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VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY 4 March 2021
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20 Adar 5781
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Issue No.1200
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@JewishNewsUK
Ready, steady...
school!
Are your kids ready to return? See page 31
Get refusal clarified as a criminal offence Defiant husbands now more likely to face jail
Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90
by Ellie Jacobs @Ellieljacobs
A man signs a petition for women’s divorce rights outside a Jerusalem court
Husbands who refuse their wives a religious divorce are more likely to be prosecuted following “momentous” changes to the government’s Domestic Abuse Bill. A man who refuses a get will now be clearly recognised as exerting controlling and coercive behaviour, which is listed as a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act of 2015. If found guilty, an offender could face up to five years in jail. While get refusal could previously have been considered a criminal offence
under the 2015 Act, experts say the law was ambiguous and had yet to be fully tested in court. New amendments to the Act, combined with the Domestic Abuse Bill, have now eradicated any doubt. Experts say that by adding to and clarifying existing legislation it will now be easier to take action against perpetrators. Joanne Greenaway, former get case director at the London Beth Din, said: “This tightening of the definition will bring clarity to enable more people to use this avenue with confidence and more quickly move on with their lives.” Greenaway hopes that through “the new Domestic Abuse Bill and working together with the Batei Din who look
after the Get cases, we see additional protections for these victims of abuse”. Baroness Altmann, who is part of a cross-party group of Jewish peers that has been working to implement this in law, told Jewish News that this was a “momentous development in our quest to protect British people whose partners refuse to give them the get. We have long wanted to see this issue addressed for the women affected and try and free them so they can get on with their lives”. She added: “Finally, a Jewish wife can get support to stand up and say this is not OK.” Previously, there were question marks over whether an offence could be
coercive if a couple was not cohabiting in an “intimate relationship”. In some cases of get refusal, victims are no longer living with their partner and may have divorced under secular law. The ambiguities have meant that a husband can argue that as he is longer living with with his wife, his behaviour cannot be deemed coercive. Greenaway said: “Thanks to the Serious Crime Act 2015, two prosecutions have already been brought which have led to the freeing of women in very difficult circumstances of get refusal. This was despite uncertainty as to whether the provisions related to
Continued on page 2
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
News / Who’s a Jew? / Divorce law / Legal view
Progressive joy Get refusal change at status ruling Continued from page 1
sion would “dilute the charProgressive Jewish groups acter” of the Jewish state. in Britain this week hailed But Rabbi Gilav Kariv, an Israeli court ruling that who leads Israel’s Reform people who convert through movement, said: “If the non-Orthodox movements state of Israel claims to are Jews and entitled to be the nation-state of the apply for citizenship, writes Jewish world, then the state Michael Daventry. of Israel must recognise The High Court said this all the denominations of week that Israel must recJudaism and imbue them ognise conversions by libwith equality and respect.” eral-minded streams, such Progressive groups have as Reform or Conservative. long campaigned for equal Previously only Orthodox converts within the country Israel’s chief justice Esther Hayut religious treatment in Israel. Monday’s court deciwere eligible to apply for (left) at her 2017 appointment sion was based on two petiIsraeli citizenship. The ruling does not alter Israel’s religious tions submitted in 2005 by 12 converts whose institutions: the country’s chief rabbinate and citizenship applications had been refused by the its functions, such as kashrut supervision, will authorities. A ruling had been delayed because still be run by Orthodox officials. Yet it revived successive Israeli governments requested time both the centuries-old discussion on the defini- to pass a law recognising non-Orthodox convertion of a Jew and a more recent debate on what sions, but none has successfully produced one. Israeli authorities previously only accepted Israel’s position should be. David Lau, Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, non-Orthodox conversions under the Law of said anyone who followed “a Reform conver- Return if they had been performed by Beth Din sion or something similar is not Jewish”, while abroad, including in the UK. one European rabbi claimed the court’s deci- Editorial comment, page 20
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as no one would say it OK for a husband to tie his wife up and keep her hostage for days on end, now, too they will see that it is simply not decent, not right, and in fact criminal to refuse a get,” she says. According to Jewish law, a woman may only be considered divorced halachically once she receives a get from her husband. Women whose husbands refuse a get are considered agunot (chained) and are unable to remarry. However, for a get to be deemed kosher, it must be granted by the husband of his free will. This means it is against Jewish law for either a secular court or the Beth Din to force a husband to grant his wife a get. Rifka Meyer, who was an agunah before receiving her get and who co-founded GETTOUT UK, says: “Just knowing that lawyers and civil courts can summon [husbands], and they can’t run or get away with it will make a huge difference to the women we are working with.” If you, or someone you know, has been affected by domestic abuse, you can contact the JWA helpline on 0808 801 0500 or see gettoutuk.org
WE HOPE THIS REVIEW WILL LEAD TO A MINDSET SHIFT BY GARY LESIN-DAVIS
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Protesters demand justice for agunot
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couples post-separation.” This week a review into controlling or coercive behaviour conducted as part of the Domestic Abuse Bill, which enters its report stage next week, was published. It clarified that someone can be a victim of coercive behaviour even if the couple no longer live together. CEO of Jewish Women’s Aid Naomi Dickson said she is “so pleased” this kind of abuse is being acknowledged. “Domestic abuse does not end when a woman manages to leave the home she shares with her perpetrator. Within the Jewish community, postseparation abuse can include get refusal, when a couple are still married in the eyes of Jewish law,” she said. Rabbanit Ramie Smith, who in 2020 cofounded GETTOUT UK, a charity offering support and legal advice to agunot, says the withholding of a get is often used as a way for a husband to punish a wife or as a means of extortion when things don’t go their way in court. “We have seen men asking women to accept less money or less property in order to get the get. To say, ‘I won’t give you your freedom unless you take less money than the court has ordered you’ is a clear manipulation and a clear act of control.” Now, campaigners like Baroness Altmann say the report has shown “beyond any doubt that unreasonable get refusal is a crime” and so these tactics will no longer be permissible. But rather than seeing anyone go to jail, Altmann wants the report to act as a deterrent to “any husband who thinks he may find a loophole in British law to withhold a get”. She is hopeful that these new definitions will “pave the way for a significant mindset change on the part of a Jewish husband. Just
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Gary is the only UK solicitor who has taken on get refusal cases and was part of the legal team that pioneered private prosecutions. He was involved in writing the statute amendments to the Domestic Abuse Bill to clarify get refusal as controlling or coercive behaviour. The report is a positive step in terms of recognising the importance of the offence of controlling and coercive behaviour in tackling domestic abuse generally. But one of the notes of caution in it is that there was evidence of insufficient training on the part of the police in relation to this offence and a lack of awareness in the various prosecution agencies of the police and the CPS. The police seem to find it difficult to deal with because unlike a physical assault there is no obvious external evidence of the harm caused by coercive controlling behaviour. As the Serious Crime Act only came into force in December 2015, any conduct before
this date cannot be prosecuted. But you can get around that because very often, it is a continuing offence, because the controlling and coercive behaviour continues every day. In a get refusal case the fact that a husband physically beat or sexually abused his wife in the early 2000s, for example, and now refuses a get, means she suffers every day, today, tomorrow, yesterday on the effects of that refusal. So, you can use that in a criminal prosecution. Until this Act, there was no sanction for this behaviour. Yes, the Beth Din could sanction him. But the tools available for the Beth Din do not work in all cases. In the UK, so far, no one has gone to prison. But the Act was first used in this context only about 18 months ago. The first case we took on concluded in satisfactory way because we prosecuted an individual in the Crown Court and just before the trial, he said “l’ll go to the Beth Din and willingly give the get.” He gave the get and we withdrew allegations. But had we taken this to trial, he would have been convicted and jailed. What I hope will happen in due course is that this will change the mindset of people. Using get refusal or the withholding of the get as a weapon will cease to be acceptable. As time goes on husbands will realise that this is not a course of action they will want or feel able to take.
www.jewishnews.co.uk
4 March 2021 Jewish News
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Sunak’s red box / Hebrew classes / News
Budget failed social care, charities warn
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak holds the budget box as he poses with his Treasury team before delivering yesterday’s speech
Yesterday’s Budget was praised by business groups for extending support but Jewish charities warned that social care has been left behind, writes Joshua Salisbury. Chancellor Rishi Sunak used his Budget to extend the furlough scheme and Universal Credit increase as part of a £65billion lifeline for the economy as it emerges from the pandemic. But taxes on business profits are set to be hiked from 2023, taking the total tax burden to its highest level since the 1960s, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. Debbie Sheldon, CEO of employment charity Work Avenue, said while the increase in corporation tax to 25 percent was steep, that overall a fair balance had been struck on taxes for businesses. “I think everyone understands we have got to pay back this huge deficit,” she said and welcomed the furlough extension until September, but added increased support for social care was the Budget’s glaring omission.
The sentiment was echoed by Richard Franklin, CEO of learning disability charity Kisharon. “Clearly it’s a disappointing budget from a social care perspective. One can only hope the government has a longer-term plan for the promised change in health and social care infrastructure,” he said. “If the ongoing pandemic highlights anything, it is the life and death impact of enduring discrimination and inequalities in social care impacting the most vulnerable in our country.” Among the headline grabbing measures – which include freezing income tax thresholds until April 2026 – is £19million in funding for ‘respite rooms’ for homeless women and schemes that aim to stop perpetrators of domestic abuse. Jewish Women’s Aid chief executive, Naomi Dickson, called for clarity on ‘respite rooms’ and added: “While funding for working with perpetrators is important, it must never come at the expense of funding lifesaving support for survivors.”
My word! Bahrain offers Hebrew class for Arabic speakers A school in Bahrain is set to launch the country’s first Hebrew language classes for Arabic speakers who want to learn another Semitic language, writes Michael Daventry. Organisers say the course,
which initially will be offered online only, will cater for increased demand for improved business and tourism ties after last year’s normalisation of relations with Israel. Bahrain and the United Arab
Emirates announced they recognised Israel on 15 September, followed shortly afterwards by Sudan and Morocco. Hebrew lessons from the Shemot Academy – which takes its name from the Hebrew word
for “name” – will be available on apps from the middle of April. Its organiser, Asma Alatwi (inset), a Bahraini citizen who studied Hebrew literature and language at Ain Shams University in Cairo, said it was the first of its
kind in any of the Arab Gulf States. She told Jewish News: “Being able to communicate in another language lets people explore the religion, community, traditions, arts and history of the people associated with that language.”
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
News / Debate concern / Graffiti daubed / Court case / Content moderation
Anger over ‘ridiculous’ ethnic minority debate More than 1,400 people have signed a petition demanding the BBC apologise for airing a debate asking “Should Jews count as an ethnic minority?, writes Joshua Salisbury. The broadcaster sparked outrage on Monday when it aired the segment on its flagship Politics Live show in a discussion about Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, who claimed the new Scottish Labour leader was “the first ethnic minority leader of a political party anywhere in the UK”. While Anas Sarwar is the first
person of Asian descent to lead a major political party others, such as Benjamin Disraeli, Ed Miliband and Michael Howard, had Jewish roots. The group Campaign Against Antisemitism has called on the BBC to apologise with its petition, saying: “There are around 250,000 Jews in Britain. We suffer almost four times as much hate crime per capita as any other religious group. To hold a debate on whether or not we ‘count’ as an ethnic minority is appalling.” The Board of Deputies has also
criticised the clip, saying: “Our community deserves solidarity and support, not questions about whether we deserve any.” The only Jewish contributor on the panel, Benjamin Cohen, CEO of publication PinkNews, said: “Frankly the notion of this debate is ridiculous… It’s just not the case Jews have reached such high positions in society that they don’t face discrimination.” A BBC spokesperson told Jewish News presenter Jo Coburn – who is Jewish – was reflecting on the fact
The debate asked whether Jews should be counted as an ethnic minority
many official forms do not include a category for Jews. “The programme covers a variety of topics... but we ensured Mr Cohen’s contributions were given appropriate prominence during this discussion,” said the
spokeswoman. “[Our presenter’s] job is to explore why people see things the way they do.” She added the graphic related to whether the government should count Jews as an ethnic minority.
GRAFFITI INVESTIGATED
Ware wins round one
TIKTOK SAFETY TEAM
Graffiti in East London branding the UK a “Zionist police state” is being investigated by police. The daubing appeared on Rothbury Road, near the Queen’s Yard in Hackney Wick, by the Olympic Park. Police said it was “aware of it and contacted the council to get it removed as a matter of urgency.” No arrests have
The presenter of a documentary investigating allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party has won the first round of a High Court libel battle over claims the programme was “a piece of rogue journalism”. John Ware is suing Paddy French, editor of the Press Gang blog, over claims his BBC Panorama documentary, entitled Is Labour antisemitic?,
TikTok has created a safety council to advise it on content moderation policy. On the micro-vlogging platform’s new European Safety Advisory Council will feature nine industry leaders, including Robin Sclafani, director of A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe. Robin told Jewish News he was “honoured”, saying:
been made. Resident Martin Sugarman said he was “horrified at such a crude antisemitic trope being used”.
“bent the truth to breaking point”. At the hearing, Ware argued the article meant he was “a rogue journalist who had engaged in dirty tricks by deliberately setting out to sabotage the Labour Party’s chances of winning the (2019) general election”. Mr Justice Saini said he broadly agreed with Ware on the article’s meaning.
“It is great that TikTok has learned from the experiences of other platforms and is putting into place regional advisory councils so early in its lifetime. Through regular civil society consultation mechanisms, TikTok is building an infrastructure to provide a social platform that is safe and inclusive for people of all backgrounds.”
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4 March 2021 Jewish News
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Uyghurs plea / Academic letter / Counter-extremism failure / News
Survivors’ petition soars A petition for two Holocaust survivors to meet the prime minister to discuss China’s persecution of its Uyghur minority is racking up almost 1,000 signatures every hour and could well hit 100,000 within the week. By Friday lunchtime, 36 hours after the petition was launched, more than 34,000 people had called for Boris Johnson to meet Dorit Oliver Wolff and Ruth Barnett, who are urging him to prioritise human rights over trade. The pair are asking the prime minister to agree to an amendment to the Trade Bill, which would allow senior judges to rule on whether
Survivors Ruth Barnett and Dorit Oliver Wolff want to meet Boris Johnson to discuss the Uyghur situation in China
a trading partner was committing genocide, with limits on bilateral business if it were. MPs have sought a compromise solution involving a Parliamentary Select Committee
in the first instance. The petitioners said: “The Genocide Amendment would allow the UK to break the international deadlock and recognise genocide whilst we
still have time to prevent it. “The government could then decide what action to take to ensure we are not complicit by trading on preferential terms with genocidal states. This crucial amendment needs to be supported by all MPs if they truly mean ‘never again’.” Organisers of the petition – which has been signed by more than 48,000 people – said they had been “taken aback by all of the support and comments on the petition from those in the Jewish community”, including from children and grandchildren of survivors. To sign the petition, visit: www.change.org
Faith leaders back counter-extremism report Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the Community Security Trust and the Board of Deputies president have backed findings of a report into the failure of counterextremism policies,
amid calls for new laws to tackle the scourge. The failure to effectively tackle extremism is creating an “everbigger pool” from which terrorist groups can recruit, an official
watchdog has warned. The Commission for Countering Extremism said the “gaping chasm” in legislation means many groups – from radical Islamists to neo-Nazis – are able to
operate with impunity. It called on ministers to outlaw the “praising and glorifying” of terrorists and their actions as part of a new legal framework. The findings were
also backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the chair of Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board and former prime ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron.
