” ahead of the December 12 election and that “a new poison” has taken hold in the party “sanctioned from the very top”. What is the Torah’s view on this – should rabbis become involved in politics? David, the king, prophet and psalmist was unequivocal in his policy of engagement with realpolitik. The psalm declares: “Then shall I sit with kings and not be abashed” and “I shall not be ashamed when I see all Your commandments.”

These verses confirm we have a religious duty to speak out, informed by Torah values, on matters of state. The charge to express one’s moral view vis-à-vis a political situation was a compelling one for the prophets, and the Torah lists many examples of these. Prophets often called out moral decrepitude of every kind, even unto the

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THE AGE WE LIVE IN REQUIRES US TO TRADE SILENCE FOR A PROACTIVE STANCE

throne itself – Samuel to King Saul for his hasty disobedience; Nathan to David for his immoral conduct; Elijah to Ahab for his disloyalty to religion. Isaiah was urged to ascend to a high mountain and raise his voice like a trumpet to announce Zion, and for the sake of Zion to foreswear silence. The age in which we live requires us to trade silence for a proactive stance at all times, no less so at the time of an election, when so much is at stake. In that vein, the threat of antisemitism and a systemic failure to deal with it has been addressed loudly and clearly by Rabbi Mirvis. As a trade unionist, and rabbi of Riverside, the former Liverpool constituency of Dame Louise Ellman, who resigned from Labour last month, I am grateful to the Chief Rabbi for leading by example and speaking out. ◆ Rabbi Ariel Abel CF serves Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation and is padre to Merseyside Army Cadet Force

Book review: Judaism Reclaimed by Shmuel Phillips ‘unlocks the Torah’ Torah study is a multi-faceted discipline, ranging from the examination of biblical texts to the study of Mishnah, Talmud, and Kabbalistic literature (and much more). Even the first, most basic element, reading the text of the Chumash itself, can be approached from a variety of angles. One approach focuses on the so-called pshat, which I would translate as the straightforward, contextual understanding of the text, but many more levels of understanding are available. It is told of the famed Gaon of Vilna, a man who singlehandedly authored more commentaries on esoteric Kabbalistic ideas than almost all of his contemporaries combined, that towards the end of his life he returned to the text of the Torah as his main text of study. The Vilna Gaon focused on the most basic Jewish text as the source of the ideas developed in the Mishnah, the Talmud, the Midrashim, the Zohar, and the writings of the Rambam, precisely because he saw that all of the wisdom accumulated and extrapolated over centuries of Jewish learning emerge from this text. Law, philosophy and ethics emerge from the text of the Torah, and often “between the lines”, as well. Rabbi Shmuel Phillips’ recent work rests upon a similar approach as it unlocks the Torah for this generation. His new book, Judaism Reclaimed, facilitates a multi-faceted, multi-disciplined appreciation of Torah ideas for modern readers. The book covers a vast array of topics and

an almost-dizzying number of sources. In a sense, Judaism Reclaimed is a wonderful review of – and response to – modern intellectual discourse. Rabbi Phillips “dusts off” the writings of Maimonides, especially the Guide for the Perplexed, which some modern Jewish scholars have claimed is more suited to medieval intellectual concerns, especially in the sections that address Islamic or Greek philosophy (see, for example, Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik, The Halakhic Mind). Judaism Reclaimed has the Rambam weigh in on a host of modern issues. Similarly, Rabbi Phillips shines another major light on the issues he tackles by bringing Rav Shimshon R. Hirsch into the discussion. Rav Hirsch’s insights, presented deftly and

Torah ideas are explored in the new book with great sensitivity and skill by Rabbi Phillips, quite often prove extremely current, even prescient and extremely forward-thinking. But these are far from isolated examples:

Judaism Reclaimed cites a broad-ranging list of thinkers and writers, both ancient and modern, to buttress arguments and illuminate the discussion (including insights from my first published work, Explorations, which has recently been re-published in a muchexpanded version titled Explorations Expanded: Bereishit). If I were to voice any small criticism of Judaism Reclaimed, it would not be with Rabbi Phillips’ enlightening and engaging volume, but with the recommendation for it penned by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who implies that Judaism Reclaimed introduces a new philosophical approach. I found quite the opposite to be the case: The strength of the book lies in its strong foundations, as it bases its arguments on – rather than departing from – generations of Jewish and general philosophy. Rather than trailblazing a new path, Judaism Reclaimed revisits, re-examines, clarifies; it makes the old path newly accessible. My second “criticism” regards tone rather than content, as reflected in the title; the author believes that Judaism needs to be “reclaimed”. Rabbi Phillips implies that evil or ignorant forces have attempted a hostile takeover of Jewish thought. Consequently, at times, his tone is strident when pointing out and rejecting the inroads these forces have made. These small criticisms aside, Judaism Reclaimed is a wonderful introduction (for some, it will be more of a clear-headed review) of major chapters in classical Jewish

The book ‘facilitates an appreciation of Torah’ thought and intellectual episodes of more recent vintage. The work is extremely well-written and well-informed, and I have no doubt that it will serve as a reading companion, a source of ideas and a springboard for discussion for years to come.

◆ Rabbi Ari Kahn is director of the Overseas Student Program at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, where he is a senior lecturer in Jewish Studies. He also serves as Rabbi of the Mishkan Etrog community in Givat Ze’ev. He has authored more than 10 books on Jewish thought.

