1268 - 23rd June 2022

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Jonathan Freedland on the man who broke out of Auschwitz Pages 12-13

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FREE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR 23 June 2022

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24 Sivan 5782

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‘Kindertransport’ from Ukraine Jewish families set to open their doors to lone children after UK policy change

year-olds fleeing conflict in Ukraine will be allowed to Jewish families across Britain are preparing come to the UK. to finally welcome Ukrainian child refugees “So many in our community are here today into their homes after the government because the Kindertransport offered them safe agreed new rules allowing youngsters passage out of danger, and we support this affected by the war into the country move to assist unaccompanied young people. without a parent, writes Lee Harpin.

“We urge the government to ensure that Communities secretary Michael Gove thorough checks are put in place to safeguard confirmed yesterday that the new policy will these young people and that they are provided initially apply to the 1,000 children who had with comprehensive, holistic support through applied to come here under the Homes for the process.”

Ukraine scheme but had been left to wait for One 17-year-old Ukrainian named Valya made any response. newspaper headlines, having spent months alone in a Lord Harrington, the Conservative peer who was appointed minister for refugees in March to oversee the Ukrainian children at single room in central Ukraine with air raids overhead. the Polish border Valya, who is on her way to the UK, said her parents government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in would be happy she is now safe.

Ukraine, had argued strongly in favour of the new rules.

She left her family home in Kherson in southern Ukraine, He confirmed that the Jewish Labour peer Lord (Maurice) Glasman and Lord (Alf ) Dubbs had both been vocal on the issue, where there has been heavy fighting, in the hope of travelling to which Harrington said had alarmed MPs and peers across all the UK and living with a sponsor family in the Midlands.

Like hundreds of other Ukrainian teenagers, she had applied political parties.

Harrington told Jewish News the Home Office had been under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which for weeks made no contacted by “members of the Jewish community” keen to pro- mention of restrictions on under-18s travelling alone.

Lord Dubs, who escaped the Nazis as a child and has camvide accommodation after registering for the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It is understood several Jewish families in north-west paigned for young refugees, said he was “very emotional” to hear London and in Manchester are among those awaiting confirma- Valya was on her way to safety.

While “delighted” that Valya was among those now allowed tion that they can offer their homes to these young refugees. to come to the UK, Lord Dubs called for all Ukrainian teenagers World Jewish Relief said yesterday: “We are pleased by the Continued on page 8 government’s announcement that unaccompanied under-18-

OUT OF THE SHADOWS With Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s coalition in pieces and Israel heading for its fifth general election in just three years, the country’s longestserving leader appears to be emerging from a year in the political darkness. See pages 19 and 20

JEWISH PUPIL ABSENCE ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE Pupil absences at state-funded Jewish secondary schools were generally higher than the national figures during the last full academic year, Jewish News can reveal, writes Richard Ferrer.

Department for Education statistics show an average of 3.4 percent absence recorded as authorised and an average of 1.3 percent recorded

as unauthorised across years 7 to 11 in 3,400 government-maintained schools in England during the 2020/21 academic year.

A Freedom of Information request sent to Jewish state secondaries following the Schools Bill, unveiled in last month’s Queen’s Speech, shows they broadly lag behind the national average on attendance.

Six Jewish schools, Yavneh College, JCoSS, JFS, King Solomon High School and Hasmonean Boys’ and Girls’ schools had higher authorised absences in 2020/21 than the 3.4 percent national average.

Yavneh College was twice as high at 6.8 percent, JCoSS at 5.0 percent, JFS 3.38 percent, King Solomon High School 4.44 percent, Hasmo-

nean Boys’ 4.63 percent and Hasmonean Girls’ 4.01 percent.

Three Jewish state schools had unauthorised absences above the national average of 1.3 percent. JFS was 3.71 percent, King Solomon High School 3.46 percent and Hasmonean Boys’ school 1.80 percent.

Hasmonean Girls’ school at 1.29 Continued on page 3

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

News / Rail strikes / Amnesty UK

Strikers hail from a ‘proud Jewish trade union history’

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

A striking London Underground worker has spoken of the “proud history of Jewish trade unionism” after joining colleagues from the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on the picket line at the start of the biggest walkout in decades.

Daniel Randall, a station staff employee on the underground, told Jewish News he was on the picket line “primarily as a worker, and through a class identity that I think crosses distinctions of ethnicity or national origin”.

The Jewish socialist activist said that standing alongside RMT strikers from all backgrounds on a picket line outside Tottenham Court Road underground station on Tuesday showed “what is powerful about the trade union movement”.