500 ACADEMICS SIGN ANTI-MILLER LETTER More than 500 academics have the acceptable treatment of students.” signed a letter supporting They write that Jewish students and Miller had stated: criticising a Bristol “The Zionist professor who movement, and called to “end the Israeli govZionism”. ernment, are the Academics, enemy of the Left, including Sir Simon the enemy of world Schama, legal expert Anthony Julius and the David Miller peace, and they must be directly targeted.” Pears Institute’s David Feldman, said they “wholly They add that this implies condemn” recent statements Bristol JSoc and the UJS should be seen as the “enemy” by Professor David Miller. This comes after the soci- that must be “targeted”. Signatories also said his ology lecturer caused outrage by accusing Jewish students of comments followed “a long running a “campaign of censor- and ignoble tradition of conship” on behalf of the Israeli spiracy theories concerning government, and branding Jewish individuals and instituIsrael a “violent, racist, for- tions”, including accusations eign regime engaged in ethnic of dual loyalty. They added his remarks are “counterproduccleansing”. Organised by the Union of tive to any good cause, and in Jewish Students (UJS), the particular, to the cause of the letter said Miller’s “depic- Palestinians. Last week, almost 200 tion of Jewish students as Israeli-directed agents of a academics signed a letter in campaign of censorship is defence of Miller, claiming false, outrageous, and breaks the outcry was an attempt to all academic norms regarding “crush academic freedom”.
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
News / Volunteers honoured / Purim online / Synagogue plans
JVN toasts charity heroes More than 70 charity volunteers have been recognised for their outstanding work during the pandemic and beyond at this year’s Jewish Volunteering Network awards, writes Joshua Salisbury. Some 73 charity workers were recognised at the virtual event, which featured appearances from comedian Matt Lucas, broadcaster Esther Rantzen and TV’s Robert ‘Judge’ Rinder. The event was dedicated in memory of JVN’s former chairman, David Lazarus, who was remembered by wife Gaby as a person “who encouraged all of us to be the best version of ourselves”. While charities across the Jewish community received trophies before the event, an independent judging panel established the winners from four categories: Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year, Innovation in Volunteering and Lifetime Volunteer of the Year award. Ruth Green, a trustee of UJIA, scooped the top award in the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year category, with judges recognising her “seemingly limitless” energy for volunteering. UJIA chair Louise Jacobs said Green had an “amazing ability to make everyone feel special”.
“She has made us think of issues that sometimes other people would have been too afraid to bring to the light,” she said. Volunteers with United Synagogue’s Chevra Kadisha, who prepare deceased people for burial, were applauded as the Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year. “I would call them like the Jewish SAS,” said Melvyn Hartog, head of burial at the United Synagogue. “This is seen as one of the most important mitzvot, good deeds, as the deceased person cannot thank you nor can they repay you for the help you gave.” Judges chose four recipients to share the Innovation in Volunteering Award: Bushey Synagogue, the JLGB youth charity, Kef Kids and Jewish Blind and Disabled. Elaine Grazin was given the Lifetime Volunteer of the Year award, in memory of Judy Citron, a co-founder of the JVN. Grazin, a founder member of Jewish Women’s Aid, was praised as an “inspirational woman” for her work in helping victims of domestic abuse. Chief executive of Jewish Women’s Aid Naomi Dickson said:
United Synagogue Chevra Kadisha volunteers are recognised
“Elaine’s quiet, intelligent leadership has inspired our trustees, volunteers and staff – she is very humble and has never expected praise or thanks for all her years of hard work.”
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More than 4,000 people have taken part in online Purim events run by the United Synagogue, including schoolchildren from all over London, writes Adam Decker. Pupils from 12 primary schools took part in the Purim Zoom event, which included a magic show performed by Britain’s Got Talent’s Josh Horus and an educational quiz on the Purim story. Chaya Mitz, of Rimon Jewish Primary in Golders Green, said: “So many students took part from home and those in our classes in school joined in, too. The two children from our school chosen to help the magician absolutely loved taking part.” Alongside the schools event were a dozen live Megillah readings and the delivery of 1,700 food parcels to families to fulfil the mitzvot of mishloach manot. In the schedule of events, £3,550 was donated confidentially to families in need who are supported by United Synagogue. Its chief programmes officer, David Collins, said: “In ‘normal’ times, Purim is a festival that demands social interaction. “This year, with strict social distancing, we had to create a Purim programme through which our members and the wider community could fulfil the four mitzvot of Purim in a Covidsecure and engaging way. We have been blown away by the wonderful feedback we’ve received.”
Participants on Zoom dress up to celebrate Purim
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A £6 million plan for the redevelopment of Alyth Synagogue in Golders Green has been approved by its members. Details were set out at a virtual gathering this week, with the Reform synagogue looking to replace its Leo Baeck wing with a new building. Rabbi Josh Levy told The
Jewish Chronicle the synagogue wants to make the building “accessible to those with limited mobility”. It is taking out a loan with around 50 percent of the required £5.8m having been raised already, thanks in part to a sizeable donation from one of its families.
www.jewishnews.co.uk
4 March 2021 Jewish News
7
Mask concerns / Virus figures / News
Praise for Purim compliance Stamford Hill’s Charedi community has been praised by police for compliance with Covid restrictions over Purim, writes Jack Mendel. In a letter to local Jewish groups, the head of Hackney’s neighbourhood policing, Jim Melton, said the festival passed “without incident”.
He added: “There was a significant reduction in people out celebrating and those that were complied with the Covid regulations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable Purim for all.” No police enforcement action was taken and no breaches of the law identified. Before the festival, Charedi leaders
told community members to avoid taking to the streets, with a written directive issued through the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations. Police also worked with the local council, Jewish community leaders and neighbourhood watch group Shomrim to ensure guidelines were followed.
HIGH COVID CASES DUE TO ‘CULTURAL FACTORS’
Student Lielle, wearing a clear face mask
Deaf pupils fear mask isolation Deaf children fear being left isolated when schools return next week, as compulsory face masks will make it difficult to lip-read, writes Joshua Salisbury. From Monday, 8 March, face masks will have to be worn in classrooms in England for secondary school pupils, in a break with previous government guidance. But deaf pupils say the move could leave them falling behind or left out – and so are calling for transparent face masks to be worn so they can lip-read. The call has been backed by the Jewish Deaf Association, which is giving away 100 specially-designed clear masks to Jewish schools. Dinah Mandell, a deaf 17-year-old A-level student from north London, is among those affected. She has started a petition urging the government to roll out clear masks. It has been signed by more than 4,000 people in just days. “I’m definitely concerned about it,” she said. “My teachers are going to be wearing clear masks, but lots of subjects involve debates, so understanding my classmates comments is going to be a huge challenge. “It’s going to be isolating socially – making friends will be difficult because I’m new to the school as well.”
Dinah said she felt the government had “let deaf people down again”. Jeremy Freeman is the father of two deaf children and is himself deaf. His children attend Yavneh College in Borehamwood, whose teachers he praised for their quick response to the changing guidance. However, he added: “If I went to school and everyone had masks on, there would be no point.” His son, Eytan, 14, said not being able to see someone’s lips made school days more tiring for deaf students. “Everyone finds it harder, but as a deaf student you use up a lot more energy,” he said. While his teachers will be wearing clear masks, he added that rolling out these masks across schools would help all students and raise awareness. “It would benefit everyone,” he said. “Most people haven’t seen transparent face masks before; you don’t go to Tesco and see them.” According to the National Deaf Children’s Society, deaf pupils are already on average more likely to fall behind compared to hearing peers. Fewer than half leave school with two A-levels, compared with almost two-thirds of their nondeaf peers, research by the charity reveals.
A government equalities minister this week warned that higher rates of Covid deaths in the Charedi community are due to “cultural factors”, writes Jack Mendel. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, made her comments in response to Labour’s Hackney MP Diane Abbott, who raised concerns over infections in Orthodox communities, particularly in Stamford Hill, which falls under her constituency. Abbott said black, Asian and minority ethnic groups were
“more likely to be in overcrowded, poor housing conditions” that makes them vulnerable to Covid and pressed the government to ensure ethnicity is included on death certificates. Badenoch said: “The Orthodox Jewish community has been more impacted than many of the ethnic minority groups that get a lot of the attention in the press. “We look at what the underlying factors are. Multigenerational households, for instance, are not due to racism but often due to cultural factors.”
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News / Shoah Foundation / Online fundraiser / Special school
Spielberg’s school link taking part in the challenge can Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah listen to these stories and then Foundation has linked up with secproduce a piece of work which ondary schools in the UK to help reflects the power of testimony children tackle hatred and build to tackle hate. empathy through storytelling, The £5,000 will go to the writes Stephen Oryszczuk. winning school to help teachers The California-based foundaimplement positive change, tion, which has been world-leading while £1,000 and £500 grants in its use of technology in Holowill be similarly presented to the caust education, is taking part in second and third place schools. the ‘Stronger than Hate’ challenge, iPads are on offer for up to four together with digital curriculum pupils on the winning team. provider Discovery Education. The Foundation’s Lesly Culp Students aged 13 to 18 are said: “We are helping inspire asked to submit a project showing why united communities are Steven Spielberg with former US president Barack Obama new ideas and spark student imagination to foster a more just stronger. This can take the form of a video, poem, song, blog or piece The Foundation collects audio and and equitable society.” of art. First prize is £5,000, with iPads visual testimonies from survivors and Schools wishing to enter can also on offer. witnesses of genocides, and pupils visit www.teachingwithtestimony
SCHOOL RAISES MORE THAN £300K IN 36 HOURS More than £300,000 has been raised in just a day and a half for an Edgware school, which will put it towards upgrading equipment for children with special educational needs. Beit Shvidler Primary School held an
ambitious 36-hour round of fundraising on Sunday and Monday,
raising £303,228. The money from donors and community contri-
butions pledged during the online event – the first of its kind for the school – will go towards projects including the renewal of the school playground and tackle the shortfall in funding caused by Covid. At the end of the
two-day initiative, the school’s headteacher, Rabbi Jonny Spector, praised the community for having “gone above and beyond to help this much-loved small school on its way to achieving its big dreams”.
CST fundraiser hits £4m mark The Community Security Trust raised a total of £4.1 million this week, the largest fundraising sum by a Jewish charity during the pandemic. The Together campaign, launched on Saturday night, smashed its £2 million target in Gerald Ronson at a CST dinner under 24 hours, before doubling it by the end of the fundraiser on Monday evening. The initiative, in which every donation was matched by supporters of the charity, was backed by celebrities and public figures including David Baddiel, Eamon Holmes and TracyAnn Oberman. The CST, which works to protect British Jews from antisemitism and terrorism, raised a total of £ 4,182,259. Countdown presenter Rachel Riley, who came to prominence as a campaigner against antisemitism during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure as Labour leader, said she had been “subjected to antisemitic and misogynistic abuse and threats” during that time. She “never needed CST until then”, but the charity was there “immediately” for her and others in the public eye. Also lending support were former MPs Luciana Berger, Ruth Smeeth and Dame Louise Ellman, as well as Barking MP Dame Margaret Hodge. CST chairman Gerald Ronson: said: “The Together campaign is more than just a slogan. It is what we do, along with Jewish communities, the police and government. I have spent over 50 years leading and building this effort so I am very proud to see that 7,000 people stepped forward in this way.”
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News / Toy apology / ‘Repulsive’ leaflets / Carers strike
Nazi toy for kids aged 6 withdrawn A toy company has apologised for selling items with Nazi symbols and “likenesses of two German high officers”, writes Jack Mendel. Replicas of vehicles used by the Third Reich were pulled from sale this week by Polish firm COBI Toys. In a statement posted by the Toybook website, COBI’s owner Robert Podles said: “A recent set of ours was posted on our social media sites and featured product listing “notes Adolf Hitler’s the names and likenesses of two German high officers. This was a first affection for the vehicle”. Podles added: “We realised some for us and will be the last.” The items included Mercedes cars had taken offence and now fully used by the Nazis, replete with swas- understand the implications to some. tikas and mini figurines of Wehrmacht We have already stopped the sale of leader Field Marshal Paulus, as well these sets and we will not offer them as German Admiral and Chief of the in the future. “We have also realised that we are Military Intelligence, Wilhelm Franz doing a thorough job 1in reviewing Canaris. According toJAN Toybook, one 1 not HALF PAGE ADVERT 2020:Layout 09/01/2020 16:04 Page
the comments and third party posts on our social media accounts. Certain people are changing, customising our products, and posting content that is obviously offensive and repulsive. “They should have been condemned and removed immediately. This is an error in staffing and training that we are fixing immediately. I am ashamed it has taken us this long to address this problem.” He said his company produced items for people who “wanted to educate themselves about whatever set they were building”. He added: “Unfortunately, we did not do a particularly good job of explaining this goal through our products and recent actions. I apologise. I believe in fighting antisemitism in all forms.”
SHOAH ANTI-VAX CLAIM Police have been made aware of “repulsive” leaflets which compare vaccines to the Holocaust. The leaflets, discovered in Bournemouth, compare the UK government rollout to Nazi crimes against humanity, saying: “Millions believed in the Nazis. Do you believe in your government?” Illustrated with a picture of Bill Gates, it also falsely claims that lockdown is over from next week “for those who do not wish to participate with it any longer”. The resident who discovered the leaflets on Westbourne’s Grosvenor Road told Jewish News it was shocking to see. The leaflets in Bournemouth
Golders carers strike Representatives of care workers at a Jewish nursing home in Golders Green say they are taking action against the owners for “a breach of human rights”. Workers at Sage Nursing Home, who have been on the frontline of the pandemic, have been asking for a living wage of £12 an hour and levels of sick pay enjoyed by the NHS, and have now staged two strikes over the matter. Their union, the UVW, now alleges “victimisation” of staff based on their union membership, with 14 staff members – including
carers, cleaners, and maintenance workers – alleging a breach of their human rights. Union rep Molly de Dios Fisher said: “After trying and failing to negotiate for seven months, workers voted for strike action. This prompted Sage’s trustees to send them a letter where our members were told to vote against strike action.” A Sage spokesman said it endorsed every individual’s human rights and has not victimised any of its staff on the basis of their trade union activities or membership.
