1219 by Jewish News

The way we were Ten years New archive may reveal YOUR family history Page 8

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Father’s tribute to iconic singer Page 25

VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY 15 July 2021

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6 Av 5781

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Issue No.1219

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@JewishNewsUK

Take heart!

Street mural honours England’s heroes See page 6

‘We seem to be an afterthought’ Freedom Day beckons, but not for vulnerable by Joshua Salisbury josh@jewishnews.co.uk @josh_salisbury

Jewish charities have sounded a warning about the risks Monday’s much-vaunted Freedom Day will pose to the community’s most vulnerable. The government confirmed this week that most legal restrictions will end in England at the start of next week but that new Covid cases could reach as high as 100,000 a day in just weeks. The UK reported 42,302 cases in the last 24 hours alone.

The announcement has left many in the Jewish community fearing to leave the house because of the risk to their health. Juliet Coffer, from Hampshire, has sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition affecting multiple organs, meaning she needs to be on oxygen 24/7. She has been selfisolating for more than 600 days, since even before the pan-

demic began, because of concern about other respiratory diseases. “What got me most angry [about the announcement] was that they did not give any consideration to the immunosuppressed. We seem to be an afterthought,” she told Jewish News. “The government seems to be saying, ‘some people will die’. I could be one of those people and I have a right to life as much as anyone else.”

Coffer, who has left her house during the pandemic only once, to visit her parents, urged the public to show consideration and continue wearing masks in enclosed spaces. Sue Khazoom, an estate agent from Edgware, had an operation for ovarian cancer in January and had to undergo chemotherapy, leaving her with a weakened immune system. “The cases are going to increase, so what hope have I got for being careful?” she asked. “They’re predicting 100,000 a day by August – how can I go places?” At the moment, Khazoom is only going to indoor spaces if

there are not many people around – and says no matter what the law is, she would still have to continue minimising social contact because of the risk to her health. “They shouldn’t be reopening like this. There’s no control anymore, the government is going to lose control [of cases],” she said. “It’s going to spread like wildfire. I’m going to carry on as I am until Covid is history.” Kisharon, the community’s learning disabilities charity, said it was concerned about the needs of the clinically extremely vulnerable, Continued on page 4

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

News / Wartime files / Conservative readmitted / Legislation concerns / BLM criticised

PM holds first talks with new Israeli leader Boris Johnson has held his first telephone conversation with his new Israeli counterpart. Downing Street said last Friday the prime minister had spoken to congratulate Naftali Bennett on the formation of a new government and to “reaffirm the strength of the UK-Israel relationship”. The leaders stressed their commitment to deepening cooperation on defence, security, technology and trade, the spokesperson added. They discussed “the shared fight against coronavirus” and welcomed their countries’ collaboration throughout the pandemic. Johnson raised the importance of working to tackle climate change, and hoped Bennett would attend the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November. An Israeli government spokesperson said Bennett had thanked Johnson for his congratulations, “noting this is a diverse government that works with great cooperation”.

IN ‘HEBREW’ Hendon MP’s plea TORY SPAT REINSTATED on wartime burial by Lee Harpin @lmharpin

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

Boris Johnson has said crucial documents that could help establish how many Jews were among those murdered by the Nazis during the occupation of the Channel Islands “have been transferred to the National Archives”. Responding to Hendon MP Matthew Offord at Prime Minister’s Qusetions, he said: “We must never forget those who suffered during the occupation of the Channel Islands between 1940 and 1945.” Offord had described the “subject of Jewish burial” as a “sensitive and important issue to my constituents, and as such to me”. He added that in January 1942 the Nazis had built two concentration camps “on British soil on the isle of Alderney”. Describing the “appalling conditions with

A Luftwaffe officer with a British policeman in St Helier, Jersey

multiple deaths,” Offord noted there were just 397 recorded graves in Alderney. This was, he said, six percent of the 6,000 people who had been interned. A British delegation had undertaken an inquiry into these atrocities. Offord said: “Today I ask the prime minister to authorise the release of all documents residing in the archives into those investigations, so we

know what happened to thousands of people” on the island. The MP then quoted the Holocaust survivor and writer Elie Wiesel, who said: “To forget the dead would be akin to killing them again.” After expressing his wish that the suffering of those on Alderney is “never forgotten” Johnson said the “relevant minister” would meet with Offord to discuss the matter.

A Conservative councillor who had the whip removed after allegedly suggesting it could be difficult to speak to residents unless “you’re able to speak Hebrew” has been reinstated in the party. Cllr Robert Caserta, who represents the Pilkington Park ward on Bury Council, was reported to have used “inappropriate language” while sitting on an interview panel in July last year to recruit a senior council officer. A complaint was made about “discriminatory questions and remarks”. It was alleged that while referring to “litter grot spots” in Sedgley ward – home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the country – the councillor allegedly remarked “it would be difficult communicating with residents unless you are able to speak Hebrew”. Following an independent

investigation, the council’s standards sub-committee ruled that Caserta had used “disrespectful and wholly inappropriate” language. The whip was removed by the party pending a full investigation. But a message circulated this week among Bury Council members confirmed: “I want to inform you that Cllr Caserta has been reinstated as a member of the Conservative Party with immediate effect.” After the councillor’s comments were reported, the leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Nick Jones, and Bury South MP Christian Wakeford issued a joint statement saying they were “at best inappropriate and deeply offensive and at worst could be construed as antisemitic”. The councillor was previously asked to apologise for writing an email to a Jewish Labour councillor asking whether she would consider her position with the party as some members had expressed antisemitic sentiment.

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Labour’s Alex Sobel has said he fears a “slippery slope” could allow far-right fascists to take advantage of government legislation aimed at protecting free speech on campuses, writes Lee Harpin. In a Commons debate on Education Secretary Gavin Williamson’s Higher Education Freedom of Speech Bill, the Leeds North West MP said: “As somebody of Jewish descent whose family members came from the war generation in eastern Europe, I feel strongly that the slippery slope we are going down is one that government members may not be able to control. “Other forces in society will ...utilise this type of legislation in a way the government will cease to have control over.

“It will create a runaway train effect.” The government intends to introduce legislation to strengthen freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education in England. Sobel revealed that during his time at the University of Leeds, “the two most notorious new faces of the British far right made our campus the site of their race war”, speaking of Chris Beverley and Mark Collett. “If this law had been in place, the student union and the university would never have taken any action against these radical, far-right fascists, whose only intent is erasure of diversity on the planet.” Williamson said: “Fear of censure is deeply saddening and has a chilling effect and

Labour MP Alex Sobel

spread on campuses. There continue to be too many reported instances where students or staff have been silenced or threatened with a loss of privileges or even dismissal for airing views or opinions that others disagree with.” But he emphasised: “If made an Act, this legislation will never create the space to tolerate Holocaust deniers.”

PHILLIPS BRANDS BLM ‘ANTI-JEW’ Journalist Melanie Phillips has labelled the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as “antiJew” and “deeply antisemitic” during an appearance on the BBC’s Politics Live show. Speaking from her home in Jerusalem during a debate on the England men’s football team’s decision to “take the knee”, the right-wing com-

mentator gave her verdict on the gesture. She said: “This gesture was taken up by Black Lives Matter, which is a fundamentally anti-white, antiWest, anti-Jew organisation.” Phillips then claimed that the “whole schtick” of BLM “is that Britain is racist”, adding: “That is a... racial libel on Britain.” She then insisted that

“taking the knee” was itself a “racist statement – that is why it should be condemned”. Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Layla Moran, another panellist on the BBC 2 show, branded the remarks “utter rubbish”. Video report at jewishnews.co.uk

15 July 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Uyghur conference / News

JN-backed panel sets out policies to challenge China over Uyghurs by Jenni Frazer @Jennifrazer

A striking series of measures with which to challenge the Chinese government about its genocidal treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority was outlined at a conference partnered by Jewish News last Sunday. The three-panel conference, under the overall banner of ‘From Anguish to Action’, was an intensive Jewish community initiative in support of the Uyghur people. The event was held under the auspices of Hendon’s Magen Avot Synagogue and some United Synagogue congregations and chaired by Rabbi Joel Kenigsberg. It featured speakers from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to politicians such as former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, and those connected to the Uyghur struggle, such as campaigner Rahima Mahmut, who has been cut off from family and friends since 2017. Mahmut spoke of the distressing activities carried out by the

Chinese authorities against the Uyghur people, from forced labour to forced sterilisation of women, rape and even organ harvesting. The overall aim, she said, “is to break our lineage, our language and our roots”. The Leeds cleric, Imam Qari Asim, reminded viewers of the conference, which took place on the United Synagogue’s TV channel, that the discussions were taking place on the 26th anniversary of the massacre of 8,000 Bosniak Muslims in Srebrenica. Activist Benedict Rogers, an adviser to the World Uyghur Congress, spoke of the importance of bringing the issue to the forefront of interfaith work, adding that the plight of the Uyghurs would be raised at the upcoming international religious freedom summit in Washington DC. World Jewish Relief (WJR) president, QC Henry Grunwald OBE, is himself the son of a refugee, allowed into Britain a month before the outbreak of the Second World War. He was not the first among the speakers to draw parallels between the geno-

cide perpetrated against Jews 75 years ago, and that carried out against the Uyghur by the Chinese today. His message was clear: “Then, we helped refugees because they were Jewish. Now, we help refugees because we are Jewish. We recognise our responsibility to those in need.” Grunwald said there were 10 “classic” stages of genocide, always followed by denial. “Our religion unambiguously advocates that to be a bystander in the face of human suffering is tantamount to perpetrating injustice yourself. Inaction is not an option for us as Jews,” he emphasised. After outlining some of the work done by WJR to help Uyghurs who had fled to Turkey, Grunwald outlined wording that needed to be retained to Britain’s proposed Nationality and Borders law to enable people to lawfully help refugees. Duncan Smith, who is one of the founders of the Inter Parliamentary Alliance on China, said: “The Chinese government is not one which cares

Above: A protest in support of Uyghurs. Left: Rahima Mahmut

very much what people think or say about it,” he said, “and it has now become almost the plaything of President Xi. Their intolerance and their desperate behaviour is affecting hundreds of thousands of lives in China and beyond”. He described “the terrible persecution of the Uyghur” as “a racist act, a shocking thing to behold”, paid

tribute to the Jewish community for “going above and beyond” what had to be done to bring the situation of the Uyghur front and centre on the agenda of Western governments and admonished his own government for Britain’s “utter dependence” on China and Chinese products. “The West has kowtowed to China: we need to stop,” he said.

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Jewish News 8 July 2021

News / High Court / Defamation costs / UK-Israel talks

Court rejects activists’ claim Labour probes were unfair by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

The High Court has dismissed a case brought against the Labour Party by eight activists accused of allegations relating to antisemitism who had claimed investigations into their conduct had the party had been unfair. The claimants from a group naming themselves Labour Activists For Justice suggested the Party had breached its contractual obligation to treat them fairly, particularly following the October 2020 Equality and Human Rights Commission Report on Antisemitism (EHRC) in the Labour Party. The activists – who included Jewish Voice For Labour members Jonathan Rosenhead and Diana Nelson – wanted Labour to stop disciplinary action against them until a new procedure was in place. But in a judgment handed down last Thursday, Mr Justice Butcher concluded: “I do not consider that the claimants are entitled to any of the three declarations sought; and their claim for them will be dismissed.” In a victory for Labour, who were represented by Rachel Crasnow QC, the High Court found that the party had met its obligation to

Labour, led by Sir Keir Starmer, pictured with Jeremy Corbyn, was ruled not to have been unfair

treat the claimants fairly and that there was no breach of natural justice. Butcher said the court ought not to interfere with the party’s disciplinary procedures particularly not when the EHRC as a regulator was assisting with any review of such processes. Lawyers for the claimants – who included Michael Howard, Chris Wallis, John Davies,

Colin O’Driscoll, Alma Yaniv and Sameh Habeeb – argued the party’s investigation and adjudication of complaints of antisemitism was in breach of the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness. The judge concluded: “I do not consider it is correct to say the EHCR found that the party’s disciplinary processes, as recently improved, were fundamentally unfair.”

CAMPAIGNER IS MADE BANKRUPT An anti-Zionist activist who lost a libel case after being labelled a ‘notorious antisemite’ has been declared bankrupt, writes Joshua Salisbury. Tony Greenstein had been ordered to pay Campaign Against Antisemitism more than £81,000 after he unsuccessfully sued for libel and lost a subsequent appeal. Judges in the original case had held that CAA was entitled to its view that he is a ‘notorious antisemite’ – and on Wednesday Greenstein was declared bankrupt after failing to repay court costs. “The bankruptcy order against Mr Greenstein will greatly reduce his capacity to litigate against others without any ability or intention to pay when he loses,” said a Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson. “This ruling should serve as a warning to others that we will be unrelenting in the pursuit of justice for the Jewish community.” The campaigning group has now written to the Charity Commission to raise Greenstein’s bankruptcy order, saying it could affect his status as a charity trustee. The bankruptcy order, made by Judge Catherine Burton, comes after Greenstein lost an appeal at the High Court over his successful defamation claim, which was thrown out by judges because they held CAA was allowed to make reference to Greenstein’s spent convictions. Jewish News has previously reported how an ex-Labour councillor, Josh Jones, was forced to use £20,000 of his life savings to defend himself against a libel suit brought by Greenstein.

Ellman ‘chose to quit’ row The Labour MP who replaced Dame Louise Ellman in the Liverpool Riverside seat has sparked a new row after claiming her predecessor “was not forced out” of the party as a result of antisemitism, writes Lee Harpin. In last Sunday’s BBC Politics North West interview, Kim Johnson insisted: “Louise Ellman was not forced out – she took a decision to resign for the party after 22 years as a Labour MP.” Johnson, who was elected as the MP for Riverside in 2019, had been responding to a criticism from the Bolton West Tory MP Chris Green who had spoken of Labour’s problem over “the clearing out of Louise Ellman and other Jewish members”. Asked to comment on the Labour MP’s

remarks, Dame Louise told Jewish News: “I am appalled by this statement. Keir Starmer has already apologised to me for the antisemitism that drove me out of the party.” Johnson had earlier spoken in the programme of how Labour “did have an issue with antisemitism” as she was asked to discuss complaints of Islamophobia and misogyny within the party. The MP added: “The Labour Party acknowledges where we have failed. We do have an action plan – we have improved our position on that.” Dame Louise had quit Labour in October 2019, saying she could not stand for election and risk a government under Jeremy Corbyn, openly citing his failure on antisemitism.