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Progressive Judaism

The Bible Says What? ‘Priests and fathers have magical privileges’ BY RABBI SANDRA KVIAT ‘May God bless you and keep you, may God look kindly upon you and be gracious to you, may God reach out to you in tenderness, and give you peace’ (Numbers 6.22-24) This well-known blessing has significant theological problems. The Biblical context makes clear that it is to be said only by the priests and that the consequence of its utterance is that God will bless them/ the people. Implicit is a sense that if said correctly by the right person (the priest), the words can force or ‘assist’ God into action. Another powerful type of ‘blesser’ in the Torah is the father, especially if it is the blessing said at the end of the father’s life, exemplified in Isaac’s blessing of his two sons. The priest or the father were believed to have a special spiritual privilege that others didn’t. And it all verges dangerously close to the idea of ritual magic — that by doing something “down here” in the right way by the right person with the

right credentials’ we can influence or even control God “up there”. The discomfort is not modern. Rashbam, who lived around the 11th century, questioned the idea of cause-and-effect blessings and instead suggested that we see it as a prayer: an aspiration for others. At the end of a service, I invite the community to choose a concluding benediction and then bless each other face-to-face, a ritual I learnt about from Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu. Over time, I’ve realised that the power of blessings has little to do with the title of being a rabbi or a representative, or a cause (and effect), and everything to do with the relationships you create with the person or the couple being blessed. Their hearts are opened because of the link you have forged with them, because you get to know them, and because they are given the space to become blessers themselves.

 Sandra Kviat is rabbi at Crouch End Chavurah

PR and Communications Executive Communications Department £26,000 per annum Full-time, 35 hours a week We are looking for an individual who is a brilliant writer with superb people skills who can sniff out great stories. You will write and distribute press releases about our programmes and events and pitch arresting stories covering different parts of the United Synagogue. You will devise regular, engaging content on our social media channels. You will also be responsible for keeping our organisation’s website up-to-date and preparing our weekly email sent to more than 20,000 people. You will be experienced in one or more of PR, media relations or external affairs and have excellent interpersonal communication skills. You will also be able to work unsupervised in a professional manner and project manage your own area of work. Closing date for applications: Monday, 16th December, 2019 To view the job description and apply for this position, please log on to our website www.theus.org.uk/jobs

Progressively Speaking Euphemisms prevent us talking openly about death, or even grasping its meaning BY DEBORAH BLAUSTEN Popular legend — though not most academic linguists — has it that the Inuit people have 50 words for snow. Why? Because when something is such a big part of life, people develop a more sophisticated vocabulary to talk about its nuances. The same is true for the English language and the plethora of words we have for the word “rain”, from drizzle and mizzle to downpour. But the argument that vocabulary increases when talking about a life’s phenomenon breaks down around death. A recent Marie Curie survey reminds us there are more than 50 different euphemisms or ways of talking about someone “kicking the bucket” without having to actually use “death” or “died” or anything etymologically related to it. Unlike weather descriptors, which give us a greater capacity for articulation, the vast death vocabulary we have is a way of shielding

ourselves and each other from much-needed conversations. The Talmud contains numerous examples of deaths where another phrase is used to describe what has happened. He “departed this world” or “his soul left his body” are particular rabbinic favourites. What differentiates these from phrases like “took her last bow” is that although they are also euphemistic, they represent an opportunity to explore beliefs around death — because they describe something that the word ‘death’ simply doesn’t. In these cases, they give someone

the image of a world beyond this one, or provoke a conversation about the life of the soul. A teacher in rabbinical school told us about a child whose parent had explained they had “lost” their relative. They later found out the child had become terrified of being separated from their family when out for the day in case they became lost too. Unlike the Talmudic phrases, the word “loss” is a good example of a euphemism which doesn’t expand meaning, and could potentially confuse or even suggest that people who are bereaved didn’t care enough to “hold on” to their loved ones. A wide vocabulary around death is needed — not so that we can avoid saying the words, but rather that we can discuss the nuances of emotion and experience that accompany this part of life.  Deborah Blausten is a rabbinic student at Leo Baeck College

Marketing Manager Communications Department £46,000 per annum Full-time, 35 hours a week We are looking for someone to shake up our marketing. You will lead the marketing strategy and campaigns across the United Synagogue and devise innovative ways to market our initiatives to our members and the wider Jewish community. We are looking for someone who is tenacious about getting to know our audiences – generating insight to understand who they are and what we can do for them and using this rich data to target them appropriately. You will be a creative and energetic marketing professional. You will have experience in marketing roles and a proven track record of building and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns for an organisation or brand. Closing date for applications: Monday, 16th December, 2019 To view the job description and apply for this position, please log on to our website www.theus.org.uk/jobs

United Synagogue Registered Charity No. 242552

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28 November 2019 Jewish News