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Mazal Tov and thank you to all the winners at the JVN Celebration of Volunteering Awards 2020
Lifetime Achievement Award Winners 2020
Volunteer Team of the Year Winners 2020
Eleanor Angel AJR
Alyth Darkness to Light Project Alyth Synagogue
Youth Assembly Committee Board of Deputies
Object Talk Volunteers
Rosalyn Liss
Jewish Museum London
British Emunah
Kisharon Challah Delivery Team
Sarah Landau FD-UK
Kisharon
Ian Crooke
New Chapters Volunteer Drivers Camp Simcha Faith in Action: feed our families Caritas Westminster
Langdon
Goods for Good
LJS Drop-in Management Committee
Gertie Selner Jewish Blind & Disabled
Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS)
Janet Foster
Wednesday Afternoon Socials
Lily’s Legacy Project Team
Jewish Care
Chai Cancer Care
Liberal Judaism
Elaine Grazin
Virtual Tutoring Coordinators
The Yellow Candle Committee
GIFT
Maccabi GB
Meal delivery team
ImpACT Ambassadors
Jami
Project ImpACT
JBCS Counsellors
United Synagogue Chevra Kadisha
Jewish Women’s Aid
Arnold Levin Langdon
Ian Fagelson Norwood
United Synagogue
Estele and Gordon Miller
Meals on Wheels
Grandmentors Young People
Diana Pollins
Jewish Care
Volunteering Matters
WIZOuk
Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service (JBCS)
United Synagogue
Event and Award Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
With Thanks to:
With Thanks To:
With Thanks To:
With Thanks To:
Apelt and Lazarus Charitable Trust
Julian Weinberg and Melanie Killim
Elizabeth and Tristan Nagler
The Winston Family
Citron Sefton and Sivan Familes
The Campus and Moss Families
Ostrich Charitable Trust Graham Edwards
NJD Charitable Trust Nina & Max Hoffman
Trevor Moross Paul and Lois Winter
4 March 2021 Jewish News
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Innovation in Volunteering During Covid Winners 2020 AJR’s Zoom programme
JLGB Virtual JLGB
AJR
Food Provision at JW3
Alyth Refugee Drop-in – Digital Inclusion
JW3
Alyth Refugee Drop-in
Remote Respite and Support Services
See Hear Respond Programme
KEF KIDS
Maintaining our befriending service by using Zoom
Best Beginnings
Bushey Covid Coordinators
Kisharon
Bushey Synagogue
Volunteer Care and Engagement Support Team
Winter Wonderland Camp Simcha
Nightingale Hammerson
Covid Response Group
The Connect Together Programme
GIFT
Covid Emergency Response Team
Norwood
Goods for Good
Online Bereavement Counselling
Susan Adleman The Paperweight Trust
Jack Baum The Together Plan
Leora Erez
IMPACT Cooking from Home
WIZO UK
Project ImpACT
Ian Fagelson
Resource Nationwide
Jewish Bereavement
Volunteer of the Year Winners 2020
Resource
World Jewish Relief
AJEX
Jewish Blind & Disabled
The Together Plan
JW3
Jewish Care
United Synagogue
Outstanding Winners The outstanding winners are: Wohl Legacy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Awarded to
Ruth Green of UJIA Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in memory of Judy Citron Awarded to
Elaine Grazin of Jewish Women’s Aid Graham Edwards Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year Awarded to
United Synagogue Chevra Kadisha
Investec Outstanding Innovation in Volunteering Under Covid
JLGB JLGB Virtual JBD Virtual connecting during the pandemic Kef Kids Remote Respite and Support Services
AJR
Peter Philips Ambulance Wish Foundation
Jane Ponton
Jo Rosenthal Jewish Women’s Aid
Ellie Gerszt
Ruth Green
David Sagal Goods For Good
UJIA
Eric Salamon
Harold and Vicky Harris
Ingrid Segal
Raphael JCS
Mitzvah Day
Neil Isaacson
Suzie Simons
Resource
Norwood
Royal Free Charity
Joanne Karbritz
Barbara Wallis
Stonegrove Community Trust
Jewish Blind & Disabled
Leonard Klahr
Annette Weinberg
Awarded to
Bushey Synagogue Bushey Covid Coordinators
Steve Newton
Jeffrey Fox MBE
The Together Plan Archive Research Programme
Supportive Communities Virtual Tea Parties
Best Beginnings
Tate
Virtual connecting during the pandemic
Inventing new ways to provide ongoing support for asylum-seekers
Rebecca Liss
British Emunah
Feast With Us
Robert Koch Age UK Westminster
Read more about the winners at jvnawards.org.uk
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
Jewish News meets... Rabbi Tony Bayfield
After a struggle I have to admit that God wins Rabbi Tony Bayfield describes his personal journey by Jenni Frazer @Jennifrazer
Rabbi Tony Bayfield’s latest book, Being Jewish Today, is not, he tells potential readers, one for dipping in and out of. Rather, he prefers people to read it “from cover to cover”, in the hope that they will get a sense of the spiritual and emotional journey which has driven him to write. Today, he says with a grin, he is “the guy in the pews, and I love it” at his daughter’s synagogue, Finchley Reform. (His daughter, one of his three children, is Rabbi Miriam Berger). But for decades — as a congregational rabbi, then as director of the Sternberg Centre and as head of the Reform Judaism movement — the affable rabbi has been among the movers and shakers of Anglo-Jewry, helping to shape community direction and carve out the footprint for Progressive Judaism in this country, His book is an exploration of his own story, from home in Romford to a place at Cambridge — and a decision not to proceed with post-grad-
uate studies in criminology. Instead, with the encouragement of his wife, Linda (who died in 2003, and to whom he pays tribute in the book), he went to Leo Baeck College to train as a rabbi. But, along with his own biography and informed discussion of the influence and radical thinking of rabbinic Judaism, Rabbi Bayfield offers an intriguing dialogue with God, following in the age-old Jewish tradition of arguments with the Almighty. “I describe my relationship with God as an angry, challenging, questioning, one. The idea [of the dialogues] may have started as a bit of a device, but it certainly doesn’t end like that. “Every time [during his career] I did the intellectual arguments against the existence of God, and every time I reached that point of real questioning of belief — I got a kick up the backside.” But wasn’t that just from himself? “I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t. I can’t be sure of anything… but I think I come to the conclusion that God is. I end up, having struggled — not just bloodied but unbowed, but defiant. You have forced me to admit — God wins.”
His book, he says, “reclaims rabbinic Judaism, for the many Jews like me who don’t want to start with 13 principles [of faith] and big statements that you can’t challenge. I think what I have produced is something of a rarity for British Reform Rabbi Tony Bayfield Jewry, and is certainly the first systematic his own perspective, he thinks both ProJewish theology since gressive Judaism and Lubavitch have Rabbi Louis Jacobs, had a knock-on influence on the United my teacher, wrote 40 ‘A rarity’: his latest book Synagogue, since both, he says, are concerned with “outreach” and conveying years ago.” the joy of being Jewish. “I think there is a The book picks its way delicately through the minefields of Pro- sense in learning from each other. It’s a jolly gressive and Orthodox disputes, though there good thing.” is a passage about the 2007 row over Jewish Being Jewish Today: Confronting status for the purpose of pupil admission at the Real Issues, by Tony Bayfield, JFS. But Rabbi Bayfield prefers to look at is published by Bloomsbury Books what each strand of Judaism can offer. From at £14.99
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4 March 2021 Jewish News
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Medical device / Work Avenue / Embassy spiel / News
1,200 sign Sadie petition More than 1,200 people have signed a petition calling for a medical device that can stop choking to be made widely available in schools following the tragic death of Sadie Salt, writes Joshua Salisbury. The two-year-old died last November after choking on a piece of sausage she was eating at her nursery in Radlett, Hertfordshire. Craig Grant, a father of three from Borehamwood, started a call for LifeVac devices to be rolled out more widely in the UK after hearing of Sadie’s death. The petition has been signed and shared by Sadie’s mother, Zoe. The product, described as an “airway clearance device”, is allowed to be used only in certain settings, not including schools and nurseries. The manufacturer claims that it has saved the lives of 34 children to date. But the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says there is not “sufficient clinical data” for the devices to be used by non-healthcare professionals or by the general public. Grant, whose child goes to a sister nursery to the one attended by Sadie, said: “After Sadie passed away, I got in touch with the nursery to see if they’d consider buying one of these. They did, but we were told later they had to send it back because they were not approved.” He added: “Deaths could be avoided, I absolutely believe it.”
Sadie Salt, two, died in November after choking on a sausage at nursery. Right: A LifeVac device, which should only be used as a last resort
Matt Branagan from LifeVac told Jewish News: “It’s really frustrating. When we heard about Sadie’s death, we were contacted by lots of schools who wanted to put this device in them. “Children’s lives could be saved if this device were available. We’ve saved 34 lives now, from three months to 14 years old.” He said the company had tried since 2017 to
work with the MHRA to get the device approved for general use but had not been successful. An MHRA spokeswoman said: “The MHRA is consulting relevant experts regarding clinical data and literature supporting the use of these devices, which shall inform what changes, if any, are warranted.” A study on mannequins at the University of
Warwick published this month found evidence “individuals using the LifeVac were more successful in removing a simulated foreign body airway obstruction than... abdominal thrusts”. However, it added: “A key issue with these devices is that their use may distract the rescuer from other techniques, such as back slaps, abdominal thrusts and chest thrusts.”
Top recruitment job open One of the community’s top job recruitment hubs is recruiting for its top job, writes Jack Mendel. Debbie Sheldon, who took over as CEO four years ago, will leave Work Avenue in May to make aliyah, having risen through the ranks holding every role from receptionist and adviser to marketing manager and chief executive. “I have truly loved every moment of my 15 years at Work Avenue”, she said, having seen it “grow and develop from a desk, chair and notebook.. to an organisation that reaches and delivers right across our wonderful community, helping people earn a living to support themselves and their families”.
In the past year, Work Avenue has helped people cope with the impact of the pandemic, raising £1.1 million in a 36-hour campaign in January. This comes after a poll by the charity last December year showed 50 percent of British Jews were worse off financially owing to the pandemic. Reflecting on the task ahead for her successor, she said “the impact of the pandemic and the economic indicators tell us that Work Avenue’s services are more in demand than ever before. I am sure whoever takes over will work with our passionate and caring team to meet the challenges of times, ensuring no one faces the indignity of poverty through a loss of income.”
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JAFFA IS LONDON FOR A DAY
London Underground’s roundel and soldiers of the Queen’s Guard were among London icons that appeared overnight in the old city of Jaffa last week to mark Purim. Life-sized cut-outs of the soldiers who usually stand outside Buckingham Palace were placed on duty around bollards leading to the clock tower. It was part of a project organised by Tel Aviv City Council and the British Embassy in the city. Locals took the opportunity to snap selfies alongside the icons, which included a red teleBritish icons were placed in Jaffa to mark Purim phone box and a double-decker London bus.
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Special Report / Israel: Election 2021
Bibi’s politics, minus Bibi Sharren Haskel is convinced her party will dethrone Israel’s prime minister in the election on 23 March, using a strategy that hasn’t been tried in recent elections: eating away at his centre-right support base, writes Nathan Jeffay. Vowing her New Hope Party will help bring to an end the Bibi era, she said in an interview this week: “Most of Israel’s population is right of centre, but the majority don’t support Netanyahu remaining prime minister. This shows there is demand for change, but [there] hasn’t been the right alternative to Likud until now.” When Israel heads to the polls, it will be the fourth election in two years. In the previous three, Netanyahu’s main challenge has come from the centre. But New Hope, one of his major rivals this time, is tapping in to exactly the same centre-right electorate propping up Netanyahu. It is led by Gideon Sa’ar, a disillusioned former Netanyahu loyalist who walked out of Likud in December to establish the party. Haskel is a Likud Knesset member who followed Sa’ar, as are several other candidates. While they largely share Likud’s ideology, they say they will fight tooth and nail to get Netanyahu out. The prime minister has “crossed red lines” over the past three years, she claimed, including politicising the pandemic, failing to manage its economic consequences, accentuating division between Israeli society and creating an “unhealthy atmosphere” around his legal cases.
Sharren Haskel says her New Hope Party can finally bring an end to the Netanyahu era
One of her biggest criticisms is the sparse enforcement of coronavirus rules in Charedi and Arab areas, which even allowed strictlyOrthodox schools to operate when others were closed. “This is a dangerous situation because in order to deal with a pandemic, you need to have trust. If you don’t have trust ... you get in to a problematic cycle of deteriorating confidence in leadership.”
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She also believes Netanyahu is getting Israel off on the wrong foot with the new US President Joe Biden, after aligning himself too closely with Trump and offending the Democratic Party. New Hope is currently polling at around 14 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. That’s around half the number of Likud, but in Israel’s coalition politics, it isn’t always the largest party that forms the government. The president chooses the
leader with the strongest prospects of coalitionbuilding, and if the anti-Netanyahu parties look best positioned, they may get the first chance. This could propel the leader of the second or third ranked party, Sa’ar or Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid, based on current polling, to become prime minister. Toronto-born, Haskel, 36 and the secondyoungest Knesset member, is seen as a rising star of Israeli politics. She is fighting hard for Sa’ar, with online rallies, speeches and virtual parlour meetings. In policy terms, the positions she is outlining hardly differ from Netanyahu’s, aside from her proposal for a clear exit strategy from the coronavirus crisis: she is advocating free market economics, a hard line on Iran, and a strong economic recovery model postpandemic. She shares Netanyahu’s reluctance about a Palestinian state, although while he has theoretically agreed to the idea, she rejects it “because I don’t think this will bring us peace”. But she insists that even were New Hope to follow similar policies to Netanyahu, it would chart a different path for Israel. “It’s not just about policies, it’s also about the tone of the public discourse and the way in which the government relates to citizens,” she said. “We need a new dialogue and a fresh start in every area of Israeli society. We need a leadership that recognises that the unity of Israeli society is not just a value, it’s a strategic asset, and our ability to face external challenges hinges on it.”
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
IN E
NGL
ISH
IN THE ISRAELI ELECTIONS PART ONE
MEET THE PARTY LEADERS SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021 AT 8:30 PM
Naftali Bennett YAMINA
Gila Gamliel LIKUD
Benny Gantz
BLUE & WHITE
Yair Lapid
YESH ATID
Merav Michaeli LABOR
Yitzchak Pindrus UTJ
Gideon Sa’ar
NEW HOPE
Bezalel Smotrich
RELIGIOUS ZIONISTS
Moderated by Gil Hoffman, Chief Political Correspondent of The Jerusalem Post
PART TWO
THE FUTURE OF RELIGIOUS ZIONISM IN ISRAELI POLITICS SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021 AT 8:30 PM
Ze’ev Elkin
NEW HOPE
Yehudah Glick LIKUD
Simcha Rothman
RELIGIOUS ZIONISTS
Ayelet Shaked YAMINA
Moderated by Rabbi Doron Perez, Executive Chairman of World Mizrachi
WATC H AT
Elazar Stern
YESH ATID
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4 March 2021 Jewish News
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Israel: Election 2021 / Special Report
The woman hoping to reshape the Israeli left Merav Michaeli tells Jenni Frazer that honesty is the path to power
T
he feminist mantra of “still, she persisted”, might have been coined for the new leader of the Israeli Labor Party – its 10th leader in the past 20 years. For despite repeatedly being told “it can’t be done”, Merav Michaeli is determined to reshape her party and do her utmost to revive its fortunes. Perhaps it is not yet realistic to say she can return Labor to the powerhouse it was from the creation of the state – but she certainly approaches the March 23 elections with the ambition to improve Labor’s numbers, which in the last Knesset stood at a lamentable three people. Labor was pretty much written off by the Israeli political world, and Michaeli is unsurprised by that. The bluntspeaking former television journalist and commentator is in no doubt that Labor lost its natural voter base, disenchanted with politicians who said one thing and did another. “People know I will not lie to them or steal their votes,” she explains. “This is a really big change: it’s as if people have stopped expecting this from leaders.” One of her predecessors, Amir Peretz, went so far as to shave off his trademark moustache so he could tell people: “Read my lips, I will not sit with Netanyahu”, before going on to do precisely that. Michaeli became Labor leader just weeks ago – voted in by 77 percent of the party members – because she was the only one of Labor’s three remaining Knesset members who refused to serve in a coalition led by Netanyahu. Now she faces an uphill task, both of restructuring Labor and of deciding who she will and will not sit with in the next Knesset line-up. Political number crunchers in Israel make daily calculations as to who will comprise a centre-left bloc, and who the allies are. A canny Michaeli is not ruling anyone in or out – except Netanyahu. Her ambition is to raise the largest number of Labor seats so she will have more choice; and, she says cheerfully: “I speak to everyone.” That includes members of strictly-Orthodox parties and even Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party, built as a right-wing opposition to Netanyahu. As Israel emerges from the coronavirus crisis, Michaeli says, the vision of Labor values is vital. “It speaks abut social democracy and about equality and about investing in society. In my case, it is about a feminist social democracy with a strong emphasis on changing the system so it will allow equality of opportunity for women. I bring a new discourse in terms of bringing Israeli society back together and not the divisive way it’s grown so accustomed to under Netanyahu for so many years.”