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Continued from page 1 particularly in support settings. However, the charity said it welcomed some steps as a return to normality. “We are worried about how best to balance this with risk to the people we support, a number of whom are extremely vulnerable and have been shielding,” said its director of operations, Hadassa Kessler. The charity said it would consider what safety measures were needed in the wake of the scrapping of rules. Norwood said it would

insist on regular testing and personal protective equipment in its settings, while awaiting detailed guidance. “We will continue to proceed cautiously in order to maintain the safety of our services and as such we would look to maintain risk-assessed measures in place,” said a spokesperson. Laurie Decker, 63, who has Down’s syndrome, lives at home, where he is supported by Norwood. He looks forward to eventually being able to visit family in Leeds. “I miss my friends,” he said.

Elsewhere, Edgware United Synagogue told its members this week social distancing measures would remain in place until 17 August – the day after the relaxation of government rules on self-isolation. Attendees will still need to wear face masks, kiddushim will continue to be held outside, while registrations for services be required until after Simchat Torah. It said these measures were being retained “for the continued health and wellbeing of our members”.

15 July 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Racism condemned / Fan abused / Tube appeal / News

Jewish leaders condemn racist abuse targeting black footballers Communal organisations this week condemned the racist abuse of England footballers following Sunday’s heartbreaking Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, writes Adam Decker. Social media trolls targeted Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka with sickening racist slurs and language in the wake of England’s loss on penalties. The Community Security Trust (CST) has joined those condemning the abuse, saying it was “appalled” by the scenes, which are being investigated by the police. “It is despicable and should not be tolerated,” the CST said. “We are calling on all social media platforms to identify anyone involved and encourage them [to] pass their details on to the police.” Lord John Mann, the government’s independent adviser on Gareth Southgate consoles Bukayo Saka

antisemitism, said: “These Billy No-Mates hide in their bedrooms abusing young footballers,” he said. “They are not representative of our country, its values or our future. Treat them with the contempt they deserve.” In the immediate aftermath of the game, the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, praised the efforts of England football manager Gareth Southgate and his team. “The result may not have been the one we were hoping for, but Gareth Southgate and his players have brought the country so much pride and joy over the last month,” he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also hit out at the racist abuse, saying the team A defaced Rashford mural is now covered in goodwill messages deserved to be heralded Duke of Cambridge – who also serves as the Football Associaas “heroes, not racially abused on social media”. At a press tion’s president – said he was “appalled” by the scenes. Met officers said they were “aware of a number of offensive conference on Monday, he told racists they should “crawl back under and racist social media comments” directed at players on the England squad. “This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be the rock from which you emerged”. Meanwhile, Prince William, the tolerated and it will be investigated,” a spokesperson said.

England fan ‘abused’ a group of six men in their 50s.” Rubenstein – best known for writing BBC Three’s The RevoluA Jewish England foottion Will Be Televised ball fan has revealed he – added: “I told them was racially abused as my granddad fought the he entered Wembley Nazis. They laughed. Stadium to watch the My message to them is Euro 2020 finals game. that you will never win. Actor and writer That this team repreJolyon Rubinstein said sents unity and diverhe was subjected to sity. You are the past. antisemitic abuse as You’re dying out.” he took off his coat to In an angry social reveal a shirt with his media post on Monday surname on the back. he continued: “Your He tweeted: “I was racially abused last Jolyon Rubinstein’s football shirt hatred only strengthens my anti-racist belief. I night as I was entering Wembley Stadium. My shirt has Rubinstein stand with progress and a new progressive on the back. I took my coat off and immedi- patriotism that is about inclusion and respect. ately: ‘Are you even from this country’ and We have work to do in this country. Those at ‘he’s a Jew’ followed by laughs and jeers by the very top need to lead by example.” by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

POLICE HUNT TUBE SUSPECT Police have launched an appeal after a Jewish man was racially abused on the Tube. British Transport Police officers released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident in the early hours of Sunday, 4 July, at Oxford Circus Underground. Officers are treating the incident as a religiously aggravated public order offence, and say the victim was abused with antisemitic language as he headed for the Victoria Line. Anyone with information is asked to text 61016, call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 90 of 04/07/21 or Crimestoppers anony- Police want to speak to this mously on 0800 555 111. man, seen at Oxford Circus

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

News / Euro2020 mural / Israeli fanzone / Chelsea partnership

Mayor teams up with top street artist to honour England heroes A mural honouring the England football team has been unveiled by London Mayor Sadiq Khan after an initiative by a street art company founded by a former Jewish News executive, writes Adam Decker. The work featuring Gareth Southgate and two of the many heroes of England’s Euro 2020 squad, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, is at Vinegar Yard close to City Hall and the Shard. MurWalls artists worked until nearly midnight on Monday to complete the portraits, organised in partnership with the Mayor’s office. Supported by Jewish News’ Justin Cohen,

talks with City Hall began before the defeat of Germany, with murals expecting to pop up across London if Southgate’s side had beaten Italy. Khan said: “What an amazing month the England team have given us during the Euro 2020 tournament. The murals created by MurWalls unveiled today are a wonderful celebration of a team that have inspired and united our nation in our time of need. I encourage as many people as possible to take a look and get out and about in our wonderful capital this summer.” Marc Silver, founder of MurWalls, who previously worked as a pro-

duction editor at this paper, added: “Football may not quite have come home but pride in our national team certainly did – and that’s in no small part down to the leadership of Gareth Southgate. “On and off the field, he and his players are true role models for young Londoners and we’re delighted to be working with the Mayor to celebrate their historic achievement on home turf. We look forward to honouring them going one better next year!” Neil Benson, of Vinegar Yard, said: “We’re proud to have these murals on display.” Editorial comment, page 16 Sadiq Khan at this week’s unveiling at Vinegar Yard, close to City Hall

Final beach party raises £8k

Fans in Tel Aviv

More than 1,000 England fans watched the Euro 2020 final in Tel Aviv, helping to raise £8,000 for a charity supporting sick children. Two British-born Olim organised the fanzone on Hilton Beach, charging attendees 50 shekels (£11), with proceeds going to Save A Child’s Heart. The charity operates on chil-

dren across the world, regardless of religion or nationality. Matt Keston and Natasha GeeFirsht organised watch-a-longs from the start of the tournament, initially as 20 friends on a WhatsApp group. About one thousand people watched Sunday’s final – which Italy won in a penalty shoot-out.

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.

TWO RELIGIONS, ONE COMMON GOAL Chelsea Football Club has teamed with the Peres Center For Peace and the Israeli Football Association to unite Jewish and Arab children, writes Max Smith. More than 1,000 youngsters will take part in the Chelsea’s Foundation ‘Say no to hate’ ini-

tiative. Club chairman Bruce Buck hoped it would “empower children to harness the respect and fairness in football”. Peres Centre chief Chemi Peres said: “We are proud to bring Jewish and Arab young leaders and children together work towards a common goal.”

Chelsea’s Emma Hayes with owner Roman Abramovich

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15 July 2021 Jewish News

Vandal validated / News

Union boss: Ghetto desecrator did ‘good job’ on antisemitism training by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Commons education select committee chair Robert Halfon has been involved in a heated exchange with the leader of Britain’s biggest teaching union after the MP suggested the organisation had become “hostile” to Jewish members. Appearing before the committee on Tuesday, National Education Union general secretary Kevin Courtney accused the MP, who is Jewish, of a “disgraceful slur” after he suggested that “Jews don’t count” in the union. During the fiery session, Courtney also defended his decision to use Ewa Jasiewicz – who sparked anger in 2010 when she defaced to Warsaw Ghetto memorial – to organise antisemitism training for union members. He said: “Ewa does a good job working for our union.” Courtney also said he was “proud” to have spoken at three pro-Palestinian demos during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. He said he “did not see” any antisemitic banners at the demos – and claimed that he had written to all Jewish members who had quit the union asking them to rejoin. Halfon had referred to several Jewish News reports on the conflict between many

Kevin Courtney and Ewa Jasiewicz

Jewish members and the union – including the departure of around 100 individuals in recent months who were left furious over Courtney’s one-sided, pro-Palestinian stance. Halfon said he “could not see” how the NEU was a safe space for Jewish members. He said: “As David Baddiel wrote in his recent book, it seems to me as though Jews don’t count.” Courtney replied: “He didn’t say that in his book. I am just correcting you.” When Halfon suggested “all the evidence” showed that the NEU was a “hostile environment” for Jews, Courtney said: “That is a disgraceful slur on me and my union.” Halfon turned to the subject of JFS teaching staff raising the issue of the NEU’s failure to condemn the actions of Hamas during the recent

We are ready to welcome you to our homes.

Jasiewicz’s handiwork at Warsaw ghetto

conflict with Israel. The MP said it has known that 100 Jewish teachers had left the NEU “over antisemitism – because of these concerns”. He then asked what Courtney had “personally done” to address the issue of Jewish members leaving and of allegations of anti-Jewish racism within the union. Courtney said he had “written to these members” and that he had “addressed it with the national executive”. On the subject of his own involvement in demonstrations in support of the Palestinians during the recent conflict, Courtney said he was “proud” to have spoken at three protests.

“They were about the eviction of Palestinian families from Sheik Jarrah,” said the joint union leader. “Those evictions were condemned by the British government, by the UN.” Halfon insisted Jewish union members had complained that their interests were “secondary” to those of the campaigns in support of the Palestinians. “That’s not true,” said Courtney. “In the statements we put out we said Hamas and the Israelis should stop the bombings. When I spoke at the demo I said that.” Halfon then quizzed the NEU chief about the use of Ewa Jasiewicz – who wrote “Free Gaza and Palestine” on the walls of the former Warsaw Ghetto – to organise antisemitism training within the NEU. Courtney said the “black members organising forum in the north-west” wanted sessions on anti-racism – including antisemitism and Islamophobia. He added: “Ewa made a very good job of sourcing the sort of people that that group wanted.” Halfon asked again why such a controversial person had been asked to perform this role for the union. “She didn’t teach about it [antisemitism] – she sourced the people,” said Courtney. He added that defacing the Warsaw Ghetto wall in 2010 was “completely wrong”.

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

News / Museum plans / News briefs Tributes are paid to presenter Jono

Tributes have been paid to radio and television presenter Jono (Jonathan) Coleman who has died with prostate cancer. The 65-yearold passed away peacefully last Friday with his wife and two children by his side, his family said. In 2017, genetic testing revealed that Coleman had a BRCA2 gene mutation as a result of his Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. His family said they would “find time to bring together those close to him to celebrate his life when circumstances permit”.

Government hopes to ban neo-Nazi group The government is taking steps to ban another neoNazi group in the UK. The home secretary wants to outlaw The Base as a terrorist organisation. Priti Patel is asking Parliament to proscribe “the extreme right-wing terrorist group, a predominantly US-based militant white supremacist organisation seeking to establish a white ethnostate”, the Home Office said.

Jewish Museum archive could help reveal your family history by Josh Salisbury josh@jewishnews.co.uk @josh_salisbury

Fifteen-year-old Herman needed money. He had survived two concentration camps, was made blind by typhus and had come to the UK in 1946 as a refugee. “I am H the blind boy who attended the school for the blind,” he wrote in one letter asking for help. “I can’t see and I can’t run about for my money… Will you please reply to me as soon as possible because I am sad.” Herman’s story is among hundreds that could be unearthed for the first time as part of a new project from the Jewish Museum London as it reopens after the pandemic shut its doors. The institution has record cards from the Jews’ Temporary Shelter, a charity that helped home Jewish immigrants and refugees from the late 19th century onwards. For the first time, the content of these records are being catalogued and digitised – shedding light on a slice of many people’s family

Homeless Jews in Whitechapel

history that has never before been told. “Each card has this huge story, and this is one card in a box of hundreds,” says the museum’s interim director, Frances Jeens. “In 1946-48, I suspect we will have a lot of survivors. But as we

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There could be hundreds of family histories contained within the files, which span from 1946 to the mid-1960s, explains Jeens. “We’ve never gone through each ID card. There’s been no way to access the information.” A research space has been created with 2,000 items from the museum’s reference library, with topics ranging from Jews in the Army, peddlers in the Middle Ages and the Holocaust. The ground floor of the The Jewish East End in the early 20th century building will play host to a series of ‘residencies’ from communal organisations, go on in time, we get people coming from places like Calcutta. There’s such as Jewish Care, that will display a wealth of family history that relevant objects and explain their maybe doesn’t exist anywhere else. significance. And there are plans to turn the It’s exciting.” The museum is asking for volun- museum’s old cafe into a kitchen, teers to help transcribe and digitise where different generations could cook the record cards, many of which have staples together, such as challah. “We’re focusing on how we can make attached letters and personal artefacts. The cards detail where a person the core collection accessible, availcame from and where they went imme- able and alive for people,” says Jeens. diately after, providing one piece in “I want to see the living, breathing community.” a jigsaw of relative’s personal histories.

15 July 2021 Jewish News

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Survivors mourned / Ottolenghi interview / News

Shoah survivors in the US die, aged 96 and 92

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by Michael Daventry mike@jewishnews.co.uk @michaeldaventry

Tributes have been paid in Europe and the United States to Esther Bejarano and David Mermelstein, survivors of Auschwitz who died last week within days of each other. Bejarano, who was 96, passed away on Saturday in a Jewish hospital in the German city of Hamburg. She lost both her parents and her sister at the hands of the Nazis in 1943. Mermelstein, who was 92 and based in the Miami area since the 1950s, became known for his efforts to help other Holocaust survivors get restitution. He was born in Czechoslovakia and was deported with his family to the death camp in 1944. He was the only survivor. Bejarano was just 18 when she was sent to Auschwitz and survived by pretending to play the accordion and joining the Auschwitz Girls’ Orchestra.

Mourned: Esther Bejarano and David Mermelstein

She was eventually transferred to the Ravensbrück concentration camp for women, from which she managed to escape before the Soviet forces arrived. She later emigrated to Israel but returned to Germany 15 years later with her husband and children. A resident of Hamburg, she was president and co-founder of the International Committee of Auschwitz and has made it her lifelong mission for the world not to forget the atrocities of the Holocaust. Bejarano also toured as

a musician in later life. She said she had hope that today’s young people would carry on the message of her generation of survivors. Mermelstein overcame a reluctance to speak about the Holocaust to make communication his forte. He often spoke to schoolchildren about the Second World War and testified before Congress to extract what he believed to be more equitable restitution for survivors. Video report at jewishnews.co.uk

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OCCUPATION ‘EVIL’, SAYS CHEF Israeli-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi has said he thinks the “occupation of the West Bank is the mother of all evils”. The restaurant owner, who has a Palestinian business partner, said he is often asked to give his opinion onIsrael-Palestine conflict. He told The Times: “I do understand why people want me to speak out because my collaboration, my friendship with Sami [Tamimi] is a beacon to many for coexistence.” But Ottolenghi, who lives in London where he opened his first deli in 2002, said it was difficult to discuss the conflict on social media platforms. He understood that “when bombs are falling over Gaza and Israel people want me to be more vocal” but finds it “really difficult to

£2.2m in 36 hours for special school

Special needs school Gesher raised £2.24 million in 36 hours this week to modernise the building at its new site. The school, founded in 2017 by Ali Durban and Sarah Sultman, educates 40 children with special educational needs at its site in Willesden but will move in September to the old Moriah Primary site in Pinner. The school launched its Big Build campaign on Sunday, and was endorsed by celebrities such as Jimmy Carr and Jamie Redknapp. “Everybody has got behind us – it’s been amazing,” said Sultman.