Helping the homeless / Business

candicekrieger@googlemail.com

With Candice Krieger

‘THIS IS EXTREMELY HIGH-IMPACT PHILANTHROPHY’ Serial entrepreneur Alex Stephany talks to Candice Krieger about his world-first start-up, Beam, which uses crowdfunding technology to help solve homelessness by training people and getting them into work

hen Alex Stephany was introduced to Maimonides’ eight degrees of charity at Hebrew School as a child, little did he know it would form the foundation of what is fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting social start-ups. His award-winning and world-first crowdfunding start-up, Beam, supports homeless people into stable, paid work. It partners with homelessness charities and London boroughs, which recommend people to the platform. Their individual profiles are listed on the Beam website where people can read their stories and donate to fund the training and qualifications they need to turn their lives around. Launched in 2017, and initially funded by the Mayor of London, Beam is already making a big impact. It recently won Best ‘Tech for Good’ start-up in Europe at The Europas 2019, plus last year’s (2018) London Homelessness Awards and an award for Best use of Technology in homelessness. Stephany, 37, won Best Social Enterprise Entrepreneur in the UK in June. “I always remembered learning about Maimonides’ eight degrees of charity at cheder,” recalls Stephany. “According to Maimonides, the highest form of charity is helping people to become selfsupporting. This is the foundation behind Beam – giving people the skills to earn a good living for them and their families and lift themselves out of poverty.” The dream, says Stephany, is to end homelessness. He was inspired while on his commute to

Tech4Good

work. “I used to walk past the same homeless man at Archway station [in London] and would buy him coffees and thermal socks. We got to know each other. But weeks went by and the man didn’t appear. I got worried and when he resurfaced he looked truly terrible. He told me he had a heart attack.” Stephany began to think about what could have made a meaningful difference to his life. “Didn’t he actually need the skills, confidence and support to get into work and provide for himself? Sure, that would cost more than a coffee. But then I thought: ‘What if everyone chipped in?’” Quite. At the time of writing, exactly £560,834 has flowed through the platform, including from 757 people who donate monthly. When people donate, they share the journeys of the people through training and into work through email updates. Moreover, 80 percent of people on the programme have successfully entered skilled work. By ensuring 80 percent of donations are split equally between all campaigns, Beam has also funded every campaign they have launched. Stephany is a lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur and author (The Business of Sharing, published by Macmillan) – a book which led him to advise the Mayor of Seoul on how to use sharing models to solve social problems. In March, he gave a prestigious TED talk in Brighton. But then he certainly knows about technology start-ups. As the former CEO of start-up JustPark, he grew revenue more than 10-fold in three years, raised funding from Index Ventures, and closed a £3.75m crowdfunding campaign – then the largest equity crowdfunding for a start-up in history. “But I wanted to do something with more social impact,” says Stephany. “I get a kick out of being useful. And for me the best way to be useful is to apply technology and data to big problems that have largely been ignored by tech entrepreneurs and investors.” Beam now has more than 30 registered charities including Shelter, St Mungo’s and The Big Issue, referring people to the platform. They are given a caseworker, who supports each homeless person to build a career plan best suited to their strengths. They also help them to manage the risks in their life from mental health, to alcohol and drugs – 12 weeks’ abstinence is required before anyone joins Beam. Once a person on the platform is in stable, paid work, he or she is invited to Each person is supported to build a career plan suited to their strengths

“pay it forward” through donations and mentoring new members. “Today’s members [the homeless people using Beam] are tomorrow’s supporters,” he says. Stephany went to Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, then the University of Oxford where he got a first in English, followed by a training contract at Clifford Chance. He spent a lot of time learning about homelessness before launching Beam. “I met as many homeless people as I could and people working for homeless charities and asked for their advice.” He reels off some startling facts: “There are 320,000 homeless people in UK, 290,000 are in hostels or other forms of temporary accommodation and 130,000 of them are children. The biggest group in emergency accommodation is single mums and kids. We want these homeless single mums to know that if they want to pursue a professional ambition, the opportunity is there.” But the biggest challenge, says Stephany, is funding for the organisation itself. “We’re optimistic

The platform helps people into skilled work

that funding Beam is very high-impact philanthropy with huge legacy.” When asked, he says that he is yet to receive financial support from the Jewish community. “I’m sure it’s a matter of time. We have such a strong tradition of tzedakah and community work. Also, homelessness is something that Jews understand, having been homeless ourselves for most of our history.” www.beam.org

Jewish News

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28 November 2019

LOUIS MANN & SON LIMITED

Under the supervision of the London Board for Shechita

We are now taking orders for your Chanukah and festive season turkeys, boned and cut turkey portions, ducks, geese, chickens and poussins as well as a plentiful supply of ﬁnest aged beef and tender & juicy lamb. We always have a full range of our oven-ready signature spatchcock chickens, Lazy Lamb, glazed ribs & wings, KFC (Kosher Fried Chicken) and delicious deli meats. please place your order by phone or email or pop in to see us at our ﬂagship store in Edgware or one of our counters at Panzer St Johns Wood and Noshers of Pinner.

21-23 Edgwarebury Lane Edgware HA8 8LL • 020 8958 4910/5945 sales@louismann.co.uk • www.louismann.co.uk

We never compromise on quality; neither should you

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28 November 2019 Jewish News

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

Ask our

Struggling to hear the TV? Missing out on family conversations? Hearing just not what it used to be?

Our trusty team of advisers answers your questions about everything from law and finance to dating and dentistry. This week: Replacing a missing tooth, leaving Israel after making aliyah and online drive storage space...

