1215

FR

EE

Hand it over!

Wave hello to Israel’s 2, 18 & 20 new leader P2,

Mensches honoured!

Queen’s birthday gongs See page 8

VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY 17 June 2021

•

7 Tamuz 5781

•

Issue No.1215

•

@JewishNewsUK

Finding Abraham

Interim JFS head on his plans to transform the school Page 13

Photo by Itamar Eyal

Emiratis in historic yeshiva visit for Jewish News film Page 28

Learning curve

The man who saved summer!

Harrison Engler

Youth group boss persuades government to allow groups of 30 at camps, despite Covid rules limiting numbers to six

by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

A Habonim Dror camp: this year’s has got the go-ahead

A director of a Jewish youth organisation led a successful campaign that convinced health secretary Matt Hancock to allow summer camps to go ahead, even with continued Covid restrictions.

Harrison Engler, a mazkir (national director) of Habonim Dror, was at the centre of efforts to convince the government to relax strict rules on overnight trips for out-of-school groups in the pandemic that limited numbers to six.

On Monday, after Boris Johnson

announced that the full lifting of Covid regulations had been delayed, Hancock confirmed that under Step 3 Covid rules, summer camps could go ahead with up to 30 people.

Jewish News can reveal that the concession was achieved after a brilliant campaign led by Engler, which was also backed by communal groups including the Board of Deputies, Jewish Leadership Council and the United Jewish Israel Appeal.

It was also accompanied by a push

by Noam, the Masorti movement’s own youth wing.

Engler was quick to recognise the success of what he said had been a

“team effort”. But other senior figures in the community were quick to single out Engler as the person who “basically saved Jewish summer camps”.

Adam Wagner, a barrister and expert in understanding complex government lockdown regulations, told Jewish News: “Covid rules are complex and everchanging and it is something of a mystery how decisions are made to change them.

“It is an amazing achievement that in just a few weeks Harrison and Habonim have managed to secure this small but important change.

“It is not an understatement to say that they have saved residential summer

Continued on page 12

2

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

News / New government / Iranian election and analysis

Israel’s ‘rainbow’ coalition nett said: “Now we must prove ourselves, and work together in unity and cooperation to mend the rift among the public and return the state to proper governance after debilitation brought by internal squabbles.”

The coalition has been described as a “rainbow” of ideologically opposed bedfellows, including left-wing liberal parties Meretz and Labour, as well as the United Arab List (UAL), whose parliamentarian Said al-Harumi abstained on the vote. Netanyahu described the new governing coalition as “bad and dangerous”.

In a day of parliamentary drama, before the Knesset elected Mickey Levy from Yesh Atid as Speaker, Bennett was heckled by Netanyahu supporters, with several ejected from the chamber for throwing slurs.

One respected UK-Israel analyst described the catcalling as “obscene”.

So close was the ballot that Bennett and Lapid had to rely on Labor’s Emilie Moatti arriving in an ambulance – she is in hospital with a spinal injury – to cast her vote from a stretcher.

Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, said Netanyahu had left “a mixed legacy – relative security and macroeconomic sta-

by Stephen Oryszczuk

Israelis cast aside their Covid masks and their prime minister this week as the Jewish state emerged both from lockdown and 12 years of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sunday marked the end of his 12-year reign as prime minister when his protégé turned rival Naftali Bennett took over following a terse 30-minute handover.

Although Yamina is only the country’s fifth largest party, winning seven of the 120 Knesset seats in March’s election, Bennett was offered the position of PM by centrist Yair Lapid, whose Yesh Atid party won 17 seats.

The two have been joined in Israel’s most diverse coalition ever, comprising left-wingers, right-wing secularists, and one Arab party, to displace Netanyahu and his ruling Likud, prompting bitter scenes in parliament as Bennett was called a “traitor”.

Under their agreement, 49-year-old Bennett will serve the first two years as prime minister, Lapid the second two, after a narrow vote by MKs – 60 votes to 59 – ushered in the first real transfer of power since 2009.

In his first cabinet meeting, Ben-

Naftali Bennett (front left) and Yair Lapid flank President Reuven Rivlin, joined by new government ministers

bility, coupled with erosion in the public’s trust in the country’s institutions”.

He said Netanyahu’s tenure had led to a “divided Israeli society”, with the new government needing to

PAINTINGS/ART WORK

FURNITURE

PAINTINGS/ARTWORK

JEWELLERY

PORCELAIN

COSTUME PROPERTY JEWELLERY PROPERTY

MEN’S & LADIES WATCHES HIGH-END FASHION WINE &

MEN’S & LADIES & CLOCKS ALCOHOL CARS HIGH-END FASHION QUALITY CARS SCULPTURE & BRONZES NAMED GLASS QUALITY NAMED GLASS GOLD

SCULPTURE & BRONZES

PROBATE VALUATIONS

PROBATE VALUATIONS

SILVER

SILVER

Selling items value has has never simpler.

Selling items ofofvalue neverbeen been simpler.

WHETHER YOU’RE CLEARING A HOME, MOVING, REMODELLING, I WILL GET

WHETHER YOU’RE CLEARING A HOME, MOVING, REMODELLING, I WILL GET THE BEST PRICES FOR ANY ITEMS OF VALUE YOU’RE LOOKING TO SELL THE BEST PRICES FOR ANY ITEMS OF VALUE YOU’RE LOOKING TO SELL •

I AM A INDEPENDENT BROKER ACTING SOLELY ON YOUR BEHALF

•

I AM• A IINDEPENDENT BROKER ACTING SOLELY ON YOUR BEHALF SELL THROUGH MANY DIFFERENT AUCTION HOUSES, HIGH-END

•

DEALERS, COLLECTORS AND PRIVATE CLIENTS HOUSES, HIGH-END I SELL THROUGH MANY DIFFERENT AUCTION

•

MANY CLIENTS YOU WILLFOR ALWAYS RECEIVE MY PERSONAL DISCREET HAVING BEEN IN BUSINESS OVER 15 YEARS LOOKING AFTER MANY,

Foreign policy analysts this week expected no other outcome from Iran’s election on Friday than a win for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s favoured candidate, Ebrahim Raisi.

Only two ‘reformists’ had been allowed to stand in an election that has been stagemanaged by the 82-year-old Supreme Leader, and one – Mohsen Mehralizadeh – dropped out on Wednesday.

The hardline head of the judiciary, Raisi is unlikely to

Raisi: President in waiting

make many friends on the world stage, in contrast with the man he replaces, Hassan Rouhani, who reached out to the UK and others to forge a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear plans.

ONE-TO-ONE SERVICE (REFERENCES AVAILABLE)

MANY CLIENTS YOU WILL ALWAYS RECEIVE MY PERSONAL DISCREET THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION MEETING WITH ME AT YOUR HOME

ONE-TO-ONE SERVICE (REFERENCES AVAILABLE) • • •

OR STORAGE FACILITY

THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION MEETING WITH ME AT YOUR HOME • PROBATE VALUATIONS CARRIED OUT

OR STORAGE FACILITY • BASED IN ST JOHNS WOOD, CLIENTS IN THE UK AND EUROPE PROBATE VALUATIONS CARRIED OUT Perry IN Field 07802WOOD, 157500 CLIENTS IN THE UK AND EUROPE BASED ST |JOHNS

NEW HOME SERVICE AVALIA LE : I WILL UY YOUR SILVER, GOLD Perry Field | 07802 157500 AND JEWLLERY FROM THE COMFORT AND SAFETY OF YOUR HOME.

Under the current government guidelines as of 4th January 2021, House clearances DISCRETION GUARANTEED, and probates should continue, so please IMMEDIATE don’t hesitatePAYMENT to contactMADE. me at any time for a home visit, or you can also send photos of any items you might like to sell to me via WhatsApp on 07802 157500 or my email: perryfield@hotmail.com.

MOST IMPORTANTLY I AM HAVING REGULAR COVID TESTS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY CLIENTS.

In the last three years, however, the landscape has changed dramatically, notably by the US withdrawing from the accord, reimposing sanctions, adding new sanctions, and making it harder for European states to work with Iranian businesses.

An agreement in which inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency continue monitoring Iranian nuclear sites comes to an end on 24 June.

SELECTION, NOT ELECTION

BY JASON BRODSKY SENIOR MIDDLE EAST ANALYST

• HAVING BEEN IN BUSINESS OVER 10 YEARS LOOKING AFTER MANY, DEALERS, COLLECTORS AND FOR PRIVATE CLIENTS

•

reform the electoral process and constitutional structure, none of which will be easy with a wafer-thin majority and tensions between the parties.

Editorial comment, page 20

Iran poised to crown Raisi

PRECIOUS STONES

GOLD

“calm tensions in Israeli society and foster a unity of purpose”.

Bennett and Lapid now need to pass a budget, oversee the appointment of senior civil servants, and

Iran’s presidential contest on Friday is more selection than election. A combination of mass disqualifications and voter apathy has plagued this poll. The Iranian establishment has made this an uncompetitive race to control the outcome as the next president will possibly be the 82-year-old supreme leader’s last. In terms of foreign policy, particularly Israel, this election will not change the Islamic Republic’s fundamental enmity towards the Jewish state.

The frontrunner, Chief Justice Ebrahim Raisi, is a loyal protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has risen through the ranks of the judiciary and has presided over

egregious rights abuses as a member of a death commission in 1988, which greenlighted the executions of thousands of prisoners.

Despite membership of the Supreme National Security Council since 2019, Raisi lacks the exposure to the international community that President Rouhani had prior to his election.

Policy towards Israel is likely to remain unchanged regardless of who wins, because such decisions are driven by Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp. Khamenei will remain the commander-in-chief and regime preservation depends on the republic’s anti-Zionist character. Provision of manpower, money, and materiel to Iran’s proxies and partners will continue, a trend that may ever accelerate should the US rejoin the Iran nuclear deal.

Raisi’s selection could help Israel better mobilise the international community against Tehran, given his bloodstained record.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

3

Anti-Israel rally / News

Corbyn at ‘Israel Nazis’ protest

by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell spoke at a demonstration organised by the anti-Israel Friends of Al-Aqsa group last weekend, at which openly antisemitic placards were again held aloft by the crowd.

After the former Labour leader and the ex-shadow chancellor addressed those attending the demo in Whitehall on Saturday, a banner raised by one protester read: “Israel The Nazi State” and added: “Netanyahu = Hitler”.

Meanwhile, a female attendee displayed her own placard that stated: “It Wasn’t Ok In South Africa It Wasn’t Ok In Nazi Germany So Why Is It Ok in Palestine (It’s Not!).”

When challenged by Jewish News on how she could make the comparison between Israel and Hitler’s Germany, the protester suggested it could be justified because of “Jewish supremacy” and “apartheid”.

Delivering his speech, McDonnell drew cheers from around 2,000 people who attended as he blasted the “apartheid regime of Israel”.

Some of the banners held by pro-Palestinian protesters at the demonstration organised by Friends of Al-Aqsa

Meanwhile Corbyn – who faces an investigation by Labour into his recent remarks about former Labour MP Luciana Berger at the Cambridge Union – said: “We are

here to support the Palestinian people whether we are Jewish, Hindu, Muslim or Christian, or no faith.”

He also claimed “world opinion”

had been changed on the issue as a result of the recent anti-Israel demos during last month’s 11-day conflict with Hamas that left hundreds dead.

Elsewhere at the event, an inflatable image of an Arab prince complete with horns and a pointy nose was spotted. It had been present at previous London anti-Israel demos.

Suggestions that the inflatable is an antisemitic reference to Jews have been denied, with others concluding the blow-up prop is a caricature of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, one of several Arab nations to establish diplomatic relations with Israel last year.

Other banners seen at the demo included one that read: “Dear Zionists There is some land in HELL you can colonise”, while another protester held up a placard featuring a quote from Bobby Sands, the IRA hunger striker who died in prison.

Protesters regularly performed the now familiar “From the river to the sea – Palestine will be free” chant, along with “Israel is a terrorist state” and “We are all Palestinians”.

The Friends of Al-Aqsa group organised the Justice for Palestine demo outside Downing Street to coincide with the G7 summit in Cornwall.

P E N E, N2 O NOWAVENU PS O H S BI

welcome home...

Join us in our new home, providing compassionate residential, nursing, dementia and respite care.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

020 8673 3495

INFO@NIGHTINGALEHAMMERSON.ORG NIGHTINGALEHAMMERSON.ORG

Registered Charity 207316

4

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

News / ‘Hounded out’ / Workshop upset / Labour strategy

Labour urged to probe ex-Corbyn aide’s insult

by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Labour was under renewed pressure this week to investigate comments made by Jeremy Corbyn’s former chief of staff that suggested she was actively involved in attempts to “trigger” the exit of Luciana Berger and other ex-MPs from the party.

Karie Murphy, formerly one of the ex-leader’s most senior aides, was revealed to have sent a WhatApp message on the day Berger and six other MPs resigned from the party that stated: “F**king idiots. All the work I did to trigger them and they leave before I had the pleasure.”

The comments, which were leaked to the media last October, appeared to suggest a campaign by someone close to Corbyn to oust the MPs ahead of their decisions to leave the party in February 2019. At the time, Berger described Labour as being “institutionally antisemitic”.

Labour confirmed last October it was investigating Murphy’s comments, which are believed to have been shared with a party colleague.

Last Thursday, in an appearance at the Cambridge Union, Corbyn sparked anger when he denied claims that Berger had been “hounded out” of Labour and then insisted she “unfor-

Jeremy Corbyn, left, with Joel Rosen at the Cambridge Union debating society

tunately chose to resign”. The ex-leader also insisted he and the party had offered support to Berger over what he admitted was the “appalling” antisemitic abuse she received.

But Jewish News understands that after the debate, Corbyn was himself sent a reminder of his former chief of staff ’s comments on her work to “trigger” MPs. The party’s governance and legal unit was also sent renewed complaints from at least two separate sources outlining serious issues arising from Murphy’s WhatsApp comments.

One complaint demanded the party prioritise an investigation into whether Corbyn knew of any plan to “hound out” MPs that was run

from the leader of the Opposition’s office.

One angry Labour source said: “It’s fine for the party to say it is investigating Karie Murphy’s comments. But it would be nice to believe an investigation is actually going to take place.”

There was also a demand for Labour to issue a further apology to Berger as a result of the abuse directed at her on social media following Corbyn’s comments to the Cambridge Union.

A senior Labour source confirmed to Jewish News that the party was investigating the complaint about Murphy and was taking Corbyn’s comments made last week in Cambridge “extremely seriously” ahead of a possible formal investigation.

STARMER: MORE FOR US TO DO Sir Keir Starmer has admitted Labour has still got “further to go” in tackling anti-Jewish racism with his party.

But speaking to LBC breakfast show presenter Nick Ferrari he said: “I don’t think anyone could put their hand on their heart and say Keir Starmer is not taking antisemitism in the Labour Party seriously. ” Appearing on his monthly Call Keir slot, the Leader of the Opposition was asked by a listener why some antisemitism disciplinary cases resulted in people being allowed back into Labour.

He said: “We take action in all of the cases that are brought to our attention.

“The sanction, or what happens at the end, will depend on each case.

“There will be cases that are investigated where it is thought in relation to what was said that after a period of time people can be reinstated. I haven’t got individual cases to my fingertips – but of course that happens.”

Sir Keir then went on to defend his record of tackling the problem of antisemitism under his watch. “Of course we have got further to go,” he admitted.

Starmer also stressed how “lots of Jewish communities are now working with us – including doing education and training within the party – something they weren’t willing to do before”.

He added: “The important thing is, are we gaining the confidence of Jewish communities?

I think we are.”

NEU: Members wanted vandal The leaders of Britain’s biggest teaching union have claimed their own members called for antisemitism workshops organised by a controversial activist who desecrated the Warsaw Ghetto wall.

The joint general secretaries of the National Educational Union (NEU) insisted the “anti-racist training events” organised by Ewa Jasiewicz took place last month “at the request of members in the north-west”.

Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney also claimed the three sessions were “well received by the members who attended”.

Jewish News exclusively

Ghetto vandal Ewa Jasiewicz

revealed how Jasiewicz – who daubed the words “Free Palestine – liberate all ghettos” – in 2010 on the wall of the site where the Nazis incarcerated thousands of Jews was behind the sessions held to “understand antisemitism”.

In a letter sent to the Board of Deputies after they

expressed anger at the decision to allow Jasiewicz to be involved with the events, the NEU leaders wrote: “The antisemitism workshops you refer to were developed as part of anti-racist training events organised at the request of members of the NEU in the north west.

“The sessions were delivered by independent providers and were well received by the members who attended.”

On the decision to involve Jasiewicz, union chiefs said: “She facilitated the organisation of the event at the request of members, but had no role in deciding or delivering the content of any sessions.”

Antisemitism strategy motion The London Assembly has unanimously passed a motion calling for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and the Metropolitan Police Service to commission and publish a specific strategy for tackling antisemitism in London following a recent rise in antisemitic incidents.

The move follows a dramatic rise in incidents of antisemitism in the UK since the outbreak of violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

The motion passed last Thursday was proposed by Greater London Authority Conservatives leader Susan Hall Assembly Member, who had said: “It’s no surprise many Jewish Londoners feel let down by our city’s response

to the recent horrific scenes of antisemitism on our streets.

“Something has clearly gone wrong when mobs parading on our streets, and even a convoy of vehicles driving through a Jewish community, can freely broadcast their hateful, disgusting and violent views.

“Condemnation of antisemitism alone won’t make London any safer. We need strong action to root it out. In the future, there must be a swifter police response with robust police action to keep Jewish Londoners safe.

“We cannot allow a repeat of the antisemitic demonstrations and displays we have seen recently in London.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

5

Racism awareness / ‘Terror’ trial / Man targeted / News

Praise for antisemitism awareness sessions

by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Thousands of Labour members have taken part in antisemitism awareness training sessions in a move taken by the party to stamp out the antiJewish racism that thrived under previous leader Jeremy Corbyn.

In what Labour confirmed was its biggest training initiative, members were invited by General Secretary David Evans to view the online sessions put on by the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM).

Education sessions on what constitutes antisemitism were among the Action Plan commitments within the Equality and Human Rights Commission report (EHRC) Labour agreed to undertake last October.

Monday evening’s hour-long session was presented by Mike Katz, JLM’s national chair, and the group’s national organiser Rebecca Filer.

The module covered an introduction to the Jewish community in the UK, what antisemitism now looks like and practical steps to engage positively with Jewish members and voters.

It also included discussion of common tropes around Jewish power, money and the blood libel.

There was also a section dealing with Israel/Palestine and the need to ensure criticism of a government did not stray into criticism of an entire people.

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner gave a welcome to members at the start of the session.

Following the event, which was the first time in

Members of the Jewish Labour Movement

three years that JLM had contributed training on antisemitism to the party, many members posted positive messages on social media, including Perran Moon, a Labour councillor in Banbury Grimsbury and Hightown.