A West Bank settlement and (inset) Yotam Ottolenghi

react on social media, not because I don’t have an opinion – I have a strong opinion – it is because it is complex”. Ottolenghi, who has several delis and restaurants in the capital, said: “I think the occupation of the West Bank is the mother of all evils.”

BBYO teens embark on tour of the UK

Jewish teens denied the opportunity to go on Israel tour this summer have travelled the length and breadth of the UK. BBYO UK arranged its Trek UK amid continued Covid restrictions, with 16-year-olds touring Britain’s natural and cultural sites as an alternative. The first set off on their 10-day trip on 5 July, and the second will start on 2 August. Highlights include the Peak District and a Beatles heritage tour in Liverpool, a Jewish walking trail of York, a Glaswegian Shabbat and a lake cruise on Windermere.

Adopt IHRA, social media firms urged

Digital and culture secretary Oliver Dowden has written to social media platform chiefs to “strongly encourage” them to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. He also urged the heads of Google and Facebook to “consider” the definition’s “practical application in the development of your company’s policies and procedures”, adding: “The definition is an invaluable tool for organisations to understand how antisemitism manifests itself in the 21st century and to tackle it.”

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

News / Met inquiry / Treatment battle

Police at JFS to probe pupil’s death by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 14-year-old JFS pupil who took her own life in March. The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that Metropolitan Police officers had begun an inquiry into the death of the Year 10 pupil. Police arrived at the school, which has more than 2,000 pupils, last week, where it is understood they spoke to staff and analysed CCTV footage. A source close to the school said it was “fully co-operating” with the inquiry. A Met spokesman confirmed that officers were liaising with a school in Brent, adding: “The death is being

treated as non-suspicious. The Met is assisting with the coroner’s investigation and inquest process.” Jewish News had been made aware of the police involvement in the tragic incident last week, but did not publish an article at that time in line with the family’s wishes. The Telegraph reported that officers asked to view school records on the pupil. Since her death, family members have alleged that they had long raised concerns about the way she was being treated. JFS chiefs are believed to have stressed that at the time of her death pupils were not at school because of the Covid lockdown and teachers could not gauge her mental health. The case has reportedly raised questions over the extent to which

schools can be held accountable for bullying that takes place on social media, outside school hours. Last month, former Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw was brought in as interim head to manage JFS after Rachel Fink quit in May. He is the fourth headteacher at the school in the past five years. An Ofsted inspection of JFS – carried out between 30 April and 5 May and published last month – spelt out the verdict on safeguarding. The report’s first sentence stated: “Leaders do not ensure all pupils are safe from harm” and outlined “deep-rooted, widespread failings in the safeguarding culture”. It is normal for police to investigate when a child has not died of natural causes. Officers also have a statutory duty to ensure that youngsters

Sir Michael Wilshaw has become the fourth head at the school in five years

are safeguarded from harm under the Children’s Act 1989. Inquests into two previous

deaths of pupils found no fault with the school. The Telegraph said JFS declined to comment further.

Little Alta’s parents lose battle in Court of Appeal The Strictly Orthodox parents of the two-year-old girl with irreversible brain damage have been denied the right to appeal a decision made by a High Court judge who ruled that a hospital could stop life support. Alta Fixsler, from Manchester, who suffered a brain injury at birth, is unable to breathe, eat or drink without medical intervention. On12809/01/2020 May, a judge ruled that1ending her life is in HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 16:04 Page

her best interest, as doctors do not believe she has a chance of recovering or feeling pleasure. Alta’s Israeli mother and Israeli-American father had sought permission to appeal against the decision. Lawyers for the family had cited eight grounds, including that the judge had failed to appreciate the importance of the girl’s religion and culture, and her family’s Israeli background and the need for her to be

in Israel when she died so she could be buried speedily. But at the Court of Appeal Lord Justice Baker ruled: ““I understand why [Alta’s parents] have pursued this appeal and deeply regret that I cannot do more to help them.” Lady Justice Carr, and Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing also agreed with the decision. The family could now bring the case before the Supreme Court.

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

News / CofE proposal / Council challenge

Church to say sorry for medieval antisemitism by Josh Salisbury josh@jewishnews.co.uk @josh_salisbury

The Church of England is poised to apologise for the medieval expulsion of Jews directly for the first time in an “act of repentance”. Bishops confirmed on Monday that the Church plans a repentance service for its antisemitism in medieval times. Among acts being apologised for include forcing Jews to wear a “badge of shame”, and the Church’s role in first nationwide expulsion of Jews in 1290. In written questions to the General Synod, the Church’s legislative body, the Bishop of Lichfield, Michael Ipgrave confirmed that the office of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby had received a proposal for a repentance service. “We are exploring the idea of such a service to be planned in conjunction with the Council of Christians and Jews, as well as the potential for a liturgical resource that might be offered to local churches to model an appropriate symbolic repentance,” he said. Next year marks the 800th anniver-

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby with Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis

sary of the 1222 Oxford Synod, which introduced notorious antisemitic laws, including forcing Jews to wear clothing to distinguish them from Christians. Dave Rich, of the Community Security Trust, labelled the apology a case of “better late than never”. “The historic trauma of medieval English antisemitism can never be erased and

its legacy survives today – for example, through the persistence of the ‘blood libel’ allegation that was invented in this country,” he told media. “But at a time of rising antisemitism, the support and empathy of the Church of England for our Jewish community is most welcome as a reminder that the Britain of today is a very different place.”

Legal challenge to city’s BDS motion Lancaster City Council faces a legal challenge after passing a motion that urges Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) measures against Israel. The motion, which was approved on 23 June, expressed support for the BDS movement and urged the county council’s pension fund to divest “from all companies active in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine”. UK Lawyers for Israel has written to the council’s chief executive, Kieran Keane, alleging that the council failed its legal duty to “foster good relations” between people of different ethnicities and faiths. The letter alleges that the council has failed to uphold its public sector equalities duty in not consulting with representatives of the Lancaster Jewish community before the debate was held. The group is asking the council not to implement the BDS resolution and to cancel

any steps that have already been taken. “Boycotts of Jews have historically been precursors of their dehumanisation and persecution,” said Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel. “Substantial research at US universities has found that the amount of BDS activity is the best predictor of actions that directly target Jewish students for harm. “It is irresponsible to ignore this linkage.” The motion was brought forward by Eco-Socialist Independents councillor Jack O’Dwyer-Henry, who represents the town hall’s University and Scotforth Rural Ward. In putting forward the motion, he had argued that it would send a signal of opposition to what he labelled Israel’s “egregious and undeniable” human rights abuses. Jewish News has contacted Lancaster City Council for comment.

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Archaeological find / Embassy opens / World News

Ancient Kotel site made public by Michael Daventry mike@jewishnews.co.uk @michaeldaventry

A spacious chamber with a vaulted ceiling deep below the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City will open to the public later this summer after excavation work was completed. Archaeologists say the structure, dating from around 20-30 CE, appears to have been on a street leading up to the Temple Mount. The building would have been used for public functions and may even have been the place where dignitaries were received by the city council. Two reception rooms, ornately designed and paved with huge stone slabs, were connected by a fountain that gushed water out of the top of Corinthian columns. It will be opened to the public as part of another walking route within

the Western Wall Tunnels beneath the Old City. Israeli archaeologists have been working for decades to excavate Hasmonean and Roman-era structures buried under rubble and rubbish. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolach, excavation director at the Israel Antiquities Authorities, said it was “without doubt one of the most magnificent public building from the Second Temple period that has ever been uncovered outside the Temple Mount walls”. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said visitors would soon be allowed to roam through the discovery. Its chairman, Mordechai Soli Eliav, said: “These chambers are part of a new walk through the Western Wall Tunnels, where visitors will view fascinating finds and walk for the first time along the entire route among Second Temple-period remains that illus-

office last week, said the Emirati embassy, formally opened last week, marked “our shared journey toward a future of peace, prosperity and security for the Middle East”.

A painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck that was recovered from Nazi Germany fetched almost £2.5 million at Sotheby’s Old Masters Evening Sale last week. The portrait of painter Cornelis de Vos, his wife Suzanna Cock and children, was first sold in 1868 to Sir Francis Cook before passting to Dutchman Nathan Katz in the 1930s. The Nazis seized the painting, but it was eventually recovered and restored to the Katz family.

Judge sides with Sacha Baron Cohen

Part of the chamber that will be open to the public after excavation work

trate the complexity of Jewish life in Jerusalem between the Hasmonean and the Roman periods.”

Video report at jewishnews.co.uk

Herzog cuts ribbon at Emirates embassy Israel’s new president has hailed an “important milestone” towards peace as the United Arab Emirates opened diplomatic offices in Tel Aviv. Isaac Herzog, who took

Sotheby’s sells Naziseized art for £2.5m

The two countries agreed to normalise their relations in September as part of the USbrokered agreement known as the Abraham Accords. On Wednesday, Mohamed

Al Khaja, the Emirati ambassador to Israel, joined Herzog to open trading on the Tel Aviv stock exchange, which is situated in the same tower block as the new UAE embassy.

“This is just the beginning,” Al Khaja said. “Both countries are innovative nations and we will harness new approaches for prosperity.”

Sacha Baron Cohen has won a legal victory over a US politician who sued him after being tricked into appearing in a TV sketch involving a socalled paedophile detector. A judge dismissed Roy Moore’s £68.9 million lawsuit against the British comedian and actor over a segment on the 2018 satirical series Who Is America? Moore had been accused of sexual misconduct when he appeared on the show.

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

World News / Covid cases / Facebook efforts / American survey

Israel identifies new ‘delta plus’ variant by Michael Daventry mike@jewishnews.co.uk @michaeldaventry

Israeli authorities say they have identified the first case of a new coronavirus variant – known as “delta plus” – as the number of serious Covid-19 cases doubled in a week. The country also reported its first deaths from coronavirus complications in a fortnight, as an unvaccinated man aged 48 and vaccinated 86-year-old died in hospital last Wednesday. The new variant was identified in a woman who had arrived from abroad. She had been vaccinated and is awaiting a Covid-19 test result, Haaretz reported. Another person who came into contact with the passenger is also in isolation pending a test result. The Health Ministry says there are now 46 serious coronavirus cases in Israel, twice as many as in the previous week,

Facebook targets Shoah denial Facebook is expanding its efforts to combat Holocaust denial by directing users to educational material in 12 languages, including Arabic, Russian and German. As of January, people who searched in English for information about the Holocaust or Holocaust denial were given a prompt to visit AboutHolocaust.org, a website that provides basic facts about the genocide and provides testimonies by survivors. From this week, the site will be available to people who search for those terms in several other widely spoken languages.

The site is a project of the World Jewish Congress and UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organisation. “It is essential that people all over the world have access to factually accurate information about the Holocaust,” UNESCO directorgeneral Audrey Azoulay said in a statement. “In the context of the global rise of misinformation, social media platforms have a role to play in combating false narratives and hate and redirecting users to reliable sources of information.”

AVERAGE AGE OF US JEWS IS DOWN People receive Covid-19 vaccines in Givatayim, central Israel

while the number of active cases stands at 3,568. The spread of the virus has gained pace as Israel relaxed restrictions on social distancing and wearing masks following a successful adult vaccination programme. But authorities say it is still not clear whether the “delta plus” strain, which like the widespread delta strain was first identified in India, poses a greater risk. It comes as some Israeli parents debate whether to vaccinate their children.

Ran Balicer, chairman of the national advisory team on Covid-19, said children and adolescents make up the majority of unvaccinated people, but the disease could still be contained by measures and restrictions. He told Reuters last week: “We are well aware here that the Delta strain has proven to be able to disseminate even in relatively well vaccinated countries and because of its high transmissibility... outbreaks should be expected.”

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The average age of American Jews has dropped from 52 to 48 since 2013, according to a massive survey of Americans and religion, making Jews one of only two religious groups to grow younger on average. All other religious groupings besides mainline Protestants tended to age during the same period, although a number remained on average younger than Jews. The median age for all Americans was 47, the survey found. The Public Religion Research Institute survey of nearly 500,000 people from 2013 until now said Jews comprise one percent of the population and found they “are primarily concentrated in the northeast and areas around New York City”. It also found that 44 percent of Jews identify as Democrats, 31 percent as independent and 22 percent as Republican.

SNAKES AT A KIDDUSH

Israel’s Biblical Museum of Natural History held a public kiddush last Friday to celebrate the first baby snakes emerging from a crop of 38 eggs laid by Shayna, a 12-foot albino Burmese python, several months ago.

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15 July 2021 Jewish News

Art restitution / Shoah tribute / US rally / Uzbek archives / Diaspora News

Dutch descendants’ art hopes are raised Suspected Nazi-looted paintings held by state museums in the Netherlands will be reappraised after ministers promised to return them to the descendants of their original owners. In a statement last week, the government said it would re-evaluate the holdings of the Netherlands Art Property Collection and would ask the country’s Cultural Heritage Agency to help identify the providence. To date, Jewish families have had to submit claims for the return of artworks, and then had to persuade a panel that the benefit from their restitution trumps the benefit or public good of the institutions holding them. Analysts say that may no longer be necessary under the new system, which had been on Wassily Kandinsky’s Painting with Houses has been fought over in Amsterdam the cards since December, when The Netherlands was initially a leader in Holocaust art a government-appointed commission criticised the national restitution among European states and has already returned restitutions committee, prompting the resignation of its chair. In 2013, the Jewish Lewenstein family filed a claim for the 588 pieces from its collection of 1,600+ works, but in recent restitution of Painting with Houses by the Russian abstract art years several claims have been refused, prompting last week’s pioneer Wassily Kandinsky, held by the Stedelijk Museum. rethink. Artnews.com reported that the government said it would Last year, an Amsterdam court ruled that the museum could retain the £20 million painting from the Lewenstein collection, now “aim to return as much as possible of the art looted by the Nazis during the Second World War to its rightful owners”. despite the Nazi theft.