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DR ADAM NEWMAN DENTIST

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Dear Adam My dentist says I need a tooth removing. What are the options available to replace it? Sarah Dear Sarah Losing a tooth and having a gap can be daunting, however there are a number of options available to replace it. Implants are the closest option to natural teeth. They are screwed into the bone where the tooth or teeth have been lost. Implants should be placed by a suit-

DOV NEWMARK ALIYAH ADVISER

NEFESH B’NEFESH Dear Dov I’ve been told that once I make aliyah, I can’t leave the country for six months. Is that correct? Jennifer Dear Jennifer First, mazeltov on your forthcoming aliyah. Second, you’ll be pleased to know there are no travel restrictions once you make aliyah. However, one can only

apply for their Israeli passport 90 days or three full months (whichever is longer) after their date of aliyah. Should you need to travel before receiving your Israeli passport, an Ishur Yetziyah (permission to leave) must be obtained from any branch of Misrad Hapnim. No appointment is necessary and there is no fee. In the case of an emergency situation, the border control police at Ben Gurion Airport may allow you to leave the country without an Ishur Yetziyah, or they may refer you to Ben Gurion’s branch of Misrad Hapnim. During your first

jewish deaf association

ably qualified dental surgeon. At the Gingerbread House, we have a specialist ‘periodontist’ or gum specialist who places implants for our patients. Your second option is a dental bridge. This is a tooth that is fixed to the teeth either side of the gap. In order to have a bridge, the surrounding teeth will need to be healthy enough to sustain the extra pressure of the false tooth. Your final option is a denture or ‘plate’ on which a number of teeth can be placed if necessary. Dentures are removable and will need to be cleaned at night and between meals. Your dentist should be able to talk though these options with you and advise which may be your best solution to fill the gap.

six months, olim (new immigrants) receive Sal Klita (a monetary gift) any travel outside of Israel may stop these payments. Upon returning to Israel, you must visit your local branch of Misrad Haklita and have payments reinstated. You are entitled to receive back payments. We suggest that you check your bank statement to ensure that all Sal Klita payments are received as scheduled. Commuters and other people who need to travel outside of Israel for work purposes should contact Misrad Haklita to discuss their specific situation. Safe travels!

I still cannot find where all my space is being used up. Please help. Philip Dear Philip It sounds like you have got IT SPECIALIST a good set-up to enable you and your family to have all of your MAN ON A BIKE files no matter where you are. Dear Ian It also gives you the security of a I use an online drive to store back-up copy in the cloud. documents and files. My What you are experiencing family and I use several is not all that uncommon. machines to access these files Online drives have the benefit since we need them wherever of keeping previous versions we are. I have now started or snapshots of your data so to get warnings that I am you can go back to a copy from getting close to my 100GB up to 30 days ago. storage limit, but the problem It will also have a recycle bin is there only seems to be function for when you delete about 40GB of documents files. One downside is that when and files in there. I have even you are working on files within totalled up the size of all of the online drive, temporary the individual folders and copies are made and deleted as

IAN GREEN

you work. The online drive sees this as a deleted file and puts it into the recycle bin. This is probably where your storage space is taken up. You should log in to the online storage and look at the Trash folder as I am sure this has filled up with these files. You can also remove any old snapshots that are no longer required.

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Jewish News 28 November 2019

Ask Our Experts / Professional advice from our panel

Our Experts Got a question for a member of our team? Email: editorial@thejngroup.com PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST

DIVORCE & FAMILY SOLICITOR

PROPERTY DEVELOPER JOE GRIFFIN Qualifications: • More than 13 years’ experience in the construction and property industry, with a specialism in high-end residential and commercial property • Negotiation of site acquisitions and property deals; design and planning strategies • Focus on niche market purchasing airspace above commercial and residential blocks to create additional stories of accommodation and penthouse apartments.

LONDON PENTHOUSE 020 7665 9604 www.londonpenthouse.com info@lphvgroup.com

DENTIST

TREVOR GEE Qualifications: •Managing director, consultants in affordable family and corporate health insurance. • Specialise in maximising cover, lowering premiums and pre-existing conditions. • Excellent knowledge of health insurers, cover levels and hospital lists. • Board member UK International Health Management Ass • LLB, solicitor finals, FCA Regulated 773729.

VANESSA LLOYD PLATT Qualifications: • Qualification: 40 years experience as a matrimonial and divorce solicitor and mediator, specialising in all aspects of family matrimonial law, including: • Divorce, Pre/post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, domestic violence, children’s cases, grandparents’ rights to see grandchildren, adoption, family disputes. • Frequent broadcaster on national and International radio and television.

DR ADAM NEWMAN Qualifications: • Dentist at the Gingerbread House, a BUPA Platinum practice in Shenley, Radlett. • Providing NHS and private dentistry including whitening, cosmetic and restorative treatment. Other treatments including implants provided by in-house specialists. • BDS, Member of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners RCS England. GDC registered 212542.

PATIENT HEALTH 020 3146 3444/5/6 www.patienthealth.co.uk trevor.gee@patienthealth.co.uk

LLOYD PLATT & COMPANY SOLICITORS 020 8343 2998 www.divorcesolicitors.com lloydplatt@divorcesolicitors.com

GINGERBREAD HOUSE 01923 852 852 www.gingerbreadhealth.co.uk Adam.newman@gingerbreadhealth.co.uk

TELECOMS SPECIALIST

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

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. • Successfully established the RCUK International Travel

DR BEV JACOBSON Qualifications: • Able to draw on the expertise of Norwood’s professional staff team, including social workers, educational psychologists, behavioural specialists, speech and language and occupational therapists, teachers, psychologists, benefit advisors and psychotherapists. • Expertise in services available for children and their families and young people with special educational needs and adults with learning disabilities and autism.

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.