He tweeted: “I learnt a lot in a very short but wellrun and highly informative webinar.”

Former Labour general secretary Jennie

Formby had infuriated Jewish Labour members three years ago when she undercut JLM as training providers, with the Corbyn leadership reaching out instead to groups such as Jewish Voice for Labour.

Katz told Jewish News: “The more Labour members understand antisemitism, the better equipped they’ll be to challenge it if they see it in their local parties and wider society.”

TEEN’S ‘PLAN FOR A 3D GUN’ A teenager wanted to make a 3D printed gun as part of an extreme rightwing terror plot, a court has heard.

Matthew Cronjager, 18, hated Jews, Muslims and those with a different sexual orientation to him and wanted to bring about a revolution based on his racist ideology, the Old Bailey was told.

Prosecutor Alistair Richardson said Cronjager wanted to get hold of firearms and ammunition and drew up plans for an underground bunker in which to store the weapons.

Part of the plot involved plans to make a gun using a 3D printer, but Cronjager unwittingly sent instructions and funds to an undercover law enforcement operative.

Cronjager, of Ingatestone, Essex, is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts

Kippah-wearer targeted A pedestrian wearing a kippah was targeted with antisemitic abuse on Saturday evening by members of the convoy for Palestine.

Anti-Israel demonstrators drove from Bradford to join a protest in London, amid an appeal from the convoy’s organisers for participants not to engage in antisemitism, unlike during a similar convoy in mid-May. Philip Rosenberg said on Twitter: “I walked down Finchley Road today

SAVE TEHE DAT DON’T FORGET ME

For more information about leaving a gift in your Will, or about our Free Will service, please contact Richard Budden richardb@worldjewishrelief.org 020 8736 1250

www.worldjewishrelief.org/will

reg. charity 290767

wearing my kippa (Jewish skullcap) & one member of #Convoy4Palestine shouted ‘Free Palestine’ at me & another blew a horn. You are entitled to demonstrate for your cause but not to do so at people who are visibly Jewish. That is antisemitism.”

Rosenberg, chair of the Camden Faith Leaders’ Forum and the Board of Deputies’ director of public affairs, said he reported it to the Community Security Trust and police.

JOIN US TO HONOUR JEWS IN HM ARMED FORCES, PAST AND PRESENT 2.00pm, Sunday 27th June at: www.youtube.com/ajexjma Join AJEX for a unique virtual tour of the National Memorial Arboretum and a special ceremony to celebrate the significant contribution of Jewish Servicemen and women to HM Armed Forces both past and present.

The National Memorial Arboretum is a stunning parkland providing a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. It houses hundreds of memorials, including the AJEX Memorial. This event takes place in National Armed Forces week.

And don’t forget to leave a gift to World Jewish Relief in your Will YOU CAN HELP END JEWISH POVERTY

between 31 October and 19 December last year. He also faces four counts of collecting terrorist information and another charge of disseminating terrorist publications through a library on the encrypted messaging app Telegram. He denies all of the charges.

“He wanted to bring about a change of government by violence... to bring about his own revolution, based on his own racist ideology,” said Richardson. In one private message, Cronjager is alleged to have said: “I don’t want to start anything too soon but I want to conduct at least one offensive action within two years.”

Some of the material found provided “real and practical guidance” to people who would want to commit terrorist atrocities, the court heard.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

You can also keep up to date with AJEX on social media. We would love you to follow us: youtube.com/ajexjma facebook.com/ajexheadoffice twitter.com/AJEX_UK instagram.com/ajex_ jma AJEX Charitable Foundation Registered Charity No 1082148

• The virtual tour will take in key memorials, giving a Jewish perspective • The Annual Service of Commemoration at the AJEX Memorial will honour the Jewish role played in HM Armed Forces, both past and present.

• A new National Standard will be dedicated - the first for 40 years.

Please join us

The AJEX Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum

6

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

News / Anti-Israel petitions / Crowdfunding issues / Hamas peril / TV debate

£370,000 raised for Corbyn not banked

MPs clash on call for Palestine state Tory MP Christian Wakeford has used a Commons debate sparked by two anti-Israel online petitions signed by more than half-a-million people to question a Labour frontbencher about his party’s commitment to a Palestinian state.

During Monday’s debate, the Bury South MP said while it was “certainly politically expedient to call for the recognition of Palestine right now” such a state could not in reality be defined without its borders being defined.

In response, Labour shadow Middle East minister Wayne David said: “There is no expediency about it – it is a long-standing commitment that we have, and we stick to it.”

The debate was sparked by the signing of a petition calling for recognition of Palestinian statehood and the other urging government to block all trade with Israel and, in particular, arms.

Middle East minister James Cleverly said: “The UK will recognise a Palestinian state at a time when it best serves the object of peace.”

The Jeremy Corbyn supporter who set up a crowdfunding campaign to help support the former Labour leader has revealed that she has been unable to bank the £370,000 raised, writes Lee Harpin.

Carole Morgan set up the Jeremy’s Legal Fund page on the GoFundMe website last July, after BBC journalist John Ware said he was considering suing Corbyn for libel in relation to comments he made about Labour’s decision to settle a case over a Panorama exposé of antisemitism.

To date, the appeal on Corbyn’s behalf has received

£370,590 in donations. But now, in a message posted to those who have pledged money, Morgan wrote: “It’s been quite some time since I’ve been able to update you all on what is happening with Jeremy’s Legal Fund.

“As you know... JBC Defence Ltd has spent months attempting to open a bank account to receive your donations.

“Unfortunately we have

been unsuccessful for two reasons. The first is that many banks are not taking new applications for business current accounts. The second is that where we were able to submit applications to a small number of UK banks, all of these were declined without any reason given.

“GoFundMe has agreed in principle for the money to be transferred directly to Jeremy as the legal beneficiary of the fund, to be used for the express purpose of his legal defence against any libel claim brought by John Ware.”

UN STAFF FACE HAMAS THREATS Labour Friends of Israel director Michael Rubin has condemned the “shocking” threats made to staff working for the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza by Hamas extremists.

Staff had been ordered to leave the Strip after denying claims of food and medical supplies in the region during the recent conflict.

Matthias Schamale, UNRWA’s director of operations in Gaza, appeared on Israeli television confirming military strikes by the Israel Defense Forces did not “with some exceptions” target civilians but that the “viciousness and ferocity” of the attacks were “heavily felt”.

Last week, UNWRA condemned “the existence and potential use by Palestinian armed groups” of a tunnel found underneath a school in southern Gaza. Hamas ordered the UNWRA official’s exit from Gaza.

“It’s shocking UNWRA staff have had to leave Gaza due to threats to their safety,” Rubin said.

Sumption references ‘Nazi laws’ in Covid debate

Lord Sumption, right, with Dan Wootton

A retired Supreme Court judge has raised the “extreme example” of “Nazi race laws” during a debate about the morality of Covid-19 lockdown regulations on new TV news channel GB News.

Lord Sumption, a prominent critic of the government’s lock-

B.H

JUNE 20TH - JUNE 21ST YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE WWW.LJFC.COM | INFO@LJFC.COM 0208 209 1117 | 0796 639 3952

down measures, said: “I think most people would accept there was no moral obligation for Germans to comply with the Nazi race laws.”

Sumption, who retired from the Supreme Court in 2018 at the age of 70, insisted that he did “not begin to compare” the experience

of Nazi Germany with the current situation in the pandemic.

Discussing lockdown restrictions, he said: “To make it a criminal offence to associate with other human beings is a proudly wicked thing to do. ” He qualified his comments by suggesting he did not

consider those in the current UK government to be “wicked men” but added the continued lockdown was a “wicked thing to do”.

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl condemned Sumption’s comments as being “deeply inappropriate”.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

7

Citizen’s Advice / Design Biennale / Online premiere / Reporter sacked / News

Charity’s ‘pinkwashing’ jibe The Citizen’s Advice Bureau has altered training materials sent to staff which had alleged Israel uses its LGBT record to mask “apartheid”, writes Joshua Salisbury.

The diversity training for staff at the charity, which is estimated to receive about 60 percent of its funding from the taxpayer, had included a link to a definition of ‘pinkwashing’.

The website in the “optional library” of resources said: “Perhaps the most noted example of pinkwashing is Israel’s public relations campaign to promote itself as the ‘gay mecca’ of the Middle East.”

This site said the campaign

was “an attempt to mask and legitimise Israel’s human rights abuses against Palestinians, regardless of sexuality”.

“Queer Palestinians are not spared when Palestinians are bombed en masse, nor are they given a free pass out of Gaza.

They are not exempt from marginalisation under Israeli apartheid,” it adds. “Palestine’s queers suffer the violences of settler colonialism and occupation alongside homophobia and transphobia.”

A service spokesperson said the online resource was updated on Friday; but the Sunday Telegraph reported the ‘pinkwashing’ claim.

Citizen’s Advice claimed Israel misused its LGBT rights record

A spokesperson told Jewish News the article had been contained in an “optional” library and had now been removed,

A lesbian survivor’s story A play about the life of the lesbian Holocaust survivor Margot Heuman will premiere to an online audience later this month as part of the Brighton Fringe.

Born in 1928 in Germany, Heuman was sent to Theresienstadt, Auschwitz, Neuengamme and Bergen-

Belsen, before being liberated by the British and later emigrating to the United States.

The play takes its text from interviews conducted by Warwick University historian Anna Hájková and offers “a poignant look at coming of age as a Jewish queer woman in the concentration camps”.

Heuman, now 93, reflects on love, choices, sexual violence, sexual barter, hatred towards LGBTQ+ communities and survival.

Brighton Fringe takes place from 24 to 26 June, with the play premiering at 7.30pm on 24 June and running for all three nights.

SAVE THE DATE

because. “content within the article detracted from its core aim of furthering an understanding of LGBTQ+ issues”.

Israelis display boiler room art Students and recent graduates from Tel Aviv University’s School of Architecture were in London last week to present their winning entry at an international exhibition.

Their ‘boiler room’ design was on show in-person at the London Design Biennale 2021 at Somerset House alongside proud diplomats including Israel’s Deputy Ambassador Sharon Bar-li and Cultural Attaché Barak Ganor and TAU trust chair David Meller.

Representing Israel at the Biennale, with this year’s theme

of ‘resonance’, the Israelis chose to focus on social media as both catalyst and source of tension, as users respond to each other’s agendas with the mere act of pressing a switch.

The ‘room’ of boiler switches, by Lior Kantor, Noa Karmi, Lealla Solomon, Osher Lapid, Roi Levin, Barak Weizman, and Oren Elgali, has been described as “a sensory battlefield” using sound, sight and touch to “turn those switches on and off to express opinions”.

The Design Biennale continues until 27 June.

BBC FIRES HITLER CHEERLEADER The BBC journalist who tweeted “Hitler was right” has left her job at the corporation.

An inquiry was launched into Tala Halawa, a Palestine specialist for BBC Monitoring, over messages posted in 2014 including one that said “Israel is more Nazi than Hitler”.

The watchdog group Honest Reporting uncovered the tweets posted by Halawa, who is

based in the West Bank city of Ramallah and was part of the reporting team which covered the recent fighting between Israel and Hamas and the reactions to the conflict. The offensive tweets were posted before she began work at the BBC. Following the investigation a senior corporation source said: “This individual no longer works for the BBC.”

2021

ISRAEL

JNF UK Legacy Mission

4- 13 October ◆ Walk in the footsteps of history ◆ Celebrate Israel’s amazing achievements ◆ Enjoy the trip of a lifetime

£1,500 per person excluding flights No single supplement

TOUR THE LENGTH & BREADTH OF ISRAEL IN LUXURY & COMFORT

ACCOMPANIED BY AN EXPERIENCED GUIDE

EXPERIENCE FIRST-HAND THE JNF UK PROJECTS IN THE NEGEV

To register your interest, please contact the JNF UK legacy department

Tel: 020 8732 6129 Email: legacymission@jnf.co.uk

Registered Charity No. 225910

8

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

News / Queen’s Birthday Honours

Mum and son Rob Rinder and Angela Cohen among honours

by Jenni Frazer @Jennifrazer

Angela Cohen, chair of the ’45 Aid Society, and Robert Rinder, known as “Judge Rinder”, formed a uniquely honoured mother-andson combination in this year’s Birthday Honours List for their services to Holocaust education, each being awarded an MBE. They are joined in that category by Scott Saunders, the founder and chair of the March of the Living in the UK. Heading this year’s list is Britain’s “dancing queen”, the choreographer Arlene Phillips, who has been made a dame for her services to dance and charity.

Manchester-born Phillips, 78, was one of the first judges on Strictly Come Dancing and was previously awarded a CBE for her international choreography work on films and in West End theatre productions.

Philanthropist David Dangoor receives a CBE for his services to the community in Greater London, while Marc Abraham, the popular TV vet – and supplier of Dilyn, prime minister and Carrie Johnson’s Downing Street dog – is awarded an OBE

for services to animal welfare. He said: “I dedicate this to my late amazing father Tony and inspirational grandma Judy, the rest of my family and friends, my incredible team of grassroots campaigners, plus every animal past and present exploited for human benefit.”

Also made OBE is Daniel Mendoza, chair of trustees of The Anne Frank Trust, and Myer Glickman, honoured for his work for the Office of National Statistics, particularly in health analysis.

Michael Newman (pictured on page one), chief executive of The Association of Jewish Refugees, is made OBE for services to Holocaust remembrance and education. He said: “Serving the unique community the AJR supports is a passion and honour. I am so thrilled to accept this award on behalf of our members and those who champion our cause.”

Michael Blond, for services to the Jewish community in Barnet and Michelle Barnett, founder of the charity GIFT, are made MBEs. Leading the list of BEM (British Empire Medallists) is Dr Martin Aaron, the founder and chair of Jami, the Jewish community’s mental health charity. He is joined as BEM Clockwise from top: David Dangoor, Robert Rinder and Angela Cohen, Michelle Barnett, founder of the charity GIFT and celebrity vet Marc Abraham

NORTH WEST LONDON

JETS FC FA Charter Standard Club FREE GIRLS ONLY FOOTBALL

TRAINING SESSIONS WEDNESDAYS THROUGHOUT JUNE 2021 Ages 5 – 9: 4.30 – 5.30 Ages 10–15: 5.30 – 6.30

Mill Hill Powerleague, Pursley Road, NW7 2BB

TRIALS ONGOING FOR BOYS FOOTBALL TEAMS ON WEDNESDAYS THROUGHOUT JUNE 2021 Playing in the Excel Sunday League, Maccabi GB Junior Football League and the Watford Friendly League

Ages 5-10: 4.30 – 5.30

Mill Hill Powerleague, Pursley Road, NW7 2BB For more information, visit our website

nwlj.co.uk

and / or contact Aaron Weichselbaum at: aaronnwlj@hotmail.co.uk | 07956121740

Providing Quality Football to the Community For Ten Years Football Coaches are FA Qualified & DBS Checked

by Paul Sved, honoured for his work for Holocaust education and awareness. Sved said: “I would like to share this unexpected honour with the Holocaust Educational Trust, whose work enabled me to share my wartime experiences with hundreds of young people both in person and online. They gave me the chance to talk about the Holocaust, but also to encourage them to draw conclusions with a peaceful and forward-looking frame of mind.”

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “We wish Paul a hearty mazeltov. More than 75 years after the end of the Holocaust, our survivors share their darkest memories to ensure that the next generation know where hatred and prejudice can ultimately lead. Paul has done

this in a particularly challenging year, mastering video calls to share his testimony.”

On the overseas list, Harry Shindler MBE, a Battle of Anzio veteran and a dedicated campaigner for Anglo-Italian links, is made OBE, as is Charlotte Goldberg, team leader for services to national security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

And Lord McDonald, former Foreign Office Permanent Under Secretary, is made GCMG (Grand Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George) “for his outstanding leadership of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and HM Diplomatic Service from 2015-2020”. Between 2003 and 2006 the diplomats’ diplomat cut his teeth as a popular British ambassador to Israel.

Ex-LFI chair heads NGO

WORK AVENUE’S NEW CHIEF EXEC

The former Enfield North Labour MP Joan Ryan – and ex-chair of the Labour Friends of Israel – has been named executive director of a pro-Israel organisation new to the UK, ELNET. A non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to European ties with Israel, ELNET UK is the fifth office to open, following its establishment in Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Warsaw. The outgoing chair of the Zionist Federation, Paul Charney, has joined ELNET UK as its new chair, and remains chair of Technion UK. Ryan was a Labour MP for 18 years until her opposition to Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership led her to leave the party in February 2019.

A new chief executive has been appointed at Work Avenue, the communal employment support organisation.

David Arden, formerly the chief executive at the S&P Sephardi Community, has held a number of senior roles in government and the civil service, including as a project manager for the 2012 Olympics.

He said: “This is a very exciting time to be taking up the position of chief executive, as our economy begins to recover.

“There are lots of new opportunities out there for people to earn a living and support themselves and their families.” He replaces Debbie Sheldon who has made aliyah.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

ALIYAH SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES Smart Investment, Pensions and Tax Planning

JOIN US FOR A SERIES OF WEBINARS NAVIGATING THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF ALIYAH 5th July, 6:30pm: ALIYAH, SMART INVESTING & TAX PLANNING Simon Benarroch, Chartered Wealth Manager • What should I do with UK property?

• Exploring the 10-year tax free period for Olim • Mitigating UK Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax • Residency & Domicile – how many days can I spend in the UK?

12th July, 4:30pm: POST-PANDEMIC: A GLOBAL MARKET OUTLOOK Simon Benarroch in conversation with: Hugh Gimber, Vice President J.P. Morgan Asset Management • Is a traditional balanced portfolio still effective?

• The state of the markets, what does the future hold?

• Will higher inflation post-Covid affect my investments?

• How to capitalise on opportunities, post-pandemic

15th July, 6:30pm: SPECIALIST PENSION & RETIREMENT PLANNING Simon Benarroch in conversation with: Alan Page, Chartered Financial Planner • Taking my pension pot tax free • Mitigating the 55% charge on large pension funds • What happens to my pension when I make Aliyah?

Registration via our website:

GoldersGreen.RaymondJames.uk.com For more information:

020 8202 1944

RJUKGoldersGreen@RaymondJames.com

Registration closes at 2pm on the day of each webinar. Webinars will be held over Zoom

In association with:

With investing, your capital is at risk

Raymond James Investment Services Ltd is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered in England and Wales number 3669657. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker St, London EC2Y 9LY.

9

10

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

News / Teacher row / Trent Park / Education grant

Equality concerns at LSJS after lecturer loses title The university that awards degree courses taught by the London School of Jewish Studies will raise concerns with the institution after a teacher was stripped of her research fellow role because she became a rabba (female rabbi), writes Joshua Salisbury.

Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, 61, was informed by the LSJS that she would be unable to continue to teach on one of the school’s adult education courses – which is not accredited by Middlesex University – or retain her honorary title, because she had enrolled on a rabbinic ordination course at Yeshiva Maharat in New York.

Orthodox authorities, including the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, do not recognise female rabbis.

Middlesex University, which separately validates several of the school’s degrees, will raise the issue with the school and hundreds have signed letters in support of the teacher of 16 years.

“I am so sad at this denial of the opportunity to take my teaching to new heights and to expand access to Torah learning for my beloved students at

LSJS,” said Taylor-Guthartz. “The decision is regrettable, but I am determined to continue to teach Torah across the community to everyone who is eager to learn.”

The popular lecturer, who was employed on an informal contract, graduated from her semicha course on Tuesday.

She says she had never sought to become a communal rabbi, and had volunteered not to use the title of rabba.

But officials at the school told her that it would not be possible to continue in the role, as obtaining the qualification would not be in line with the halachic guidance of the Chief Rabbi.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis has repeatedly outlined Orthodox opposition to female rabbis, saying that while women were welcome to take up numerous senior leadership positions in communal life, a rabbi could not be one of them.

“On behalf of all LSJS trustees, I would like to thank Dr Taylor-Guthartz for her many years of service and we wish her all the best for the future,” said

the chair of LSJS, Gary Phillips. “She is a wonderful teacher who will be much missed by both her students and colleagues at the college.’”

A letter signed by more than 30 Reform and Liberal rabbis in support of Dr Taylor-Guthartz, has been sent to the Chief Rabbi, which states there is “clearly still a glass ceiling of Torah above which half your community may not ascend.”

Eve Sacks, of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, said: “My sense is that Rabbi Mirvis has panicked, because he does not want the right-wing part of Orthodoxy in America to see that he has allowed a female rabbi to teach in one of his colleges.”

She added that she believed he should have accepted a compromise with Lindsey-Guthartz not to use the title while teaching.

Middlesex University told Jewish News that LSJS had explained to it that “they are bound by [the Chief Rabbi’s] guidance in the teaching of religious texts and rabbinic authority.”

Antiques Buyers WE BUY ANTIQUES VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS.

Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz is now a rabba (female rabbi)

Views sought on ‘Secret listeners’ house Views are being sought on the redevelopment and restoration of one of London’s grandest houses with a fascinating Jewish history.

Trent Park House in Enfield, which is recognised by Historic England as being “of significance on a par with Bletchley Park”, is currently undergoing major work before its opening to the public, but its history is still being revealed.

During the Second World War, the Grade II country house was home to the ‘Secret Listeners’, many of whom were German-Jewish émigrés. Working in the basement, they listened in on the conversations of high-ranking German and Italian prisoners of war, including some of Hitler’s most loyal generals, who had been transferred to the house and whose conversations were being bugged, recorded and translated. The discoveries were to prove crucial to the outcome of the war.

The north London house was the home and hosting venue of Sir Philip Sassoon, government

Iconic: Trent Park House in Enfield

minister and scion of the Sassoons and Rothschilds until his death in 1939. Guests entertained there included King George V, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, a young Princess Elizabeth, Sir Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.

Now cultural and heritage consultants are seeking the public’s views and interest in topics such as “Jewish migration and diaspora before World War II” via an online survey to be completed by 14 July.

Dangoors give £1.2m to Crick All Antique Furniture Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver, Paintings, Porcelain, Glass, Bronzes, Clocks, Oriental Antiques etc.

Full house clearances organised. Please look at our website for more details

www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON:

0800 840 2035 or 07956268290 OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS. PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

A Jewish philanthropic family has given £1.2 million to help a world-leading biomedical science institute in London reach a wider public audience.

The Dangoor family, led by David and his wife Judy, gave the sizeable sum to the Francis Crick Institute at Kings Cross (known as ‘the Crick’) this week, in a nod to David’s late father, Sir Naim, and his interests in education.

The Crick will use the money to reach different

audiences, from scientists to schoolchildren, including a new public-focused website content and a large LED screen outside the Crick to promote awareness of its work to passers-by.

Scientists in the new £700 million building work on cutting-edge problems, including Covid-19. Its lab data on variants, antibodies and vaccines currently informs policy decisions around the world.

It is not the first time the

Dangoor family has funded the Crick, channelling £5m into its work, following it with this week’s £1.2m from Dangoor Education, which is the philanthropic arm of the family’s Exilarch’s Foundation.

Both David and Judy have backgrounds in science.

Announcing the donations, David said his father’s experience – fleeing Iraq in the 1960s when the situation for Jews worsened – continued to shape the family’s giving.

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Church meeting /Refugee Week / Faith plea / News

Methodist chiefs back anti-Israel proposals

by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Methodist leaders have backed a series of anti-Israel motions ahead of their annual conference – including blaming the Jewish state for the “deteriorating situation” for Christians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Meanwhile, church leaders are “grateful” for a motion accusing Israel of “self-promotion” over its vaccine roll-out.

A leaked copy of the guidance notes handed to all Methodists at next Monday’s conference confirms that the leadership has backed calls from circuit meetings and district synods to condemn Israel as an “apartheid state” and to promote the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS).

The notes also contain a motion passed by the Birmingham Synod, which says: “The synod is deeply disturbed by the plight of Palestinians

The Methodist Conference 2019. Leaders back calls for BDS

living in Gaza and the West Bank, who have now lived under Occupation for over 50 years...” At no point does the guidance point out that Christians’ plight is also determined by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas leadership, nor is it noted that Christians living in Israel do so under freedoms rarely found in other countries in the region.

The same Birmingham motion voices “dismay” at Covid vaccine publicity, accusing Israel of “severely limiting its access for Palestinians”.

Quoting a previous report

into Israel/Palestine, titled Cry for Hope and calling for “the international community to recognise Israel as an apartheid state”, the Methodist leadership urges people to “endorse it and act on its recommendations, including through divestment and sanctions in relation to companies supporting the occupation in any way”.

The briefing notes briefly refer to rising antisemitism in the UK – but only in a reference to the “desperate situation” in the West Bank and Gaza.

Jewish News has asked the Methodist Church to comment.

EMIGRE’S WORKS ON SHOW Five huge works by the celebrated German Jewish artist Hans Feibusch have re-emerged for public display to mark international Refugee Week 2021.

The 12ft canvases were commissioned in 1973 by the late Rabbi Hugo Gryn and hung in West London Synagogue until 2012.

Born in Frankfurt in 1898, Feibusch left for London in 1933 as Hitler attained power in Germany. He died in Camden in 1998, four weeks before his 100th birthday.

He is still Britain’s most prolific muralist, creating 35 work in Anglican churches and cathedrals, as well as works for other public build-

ings. The Nazis had displayed his work as “degenerate”.

Marking Refugee Week, the Ben Uri Gallery and the German-speaking St Boniface Church in the East End teamed up to restore to public view the series of five canvasses, with help from the German Embassy in London.

Described as “vibrant and monumental”, they relate to Biblical stories from the Old Testament exploring issues of faith, sacrifice, courage, love and redemption.

After 2012, they were acquired for the Ben Uri Collection by patrons. Today they are installed on long-term loan at St Boniface and can be seen by visitors.

a place to go

when there is no other

Since 2009 The Boys Clubhouse has provided a safe and secure haven for Jewish teenagers in crisis. It is often the place of last resort.

Since 2019 we have supported over 180 teenage boys and their families Many of the boys we support, would be homeless without our help We have provided over 2000 hours of 1 to 1 therapy

Plea to PM on Human Rights Act Rabbis and Jewish human rights groups have signed an open letter with other faith leaders urging Boris Johnson not to “undermine” basic freedoms by reviewing the Human Rights Act, writes Adam Decker.

They told the prime minister that the European Convention on Human Rights, upon which the act (HRA) is based, was “Europe’s response to the horror of the Holocaust”, and “safeguards our freedoms, including freedom of thought, belief and religion”.

They added that “it has allowed us to marry and conduct funerals in line with our understandings of the world, letting us live in accordance with our beliefs… Any move to

weaken it risks undermining the basis of all of our freedom”.

The intervention of Jewish figures follows the publication of meeting minutes in which police leaders say the act has “changed policing for the better”. Other minutes show the Bar Council saying there is “little appetite for reform” of the HRA. Jewish signatories include 14 rabbis as well as Dr Edie Friedman, director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality; Robert Wiltshire, chair of the Movement for Reform Judaism; Rabbi Mark Solomon, chair of Liberal Judaism’s Beth Din; and Kira Blumer, chief executive of the Jewish anti-poverty charity Tzedek.

In the last year, 40 young men progressed into employment Find out more at theclubhouse.biz/future Charity number 1131948

11

12

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

News / Hippodrome building / Summer camps

Date set for Golders mosque decision

by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Barnet Council has said that a meeting to decide on a planning application to turn the former Hippodrome building in Golders Green into a community and worship centre for the Shia Iraqi community will take place next month.

Confirmation of the strategic planning committee meeting, on 19 July, came three weeks after lawyers acting for the Markaz El Tathgheef el-Eslami (the Markaz) Isalmic Centre warned the council it could face legal action over alleged “unlawful religious discrimination”.

Jewish News can also reveal that a group set up to challenge the application has parted company with planning consultant Gavin Boby and his firm, GB Planning Permissions.

Sources close to The Golders Green Residents Environment Group (GGREG) said that “after careful consideration on both sides it was concluded that Markaz’ labelling of Mr Boby’s as ‘the mosque-buster’ was an unhelpful distraction from the key issues relating to traffic, parking, disturbance and harm to local amenity which are being considered in relation to the above application”.

Last month Jewish News reported that a letter sent to Barnet’s planning department set out claims that its conduct had breached the 2010 Equality Act. Councillors were sent a YouTube film with support for the Markaz expressed by rabbis, priests, students and community groups.

Among those to appear in the YouTube film sent to councillors was Rabbi Josh Levy of Alyth Synagogue who said: “Like many communities,

The Markaz Islamic Centre in Golders Green

including mine, they’re a community who fled danger and built a new life of safety in London.”

Responding to the council’s decision to confirm next month’s meeting, Ali Madami said: “This [the Letter Before Action] was really a last resort. After the delays we have experienced in

our dealings with the council, it felt as if we were being treated less favourably than the church that had used the Hippodrome for 10 years before it was bought by the Markaz.

“It is fantastic news that the council has now set a date for the decision. It will be a great way of showing that Barnet is proud to be a welcoming home to all faiths and communities.

“Councillors can be confident that they have the support of the Golders Green community and Barnet’s synagogues, churches, temples and other community groups.”

The vast majority of 778 public comments on the proposed community centre from those who live locally in NW11 opposed its approval – some 88 percent.

At next month’s meeting those in attendance will listen to any representations before reaching a final decision on the application.

Habonim leader grateful for MP’s support pletely out of line with other restriccamps for everyone.” Engler had last tions on society” especially when the month raised the impact on Jewish proposed 21 June lifting of restricsummer camps of limiting the capacity tions would have allowed nightclubs to six with his MP, member for Altrin- to reopen and festivals to be staged.

The Board wrote its own letter to cham and Sale, Graham Brady.

The Habonim leader said he raised government, expressing the same that fact that limiting residential concerns, as did the JLC. The camstressed the Page importance of camp to just JAN six felt “com- 1paign HALFnumbers PAGE ADVERT 2020:Layout 09/01/2020 16:04 1

Continued from page 1

summer camps to young people, especially after the lengthy pandemic.

Brady said: “I was approached

by Harrison Engler on behalf of Habonim regarding the serious threat to the viability of children’s residential camps. In a year when the young have been forced to sacrifice so much, it is really important that these

activities go ahead.”

Engler praised Brady’s response to his approach. “He raised our initiative in the Commons last week, asked Matt Hancock about it directly and revealed he had received a letter himself on the matter from Jewish bodies.”

A further letter on Habonim note-

paper, signed by all the main Jewish youth bodies, was sent to Hancock.

Hancock confirmed that from 21 June, which is now step 3, rather than step 4, it will allow “out-of-school settings” to “organise domestic visits for children in consistent groups of up to 30 children. This replaces the current limit of six people or two households.”

Aliyah Investment & Tax Planning for UK Olim ✓ 10 years tax free income ✓ No tax on pension income

✓ No inheritance tax ✓ Specialist investment management for Olim

• The leading provider of Aliyah investment services for over 15 years • Unrivalled expertise advising UK Olim • Considering Aliyah? Contact our specialist team who will be pleased to share their knowledge and experience with you 020 8202 1944 RJUKGoldersGreen@RaymondJames.com www.goldersgreen.raymondjames.uk.com 843 Finchley Road, London, NW11 8NA

Simon Benarroch FCSI Chartered Wealth Manager

Golders Green

Raymond James Investment Services Ltd is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered in England and Wales number 3669657. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker St, London EC2Y 9LY.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

13

JFS turmoil / School ruling / News

New JFS head: ‘Brent failed this school on safeguarding’

by Jack Mendel jack@jewishnews.co.uk @mendelpol

Mounting concerns at JFS “were swept under the carpet” and the local authority “failed” students over safeguarding, the school’s new interim headteacher has revealed.

Former chief inspector of Ofsted, Sir Michael Wilshaw, said Europe’s largest Jewish secondary has already been improved in a matter of weeks, following the shock resignation of headteacher Rachel Fink at the end of May. Her departure came after an inspection by Ofsted, with the education inspectorate set to publish its findings imminently. Sir Michael and Dame Joan McVittie, who is supporting Sir Michael at JFS, both said they were unable to comment on the report until it is published.

Speaking to Jewish News, Sir Michael, who was Ofsted chief inspector from 2012 to 2016, identified the key issue as a poor “culture and behaviour”, which was linked to safeguarding.

Saying the school’s culture has already been “transformed”, he insisted that he was “not being arrogant and boastful”, but that “the corridors are calmer, the classrooms calmer, teachers are teaching, children are learning. And we’ve set up all sorts of systems in the school to improve the quality of our behaviour around the place.”

He added: “Within two weeks, we’ve seen a massive change, where we set clear boundaries for students. Staff want the sort of culture we are prescribing. They had become fed up with poor behaviour. Teachers know they must step up in terms of the quality of teaching, which they are doing.”

Dame Joan, who has been a headteacher for two decades, said it is “constant change that is unsettling and not in the best interest of school.

Previous heads were very much at a disadvantage, because of that change. Going forward, the key thing for the school is actually to get a permanent head in post, who will stay long-term and provide stability.”

Asked what previous heads had got wrong, Sir Michael said they “didn’t focus on behaviour enough. They didn’t focus on what was happening in the classrooms and identify where things would go wrong. “They did not communicate well enough with both the student body and the staff to make clear what the expectations were. And things were swept under the carpet, I’m afraid. But we’re getting all that right.”

Sir Michael also hit out at the local authority, Brent Council, for not identifying safeguarding concerns. He said: “When they knew there were

issues around safeguarding and mental health issues, they should have been in here monitoring the situation – well before Ofsted. The local council has failed this school, there is no question about that in my mind.”

Dame Joan praised governors at the Kenton-based school who had been “extremely quick in responding”, adding she had “never seen a school with governors who have really put their day jobs to the side” to take action.

Reflecting on who might take the head’s role on permanently, Sir Michael said: “It’s a big and complex school, so obviously the governors will be looking for somebody very experienced, with a track record of success in other institutions.”

He dismissed claims that JFS now has too many students, saying: “The size of school is not a factor here. The building can accommodate 2,000 students. The campus is fantastic. There are a lot of staff who have been here many years and are very committed to JFS. It is the quality of the culture that that needs to improve.”

Asked whether the permanent head should be from within the community, he said: “Not necessarily but that would be a bonus if they could get both” experience and someone communally minded.

Sir Michael, who has been a teacher for more than 40 years including 26 as a head in London secondaries, said he and Dame Joan both “know how important culture is” to a school’s success.

“If you’ve got a good positive culture, with children knowing exactly where they stand to exactly where the boundaries are, where you’ve got high expectations around behaviour, and attitudes, then everything else falls into place.

“Teachers feel confident to teach without disruption from students. Teachers raise their game much more effectively. Assessment is improved, the quality of teaching improves. So this school has a bright future. It’s onwards and upwards. JFS will succeed very quickly.”

More than 2,500 people have signed a petition launched by a JFS student, urging the school to provide better mental health support.

• Senior figures within Brent Council reacted with “outrage” on Wednesday at Sir Michael’s claim that it failed to identify safeguarding concerns at JFS. Sources within the local authority point to an 2016 Ofsted report into JFS, published during Sir Michael’s stint as chief executive with the official education inspectors. They note the fact that the 2016 report described

School events ruling A Jewish boys’ school in Hendon has been told it cannot host large events after residents launched a petition over noise fears.

Locals near the Talmud Torah Tiferes Shlomo Boys’ School raised fears that the school’s hall had been deco-

rated “in a manner befitting large events”. They sought reassurance that enforcement action could be taken if events with amplified music, external catering or more than 75 guests were held. It was not claimed these were already happening.

In a ruling earlier this

month, officials at the town hall confirmed that large-scale events would be unlawful without a change in planning permission.

The school, which is in the former Hendon Reform Synagogue building, is situated in a quiet residential cul-de-sac.

Interim JFS leaders Sir Michael Wilshaw and (inset) Dame Joan McVittie

safeguarding at JFS as “effective” and added that pupils “knew where to seek help” if it was needed.

One source added: “It is laughable to read

Michael Wilshaw suggesting he has managed to turn a school around in a matter of weeks.”

Senior figures at Brent will meet to decide how to respond to his comments.

14

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Special Report / Social media

What’s the price of the fight against online antisemitism?

For young Jews tackling social media hate there’s an emotional toll as well as accusations they go too far with their rhetoric, says Ben Sales A number of young, assertively Zionist Jews with an active social media presence have taken it on themselves to call out and respond to anti-Zionism and antisemitism following the recent Israel–Hamas conflict.

But after weeks of fighting over Israel and Judaism on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram, those activists, and others who watch and follow them, are asking whether the effort of combating antisemitism online, in real time, is winnable or worthwhile.

The phrase “Hitler was right” was tweeted 17,000 times from 7 to 14 May, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The Network Contagion Research Institute, which tracks hate online, says the hashtag #COVID1948, connecting the pandemic and the year of Israel’s founding, trended on Twitter in the United States. It also found that tweets containing both ‘Israel’ and ‘genocide’ were shared as often as 2,000 times an hour.

Instagram accounts with huge followings, such as the model Bella Hadid’s with 43 million

Retaliating: Hen Mazzig and Eve Barlow, who refers to a ‘social media pogrom’

followers, shared content that accused Israel of colonisation and ethnic cleansing, and got millions of likes. There were explicitly antisemitic posts as well, such as a tweet (now deleted) that quoted Hitler; that tweet was from a Pakistani

film star with more than 1 million followers.