Romania’s rare Iași Shoah tribute

Iasi pogrom monument

Romanian Prime Minister Florin Citu has gone further than any predecessor by paying tribute to thousands of Jews killed in a 1941 pogrom in the north-eastern city of Iași. Leaders of the central European state have a long history of denying Romanian connivance in the Holocaust, but Citu broke with tradition during an unprecedented meeting of parliament, in the presence of the massacre’s last survivors. “We, as a nation, must openly admit that our past was not always glorious,” he said, as he explained the “unimaginable suffering, cruelty and

savagery” inflicted on Jews on the orders of pro-Nazi marshal Ion Antonescu. Around 15,000 people, almost a third of the city’s Jewish population, were killed on 29 June 1941. They were taken to the Iași police headquarters, where they were beaten and humiliated by local officers and civilians before being shot by armed troops. Up to 8,000 survivors were herded into two sealed and overheated freight trains, where thousands more died of suffocation. Up to 100 pictures of the massacre survive, and the pogrom has been meticu-

lously researched, including by a commission led by the late Romanian-born Nobel Peace laureate Elie Wiesel. Antonescu, who was executed for war crimes in 1946, remains a hero to many Romanians, a point picked up on this week by Silviu Vexler, head of Romania’s Jewish community, who lamented the country’s “praise for war criminals”. Government representative Alexandru Muraru said: “By commemorating this massacre, the worst in modern Romanian history, the parliament is laying the foundations for a truthbased reconciliation.”

US Jews march on Washington Dozens of Jewish and non-Jewish groups marched on Washington DC on Sunday in a bid to raise awareness about growing antisemitism in the country. The ‘No Fear’ solidarity rally featured well-known names, including Israeli actress and author Noa Tishby, plus Elisha Wiesel, son of the late Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, and groups from other

cities. They were joined by Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 people were killed and six injured in an antisemitic attack in October 2018. Co-sponsors included the AntiDefamation League (ADL), American Jewish Committee, B’nai Brith International, Jewish National Fund, and Hadassah and was supported by various denominations.

Tributes to victims of antisemitism in the US

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One of Morocco’s few rabbis says Jews ‘feel very safe’ in the North African country, which recently agreed to normalise relations with Israel. Rabbi Abraham Sabbagh said Jews and Muslims had ‘coexisted [there] for centuries’, with cultural and religious tolerance woven into Moroccan law.

Renovators at a Jewish cemetery in Moldova discovered a 90-yearold ritual burial preparation facility in overgrown vegetation. The facility in Rașcov was thought to have been destroyed by the Soviets. Rabbi Pinchas Zaltsman, who lives in the capital Chisinau, found it while leading a renovation project there.

In a speech about Nazi war crimes, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said his country’s people should follow the example of ‘the Jews’ who got the world to ‘bow before them’. On the Holocaust, Lukashenko said: ‘The Jews were able to prove it. The whole world today bows before them.’

Two far-right protesters who led chants about hanging ‘Zionists’ at a 2016 rally in Poland have been sentenced to one year in prison. The incitement was committed at an ultranationalist rally in Bialystok, where the two men sang anti-Muslim songs, as well as how ‘Zionists will hang from the trees instead of leaves’.

UZBEK JEWISH ARCHIVES ARE OPENED TO PUBLIC Historical Jewish-Uzbek archives are being opened to the public, showing how the central Asian state of Uzbekistan became a sanctuary for Jews fleeing Russia during the Second World War. Hundreds of years after the rule of Mongol warlord Genghis Khan, a Jewish community thrived there, complete with Yiddish theatre, one of several facets of Jewish life. Among the 150,000 data entries, archivists can detail how thousands of Jews fled there from war, as authorities in Uzbekistan and Israel seek to work together to tie up information. Dr Yochai Ben-Gedaliah, director of the Central Archives in Jerusalem, said the agreement with Uzbekistan “was made possible due to the country’s openness policy and thanks to the vigorous efforts” of the new Uzbek ambassador to Israel. Uzbekistan’s national archive director, Ulugbek Yusupov, said: “Experts from Uzbekistan and Israel will be able to carry out joint research projects.”

Israeli exhibition covers artistic greats

Curators in Jerusalem have opened a six-month exhibition featuring 130 “outstanding examples” of 20th century artworks on paper held by Israel Museum, before it moves to Moscow’s Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts next year. The curators and designer say the 70 artists whose works are presented in Picasso to Kentridge: Modern Masterpieces on Paper shared a “search for innovative ways to express the century’s new and radical ideas”. The display showcases examples of Cubism, expressionism, Dada, surrealism, abstract expressionism, pop art and minimalism using different techniques. The exhibition is supported by Genesis Philanthropy

Egon Schiele’s Young Boy Breaks Down is in the exhibit

Group, whose CEO Marina Yudborovsky said: “The Israeli public is now getting a unique chance to see works of renowned masters, some of whom represent the contribution of Russian Jewish artists to the global cannon, while the next stage will enable art lovers in Russia to get acquainted with rarely exhibited examples of the Israel Museum’s collection.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 15 July 2021

Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.

1219

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS

Social media trolls must pay penalty

Have you come out from behind the sofa yet...? In the end, after all the hope and hype, football didn’t find its way home. Rather, it decided to shack up with an old lover, one that’s won no less than six major football titles to England’s paltry one. We’ll have to bang on about 1966 for a while longer. By now you’ll hopefully have put the disappointment of England’s defeat on penalties into perspective and recognised the legacy of Euro2020 was the pride and positivity gifted to our nation by young role models and their impressive manager. Sadly, that’s not the conclusion inevitably drawn by all. Too many people have expressed their frustrations – and revealed their inadequacies – by unleashing a torrent of racism at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, the three players who missed decisive spot kicks. Almost all the abuse has spewed from social media platforms that are at best reluctant, at worst recalcitrant, when it comes to filtering out filth. Our community knows better than most how pervasive and poisonous unregulated online hate can be. This week the prime minister held talks with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, urging them finally to put people before profit and hold those who abuse their platforms to account. The time has surely come for these companies to clean out their closets by introducing registration requirements that can enable them to provide police with the details of those responsible for spreading filth. Make the perpetrators live with the full consequences of their actions and we might be halfway towards blowing the final whistle on cyberhate. Now, roll on the 2022 World Cup (even if it is in Qatar).

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

Woeful ignorance of facts The reaction to Hayley Tonto the Jews.” That small “notch” tovich’s letter of 3 June stems was divided illegally by Churchill from her woeful ignorance of in 1921, giving 77 percent of it to history and her “opinions” create Jordan, cleansed of Jews. masquerading as facts (Jewish At the time, only the local Jews News, 1 July 2021). were known as “Palestinians”. She claims Balfour wanted an There was no Arab Palestinian “agreed homeland for the Palesidentity, created in 1964 as a way tinians”. Balfour said in 1920: “As of claiming Israel for the Arabs. far as the Arabs are concerned A Jewish protest in London against Vast lands were given to the I hope they will remember it Israel’s military action in Gaza Arabs after the Ottoman Emis we who have established an pire’s demise. Israel comprises independent Arab sovereignty… to prepare the a paltry 8,000 square miles, and even that’s too way for a self-governing, autonomous Arab state…. much for some. The charter of the “moderate” and remembering all that they will not grudge that Palestinian Authority clearly states the destruction small notch, for it is no more than that geographiof Israel is the ultimate goal. cally in what are now Arab territories, being given James R Windsor, Leytonstone

Sketches & kvetches

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THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT AND TISHA B’AV TIMES... Shabbat comes in Friday night 8.56pm Shabbat goes out Saturday night 10.11pm

Sedra: Devarim

Tisha B’Av fast comes in Saturday night 9.09pm Tisha B’Av fast goes out Sunday night 10.03pm

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

“Hundreds of thousands of Jews escaping decades of bondage, crossing deserts and seas – that’s an Exodus, not a hundred Jews on a ferry to get a salt beef sandwich!”

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

RABBI MIRVIS CORRECT I congratulate Chief Rabbi Mirvis on taking a principled stand against the campaign to infiltrate the London School of Jewish Studies with staff who adhere to non-Orthodox distortions of Judaism, currently with the agitation regarding Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, who recently obtained a ‘semicha’ from Yeshivat Maharat. Though it likes to describe itself as Orthodox, it is the flagship seminary of the Open Orthodox movement. Whether this really is a form of Orthodoxy is open to doubt, since it seems to adopt fashionable causes such as feminism even where they contradict traditional Orthodox belief and practice. In reality, Open Orthodoxy appears more akin to the Conservative movement, as it was some 100 years ago, when its difference from Orthodoxy was not so clear. So when Charley Baginsky, the chief executive officer of Liberal Judaism, wrote about her and other ladies that “the key point is these rabbis are not Progressive Jews; they are Orthodox Jews who wish to serve their communities and education institutions” (Jewish News, 1 July), it is by no means certain that she is correct. Martin D Stern, Salford

15 July 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Editorial comment and letters

Mutual resolution sought I disagree with Sarah Adler, who said Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz was treated by the London School of Jewish Studies and the Chief Rabbi “as if she has leprosy” and that he has “confirmed women are second-class citizens and must not rise further than existing levels” (Jewish News, 1 July 2021). I, and many Orthodox women, neither share such views, nor feel in the least subdued or thwarted in our efforts to advance. We know there is much to be done for the community and take our rightful place in synagogue, United Synagogue Council, Board of Deputies meetings etc, bringing much satisfaction and self-fulfilment to our lives. It is up to us to be more proactive. I took a degree and a master’s at Jews’ College and have

pursued my teaching career, being one of the first, if not the first, to engage in women’s adult education and mixed classes. I, too, am full of praise for Lindsey TaylorGuthartz – an excellent educator – and her wishes to strive higher. I am hopeful this matter will be resolved to the mutual agreement of all parties concerned. Halachah is not static, but there are time-honoured laws that have preserved authentic Judaism throughout the ages and are crucial to this day. Women have always played a prominent role in our history. The Chief Rabbi is not intransigent, but has been entrusted with safeguarding vital Torah values. This cannot be equated with sexism.

Flora Frank, By email

CORRECT WAR DEAD ERRORS To raise the profile of the sacrifice of our war dead and correct serious errors, we are seeking information on the following three Jewish casualties from their families or friends. These men have, incorrectly, crosses on their graves: 1. Gunner Gershon Levy, son of Marks and Mary of Hackney, died 1941, buried Haverfordwest;

2. Pte Faulk /Francis (?) Emanuel Simons REME died 11/8/1946, Germany; 3. Michael Collier-Bradley RE, died 1943, né Bralofsky, son of Rose and Yecheil Marks Bralofsky/Collier-Bradley, buried North Africa. Email martin.sugarman@yahoo.co.uk with your phone number if you can help. Martin Sugarman, AJEX Archivist

DIGGING KNIFE MY REMEDY FOR IN? SHAMEFUL ‘GET’ CONCERNS Last week’s Jewish News front page about Rachel Fink’s exit from JFS was absolutely shameful. Lessons were learned for all and good luck to Sir Michael Wilshaw, who has been tasked possibly with the impossible, but for a Jewish newspaper to go to town and drag someone through the mud is shocking – yet sadly not surprising. I accept there are failings and possibly serious ones at that and there’s a major learning curve here. And that needs to be addressed because the children matter more than anybody. If you want the facts, read the Ofsted report. But to dig the knife in and twist it? Gutter journalism.

Steven Isaacs, Via social media

AN INSIGHT INTO JFS Thank you for providing new details about recent events at JFS. My children are former pupils. The youngest left the year headteacher Jonthan Miller suddenly quit. While that episode remains shrouded in secrecy, those with an affinity for the school at least better understand some of the events surrounding Mrs Fink’s equally sudden departure.

Sam Cohen, By email

Until the mid-19th century, the English state recognised the absolute validity of divorces granted on the authority of rabbinical courts. The Matrimonial Causes Act of 1857 had, however, created a civil divorce court, with the power to dissolve a marriage contracted under religious auspices. Chief Rabbi Nathan Adler tried to persuade the government to insist upon a clause exempting Jewish marriages from such dissolution; but, influenced by lay communal leaders preoccupied with Jewish equality before the law, the government refused this request. A simple if admittedly not complete solution to the current difficulties over divorce would be to follow Nathan Adler’s advice, and enact that a marriage contracted under the auspices of a Beth Din may only be dissolved under the authority of a Beth Din and that, until this requirement is fulfilled, neither party to the marriage would be free to marry again, even by means of a purely secular ceremony.

Professor Geoffrey Alderman University of Buckingham

Beth Din telling agunot not to report a crime? SIMON MYERSON QC

he Federation Beis Din “recognises that withholding the giving or receiving of a ‘get’ is a form of controlling and abusive behaviour”. It “welcomes the fact that this will be recognised as such by the law”. It “condemns anyone who attempts to use the withholding of a get”. It has “always done its utmost to resolve all cases of recalcitrant spouses” (all quotes from the recent public statement). And yet, and yet… “Initiating a criminal prosecution with intent to coerce the recalcitrant spouse … would have the eff ect that the Beth Din would no longer be able to administer a kosher get … the Beth Din had no choice but to alert the public that one who goes down this route without consulting a Beth Din first will have tied our hands in assisting further”. So guys, or – let’s be accurate about this – girls, it’s all your fault! Your rabbonim are bursting to get involved and secure your get. But you’re so intent on stopping them that they have no choice but to tell you not to

report this crime. Really, they are the victim here. If this sounds like reality to you, do feel free to stop reading. The Beth Din’s statement needs analysing from three directions. First, why is it wrong in law? Second, why threaten the victims? Third, why pick a fight with the government? The legal error is that no victim “initiates a criminal prosecution”. A complainant alleges a crime. The police investigate. The Crown Prosecution Service, or CPS, decides whether or not to prosecute. The quote should start “Reporting a crime…” Had that happened, the Beth Din would (one hopes) have seen its error and – one profoundly hopes – opted for silence. Next, having set a test of intention, how will the Beth Din determine it? In 34 years, I have come across perhaps two cases in which someone made a complaint to help an associated matter – in 99.99 percent of cases, a complainant just wants to stop a criminal. Here, the implicit assumption is that victims of what this Beth Din admits is controlling and abusive behaviour, are doing something other than trying to