RCUK 020 8815 4115 www.rcuk.com Maxi@RCUK.com

NORWOOD 020 8809 8809 www.norwood.org.uk bev.jacobson@norwood.org.uk

JEWISH DEAF ASSOCIATION 020 8446 0502 mail@jdeaf.org.uk www.jdeaf.org.uk

JEWELLER

TRAVEL AGENT

CRIMINAL DEFENCE SOLICITOR

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.

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.

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

REMOVALS MANAGING DIRECTOR

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.

•

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.

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

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

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

• •

28 November 2019 Jewish News

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Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

ACCOUNTANT ADAM SHELLEY Qualifications: • FCCA chartered certified accountant. • Accounting, taxation and business advisory services. • Entrepreneurial business specialist including start-up businesses. • Specialises in charities; Personal tax returns. • Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation Volunteer of the Year JVN award

SOBELL RHODES 020 8429 8800 www.sobellrhodes.co.uk a.shelley@sobellrhodes.co.uk

IT SPECIALIST

HEALTH & FITNESS ANNA SCHUCHMAN & CHARLOTTE WIKLER Qualifications: • Founders of aceLIFESTYLE, offering practical solutions for becoming and remaining fit, strong and healthy. • Creators of the aceTRANSFORMATION 12-week weight-loss program. • Level 3 Personal Trainers and Nutritional Consultants. • Qualified to help ante and postnatal clients, teenagers and those of all abilities and ages.

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

ACELIFESTYLE 07968 484501 www.ace-lifestyle.com info@ace-lifestyle.com

INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS SPECIALIST

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.

SOCIAL WORKER

INSURANCE CONSULTANCY

NAOMI FELTHAM Qualifications: • Leading currency transfer provider since 1996 with over 500 expert employees. • Excellent exchange rates on your transfers to/from Israel. • Offices worldwide, with local support in Israel, the UK, mainland Europe and the USA. • Free expert guidance from your dedicated Account. Manager

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.

ASHLEY PRAGER Qualifications: • Professional insurance and reinsurance broker. Offering PI/D&O cover, marine and aviation, property owners, ATE insurance, home and contents, fine art, HNW. • Specialist in insurance and reinsurance disputes, utilising Insurance backed products. (Including non insurance business disputes). • Ensuring clients do not pay more than required.

CURRENCIES DIRECT 07922 131 152 / 020 7847 9447 www.currenciesdirect.com/jn Naomi.feltham@currenciesdirect.com

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

RISK RESOLUTIONS 020 3411 4050 www.risk-resolutions.com ashley.prager@risk-resolutions.com

ISRAELI ACCOUNTANT LEON HARRIS Qualifications: • Leon is an Israeli and UK accountant based in Ramat Gan, Israel.

• He is a Partner at Harris Horoviz Consulting & Tax Ltd. • The firm specializes in Israeli and international tax advice, accounting and tax reporting for investors, Olim and businesses.

PHOTOGRAPHER HARRISON GALGUT Qualifications: • Experienced wedding and event photographer. • Specialism in portraits and light management. • BSc(Hons), BTEC music tech, specialising in film, and member of Royal Photographic Society.

LISA WIMBORNE Qualifications: Able to draw on the charity’s 50 years of experience in enabling people with physical disabilities or impaired vision to live independently, including: • The provision of specialist accommodation with 24/7 on site support. • Knowledge of the innovations that empower people and the benefits available. • Understanding of the impact of a disability diagnosis.

EDIT6 07962599154 www.edit6.co.uk harrison@edit6.co.uk

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

• Leon’s motto is: Our numbers speak your language! HARRIS HOROVIZ CONSULTING & TAX LTD +972-3-6123153 / + 972-54-6449398 leon@h2cat.com

ALIYAH ADVISER

CAREER ADVISER

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.

CLAIRE STRAUS Qualifications: • Free professional one-to-one advice at Resource to help unemployed into work. • Practical support, workshops and networking opportunities to maximise prospects. • Career coach with MSc in career management and coaching with a background in human resources and general management and experience of private, public and voluntary sectors.

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

RESOURCE 020 8346 4000 www.resource-centre.org office@resource-centre.org

ISRAEL PROPERTY EXPERT

PALLIATIVE CARE MANAGER

DARREN RICH Qualifications: Broker based in Israel who escorts clients throughout the process. All real estate solutions under one roof. Specialist in sales and rentals all over Israel. In house legal and financial experts. Best after-sales service in Israel.

POLLY LANDSBERG Qualifications: • Polly has worked in health and social care for over 35 years. • Has a degree in nursing and a diploma in health visiting. • Polly is responsible for the day-to-day management of the palliative and end of life care service.

HOME IN ISRAEL REAL ESTATE GROUP 020 8089 1446 www.homeinisrael.com darren@homeinisrael.net

SWEETTREE HOME CARE SERVICES 020 7644 9500 www.sweettree.co.uk polly.landsberg@sweettree.co.uk

• • • • •

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

Got a question for a member of our team? SMS ISRAELeditorial@thejngroup.com AD 100X84.qxp_Layout 1 01/06/2017 11:58 Page 1 Email:

Moving to Israel? Stephen Morris now moves more families than any other relocation company from the UK to Israel each year and has done so for more than 40 years. Our service is fully inclusive and door to door. Call us on 020 8832 2222 to discuss your move with Stephen personally or to arrange a free, no obligation survey and quotation for your move. Stephen Morris Shipping Ltd. Unit 9, Ockham Drive, Greenford Park, Greenford. UB6 0FD UK.