On TikTok, the Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert wished The model Bella Hadid has shared anti-Israel content users a “Shabbat Shalom” and got Eve Barlow, a Scottish-Jewish music jourspammed with antisemitic messages.

The online hate came alongside a wave of nalist living in Los Angeles, wrote an essay in offline antisemitic incidents that, according to the online Jewish magazine Tablet calling the the ADL and other groups, spiked during the negative posts directed at her and other Zionist fighting in Israel and Gaza. The ADL found activists a “social media pogrom”. She also that the number of antisemitic incidents in wrote that they were “permission for an online the nearly two weeks of fighting was more than lynching” and “digital waterboarding”.

More than 20,000 tweets contained the double the figure in the previous two weeks.

The incidents included a string of physical name ‘Eve Fartlow’, which she called her “hate assaults, as well as antisemitic and some anti- name” in an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Zionist harassment and vandalism.

Barlow’s piece generated a backlash of its “There’s the emotional impact of seeing these attacks in real time,” said Ben Freeman, own, from those who found it inappropriate to a Scottish Jew and New Zionist Congress compare harassment on social media, however member who wrote the recently published book rampant, to violent, often state-sponsored mob Jewish Pride. “There’s the impact of seeing my attacks on Eastern European Jewish villages. friends be attacked online. And then, my family In a recent essay in The Nation, the progressive live in Israel, and I love Israel, and I care about Jewish writer Talia Lavin called Barlow’s piece Israel, so it was kind of like a triple whammy: It “misguided and narcissistic” in light of the loss was online, it was in Israel and it was happening of life in Gaza and Israel, and wrote that Barlow in the Diaspora. And I don’t see those three and her allies “turn the word ‘pogrom’ into a punchline”. Even some other Zionist activists on things as separate from one another.”

Hen Mazzig, a prominent pro-Israel activist, social media balked at the term, such as Mazzig, said being pugnacious isn’t the right approach. who said that “unless it’s a situation where Mazzig has gained attention on the left for his people were being killed, let’s not compare aggressiveness online in the past, but said he has it to a pogrom”.

And while Flayton said he wouldn’t use tried to soften that tone recently, emphasising coexistence and the rights of both Israelis and “pogrom” to describe something happening on Palestinians. Now he sees other Zionists going social media, he has used the hashtag #Beindown the same path he once did, and worries artPogroms to implicate Peter Beinart, the leftthat punching back hard against anti-Zionism wing Jewish columnist, in the recent wave of antisemitic physical attacks in the US. Last year, threatens to make things worse.

“I think there’s a serious issue with antisem- Beinart came out in favour of a lone democratic itism online and hate speech against Jews online, state for Jewish Israelis and Palestinians.

Barlow said she stands by her word choice, and we have to combat it,” said Mazzig, a senior fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute. “What I feel like as do some of her allies online, including many on the pro-Israel side are doing right now Freeman, who called the essay a “must read”.

“I didn’t have reservations because I believe is to try and combat hate speech, I don’t want to say with more hate speech, but with rhetoric in the power of language,” she said. “If people would rather get personally offended by the that is not helping defuse the situation.”

Since a ceasefire in the Gaza–Israel exchange use of a word than to take seriously how Jews of rockets and missiles, one of the fiercest fights are being attacked in the street and how Jews online has been not about Israel itself but how are being attacked on the internet, then that’s a to talk about antisemitic and anti-Zionist posts. problem.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

15

16

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

News / Kids’ therapy

Drawing comfort A charity providing art therapy for young children has seen a 63 percent rise in demand, hears Sandy Rashty There has been an “unprecedented” spike in the need for mental health support for Jewish children aged under 12, according to a specialist charity that has experienced a 63 percent increase in demand for its services.

Arts therapist Natasha Ainley said there had been a surge in demand across the community’s Jewish primary schools over the pandemic.

Ainley, assistant director of the Arts Therapies For Children (ATFC) charity, told Jewish News that there has been a significant increase in the number of children seeking support for issues such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, anxiety and depression.

Since September, the number of children the charity supports every week has jumped from 73 to 119.

In the meanwhile, there are still

Some of the artwork by children from Jewish primary schools

£3

some 45 youngsters on the charity’s waiting list.

ATFC now has arts therapists in 26 Jewish primary schools – compared with the 19 schools it worked with last year.

“As soon as children started to go back into school, the need was unbelievable,” Ainley said. “And not everyone could get support from the public services – the waiting list is huge.”

ATFC provides qualified art psychotherapists in Jewish primary schools, who are able to work with “high-risk” children. “We deal with a lot of abuse, sexual abuse, anxiety, neglect and parents suffering from mental health issues.

“There has also been a lot of divorces and bereavement because of Covid. Unfortunately for families with issues at home, the children have really suffered.”

She added: “There have been children with suicidal thoughts, selfharming or pulling their hair out.

We also found a lot of children did not want to go back to school.”

She said the charity hopes to expand its services to secondary schools, but for now “we do not have the funding”.

Before the pandemic, the charity, which is moving to its first office in September, needed around £60,000 every year – but now anticipates it needs £150,000 for its services.

Ainley said the charity’s work was key to preventing long-term mental health issues. “If we start to deal with it in childhood, it can help adolescents,” she said. “We cannot take all the problems away, but we can help children cope.

“The art therapy helps them find their voice, can make them more confident and in tune with learning.

When they have an outlet, they feel happier.”

The charity, which was set up in 2016, supports children who have been referred by their school. While private art therapists can charge £70 per session, ATFC subsidises its services (£50 for 50 minutes) by paying 40 percent of the cost, providing about 30 sessions across the academic year. The remaining 60 percent is either paid for by the school, parents or both.

“When the charity started, people were quiet,” she added. “Over the past year, there has been a big difference. People are much more open to talking about mental health, getting help and support for their children.

“Through art, we are helping the children make sense of the world.

They don’t feel as intimated at school, it’s a confidential safe space.”

Support people on their mental health journey

£9

Working from home during the pandemic hasn’t always been easy, but research suggests that many of us have managed to save money – on fuel and travel costs, coffee or takeaway lunches at work, as well as on meals out.

As we begin to make the transition back to office and social life, we’re asking for your help. Demand for our services is greater than ever, by donating your commute you can help us to continue delivering them.

Go to jamiuk.org/donate-your-commute

£25 For more information about our services visit jamiuk.org Telephone 020 8458 2223 | Email info@jamiuk.org

£50 Registered charity no. 1003345

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

We are delighted to congratulate

Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz on receiving Semicha from Yeshivat Maharat.

We commend her commitment to an intensive programme of learning. She joins a distinguished group of 43 women who are among the future leaders of Orthodox Judaism, serving as rabbis, educators or in pastoral roles, and providing the community with role models for both women and men.

Rabba Dr Taylor-Guthartz will continue to teach and support individuals and communities - and by her example will inspire our own and future generations of Jewish women.

Carole Abrahams Sheara Abrahams Esther Altmann Rabba Wendy Amsellem Daniella Angel Tania Arden Nechama Goldman Barash Avielah Barclay, Soferet STaM Dr Sarah Barsam Roselyn Bell Elissa Benjamin Freda Bluestone Birnbaum Nicholas J Blain Shoshana Bloom Aviva Ginsberg Bock Shana Boltin Lori Silberman Brauner Rabba Dina Brawer Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawer Rabbanit Tali Schaum Broder Sarah Bronzite Rabbi Josh Butler Lisa Capelouto Myrna Carlebach Sarah Charak Prof. Alana M Vincent Anne Clark Dr Laliv Clenman Barbara Cohen Eliot Cohen Karen Cohen EJ Cohen Emma Cohen Lieutenant Colonel Stacey Guthartz Cohen Dr Jessica Cooperman Nicola & Mike Coren Rachel Creeger Ben & Tilla Crowne Julia Cushnir Ilse Darefsky Dr Aviva Dautch Dalia Davis Jeffrey Dorfman Viktoria Dorosz Sophie Duschinsky Danielle & Dov Ellis Deborah Elstein Tibor Engel Rabba Yaffa Epstein Agi Erdos Lianna Etkind Emily Ferris Nicola Feuchtwang Deborah & Benji Field

Wendy Filer Rebecca Filer Rabba Rachel Kohl Finegold Ruth Finkel Jonathan Fishburn Deb Fowler Jodie Franks Natasha Isaac & Sam Freeman Rabbi Helen Freeman Madeleine FreskoBrown Dr Miri Freud-Kandel Rabbi Ariel J Friedlander Joe Gamse Eli Gaventa Hannah Gaventa Dr Selina Gellert Rabbanit Jennifer and Rabbi Daniel Geretz Esther Gershuny Sue Gessler David Gillis Rabbi Eryn London & Dr Michael Gilmont Victoria Ginsburg Angela Gluck Jeremy Godley Rabbi Amanda Golby Jess Gold Naomi Hass & Ian Goodman Sasha & Paul Gottlieb Cantor Sarah Grabiner Jane Grabiner Paul Grant Jane Tobin Green Hannah Green Rabbi Yitz Greenberg Naomi Greenwood Ella Grodzinski Norm Guthartz Rachel Guthartz Sarah Guthartz Rabbanit Goldie Guy David Thaler & Chava Haber Prof. Ruth HalperinKaddari Cindy Hamburger Debbie & Morris Hamburger Ro & Herzl Hamburger Lauren & Neil Hamburger Rebecca & Adam Hamilton Elizabeth Harris

Rachel Harris Daniel Harris Chana Baram & Jonny Hart Rivka Hellendall Lori Hendricks Rabbi Tyson Herberger Rabbi Chaim SeidlerFeller Dr Simon Hochhauser Laura Hudes-Douek Rabba Sara Hurwitz Adam Hyman Joe Hyman Dr Rivka Isaacson Judith Ish-Horowicz Rabbi Richard Jacobi Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe Rabbi Laura JannerKlausner Elliot Jebreel Sandy Jelen Tapnack Rabbi Prof. Elie Holzer, Jerusalem Paul, Laura and Tamara Joseph Tamara Joseph Rabbi Lila Kagedan Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris Julie Kangisser Student Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber Manuella KanterWebber Chana Kanzen Jessica Katz David Kaufman Aviva & Andy Kaufmann Rabbi Dr Alexander Kaye Dr Lynn Kaye Menachem Kellner Melanie Kelly Jeremy Kelly Harry Kelly Yuval Keren Mikhael Reuven Kesher Vivienne Kesztenbaum Daniella Jaff Klein Leah E Krakinowski Rabbi Gabriel KretzmerSeed Miriam Kunin Prof. Bill Kunin Sophie Landes Dr Ruth Langer Chani Laufer Anna Lawton

Clive A Lawton Eliana Leader Rabbi Dr Samuel Lebens Elbie Lebrecht Samantha Leek QC Marilyn Lehrer Eric M Leiderman Suzy Levin Rabbi David LevinKruss Avi Freiberger-Levy & Ben Levy Haya Lewi Helen Lewis Leonie Lewis Rebecca Lewis Hank London Dena Lopian Hilton & Helen Lorie Miriam Lorie Frederika Lorie Harris Lorie Sally Mendelsohn & David Lowenfeld Rachel Marcus Ezra Margulies Harry Marin Gillian Marks Jaime Marks Dr Tamar Marvin Alexandra Maurice Lord Mendelsohn Steve Miller Sara Miller Leo Mindel Sarah Montagu Shelley Morris Talya Morris Harriet Morris-sloane Ariele Mortkowitz Jane Myers Simon Myerson QC Rabbi Dina Najman Hindy Najman Daniel Needlestone Casara Nemes Rabbi Elana NemitoffBresler Tammy Nisner Lizzie Norland Rabbi Marianne Novak Mazal Oaknín Esther Offenberg Dr Judith Offman Sara Okrent Evelyne Oliel-Grausz Lord Livingston of Parkhead

Dr Tali Artman Partock Ann Pava Rabbi René Pfertzel Adrienne Powell Dr Marielle Quint Michelle RaskinKennedy Kohenet Rachel Rose Reid Dan Reisel Susan Reuben Flora RH Richards Dan Rickman Annabel Ries Mrs D Rigal Elaine Robinson Caroline Phillips Rodin Rachamim Rosen Philippa Rosenberg Benedict Roth Adina H Roth Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild Prof Jonathan Rynhold Cassy Sachar Eve & Josh Sacks Rachelle & Binnie Waxman Sacks Jonathan Samuel and family Professor Jonathan D Sarna Miriam Schacter Dr Katie Schenk Gaby & Laurie Scher Rebecca Schischa Rebecca Schub Ellen Schwartz Hope Samuel and Richard Serlin Rabbi Zahavit Shalev Daniella Shalev Miriam Shaviv Emma Shaw Dr Laura Shaw Frank Miki Shaw Amanda Shechter Diane Sheer Karin Shmueli Rabbi Deborah Silver Andrea Silverstone Jemma Silvert Helen Simon Dr Emily Simon Shmuli Simon Rebecca Simon Hannah Simon Rebecca Singer Talya Singer Zoë & Jonathan Sive

Rabbi Dr Erin Leib Smokler Marc Michaels, Sofer Rabbi Dr Norman Solomon Rabbi Mark Solomon Miriam Solomon Dr Katie Light Soloway Ben Soloway Sheila Sontz Jessica Spencer Rabbanit Aliza Sperling Dr Noam Stadlan Zelda R Stern Family Stitcher Lisa & Alon Stock Sarah Sultman Rabbi Alana Suskin Abigail Symons Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick Romie & Esther Tager Abigail & Shai Tambor and Family Leana Tapnack Corinne Tapnack Gina Tawil Richard Taylor Kohenet Yael Tischler Luz Toff Cherry Torrance Isaac Treuherz Matt Turchin James Uprichard Eliana Vehar Dr Jennifer Verson Dr Rabbanit Ágnes Vető Adina Bernstein Vulkan Jonathan Waxman Connie & Jonathan Webber Judith Weil Dr Rimona Weil & Dr Jonathan Cohen Dr Daniel H. Weiss Lord Wolfson of Tredegar, QC & Lady Wolfson Abigail Wood Stephanie Woodrow Rabbi Dr Shmuly Yanklowitz Madeline R Young Rabbi Roderick Young Audrey Zaghdoun Gitta Zarum Rabbanit Debbie Zimmerman Dr Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg

17

18

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Special Report / Israel’s new government

New PM has his work cut out It’s all change in Israeli politics. Stephen Oryszczuk asks, what does it all mean?

in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey has the potential to pose problems. All that seems easy compared with his other challenge – keeping the coalition from splintering.

What should we look out for?

Who is Israel’s new prime minister?

Beyond Israel, analysts think that US President Joe Biden may smell an opportunity. “An X factor is how they’ll want to engage the Biden team,” said Joel Rubin, a former deputy assistant secretary of state under Obama. “A new fragile government will be hesitant to weaken the US-Israel relationship, so Biden will likely have more leeway now with the Israeli government than he did with Netanyahu in power.”

Naftali Bennett was an elite Israeli soldier who left the IDF to become a tech entrepreneur. He later entered local politics as a Jewish settler leader, then formed the religious-nationalist Yamina Party. Pragmatic in most areas, he is adamantly opposed to any Palestinian state and prioritises the continued building of settlements in the West Bank.

Did Bennett win power, or did Netanyahu lose it?

A bit of both. Nobody doubts Netanyahu’s many successes, improving Israel’s economic and security position and plotting the recent landmark détente with Gulf and Arab states. But BICOM director Richard Pater says his corruption trial, coupled with his mismanagement of ideological bedfellows like Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, contributed to his downfall. Likud challengers may start making moves to replace him as party leader.

Will the Arab party remain a partner?

It is hard to tell. Its leader, Mansour Abbas, is known as a pragmatist who has already

What’s at stake?

Bennett with senior coalition partner Yair Lapid, who is set to replace him as PM in 2023

secured several guarantees from Bennett, including greater rights for Arab Israelis, especially on discriminatory housing policies.

He has also been made a deputy minister with a sizeable budget for infrastructure in Arab areas. Lapid hopes this will be enough to keep him and his three other parliamentarians in play, but a repeat of the inter-communal violence seen in May would make that much more difficult. Even if there is no repeat, this is by far Israel’s most pluralist government,

Ruth is changing the world...

and in the wings sits a disgruntled Benjamin Netanyahu, who is skilled at sowing division.

What will Lapid do?

In his day job as foreign minister for the next two years, he will hope to shape Israel’s relations with the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, China, and key regional players like Jordan. He also has to negotiate with Hamas over Israel’s MIA (missing in action) and hostages, and with partners over natural gas

A lot. For a start, Israel wants an extra $1 billion from the US to help it replenish its stocks of the Iron Dome missile defence system, after last month’s 11-day conflict with Hamas. But not all US lawmakers are keen to cough up, and the longer a ceasefire holds, the weaker the Israeli argument will be, so an emboldened Biden may well hold out. A bigger yet connected concern is the fear that Israel may be losing its military edge in the region, with Egypt getting advanced US submarines and the Emiratis promised advanced American F-35 jets in return for agreeing to normalise ties with Jerusalem.

If you could change the world through science, what would you do?

Stop a disease in its tracks?

Protect the environment?

Personalise medical treatments?

Maybe even shoot for the moon?

Dr. Ruth Scherz-Shouval is taking our understanding of how cancer works to new levels so that we can beat it, you can help her.

You can too

Whatever your goal, scientists at the Weizmann Institute are working on it. By choosing to leave a legacy to Weizmann UK you are playing an essential part in changing the world for the better.

Like you, Weizmann scientists are dreaming of making life changing breakthroughs. Your gift will give them the opportunity to succeed.

Now that is a legacy.

To find out how you can change the world or to request a copy of our legacy brochure, please contact us: 020 7424 6860 post@weizmann.org.uk www.weizmann.org.uk Our privacy policy which outlines how we manage personal data is online at: www.weizmann.org.uk/privacy-policy

Registered Charity no: 232666

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

19

Yiddish festival / Figurine crackdown / Shul refurb / Diaspora News

Organisers of Europe’s top Yiddish culture festival have said this summer’s theme is integrating the past, as a mammoth initiative to digitise 1,400 handwritten klezmer records gains momentum.

Yiddish Summer Weimar (YSW) 2021, in collaboration with the Klezmer Institute New York, takes place in Germany from 21 July to 21 August and showcases the new project to digitise hundreds of melodies and text notes from klezmer manuscripts.

Much of the material had been stored in the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, contained in notebooks created during expeditions through Eastern Europe before the outbreak of war in 1914.

Those expeditions, which in hindsight proved far-sighted, sought to document and protect Jewish music and culture of the era by capturing sound recordings, transcriptions of performed instrumental and vocal melodies, and photographs.

The digitisation is funded by crowdsourcing, but audio algorithms cannot recognise and interpret musical characters, so notation must be done by hand by experts in klezmer, Yiddish scholars and Russian speakers.

So far, volunteers have engraved around 450 melodies, about a third of the entire corpus. Institute director Christina Crowder said the project “was developed on open-source principles”.