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THE BETH DIN MIGHT WANT TO HELP AGUNOT, BUT ONLY INSOFAR AS IT PRESERVES ITS CONTROL OVER HOW TO DO SO: WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE SECONDARY TO THE NEED TO CONTROL PERSONAL STATUS

prevent a crime. That is straightforward sexism. In fairness the intent issue is also the get-out (sorry): if the Beth Din cannot establish the required intent, there is no difficulty. I’d love to think this escape clause was deliberate, but I don’t. I don’t believe the Beth Din has listened to proper legal advice. These flaws are too easy to spot. That’s why I think this is about control. If you were really doing your “utmost”, wouldn’t you welcome anything that might assist you? The Beth Din might well want to help agunot (‘chained’ women), but only insofar as it preserves its control over how to do so: women’s rights are secondary to the need to control personal status. That is a funda-

mentalist’s position. Why now? Desperation? An attempt to seize the lead in this particular race to the bottom (the London Beth Din’s frightened response suggests this)? Because the Beth Din calculates the clause is not so important that the government will fight for it, and is making it easy to say: “The religious leadership says we’re not helping: we’ll do something else”? Every legal instinct tells me that someone who says “I desperately want to help, but I don’t want this”, doesn’t want to help. To refuse to accept help, while being willing to misstate the law, misleads the public. If the Federation Beth Din wants to fight the law, I want the law to win.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 15 July 2021

Opinion

My dry cleaner’s insight into Palestinian disunity ALEX BRUMMER

CITY EDITOR, THE DAILY MAIL

he taxi journey from airport to trouble spot for most foreign correspondents can often provide the material for the first dispatch. Eyes are open for smouldering buildings, distinctive landscapes, queues of cars and people fleeing a riot, earthquake or conflict. Then there is the driver. These warriors plying their trade are fonts of information and they can be only too willing to tell how they see the situation. The reporter’s trade consists of observing, listening and connecting the dots with background knowledge. For many years, I have been using a dry cleaners on a genteel street in Kensington, where the conversation in the Italian café is of multimillion pound apartments and local prep school events. Pleasantries have always been observed at the dry cleaner, who is often on his mobile speaking in Arabic. When wandering into the shop last week, there was a lively conversation in Arabic taking place between an elderly customer and the proprietor. Waiting for the other person to

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HAMAS ARE NOT TERRORISTS, HE SAID. THEY ARE HONEST PEOPLE LOOKING AFTER GAZANS’ WELFARE

leave, I heard voices rising and the name Hamas being tossed backwards and forwards. When it was my turn to be served, I mentioned to the proprietor I had overheard the word Hamas and was curious about the conversation. We are Palestinians, he informed me, and were discussing the fate of our people. He was angry Palestinian Authority President Mohammed Abbas had postponed legislative elections scheduled for late May. Abbas had called them off on the grounds that a housing battle between Israel and the residents of East Jerusalem together with a dispute over voting eligibility made a poll impossible. As we now know, the housing flare-up escalated into open conflict leading to Hamas’ barrage of rocket fire from Gaza and Netanyahu’s last military operation as prime minister. In the shopkeeper’s view, Abbas didn’t want to put the support of Fatah to the test in the first legislative elections since 2006 because his faction was fearful of losing power.

Abbas and his Fatah faction are corrupt, my informant insisted. They want to hang onto power because of the money; the tax money collected by the Israelis and the cash from the World Bank and other donors to the region. Israel, he insisted, was keeping the only honest West Bank leader, Marwan Barghouti, locked-up in jail. (Barghouti is serving a sentence for murder and terrorism in the second Palestinian intifada.) He explained Israel fears his ability to rally the various Palestinian factions behind his leadership. In the absence of Barghouti, the only alternative for the Palestinian people in the face of Israeli oppression was to support Hamas. Israel, America and Britain calls Hamas a terrorist organisation, but not in the view of my dry cleaner. “They are not terrorists,” he insisted. They are not out to occupy neighbouring countries, they are not blowing up planes in Lebanon or Egypt. they are freedom fighters seeking to end

oppression. They are honest people looking after the welfare of the Gaza population. My informant’s rose-tinted view of Hamas does not bear much scrutiny. In Gaza, power was seized from elected officials with brutality. The finance allowing tunnels to be built and rockets to be assembled comes via Iran backed terrorist networks. And the rockets and mortar shells fired at Israeli civilian targets including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in the recent 22-dayconflict were pure terror. Were it not for Israel’s Iron Dome, the barrage could have been catastrophic. Nevertheless, the dry cleaner’s story, like the taxi ride from any airport, is a useful narrative. It was based on his reading and listening to the Arab media and his almost daily WhatsApp phone conversations with his mother and friends in the Palestinian territories. As disagreeable as the views might be to Israel’s supporters, they were an insight into the Palestinian in exile viewpoint. It was far removed from the ill-informed, knee-jerk views of Britain’s anti-Zionist and antisemitic left, fuelled by ignorant prejudices. There is no understanding of Palestinian factionalism that contributes to making the peace process so hard.

A truly progressive approach to peace in the Middle East BARONESS RAMSAY

LFI CHAIR IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS

oe Biden’s campaign for the presidency – and approach since taking office – demonstrate a progressive agenda that Labour should study as it seeks to craft its own policies towards the Middle East. Biden worked to bring the terrible violence in Israel and Gaza to a swift close, and used his credibility with the Israeli government to engage in quiet diplomacy, thus helping to broker a ceasefire. His rejection of megaphone diplomacy delivers results. And, in his public comments, President Biden delivered some truths about the violence: that it is possible to believe that a nation under terrorist rocket attack has the right to defend itself and that the only long-term answer to the conflict is a two- state solution. Moreover, he also recognised the one unchanging and inescapable fundamental reality: “Until the region says, unequivocally, they acknowledge the right of Israel to exist as an independent Jewish state, there will be no peace.” As I outline in my contribution to Labour Friends of Israel (LFI)’s new pamphlet, The New Middle East: A Progressive Approach,

Biden’s credibility with, and influence in, Israel rests upon decades of staunch support for it. His Zionism is principled and deep-rooted and was sown in dinner conversations. His IrishCatholic father explained to his children the establishment of a state for the Jewish people was the only way to fulfil the promise of “never again” after the tragedy of the Holocaust. Throughout his nearly five decades in Washington, Biden has repeatedly shown an understanding of the link between antisemitism and anti-Zionism and the fact that a safe, strong and secure Israel stands as the ultimate safeguard against a repeat of the horrors of the Shoah. What is perhaps most impressive about his commitment to Israel is that – even as his campaign appeared to founder during the early part of the primary season last spring – he refused to pander to left-wing activists who wanted the Democrats to weaken their party’s historic backing for the Jewish state. Critically, he opposed calls to withhold or condition security assistance to Israel and spoke of his “unbreakable commitment to Israel’s security”. Nor did the president hedge or caveat his unequivocal opposition to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement (BDS), pledging to oppose it and other “efforts to delegitimise Israel on the global stage”.

Eschewing the approach of both his predecessor and the hard left, Biden recognises those who are genuinely committed to a two-state solution must adopt a policy of even-handedness grounded in an understanding of this tragic conflict’s complexities . As former US ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, suggested, President Biden believes the best way to pursue two states is “not through threats and ultimatums but through vigorous diplomacy”. Biden knows Trump’s severing links with their leadership while cutting off all but a trickle of humanitarian assistance was cruel and counterproductive. He has recommitted the US to a two-state solution, restored vital Covid-19 assistance to UNRWA, and is allocating funding for security assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and economic development and peace-building programmes in the West Bank. He is working with other nations to assemble a “major package” to rebuild Gaza, while making clear this aid will not benefit Hamas. While Biden views Mahmoud Abbas as the Palestinian leader, he is clear-eyed about the PA’s failings: he’s faulted Abbas for failing to seize opportunities to make peace; demanded the PA “acknowledge, flat-out, Israel’s right to exist as an independent Jewish state and guarantee the borders”; and shown an under-

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HE UNDERSTANDS THAT WITHOUT SECURITY THERE IS NO PEACE standing of the pernicious part played by the PA’s support for incitement to violence. The knottiest Middle East issue confronting Biden is Iran. He wants to address the clauses in the Iran deal, which, when they expire, will allow it to resume some banned nuclear enrichment activities. He wants a new agreement to address Tehran’s ballistic missile programme, its support for terrorism and its use of proxy armies and militias to project power and influence beyond its borders in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. He has held firm that Tehran can expect no sanctions relief until a deal is struck. While the president has been in office for less than six months, he is already demonstrating how a US administration should approach the search for a two-state solution. Biden is showing just what it means to be a proIsraeli progressive. As he once argued: “There is no contradiction between being progressive and being a supporter of Israel.”

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15 July 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 15 July 2021

Opinion

A lesson in leading the next generation astray STEPHEN CRABB MP

fter years of delay, the EU finally released its report into the Palestinian Authority’s school curriculum, which lifts the bonnet on the appalling material UK-funded teachers are delivering to Palestinian children day-in day-out. The report is a peculiar document riven with contradiction. Its writers claim that the curriculum is improving and adheres to internationally recognised standards. Anyone reading the report in full – with its extensive examples of incitement to violence, antisemitism, denial of Israel’s existence and the near complete absence of any message about peaceful coexistence – would struggle to come to the same conclusion. The content of the curriculum will be of no surprise to the readers of Jewish News. This newspaper exposed some of the most shocking content in its expose earlier this year. The content of the curriculum should also be of no surprise to UK ministers and officials who have fielded questions from concerned parliamentarians of all political stripes for

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WE DON’T TOLERATE IT AT HOME, SO WHY SHOULD IT BE ANY DIFFERENT ABROAD?

well over a decade now. Successive Middle East ministers profess to have raised concerns with the PA and its Education Ministry. And yet, the content remains all-pervasive. I had the opportunity to put this inflammatory content before the government again last week – immediately in the wake of the report’s release – during a debate in parliament. As a believer in our overseas aid budget, it is my view that UK aid should be implemented in line with government policy aims. Yet our ongoing support for Palestinian teachers delivering this hateful curriculum runs counter to our objectives of bringing about a two-state solution and fostering peace in the region. Early learning experiences shape minds. Nothing will perpetuate this conflict as much as seeding it in generations of young children. Responding last week, the UK government acknowledged that “very real and unacceptable problems remain”. I welcomed the restatement

of the government’s “zero tolerance for incitement to hatred and antisemitism in all forms”. It is clear we have much further to go to deliver on this zero-tolerance approach. Surely, one example of antisemitism is one too many? We do not tolerate it in any form at home so why should it be any different abroad? To this end, the recognition that last week’s debate was “part of the process, not the end of it” is important. I now hope to see a concerted effort to tackle this divisive material once and for all. The government has been promising for four years a “rigorous response” alongside our international partners in the event that this report found concerning material. The report’s documentation of endless examples of unacceptable material necessitates this response. The UK must not be left behind our closest international partners who are themselves belatedly starting to take a stronger stance. European Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi has

urged the consideraton of making aid to the PA conditional on textbook reform. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed last month that the Biden administration’s renewal of funding for UNRWA is conditional on education reform. Of course, this will not be an easy process. PA ministers have repeatedly assured their UK counterparts that they are tackling this material. And yet, the PA Education Ministry has confirmed in recent days that it would maximise “national self-financing of education” in response to the “systemic warfare waged against the Palestinian curriculum”. While PA Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh asserted that “if some condition their aid to us on this, then we shall fund the printing of our books with our water bills, telephones and electricity, if this is what it takes”. The UK’s continued support for Palestinian teachers who draft and teach this material undermines our commitment to combating anti-Jewish racism. My colleagues and I remain passionate advocates of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Let us hope that this report proves a catalyst for change before yet another generation of Palestinians are lost to messages of hate and division.

World is waking up to the climate challenge ahead RABBI DAVID MASON RABBINIC LEADERSHIP TEAM, ECOSYNAGOGUE

o we still have the appetite and desire to protect our climate from imminent damage? Last week’s third annual London Climate Action week prompted this question once again across Jewish communities. In his recent book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Bill Gates writes that the economic and social crisis wreaked by the Coronavirus pandemic has not stopped the desire for action on preventing climate change. In fact, he believes that some of the ways out of the Covid crisis can also be ways to protect our environment. The recovery will be successful if it is green. And so the world is waking up to a tremendous challenge ahead. The mass emissions of greenhouse gases that humans either bring about through industrial production or facilitate through warming their homes or using transport are going to make things mighty difficult for our world as we progress through this century. These greenhouse gases are warming the atmosphere and will continue to do so, causing growing extreme weather and rendering some areas of our known world as inhabitable. The

economic and social crises that will follow in the wake of such increases in global temperatures are frightening. Will the world end? I don’t think so, although I am not an expert. But it will not be a pleasant place in which to live, and the growth of social and economic inequality will be great. It is hard in this context to think as an individual. What can I do that will really change things? How will one or more acts of change really make a difference? But as Jewish people, a significant number of us are part of communities and as part of that experience, we frequently benefit from attending communal buildings. There will be probably hundreds of such buildings across the UK, and each one will be emitting, in some way, greenhouse gases. They will be using a boiler, very probably a gas one. They may not be insulated well, so heat can escape and therefore more heat is required to keep the building warm especially in winter. They will buy in gas and electricity, possibly from

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AS A COMMUNITY WE SHOULD BE LEADING FROM THE FRONT

a source that does not favour renewable sources of energy. And that is only the emissions caused by the synagogue or community building itself. By travelling to an event at the synagogue, there are emissions from using cars for instance – this is an emission caused by individuals benefiting from the community’s building. I am not writing this to focus on asking you, the reader, to act now. The path of action does include individual changes, of course, but it is more complicated than that and involves national and local government involvement and intervention, as well as scientific innovation and price reductions making the growing amount of green technology more affordable. But we must come together as a community, and build a roadmap for the next 30 years. The Board of Deputies voted through a motion that recognised a global climate crisis and set a target for communal net zero emissions by 2050. That means our communal greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced to zero by 2050. The use of the word ‘net’ here simply means that if actual zero emissions has not been reached, there may (and the word ‘may’ here is important) be ways to truly offset that emission. Net zero by 2050 is a big ask – but we all can and must get behind it and work with our own communities on a local roadmap, while working together with other

communities in order to benefit from economies of scale and sharing of expertise. I am one of a group of rabbis across a spectrum of denominations who steer the exciting EcoSynagogue, supported by the Board of Deputies. At EcoSynagogue, through our environmental audit, we offer synagogues a way to begin the journey towards net zero, and to make changes in their community that will reduce climate damage. Check whether your synagogue is part of EcoSynagogue and, if not, encourage it to start the journey with us and others. A growing number of synagogue communities are realising the importance of their place within local and national society. This has involved supporting food banks, building centres to support asylum seekers and refugees and housing night shelters. The Chief Rabbi anchored his leadership in what he called ‘social responsibility’ and has preached the importance of guarding and preserving our planet. There can be nothing more rooted in such social responsibility than ensuring that our synagogues do not contribute to the damage of our climate. Climate-proofing buildings will become more of a part of life over the next decade. As a Jewish community, let’s not wait for developments – along with other faith groups, let’s lead from the front.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

15 July 2021 Jewish News

UNLOCKING OUR PAIN Tisha B’Av at

Tisha B’Av. A day of tragedy. A day of memory. A day of pain. As we emerge from the trials of Covid and lockdown, let us come together to unlock the pain of a world struggling to find purpose amid the chaos and trauma.