He said: “You will find, particularly in London, but not only in London, this very proud history of Jewish workers taking action.

“That’s something I am cognisant of. In the early 20th century, during a period known as the Great Unrest, Jewish tailors and others workers

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in London were going on strike. There is this tradition of Jewish trade unionism and workers’ struggle, and that’s a history I feel affinity for.”

The first of three national rail strikes this week began at midnight on Monday, disrupting the journeys of millions of commuters across England, Scotland and Wales.

Students taking A-level exams were forced to find emergency accommodation in some cases to ensure they were able to be at school on time, with train travel grinding to a halt.

The hospitality industry said it expected to lose £500 million of revenue from strikes, with businesses shutting early or not opening in response to the rail strike.

But Randall said those on the picket line were “aware the strikes cause inconvenience”.

He said: “I don’t think there are many passengers, who when they thought about it, would think it was a good idea to have 600 fewer frontline station staff on the underground.

“Our strike is not only for our own working conditions, it is also for the quality and safety of the service we provide.”

Labour MP Alex Sobel, who is Jewish, was among those to visit the picket line on Monday.

Thousands of RMT members at Network

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Daniel Randall joins the picket line at Tottenham Court Road Tube station

the pandemic, the government had abolished Rail and 13 train operators stayed off work in Transport for London (TfL)’s operthe biggest outbreak of industrial action ating grant, leaving the organisation on the railways for a generation. “wholly reliant on fare revenue”.

It coincided with the fourth He said the government network-wide strike this year on had then proceeded to bail the London Underground. Just out TfL with “punitive strings after 11.30am, the Bakerloo, attached”, including the conCircle, Hammersmith and City, dition that there were cuts in Jubilee, Metropolitan, Piccastaffing levels and changes to dilly, Victoria and Waterloo and pension arrangement.

City lines were suspended.

The RMT union says rail Randall, the author of an companies want to cut thouinfluential book on the rise Mick Lynch of the RMT sands of jobs as part of a of anti-Jewish racism, Confronting Antisemitism On The Left – Arguments £2 billion reduction in spending, but claims For Socialists, said the train dispute could be workers have been seeing real-terms pay cuts resolved in the capital if the government “com- and now face a cost of living crisis.

Network Rail says it wants to modernise mits to adequate, no-strings, funding of public working practices and increase efficiency, savtransport in London”.

He said the strikes this week posed the ques- ings from which would allow a better pay deal tion of “should workers be made to pay via for railway workers.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said cuts to staffing levels, or terms and conditions, or a pay rise in relation to our colleagues on on Tuesday the government was not getting involved in the dispute as it would “make matters National Rail?”

Randall said: “For us on London Under- worse”. A Downing Street spokesperson later ground, that is very much the immediate con- said the government had been very generous in text of the dispute.” He claimed that prior to funding the railways during the pandemic.

JVL co-founder on ballot for Labour Party NEC elections Jewish Voice For Labour cofounder Naomi WimborneIdrissi will appear on the ballot paper for elections among Labour members for its powerful national executive committee (NEC) – after receiving 117 nominations from local constituency parties.

The high number of nominations for Wimborne-Idrissi, who repeatedly downplayed antisemitism in Labour under previous leader Jeremy

Corbyn, has sparked alarm among some in the community after the nomination process closed on 17 June.

But Labour insiders pointed out that each local party was allowed to nominate up to nine candidates.

Figures showed that Wimborne-Idrissi was nominated with as few as 10 votes in many local parties.

Chipping Barnet was on the list of local parties to have

nominated her. But Jewish News understands that the the outspoken JVL official was backed by just 12 members of the local party, with other members voting to nominate more moderate candidates such as Labour To Win’s Luke Akehurst and Gurinder Singh Josan in far greater numbers.

One senior Labour source said: “Naomi WimborneIdrissi is unlikely to win a seat on the ruling body.”

23 June 2022 Jewish News

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School attendance / News briefs / News

Jewish pupil absence is above national average

teachers are supported to do what they do best, which is why we’re putting our education ambition into law.”

He added: “By giving every child a good education, we’re giving them the opportunity to thrive so they can reach their full potential and secure the jobs needed.

“This is absolutely vital to our levelling up mission.”

Continued from page 1 The government unveiled its Schools Bill percent, JCoSS at 0.9 percent and Yavneh in last month’s Queen’s Speech, under which College at 0.42 percent were below the unauEngland’s schools would be required to pubthorised absence average. lish an attendance policy and maintain a King David High School in Liverpool did 8 compulsory register for children who are not provide figures.