Labor’s view, she says, “is about going back to thinking about the common good”. For Michaeli, there are domestic and international policies on her agenda. “We need to invest a lot in social services, in Israeli society, particularly the weaker parts. A lot of investment in health, education, welfare, changing the whole concept of privatising. Changing the work world: we have 800,000 unemployed people, 70 percent of whom are women.” She is also determined to pursue the solving of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. “It is necessary for the security and sustainability of Israel.” Michaeli is heartened by the presence of the Gulf countries, which have signed deals with Israel under the Abraham Accords; many Arab countries, she says acidly, have been waiting to hear from Israel since 2002 since the Arab League peace initiative. Labor supports a regional
negotiation, which concludes with a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. Her party also supports the new Biden administration in upgrading a renewed agreement on Iran.
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.
1200
VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS
Who is a Jew? Israel opens up the debate Put aside that old joke about the Jew stranded on a desert island who builds two synagogues, one of which he would never be seen dead in. The fact is that, in Britain, we do a decent job at bringing together Judaism’s various strands. It’s hard to say the same of Israel, where a High Court decision ordering state authorities to recognise non-Orthodox conversions to Judaism has given politicians there something new to argue about. The battle lines, coming three weeks before yet another divisive election, are excessively familiar. Left-wing and progressive factions praised the court ruling. Right-wing and Orthodox movements condemned it. It is less controversial for most British Jews because we have organisations like the Board of Deputies, which represents congregations that are Orthodox, Liberal and everything in between. We do not just tolerate different streams of Judaism. We have even shown in recent years that we can come together against external threats. Many of us would be distinctly uncomfortable if any of our leaders echoed the words of David Lau, Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, who this week repeated his view that “whoever becomes Jewish in a Reform conversion or something similar is not Jewish”. Yet the ruling was a reminder to British Jews — the vast majority of whom love Israel and the ideals on which it was founded — that the world’s only Jewish country has a very narrow definition of what constitutes a Jew. Successive Israeli prime ministers have skirted around the issue, mainly because they are stuck between two colossal forces: on one side is the United States, where the largest Jewish congregations are Reform and Conservative; on the other side stand Israel’s own Chief Rabbis, who do not consider those same movements sufficiently Jewish. It’s a perilous balancing act for any politician. This week’s court ruling is a victory for the 12 petitioners who converted to Judaism and now want the right to become Israelis. It is also a reminder that, even where politicians cannot find a way forward, Israel’s justice system remains robust enough to defend the fundamental rights of disenfranchised people. Of course, it does not resolve the question of what constitutes a Jew. That subject often stirs passions and we will probably never agree on a precise definition. But we have plenty in common. Remember that stranded Jew on the desert island: yes, he has built a building he would never be seen dead in but the joke always records him describing it as a synagogue.
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Science v Torah I cannot let Vivian Wineman’s recent rant about Charedim in your newspaper pass without rebuttal (Jewish News, 18 February 2021). Mr Wineman claims that Israeli Charedi Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky’s knowledge of science would not cover a postage stamp, but the fact is that Mr Wineman’s knowledge of science would not fill a pinhead. His gods are the scientists and everything they say is correct. If they change their mind every other day and argue with each other on everything, this he believes is a strength and not a weakness. He adds that the Charedi leadership casts an unfortunate light on the community. I assume that he means the community that doesn’t look to Daas Torah (the theory that Jews should seek the input of rabbinic scholars not just on matters of Jewish law, but on all important life matters). Well, on that point I agree with him. Ann Cohen Golders Green
Sketches & kvetches
ALL ARE BLAMED FOR ACTIONS OF A FEW I was sad you saw fit to publish a letter from Michael Gross in which he wrote of “the strictly-Orthodox community’s irresponsible flouting of Covid regulations” based on “believing it is acceptable to flout laws and put themselves above society in general, and other Jews in particular” (Jewish News, 18 February 2021). There are plenty of misguided youngsters who attend illegal parties but nobody would dream of blaming the youth, as a whole, for their antics. To conflate individual miscreants with a group to which they appear to belong is typical of the way antisemites vilify Jews whenever any individual Jew does something questionable. Martin D Stern Salford
REPORTING FOR SAFETY OF ALL Concerning the furore about publicising the holding of weddings and other simchas in defiance of the lockdown regulations that only exist for the protection of the whole population, what does the Torah say about Jewish people
who publicise the wrong practices of other Jewish people or Jewish organisations in order to protect themselves and their family from danger? Is one still expected to keep quiet? Melvyn Abrahams Edgware
HARD TRUTH WORD PLAY
“L’Chaim! To Life! And having spent $2.5 billion on this mission, let’s hope we find some!”
In response to the letter by the Jewish Marriage Council relating to forced marriages, which stated it hasn’t come across any party feeling forced, I quote the adage: “Absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence.” Jonathan Weissbart By email
I was intrigued by the letter from the Jewish Marriage Council (25 February), saying it had not come across anyone who felt they had been forced into marriages in the Charedi communities. But it admits that “one might feel coerced.” What’s the difference between “forced” and “coerced”? Noam Ben-Yossef, N17
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Editorial comment and letters
THIS NEWSPAPER’S TITLE IS MISLEADING Addressing JD Milaric’s comment about my letter on criticism of the Charedi community during lockdown, let me first commend Jewish News for publishing my attack on its coverage. In an age of cancel culture, where individuals with whom we disagree get blacklisted and censored, it was refreshing to see a newspaper publish comments with which they disagree. To address Mr Milaric’s response directly, I don’t see how there has been a “single standard of fairness” applied to lockdown breaches, when Jewish newspapers don’t cover Black Lives Matter marches supported by Jewish organisations, the antiNetanyahu mobs in Israel and Women of the Wall
ignoring restrictions. Next, you say that they don’t adhere to the Torah. I totally agree with this, which is precisely why the title “Jewish News” is misleading and inaccurate. Jewish implies adherence to the Jewish code of conduct i.e. the Torah. To suggest that the problem is “the Charedim” is just a lie. You probably don’t even know what a Charedi is, but nonetheless you continue your anti-religious agenda on a sect within Judaism that actually have a mesorah [tradition], follow the Gedolim [revered rabbis], have the lowest divorce rate and actually follow that which both the written and the oral Torah say. Sammy (surname withheld on request) By email
BRILLIANT SPIEL DOUBLY MOVED I was about to call Meg Illah at the Board of Deputies to arrange an interview about her astounding remarks on social responsibility as regards alcoholic overindulgence during Purim. It was only re-reading the story to check contacts that the plastic squeak hammer dropped. A brilliant Purim spiel! Brian Rose, By email
I was moved to read last week’s front page story about Sarah Rubin and her father Graham and their cancer diagnoses. What poignant irony that they should be diagnosed simultaneously and be undergoing treatment on the same day each week. I hope you continue to follow their progress and I look forward to reading good news. Emma Arnold, By email
Harder for Charedim I’m a 21-year-old Chasidic Jew. Last month, my wife and I went to a local beauty spot for a walk. A couple passed by and exchanged small talk with us. Then the man said: “I heard your community has the highest infection rate in the country, maybe even in Europe.” On and on he went, basically blaming me and my wife. Antisemitism leads to bad things for Chasidim, Orthodox Jews and secular Jews. History proves this. The public does not understand the Chasidic lifestyle and its complications when it comes to lockdowns etc. Explaining it would be an enor-
Visualise Your Future
mous task. It is hard for this community to follow lockdown rules. They have no TV, internet or radio. Some parents have three or more children waiting to get married. What has Jewish News achieved with its articles about lockdown illegality? Wouldn’t it have been better if you’d spoken quietly to leaders of the community and the local authority? Wouldn’t it be better if you’d taken time to understand why it can be very much harder for Charedim to understand and comply with the rules? Mr D Green, By email
ISRAEL BONDS WOMEN’S DIVISION
BEHIND THE CST FIGURES The percentage decrease in antisemitic crimes in 2020 compared with previous years was actually far greater than the percentage reported last month by the Community Security Trust (CST), which is good news. This is because figures quoted by the CST do not allow for the rapid increase in the strictlyOrthodox population. While the UK’s population has grown roughly 1.7 percent over the past three years, the Charedi community has grown by far more. That means the statistics put out by the CST were not entirely accurate. Without being corrected, they give the impression that antisemitism is far greater than it is. Readers’ minds, therefore, should be put at rest. Although we still need to heed the warnings of CST and others, we do so knowing the figures are better than we at first thought. Indeed, as growth in population continues, it will hopefully lead to fewer incidents relative to the whole. Y Rabinowitz Hendon
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Opinion
Real hate is more of a threat than TV drama JENNI FRAZER
I
t has long been my belief that, all too often, people – particularly on social media — get aerated about paltry issues, raising them to the level of screaming hysteria. Sometimes, I think, ignoring the perpetrators is a better proposition, or even laughing at them. We know from experience that the thing racist haters dislike the most is being laughed at. And so, let us consider the near-preposterous case of the American network NBC, which fell foul of the Jewish community in the US in the past couple of weeks over two issues — a 'joke' on Saturday Night Live (SNL), and a TV drama, bought in from Canada, called Nurses. The 'joke' was the claim that Israel only vaccinated Jews against Covid. Neither funny, nor, as it happens, true. But did such asininity deserve the shovels of opprobrium heaped on the network? Not in my opinion, though it is perfectly true I don’t live in the US and therefore don’t
have to deal with the fall-out from such a pronouncement from an influential show such as SNL. But those who frothed with fury over SNL may have felt inklings of spontaneous combustion when it came to Nurses. Episode eight of the series featured two of the most unlikely Chasidic Jews portrayed on any TV screen. They were, supposedly, father and son; the son, helpfully named Israel in case viewers didn’t get the point, has had an accident to his leg while playing basketball. The doctor informs the pair, who are fully flourishing the fakest peyot I have ever seen, that the only way to deal with the injury is for a bone graft from a dead person. “You wanna put a dead leg inside of me?” splutters the teenage patient. No, says the father, it could be “a dead goyim leg, [from] an Arab, a woman!” Now, my reaction to this – bearing in mind that I am neither a member of the American Jewish community nor, for that matter, a member of the Chasidic community – was to check the calendar and remember that Purim was then still approaching. NBC, I thought, must be having a laugh. Nobody, surely, could
take this nonsense seriously. Besides, even though the show was made in Canada rather than Hollywood, surely there was one Jewish TV executive at NBC capable of pointing out how foolish this was? What, for the love of heaven, is “a dead goyim leg” supposed to be? A website called Jew in the City, which takes these matters seriously, dissected every single incorrect manifestation in the portrayal and script and ripped it to shreds. The story went viral and NBC has now pulled the notorious Episode eight from the series. Presumably, however, it played last year in Canada, where Chasidic and other Jews also live, without
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THIS CANADIAN SHOW WAS HILARIOUSLY FOOLISH. WHAT IS A DEAD GOYIM LEG SUPPOSED TO BE?
Offence: The Saturday Night Live skit
much protest from the local community. The whole farrago set me wondering about what are the limits of comedy and free speech, and how we Jews are shown to the wider public. It is true, I think, that the Nurses episode grew from stupidity and ignorance rather than wilful antisemitism; and the show did not offer Israel and his dopey father as humour. But perhaps there are times when knee-jerk fury is better applied to real, vicious antisemitism – examples with which we are all too familiar, at present. We need to reserve our street cred for issues that really matter, and not foam at the mouth for every perceived infraction.
Having cake and eating it is not on Israel’s menu CALEV BEN-DOR
DEPUTY EDITOR , FATHOM JOURNAL
S
hortlisted by the Oxford English Dictionary in its 2018 ‘word of the year’, cakeism first shot to fame in 2016 when then foreign secretary Boris Johnson explained that his policy on cake was ‘pro having it and pro eating it’. The idea that – contrary to the famous saying – one can have one’s cake and eat it, subsequently became a critique of Britain’s negotiating position on Brexit. One senior EU official described the 2018 speech by then prime minister Theresa May on the country’s future economic partnership with the EU as "still in the world of cakeism". Months later, an MP’s aide was photographed in Downing Street with a handwritten note about Brexit that read "What’s the model? Have cake and eat it." Last December, following a last-minute post Brexit trade deal with the EU, Johnson – who in the meantime had become prime minister – described the treaty as "cakeist". But cakeism isn’t limited to Britain's shores. After Israel signed a normalisation deal with the United Arab Emirates, Benjamin Netanyahu did his best to convince the public that it came at no cost. Israelis could appar-
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YAMINA CALLS FOR NETANYAHU TO BE REPLACED BUT WON’T RULE OUT JOINING HIS COALITION
ently have it all – good relations with Arab neighbours and the status quo in the West Bank; a new and better deal with Iran without any significant concessions; free handouts for each family without any long-term damage to the economy or national budget. But does cakeism work? Flush from his Brexit promises, Johnson won a landslide in the 2019 election. Yet there’s always a danger of ultimately falling between two stools. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell likely failed in his cakeist attempt to acquit former president Donald Trump on charges of impeachment while simultaneously accusing him of practical and moral responsibility for the storming of the Capitol. For Trumpists, McConnell’s comments were treacherous. For traditional Republicans shocked by the Capitol scenes, they didn’t go far enough. Which brings us to Israel’s elections. Most campaigns are focused on a stark ‘either/ or’ conundrum. For Likud, it's Bibi or Tibi
(of the Arab Joint List) or ‘Netanyahu the statesman’ versus a slew of ‘small time politicians’. For staunchly secular Yisrael Beitenu, it's Lieberman or the strictly-Orthodox. For Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid and Gideon Sa'ar’s New Hope, it’s a stately or sane government on the one hand versus one dominated by fundamentalists and fanatics on the other. All more akin to Eddie Izzard’s ‘cake or death’ skit than ‘have it all cakeism’. The right-wing Yamina party and its leader Naftali Bennett have taken a different tack. They have called for Netanyahu to be replaced and posited Bennett as a prime ministerial candidate. In a Times of Israel interview, Bennett castigated Netanyahu’s decisionmaking, describing the past year as “an unmitigated disaster in terms of incompetence and mismanagement”. Yet, unlike the other major parties, Yamina has refused to rule out joining a Netanyahu-led coalition. Behind this strategy is Bennett’s target of
inheriting the mantle of ‘leader of the rightwing’ in a post-Netanyahu era. While he wants Caesar’s crown, he doesn’t want the role of Brutus. He wants to promote anti-Netanyahu credentials while keeping the door open to joining his coalition. But will the strategy work? On the one hand, Yamina is increasingly described as kingmaker. While polling shows Likud in the high twenties – far clear of Yesh Atid in the high teens and New Hope and Yamina further back – Netanyahu has no path to retaining the premiership without Bennett. If Likud’s rule hinges on bringing Yamina into government, the latter could name its price. From Netanyahu’s perspective, even giving up half the kingdom would be worth it. On the other hand, Yamina’s ambiguity could end up hurting it among an Israeli public that increasingly sees these elections as boiling down to one thing – do they want Netanyahu to stay as prime minister? Right-wingers who admire him will vote Likud. Right-wingers who despise him will vote for Sa'ar. Centrists and those to the left can choose Lapid or others. Bennett may dream of echoing Johnson’s electoral success. Yet faced with a binary choice, and sick of its fourth election in two years, Israelis may feel they have neither the luxury nor the appetite for cake and its proponents.