T: +44(0)20 8832 2222 E: info@shipsms.co.uk W: www.shipsms.co.uk

Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

28 November 2019

We are enabling a new generation of deaf children to achieve their aspirations and

live their best life

“

I’m deaf and was really struggling

By improving the learning

to hear at school. I was exhausted.

environment for deaf pupils, JDA is enabling our

Now, JDA have put acoustic panels in

children to do better in

my classrooms and it’s brilliant! I can hear my teacher and friends much more clearly. I’m loving school! — Adam, age 9

Please help our children to

flourish by making a donation today

class and be exactly where

”

they should be.

020 8446 0502 www.jdeaf.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1105845 Company Limited by Guarantee 4983830

28 November 2019 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Win protective phone cases! / Fun, games and prizes

WIN A STYLISH IPHONE CASE FROM SPECK! Jewish News and Speck have teamed up to offer two lucky winners the chance to win a selection of iPhone cases from Speck, the global provider of award-winning phone cases and mobile accessories. Choose from a glamorous Presidio CLEAR + Glitter, reliable Presidio GRIP, sleek Presidio PRO and the classic Presidio STAY CLEAR and protect your phone against drops, scratches and abrasions, without having to compromise on style! Including features such as fourmetre drop protection, innovative Microban technology to inhibit bacterial growth on the case, and a proprietary coating to prevent discol-

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jewishnews.co.uk Closing date 12 December 2019

THEJewishNews JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD THE CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

14 16

17 19

ACROSS 1 Daft (5) 4 Small woody plant (5) 7 Affirmative reply (3) 8 Bigwig (7)

9 10 13 15 16 19 21 22 23

Climb rapidly (4) Competently (4) High pile of rocks (3) Reluctant (4) Orient (4) 25 US cents (7) Poorly, unwell (3) Come in (5) Big cat (5)

DOWN 1 Expresses in words (4) 2 Attack suddenly (4,3) 3 Dairy product (6) 4 Pew (4) 5 Get ___ of, abolish (3) 6 Cheerio! (3‑3) 11 Moistening with hot fat (7) 12 Exclusive group, faction (6) 14 Feel sorrow (6) 17 Celebrity (4) 18 Indistinct image (4) 20 Painting (3)

4 9

8 8

1 8 4 6 3 2 5 3 9 5 2 4 7 6 9 1 2 6 1 7

Last issue’s solutions Crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Deja vu 4 Cost 8 PVC 9 Lucidly 10 Dazed 11 Rifle 13 Coins 15 Gusto 17 Bonanza 19 Elf 20 Arty 21 Sawyer DOWN: 1 Doped 2 Jacuzzi 3 Valid 5 Odd 6 Thyme 7 Scar 12 Fishery 13 Cobra 14 Sons 15 Guava 16 Offer 18 Nut

See next issue for puzzle solutions.

7 3 2 9 4 1 6 5 8

4 9 5 3 8 6 2 1 7

6 1 8 7 5 2 9 3 4

1 8 9 5 6 3 4 7 2

5 7 4 8 2 9 1 6 3

3 2 6 1 7 4 5 8 9

2 6 7 4 3 5 8 9 1

9 5 3 2 1 8 7 4 6

8 4 1 6 9 7 3 2 5

28/11 COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

By Paul Solomons

Two readers will win two Speck cases for iPhone 7 to 11 ranges. Cases include Presidio CLEAR + Glitter, GRIP, PRO and STAY CLEAR. Subject to availability. Prize is as stated, not transferable, not refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or exchanged 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 carefullyselected 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. For full Ts and Cs, see jewishnews.co.uk. Closing date: 12 December 2019

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 28 November 2019

Business Services Directory ANTIQUES 44

The Jewish News 22 September 2016

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Stirling of Kensal Green

Top prices paid

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

Antique â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reproduction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Retro Furniture (any condition)

Carer

Clothing

WE BUY ANTIQUES Carer FURS WANTED Auxiliary Nurse VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS.

Epstein, Archie Shine, Hille, G Plan, etc. Antiques

Dining Suites, Lounges Suites, Bookcases, Desks, Cabinets, Mirrors, Lights, etc.

Cash paid for Mink Available support Allto Antique Furniture Hille & Epstein jackets, coats, you in your home. Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver,boleros, Paintings, stoles, Porcelain, also fox coats, etc. Glass,Days/nights. Bronzes, Ivories, Oriental & Judaica Antiques jackets etc. Very reasonable rates. Full house clearances organised. Wardrobes cleared Call Please 0208 look 958 at 2939 our website for more details Call 01277 352 560 or 07495 026 168

Top prices paid

House clearances

All quality furniture bought & sold.

Antique â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Reproduction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Retro Furniture

Single items to complete homes

(any condition)

Best prices paid for complete house clearEpstein, Archie Shine, Hille, G Plan, etc. ances Lounges includingSuites, china, Bookcases, books, Dining Suites, clothing etc. Also rubbish clearance Desks, Cabinets, Mirrors, Lights, etc. service, lofts, sheds, garages etc House clearances

MARYLEBONE ANTIQUES - 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

WE BUY ANTIQUES

07866 614 744 (ANYTIME)

www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS. All Antique Hille & Epstein 0207Furniture 723 7415 (SHOP) Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver, Paintings, Porcelain, closed Sunday & Monday Glass, Bronzes, Ivories, Oriental & Judaica Antiques etc.

