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Jewish News 10 March 2022
www.jewishnews.co.uk
Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.
1253
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS
UK fails to honour Send us your comments Sir Nicky’s legacy Small things LET’S BE A LIGHT PO Box 815, Edgware, HA8 4SX | letters@jewishnews.co.uk
As Putin’s demonic onslaught enters its third week, the spotlight is on the world’s response to the greatest refugee crisis since 1945. Ukraine’s neighbours have endorsed an open-door humanitarian policy, with more than 1.2 million people fleeing to Poland, 200,000 to Hungary, 120,000 to Slovakia and Moldova, 80,000 to Romania and 160,000 to other EU states, including 2,500 to the Republic of Ireland. The UK, in contrast, has so far accepted 957 according to the prime minister, and made the process a bureaucratic ordeal. Britain’s impressive stance on sanctions and the transfer of arms to brave Ukrainian soldiers stands in stark and shameful contrast to the treatment it is meting out to scared and exhausted women and children, with nothing but the clothes on their backs, fleeing the Russian invasion. We are so out of step with the rest of Western Europe that it is fast becoming a cause of national shame. As Jewish News went to press, there were assurances that a new UK processing centre in Calais will open in days, but no indication that the government is even willing to consider visa-free refuge. Back in 2015, Jewish News championed a Royal Mail stamp to honour Sir Nicholas Winton who, in 1939, rescued 669 mostly Jewish children fleeing another lawless European dictator. If this country wishes to honour Sir Nicholas’ memory, it simply must follow his example. Jews spent two millennia as refugees, hounded from place to place. Our descendants arrived in Britain fleeing persecution. Perhaps no other people on earth has such a bitter experience of what it means to be a stranger in a strange land. No wonder more than 100 members of the community, including Liberal, Masorti and Reform rabbis, felt compelled to sign an open letter to the prime minister this week, condemning the lack of progress. As we contemplate how helpless we are in the face of such overwhelming tragedy, it is comforting and motivating to remember the positive impact even the smallest contribution can have on another life. So, please, support World Jewish Relief's Ukraine Crisis Appeal by visiting www.worldjewishrelief.org. Our community should dig deep to give and give again to help the millions of innocent victims of Putin’s wicked and senseless war. Our government may continue to fail them. We must not.
I feel so helpless in the face of such overwhelming tragedy in Ukraine. Thank heavens for the small things we can all do to mitigate the suffering in a tiny way. Initiatives such as the one led by Rabbi Jonathan Romain, who you report is involved in lining up Jewish homes for Ukrainians coming to the UK, gives me some consolation and makes me proud to be Jewish. Emma Claffon, By email
Sketches & kvetches
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MINDSET FOR PEACE
A two-state settlement requires two states, of which one is/would be a Palestinian state; and a Palestinian state requires a territorial base that can probably only come from land for peace. If this land is not made available, no Palestinian negotiator would accept this deal. How would those rejecting two states view a one-state settlement and what would be the political and legal relationship between Jews and Arabs?
“Trust me... it’s a start!”
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Flora Frank, By email
JD Milaric, By email
Sedra: Vayikra
I go to Chai for the big
It is a pity Putin has not read the advice of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, heeded by many heads of state. In his book Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas, Rabbi Sacks makes the point that “the highest achievement... is self limitation: making space for something other and different from us” and says “‘great”’ people... don’t crush or inhibit or try to dominate”.
I agree with James Windsor’s comments in his letter (Jewish News, 3 March 2022). When it comes to Israel, “land for peace has never worked in the Middle East”, and I doubt it would do so in the future. I believe there can be a two-state solution without giving up land. It could come about if political leaders really want it to. As Mr Windsor says, giving away land has usually heaped more opprobrium on to Israel for her troubles. Seeding land does not lead to peace – the right mindset does.
THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT TIMES... Shabbat comes in Friday night 5.43pm
In this time of sheer horror, we in Israel must be a safe haven for any Ukrainian citizens. We of all people must surely understand what a nightmare situation has been inflicted on a people who want nothing more than to live free in their own independent democratic country. To be a ‘light unto the nations’, we must in times of need shine brightly. Stephen Vishnick, Tel Aviv
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Fraser Michaelson, By email