SATURDAY NIGHT - 17 TH JULY 22:30 22:50

WALKING THROUGH THE RUINS

23:30

PUTTING TEARS INTO WORDS

EVENING SERVICE Explanatory Eicha reading with Rabbi Daniel Rowe

Stories to Inspire - with Jewish Futures educators

SUNDAY MORNING - 18 JULY TH

09:00 10:00

MORNING SERVICE

11:00

PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN

12:30

HE WHO LAUGHED LAST

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

Opinion

Abuse of England players was entirely predictable MARIE VAN DER ZYL

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DEPUTIES

n the wake of England’s Euro202 final loss to Italy on Sunday, social media was awash with anti-black racism aimed at some players. This was hideous – but also, sadly, entirely predictable. Enough racism has been aimed at black footballers via social media over the past few years for media companies to have been well aware of how their sites would be used to spread hate in the event of an England loss. Yet these platforms appear to have prepared no contingency plans to combat the hatred, which was once again allowed to run rampant. The same, alas, is equally true when it comes to racism aimed at other communities, including our own. Every time there is a significant flare-up of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, social media platforms become an open sewer of antisemitic hatred. Again, this is entirely predictable. And yet, when such a flare-up happened a few scant weeks ago, social media

companies appeared to have once again been caught napping. Jews were targeted online – so much so that many Jewish users felt unable to use platforms such as Instagram or Twitter – but social media was also used to facilitate real-life events where antisemitic hatred was on show, such as the now infamous hate drive through Jewish neighbourhoods in London, where people waving Palestinian flags called for Jewish women to be raped. This sort of behaviour has gone unchecked for far too long. At a recent meeting of Jewish communal organisations with Oliver Dowden MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Board of Deputies asked him to write to social media companies asking them to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. We are pleased to say Mr Dowden has done so, writing to Twitter, Facebook (which also owns Instagram), Google (which owns YouTube), Snap and TikTok and “strongly encouraging” them to adopt the definition “and consider its practical application in the development of your company’s policies and procedures”.

❝

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS APPEAR TO HAVE PREPARED NO PLANS TO COMBAT HATRED We asked the government to push for this because numerous conversations with such social media companies have regretfully led us to the conclusion they will not adopt the definition unless the government urges them to. The conversations have all gone similarly – we ask them to adopt it, they say that many of the IHRA definition’s points are already part of their community standards. When we point out the significant gaps in these standards – gaps that would be covered by the definition – they essentially shrug their shoulders and say we will have to agree to disagree. But we are not prepared to simply let this go. We will be following up with the secretary of state, asking him to write to Ofcom, the planned regulator for the online space as set out in the government’s Online Safety Bill, urging them to adopt the IHRA definition and use it when

assessing whether social media companies are effectively combating antisemitism. There is a clear precedent – earlier this year, the education secretary asked the Office for Students, the higher education regulator, to adopt the definition and use it when determining whether universities were acting correctly when responding to antisemitism cases. We see no reason why there should not be a similar approach towards the online space. The multibillion pound corporations owe a significant duty of care to their users. There is absolutely no excuse for their inaction. And we hope that if social media companies are made to institute strong measures to combat antisemitism, these can be used as a blueprint for other minority communities to similarly fight back against the hatred directed against them online, making social media a safer place for all.

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15 July 2021 Jewish News

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Community / Scene & Be Seen

1 ART SUCCESS

Sophia Goldman, a pupil at Hasmonean Girls’ School, has been selected as one of 300,000 applicants to have her artwork displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts. The teenager’s piece – entitled One Body, One Soul – depicts the sunset over Netanya beach in Israel, and will be displayed in the Young Artists’ Summer Show. The exhibition opened on Tuesday, and will run until 8 August. Proud mother Deborah said: “We went to the private viewing and it’s fantastic.” For details, see https://youngartists. royalacademy.org.uk

And be seen! The latest news, pictures and social events from across the community

2 FRONT-LINE WALKERS

Email us at community@jewishnews.co.uk

A total of 90 participants in a walking challenge taking in 10 of London’s iconic bridges between Vauxhall Bridge and Tower Bridge have raised £23,000 for Kisharon. The money will go towards the front-line services Kisharon runs for those with learning disabilities. Routes varied from 6.5 miles to 13 miles, and all those who took part received medals for their efforts. “It was wonderful to see a number of people supported by the charity taking part with staff,” said Kisharon’s Ian Tate.

3 GOLFING SUPPORT

The 16th annual Asher Teper Golf Day organised by the Hebrew Order of David UK was held at Hartsbourne Country Club. The event raised £20,000, which will be shared between Manna UK, Camp Simcha and The Malki Foundation. The day’s convenor, Michael Foreman, said: “We are delighted we have been able to help the charities that have gone through such a torrid 18 months.” The winning team consisted of Brian Green, Howard Presky, Richard Layton and Stephen Fisher.

4 BIRTHDAY SONGS

Former Mayoress of Tower Hamlets, Beatrice Orwell – known as Beatty – celebrated her 104th birthday at home with friends, family and staff from Jewish Care’s Stepney Community Centre, where she has been a member for many years. Born in Aldgate in 1917, Beatty is the longest known member of the Labour Party and took a stand against the fascist Blackshirts at the Battle of Cable Street in 1936. As a birthday surprise, The Friends of Stepney Committee organised for Ian Leigh, Beatty’s favourite entertainer from the centre, to sing her a medley of her favourite songs outside her house.

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Television / Weekend

Ten years after his daughter’s death, Mitch Winehouse tells Francine Wolfisz there was so much more to the iconic singer than tabloid headlines, as a BBC film reveals...

The Amy we never knew

“S

he once saved someone’s life, she once took a homeless person into her home, she did this, she did that, but not enough people know just what a charitable, loving and kind person Amy really was.” Mitch Winehouse still shakes his head in disbelief and reveals that “the pain will never go away”, nearly a decade on from the tragic day his daughter and award-winning songstress, Amy, died from alcohol poisoning, aged just 27. Since then, many have attempted to unravel who Amy was through the guise of drugs, addiction and unsavoury relationships, with Mitch and her mother, Janis, finding themselves facing a barrage of accusations, including the claim she endured an unhappy family life and that when she needed them most, they failed to intervene. “But we were always there, the whole time, the whole family,” counters Mitch, who feels it’s time to set the record straight in a new BBC2 documentary, Reclaiming Amy. For the first time, he and ex-wife Janis – who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and has never spoken in-depth before – alongside close friends Naomi, Chantelle, Catriona and stepbrother Michael, reveal the Amy they knew intimately and explore how her battle with addiction concealed far more serious mental health struggles than had previously been understood. The Amy they knew was far different from the one seen only through the lens of a paparazzi lens. She was “just a normal girl” who grew up in Southgate, surrounded by a close-knit family and tight circle of friends, someone capable of love and being loved back by “people who really did love her and would have done anything to make her happy”. She had a mischievous sense of humour and dreamed of one day becoming a mother. But neither are they afraid to mention the other side to Amy, the one who battled an eating disorder, who endured an “extremely caustic, destructive relationship” with Blake Fielder-Civil, who was “troubled” over her sexuality after sleeping with a female friend, and who was wilful and refused to seek help for her mental health issues or drug addiction. What didn’t happen was that she was simply “abandoned”, but this, says Mitch, was the impression given by Asif Kapadia’s Oscar-winning 2015 documentary, Amy. Mitch reveals he suffered a breakdown, such was the impact of the criticism levelled at him by the film.

Mitch, who turned 70 this year, tells me: “It’s easy for [Kapadia] to say we could have done more and we should have done this and that. The only way he’s ever going to find out about addiction is if, God forbid, a member of his family struggles with it. That was an insult, not only to our family but to every other family dealing with addiction. “That film doesn’t tell you anything about Amy, how she was, what a wonderful, loving, fun child she was and what a normal girl she was throughout her illnesses, her fame and everything. It doesn’t show you any of that.” He adds: “It’s a much better story to say that I was an absent father, that I didn’t care about her, than a story about a loving Jewish family who cared for their child and was there all the time with her.” The documentary explores the particularly close bond Amy shared with her paternal grandmother, Cynthia, a closeness Mitch says meant “they were the best of friends”, as well as her connection to Naomi, Chantelle and Catriona. Even today, Mitch is overwhelmed by the compassion they showed in helping to prepare Amy’s body before her cremation. “They are just wonderful girls, you know, what they did for Amy. After she passed away, they prepared her, they dressed her. These were girls in their early 20s. It just takes my breath away. They’re the most wonderful people.”

Ten years on, both Mitch and Janis are still coming to terms with having “gone through every parent’s worst nightmare”. Mitch reveals how for eight years he couldn’t even listen to her critically-acclaimed music, including Back To Black, her 2006 album that alone picked up five Grammys and four Ivor Novello awards. But both also say they have a strong sense that Amy’s spirit is “with them”. “I’ve felt her physically, she’s sat on my bed,” says Mitch, who recounted how a psychic confirmed he had encountered Amy’s “energy” just hours before going to her for a reading. “Three years ago, I was staying in Amy’s flat and I felt something come through the window and enter into my back. It was like somebody put an electric toothbrush on my back,” he says. “The feeling was very dramatic, but it was a really lovely feeling. I looked at the clock and it was 5.02am. I panicked that I was having a seizure or heart attack, but then it simmered down. “I go and see this woman and she told me: ‘Amy came to see you. It was 5.02am.’ I explained to her the feeling and she said, ‘That was Amy’s energy.’ I feel her all the time and I know Janis does too. My son Alex says he has seen her in a pale blue light. We all feel her presence.” For Mitch, she lives on in her double-stranded legacy – that of her music “which speaks for itself” and the addiction and mental health charity set up in her name, the Amy Winehouse Foundation. He says: “Just today, I’ve been to see one of their projects, Amy’s Place, where we’ve got 18 young women in recovery. After they come out of treatment, they can stay with us for up to two years. This has really helped save lives. People have said that if it hadn’t been for Amy’s Place, they would now be dead. “I wanted to retire 20 years ago, but now all I want to do is help as many people as we can, and that comes from one person – Amy. She’s our impetus. “Her music is her legacy – she’s probably the greatest songwriter of our generation – and so too is the foundation. It’s a wonderful thing. I’m very proud, very proud of her.”  Reclaiming Amy airs on Friday, 23 July, 9pm on BBC Two

A look

Inside Strictly not for her: Fashion mogul Julia Haart bares her soul in My Unorthodox Life

Competition: Win a £150 voucher to spend with Orli Jewellery!

From front lines to deadlines: Journalist Sarah Sultoon pens her first novel

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

Weekend / Entertainment

NETFLIX

THRILLER

Hit and Run

My Unorthodox Life The life of fashion mogul Julia Haart comes under the spotlight in My Unorthodox Life, a Netflix documentary series that launched yesterday. Born Talia Leibov, she was raised in a Charedi family and married at 19, before leaving her community at the age of 43. After founding a successful luxury shoe company, in 2016 she became the creative director for Italian luxury fashion brand La Perla and in 2019 became

the CEO of the international Elite Model Management agency. Haart has been on a mission to revolutionise the global talent industry from the inside out – all while being a mother of four. Her children include a TikToker, an app designer, a lawyer and a high schooler torn between two conflicting cultures, and Haart helps them reconcile their Orthodox upbringings with the modern world.

TELEVISION

Fauda creators Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff have teamed up again for riveting new Israeli thriller Hit and Run, which premieres on Netflix in August. Raz also stars in the action drama as tour guide Segev Azulai, who lives a contented life in Tel Aviv with his young daughter (Neta Orbach) and new American wife Danielle (Kaelen Ohm). But when Danielle is killed in a mysterious hit and run on the day she was set to return to New York for a visit, he suspects it may not have been an accident. Grief-stricken and confused, he searches for his wife’s killers, who have fled to the United States seemingly without a trace. With the help of an ex-lover (Sanaa Lathan), he uncovers disturbing truths about his beloved wife and the secrets she kept from him.

Raz and Issacharoff co-created the drama alongside Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin, while the glittery cast also features Lior Ashkenazi, Gregg Henry, Igal Naor, Michael Aronov and Kevin Mambo. Jerusalem-born Raz can also be seen in Fauda, currently streaming on Netflix, with a much-anticipated fourth series said to be in the works. The political thriller, based on the personal experiences of Raz, Issacharoff and several of their friends who served in the Israeli Defense Forces’ special forces unit, has become a major global hit for the streaming channel.

COMPETITION

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The Apprentice Claude Littner has bowed out of the next series of BBC One’s The Apprentice to recuperate after sustaining serious leg injuries in a bike accident. The 72-year-old (pictured left) has undergone multiple operations on his right leg after coming off his E-bike close to his Mill Hill home in April. Lord Alan Sugar’s right-hand man will be replaced by former winner and entrepreneur Tim Campbell (pictured right), alongside Baroness Karren Brady for the returning reality show, which puts candidates through their paces as they compete to win a life-changing £250,000 investment for their business idea. Campbell became The Apprentice’s first winner when the award-winning series launched in 2005. He landed a £100,000-a-year job with Sugar’s firm Amstrad and left after two years to found the Bright Ideas Trust, a charity helping young people set up their own businesses.

He received an MBE in 2012 and now runs his own digital marketing agency, Marketing Runner. Littner said he was “disappointed” to be skipping out on the next series but will “most definitely be glued to the action from my sofa”. He added: “I’m hugely grateful to all the surgeons and nursing staff at St Mary’s Hospital for their incredible care and getting me on the road to recovery.” Sugar said: “Claude has been part of the series since the beginning and is leaving an important boardroom chair to temporarily fill. I’ve been speaking to him about his recovery, and hope we see him back very soon.” The Apprentice returns to BBC One early next year

ON DEMAND

Surviving Jeffrey Epstein A four-part documentary exploring how convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein used his power and money to shield predatory behaviour will soon be available to stream for free in the UK. Surviving Jeffrey Epstein, directed by Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern, is a four-part documentary launching on new platform True Crime on Channel 4. It investigates how the elusive Epstein allegedly ran a global network targeting young girls for himself and his cabal of rich and powerful friends. Operating from his luxurious homes in New York City, Palm Beach, New Mexico, Paris and the

Caribbean, he was also accused of using his extreme wealth and influence to cover his predation. Following his death by suicide in a federal prison on 10 August 2019, Epstein stole one more thing from his victims: the chance to face their accuser and finally see justice prevail. This powerful documentary series provides a platform for these women to finally share their stories. True Crime on Channel 4 will launch on All 4 and across the Channel 4 network in the autumn

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15 July 2021 Jewish News

Food & Drink / Weekend

E STICKY LAMB TAGIN NEL, AND HONEY N E F S, T O IC R P A H WIT

have such a crazy obsession with Moroccan food. I love the heady, aromatic ingredients and especially the tagines. In the simplest terms, tagines are magic. They’re essentially either meat or vegetables braised for a long time in beautiful spices and aromatics, dotted with subtly sweet gems and briny, bright bites like dried apricots, prunes, preserved lemons, and olives. For this version, we’re going with lamb because it’s super classic and the way it’s served right off the shank is so indulgently primal. By the end of its staycation in the oven, it should be so tender that you could serve it with a spoon. If you can’t, put that baby back into the oven until it submits.