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
Opinion
When did ‘Israel-loving Jew’ become a skill set? GRANT FELLER
JOURNALIST & MEDIA CONSULTANT
M
y Jewishness has never defined me which is perhaps why I’m not the kind of Jew my parents intended to raise. For instance, I’m far more confident eating a bacon sandwich than, say, fellow Jew Ed Miliband. My wife doesn’t share the faith I was born with, but is indulgent of my attempts to emulate the brand of paranoid, cantankerous Judaism displayed by my hero Larry David. Religion isn’t my thing and I’m frequently critical of the political leadership of Israel which, despite its faults, is a wonderfully vibrant country. As friends might say, I am broadly in favour of it. But none of this defines me. Or at least I don’t think it should. And so I’ve been wondering how Richard Sharp, the new BBC chairman, likes to imagine himself: successful banker, deep thinker, smart strateEE
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hundreds, if not to Israel been approved, definition of anti-Semitism, of Labour and Momentum leading Jewish Alliance’s Labour MP Dame Margaret thousands, need to be expelled. Today, Britain’s three News, Jewish provoking her leader an anti-Semite to members would in Brexit disnewspapers – Jewish to call With the government Telegraph – take Hodge yet. danger Chronicle and Jewish face, was the most sinister there is a clear and present of speaking as his to IHRA defini- array, the unprecedented step Labour has diluted the man with a default blindness government that a same front page. a man one by publishing the community’s fears, accepted in full by the the existential tion, deleting the Jewish that hateful We do so because of more than 130 local councils, has a problem seeing this country that and key examples of who can easily step threat to Jewish life in and amending four rhetoric aimed at Israel Jeremy Corbyn-led to Israel. be our next could would be posed by a anti-Semitism relating a Labour into anti-Semitism, government. Under its adapted guidelines, Israel’s prime minister. party that was, MPs vote on We do so because the member is free to claim On 5 September, Labour home for our Party and comthe is a racist endeavour motion, calling for until recently, the natural existence emergency an integvalues and of Nazi Gerdefinition community, has seen its Israeli policies to those to adopt the full IHRA contempt for pare – whatever that party rity eroded by Corbynite many, unless “intent” its rulebook. “Dirty Jew” is into Jews and Israel. that, it will face a binary means – can be proved. Following anti-Semof or be seen fair game? The stain and shame implement IHRA in full wrong, “Zionist bitch” a distinction choice: through Her Majitism has coursed people as an institutionally In so doing, Labour makes targeting by all decent Jeremy Corbyn party. esty’s Opposition since between racial anti-Semitism anti- racist, anti-Semitic years for became leader in 2015. (unacceptable) and political After three deeply painful to Livingstone, Jews (acceptable). September is finally From Chakrabarti Semitism targeting Israel Had the full our community, alarming lows. Last there have been many The reason for this move? relating make or break. to adopt the full week’s stubborn refusal definition with examples Remembrance IHRA International Holocaust
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workings of the parmomentous inner handling Labour issued a staffers ty’s complaints claims of public apology to former Wednesday unit contained in the High Court on interference in the fallout political after they sued over have been an investi- what should disciplinary from a BBC Panorama handling independent gation into the party’s was strenuJack process. This of antisemitism, writes ously denied by the party Mendel. before the at the time. However, just hours According to the were reports lawyer, announcement, there Jeremy whistleblowers’ that former Labour leader William Bennett, Labour Corbyn, his former communications accused them of “acting and Labour’s and chief Seumus Milne in bad faith during Jennie with the former secretary-general that after their employment Formby had sought assurances of harming” the party, be connected intention their names would not accusations false. of lasting calling the defended to the apology. In a sign Mark Henderson, who the anger, Corbyn later dismissed not the Labour Party, said he “acknowldecision, about the apology as “a political edges that these claims a legal one”. are untrue, and we retract Claimants members, Seven former staff them and undertake about and withdraw who voiced their concerns them. Actions are being among not to repeat those who repeat the how claims of Jew-hatred with, sued taken against against those taken be members were dealt will of libel in libels and after they were accused to do so in future.” broad- who choose the Panorama documentary, cast last year. of the The hour-long dissection
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gist, mentor to leading businesspeople and politicians, right-of-centre champion, philanthropist and generous donor to the Conservative party, family man, limelight-avoider, safe pair of hands. All these have formed the basis of profiles after he was appointed by Boris Johnson to lead the BBC through a turbulent new era. But there was one article that caught my eye, written almost immediately after his appointment by a journalist who, coincidentally, must now call him “boss”. Amol Rajan is the BBC’s ubiquitous media editor and someone with whom I’ve crossed blunt swords in the past – he didn’t take kindly to my suggestion that his reporting might be compromised because he was too close to George Osborne and Evgeny Lebedev. In a rambling piece about Mr Sharp, his business acumen and political connections, Amol wrote: “Sharp's heritage is Jewish and he is considered by those who know him broadly pro-Israel.” A tiny sentence that says so much about the way journalists do and don’t think. I don’t believe for a moment that Amol is antisemitic, but I’m struggling with
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A TINY SENTENCE ABOUT THE NEW BBC CHAIRMAN SAYS MUCH ABOUT THE WAY JOURNALISTS THINK
his desire to reveal an individual’s religion in a business profile. Does that fact add to our understanding of who Mr Sharp is? If so, should all profiles carry religious conviction as a descriptor? My immediate reaction on reading this paragraph was that Amol was suggesting the new BBC chairman is an Israel-loving Jew. Or have I let my Jewish radar zero in on something which has caused me to over-react in a paranoic way? Am I being hypersensitive? Or perhaps a hypocrite. For in a former life, I ran the features desk at a popular Jewish newspaper (not this one) where, each week, I would commission profiles of successful/ famous/wealthy/influential/interesting Jews. That last bit was the most important criterion. With his appointment, Richard Sharp was front page news in all good Jewish publications, so why am I making a fuss? Because each time I read that part of Amol’s piece, it gets worse. His “heritage” for a start. Surely what Amol really means here is religion? Heritage brings to mind an entirely different image, of a man not just Jewish but guided and shaped by it. Jewish whether he reads the Torah or not. If, like me, Mr Sharp has rejected religion, surely it’s irrelevant to who he is as a business person – except for readers of newspapers such as this one, of course. Then there’s the second part of the sentence, regarding what are assumed to be his views about Israel. So as someone in favour of the BBC, Israel and freedom of expression I approached Amol on social media and suggested his phrasing could be deemed offensive to Jews who don’t think of their Jewishness (or geopolitical opinions) as a useful measurement of whether they’d be any good at a job. So far, no response. A handful of people who’d seen me mention it on Twitter decided to approach him as well. Again, no response. I contacted the corporation’s editorial director, Kamal Ahmed, again on social media, to ask whether he thought religion and Israel should have been part of a profile of the new BBC chairman. No response. So I made a formal complaint to the BBC and after three weeks of deliberation received this reply: ‘The sentence in question refers to two statements of fact, in an article profiling the new BBC chairman where his politics and religious background are relevant and of interest to readers. Both Jewish News and Jewish Chronicle reported that Richard Sharp is Jewish, which puts your point about antiSemitism in context.’ Which is rather like saying if Jews can tell a vaguely offensive Jewish joke – and boy are we good at that! – then so can everyone. Plus, why must the existence and policies of Israel
be the only political issue deemed relevant to Mr Sharp’s appointment? It’s a fatuous defence and, rather than putting antisemitism ‘in context’, it highlights the fact that not even the BBC understands its meaning. I’ve spoken to a few people in and outside the industry and all agree the Amol’s article is offensive – no one can agree whether it’s deliberately so or just crass journalism. A Jewish journalist friend I trust thinks it’s a deeply uncomfortable and possibly antisemitic phrase, but that Amol himself is not antisemitic. I agree. And yet the BBC’s refusal to even consider that maybe Israelloving Jew is entirely irrelevant in analysing someone’s career and suitability for a job, strikes me as something different. Here’s where I – and obviously the BBC complaints department – get confused. Because if the Jewish News does it, why shouldn’t everyone? Perhaps the answer’s on the masthead – a chronicle of Jewishness for a niche audience of Jews who like to see what other Jews are up to and if they’re still alive. Written by and for Jews, it’s a weekly celebration and analysis of Jewishness – with endless argument. Religion in this context is not just relevant but essential. Not so with the rest of the media. I’ve searched in vain for the religion of Mr Sharp’s predecessor Sir David Clementi, but it’s clearly irrelevant to most writers. Likewise, the two most recent chairs of the BBC Trust, Rona Fairhead and Diane Coyle. Maybe they are Zoroastrians, but I’ve no idea from a trawl through the cuts. All are defined by their qualities and achievements, their successes in business and education. As journalists, we have to be careful not succumb to laziness, as I’ve just done. We do it unthinkingly. Out there in undeleted cyberspace, the new BBC chairman is described by what I consider to be the most authoritative journalistic organisation on the planet to be Jewish and broadly in favour of Israel. I don’t know what he thinks about gay marriage, for instance, and why should I? I haven’t a clue how he feels about privatising the NHS, restricting immigration, the break-up of the Union or the governance of Tibet. Whenever someone is looking for background about Richard Sharp, they will find Amol Rajan’s profile and, perhaps unthinkingly, decide that his religion and views on the Middle East are important because, well, the BBC seems to be suggesting that they are. And, to some, a decades-old antisemitic trope may become even more hardened. Richard Sharp, an Israel-supporting Jewish banker, in charge of the media. This opinion piece was original published in the British Journalism Review, bjr.org.uk
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Opinion
We cannot stay silent on unjust resolutions ANDREW BOWIE MP
CONSERVATIVE PARTY VICE CHAIR
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ith the distraction of a global pandemic, Israel’s enemies have seized the opportunity to ramp up attacks on the Jewish state in the international arena. UK-Israel ties remain strong, from close collaboration in our world-leading Covid-19 vaccination rollouts to intelligence-sharing, yet the UK’s response to recent threats to our ally has been too muted. The International Criminal Court’s determination that it has territorial jurisdiction over the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem and can therefore open a probe into war crimes is a case in point. Based on an extraordinary misinterpretation of international law, the decision was rightly condemned by some of our closest allies: the United States, Australia, Germany and Canada. The UK’s silence over this dangerous precedent is problematic and was one of the pressing issues the Parliamentary Officers of
the Conservative Friends of Israel raised in our recent meeting with Middle East Minister James Cleverly. It was an opportunity to reflect on the strength of the bilateral relationship, but also identify possible bumps in the road. My colleagues and I expressed in clear terms the importance of the UK voting against all anti-Israel resolutions at the current session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). It is an expectation that unites hundreds of other Conservative parliamentarians from all corners of the UK. Since its inception in 2006, the UNHRC has adopted resolutions condemning countries on 171 occasions – 90 of which targeted Israel. The terror-supporting, human rights abusing regime in Tehran has received a mere 10, while states including China, Russia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe have received zero. None. Nada. The bias rife within the halls throughout the UN is no secret. Its current secretary general, Antonio Guterres, as well as his two predecessors have all spoken out about the problem. As foreign secretary, Boris Johnson condemned the UNHRC in February 2018 for
Struggling to cope is more normal than you think. Uncertainty and isolation can cause any of us to experience feelings of distress or anxiety. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone.
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NINETY RESOLUTIONS HAVE TARGETED ISRAEL. TEHRAN HAS RECEIVED A MERE 10
its “disproportionate” focus on Israel, which he said was “damaging to the cause of peace”. Announcing a welcome and principled change in stance towards the UNHRC in March 2019, the UK said it would vote against all anti-Israel resolutions under the controversial permanent Agenda Item 7 – the only permanent agenda item at each session, reserved solely for criticism of Israel. The UK has made good on its vow to vote against Agenda Item 7 and we welcome Minister Cleverly’s enduring commitment on this front. However, the Palestinian Authority has recalibrated its approach and has been working to move anti-Israel resolutions out of
this agenda item in a procedural sleight of hand. In 2019, we saw precisely this, when an antiIsrael resolution was moved to Agenda Item 2, which relates to accountability motions, often involving war crimes. Inexplicably, the UK undermined its principled stand by allowing this student politics-style chicanery to go unchallenged; the UK abstained on the motion. Last December, the UK voted for 11 out of 16 UN General Assembly resolutions singling out Israel, including one that only used the term “Haram al-Sharif” to describe Jerusalem’s Temple Mount – effectively ignoring Judaism’s fundamental connection to the site. Resolutions of this nature don’t just harm our ally Israel, they harm the wider peace process as Palestinian intransigence and terrorism goes unchecked. The UNHRC’s latest Israel-obsessed votes are expected around 22/23 March. In the same way we would vote against motions at UN bodies detrimental to our other allies, we must demonstrate our principled words through firm action and vote against all anti-Israel resolutions – including those outside Item 7.
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Community / Scene & Be Seen
1 GIFT PACKAGES
Thousands of individual mishloach manot packages were made up this week by GIFT volunteers across London and Manchester and distributed to families supported by GIFT, as well as to Jewish Care homes and Norwood service users. Pictured is the Maierovits family’s children with the sweet mishloach manot packages they made up for GIFT families during half-term week.
And be seen!
2PURIM SKILLS
Kisharon Day Opportunities, the Further Education College, Supported Living and people attending from home all celebrated Purim by preparing and baking hamantashen and making masks and greggers. They came together online to hear the Megillah using a prepared easy-read version, followed by a seuda on Zoom with music and entertainment. Purim challah was also made by college students to use at their seudas. “It was wonderful to come together and see everyone using the skills they have learnt over the past year to create something they could enjoy at the seuda,” said Aviva Braunold, manager of Kisharon Further Education College.
The latest news, pictures and (virtual) social events from across the community Email us at community@jewishnews.co.uk
3FESTIVAL RUACH
Staff at Sacks Morasha were busy making sure Purim would be filled with just as much fun and ruach as in normal times. A live Megillah reading was conducted for the children by the children over Zoom and teachers brought the school’s same lively spirit. As part of the celebrations, the PTA made and distributed mishloach manot in the form of a science kit with many edible experiments and included detailed instructions and educational facts.
4PARCEL DELIVERY
More than 1,000 people took part in Jewish Care’s virtual celebrations this year from Redbridge to Southend, Stanmore to Brighton. Volunteers delivered 660 parcels to older members of the community – including delivering copies of Jewish News. Meanwhile, around 250 older members of the community and care homes residents joined its online Megillah reading and Purim party last Friday, with Barnet’s Councillor Reuben Thompstone judging and announcing the winners of the Zoom fancy dress competition.
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Jewish News 4 March 2021
Weekend / Making aliyah
Aliyah in Lockdown Despite global travel restrictions, immigration to Israel was barely affected last year. Francine Wolfisz speaks to three Brits who packed their bags for the Holy Land
WZO’s Marina Rosenberg-Koritny, pictured rear centre, with a group of recent British olim who studied at its ulpanim
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lights were cancelled, borders closed and restrictions placed on all but essential travel – yet that still did not stop 20,000 people from around the world making aliyah at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Of those, more than 500 people came from the UK in 2020, with just a 15 per cent decrease on numbers from the year before, according to the latest figures from The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the department for the promotion of aliyah at the World Zionist Organisation (WZO). Interest in starting a new life in Israel has also soared. Globally, more than 160,000 people have enquired about immigration, while JAFI has opened 41,000 new
aliyah application files. Over the next three to five years, experts say, as many as 250,000 people could be packing their bags to settle in the Holy Land. It’s a trend acknowledged by the department for the promotion of aliyah, which helps budding olim, or immigrants, learn Hebrew, supporting them in finding employment and a place to live, as well as navigating them through the bureaucracy of immigration. Marina Rosenberg-Koritny, WZO’s head of The Aliyah Promotion Department, explains: “We teach them the language and tell them about what is happening in Israel. We adjust their expectations to the reality of life here.” Rosenberg-Koritny is especially passionate about
helping diaspora Jews as an olim herself, having moved to Israel from Kazakhstan in 1995. Over the next 20 years, she progressed from schoolteacher to local council member, adviser to the minister of tourism, deputy head of Zionist movement World Yisrael Beytenu and now her current position with WZO. Like many others who move to Israel, RosenbergKoritny was keen to learn Hebrew, something she credits with helping her to adapt faster and more successfully to her adopted country. Indeed, WZO runs ulpan classes all over the world, reaching more than 250,000 Jews each year. � To find out more about Hebrew ulpan classes in the UK, email Dimitri Mevzos at dimitrim@wzo.org.il, or call 020 8371 5336.