Computer FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON:

0800 840 2035 or 07956268290

Single items to complete Please contact Gordonhomes Stirling

STUART SHUSTER - e-mail - info@maryleboneantiques.co.uk

Man on aOPEN Bike8am will TOget 9pm 7 DAYS. you working fast! RD LONDON. PORTOBELLO

020 8960 5401 or 07825 224144

Full house clearances organised.

CHURCH STREET ANTIQUES â&#x20AC;? 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

MAKE SURE CONTACT BEFORE SELLING Please look YOU at our websiteUS for more details

Í&#x201D;Í&#x203A;Í&#x153;Í&#x161;Í&#x161; Í&#x161;Í&#x2022;Í&#x2DC; Í&#x203A;Í&#x2DC;Í&#x2DC; (ANYTIME) Email: gordonstirling65@gmail.com

www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

Rapid Response IT support for your PC & Mac Networks, virus problems, broadband, wireless systems, new computers and everything else you may need. CHILDREN For small businesses & home users.

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON: CAR REPAIR 0800 840 2035 or 07956268290 OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS.

Call Ian Green, Man on a Bike on

We have a community 020 8731 6171 â&#x20AC;˘ www.manonabike.co.uk

PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

nursery shop offering our customers top brands with a personal service.

Charity & Welfare

Established over 60 years. Know who you are dealing with.

0207 723 7415 (SHOP) closed Sunday & Monday

CHARITY & WELFARE STUART SHUSTER â&#x20AC;? eâ&#x20AC;?mail â&#x20AC;? stuart@churchstreetantiques.net 17-443-ER Helpline advert v1.qxp_Helpline 85x45mm 24/11/2017

MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING

WHEN YOU NEED HELP, CALL OUR HELPLINE.

Present this ad for a 5% discount. and conditions apply.) (TermsBEREAVED? ARE YOU

For confidential advice, information and support contact us on WESTLON 020HOUSING 8922 2222ASSOCIATION

Vehicle Repair Services to meet our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; individual needs. Friendly, reliable, trustworthy and efficient. Courtesy vehicles Non Fault Accident Specialist. We also offer a Claims Management Service. Catering for All Types of Vehicles.

IF YOU DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN, REMEMBER OUR HELPLINE. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

1-2 Russell Parade, Golders Green&Road, London. Counselling for adults children whoNW11 are 9NN experiencing offered. Telephone: 020 8201loss. 8870, Support Website: groups www.yummykids.co.uk

Full Re-Spray Paintwork Repair Stone Chip Repairs

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Restoration Dent Repairs Alloy wheels restoration

For confidential advice, information and support 10 Ballards Mews, Edgware HA8 7BZ donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t | Call: forget 020 8951Jewish 0800 Care Direct.

020 8922 2222

Call The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence

jcdirect@jcare.org

jewishcare.org/helpline

020 8951 3881 â&#x20AC;˘ 07765 693 160 CHARITY & WELFARE E: enquiries@jbcs.org.uk

Sheltered Accommodation helpline@jcare.org

We have an open waiting list for our friendly and comfortable warden Charityassisted Reg No. 802559sheltered housing schemes for Jewish people in Ealing, East Finchley and Hendon. We provide 24-hour warden support, seven days a week; a residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lounge and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.

For further details and application forms, please contact Westlon Housing Association on 020 8201 8484

Charity Reg No. 802559

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION

ARE YOU BEREAVED?

Sheltered Accommodation

Jami supports and represents people with mental illness across the Jewish community.

Counselling for adults & children who are experiencing loss, and support groups. Contact The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence

We have an open waiting list for our friendly and comfortable warden assisted housing domestic schemes in Ealing, East Are you a Jewishsheltered woman experiencing violence? Finchley and provide warden support, With abuse in Hendon. your home,We do you worry 24-hour about your children? seven days a week; residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Weaare here tolounge help and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.counselling. with free support, advice and information and confidential

Labels are for jars. Not people.

#jamithinkahead

Refer yourself or a loved one by Give support â&#x20AC;˘ Get support â&#x20AC;˘ Get involved calling 020 8458 2223 or visit 020 8458 2223 | info@jamiuk.org www.jamiuk.org

020 8951 3881 enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk

Kosher Refuge available for women and children in need.

www.jamiuk.org

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1003345

For further details and application forms, please contact Free Confidential Helpline 0808 801 0500 Westlon HousingNational Association on 020 8201 8484

Reg Charity No. 1003345

advice@jwa.org.uk â&#x20AC;˘ www.jwa.org.uk

HOME & MAINTENANCE

Home & Maintenance

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD

No further, your

LOCAL PLUMBERS

Hall & Randall Plumbers

12 MONTHS GUARANTEE, 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

All NW-London postcodes covered

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

| boiler repairs and installation | complete central heating | " #

flushing | complete bathroom service | | power

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07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12 ) *" " - *' Not shabbat

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office@hallandrandall.com

Home & Maintenance

STONEMASON

London 020 8485 8176

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

ADVERTISE IN THE UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIGGEST ADVERTISE IN THE UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWSPAPER BIGGEST JEWISH City and Guilds Electrician K. L BUILDING All types of electrical work undertaken THAN LESS FOR JEWISH NEWSPAPER SERVICES WEEK A ÂŁ24.00 Rewiring, extra sockets, BT points, Economy 7 BUILDER

PROFESSIONAL A. ELFES LTD PAINTING, DECORATING memorials & New PAPER HANGING Additional inscriptions Over & 20renovations years experience Friendly, reliable & Gants Hill service. Edgware personal