An international community of around

Photo by Shendl Copitman Kovnatskiy

Yiddish summer festival salutes klezmer project

Daniel Kahn, left, and Christian Dawid at Marktplatz Weimar at last year’s event

200 volunteers have signed up to engrave, transcribe and translate the music and notes in the manuscripts.

“This approach reflects the creative impulse behind the act of ethnographic collection, which we hope to channel into the concert hall,” she said.

Historical sources as active ingredients in the creative process is a key focus of YSW 2021, held in locations around the city of Weimar, and festival workshops will explore ways to work with material from the past, including rediscovered melodies.

“For 20 years YSW has pursued a

hands-on, project-based approach to learning and transmitting Yiddish and related musical cultures through cocreation that brings together scholars, performers, and audiences,” says YSW founder Dr Alan Bern. “Engaging with this largely oral culture means acquiring a range of skills that are not yet part of a standard western musical education.”

Crowder added that klezmer was “more than just a musical style, it is an element of a larger fabric linking the Yiddish language, prayer, dance and vocal and instrumental repertoires”.

Actress helps Hungary synagogue revamp

Jamie Lee Curtis has been fundraising

A synagogue in eastern Hungary is to be refurbished thanks to Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis after she helped to raise funds for the place where her grandparents worshipped.

Most Jewish residents in the town of Mateszalka were killed during the Holocaust, and most who survived have long since left the area, so the synagogue is now empty, said Curtis, who hopes to turn it into an arts and community centre.

Her actor father, Tony Curtis – who died in 2010 – was born Bernard Schwarz.

He made several trips to Mateszalka, the birthplace of his parents.

On Sunday, the film star flew into Hungary to attend the launch of a memorial museum and cafe in the town that is dedicated to her father and filled

with memorabilia from his career, ahead of its opening to the public on 26 June.

She wrote on Instagram that the museum was “just down the street from the synagogue that my family worshipped in so long ago”, adding that the building, constructed in 1857, “stands as a living tribute to those who lived, and continue to live, there”.

About 1,500 Jews from the town were taken to Auschwitz in 1944, after the Nazis occupied Hungary that March.

In 1946, about 150 Jews returned, but many left after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

Curtis said she was committed to helping raise funds to restore and transform the building into a community centre “for celebrations and art and music”.

New French translation of Mein Kampf A publisher in Paris has released a new French translation of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf with notes scholars say should “disarm” the invective of the original.

Fayard published Putting Evil in Context: A Critical Edition of Mein Kampf, which includes historians’ notes and commentary of the Nazi

leader’s writing, much of it antisemitic. Hitler wrote the book in 1924-25 from prison after a failed coup.

Hélène Miard-Delacroix, a professor of German history at the Sorbonne University in Paris, said the book was “the fruit of a decade of historical research”.

Mein Kampf (‘My Struggle’

is semi-autobiographical and served as a manifesto for Nazi ideology, which ended in the Holocaust. Any attempt to republish it, in any language, is subjected to rigorous scrutiny.

The book is available by special order only and Fayard said all proceeds would go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

Your weekly digest of stories from the international press AUSTRIA

SWEDEN

FRANCE

UNITED STATES

A soldier with a swastika tattooed on to his testicles has been jailed for 19 months.

It came to light after the 29-year-old, who also posted Nazi propaganda online, got drunk and showed his fellow soldiers. Readers may be grateful that Jewish News remains sober enough not to publish a picture.

A blogger who posted videos of himself calling for the murder of famous French Jews has been jailed for five years for terrorist promotion and death threats. Ahmed Moualek, 53, a former associate of the antisemitic comedian Dieudonné and fellow Holocaust denier Alain Soral, was convicted in Vichy.

The perceived global influence of Jews is waning, at least according to Swedes, in the latest poll of antisemitic attitudes in the country. Of more than 3,000 respondents, only 11 percent felt that ‘Jews have too much influence in the world today’, compared with 15 percent in 2015 and 17 percent in 2005.

A sports coach and seven other staff members at a college in Ohio have been suspended after forcing a student athlete who is a member of the Hebrew Israelite community to eat pork as a punishment for being late. The 17-year-old, who keeps a kosher diet, was made to eat a pepperoni pizza after arriving late for a weightlifting class.

KRAKOW CONDEMNS OFFENSIVE ‘CHARMS’ Authorities in the Polish city of Krakow have condemned the sale of “good luck charm” figurines of Orthodox Jews as antisemitic, telling vendors it was time to realise the products are offensive.

The figurines and paintings have long been sold in Polish marketplaces and are meant to bestow good luck on the receiver.

The male Jewish figures are often depicted holding a coin, so the luck element is supposedly financial.

However, Robert Piaskowski, the city’s alderman for cultural affairs, was quoted last week by local media as saying the tradition had to end.

“This figurine is antisemitic and it’s time for us to realise it,” he said. “In a city like Krakow, with such a difficult heritage and a painful past, it should not be sold.”

US Jews ask Biden to aid those fleeing persecution Several Jewish groups in the United States have asked President Joe Biden and senior Democrats in Congress to smooth the way to citizenship for undocumented migrants.

In an open letter, initiated by liberal Jewish coalition Bend the Arc, American Jews urged Biden, VicePresident Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to give “permanent protection” to those fleeing war or persecution in their home countries.

“Permanent protection for individuals who live under the fear of detention and deportation, as well as the constant threat of exploitation, is not just

A permanent resident’s card

the moral action but also the most sensible choice,” they said.

Signatories included 19 national groups such as the Anti-Defamation League, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

20

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.

1215

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS

Dancing Bibi has finally been bitten

Twelve years ago, when Benjamin Netanyahu took up residence in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, he knew he was there because the man he was replacing – Ehud Olmert – had just been caught up in a corruption scandal. This week, as he left the office he has occupied ever since, he contemplated a similar fate to that of his predecessor. Netanyahu’s trial on three serious corruption charges is already underway.

Until now, only the foolhardy ever wrote him off. Until now. This week, he left in bitter rage, leaving enemies, enemies everywhere. His supreme skill has long been navigating the thicket of shifting Knesset alliances, having stoked the base fears of voters. His ouster symbolised his inability to any longer do so.

It was often said that Yemen’s former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who unified then ruled the fractious tribal Gulf state for 22 years, did so by “dancing on the heads of snakes”. If the same could be said of Netanyahu, he has just been badly bitten.

The bite followed the fall, both in power and grace. Netanyahu once protected Israel’s judiciary – early in his premiership, he crushed and criticised a draft law to let Israeli politicians veto the appointment of senior judges. “The independence of the Supreme Court is above everything,” he said. Yet in the end, that too was an enemy. We know democracies can only function in a system of checks and balances between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. Knowing that, and knowing it well, protector turned attacker.

In a Trumpian conspiracist turn, the head of Israel’s executive started calling its judiciary a “deep state”. He attacked prosecutors, investigators, even the attorney general. Judges had an agenda, he said, and cannot be trusted to be fair. The implication was that courts were corrupt – not him. In short, he sought to rupture Israel’s very democratic foundations just to hold on to power. It was unforgiveable. As had been his refusal to dampen the ‘traitor’ rhetoric that got Yitzhak Rabin killed all those years earlier.

For the many good things that Netanyahu did for Israel, this newspaper is grateful. For playing Russian roulette with the state’s vital organs, we are pleased that he has gone. In the end, he put himself above Israel. You don’t do that. You also don’t count him out. He’s not just the longest-serving Israeli PM; he’s the only politician to have done two terms as leader of the opposition and he’s now about to begin a third. We haven’t heard the last of him.

So, what next for the new government? It is unlikely that eight ideologically opposed parties will govern together for more than a few months. When it disintegrates, and it will, Israel would do well to choose another dancer-on-heads.

Send us your comments PO Box 815, Edgware, HA8 4SX | letters@jewishnews.co.uk

Wrong about Ravenswood None of the reasons given for Norwood’s desire to close Ravenswood Village survives scrutiny (Jewish News, 10 June 2021).

Ravenswood Village is a place of residence for relatively severely disabled people, who cannot live independent lives. Accordingly, the suggestion that the mode of care offered at Ravenswood Village is “outdated”, and contrary to “guidance and policy” is simply wrong.

As for the suggestion local authorities won’t send people to the Village, the White Paper expressly told local authorities, firmly, that this would be wrong; and six local authorities, recently approached by the residents’ parents/

Sketches & kvetches

Shabbat goes out Sedra: Chukat Saturday night 10.27pm

Chai’s doors are open once again, delivering our Big

“No, your husband’s not got coronavirus.

He’s got kenahoravirus.”

of Care

Care is at the heart of everything we do.

We are delighted that the doors to Chai’s flagship centre in North West London are now open and we are able to resume face-to-face complementary therapies.

This is a much-anticipated and welcome addition to all the specialised support and care that we are still providing for our clients through telephone, Skype and Zoom.

For more information please call 0208 202 2211 or our Freephone Helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit www.chaicancercare.org.

Registered Charity No. 1078956

DISGRACEFUL SCENES It is important for me to express to Jewish News readers the disgrace I felt at the article you ran featuring a girl at a Palestine rally proclaiming, ”British Jews stand with Palestinians facing violence and displacement” (Jewish News, 3 June 2021).

I would submit she has little or no knowledge of the facts, relies on social

media, ignores the reality of Palestinians who sadly died as prisoners of Hamas and ignores the facts of Israelis who died at the hands of Hamas rockets.

The one thing missing from this scene was a repeat of the Kaddish for Gaza from a few years ago. I wonder how her parents feel.

Mervyn Smith, Cheam

BALAGAN DIPLOMACY

THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT TIMES...

Shabbat comes in Friday night 9.07pm

siblings, have all said they have no objection to it.

Norwood seems to fear money spent on the village would be wasted if it is condemned by national policy, and will not be supported by local authorities. These fears are unjustified on a proper consideration of national policy and on enquiry made of local authorities.

Ravenswood Village is a wonderful place, with a good, established reputation that can be promoted among authorities and the Jewish community, and that can continue to be a fine home for disabled Jewish and non-Jewish learning disabled people for years to come.

Gerald Rable, NW11

Even if the Israelis, with all their knowledge and expert technological innovation, wanted to they could not have devised the electorial system they currently have.

Just imagine, a population of nine million people

have in excess of 30 political parties to vote for. No wonder they have such a balagan at the end of each election, to choose a government.

To me it is a great embarrassment.

S Solomon, Hendon

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

21

Editorial comment and letters

Help us back campaign I applaud your involvement with René Cassin to urge readers to support the campaign to put pressure on the Beijing Olympics over the treatment of the Uyghurs. However, readers need more guidance as to what they can do. We need names and addresses of people we can write to, and a sample letter of what we could write.

I don’t think many people are prepared to write with pen and paper any more, but

Admissions Open

there may be some other over 80-yearolds such as myself who would be prepared to do so, and who think that such letters have more impact than an email.

Regular letters from a large number of people, paper or email, to the Chinese Embassy might also be effective, rather than a one-off campaign.

Once again, sample letters are useful as well as reminders from your newspaper.

Lynn Levy Davis, By email

WRONG STONE WILFULLY BLIND There are two Robert Stones in Stanmore.

Last week you published a letter from the other one (“Arabs don’t want two states”). I’ve received a lot of feedback from friends and acquaintances who assume I wrote that letter. While this is a tribute to the large number of people who read your letters page, it is also highly embarrassing to me because I do not share the other Mr Stone’s views on what he calls “Palestinian Arabs”. I still believe a two-state solution is possible.

Perhaps in the interest of balance you could publish this disclaimer letter.

Dr Robert Stone, Stanmore

Apparently our government and the Biden administration fail to recognise the Islamic Republic of Iran has ambitions to acquire a nuclear bomb and export terrorism on a global scale. Moreover, at home we are faced with rampant antisemitism.

Like many others in the community, I voted for Mike Freer at the general election. However, I think he should now consider whether the constraints of being a government whip are compatible with being able to adequately represent us during these difficult times.

Yisroel Davis, NW11

For Year

7 2021

For more information please contact Mrs Sarah Greenfield, Head of Admissions at sgreenfield@immanuelcollege.co.uk or visit immanuelcollege.co.uk/Admissions-Information Open Day: Monday 11th October

immanuelcollege.co.uk

020 8090 3455 israelguidedog.org.uk

Registered charity no: 1027996

Help us to create more life-changing partnerships

22

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Opinion

Across London security is, sadly, absolutely vital ALEX BRUMMER

CITY EDITOR, THE DAILY MAIL

T

here is a view among north-west London Jewry that anyone living in what the late writer Philip Roth might have called goyishe south of the river is missing out on community life.

Admittedly, it is hard to find a good bagel and the schlep around the North Circular for kosher supplies is not ideal.

But there are great compensations in the shape of the green spaces of Richmond Park, nearly four times the size of Hampstead Heath, neighbouring Wimbledon and Putney Commons and walking distance to the Thames.

The concentration of Jewish life in north London provides a community comfort blanket but also plays into the hands of our enemies. A family, recently arriving from Israel, decided to send children to a Jewish school in north London and was shocked by the security required to keep students and teachers safe.

It was hard to process the idea that in a city

as diverse, established and multicultural as London, the threat of antisemitism and terrorism requires such heavy defences.

An outsider picking up a copy of Jewish News could not but think British Jews are a community under siege. The appropriation of symbols of the Holocaust during recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations is among the most deeply disturbing developments.

Even more shocking was the grotesque convoy of vehicles that snaked from St John’s Wood up Finchley Road, screaming hatred towards Jews. They were enough to turn even the calmest of stomachs. In the midst of their own much worse horrors on the streets of Lod, the Israeli non-governmental organisation with which I work felt it necessary to send a message of support.

Perhaps even more disturbing is the invidious invasion of civil society by proPalestinian forces who turn unthinking fire on British Jews who have no responsibility for what is happening in Israel and, on occasions, are as disturbed by events as their non-Jewish counterparts. It is unadulterated racism. Such attitudes have become hardwired in some municipal authorities, the trade unions and sections of the Labour Party in spite of efforts by Sir Keir Starmer to purge antisemitism. Recent events tarnish Britain’s reputation for tolerance.

It is never possible to relax our guard.

Locally in Richmond, for all our efforts to build bridges with the local communities, there is a strong pro-Palestinian sentiment. I have never forgotten that during operation Protec-

❝

THERE’S AN INSIDIOUS EFFORT TO UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMACY OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

tive Edge in 2014, the Orange Tree theatre provocatively held a pro-Palestinian event on a Saturday. The middle-class burghers rose in their tweed jackets to condemn Israeli violence as if there was one party to the conflict.

Recently, there was a minor incident involving synagogue security. On the advice of the Community Security Trust and with support from a neighbouring housing association, a rear gate was erected from the synagogue to allow an emergency exit in the case of fire or a terrorist incident. When the shul returned after the lockdown, the gate had been locked and blocked by a resident who declared he didn’t want to do anything to help “you people”.

A minor infraction I know. But the inflammatory seed of antisemitism planted by Labour’s left and trade unions and inflamed by media reporting from the Middle East means that no neighbourhood, however pastoral and prosperous, can escape. There is an insidious effort to undermine the legitimacy of Jewish support for Israel.

The ring of steel around Jewish schools is not for show; it is an absolute necessity.

ph ysi Runn cal ly + ing vir tua

lly

T H E YO U T H C LU B FO R YO U N G J E W I S H P E O P L E W I T H L E A R N I N G D I F F I C U LT I E S , D I S A B I L I T I E S A N D AU T I S M GROW MEET, CONNECT, We meet in the safe setting of our Covidsecure community centre in Edgware.

Participants take part in different activities, many of which they’ve chosen themselves.

These include arts and crafts, cooking, sports, music, drama, trips away and more!

Members grow in confidence by making friends, learning new skills, volunteering and having fun - all in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

For more information about Langdon Brady Club and/or to sign up please contact Daniel Sinclair, Youth Services Manager on 020 8731 1308, email danielsinclair@langdonuk.org or visit www.langdonuk.org/bradyclub

E FUN H A N G O U T + H AV During term time, we meet: ages 9–11 - Sunday evenings ages 12–15 - Wednesday evenings ages 16–19 - Thursday evenings ages 20–25 - launching Winter We also run seasonal schemes during school holidays.

facebook.com/langdonbrady Reg. Charity No. 1142742. • Company No. 7621714

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

JDA’s hearing aid maintenance clinic is now open again!

extra t go d an y da to A JD to t en w e sh me ld to Grandma ories. st my of re mo in e ez ue sq to , aid ing ar he r memory space in he use I love her. ca be ng alo y pla I t bu up it g kin ma e’s sh I know Thanks to JDA, everyone can have clean, working hearing aids and remain connected to their loved ones and the world around them.

Extra memory space by special order!

Appointments every Monday 10am to 1pm in North Finchley Telephone 020 8446 0214 or email andrew@jdeaf.org.uk

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

23

24

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Opinion

JFS pupils have spoken – I cry for all the others YEHUDIS FLETCHER FOUNDER, NAHAMU

T

hree children at JFS have lost their lives to suicide in the past few years. On Facebook, the family of one of the children issued a public plea for JFS to recognise the bullying she experienced. Using the website Everyone's Invited, survivors of sexual assault shared testimonies of a normalised culture of harassment and violence in JFS’ hallways and lunch queues. The repercussions were swift.

Ofsted arrived, children spoke up and the adults listened. The head resigned.

Students organised themselves to demand that the school prioritise their mental health – their petition collected more than 2,500 signatures.

I cry for the children whose torment is not spoken. I cry for the statistics we will never have, because the data is inaccessible, because no one will talk. I cry for the Jewish community

that discounts an entire section as too hard to reach and somehow less deserving of quality safeguarding. I cry because you presume us to be immune to all the ills from which accountability would protect us, or worse, you don’t care that we are unprotected. For this, I cry.

Lucky, lucky JFS. I know that the JFS parent body will not have been shy in voicing any concerns they had to Ofsted. Your children will be heard. Your children have the privilege of being able to speak freely. You hear the power in their voices. For all your sins, for all the toxicity, for all the deep-seated cultural issues that created the mess you are now dealing with, you listen, and you understand what you need to do to change. You may have lost your way, but you will find it again, because you benefit from leadership that has reacted constructively, instead of defensively. Charedi children are not so lucky. Who even hears what they have to say?

In 2018, when Yesodey Hatorah was downgraded to inadequate for safeguarding, poor governance and a curriculum that did not meet national standards, commentators turned the story into a debate about religious ethos, as

❝

SCHOOLGIRLS TOLD ME THEY WERE WARNED NOT TO RAISE ANY OF THEIR CONCERNS WITH INSPECTORS

if ethos is a 'get out of jail free' card allowing religious conservatives to do what they want, regardless of how that might impact women and girls, LGBTQ+ people and people of colour.

The likes of Melanie Phillips and Giles Fraser seemed to wave away any concerns.