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS 4 lamb shanks Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 medium carrots, finely diced 1 large onion, finely diced 1 large fennel bulb, finely diced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon harissa, store-bought or homemade 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon cumin seeds ½ teaspoon ground turmeric Large pinch of good-quality saffron threads Pinch of ground cinnamon

Extracted from Eating Out Loud: Bold Middle Eastern Flavors for All Day, Every Day by Eden Grinshpan. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, priced £25 (hardback)

Manager /

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1 Preheat the oven to 160°C fan / 180°C / 350°F. 2 Season the lamb liberally with salt and pepper. In a large cast iron casserole dish or other heavy ovenproof pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shanks and sear until golden all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer the shanks to a plate and set aside; don’t turn off the heat. 3 Add the carrots, onion and fennel to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook just until the vegetables begin to soften, about six minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, harissa, garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin seeds, turmeric, saffron and cinnamon and cook for a minute or two, until the spices are very fragrant. Return the lamb to the pot and add the stock and honey. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover and transfer to the oven to cook for two hours 30 minutes. 4 Remove the pot from the oven and stir in the apricots and preserved lemon. Replace the lid and return the pot to the oven for another 30 minutes. You want the lamb to be falling off the bone. Top with coriander and serve hot, with fluffy couscous.

Photo by Aubrie Pick

4 cups chicken stock or water 1 tablespoon honey ¾ cup whole dried apricots 1½ tablespoons chopped preserved lemon rind, store-bought or homemade Chopped fresh coriander, for garnish Couscous, for serving

28 Jewish News

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15 July 2021

Weekend / Books

There’s much truth in fiction Micaela Blitz speaks to former CNN producer Sarah Sultoon about her thrilling debut novel

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s a seasoned journalist, Sarah Sultoon knew all about reporting the facts, but she didn’t think the same rules would apply when writing her first novel. “Actually, you can’t mess with the facts or make it up as you go along, so you have to dig even deeper to get to the story,” says the 44-year-old former CNN producer, who has received rave reviews for her debut thriller, The Source, published earlier this year. “For me, it still has to feel real in some way, otherwise it doesn’t feel right.” The plot revolves around junior television newsroom journalist Marie, who has spent months working on an exposé of a sex trafficking gang, but all is derailed when New Scotland Yard announces the reopening of Operation Andromeda, the notorious investigation into sex abuse allegations within the military. In a parallel narrative, 13-year-old Carly is living with her alcoholic mother and baby sister in a bleak Essex town dominated by a military base. When her squaddie brother invites her to army parties, it changes the course of her life forever. As the storyline unravels, the two characters find their lives intertwine in ways that might bring them closer to finding justice. Although fictitious, Sultoon has drawn on the real-life child sex abuse rings exposed in Rochdale, Rotherham and Telford and the lasting ramifications for the victims. She explains: “In the coverage of these events, the state effectively muzzled the media. Many details were not revealed at the time for fear of inciting race relations. As a result, victims were not given the mental or physical support they needed at the time, and many are still suffering the repercussions of these harrowing experiences even today.” Sultoon, who grew up in Finchley, began her career at CNN in 2002 and was responsible for coordinating coverage around the London terror attacks of 7 July 2005. She has also worked in the United States as a field producer covering breaking news in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan. Her work on the war in Syria won her three Peabody Awards, and she achieved an Emmy for her contribution to coverage on Europe’s migrant crisis in 2015. After such an intense career, there came a point when balancing the rigours of such a fastpaced environment with being a mother began to take its toll. “I loved my job and it was a huge privilege to work at CNN, but unfortunately the newsroom is an unforgiving place. With three young children, my focus changed to be more about my family, so I realised I needed to do something else away from this world for a while.”

That “something else” was a master of studies in creative writing at Cambridge University, which she completed in 2019. Returning to education in her 40s could have been daunting, but Sultoon felt her age was an advantage as she already had a successful career behind her and did not face the anxiety or debt of those just starting out. It was during this course that she developed the initial idea that became The Source. When she originally started writing, Sultoon envisaged the project as a screenplay, before later changing it to a novel – but it seems she was not the only one who thought it would work well on screen. Even before the book was launched in February, Lime Pictures optioned the novel and it is currently in development to become a television drama series, with Sultoon working as a consultant alongside Irish novelist Jo Spain. Sultoon is also already working on her second book, The Shot, with the plotline centred around the working relationship of a news reporter and a cameraman reporting from the front line. “As a field producer working on war zones, I worked closely with cameramen and women and was always aware of the job they had to do,” she explains. “While I could turn away from what was going on in front of us, they had to continue focusing on it through the camera, in order to capture the shot, often having to witness extremely horrific and traumatic events playing out in front of them without any chance to stop rolling.” Sultoon says she feels “thrilled” to see her first novel published, while husband Ben and her mother, Anne, whom she calls “my best PR”, are especially proud. “It’s lovely that my mum is so supportive of my work, but I think she is also a little concerned about how I manage to come up with such dark, twisted storylines in the first place,” laughs Sultoon. “I put it down to the combination of my enquiring mind as a journalist that makes me always ask, and my overactive imagination.” Leaving the “alpha working environment” of a newsroom has, she admits, been a “huge adjustment” but, for now, she is more than happy to swap the front lines for her publisher’s deadlines.  The Source by Sarah Sultoon is published by Orenda Books, priced £8.99 (paperback). Available now

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Orthodox Judaism

SEDRA Devarim

Torah For Today What does the Torah say about: Freedom Day

BY REBBETZIN DINA GOLKER “The idea was good in my eyes.” These are the words spoken by Moses in this week’s parsha, Devarim, when recalling the episode of the sending of the spies. He admonishes the children of Israel for pressing him to ask God to let him send spies, but also admits that at one point he himself thought it would be a good idea. The Talmud explains that while Moses believed it to be a good idea, Hashem did not. Why, then, did Hashem allowed it to be implemented? Rav Mottel Katz, the former head of Telz Yeshiva, Cleveland, explains that, instead of viewing the Talmudic observation as a criticism of Moses, there are times when we must concede, even when we believe what is about to occur is wrong. Sometimes our children or students are simply not ready to be denied their request. A person has to know when children are so set on proceeding with their plans that they won’t listen to anything to the contrary. Had the children of Israel been on a

sufficiently high spiritual level, Moses could have explained to them why it wasn’t a good idea and God would never have allowed it to go ahead. The Talmud indeed teaches that just as it is a mitzvah to articulate words that will be accepted, it is likewise a mitzvah not to say words that will not be accepted. We have to know when to say yes and when to say no! I think this is another way of interpreting the Talmudic directive to teach a child to swim. Learning to swim means, symbolically, teaching the child gradually to navigate the potentially adverse currents of life so they will realise of their own accord what is beneficial for them and what is not. Until such time, however, a parent occasionally has to pander to the child’s immature wishes despite the parent’s knowledge that these wishes are ultimately bad for the child.

◆ Dina Golker is the assistant rebbetzin of St John’s Wood Synagogue

BY RABBI GARRY WAYLAND Monday marks the day nearly all legal restrictions relating to the pandemic will be lifted in England, moving us from a realm of legal demands to personal responsibility. For many, Freedom Day has been a long while in the making: casting off draconian measures, imposed in a rash response to a crisis, that have come at an immense economic and personal cost. Others remain nervous, such as those with compromised immune systems, those who are still suffering the terrible consequences of the virus, or those who want to still be cautious without fear of rebuke from others. This Sunday marks Tisha B’Av, the mournful fast day on which we commemorate the destruction of the Temple and many other Jewish tragedies.

ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST TEACHER Norwood’s Education department are seeking a passionate, SEND Teacher to join us as an Associate from September 2021. Some of the main responsibilities: 1. Carry out specialist, person-centred teaching programmes and interventions (in particular in the areas of literacy and numeracy). This includes 1:1 or group teaching, advisory teaching, LSA support and SENDCo support. 2. Support the learning, achievement and progression in academic and social areas of students. 3. To be familiar and highly experienced in working with a cross range of children who have SEND and those with a EHC Plan. To be capable of adapting to change and adopting innovative ways of working to benefit our students and partners.

Almost like a ‘festival of disconnect’, the 25-hour fast and its mourning restrictions, such as sitting on the floor and not greeting others, is a reminder we are so far away from what should be normative Jewish life. Tisha B’Av, however, is not an end in itself. The coming days harken the arrival of the Jewish month of Ellul, known in Chasidic literature as the month when the ‘King is in the field’, with the daily blast of the shofar and extra

prayers to prepare us for the New Year and the Days of Awe. Freedom has to be purposeful: we need to be ‘free from’ but also ‘free to’ do things. God did not merely give us our liberty from Egypt, He made us free and redeemed us. He gave us the framework in which to be free to live meaningful lives, but also to redeem ourselves and society around us. Much will change in the world due to Covid. We hope and pray the freedoms we have should be appreciated for what they really are: to imbue our lives with purpose, caring for those around us and helping make society better for all. ◆ Rabbi Garry Wayland is a teacher and educator for US Living and Learning

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST Norwood’s Education department are seeking a motivated and inspiring Educational Psychologist to join us part-time from August 2021. Some of the main responsibilities: 1. To work collaboratively as part of Norwood’s Children Service’s multidisciplinary team with a view to improving children and young people’s educational outcomes and life chances. 2. To deliver a holistic and effective Educational Psychology service to schools and families, with a focus on consultation and promoting inclusion.

Requirements: • Recognised UK teaching qualification (essential) • Post Graduate qualification in special education and/or Certificate in Dyslexia and Literacy (OCR level 5 equivalent) / ASD or similar (desirable)

Essential Requirements: • A degree in Psychology (or its equivalent) which confers Graduate Basis for Recognition with the British Psychological Society • Successful completion of a further degree on an accredited vocational course for the training of Educational Psychologists • HCPC registration

Benefits: • The opportunity to work for a leading UK charity • Competitive salary & benefits package • A challenging and varied role • A supportive team • 1pm Friday finish and additional leave during Jewish festivals

Send your application along with cover letter to jobs@norwood.org

Please note: We reserve the right to close the advert, once we receive sufficient applications, so recommend an early application. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure. Norwood is a disability confident employer. This means we are committed to employing people with disabilities. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. Registered Charity No: 1059050.

Please note: We reserve the right to close the advert, once we receive sufficient applications, so recommend an early application. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure. Norwood is a disability confident employer. This means we are committedRabbi to Lord employing people with disabilities. Jonathan Sacks Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. Registered Charity No: 1059050.

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

Progressive Judaism

The Bible Says What? ‘It was wrong to let the women live’ BY RABBI FABIAN SBOROVSKY The Torah has its fair share of war and violence, including moments where it might seem things have gone too far for modern tastes. The war with the Midianites at the end of the book of Bamidbar is a severe example. A plague had occurred among the Israelites, reportedly because an Israelite man brought a Midianite woman into the camp. It only ended when both were killed and Moses is commanded – as his final act as leader before his death – to take revenge. The Torah reports how the Israelites killed every man, including the five kings of Midian, without suffering a single casualty. Moses, however, is angry. Not because of all the death, but the lack of it – why did they not also kill the women? In his mind, it was a woman who brought the plague to the people previously, so all the adult women should also be killed.

This instruction is carried out, with the younger girls taken as slaves. This is all very unpleasant. It is certainly a horribly twisted version of egalitarianism. What it can teach us is a warning about the nature of violence. What may start out as a seemingly justified act of violence can spiral so quickly. Once we have a taste for it, we lose control and don’t know where to stop. The initial action was a command from God, perhaps seen as a justified retaliation, but it is Moses personally who pushes for more. And if Moses, after all he has learnt being such a great leader, can fall into this trap, how much more of a warning it is to us. How much more careful we should be to resist the urge towards violence, because who knows where it may take us?