Yavneh College not in classrooms so authorities can identify After analysing the numbers, one leading 6.8% 7 those not receiving full-time education.

Jewish educator emphasised that unauThe Bill is also aimed at cracking down on thorised absence does not necessarily 6 King JCoSS Hasmonean Solomon 5.0% truancy, beefing up the powers of education mean truancy, but rather covers a range of Boys High School 4.63% Hasmonean 5 4.44% watchdogs and reforming the funding system circumstances. “There is also an element of Girls 4.01% JFS in new legislation to create “a school system discretion in how schools code absences, so it 3.38% 4 3.46% 3.71% that works for every child”. is risky to compare one school with another or Education secretary Nadim Zahawi said: with national figures. Truancy rates is an out3 “These measures will ensure pupils benefit dated and imprecise term.

1.80% 2 from every possible hour in the classroom “Does it mean wilful non-attendance or 1.29% 0.9% and will create a school system that works for simply unauthorised absence, which includes 1 0.4% every child, parent and family, bringing every everything from occasions when a parent 0 school up to our current best standards.” forgot to write a note, to emergency termAuthorised Unauthorised absence absence Meyer added: “Attendance at school is time visits to dying relatives in Israel? * National average 2020/21: 3.4% authorised, 1.3% unauthorised an essential aspect in the education of chil“Or does it mean parents keeping their dren and repeated absences can significantly children at home due to Covid anxiety, or impact on student progress. home-schooling absence?”

The figures show wide variation among Jewish schools “Small variances are to be expected. HowThe academic year 2020/21 was dramatiAfter reviewing the figures, Rabbi David Meyer, ever, parents are primarily responsible for their cally impacted by the pandemic, with full closures chief executive of Partnerships for Jewish Schools, child’s attendance and these figures do underscore and phased returns until the spring.

The numbers provided under the Freedom said: “We are determined to raise standards in the essential role that parents play in the educaof Information request do not include forced our schools so every child has access to the same tion of their children.” opportunities wherever they live, and our brilliant  Student leader makes ‘bandwagon’ jibe, p10 absence due to Covid.

JEWISH STATE SCHOOL ABSENCES FOR 2020/21

JLC chair’s warning on identity politics Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) chair Keith Black has said the role of his organisation is to “avoid politicisation” and the “scolding group-think of identity politics”. Addressing MPs, peers and communal leaders at the JLC Members’ Summer Afternoon Tea in the Commons, Black said the Jewish community felt “blessed” to reside in a country that “looks after us and our needs” and which “welcomes our engagement in public life” and “respects our ancient traditions”.

Idan Raichel speaks of Israel boycotts Singer-songwriter Idan Raichel told a 300-strong audience on Monday about the importance of diversity in music, his time in the IDF and the anti-Israel boycott. At the Manna Meir Panim charity event in central London, which raised funds to combat food poverty in Israel, Raichel, who has performed for US President Barack Obama, said:“People around the world sometimes would not work with me because I am Israeli. That is part of being Israeli.”

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

Celebrating

50 Years of Light The Golden Anniversary of Migdal Ohr This year, 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Migdal Ohr in 1972 by Israel Prize Laureate Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman.

Migdal Ohr means “Tower of Light” in Hebrew and is a network of programmes that provide an unparalleled level of love and care to over 12,000 at-risk children every year.

Today, the organisation is nationally recognised for excellence by Israel’s Welfare and Education Ministries.

Over the last 50 years, Migdal Ohr has had a major impact on Israeli society having raised over 20,000 alumni that are now commanders in the army, parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers, business and religious leaders.

Our founder Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman Migdal Ohr’s founder, Israel Prize Laureate Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, is known around the world for his unconditional love of every single Jew. He has also been a transformational figure in Israel, advocating for the poorest and most neglected children and creating programmes that have saved thousands of youth from a life of poverty, crime, and drugs.

Rabbi Grossman has also played a major role in resettling

and integrating Jewish children from all over the world into Israeli society. He has been a father, an educator, and a loving rabbi to children from Yemen, Russia, Ethiopia, France, and India, welcoming them to Israel and helping them make it their home.

Our growth has been fueled by passionate supporters like you who are ensuring that Migdal Ohr continues to grow and expand for 50 more years and beyond!