I cry because it appears neither Phillips or Fraser really stopped to think about the risks faced by girls where they are coached to lie and silenced when they try to tell the truth. No one cares that our girls have no voice. I was keen to understand the perspective of the students so I spoke to some Yesodey Hatorah girls about their experience of the Ofsted inspection that

led to all the publicity. They told me they were warned not to raise any concerns with the inspectors, and to only speak positively about the school, because Ofsted was waging a war against their Judaism. Another girl claimed she suffered from serious mental health issues at Yesodey Hatorah, and although her friend asked the headteacher for help, none was reportedly given.

I haven’t singled out Yesodey Hatorah because I believe it is unique in its practices, or the worst example there is of this kind of education, but because what happened there is on the public record. Unlike many Charedi schools, it is a state school where Ofsted and the Department for Education have much more capacity to hold leadership accountable.

Even there, they are thwarted at every turn, denigrated and positioned as an enemy of God. Fraser, in his attempt to defend them, said he heard teachers referring to Ofsted as the Gestapo.

No one is worried about being held accountable by anyone they respect, so no one is held accountable at all.

Need cash fast?

Sell your gold and coins today!

We wish to purchase any Diamond & Gold Jewellery

9 ct per gram £1 2 14 ct per gram £2 18 ct per gram £ 21 ct per gram £3 22 ct per gram £ 2 24 ct per gram £

Platinum 950 per gram £22

Silver 925ag per gram £0.

Half Sovereigns £1

Full Sovereigns £2 Krugerrands £12

We also purchase any sterling silver candlesticks and any other sterling silver tableware

Can’t choose the diamond ring you are looking for?

Come and see us in our North London showroom for the best engagement ring selection.

We can create the design of your dreams... and at a wholesale price!

We can supply any certificated GIA or HRD diamond of your choice.

Personal & confidential Customer Service Price Offered Instantly Same Day payment A free valuation from our in house gemmologist and gold experts on anything you may wish to sell.

If you are thinking of selling, the price of diamonds has never been higher! In any shape, size, clarity or colour.

WE PAY MORE than all our competitors.

Try us, and you will not be disappointed!

Jewellery Cave Ltd, 48b Hendon Lane, London N3 1TT T: 020 8446 8538 E:jonathan@jewellerycave.co.uk www.howcashforgold.co.uk Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (anytime) and Saturday 9am to 1pm (by appointment)

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

25

Opinion

The pandemic we ignore – nan’s secret 15-a-day habit SAM BRANDMAN CEO, TWO GENERATIONS

W

e’ve just marked Loneliness Awareness Week. Loneliness can kill. Being chronically lonely has the same effect on someone’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

You might think that as a naturally communal group, Jews would be different.

You’d be wrong: Jews are in fact more likely to live alone than the general population; indeed, almost half of Jews over 75 live alone.

Of course, not everyone who lives alone is lonely. However, while loneliness can be framed as an opportunity to discover new friends, conversations and experiences, a recent survey of people over 65 suggested that 74 percent of people don’t tell people they are feeling lonely, even if they have someone they can count on; perhaps because many are yet to let go of an outdated associated stigma.

Some loneliness, of course, is temporary and

a short experience as part of the human condition; but loneliness can be more extended and challenging. Seventeen percent of older people have less than weekly contact with family, friends and neighbours. Covid and cuts to social services have made this worse.

Judaism has a long history wrestling with the issue of how to support the lonely to flourish. From Genesis’ “it is not good for humanity to be alone” to the Talmud’s “a captive cannot release himself from prison”, there are many stories of individuals who have experienced loneliness and found ways to transcend or improve that experience.

You probably know someone lonely, but in the back of your head you know you’re busy and have only so much time to give. However, we cannot stand by as a community or just hope our communal institutions will plug the gap on our behalf.

Do one small thing after reading this; get someone you know who might be lonely to contact their social prescriber via their GP. Social prescribers work alongside GPs to help people find non-medical solutions to a

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.

range of issues including loneliness. They refer people to a variety of support organisations such as Two Generations, which find carefully vetted housemates for people living alone who need a bit of support (a “homeshare”), as well as befriending schemes, local clubs and charities.

Homesharing is a particularly effective sustained solution to loneliness; the only thing needed to create intergenerational friendships is a spare room. It gives many older and other isolated people a renewed sense of purpose through sharing their life experience, as well as connecting with others.

Betty, a Jewish lady who used to live alone, was recently matched with a homesharer.

“My homesharer is wonderful and she is like

another member of the family. Having her has been amazing; this has allowed me to sleep so much better because someone is here; it’s a great sense of security. This has also allowed me to stay in my home, which has made me so incredibly happy. This has been a success, far more than I ever expected,” she explains.

The theme of Loneliness Awareness Week was acceptance; the idea that it is an experience, not a condition; and that there are solutions.

Making that one call will help someone you know live, independently, for longer. Five minutes of your time could make years of difference to someone else.

Please don’t ignore the pandemic that doesn’t affect you personally.

❝

YOU PROBABLY KNOW SOMEONE LONELY. WE CANNOT JUST HOPE OUR COMMUNAL INSTITUTIONS WILL PLUG THE GAP

If you need support or are supporting someone who needs help, contact Jami. jamiuk.org/get-support or call 020 8458 2223

If you’re struggling to cope or need immediate help, contact Shout’s 24/7 crisis text service.

Text Jami to 85258

Free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support. qwell.io/jami

Change the life of someone living with mental illness.

Donate today at jamiuk.org/donate Registered charity no. 1003345

26

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

The first deaf person I met was my beautiful baby Layla.

“ When Layla was diagnosed deaf at birth,

we were in complete shock and didn't know what to do.

JDA was there for us when we needed them most.

They've shown us we're not alone, helped us to cope and given Layla the best start in life. ”

Your donation will help Layla and all children with hearing loss get the very best out of life.

020 8446 0502 02 k www.jdeaf.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1105845 Company Limited by Guarantee 4983830

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

27

Community / Scene & Be Seen

1 CLASSY ARTWORK

The Kisharon Noé School recently held an art exhibition inspired by ex-pupil Etty, who displayed her artwork in the school before she moved to Manchester. Staff were so impressed with Etty’s art that it inspired them to give canvasses to pupils and work together to create an art exhibition. The class, led by Helen Gillan together with practising artist Batsheva Cutler, worked on largescale canvases.

2

ROAD SENSE

And be seen!

The latest news, pictures and (virtual) social events from across the community Email us at community@jewishnews.co.uk

Children at Woodside Gan nursery made traffic lights and played ‘crossing the road’ in the nursery garden for Child Safety week. Children were also taken to look at the pedestrian crossing and traffic lights to learn what each colour meant and the importance of holding an adult’s hand when crossing the road. Headteacher Natalie Meyer said: “It’s so meaningful when we can take what we learn in the classroom and experience it in real life.”

3SCOUT ORIENTEERING The 20th Finchley Jewish Scout Group took advantage of eased restrictions, which allow youth groups to meet socially distanced, to arrange an orienteering activity in Golders Hill Park. Each section of the Scout group had its own time slots and members were given maps to find 12 points using just their orienteering skills.

2 Born

October

12

4FUN FUNDRAISER

Families and friends of the Bushey Synagogue nursery attended an outdoor Fun Day, hosted by the PTA. The children enjoyed an afternoon of games and interactive entertainment from ‘Captain Calamity’. The PTA also organised a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses, such as Flax’s Foods, K&B’s Nails, F.Y.G. and Club Excel. More than £400 was raised for the nursery.

3

1919

100-SECOND INTERVIEW Celebrating our community’s centenarians...

Henry Lewis is 101 years old and lives at Jewish Care’s Wolfson Assisted Living at Sandringham in Hertfordshire.

Tell us about your family…

I was born in Hackney and I grew up in a family of eight children. We moved to south London when I was four.

I married my wonderful wife Doris in 1945 and we lived in the West End before moving to Mill Hill and having our daughter Vicky. I also have a granddaughter, Abigail.

1

4

What was your profession?

I am a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and of the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers. I’ve been very happy to be successful in my profession and I’ve also really enjoyed being able to do my magic shows around the world as my hobby. When I was eight, I found a magic book in a pile of rubbish and it got me interested in magic. I gave my first public show at the local town hall. I’ve performed all over the world: Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Israel and the USA in large public theatres.

I was the president of the Inner Magic Circle and a member of the Society of American Magicians and a gold medallist performer. I recently entertained my fellow residents at Jewish Care’s

Sandringham.

What’s your happiest memory?

My happy marriage.

What’s your greatest achievement?

To be successful in my profession.

I acted for the Department of Trade and was an expert witness at the Royal Courts of Justice.

If you could live your life again would you do it differently?

Truthfully, no. I’ve been very happy with my life so why should I change anything? My whole life has been good.

What’s your advice to young people?

Live decently and be happy within your own family.

Are older people given the respect they deserve today?

If you have respect for other people, they will respect you.

What’s your secret to a long life?

I often can’t believe my age, but I try to do as much as I can and stay as independent as I can. My advice would be: Be satisfied with what you’ve got. I’ve been lucky to have a life of more than a 100 years, what more could I want?

28 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021

Weekend / Finding Abraham

A peace o

Finding Abraham, a Jewish News-initiated film, follows first-time visitors to Israel from UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt on a journey of a lifetime, writes Justin Cohen

Itamar Eyal Photography

I

t was lights, camera and action this week as production got underway on a Jewish News-initiated film exploring the peace deals between Israel and several Arab states.

Finding Abraham follows a group of young first-time visitors to Israel from United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco as they traverse the country over six days – exploring well-trodden and less well-trodden paths alongside Israeli counterparts.

An early version of the film will be released for the first anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords in September, with the full production playing at international film festivals later in the year.

As well as exploring commonalities, the film will delve into the durability of the recent Abraham Accords and how these young leaders can live its vision and spread peace beyond the countries who have already signed up.

The intense experience is sure to “stress test” the treaties as the group in their 20s and 30s travel, eat, learn, party and sing together for 16 hours a day, according to multi-awardwinning director Malcolm Green.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

29

of the action!

The production is working with nongovernmental organisation Israel-is and will include visits to Yad Vashem and the holy sites of Jerusalem at a time when tensions are still high.

They will also join a yeshiva, meet Ethiopian Jewish immigrants, take part in a football tournament for Arab and Jewish children, see how the two communities are combining in scientific research at a programme backed

by British philanthropist David Dangoor and don the uniform of Magen David Adom for a shift on an ambulance.

The group, which includes two Egyptians, will explore environmental protection and climate change, together with a groundbreaking charity seeking to solve key global challenges through regional collaboration.

“There are so many positive examples of coexistence that are making a huge difference on the ground and we hope to shine a global spotlight on these. But this won’t be an exercise in high fives and phoney handshakes,” says Jewish News’ Justin Cohen, who is also the film’s executive producer.

“Our group won’t be able to escape tough questions that haven’t miraculously disappeared overnight because of the Accords.

“We originally conceived this project late last year, but filming hasn’t been possible until now because of Covid and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. That conflict and sectarian violence erupting on Israel’s streets just a few weeks ago make this all the more timely.

“It’s a poignant coincidence that the group

also arrives on the exact day an Arab party is set to become part of Israel’s government for the first time. There’ll be no shortage of talking points!”

Israel-is founder Eyal Biram explains: “Since the announcement of the Abraham Accords, we have been working to create a bridge among the youth. We believe the best way to strengthen Israel’s image worldwide is through people-to-people connections.

“This visit from Arabs in the region to Israel is creating a massive effect, on both the Israeli and Arabs participants. We now want to expand this movement and hope this movie will bring the realities of normalisation to a global audience.”

Writer and director Green says: “Having filmed in both Israel and the UAE prior to the Accords, I was fascinated to explore the reality and the truth behind the photoopps and the hashtags. When Jewish News mentioned a loose idea of collaborating on a new documentary, I was intrigued and interested.

“The intention is to create something contemporary, creative and unconventional.

Something that challenges the genre as well as the concept of modern peace. In Finding Abraham, I hope we’ll find optimism, inspiration and evidence to feel positive about the future, as well as a stepping stone towards a wider peace throughout the region.’

As a recipient of multiple international awards, Green is hopeful that Finding Abraham will find global success as an important historical documentary.

Itamar Eyal Photography

Itamar Eyal Photography

Finding Abraham / Weekend

A look

Inside Competition: Win a £200 nail polish bundle from Lady Showbiz Beauty!

Just one suitcase: Virtual exhibition highlights stories of Jewish refugees

Tech That: Why the OnePlus 9 Pro is the way to go

30

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

ADVERTORIAL

‘My life has been changed forever’ A couple talk about finding love and getting engaged, thanks to Jewish matchmaking service We Go Together

W

E GO TOGETHER – the free Jewish matchmaking service – is celebrating another engagement… all thanks to an advert in Jewish News!

Carly and Gary, both in their 30s, met through the service two years ago after their mothers saw the ad and talked them into giving it a go.

Gary picks up the story: “We both thought we would try it, as we were having no success with dating apps.

“Having an actual matchmaker work with us made all the difference. They were able to really get to know us, concentrate on what type of partner we were both looking for and our shared values and aspirations.

“They were also able to provide us with

options of different types of matches available and always went out of their way to keep in touch with us and give updates and feedback.

“And, once we met, there was instant connection!”

Carly says: “Using dating apps felt soulless and erratic, whereas We Go Together provided the opportunity to meet someone serious.

“We were both looking for the same path in life and this service meant that I could meet a wonderful man who wanted to settle down.”

The fact We Go Together is a Jewish matchmaking service was also important to the couple, because meeting a Jewish partner was integral for them as well as for their families.

Gary popped the question earlier this month and they couldn’t be happier.

Carly explains: “I have found my true soulmate, best friend and hero in life. He has made me the happiest woman alive.”

We Go Together offers a completely free of charge introduction service for members of the UK Jewish community at all stages of life.

It has seen the formation of many engagements and long-term relationships – from those looking for love for the first time to those who have been divorced or widowed and are looking for someone with whom to share their lives once again.

Although the service always has man women on its books, men seem more reluctant to sign up – something Gary can’t understand.

He says: “I would encourage all men to use this service.

They have so many wonderful women looking for a partner – and, best of all, you know that everyone who joins is looking for a serious relationship based on the values you share.

“I knew from our very first date that Carly was the one for me. Thanks to We Go Together, my life has been changed forever.”

If you’re looking for a partner, please find us at www.wegotogether.net

10 Golders Green Road London NW11 8LL Opposite Cafe Nero

Suits from £79.50 REOPENING SPECIAL OFFERS, CRAZY PRICES! Overcoats from £79.50

SPORTS JACKETS AND SUITS ALL ½ PRICE Trouser Bargains £25

KNITWEAR OFFERS £15 ANY 2 FOR £20 Raincoats from £49.50

SUMMER CASUAL JACKETS FROM £20

SHIRT BARGAINS! £10 EACH OR 3 FOR £20

LIGHTWEIGHT CHINOS £20 EACH 2 PAIRS FOR £35 Large Sizes a RAINCOATS FROMspeciality £29.50 L SH TS £8 Open everyday & Sundays til 5:00pm

CH 2 FOR £12 We accept

t ver d a his tie. t g rin FREE b ase for a e l P in

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

31

Entertainment / Weekend

VIRTUAL EXHIBITION

FILM

What Would You Like To Bring?

Bill & Ted Face the Music (PG)

Six Jewish refugees tell their stories through animated short films and illustrated essays as part of an online project to mark World Refugee Day on Sunday.

Created by Juliet Simmons, a creative consultant and member of Reboot, a UK-based art and culture nonprofit, and co-produced with Noam Dromi, the exhibition highlights the objects the refugees took with them as they embarked on a new life.

For seven-year-old John Hadju, it was his beloved teddy bear that accompanied him as he was forced out of his home and into the Budapest Ghetto and, in the years after the Second World War, through the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, his escape to Austria and finally his arrival in London.

Meanwhile for eight-year-old Hedi Argent, who was bullied at school, her doll Susi became her best friend. But when Susi was too large to

fit inside her suitcase as her family embarked on a journey from Austria to England in 1938, just before the Anschluss, Hedi instead took Little Susi – the doll belonging to her doll – and it has remained in her possession ever since.

Other featured stories show how young Jewish refugees fled their homes in the USSR, Iran and Ethiopia, taking with them the prized objects reminding them of home.  Visit the project at whatwouldyoubring.com

STREAMING NOW

Home Before Dark 2 The second series of Dana Fox and Dara Resnik’s dramatic mystery series, Home Before Dark, inspired by real-life young investigative journalist Hilde Lysiak is now streaming on Apple TV+.

Directed and executive produced by Jon M Chu, it follows a young girl named Hilde (Brooklynn Prince) who moves from the city of Brooklyn to the small lakeside

town her father left. While there, her dogged pursuit of the truth leads her to unearth a cold case that everyone, including her own father (Jim Sturgess), tried hard to bury.

In season two, when an explosion hits a local farm, reporter Hilde Lisko begins an investigation that will lead her to fight a powerful corporation – with the health of her family and Erie Harbor in the balance.

GADGET OF THE MONTH: OnePlus 9 Pro

Available from: OnePlus.com, John Lewis, Amazon (RRP £829) PLUS POINTS: • The design is gorgeous. OnePlus has been

making big strides with the look of its phones over the past few years • The screen quality is great and gets very bright in outdoor conditions • Dual stereo speakers can reproduce loud and clear audio • Phone performance feels fast owing to its fluid screen, processor and 12GB of memory. Even after months of use, it shows no sign of slowing down • New Warp Charge 65 technology can recharge the phone in around 30 minutes • The phone has four cameras: a main,

BUY OR NOT BUY:

an ultra-wide, a telephoto and a monochrome lens • Overall, the picture quality is fantastic, probably the best on a OnePlus phone to date.

NIL POINTS: • Battery performance is good but could be better. Luckily, the phone can recharge quickly.

• Although stylish, the Morning Mist colour was very slippery to hold, so I slapped a case on it.

• Monochrome lens has very little use. Getting rid of it could bring down the price.

The OnePlus 9 Pro is the company’s best attempt to compete with the likes of Samsung, Google and Apple.

The gap is narrowing (especially when it comes to cameras), but there’s always room for improvement.

Reviewed by: Daniel Elias

@daniel_elias

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter return in Bill & Ted Face the Music (PG) for a most excellent – but middle-aged – adventure as the time-travelling best friends reunite for the first time in 30 years on a new quest.

Set in present-day San Dimas, California, the would-be rockers – now dads in their 50s – still haven’t written the song that will bring the world together and the people of the future are starting to get worried.

Lacking the talent to create this song, the duo resort to travelling through time to steal it from their older selves.

Meanwhile, their young daughters devise their own musical scheme to help their dads bring harmony to the universe.

The cast also features Kristen Schaal, Samara Weaving, Brigette LundyPaine and William Sadler.