◆ Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky serves Menorah Synagogue, Cheshire Reform Congregation

Progressively Speaking It’s our Jewish duty to oppose government’s new refugee bill BY RABBI CHARLEY BAGINSKY Last week, among all the excitement over Euro 2020 and debates on ending Covid restrictions, a very worrying new bill was being introduced by the government. One that, if it were in place in the early 20th century, may have stopped our grandparents and great-grandparents escaping persecution and finding refuge in the UK. The Nationality and Borders Bill will be debated in Parliament as you’re reading this. It states that, from now on, those seeking asylum in the UK will have their status decided not by the persecution or suffering from which they have fled, but according to how they got here. This means thousands of people who would be accepted as refugees in the UK today will no longer be given safety should the bill become law. Some could be criminalised and put in prison for up to four years, while others would be held in ‘reception centres’ offshore for their ‘temporary

protection’ – with the aim of moving them to so-called ‘safe countries’. The government hopes its legislation will break up smuggling networks, but it is actually punishing the vulnerable people who are seeking our protection after fleeing war and tyranny. It all amounts to the most far-reaching and concerning changes to the UK’s asylum system for years. There are two reasons why we, as Jews, should care. First, from our own experiences. Most of us are only here today because Britain, or another country, gave our ancestors safety and shelter. We should now not turn our backs on

those in that position today. Second, because of our values. At the very core of our Jewish identities are the values of justice and fairness. As our Torah often reminds us: “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress them, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Liberal Judaism has been working with JCORE (the Jewish Council for Racial Equality) to fight these plans and I urge you all to do the same. The government has a large majority, but there is opposition within the Conservative Party and also the House of Lords, fantastically led once more by Lord Alf Dubs. By making our voices heard and putting our Jewish values at the centre of the argument, we can help protect today’s refugees – just as those who came before us were once protected. ◆ Rabbi Charley Baginsky is CEO of Liberal Judaism. For more details, see www.jcore.org.uk

Chief Executive The Board of Deputies is the democratic, representative voice of the British Jewish community, with Deputies from more than 200 synagogues, organisations and regional councils. We advocate for the community to a wide range of external stakeholders, and co-ordinate a range of cross-communal projects and initiatives. We are looking for an experienced leader with excellent judgement and deep knowledge of the UK Jewish community to lead our professional team, provide strategic vision and guidance in partnership with our Honorary Officers, maintain and strengthen relationships with our partners and stakeholders, and efficiently manage the organisation’s operations and finances. The successful candidate will have a track record of successful management and senior leadership experience, be able to demonstrate strong advocacy and communication skills, have a passionate concern for the Jewish community and a compelling strategic vision for the Board’s place within it. Closing date for receipt of applications – 6th August 2021 To view the job description and apply for this position please visit our website - https://www.bod.org.uk/careers/

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Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

Our trusty team of advisers answers your questions about everything from law and finance to dating and dentistry. This week: Leaving Israel after making aliyah, the price of gold and diamonds and cool kitchens DOV NEWMARK ALIYAH ADVISER

NEFESH B’NEFESH

Dear Dov I’ve been told once I make aliyah, I can’t leave the country for six months. Is this true? Hadar Dear Hadar Mazeltov on your aliyah! In normal times (precorona), there are no restrictions for travelling once you make aliyah. During the first six months, one benefit you receive is Sal Klita, a monetary gift, from the Israeli government. Any travel outside of Israel during that period may stop your payments. Upon returning to Israel, payments will be reinstated and you are entitled to receive back payments. We suggest checking your bank statements to ensure all payments

JEWELLER

JEWELLERY CAVE LTD Dear Jonathan I’ve seen your weekly ad in Jewish News for around 10 years and cannot help but notice how much gold has gone up during that time. Have diamonds followed as much as gold? Also my granddaughter is getting engaged and I was wondering whether I would get the same choice and price of diamonds for her engagement ring, if we came

to you as opposed to going to Hatton Garden, because I do prefer to shop locally, and feel safer in Finchley, than Hatton Garden? Rebecca Dear Rebecca I will answer your questions one by one. 1. Gold is almost at a record high, so there has never been a better time to sell. It is now nearly seven times higher than it was in 2008, and there is a big demand for any Sovereigns, Britannias and Krugerrands. 2. The diamond prices up until this year were quite static. But since February/March, owing to polishing production shortages of rough diamonds to polished diamonds because of the pandemic, especially in India, the prices of nice

are received. People who need to travel outside of Israel for work should contact Misrad HaKlita to discuss their specific situation. At the moment, travel is very much ‘up in the air’ and we are guided by the regulations set out by the Ministry of health. One can apply for their Israeli passport three full months after their date of aliyah. If you need to travel before receiving this, an Ishur Yetziyah (permission to leave) must be obtained from any Misrad Hapnim branch (no appointment necessary). In an emergency, border control at Ben Gurion airport may allow you to leave Israel with just your foreign passport or may refer you to Ben Gurion’s branch of Misrad Hapnim. You must book an appointment to apply for your Israeli passport and it takes around 10 business days to receive it. Appointments can be made via www.myvisit.com All family members requesting passports (including children) must make separate appointments … Safe travels!

diamond goods have jumped, probably by between five and 10 percent. So it is a good time to sell and, if you wanted to buy now, prices are a bit higher. 3. Regarding your question on us versus Hatton Garden – our family has been in the diamond and jewellery business for 80 years and more than three generations. We are still making beautiful bespoke diamond rings in any diamond shape, quality, size and purity. We create computer-aided design designs first to show our customers, and once approved, we then complete the order. We are members of the Gemological Institute of America and we also supply the trade. Therefore our prices are probably better than those found in Hatton Garden!

SHANTI PANCHANI KITCHEN CONSULTANT

THE KITCHEN CONSULTANCY Dear Shanti I love contemporary, clean looking-kitchens but as a busy mum with three young children I need to find a kitchen that is both stylish and practical. What type of kitchen would suit my requirements? Katherine Dear Katherine Handleless kitchens are

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on trend and match the style that you are looking for. While giving off a streamlined, sleek appearance, handlefree cabinetry also offers practical benefits. There are two types of handleless kitchens. The first has a handle built into the top of the door. These are regarded as kitchens with handles as we design them as a normal kitchen. The second, is where a finger rail is placed behind the door to allow opening. This is true handleless. The second option is what more people go for as they can add lighting in the finger rail to create ambience. Also, it looks really cool when your friends come around. They are easier

IS18526EN

Ask our

JONATHAN WILLIAMS

15 July 2021 Jewish News

to clean than kitchens with handles because of the smooth lines, meaning there are fewer hidden places for dirt to settle. You can just give the cabinets a wipe over and the cleaning is, in effect, done. Handle-free kitchens are also a safer option because they have no handles sticking out that could potentially cause injury, especially to young children – so are a perfect choice for you and your young family!

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Jewish News 15 July 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? Sobell Rhodes 10x2 953_Layout 1 16/11/2016 14:59 Page 1 Email: editorial@jewishnews.co.uk

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Elstree office at The Kinetic Centre | Theobald Street | Elstree | Borehamwood Herts | WD6 4PJ

COMMERCIAL LAWYER ADAM LOVATT Qualifications: • Lawyer with more than 11 years of experience working in the legal sector. Specialist in corporate, commercial, media, sport and start-ups. • Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of London. • Non-Executive Director of various companies advising on all governance matters.

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

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 075 0621 7833 www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk Info@dancingwithlouise.com

15 July 2021 Jewish News

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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

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

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

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Jewish News 15 July 2021

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

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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. ”

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15 July 2021 Jewish News

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Fun, games and prizes

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD 1

9 10 13 17 18 19 20

7 8

15 16

ACROSS 1 Hard ornamental stone in various shades of green (4)

3 Nervous (6) 8 Engage in histrionic pretence (4‑3)

S P O R T E Y E M A G U S I

H G G G L

I W

T T B N S Y

M D A U U R A O P G U N V

P O Z T R E Y A L P D

E D X T X R F

S C O R E R L

W I

N H K T A

P T B C V A F E

J C R K Q

E O L Y R C F

C U R E Z

L U

M E K

J H O O N V W

H L N D T T C S U Q U K A

D D P X F P B Q B R J Q K

RALLY SIDE SCORE SINGLE SERVE SPORT SHUTTLECOCK

Last issue’s solutions Crossword ACROSS: 1 Skier 4 Races 7 Odyssey 8 Pro 9 Bat 11 Salted 14 Parody 17 Sea 19 Rip 20 Awkward 22 Dares 23 Lurid DOWN: 1 Snobby 2 Icy 3 Roses 4 Royal 5 Cypress 6 Smog 10 Trapper 12 Aid 13 Candid 15 Opals 16 Yokel 18 Grid 21 Air

8 9 5 4 1 7 3 2 6

7 4 3 8 2 6 9 5 1

20 7

10 20

22 3

6 14

9 7 1 5 3 4 8 6 2

4 5 2 6 7 8 1 3 9

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.

10 20

7 7

25 22

10 20

4 3 2

8 3

12 11

3 11

18 9

See next issue for puzzle solutions.

Suguru 3 6 8 1 9 2 4 7 5

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

3 13

LEAGUE PLAYER POINT RACKET

B O S N S E B C G A C V L

CLUB COURT DOUBLE GAME

L A M O M

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 9, 11 and 24 with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.

The words related to badminton 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.

___ up, confess (3) Stuff and nonsense! (10) Having ESP? (10) Location of the cochlea (3) Querulous (7) Served alight (food) (6) Give off (vapour) (4)

CODEWORD

WORDSEARCH

E S L C U S L W L C Z

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

DOWN 1 Prank (4) 2 Theatrical production (5) 4 Cooking grease (3) 5 Fragrance (5) 6 Small open boat (6) 7 Fully committed (member) (4‑2) 11 Quite (6) 12 By ___, alone (6) 14 Newly hatched insect (5) 15 Phrase whose words have a non‑literal meaning (5) 16 Iota (4) 18 Alehouse, watering hole (3)

12 13

SUDOKU

1 2 7 3 4 5 6 9 8

6 3 4 2 8 9 5 1 7

5 8 9 7 6 1 2 4 3

1 4 1 2 1 2

2 3 5 3 4 3

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Wordsearch 3 2 3 2 4 2

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T R A N S P O R T N C G X

Z E Y A F W A L K S I U P

Z L G T W G T D O W N I R

L C N B I W R L D X A Y C

V Y X H N C A O G S G Z P

N C U R D R I T W R R Y E

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Codeword M R M O O I S N T R O R B

A P W I W T E I H C E O S

U E S U E R S U B E E O D

R T C F R W V C N B M L B

T N E M T O L L A D U J E

J Q O E O Y S H A K Q R J

C H E R R Y U Q U F L UMMO F A M S T A Y O O V E R I T Y E W R E P L I C C L S A D U L T M M E EMBOD Y

ME E C X H A E C A L T O I N B A P N O J O L O A F R

MB E R I O E N N A G D L OU S I L A I D M E E A K Z E L I T Y N E I G I D

YWF B N I G X P OK S R T E Z Q D H A V L M J U C15/07

Jewish News 15 July 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)

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

www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON: 0800 840 2035 or 07956268290 OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS. PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

Hille, G Plan, etc. CarerEpstein, Archie Shine,Clothing

Dining Suites, Lounges Suites, Bookcases, Desks, Cabinets, Mirrors, Lights, etc. Carer FURS WANTED Auxiliary Nurse Cash paid for Mink House clearances Available to support

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 07866 958 2939 614 744 (ANYTIME) Call 01277 352 560 or 07495 026 168

Computer

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 Rapid Response IT support for your PC & Mac

CHARITY & WELFARE

Networks, virus problems, broadband, wireless systems, new computers and everything else you may need. For small businesses & home users.

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 including china, books, WE BUY ANTIQUES clothing etc. Also rubbish clearance VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS. service, lofts, sheds, garages etc

Bereavement Counselling for adults and children individually. Support Groups available. During the pandemic, we offer telephone and online counselling. Contact Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence. 0208 951 3881 enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk

Full house clearances organised. 020 8960 5401 or 07825 224144

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

HOUSE CLEARANCE 0800 840 2035 or 07956268290 OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS.

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

020 8951 3881 • 07765 693 160 E: enquiries@jbcs.org.uk

Sheltered Accommodation

For all your heating and plumbing requirements

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.

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

For further details and application forms, please contact Westlon Housing Association on 020 8201 8484 or email: johnsilverman@btconnect.com

Not shabbat

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

Dave & Eve House Clearance Friendly Family Company established for 30 years

For confidential advice, information and support don’t forget Jewish Care Direct.

020 8922 2222 jcdirect@jcare.org

jewishcare.org/helpline

We hav warden a in Eal warden

For furth West

Charity Reg No. 802559

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

A Wi

#jamithinkahead

Give support • Get support • Get involved

020 8458 2223 | info@jamiuk.org www.jamiuk.org

Reg Charity No. 1003345

HOME & MAINTENANCE

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD

No further, your

LOCAL PLUMBERS

CENTRAL HEATING, PLUMBING REPAIRS & ADVISORY SERVICE EMERGENCY REPAIRS, BLOCKED PIPES DRAINAGE GUTTERING, ROOFING, CENTRAL HEATING AND BOILERS 12 MONTHS GUARANTEE, 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

MOTOR VEHICLES PURCHASED CLASSIC OR CARS for vehicles over 10 years old preferably with low mileage Contact: Anthony – 07850 590415

All NW-London postcodes covered

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

020 8953 2094 office

Home & Maintenance AUTOMOTIVE

“Better Safe Than Sorry”

Hall & Randall Plumbers

hallandrandallplumbers.com

For a free quote please phone Dave on 07913405315 any time.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN, REMEMBER OUR HELPLINE.

Home & Maintenance

Not shabbat

020 8207 3286 home 020 8386 8798

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.

MAKE

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION

“Better Safe Than Sorry”

HOUSE CLEARANCE

PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

Charity & Welfare

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD All NW-London postcodes covered

Email: Please lookgordonstirling65@gmail.com at our website for more details

020 8731 6171 • www.manonabike.co.uk

CHARITY & WELFARE

Ep Dini D

All Antique Furniture Hille & Epstein Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Silver, Paintings, Porcelain, Please contact Gordon Stirling Glass, Bronzes, Ivories, Oriental & Judaica Antiques etc.

Call Ian Green, Man on a Bike on

ARE YOU BEREAVED?

Anti

office@hallandrandall.com

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

STONEMASON

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING, DECORATING & PAPER HANGING

Over 20 years experience Friendly, reliable & The specialist masons in creating bespoke Granite service. personal 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

A. ELFES LTDGuilds Elect City and

All types of electrical work un

New memorials Rewiring, extrainscriptions sockets, BT points, Economy 7 Additional storage Shabbat time switches, securi & heaters, renovations

LED spotlights, fault finding, CCTVportable ap Gants Hill Edgware landlord tests and house buyer’s surveys.

12 Beehive Lane 130 High Street Gants 3RD Edgware, HA8 7EL For Hill, anIG1 efficient reliable and friendly Telephone Telephone Call Harvey Solomons on

0207 754 4646 0207 4659 020 754 8958 6495 / 07836 648 554

www.memorialgroup.co.uk

15 July 2021 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Business Services Directory SILVER

INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER

Inspirational speaker available to book

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN £24 A WEEK

Enhance your special event. With a unique & meaningful presentation or speech by Elie Schwartz

Email Sales today at sales@jewishnews.co.uk

Contact me 07973696548 Or email eitzeh4u@gmail.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

CLEANING

Professional standard with elegant finishing. End of tenancy, deep cleaning, post renovation cleaning services. We create a clean environment with our clean projects.

Need to furnish your home or office?

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.

London’s leading supplier of new and reconditioned furniture. Free assembly and delivery next working day on most items – call now!

LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORY

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

Leave the legacy of independence to people like Joel.

& THEIR DEPENDANTS NEED

YOUR LEGACY

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

Call 0800 559 3917 Email sales@andrewsofficefurniture.com www.andrewsofficefurniture.com

Registered Charity

or caLL 020 8371 6611 No. 259480 Legacy Classified advert v1.qxp_Legacy 16/06/2021 10:57 Page 1

Registered Charity No: 1082148

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL. Call our Legacy Team on 020 8922 2840 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

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

Charity Reg No. 802559

HOME CARE 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

COMPUTER Legacy advert 84x40.indd 1

16/04/2021 10:55

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Email Sales today at sales@jewishnews.co.uk

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pillarcare.co.uk 020 7482 2188 www.pillarcare.co.uk | enquiries@pillarcare.co.uk

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pillarcare.co.uk

40 Jewish News

15 July 2021