So why are people lured to a new life in Israel? New olim tell us their story and explain why even a pandemic wasn’t going to halt their plans… Lydia White, 58, is originally from Dublin and moved to Manchester nearly 40 years ago. She and her husband Brian arrived in Israel on 24 December and have already received both of their Covid-19 vaccinations. “I’ve always wanted to come to live in Israel. I have a daughter who lives here and two daughters in London. We visited Israel every year on holiday and during the year. I was very happy living in Manchester, but it was always my dream to live in Israel. We always said we wanted our daughters to be settled before we made aliyah, so when our last daughter got married, that’s when we began our plans. We were meant to go in the summer of 2020, but after everything went into lockdown, our plans were pushed back by four months. Moving house is stressful and making aliyah is stressful. I’ve spoken to people who’ve made aliyah in the past and they said they hadn’t slept for weeks but, as soon as they got on the flight to Israel, they slept. Just before we were due to leave, Boris Johnson announced new restrictions, so we couldn’t move out of our house and stay with my daughter in London before our flight, as we had planned. We also had to say goodbye to our daughters and our granddaughter through
their lounge windows. Then at the airport, although we had a visa, British Airways was unsure if non-Israelis would be allowed into Israel. Fortunately, the Jewish Agency had given us an additional letter stating we would become Israeli citizens and that they would allow entry into Israel. Once we arrived, we were concerned we would have to go to a quarantine hotel, but an exception was made for my husband on health grounds and we were granted a permit to stay in our new home in Zikhron Ya’akov. For the first 10 days, we were in quarantine and it’s taken me quite a few weeks to actually relax. I have been learning Ivrit through a department for the promotion of aliyah ulpan class in Manchester for about three years and know enough to get by. Overall, I’m very happy to be here Lydia White and her husband Brian and everyone has been kind. In other circumstances, we would have met people and gone to The first few weeks were not what I would have restaurants, and the reality of course is that we haven’t, expected in normal times, but it is the best it can but people have phoned and asked how they can help. be right now.”
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Making aliyah / Weekend
Photo by Yonit Schiller
Jessica Miron, 27, is a marketing product manager from London and made aliyah in early December. She has now settled in Tel Aviv. “The first lockdown gave me time to put my life into perspective. Israel has always been one of those things that I wanted to try. I reached the conclusion that if I don’t do it now, I might not at all. Personally, I didn’t find it a big logistical challenge. I was able to easily get appointments at the Ministry of Immigration and I’ve never been in and out of Ben Gurion airport so quickly with all my luggage. When I arrived, I had about two weeks before we went into lockdown, so I was able to see friends and family, as well as secure an apartment. Before I left the UK, I started learning Ivrit with the department for the promotion of aliyah over Zoom, and have joined a Zoom ulpan class in Israel. I took a break from work for a few months before securing employment. I think the trick with aliyah is to not try to do too much too soon. It’s better to get everything else sorted and then focus on a job. So far, my experience has exceeded expectations – I thought some of the bureaucracy would be a little tricky, whereas it was actually pretty simple.”
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A group of newly-immigrated military recruits were among the 20,000 people from around the world who made aliyah last year
THE FIRST LOCKDOWN GAVE ME TIME TO PUT MY LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE. ISRAEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE I HAVE WANTED TO TRY
Benjamin Gee, 24, is from Birmingham. He moved to Israel on 12 January with a friend and is living at Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem. “I was due to go in July, but postponed until January. I briefly went to Israel in August as a madrich, but came back to the UK and was still uncertain whether I would be moving. When I heard England was going into another lockdown and borders were shutting, I decided to just go for it. I think I must have been one of one of the last people from the UK to get into Israel at that time. On the day of my flight, I felt very lucky to be going. Heathrow was completely empty, as was the flight, so I was upgraded to first class. On arrival, we were taken to the Dan Panorama in Tel Aviv for quarantine. We were locked in a room, but it was pretty amazing. We stayed for free, they gave us three meals a day and the army checked up to see how we were. The time went quite fast. I don’t know many people here, but it’s easy to feel connected to people and I can call my parents on FaceTime.
A look
Inside From Gal Gadot to Celebrity Bake Off, it’s your weekly slice of the latest Jewish showbiz, p30
Benjamin Gee with Daniel Jacobs, 25, originally from Essex
It’s also been great being in the ulpan – we’ve become our own little community. There’s more than 20 British people and 150 from around the world. There have been restrictions, which are slowly lifting. Because we are all in the same building, we’ve been able to socialise and see people, so it’s been a very unique experience.”
Monday is back to school day! How are your kids preparing for the big return after so long off? p31
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I MUST HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE LAST PEOPLE FROM THE UK TO GET TO ISRAEL
Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem
Businessman Lee Bushell on how he balances his work between ethics and profits, p32
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Weekend / Entertainment
VIRTUAL EVENT
CELEBRITY NEWS
Dana International
Gal Gadot Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot has revealed she is pregnant with her third child. The Israel-born actress posted a picture with her husband Yaron Varsano and their two daughters Alma, nine, and Maya, three, lying with their hands on her belly, with the caption: “Here we go again.” She added the “hamsa” hand and “evil eye” emojis to ward off bad luck. Her announcement comes a day after she sparked speculation online she might be pregnant by hosting the Golden Globe awards in a flowing white babydoll dress that covered her belly. Gadot, 35, has been playing Wonder Woman since 2016, and she starred in the sequel Wonder Woman 1984, which was released in December after months of delays owing to the pandemic.
Transgender superstar and former Israeli Eurovision winner Dana International will candidly talk about her life with radio and TV presenter Yigal Ravid next Monday. Hosted by Israel Bonds Women’s Division and World Zionist Organisation UK, the virtual event coincides with International Women’s Day. The glittering singer – also known as Sharon Cohen – was born into a YemeniteJewish family in Tel Aviv and although assigned male at birth, identified as female from a young age. In 1998, she represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Birmingham with the song Diva, achieving a clear win with 172 points. As the first trans winner of Eurovision, her hit song was released as a single in Europe, reaching number 11 in the UK charts. To register for a free place for the event on Monday, 8 March, at 7pm, visit weezevent.com/dana-international
COMPETITION
TELEVISION
Great Celebrity Bake Off
Matt Lucas taught Prue Leith how to make his mother’s chicken soup, the cooking maven revealed ahead of a new series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off, which begins next week. The Channel 4 show – in aid of charity Stand Up To Cancer – will be presented by the Jewish actor and comedian solo, as partner in fun Noel Fielding has just had his second child. Leith said of Lucas, who replaced Sandi Toksvig: “He’s very good at comfort. Very good at encouragement and making jokes and cheering up” the celebrities. “In lockdown, he did teach me his mother’s method of making chicken soup, chicken broth. Very sort of famous Jewish mama’s chicken
noodle soup,” she reveals. “I never got the noodles. But we did get the broth. And he made a really good chicken broth… nice and clear.” In each episode of the show, four celebrities will battle it out over three rounds – the Signature, the Technical and the Showstopper – in a bid to be crowned Star Baker. This year’s show features Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley, actor James McAvoy, TV presenter Stacey Dooley and double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. Other celebrities taking part include comedian and author David Baddiel. The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer returns to Channel 4 on 9 March at 8pm.
COMING SOON
Shtisel 3 The highly-anticipated third season of awardwinning Israeli drama Shtisel will launch on Netflix on 25 March, Yes Studios announced this week. It will be the first branded as a Netflix Original. Having amassed an international cult following, after the streaming of seasons one and two on the digital platform, the third will finally be unveiled, picking up four years after the events of the previous season. Production started and finished after Israel’s first Covid-19 lockdown and was filmed throughout Israel and Jerusalem. Created and written by Ori Elon and Yehonatan Indursky, the nine-episode series follows a Charedi family living in a strictly-
She and her husband have launched several projects since founding production company Pilot Wave last year, including a series about Jewish actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr and a film about Polish Underground leader Irena Sendler, with Gadot playing the title character in each. She is also scheduled to star as Cleopatra in an upcoming film about the Egyptian queen.
Orthodox neighbourhood of Jerusalem reckoning with love, loss and the doldrums of daily life. It stars Dov Glickman, Michael Aloni, Neta Riskin, Sasson Gabai, Zohar Strauss and Shira Haas, the first Israeli actor to be nominated for both a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for her role in Netflix hit Unorthodox, as well as newcomers Reef Neeman and Daniella Kertesz.
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School reopening / Weekend
Many happy
returns! Francine Wolfisz discovers how schools and parents can best prepare children ahead of Monday’s classroom reopening
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or parents who have endured months of home schooling for the second time in just a year, the reopening of classrooms across England on Monday will prove a welcome respite. But while many youngsters will flock through the gates to be reunited with their peers, some children may take longer to get back into the routine of school life – with one headteacher warning: “What we have is a return to abnormality, at least in the first instance.” At secondary schools, students will need to be tested three times in the first two weeks, before being given two lateral flow tests to use each week at home, and have to wear face coverings indoors. All primary and secondary school staff will also be offered twice-weekly rapid tests. Meanwhile, A-levels, AS levels and GCSE exams have been cancelled and estimated grades will be used instead. At primary schools, SATs have been scrapped alongside phonics and timetable testing. With so many changes taking place, how can parents and schools best prepare their children for a return to the classroom? For Juliette Lipshaw, headteacher of Sinai Jewish Primary School in Kenton, the welfare of all 642 children is at the forefront of her mind, and staff have been busy working on a catch-up curriculum. She says: “We know the children are desperately yearning for the social interaction that school will give them as well as the normality of routine we all crave. “We have formulated a comprehensive plan for our school to ensure we remain as Covid-19 secure as we possibly can. We do not want to just open, we want to stay open.” Similarly, at schools run by the Jewish Community Academy Trust (JCAT), which looks after Hertsmere Jewish Primary School in Radlett, Rimon Jewish Primary School in Golders Green, Sacks Morasha in North Finchley and Wolfson Hillel in Southgate, well-being has been “at the core of everything we do”. Sarah Jacobs, JCAT’s well-being practitioner, explains: “We will provide the children with sessions to reflect on the positive sides to having been in lockdown, honing in our resilience and acquired new skills. A big focus will be placed on reuniting as a school community.” The mental health impact on secondary school children can also not be understated, argues Patrick Moriarty, headteacher of JCoSS in New Barnet. He says: “Having interacted mostly online for so long, students (especially the younger ones) may have forgotten how to socialise, how to make and manage friendships, how to speak appropriately to each other and to their teachers, how to pace themselves, how to work as a group. Those skills and habits are like muscles, and they get weaker without use. We will need to get everyone back into training.” Moriarty advises parents and youngsters not to worry about having fallen behind academically, and to focus instead on enjoying being back with their peers. “What they have lost are the opportunities to be children and teenagers who grow into themselves as human beings by trying and failing at a wide variety of activities. For our
students, most don’t need formal summer schools to catch up on missed learning; they need to run around and enjoy some freedom outside and away from screens.” Rachel Fink, headteacher of JFS in Kenton, agrees there is “no substitute for face-to-face interactions” for both teaching and children to see one another and acknowledges there is “definitely a level of screen fatigue”. The school will also continue to provide catch-up programmes. Some children will be feeling anxious about their peers getting ahead of them during lockdown, transitioning to secondary school, or have fears over catching Covid-19. Rabbi David Meyer, executive director of Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJes), advises that parents speak openly to their children about any anxieties they may have. “They should be reassured their safety is everyone’s priority, and that we are thankfully moving to a safer world. Everyone is aware that there have been challenges with learning over the past few months, and by taking small steps and setting realistic goals, we will soon be back on track.” Parents should also try not to put their own anxieties onto youngsters, as well as recognise that each child will have been affected differently, says Dr Naomi Coleman,
a child and adolescent clinical psychologist. “They’re not just one homogenous group,” she explains. “Some children have flourished at home, while some have been more distressed or more anxious about going back to school. Some have really been missing school. “Everyone has had very different experiences in the pandemic and certain things have had a larger impact, such as families affected financially, who were bereaved or where there may have been pre-existing vulnerabilities to mental health problems. Parents of younger children have also found this time especially stressful. “We should be encouraging parents to speak out if they think their child is struggling, but they also need to be mindful of the language they use when talking about it in front of their child, as this can cause anxiety. “Parents should remember children will eventually catch up. More important right now are their emotional needs, as well as our own. Remember, we haven’t seen or socialised in a normal way for months either, so in order to comfort children we really need to feel okay too.” Dr Naomi Coleman can be contacted via Centennial Medical Care, centennialmedical.co.uk or 020 3327 7777
Dr Coleman’s
Top Tips for Parents ✓ Acknowledge that the past year has been challenging – and there may be more challenges ahead ✓ The language we use around children is important in helping them cope with anxiety ✓ Help your child feel safe so they can focus better on learning
✓ Remind them of the routine ahead of returning to school ✓ Children are individual and some will ease back into school better than others ✓ Reach out to teachers so they can best help your child ✓ Remember that children can express anxiety through changed behaviour
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Business / Banking
candicekrieger@googlemail.com
With Candice Krieger
‘BUSINESS BOILS DOWN TO ETHICS AND PROFITS’ The entrepreneur behind a new regional bank that aims to operate according to Jewish law tells Candice Krieger why he’s investing in small and medium enterprises
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new Birmingham bank is help us to do it. What a wonderful irony it would planning to launch a product be that a bank represented by a city with very to specifically serve Jewish few Jews becomes a haven for people from the investors and families alike. religious Jewish community to save and borrow The Birmingham in. It will give the community more Bank, established by choice, and for the consumer that’s key. entrepreneur Lee Bushell and “I believe one or two banks do it granted regulatory approval at and we will do the same. I think the end of last year, is looking there is a demand, as many of to invest in small and medium the Orthodox communities are enterprises (SME) that operinvolved in property and this sits ate according to Jewish law. squarely in what we will do.” Bushell will need to obtain a The first bank to bear Birming‘Heter Iska’, which typically defines Lee Bushell ham’s name for more than a century, loans or bonds issued by the company the Birmingham Bank supports over as a partnership in the company’s business, and 6,500 independent UK businesses including the interest as part of the profits, meaning that retail, local DIY stores and cafes. the company is not violating the ban in Jewish “I set it up because I had frustrations as religious law on charging or paying interest, an entrepreneur in getting loans for many of therefore appealing to the Orthodox sector. my business transactions,” says Bushell, who Bushell, a member of Singers Hill Synagogue started his first business aged 15 selling clothing in the heart of the city, says: “I’m looking at tar- out of his older brother’s car. geting that community and I have someone to “It seems banks take an age to move and
The Bushell Investment Group owns hair chains Regis and Supercuts
make decisions and that’s not conducive to getting on with business.” Such a move to obtain a Heter Iska would make Bushell one of a small but fast-growing niche within lending. It sits alongside Bushell’s philosophy of: “Business is about two things: profits and ethics and doing your best to combine both.” The businessman also applies this to his Bushell Investment Group (BIG), which recently bought struggling footwear retailer Aldo after it fell into administration in May. Bushell has saved 150 jobs and plans to create an additional 50 roles across the business over the next 12 months. BIG also acquired hair chains Supercuts and Regis. “My brother is one of the top stylists in the Midlands and has a fantastic brand. When the opportunity came across my desk, I thought of using his extensive knowledge of the hair industry and our centralised resources as a natural fit. The timing with the virus hasn’t been ideal, but the sound financial footing we created has meant we have not lost any jobs or had to close down any shops.” Father-of-three Bushell believes that the regions outside of London will be integral to the UK’s economic recovery. “Many people in London think the world doesn’t exist outside the M25, but there are huge swathes of wealth being created in the provinces.” He adds: “I believe there are more opportunities outside of London and for companies like ourselves, it is advantageous because we haven’t got that London name/address. Investors should be looking to the provinces and I have no doubt they are.” Covid has proven that people can work from anywhere, and Bushell predicts an increasing number of companies will move away from the capital to Birmingham following HS2, the new high-speed railway linking up London, the Midlands, the North and Scotland. “The standard of living for the average person cannot be rivalled in London. Our proximity in Birmingham, lack of a commute and the house prices make it an attractive proposition.