Bill & Ted Face the Music arrives on Sky Cinema and Now TV from Friday, 2 July.w

COMPETITION

Win a Lady Showbiz Beauty nail polish bundle worth £200!

Jewish News and Lady Showbiz Beauty have teamed up to offer one lucky winner a nail polish bundle worth £200!

British brand Lady Showbiz Beauty was founded by beauty expert Karen Yates and brings a luxury, affordable and effective range to the industry, which is both ethical and cruelty free.

Her aim is to inspire and empower the wearer to tackle any challenge they may face.

Lady Showbiz polishes are gel-effect, long-wearing and luxurious, available in a host of stunning colours from neutrals to bright pop colours and classical shades.

There is also a host of nail treatments used to tackle common nail health concerns and not forgetting fabulous accessories such as the sparkly nail file. The skincare collection was recently added to the range, offering vitamin-infused, results-driven products that aid everything from ageing, dryness, pigmentation and blocked pores.

All products in the Lady Showbiz range are vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free.

Additionally, 20 percent of net profits are donated to charities that help people and animals in the UK and around the world.

ENTE ONLIN R E: jewish ne ws.co

.uk Closin g 24 Jun date e 2021

See the collection at www.ladyshowbiz.com/shop To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: Lady Showbiz Beauty was founded by: A. Karen Yates B. Reggie Yates C. Sally Yates

COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

One winner will receive a Lady Showbiz Beauty nail polish bundle worth £200! No cash alternative. Prize is as stated, not transferable, not refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or exchanged in whole or in part for cash. By supplying your email address, you agree to receive marketing information from the JN Media Group or any of its affiliates and carefully selected third parties. The promotion excludes employees of Jewish News and the promoter, their immediate families, their agents or anyone professionally connected to the relevant promotion.

Proof of eligibility must be provided on request. For full Ts and Cs, see www.jewishnews.co.uk.

Closing date: 24 June 2021

32

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Business / Retail changes

candicekrieger@googlemail.com

With Candice Krieger

BOOM TIME FOR CUSTOMER-CENTRIC BRANDS Since the internet the balance of power has shifted from the brand to the customer, who now consider wider factors when choosing where to spend their money, retail expert Martin Newman tells Candice Krieger

R

what retail will look like this time etail has undergone next year. the most seismic of changes in recent years, Has the past most notably year accelerated the the shift in power shift from the balance of power from brand to customer, brand to customer, driven by demonstrating that the internet and increased customer-centricity proliferation of choice. is key?

Consumer champion and retail expert Martin Newman is a strong Martin Newman believer that brands and retailers must Yes. Pre-internet, it used to be truly customer-centric to be commerbe all about location, location, location. The cially successful. In his new book, The Power consumer had limited choice, meaning the of Customer Experience, Newman, who has brand/retailer was in control. However, the worked with major brands including Harrods, internet changed everything as it democraBurberry and Ted Baker, has come up with tised retail and created the proliferation of a framework that any business can leverage choice that consumers have today. And during to transform to do just that. He tells Candice the pandemic, with non-essential retail stores Krieger what it means to be truly customerclosed, this can be evidenced by the seismic centric, why no brand is too big to fail, and growth in online sales as well as the birth of

Q.

A.

new online-only businesses. Retailers that successfully pivoted and leveraged their stores as fulfilment centres for click & collect/ kerbside pick-up have managed to maintain market share and proven that convenience is key.

Before 1994 and the birth of ecommerce, many retailers could get away with not being truly customer-centric. These days, there is nowhere to hide. You have to sell products customers want to buy. But you also have to empower them to engage with you as and when they see fit. If you don’t, someone else will.

Q. What is the value of customercentricity for businesses?

A.

Many consumer-facing businesses are still stuck in the pre-internet days in that they haven’t truly understood what it is that drives different types of customer to come back to them time and again. You must always be thinking about ‘how can I maximise the lifetime value of a customer to my business?’ and ‘What is it that I need to do to convince them to continue buying from us for the foreseeable future?’ Too many businesses only invest in the ‘top of the funnel’, ie; bringing new customers in rather than retaining existing ones.

Q. How can brands be truly customer-centric?

A.

You need to do the following: Look after your own people first and they’ll look after your customers. You need to understand who your customers are and how best to leverage technology, your channels and services to empower your customers. The better you understand your customers, the better chance you have of ensuring you have the right mix of products and services they seek. Your response to sustainability, social responsibility and purpose are also hugely important. And consumers can see through brands that attempt to greenwash or purpose wash, aka, make out they are when they’re not.

Q. Which brands have got it right?

A.

● Patagonia ● AO.com ● Hotel Chocolat ● Home Depot (North America) ● Tesla ● JD Sports

Q. Were you surprised by some of

the casualties of the past year, such as Debenhams and Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia?

Martin Newman’s new book

A.

Not really. In most cases, these businesses were dying a death from a thousand cuts over a prolonged period of time. They all had their own unique issues; however, there were also some common challenges. They were too slow to rationalise their store portfolios. Too many retailers over-expanded their footprint as more and more consumers were buying online.

Often, there has been an underinvestment in digital and therefore the online opportunity wasn’t maximised. They came under huge pressure from innovators, internet pureplays and other faster moving multichannel brands that had far shorter/quicker supply chains, being able to constantly keep their range and offer fresh and relevant. No brand is ever too big to fail. Most people forget that Apple nearly went out of business in the 1990s. Do you remember Blockbuster…?

Q. How can retailers that are struggling turn things around?

A.

● Get closer to your customers and, in particular, lapsed customers. Where you can, call them up. Why don’t they buy from you any more? You’ll learn quite quickly where you’ve gone wrong. ● Make sure you’ve got a range of products people want to buy. ● Make sure you have the channels and touchpoints your customers are looking to engage and buy through. Don’t forget that might now include Amazon as well as social commerce opportunities on Instagram or Facebook. ● Make sure you create a culture in your own business of being ‘customer-obsessed’.

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

33

Retail changes / Business

● And if you want your staff to do the best they can for you and for your customers, create an environment in which they can thrive.

Q. What do retailers need to do to thrive in the post-pandemic world?

A.

Sustainability, social responsibility, diversity and inclusion are hugely important to consumers. Increasingly, they’ll vote with their feet, or their mouse, if a brand is not displaying the values and behaviour they expect.

Q. How do you see the rest of the

year and beyond playing out for retail?

A.

Revenge consumption will be the driver for many. But not for the sake of it. Categories that relate to going out and going to events will do well. So, for example, formal wear and high fashion. Also holiday-related categories. Albeit the majority of consumers will staycation in 2021 and vacation (abroad) in 2022 when all the restrictions are gone. However, I do believe consumers in general will buy less ‘stuff ’ moving forward and that, in the near-term, retailers will also need to sell ‘preloved’ and ‘upcycled’ products and have the option to rent instead of buy. This will fulfil the requirement to consume more consciously and help the environment and minimise carbon footprint.

Q. What will retail look like this time next year?

A.

Buoyant. There will be a rise in independent retail. And there is still a place for good national retail chains with a smaller portfolio of stores and a really good online experience.

ABOUT MARTIN NEWMAN Martin Newman has more than 35 years’ experience in marketing, digital, CEO and chairman roles working with major brands including Harrods, Burberry, Pentland Brands and Intersport.

He is the founder of The Customer First Group and chairman and board advisor to a host of well-known brands. A renowned thought leader, he has been named

by Retail Week as one of the 50 most powerful people in online retail for 5 consecutive years.

He is the author of 100 Practical Ways to Improve Customer Experience and The Power of Customer Experience (Kogan Page).

JD Sports is one of the brands Martin feels has proved to be customer-centric

Long awaited New Delivery of NAOT Sandals from Israel

IF YOUR BUSINESS IS STILL IN BUSINESS, YOU NEED OUR HELP.

IN THIS WEEK

Come while all sizes are available of this award winning brand and as always best selection in comfortable walking shoes for men and women of all shapes and sizes 1029 Finchley Road, NW11 7ES Tel. 020 8455 3623

www.natural-footwear.com

n hese i cu wi hou

i es ou e e s c n n e son in o uc ion.

ou

e c n o i e he o o uni c e in sh n in e es in e i o i in n o i in ou h e s he s o o ou co n . esen e in in n on ine wi h inks o ou we si e o se ice.

CREATE YOUR BESPOKE ADVERTORIAL NOW and spread the word about you. s es jewishnews.co.uk o c

34

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

WHAT IS THE POINT? THE POINT IS FOR US TO ENSURE THE FUTURE OF OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY PLEASE LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL TO A JEWISH CHARITY

For more information on leaving a gift in your Will to one or more of our 43 Jewish Charity partners, please visit www.jewishlegacy.org.uk, email gina@jewishlegacygiving.org.uk or call 020 3375 6248.

Promoting leaving gifts in Wills to Jewish Charities

JL JC ADVERT JUNE 2020.indd 1

16/06/2020 15:48

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

35

Orthodox Judaism

SEDRA

Torah For Today

Chukat

What does the Torah say about: Colin Pitchfork

BY RABBANIT BATYA FRIEDMAN “Miriam died there and . . . there was no water for the assembly, and they assembled against Moshe and Aharon”. (Numbers 20:1-2) Rashi explains that it was in Miriam’s merit that the Israelites had water throughout their sojourn in the desert. When she died, the water disappeared. Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) however maintains this happened because they failed to mourn Miriam.

They weren’t the only ones who didn’t mourn. Rabbi Sacks defends Moshe’s outburst when he hit the rock, suggesting Moshe was in pain over the loss of his sister. As a result of his communal responsibilities, he too hadn’t taken the time to mourn her properly. He overreacted, hit the rock and was denied entry into Canaan. We can understand Moshe’s suffering, but why did the Israelites need to mourn Miriam?

Miriam was not only their water conduit but their ray of hope. She

was the one who convinced her parents to have another child. When Moshe was born, she watched over him as he drifted down the Nile. She told the Hebrew women to bring along their tambourines, anticipating the dance across the Red Sea. Miriam represented hope in time of despair. With her passing, perhaps the Israelites unknowingly lost more than they could imagine, but didn’t take the time to grieve her.

When Aharon and Moshe die, the Torah tells us that the people mourned – they realised they needed the mourning period (shiva) to address their conflicted emotions.

This is why we have the shiva period, to provide us with the time to reflect, so we can work through, process and resolve the emotional and spiritual issues of loss and despair during this difficult time.

Rabbanit Batya Friedman serves Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue

BY RABBI ARIEL ABEL Colin Pitchfork, convicted of the rape and murder of two teenage girls, will soon be released from prison on the grounds that he is no longer a danger to the public. What does the Torah say about this?

In Jewish law, there is no doubt about the murderer with intent; capital punishment is advocated, and only in the absence of every element required of testimony as evidence will another sentence be imposed.

This is in contradistinction to the Arab tribal laws of the Hejaz, wherein the court system consults the family who may forgive the murderer of their relative.

Since in the Torah each human individual is created in the image of God, murder is seen to be an assault on the design of the Creator and cannot be forgiven by a family member.

Jewish courts have an obliga-

Murderer Colin Pitchfork

tion to impose capital punishment when they can, as some did even in medieval Spain.

If that obligation is satisfied owing to a flaw in testimony, they then have discretion as to what punishments they can impose.

What is unclear is whether the mental health of an individual serves as a basis to release an

otherwise dangerous person back into the community. Essentially this is a question that can only be answered by highly-qualified medical experts.

Was it purely the psychotic condition influencing him that caused him or brought him to murder, or was it another state of mind?

Additionally, and separately, Mr Pitchfork may be comparable to the Biblical example of an ox that has gored twice, judged to be a danger to the public after having fatally attacked a human being.

In Judaism, a public outcry against the carrying out of a sentence carries weight.

Public opinion alone may not strike out Colin Pitchfork’s release, but it would have some influence if based on not taking any chances with public safety.

Rabbi Ariel Abel of Liverpool

Chief Executive Officer

Facilities and Office Manager

Britain’s historic S&P Sephardi Community, the oldest established Orthodox congregation in the UK seeks an outstanding Chief Executive to work in partnership with the Board and the internationally respected Senior Rabbi of the community, Rabbi Joseph Dweck to help drive forward its ambitious vision for this unique congregation.

The S&P Sephardi Community, the oldest established Orthodox congregation in the UK seeks an experienced site manager to look after a number of sites in London based in Maida Vale, Hendon, Wembley and the City of London.

The role reports into the Chief Operating Officer and manages a small and dedicated team of caretakers and a receptionist.

This is an exciting and challenging position for an experienced individual who can think both strategically and operationally. The Chief Executive will need to be an exceptional leader and communicator, able to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders including the Sephardi Beth Din and Sephardi Kashrut Authority, London Board of Shechitah and other wider community bodies, with strong management skills to lead a busy professional and lay team, and a vision and sensibility for the unique and precious role of the S&P Sephardi Community in the UK and around the world.

A highly competitive salary and package is available for the right candidate.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter – providing details of how you believe your experience and skills meet the requirements in the advert to: HR@sephardi.org.uk For a more detailed Job Description please email: info@sephardi.org.uk Closing date for applications: Friday 25th June 2021

In this role you will play an integral role ensuring the S&P Sephardi Community is a safe, inviting environment for members, staff, and visitors by ensuring the highest quality of site maintenance and management. The ideal candidate will: have experience in site and staff management; have knowledge on premises management regulations, including health and safety requirements; be organised and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritise tasks and work calmly under pressure.

For more information and details of how to apply please send an email to info@Sephardi.org.uk Closing date for applications: Friday 25th June 2021

36

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Progressive Judaism

Progressively Speaking

The Bible Says What?

‘Giants and fallen angels are real’

We owe it to our ancestors to help refugees

BY RABBI SYLVIA ROTHSCHILD Early in the book of Genesis, God sees that the earth has become corrupted and violent and tells Noah it must be destroyed: only Noah and his family will survive the flood that is to come.

It is a strange and frightening story. The verses preceding it may be less well known, but are infinitely more mysterious and bizarre.

“The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them; the same were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown”.

Who were these “Nephilim”?

They appear three times in the Bible: When the spies report back to Moses, they say: “And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the Nephilim; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” and also in Ezekiel: “They lie with

the warriors, the Nephilim of old, who descended to Sheol with their weapons of war.”

Nephilim is translated by some as “fallen” or “causing others to fall”; it is also understood in context to mean “giants” and “warriors”. They appear to be ancient, maybe even semi-divine figures, mythic and terrifying. Are they in some way connected with the flood God is about to bring to cleanse the earth? How is it they clearly survive it? Are they angelic? Heroic? Sinful? A remnant of a previous creation? The questions pile up and tantalise us.

The Bible is never a book of answers. Instead, its texts contain allusions encouraging us to understand we live in a complex world we cannot fully comprehend, that time and space are fluid and mystery is normal and expected.

Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild has been a community rabbi in south London for 30 years

BY RABBI DR MARGARET JACOBI Eighty years ago my father, Rabbi Harry Jacobi (pictured), arrived in this country aboard the SS Bodegraven from Holland. The boat had been commissioned by Gertrude Wijsmuller to bring him and other children from the Amsterdam Orphanage to safety.

However, it was not a safe journey and the boat was torpedoed on the way. Finally, they reached British waters, but it took several days for them to be given permission to land.

As we mark Refugee Week, I am even more conscious of my father’s legacy, and the legacy of so many of our parents and grandparents.

History repeats itself, as can be seen in a short film, available on Vimeo, that my father made before his death called The Story of Harry and Ahmed, which also gives the account of a young Syrian refugee.

Thousands of desperate people continue to go to sea in inadequate vessels in order to flee persecution –

and many of them drown.

Their plight was highlighted recently when the body of 15-monthold Artin Iran Nezhad, who was found in Norway.

The flimsy boat carrying him and his family capsized off Dunkirk and his family, including children aged six and nine, and all drowned.

The government is proposing to deny refugee status to asylum seekers who do not come by recognised routes. But it is in the very nature of seeking asylum that it is often done by clandestine and dangerous routes.

The only real way to stop people taking desperate measures to reach

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Avigdor Hirsch

Torah Temimah Primary School

Noa Girls is a charity supporting adolescent girls in the Orthodox Jewish Community.

As a growing charity we are seeking an effective and resourceful person to join as COO to lead our expansion and develop our infrastructure to take us to the next level.

We are looking for someone who works well in a fast-paced environment and who is able to handle a varied workload. You will have experience as part of a senior management team in developing strategies and implementing processes within an organisation to allow for sustainable growth. Our ideal candidate thinks creatively and is solution orientated with excellent inter-personal skills, who is able to harness the talent of their surrounding colleagues and team.

Proficiency with computer and data management systems and knowledge of financial systems are preferred.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience Full time is preferred though we will consider part-time arrangement For an application pack please contact HR@noagirls.com

safety is to find some way of keeping them safe in their home countries.

That, of course, is a long-term goal.

In the meantime, we must have the humanity to recognise our responsibility to help other human beings whose lives are in danger.

Sending back boats or similar measures will only increase the dangers and result in more tragic loss of life. My father said: “If we can save even one life, we should do so”, echoing the Mishnah, which teaches, “Whoever saves a single human soul is as if they save an entire world.”

We owe it to our own parents and grandparents and our long history of having to flee persecution to help the present generation of refugees, to ensure that they are treated humanely and with compassion and to make sure that children such as Artin no longer lose their lives in their search for freedom.

Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi serves Birmingham

We’re recruiting!

Come join us this September – we have the following exciting opportunities to become part of this warm, welcoming school.

!

Primary Class Teacher: QTS/QTLS, Main/Upper Pay Range (Inner London). Maternity cover post. Full time preferred, but we may consider part time.

!

EYFS Practitioner & Key Person: Level 3 preferred but not essential. Competitive salary.

!

Teaching assistants: KS1/KS2, Level 3 preferred but not essential. Competitive salary.

!

Break time supervisor: 10.00–3.30 Mon.–Thur. Competitive salary.

If you want to be part of a very warm, welcoming, family-friendly, high-achieving and supportive school, with children who are motivated and eager to learn, and where professional development is built in – well, that’s us! We offer attractive working conditions, a terrific staff team, Inner London salaries, good location & travel connections, and easy parking. Ofsted say we’re ‘Good’ – parents and colleagues say we’re “fantastic!”

Please contact us a.s.a.p. to discuss the position or to ask for an application pack. Call Mrs Dinah Herman on 020 8450 4377, or email secretary@torahtemimah.brent.sch.uk.

Applications welcomed a.s.a.p.: applications may be processed as received.

Torah Temimah is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

Parkside, Dollis Hill, London NW2 6RJ Tel.: 020 8450 4377 email: admin@torahtemimah.brent.sch.uk ‫מנהל‬: Rabbi E Klyne MA (Ed) ‫שליט"א‬ Headteacher: Rabbi Y Freeman BSc

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

Ask our

37

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: Alternatives to making bank transfers to Israel, issues with Zoom and early-years dance classes NAOMI FELTHAM INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS SPECIALIST

CURRENCIES DIRECT

Dear Naomi We’re going to make aliyah within the next year and will look at selling our London property and transferring the money to Israel. Is there an alternative to using our bank and, if so, what’s the process?