The specialist masons in creating bespoke Granite and Marble Memorials for all Cemeteries. Edgware Showroom 41 Manor Park Crescent Edgware. HA8 7LY T: 0208 381 1525

Email : info@garygreenmemorials.co.uk

12Very Beehive Lane 130rates High Street competitive Gants Hill, IG1 3RD Edgware, HA8 7EL Telephone Telephone

STEPHEN: 07973 342 422 0207 754 4659 0207 754 4646

www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk

Gary Green ad 84 x 40mm JM Group v2.indd 1

and ! For all your heating plumbing requirements

Not shabbat

020 8207 3286 home 020 8386 8798

Clayhall Showroom 14 Claybury Broadway Ilford. IG5 0LQ T: 0208 551 6866

! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Better

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020 8953 2094 office hallandrandallplumbers.com

(UK)

P LUMBSAFE LTD

LONDON

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Better Safe Than Sorryâ&#x20AC;?

CENTRAL HEATING, PLUMBING REPAIRS & ADVISORY SERVICE EMERGENCY REPAIRS, BLOCKED PIPES DRAINAGE GUTTERING, ROOFING, CENTRAL HEATING AND BOILERS

10:02

18/03/2019 12:50:51

srindsmc@hotmail.com

www.memorialgroup.co.uk

FOR LESS THAN ÂŁ24 A WEEK

storage heaters, Shabbat time switches, security lighting, â&#x20AC;˘ Brick work & Pointing LED spotlights, fault finding, CCTVportable appliance tests, â&#x20AC;˘ Rendering & Plastering landlord tests &and house buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surveys. â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Decorating â&#x20AC;˘ Driveway & Fencing For an efficient reliable and friendly service.

Call Harvey Solomons on

Call us for your quote 648 554 020 8958 6495free / 07836 07956381433 k.l.plastering@hotmail.co.uk

Call Marc today on 020 7692 6943

Email Sales today at Jewish sales@thejngroup.com

28 November 2019 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Business Services Directory COMPUTER

SILVER

CLOTHING

Man on a Bike will get you working fast!

FURS WANTED Mink, fox, coats, jackets, boleros etc Also jewellery costume and real Designer bags and clothing Anything vintage

Rapid Response IT support for your PC & Mac Networks, virus problems, broadband, wireless systems, new computers and everything else you may need. For small businesses & home users.

Call Ian Green, Man on a Bike on

DOMICILIARY CARE FREE CARE if you book before 31st October 2019, for every 4 hours of care booked the 5th hour will be 50% Free.

HOME CARE AGENCY Established Over 30 years

Professional Care at Home Day & Night Care available North and Central London

7 Station Close Potters Bar EN6 1TL Situated next to Sainsburys and close to train station

T: 020 8088 2789

01707 643 388

info@kells-care.com kells-care.com

PROPERTY

LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORY

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

Leave the legacy of independence to people like Joel.

eNABLeD visit www.Jbd.org or caLL 020 8371 6611

Registered Charity No. 259480

18-361-JM Small legacy advert v1.qxp_Legacy 09/10/2018 10:27 Page 1

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL. Call Alison on 020 8922 2833 for more information or email legacyteam@jcare.org Chancellors House, Brampton Lane, London, NW4 4AB Tel: 020 8903 8746 | Fax: 020 8795 2240 www.bﬁwd.org | email: info@bﬁwd.org

children’s future

Please include

CST in your Will

Charity no. 1042391

Every gift makes a difference 020 8457 3700

ISRAEL PROPERTY

Legacy advert 84x40.indd 1

Ramat Bet Shemesh Aleph. New Project from ₪1,290,000

We modernise property, rent and manage it. We finance it all. No upfront fees. No ownership changes. We’re a family team. 30 years in North London property and letting services. Lots of references. We’ll make any property work for you. 020 8830 1870 | MrAndMrsSimons.com

Charity Reg No. 802559

Secure our

legacy@cst.org.uk

Your outdated property can be your income

PLease remember us in your wiLL.

Registered Charity No: 1082148

t: 07472 464240

MOT

MOT - SERVICE - REPAIRS - BODYWORK - TYRES

Tel: 020 8202 2323 Web: www.ajex.org.uk Email: headoffice@ajex.org.uk

e: capitalpetsittinguk@gmail.com

01277 352 560

A family run business in the heart of Potters Bar. All makes and models welcome.

YOUR LEGACY

CAPITAL PET SITTING Caring for your best friend in your own home

020 8731 6171 • www.manonabike.co.uk

Potters Bar MOT Service Centre

& THEIR DEPENDANTS NEED

PET SITTER

www.cst.org.uk

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK Email Sales today at sales@thejngroup.com

07/04/2017 14:47

Rannana New Project from ₪2590,000

Hertzlia Pituach New Project ₪12, 999, 000

Jerusalem New Project From ₪1999, 000

www.israel-properties.com

WASTE REMOVAL

Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

28 November 2019

Have you seen our latest Nokia feature phones?

Nokia 2720 Flip 4G 2.8” + 1.3” screens 2MP camera with LED flash 21 days standby, 6.6 hours talk time

From £99.00 now available and in stock!!

Nokia 800 Tough 4G IP68 rating to combat drops, dust, sand, water and heat 2.4” colour display 34 days standby, 9.4 hours talk time

Pop in to one of our retail stores or e-mail the Mobile Team to mobile@rcuk.com