“If only all the Jews who left Birmingham over the past three decades would have stayed, they would almost all certainly be enjoying large gardens over lockdown!” Although following a successful education route – King Edward School followed by a law degree at Leeds University – Bushell’s focus was always on a business, be it gold buying, retailing, teaching or event organising. “You name it, I’ve invested in it. Not always successfully I may add. I have a saying: ‘Lose often and small – win big and seldom’. Many of my businesses have not been a success, but I make sure all debts are paid and we move on swiftly. Business is about ethics and profits, nothing else. In this country, we often feel ashamed talking about profits. We shouldn’t. It’s the only true measure of a successful business. My father always reminded me of that.” Bushell cites launching the Birmingham Bank as the proudest moment in his career. “To own a bank puts you in rare company and I appreciate the trust and responsibility I now have. And I suppose in some ways, it’s validation from the Bank of England that I am a ‘fit and proper person’ and that my business ethics are way they should be.” And because he believes the bank is needed now more than ever. “SMEs are the heartbeat of the economy, and Birmingham has more SMEs and start-ups than anywhere else in the UK outside of London,” he explains. In terms of investment opportunities going forward, he says: “There will always be huge tech opportunities; however, we stay clear of these as we do not understand the intricacies and have been burnt before. “The obvious place to look at is distressed investing [investing in troubled companies]; we have been doing this since 2017 and it has changed the face of our company. “However, there are huge pitfalls to distressed investing. I would imagine there will be some leisure bargains coming up soon and that’s probably where we would turn our focus.” www.bushellinvestmentgroup.com
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4 March 2021 Jewish News
Clear masks are not a luxury - especially at school!
In my school, my friends and my teachers all wear clear masks, so I can read their lips. ss! cla in lk ta I n he w es se r he ac te my is, le ub Only tro Let’s all wear clear masks and make sure children with hearing loss can understand what’s being said and be in the conversation. Buy your clear mask today from JDA!
020 8446 0502 www.jdeaf.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1105845 Company Limited by Guarantee 4983830
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Orthodox Judaism
SEDRA
Torah For Today
Ki Tisa
What does the Torah say about: Schools reopening
BY RABBI JEFF BERGER Ki Tisa is known for the incident of the Golden Calf, but less known for the second most important encounter in Jewish history: Moses’ request to see God’s Divine Glory. “I shall make all my goodness pass in front of you and reveal the name of God before you. I shall show favour to whom I favour and mercy to whom I show mercy.” This is perhaps one of the more overlooked, perplexing sections in the Torah. What more was Moses asking of God? Shemot Rabbah suggests he was seeking to understand the spiritual workings of Heavens and Earth. Maimonides writes that he wanted to learn how the Almighty governed the Israelites, while Rashbam proposes Moses pleaded for God to continue caring for the people directly, not through an angel.
In response, Moses was taught how to pray during times of trouble. Concealed in the cleft of a rock, he called out in God’s name and was shown the 13 Attributes of Mercy, which we recite daily. The Israelites were promised a new covenant. These verses promise then and future generations Divine forgiveness. Both are essential for us to exist in a relationship with the Sovereign of the Universe. The Israelites, on the verge of destruction, were rescued by Moses’ unfaltering dedication and intervention. His intimacy with the Divine averted a near irreconcilable spiritual crisis. Instead, he sought and received further assurances of God’s clemency and set into place a model for all times. ◆ Rabbi Jeff Berger can be reached at rabbijefflondon@gmail.com
BY RABBI SHAULY STROM Of the many memes circulating at the moment (generated by an ingenious cohort of adolescence, all stuck at home with limited opportunities to express their creativity), one (pictured, right) shows a class of pensioners sitting at their school desks with the tongue-in-cheek tagline: “When schools reopen after corona.” Although amusing, as someone who has had my three schoolchildren home from school on and off this past year, I can relate deeply to the despair faced by so many parents of young (and older) children. Finally, schools will begin to reopen next week. So, what does the Torah say about this? In Judaism, the centres for education are the cornerstones of society. Perhaps one of the most profound ideas, Judaism teaches, is about the emphasis placed on sustaining educational institutions.
According to Halacha, a community must invest foremost in an educational institution when strapped for funds before it can invest in a synagogue. The late Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks relates how he received an invitation to lunch with the prime minister – but at the same time received an invitation to take part in the opening ceremony of a new Jewish school in London. He writes that his resolve was to regretfully decline the prime
minister’s invitation and open the school, giving his reasoning: “Governments sustain society, education sustains the world.” Rabbi Yehudah Ha-Nasi, an early Talmudic scholar, remarks: “Schoolchildren may not be made to neglect [their studies] even for the building of the Temple.” There is perhaps an interesting reason for this – the word chinuch, which means “education”, comes from the same word that means “dedication”. Jewish education must be one of dedication. As we thankfully return our children to the caring hands of our communities’ teachers, let us express our thanks that schooling can resume and we can continue handing over the baton of Jewish identity to the next generation with the same dedication that we have always been taught. ◆ Rabbi Shauly Strom is Aish UK director of northern campuses
We will say Kaddish for you when no-one else will. KKL, JNF UK’s legacy department, offers a range of professional services including assistance in arranging for your Will to be drafted, executorship services and personalised pastoral care. Our caring team will often act as family for clients who are alone in their autumn years. When they pass away, we ensure burial is arranged, Kaddish is said and their estate is administered.
For more information on supporting JNF UK’s vital work in Israel, please contact one of our friendly team, for a no-obligation and confidential consultation: 0800 358 3587 | enquiries@kkl.org.uk
KKL Executor and Trustee Company Ltd (a Company registered in England No. 453042) is a subsidiary of JNF Charitable Trust (Charity No. 225910) and a registered Trust Corporation (authorised capital £250,000).
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Progressive Judaism
Progressively Speaking
The Bible Says What? Jacob was a liar and cheat, but we still revere him
There are 20 million reasons to thank those helping the vaccine roll-out
BY RABBI SANDRA KVIAT When we meet Jacob in the Torah, he is the supposed golden boy. One of the three patriarchs, the grandson of Abraham, he creates a vast fortune in sheep and returns with four wives and more children than most can remember. He is the apple of his mother’s eye and the successor to the blessings given by God to Abraham. But is he someone to emulate? He showed no kindness to his starving brother, but twice negotiated/forced his desperate brother to give up something valuable before sharing his food with him. The traditional commentaries focus their contempt on Esau for so willingly giving up his birthright on an impulse. But what about Jacob, who showed no compassion for his twin Jacob had everything to gain in getting his brother to hand over the birthrigh. The firstborn son inherited both the leadership of the family and
the legal authority of the father, as well as twice the material inheritance (Deut 21.17). The birthright was no small thing. And yet, as soon as Jacob had deceived his own father into giving him the final blessing, he had to flee for his life. But we have all been a Jacob – cheating, lying, using half-truths to get our way. Later in the Torah, Jacob memorably dreams of a ladder to heaven. He does not wake up to a new start, but he does wake up with a different awareness, which slowly changes his character, although the wily behaviour of Jacob continues into his old age. That is the point. Jacob is not perfect, he does not attain a perfect start or complete change, and neither will we.Instead, we are reminded that real personal change happens slowly, with small goals and gradual progress.
◆ Rabbi Sandra Kviat serves Crouch End Chavurah
BY RABBI DEBBIE YOUNG-SOMERS Last week, while attending my vaccination appointment as a frontline key worker, I swiftly made my way through the various checks and carefully distanced queues. I was greeted by people from every part of our community and, of course, many Jews from across the denominations. One happily demonstrated his Hebrew by reading my mask out loud: it was emblazoned with the Biblical command ‘V’ahavta re’achah c’mochah’ to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’, while the man administering my painless dose of vaccine wore his black velvet kippah. Members of my own synagogue volunteer at pharmacies and vaccine centres and help us fulfil the command from Leviticus 19:19 I wore across my face that day. All these volunteers sacrificing their time and potentially their own safety means our entire local community is benefitting from a fairly rapid vaccine roll out.
There are still big gaps that need filling and I would love to have seen our kids’ teachers prioritised for the vaccine before they go back to school on Monday, but nationally we have hit a total of 20 million people who have been given their first dose of vaccine. The Biblical Temple relied on a system that encouraged social distancing if someone showed signs of illness. It also ensured those who served in the Temple – the Levites – who had no portion of land ascribed to them, could be looked after and fed by the sacrifices of the community. The Temple system tried to
protect people and look after the vulnerable. We might want to do it a little differently today, but as we begin to see the world opening up, we must keep at the fore how we best love our neighbour. Vaccines are a crucial part of this, but not the only part. If we rush back to life as we knew it, particularly before everyone who is eligible has had both doses and before we know how truly effective it is, we may find ourselves back in the wilderness. I want to thank everyone in our little Jewish community helping to make our broader communities safer, whether by volunteering, getting vaccinated or continuing to wear masks and social distance. We have had quite a year. I hope we all cross the finish line together without leaving the vulnerable behind. ◆ Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers serves Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue
Chief Executive Officer Work Avenue Finchley, London Circa. £100,000
We are looking for an inspirational leader to grow Work Avenue to its next level of impact. Working closely with the Board and building on our strong reputation, the CEO will identify new opportunities and provide the leadership and resources for our passionate team. We seek a creative and innovative individual with experienced leadership and a track record of developing organisations to excel. Our new CEO will have worked within or alongside business and will be committed to helping people to achieve financial independence with dignity. To download the candidate information pack and for further details on how to apply please visit the link below: www.prospect us.co.uk workavenue Deadline for applications: Tuesday th pril
Immanuel College The Charles Kalms • Henry Ronson
HMC Independent Jewish Day School for Children aged 4-18
Teacher of Jewish Studies Part time (2-3 days per week) • Required for September 2021 We are seeking a dynamic and committed individual to teach Tenach, Talmud, and Jewish Knowledge and Skills to a range of ages and abilities. Teaching will include the GCSE Religious Studies syllabus. You will prove to be an effective teacher with a wide Jewish knowledge, and will identify with the modern Orthodox ethos of the school. Applications are also welcome from NQTs or those willing to work towards a teaching qualification. We are a highly successful, modern orthodox, co-educational, independent Jewish day school, characterised by exceptional academic standards, outstanding pastoral care and a renowned programme of Jewish study. We recently were assessed as “excellent” by ISI in July 2019 and achieved outstanding public exam results last Summer. We enjoy an environment of happy, fulfilled young people, fully engaged in the life of the school community, aspirational and committed to their studies.
Immanuel College is a vibrant, professional and caring place to work, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. We are deeply committed to the emotional and professional wellbeing and development of all our staff with the added benefits of access to the TPS, a supportive CPD system, membership to a healthcare scheme, subsidised lunches, family friendly policies and a range of wellbeing initiatives. To apply, please visit our website www.immanuelcollege.co.uk An Application Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and the names and contact details of two referees should be sent to Mr Gary Griffin, Head Master at jobs@immanuelcollege.co.uk Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. For further enquiries relating to the role please contact Rabbi Danny Baigel, Director of Jewish Education at dbaigel@immanuelcollege.co.uk Head Master: Mr Gary Griffin BA (Soc) Hons Elstree Road, Bushey, Herts, WD23 4EB Tel: 020 8950 0604
Immanuel College is a thriving and successful HMC co-educational Jewish day school for children aged 4 to 18. We welcome, on an equal basis, all applications regardless of faith. Immanuel College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.
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Ask our
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Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts
Our trusty team of advisers answers your questions about everything from law and finance to dating and dentistry. This week: BRCA genetic testing, CV writing advice for the older generation and selling coins and Judaica age (say, under 40), or if you or a close relative had cancer in both breasts. There is also a type SIMON MARSH BREAST, GROIN & HERNIA SURGEON of breast called “triple negative breast cancer” 108 HARLEY STREET where the incidence is higher. If you have two or more close relatives with Dear Simon breast cancer, or a male relative who has had it A friend told me about BRCA genetic then, again, you might consider a test. testing. Who should be tested and what The BRCA mutations are related to other happens if it shows an abnormal gene? cancers, particularly ovarian, prostate, pancreMadeline atic and some types of brain cancer, so if these are in your family, there might be an abnormal Dear Madeline gene. Historically, the Ashkenazi population Most breast cancers are what we call “sporadic”, has been found to have double the usual rate of meaning we don’t know the causes, but in a BRCA mutations, but this probably applies to small number we can identify a change (mutaall Jewish groups, as well as to Polish people. tion) in a gene, that leads to an increased risk of Carrying an abnormal gene does not mean you developing breast cancer. The two most wellwill definitely get breast cancer (other factors known of these are BRCA1 and BRCA2, but we are involved) and while some women will know about many other “minor genes” too. undergo surgery to remove the breasts, others You should consider gene testing if you or will opt to have regular imaging to pick up any a close relative has had breast cancer at a young cancer early so it can be successfully treated.
ERIC SALMON CAREER ADVISER
RESOURCE Dear Eric I’m no youngster and it’s been many years since I applied for work. Where do I begin when putting my CV together? David Dear David At Resource, we’re finding yours is an all-too common situation during these difficult times. CVs have changed over the years. The first thing to remember is your
CV shouldn’t – and doesn’t – require you to reveal your age. So no date of birth, no mention of ‘O-levels’ or your school dates, for example, and no need to go back in detail over your early years in employment. A brief overview within one paragraph will be fine. It’s important you grab the recruiter’s attention from the start; you may be competing with many other candidates’ CVs. Use the first half page to provide essential contact information and an eye-catching profile briefly summarising who you are and what you’re skilled at. Don’t waste this premium space with wordy information. Then follow with three or four key achievements you’re most proud of, making them as recent and relevant to the
employer as possible – without alluding to long-ago dates! For someone in your position, we at Resource may recommend you don’t present your layout chronologically. Instead, use a functional format that highlights skills and abilities in order of relevance to the role. It’s especially important if you can demonstrate significant work experience related to the employer. Include your interests, keep to two pages and always write in the third person. Save sentences beginning with ‘I’ for your covering letter. Finally, ask someone to double-check for spelling and grammatical errors. If it helps, phone Resource and arrange to talk your job search through with an advisor.