David Dear David If you’re moving your funds to Israel and want to make your money go further, specialist currency transfer providers such as Currencies Direct are here to help. As well as being able to offer you much better exchange rates than a bank, we can move your money fee-free, ensuring you make serious savings. We also

IAN GREEN IT SPECIALIST

MAN ON A BIKE Dear Ian I was presenting on my laptop over Zoom and suddenly saw multicoloured horizontal bars.

The screen flickered on and off then went black. The group I was presenting to could still see the presentation and hear me but I had a black screen and only audio. When the meeting was done I closed it down and on the second attempt it restarted with

visuals. Do you think this is fixable, will it happen again or should I be looking to replace my laptop?

Kathryn Dear Kathryn Since the problem resolved after restarting it sounds like it’s an issue with the graphics card on the laptop rather than the screen itself. Most laptops have a start-up option where

provide great support, with every customer assigned their own account manager.

To get started with Currencies Direct, you simply need to open an account – this can be done in minutes online or over the phone.

You’ll then able to talk through your requirements and find out the right service for you.

As you aren’t making aliyah for another year, you might want to consider using a forward contract to lock-in the current exchange rate until you’re ready to make the transfer. This will protect your funds from any negative shifts in the currency market. Or you could target a specific exchange rate by setting a ‘rate alert’; you pick the exchange rate you’d like to achieve and your account manager will tell you immediately if the market moves to that level.

Whatever service you choose, with the support of Currencies Direct and your account manager, you’ll be able to maximise your savings as you start your new life in Israel.

you can run some diagnostics (usually by pressing a Function button when you turn it on) and this will test the graphics card. It could also be the software driver that has either updated or become corrupted. Run the diagnostics and then run a system restore to go back a few days to remove a bad update. Then see if the problem reoccurs.

Hopefully this will save you having to replace the laptop.

LOUISE LEACH CHOREOGRAPHER

DANCING WITH LOUISE Dear Louise My daughter is three and loves dancing and singing. She is constantly on her feet, moving to all her favourite songs. I was wondering if you think it is too early for her to start dance classes at this age?

Sophie Dear Sophie It’s great to hear that your daughter already has a

passion for music and dance! For me, the younger the better when it comes to starting classes. In fact, we have recently extended our tots programme to now include hip-hop and acro in addition to ballet that we have offered for years, such is my passion and belief in the early years dance programme.

I find that children this age have less inhibitions and generally join in without the self-doubt that can often creep in as a child gets older.

Our pre-school students absolutely love dancing with our instructors and it is amazing to see how quickly they pick up the steps!

I encourage mums to give their children these dancing opportunities from a young age, as a good structured class

can be so beneficial in helping children to reach important milestones in their development. Classes improve a child’s balance and coordination, their listening skills and ability to follow instructions, not to mention the lessons of respect learnt in the classroom. It is such a gift for a parent to allow their child to experience the sheer joy of dance at this young age. By participating in dance classes, children tend to really grow in self-confidence which is enough of a reason on it’s own to get started.

38

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 17 June 2021

Ask Our Experts / Professional advice from our panel

Our Experts Got a question for a member of our team?

Email: editorial@jewishnews.co.uk PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST

BREAST, GROIN & HERNIA SURGEON

TELECOMS SPECIALIST BENJAMIN ALBERT Qualifications: • Co-Founder and Technical Director of ADWConnect – a specialist in business telecommunications, serving customers worldwide.

• Independent consultant and supplier of Telephone & Internet services.

• Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything my team and I do, always striving to find the most cost-effective solutions.

ADWCONNECT 0208 089 1111 www.adwconnect.com hello@adwconnect.com

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 020 8732 6101 www.kkl.org.uk enquiries@kkl.org.uk

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

•

Got a question for a member of our team?

Email: editorial@jewishnews.co.uk Struggling to hear the TV? Missing out on family phone chats?

Hearing just not what it used to be?

Get the very best out of life

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.

LOVATT LEGAL LIMITED 07753 802 804 adam@lovattlegal.co.uk

CONSULTANT DERMATOLOGIST

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

DR LAURENCE LEVER Qualifications: • MBBS FRCP, private practice at 108 Harley Street The Skin Clinic.

• Consultant Dermatologist with a special interest in the management of malignant and pre-malignant conditions of the skin • Looks after all dermatological conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, moles, warts, cysts, skin tumours/cancer/oncology, dermatological surgery.

SUE CIPIN Qualifications: • 20 years+ hands-on experience, leading JDA in significant growth and development.

• Understanding of the impact of deafness on people, including children, at all stages.

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

• Technology room with expert advice on and facilities to try out the latest equipment.

Hearing aid advice, support and maintenance.

108 HARLEY STREET SKIN CLINIC 0207 563 1234 www.108harleystreet.co.uk info@108harleystreet.co.uk

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

REMOVALS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jewish Deaf Association

COMMERCIAL LAWYER

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

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

39

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

ACCOUNTANT

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.

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.

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

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

THE KITCHEN CONSULTANCY 07738 067 671 www.thekitchenconsultancy.com shanti@thekitchenconsultancy.com

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 naomifeltham93@hotmail.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

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

ALIYAH ADVISER

If you would like to advertise your services here email: sales@ jewishnews.co.uk

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

DIRECTOR OF HOMECARE AND OPERATIONS

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.

MATT MILLS Qualifications: • Started his career as a support worker, including residential and dementia care, as well as supported living for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and autism.

• Completed a range of care qualifications, achieving a Level 5 Diploma in leadership and management in Health and Social Care.

• He is passionate about supporting people to live independently within the community, and being involved in their lives in a positive way.

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

SWEETTREE HOME CARE SERVICES 020 7644 9522 www.sweettree.co.uk info@sweettree.co.uk

Design and supplying Kitchens for over 15 years

40 Jewish News

17 June 2021

www.jewishnews.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

41

Fun, games and prizes

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

9 10 11 13 15 17 19 20 21

7 8

9

10

11

13

14

17

12

15

16

18

19

20

21

ACROSS 1 Officially approve (6) 4 Couch (4)

8 ___ Do You Think You Are?, family tree series (3)

M P V C J M X N

13

R S U O S S S W X H S S M P R L N Z

I

I

O S N L

I

J

I

A A E G E A W O T T R E N G

I

24

S E C

Y E W F T R H L

14

O B 8

I

20

JEANS LABEL LEGS POCKETS PRICE

Last issue’s solutions Crossword ACROSS: 1 Saint 4 Panel 7 Re-enter 8 Gas 9 Wok 11 Reader 14 Bestow 17 Tie 19 Rip 20 Dutiful 22 Buddy 23 Saucy DOWN: 1 Shrewd 2 Ice 3 Tutor 4 Parka 5 Neglect 6 Lose 10 Knee-pad 12 Ego 13 Really 15 Today 16 Watts 18 Grab 21 Flu

5

SEAMS SIZE STITCHING STONEWASHED TROUSERS

5 6 9 2 7 4 8 3 1

4 1 3 9 5 8 7 6 2

18

20

16

14

8

15

4

24

1

18

25

12

24

1

18

13

23

21

3

26

21

21

16

21

6

22

6

21

7

19

5

5

1

2

24

26

22

9 7 4 5 1 3 6 2 8

2 8 1 6 4 9 3 5 7

8 9 7 1 3 5 2 4 6

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

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.

16

10

1

22

3

17

26

13

21

3

26

26

21

4

2

5

5

21

1

15

26 21

8

23

21 20

16

7

8 22

20

1

9

3 4

23

20

14

18 21

24

3

17

23 21

1

24

15

26

24

13

16

6

2

A D R

26

24

24

20

2

13

17

1

23

1

A

14

2

3

4

5

6

15

16

17

18

19

D

21

6

See next issue for puzzle solutions.

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Suguru 6 3 5 8 2 7 4 1 9

9

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 7 2 8 3 6 1 5 9 4

20

18

S H E M H L S K S F T G H DENIM DESIGNER DYE FLARES HEM

26

22

20

21

L

F U E D Z T D N V L P

BLUE BOOTLEG BUTTONS COTTON CREASE

19

23

K R S E A H Q O E K B E G O

1

8

1

S E D O U C N J

T C Z G K E B L E B A L

16

21

F P

I

21

19

T A C M P G

U E D C T E O L C G S

26

J Q

Y R A

5 3

DOWN 1 Unruly (5) 2 Excess (3,4) 3 Sudden, quick bright light (5) 5 ___ for, choose (3) 6 Bitter (5) 7 Aid illegally (4) 12 Entail (7) 13 Inception, beginning (5) 14 Way out (4) 15 Giver (5) 16 ___ flush, highest hand in poker (5) 18 Small drinks holder (3)

11

T B T R O U S E R S

D R B T S O

9 7

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, 6 and 26 with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.

The words related to jeans 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.

I

Umpire (7) Early years (5) Bronze position in a competition (5) Yellow pigment (5) Scuba user (5) Part, piece (7) Was situated (3) Measuring or recording device (4) Terrible trial (6)

CODEWORD

WORDSEARCH Y D E N

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

1 5 6 4 8 2 9 7 3

3 4 2 7 9 6 1 8 5

3 1 2 1 3 1

5 4 3 4 5 2

1 2 1 2 1 4

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

R

Wordsearch 3 4 3 4 3 2

1 2 1 5 1 4

5 3 4 2 3 2

1 2 1 5 3 2

3 4 3 2 1 4

1 2 1 4 5 2

4 3 5 2 3 1

5 1 4 1 5 4

4 3 2 3 2 3

T R Z E R Y L A H H X A E

M S K E V U E D V M A O S

F A D R V U J R U O E W O

Z I L N I F F U P C C K O

E D P L D L H D O S K E G

P I N T A I L R I E O C T

N P Y W L R M W Y M U D Q

Codeword C P B O E O D I B R C I R

I E N O R E H G L B J A C

P R S A T T N E G A M Q O

C X N T E W W O X L E R O

N T T R P F V N U G S T T

T E N N A G P F E G R E T

V A N I L L A A O L Y R I C A I R K DOOM S WO R K A B I B E E A N Y A P T S R T E MA N I A A E I C L A D E N

A G B R A L Z EMU M T O P B N E X Y A H BOU E F T A F

R U R E B A A N E J E D T I S QU S F E

E L I R A I S GO N D E X E T R T A

D R A KG S U E BWZ H N Q V F P T X M C Y L I O J17/06

42

Jewish News 17 June 2021

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Business Services Directory ANTIQUES 44

The Jewish News 22 September 2016

Stirling BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY Antique – Reproduction – Retro Furniture Top prices paid (any condition)

Hille, G Plan, etc.

CarerEpstein, Archie Shine,Clothing

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

FURS WANTED Auxiliary Nurse Cash paid for Mink House clearances Available to support

WE BUY ANTIQUES VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS. All Antique Furniture Hille & Epstein Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver, Paintings, Porcelain, Glass, Bronzes, Ivories, Oriental & Judaica Antiques etc.

Full house clearances organised.

Please look at our website for more details

jackets, coats, you in your home. boleros, stoles, Single items to complete homes also fox coats, Days/nights. jackets etc.

MARYLEBONE rates.

ANTIQUES ‐ 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED Very reasonable Wardrobes cleared Call 0208 958 2939 614 744 (ANYTIME) Call 01277 352 560 or 0749507866 026 168

www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

Computer

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON: 0800 840 2035 or 07956268290

0207 723 7415 (SHOP) closed Sunday & Monday

STUART SHUSTER ‐ e‐mail ‐ info@maryleboneantiques.co.uk Man on a Bike will get MAKE SURE YOUfast!

CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING you working

OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS. PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

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

For small businesses & home users.

CHARITY & WELFARE

of Kensal Green

Antiques

Established over 60 years.

Know who you are dealing with.

All quality furniture bought & sold.

Best prices paid for complete house clearances china, books, WEincluding BUY ANTIQUES clothing etc. Also rubbish clearance VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS. service, lofts, sheds, etc All Antique Furniture Hillegarages & Epstein

Ep Dini D

Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver, Paintings, Porcelain, Please contact Gordon Stirling Glass, Bronzes, Ivories, Oriental & Judaica Antiques etc.

Full house clearances organised.

020 8960 5401 or 07825 224144

C

Please lookgordonstirling65@gmail.com at our website for more details Email:

www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON:

HOUSE CLEARANCES 0800 840 2035 or 07956268290 OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS.

Call Ian Green, Man on a Bike on

ARE YOU BEREAVED?

Anti

PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

020 8731 6171 • www.manonabike.co.uk

S

MAKE

Charity & Welfare

Labels are for jars.

Refer yourself or a loved one

by YOU BEREAVED? ARE Not people. calling 020 8458 2223 or visit Counselling for adults & children who are www.jamiuk.org

experiencing loss. Support groups offered.

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1003345 Call The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence

CHARITY & WELFARE

020 8951 3881 • 07765 693 160 E: enquiries@jbcs.org.uk

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD “Better Safe Than Sorry”

For all your heating and plumbing requirements | boiler repairs and installation | complete central heating | | power flushing | complete bathroom installation service | | landlords certificates | project management | home purchase reports |

Email Sales today at sales@jewishnews.co.uk

All NW-London postcodes covered

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

For furth West

Charity Reg No. 802559

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

A Wi

#jamithinkahead

w

Reg Charity No. 1003345

HOME & MAINTENANCE

Sheltered Accommodation 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 support, seven days a week; a residents’ lounge and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.

For further details and application forms, please contact Westlon Housing Association on 020 8201 8484 or email: johnsilverman@btconnect.com

Contact: Anthony – 07850 590415

jewishcare.org/helpline

We hav warden a in Eal warden

Home & Maintenance

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION

MOTOR VEHICLES PURCHASED CLASSIC OR CARS for vehicles over 10 years old preferably with low mileage

020 8922 2222 jcdirect@jcare.org

020 8458 2223 | info@jamiuk.org www.jamiuk.org

Not shabbat

AUTOMOTIVE

For confidential advice, information and support don’t forget Jewish Care Direct.

Give support • Get support • Get involved

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

CHARITY & WELFARE

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN, REMEMBER OUR HELPLINE.

PEST CONTROL

L

K

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD

No further, your

LOCAL PLUMBERS

Hall & Randall Plumbers

CENTRAL HEATING, PLUMBING REPAIRS & ADVISORY SERVICE EMERGENCY REPAIRS, BLOCKED PIPES DRAINAGE GUTTERING, ROOFING, CENTRAL HEATING AND BOILERS 12 MONTHS GUARANTEE, 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Home & Maintenance

Including mice treatment and mouse proofing with 1 year guarantee.

0203 405 5000 Email: info@inoculand.co.uk Web www.inoculand.co.uk

| boiler repairs and installation | complete central heating | | power flushing | complete bathroom installation service | | landlords certificates | project management | home purchase reports |

All NW-London postcodes covered

!

Not shabbat

office@hallandrandall.com

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

STONEMASON

SAFE AND DISCREET PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL We cover all aspects of pest control for residential and commercial properties.

For all your heating and plumbing requirements

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

020 8953 2094 office 020 8207 3286 home 020 8386 8798 hallandrandallplumbers.com

“Better Safe Than Sorry”

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING, DECORATING & PAPER HANGING

Over 20 years experience Friendly, reliable & service. personal The specialist masons in creating bespoke Granite and Marble Memorials for all Cemeteries. competitive rates Very Clayhall Showroom 14 Claybury Broadway Ilford. IG5 0LQ T: 0208 551 6866

Edgware Showroom 41 Manor Park Crescent Edgware. HA8 7LY T: 0208 381 1525

STEPHEN: 07973 342 422 srindsmc@hotmail.com

Email : info@garygreenmemorials.co.uk

www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk

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

18/03/2019 12:50:51

City and A. ELFES LTDGuilds Elect

All types of electrical work un

New memorials Rewiring, extrainscriptions sockets, BT points, Economy 7 Additional storage heaters, Shabbat time switches, securi & renovations LED spotlights, fault finding, CCTVportable ap landlord tests and house buyer’s surveys.

Gants Hill Edgware

12 Beehive Lane 130 High Street For Hill, anIG1 efficient reliable and friendly Gants 3RD Edgware, HA8 7EL Call Harvey Solomons on Telephone Telephone

0207 754 4646 0207 4659 020 754 8958 6495 / 07836 648 554

www.memorialgroup.co.uk

17 June 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

43

Business Services Directory SILVER

ANTIQUES

INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER

Inspirational speaker available to book

ANTIQUE JUDAICA & HEBRAICA Books, Manuscripts, Ephemera, Works of Art and Silver

HIGHEST PRICES PAID!

Enhance your special event.

With a unique & meaningful presentation or speech by Elie Schwartz

JCL Antiques Ltd. 07791 798492 joseph.landau@yahoo.co.uk

Contact me 07973696548 Or email eitzeh4u@gmail.com

CLEANING

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK

Professional standard with elegant finishing.

End of tenancy, deep cleaning, post renovation cleaning services. We create a clean environment with our clean projects.

Email Sales today at sales@jewishnews.co.uk

Call us on 07907 017869 or email us via our website, www.cleanthecity.co.uk, to discuss your specific requirements – we are happy to provide a free quote.

OFFICE FURNITURE

LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORY

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

Leave the legacy of independence to people like Joel.

& THEIR DEPENDANTS NEED

YOUR LEGACY

Need to furnish your home or office?

PLEASE REMEMBER US IN YOUR WILL.

ENABLED

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

VISIT WWW.JBD.ORG

Registered Charity

OR CALL 020 8371 6611 No. 259480 18-361-JM Small legacy advert v1.qxp_Legacy 09/10/2018 10:27 Page 1

Registered Charity No: 1082148

London’s leading supplier of new and reconditioned furniture.

Free assembly and delivery next working day on most items – call now!

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

Charity Reg No. 802559

HOUSE CLEARANCE legacy@cst.org.uk www.cst.org.uk 0208 457 3700

Together

we protect our children’s future Please include CST in your will

Charity no. 1042391 and SC043612

Call 0800 559 3917 Email sales@andrewsofficefurniture.com www.andrewsofficefurniture.com

KASHRUT ALERT

Dave & Eve House Clearance Friendly Family Company established for 30 years

COMPUTER Legacy advert 84x40.indd 1

16/04/2021 10:55

We clear houses, flats, sheds, garages etc.

No job too big or too small!

Rubbish cleared as part of a full clearance.

We have a waste licence.

We buy items including furniture bric a brac.

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK

For a free quote please phone Dave on 07913405315 any time.

Email Sales today at sales@jewishnews.co.uk

44

Jewish News 17 June 2021

www.jewishnews.co.uk