We understand that the pandemic has forced you to change your plans We understand that it may have been difficult to obtain your VISA and plan your flights We understand that planning your new life in Israel has been more difficult BUT MOVING NEED NOT BE!! We can still survey for your move We can still quote for your move We can still come and pack for your move We can still ship everything from the UK to Israel We can still deliver into your new home. One less thing to worry about …………………..
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JANATHAN WILLIAMS JEWELLER
JEWELLERY CAVE LTD Dear Jonathan As the gold prices are still looking high when I look at your weekly prices in Jewish News, is now a good time to sell my Krugerrands? Additionally, I have a lot of silver Judaica that none of my children or grandchildren want, as they don’t think it’s trendy and it tarnishes. And, finally, I have some very nice
diamond jewellery which I would like redesigned , is this something you can assist with? Betty Dear Betty First, the gold price is still
T: 020 8832 2222 E: info@shipsms.co.uk W: www.shipsms.co.uk
very strong, although it has dropped 15 percent since its peak, so at £1,240 a coin , it’s still a great price, bearing in mind 12 years ago they were £250 each. Second, yes we do purchase any Judaica silver, or in fact any silverware, so we are happy to assess and value any products for you. Finally, we have been making jewellery for 43 years and can redesign anything you desire, and we can also give you lots of inspiration. Please phone us, on 020 8446 8538, to make an appointment to come into our showroom on Hendon Lane, Finchley.
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Our Experts
FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE
Do you have a question for a member of our team? Email: editorial@jewishnews.co.uk PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST
KITCHEN CONSULTANCY
JACOB BERNSTEIN Qualifications: • A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: • Mortgage, protection and general insurance intermediaries; • Lenders, credit brokers, debt counsellors and debt managers; • Alternative Investment Fund managers; • E-Money, payment services, PISP, AISP and grant-making charities.
SHANTI PANCHANI Qualifications: • Experienced designer with 25+ years’ experience in German and English kitchens. • We provide a full-circle approach: from designing and supplying to installing your new kitchen including appliances and speciality worktops. • Our suppliers are flexible in design, ensuring the customer remains the priority. • We have been supplying kosher-friendly kitchens for over 15 years.
RICHDALE CONSULTANTS LTD 020 7781 8019 www.richdale.co.uk jacob@richdale.co.uk
THE KITCHEN CONSULTANCY 07738 067 671 www.thekitchenconsultancy.com shanti@thekitchenconsultancy.com
BREAST, GROIN & HERNIA SURGEON
EMPLOYMENT LAW AND DATA PROTECTION
TREVOR GEE Qualifications: • Managing Director, consultant specialists in affordable family health insurance. • Advising on maximising cover, lower premiums, pre-existing conditions. • Excellent knowledge of health insurers, cover levels and hospital lists. • LLB solicitors finals. • Member of Chartered Insurance Institute.
SIMON MARSH Qualifications: • Consultant General Surgeon with specialist interest in dealing with both breast cancer and non-cancer breast conditions. • Surgical Director of the Gilmore Groin and Hernia Clinic experienced in hernia surgery, including “non-mesh” hernia repair and Sportsman’s Hernia. • Local anaesthetic surgery including lipomas, cysts and skin cancers.
EMMA GROSS Qualifications: • Specialist in claims of unfair dismissal, redundancy and discrimination. • Negotiate out-of-court settlements and handle complex tribunal cases. • HR services including drafting contracts and policies, advising on disciplinaries, grievances and providing staff training. • Contributor to The Times, HR Magazine and other titles.
PATIENT HEALTH 020 3146 3444/5/6 www.patienthealth.co.uk trevor.gee@patienthealth.co.uk
108 HARLEY STREET 0207 563 1234 www.108harleystreet.co.uk info@108harleystreet.co.uk
SPENCER WEST LLP 020 7925 8080 www.spencer-west.com emma.gross@spencer-west.com
DIRECTOR OF LEGACIES
JEWELLER
CAROLYN ADDLEMAN Qualifications: Lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in will drafting and trust and estate administration. Last 14 years at KKL Executor and Trustee Company. In close contact with clients to ensure all legal and pastoral needs are cared for. Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
• •
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.
KKL EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE COMPANY 0800 358 3587 www.kkl.org.uk enquiries@kkl.org.uk
JEWELLERY CAVE LTD 020 8446 8538 www.jewellerycave.co.uk jonathan@jewellerycave.co.uk
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Lloyd Platt & Co. Family Law Solicitors
We are pleased to help with all aspects of Family Law, including:
• Divorce
• Pre/Post - Nuptial Agreements
TRAVEL AGENT
COMMERCIAL LAWYER ADAM LOVATT Qualifications: • Lawyer with more than 11 years of experience working in the legal sector. Specialist in corporate, commercial, media, sport and start-ups. • Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of London. • Non-Executive Director of various companies advising on all governance matters.
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CHARITY EXECUTIVE
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.
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WEST END TRAVEL 020 7644 1500 www.westendtravel.co.uk David.Segel@westendtravel.co.uk
JEWISH DEAF ASSOCIATION 020 8446 0502 www.jdeaf.org.uk mail@jdeaf.org.uk
• Cohabitation Agreements • Domestic Violence
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• Children’s cases • Grandparents’ rights to see grandchildren • Pet disputes • Settlements for Cohabitees • Financial Settlement on Divorce • Family disputes To make an appointment please telephone 020
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PRINCIPAL, PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL
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 19 years ago.
STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING LTD 020 8832 2222 www.shipsms.co.uk stephen@shipsms.co.uk
DANCING WITH LOUISE 020 3740 7900 www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk Info@dancingwithlouise.com
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ACCOUNTANT
ADR CONSULTANT
DENTIST
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.
DONIEL GRUNEWALD Qualifications: • Accredited mediator to International Standards offering civil/commercial and workplace mediation; in a facilitative or evaluative format, or by med-arb. • Experienced in all Beth Din matters; including arbitration, advocacy, matrimonial settlements and written submissions. • Providing bespoke alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to the Jewish community.
DR ADAM NEWMAN Qualifications: • Dentist at the Gingerbread House, a Bupa Platinum practice in Shenley, Radlett. • Regional clinical lead for Bupa Dental Care UK. • Providing NHS and private dentistry, whitening, implants and cosmetic treatment. • Bachelor of Dental Surgery and member of the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons Glasgow; GDC registered 212542.
SOBELL RHODES LLP 020 8429 8800 www.sobellrhodes.co.uk a.shelley@sobellrhodes.co.uk
JEWISH DISPUTE SOLUTIONS 020 3637 9638 www.jewishdisputesolutions.co.uk director@jewishdisputesolutions.co.uk
GINGERBREAD HOUSE 01923 852 852 www.gingerbreadhealth.co.uk Adam.newman@gingerbreadhealth.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS SPECIALIST
IT SPECIALIST
CHARITY EXECUTIVE
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.
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.
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.
CURRENCIES DIRECT 07922 131 152 / 020 7847 9447 www.currenciesdirect.com/jn Naomi.feltham@currenciesdirect.com
MAN ON A BIKE 020 8731 6171 www.manonabike.co.uk mail@manonabike.co.uk
JEWISH BLIND & DISABLED 020 8371 6611 www.jbd.org Lisa@jbd.org
ISRAELI ACCOUNTANT
INSURANCE CONSULTANCY
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. • Leon’s motto is: Our numbers speak your language!
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.
HARRIS HOROVIZ CONSULTING & TAX LTD +972-3-6123153 / + 972-54-6449398 leon@h2cat.com
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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.
ERIC SALAMON Qualifications: • Provides free professional one-to-one advice at Resource to help unemployed into work. • Offers mock interviews and workshops to maximise job prospects. • Expert in corporate management holding director level marketing, commercial and general management roles.
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
DIVORCE & FAMILY SOLICITOR
PALLIATIVE CARE MANAGER
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, pet disputes, family disputes. • Frequent broadcaster on national and International radio and television.
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LLOYD PLATT & COMPANY SOLICITORS 020 8343 2998 www.divorcesolicitors.com lloydplatt@divorcesolicitors.com
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Sobell Rhodes 10x2 953_Layout 1 16/11/2016 14:59 Page 1
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[N]
84-86 High Road, South Woodford London E18 2NA IVERY L E D FREE NA WITHI 7 MILE S RADIU
T: 01708 500556
www.ezmekitchen.co.uk
[N]
During this third lockdown, we are open for business on-line as usual. Feel free to Phone us on 0208 446 8538, WhatsApp us on 07770-303745, or Contact us via e -mail to: jonathan@jewellerycave.co.uk
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Half Sovereigns £139.55
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4 March 2021 Jewish News
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Fun, games and prizes
THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD 1
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13 17 18 19 20
7 8
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10 12 14
15 16
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ACROSS 1 To boot (4) 3 Famish (6) 8 Green citrus drink (7)
9 Get your hands on (3) 10 Being the possessor of an area of countryside (4‑6)
D L U G G A G E T C T T K
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U D T V A U Z R A A R R A
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T E O P U T O S E Y O
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Y L
L E A P E S Z M P S L
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F A
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Y C R E W B P F Y X P B
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CASES CREW DELAYS DUTY‑FREE GATE
LANDING LUGGAGE PASSENGERS PASSPORT PILOT
Last issue’s solutions Crossword ACROSS: 1 Faced 4 Pitta 7 Mat 8 Install 9 Shoe 10 Acid 13 Lad 15 Tape 16 Ugly 19 Nurture 21 Run 22 Alert 23 Scent DOWN: 1 Fame 2 Catch up 3 Drivel 4 Push 5 Tea 6 Allude 11 Calorie 12 Stanza 14 Duress 17 Oust 18 Knit 20 Rue
PLANE RUNWAY SEAT SECURITY TERMINAL
1 4 8 7 5 6 2 9 3
5 6 2 9 4 3 7 1 8
1
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4 3 1 8 7 9 5 2 6
7 8 5 6 3 2 1 4 9
8 5 4 3 9 1 6 7 2
4 9 3 7 5 2 8 9 2 5 9 3 7 6 1 5 5 1 2 3 7 7 2 3
SUGURU Each cell in an outlined block must contain a digit: a two-cell block contains the digits 1 and 2, a three-cell block contains the digits 1, 2 and 3; and so on. The same digit must not appear in neighbouring cells, not even diagonally.
5
26
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See next issue for puzzle solutions.
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Suguru 9 2 6 5 1 4 3 8 7
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Sudoku 3 7 9 1 2 8 4 6 5
18
1 11
AIRPORT ALTITUDE ARRIVALS BOARDING CABIN
25
25
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G B T H R N N S X R E P E
I
21
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T U D E D G L C R
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N A D W M
A D W W L
2
In this finished crossword, every letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. All you have to do is crack the code and fill in the grid. Replacing the decoded numbers 1, 2 and 15 with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.
The words related to flying can all be found in the grid. Words may run either forwards or backwards, in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction, but always in a straight, unbroken line.
G S S L A V
Designed to stay afloat (10) ___ Affleck, star of Pearl Harbor (3) Knives, forks and spoons (7) Motto or slogan (6) Terminates (4)
CODEWORD
WORDSEARCH
I
Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.
DOWN 1 Adroit, competent (4) 2 Ballroom dance (5) 4 Stand for a golf ball (3) 5 Jewish spiritual leader (5) 6 Hold (someone’s attention) (6) 7 Old word for ‘unmarried young woman’ (6) 11 Prosperity, abundance (6) 12 Confused sound of many voices (6) 14 Tendon connecting a muscle to the bone (5) 15 Prolonged stay in bed in the morning (3‑2) 16 Seed‑buds of a potato (4) 18 Private transport (3)
11
13
SUDOKU
6 1 7 2 8 5 9 3 4
2 9 3 4 6 7 8 5 1
3 4 2 5 3 2
2 1 3 1 4 1
5 4 2 5 3 2
All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com
Wordsearch 1 3 1 4 1 5
2 4 2 3 2 4
1 3 1 4 1 3
2 1 4 1 4 2
4 5 3 2 3 1
3 2 1 4 5 4
1 4 5 2 1 3
5 3 1 3 5 2
1 2 4 2 1 3
N O T N A C X G I R Q M Q
C L Y O E A S N M V I V W
H S L C C E P A F N O N J
I N I A L G B Y G I R R F
N R J D W A H S K C I R Y
A K O F X T E M P L E G B
K O L A U P A S I V C E D
Codeword N B U I A N B E T L Y R G
M U H G S A S A R K A I K
E D O T Z P E O M G I D N
H D X P Z M L J O B D R V
A H I B U A T N W M O P Y
P A N D A S E D A J L O D
D U J I NG L S L QU A Y S B Z E B R A R K AMA Z E E D H E A T K U F L OR A Y N
F G E E F R U N A U L A S T B A E B A B O O I T T O C W I R E L E X Y T
A O F E C T A T ROA D V N N E X U U T DO R K N OW I O C E P T K Y
X B A L Y D K P I G Z F U E W O S V T N J C Q M H R04/03
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Business Services Directory ANTIQUES 44
The Jewish News 22 September 2016
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BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY
Top prices paid
Antique – Reproduction – 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
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Computer FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON:
0800 840 2035 or 07956268290
STUART SHUSTER - e-mail - info@maryleboneantiques.co.uk
Man on aOPEN Bike8am will TOget 9pm 7 DAYS. you working fast! RD LONDON. PORTOBELLO
Full house clearances organised.
MAKE SURE CONTACT BEFORE SELLING Please look YOU at our websiteUS for more details 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. CHARITY & WELFARE For small businesses & home users.
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ARE YOU BEREAVED?
Stirling of Kensal Green Established over 60 years. Know who you are dealing with.
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All quality furniture bought & sold.
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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 Single items to complete Please contact Gordonhomes Stirling
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͔͚͚͛͜ ͚͕͘ ͛͘͘ (ANYTIME) Email: gordonstirling65@gmail.com 0207 723 7415 (SHOP) closed Sunday & Monday
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MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING
WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION Sheltered Accommodation
Charity & Welfare Bereavement Counselling for adults and children individually. Support Groups available. During the pandemic, we offer telephone and online counselling. ARE YOU BEREAVED? Contact Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in adults confidence. Counselling for & children who are 0208Support 951 3881groups offered. experiencing loss. enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk Call The Jewish Bereavement
Labels are forTURN, jars. Refer yourself or aKNOW loved one by IF YOU DON’T WHICH WAY TO Not people. calling 020 8458 2223 orOUR visit HELPLINE. REMEMBER www.jamiuk.org
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HOUSE CLEARANCE
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We have an open waiting list in our friendly and comfortable warden assisted sheltered housing schemes in Ealing, East Finchley and Hendon. We provide 24-hour warden WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION support, seven days a week; a residents’ lounge and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden. Sheltered Accommodation For further details and forms, We have an open waiting list for ourapplication friendly and comfortable pleasesheltered contact Westlon Housing Association onpeople warden assisted housing schemes for Jewish in Ealing, East Finchley andjohnsilverman@btconnect.com Hendon. We provide 24-hour 020 8201 8484 or email: warden support, seven days a week; a residents’ lounge and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.
PEST CONTROL For further details and application forms, please contact Westlon Housing Association on 020 8201 8484
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Gary Green ad 84 x 40mm JM Group v2.indd 1
12Very Beehive Lane 130rates High Street competitive Gants Hill, IG1 3RD Edgware, HA8 7EL Telephone Telephone
18/03/2019 12:50:51
srindsmc@hotmail.com
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HI
LINE ROOFING
LONDON
& UPVC Fitters
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4 March 2021 Jewish News
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43
Business Services Directory AUTOMOTIVE
SILVER
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44
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