“Lighting the Future” 50 Year Tribute with Israeli President Isaac Herzog Migdal Ohr in Israel hosted an extremely moving evening to pay tribute to Rabbi Grossman and his wife, Esther, for their impact on Israeli society and the lives of countless children.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at Migdal Ohr’s Meirim Et HaAtid “Lighting the Future” event with Israel’s President Herzog in Tel Aviv at the beginning of June. The auditorium was filled with children, adults, Members of Knesset, and elected officials paying tribute to 50 years of Rabbi Grossman’s work raising thousands of children and impacting Israeli society.

Our Executive Director, Amit Fraser, organised a group of donors to participate in this spectacular event and represent Migdal Ohr’s UK-based supporters.

The group came to express their gratitude to Rabbi and Rebbetzin Grossman for all they have done for the children of Israel and to demonstrate the vast network of support worldwide that is ensuring the next 50 years of Migdal Ohr! The evening consisted of current and past students presenting incredibly moving personal stories of how Rabbi Grossman had saved their lives by empowering them to get to where they are today, as well as a powerful speech by President Herzog.

Chaim Dan, a mentor at Zoharim Youth Village, shared his story of being orphaned as a toddler in Ukraine before coming to Israel in his teens and finding Migdal Ohr. “I had nothing,” Chaim Dan said, “and today, after the four years I spent at Migdal Ohr, I have a wife, amazing children, and meaningful work. I have everything.”

23 June 2022 Jewish News

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FOR 50 YEARS MIGDAL OHR HAS BEEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL. Our mission is that no child should be lost in foster care or left to navigate life alone. Whilst most education programmes graduate students at the age of 18, expecting them to cope with the rigours of life on their own, Migdal Ohr uses a different approach to raising these children at risk. Beyond providing a top-tier education, housing, food, clothing, medical care, and psychological counselling, we act as a surrogate family to create a feeling of security and warmth – something that was sorely lacking in their own homes. Migdal Ohr ensures that every orphaned and neglected child grows up in a community that loves them and enables them to thrive, raising generations of dignified, capable adults who are moving society forward, defying the odds, and exceeding their expectations. The children of today will have a responsibility to shape our future. Migdal Ohr plays a leading role in safeguarding, educating and strengthening Israel's most incredible resource - our children.

The economic impact of the pandemic forced the Israeli Government to cut its budget to Migdal Ohr and it now covers only 55% of the running costs, meaning that Migdal Ohr is even more reliant on the generosity of donors. Israel's vulnerable children need you today to light up their lives.Migdal Ohr UK will be running a 36-hour, online gift-matched fundraising event on 26th-27th June 2022 to raise £1,000,000.

Every pound raised will be matched and effectively doubled, and we'd love for you to get involved.

Successful crowdfunding requires reaching out to as many people as possible, and this works best if anyone passionate about what we do reaches out to their contacts and requests their support. Small or big, all donations will make a difference, and please do reach out to me if you would like to know more about corporate opportunities for this campaign.

How can you help?

Become a Migdal Ohr Champion!

Take a Light Up A Child's Life fundraising page at charityextra.com/migdalohruk/signup Share the page over the course of the campaign with your family and friends so they can donate to us via you.

Cheques payable British Friends of Migdal Ohr to Migdal Ohr UK, 11 Squirrels Close, London N12 8AY e: contact@migdalohr.org.uk

Donate at www.migdalohr.org.uk/donate

Charity number 290371

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

News / Italian welcome / Iran concern / MP ‘reselection’ / Amnesty inquiry

Benvenuto! Italy the top country for Jews

BELGIUM

POLAND

FRANCE

SPAIN

A pro-Israel group in the UK has reissued its call for the government to proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which is on the United States’ terror blacklist. Israel Britain Alliance (IBA) said the 200,000-strong Iranian corps was “a militia used to conduct terror attacks and assassinations”.

IBA director Michael McCann said the IRGC’s aims were to “eradicate Israel” and that ministers “should be praised for banning Hezbollah and Hamas, but the IRGC funds and supplies arms to both groups, which means our government’s work is incomplete”.  Opinion, page 21

MP may face reselection A Labour MP criticised by local party members for placing “foreign policy concerns” above pandemic recovery and the cost of living crisis faces a reselection battle to stand again.

Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, is under increasing pressure after local members voted in favour of a selection process taking place at four out of the five meet-

ings held so far. Some members have complained she has prioritised foreign policy issues such as the Palestinian cause over domestic problems resulting from the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. One local Labour member told Jewish News: “We can’t have a local MP more concerned with foreign policy than constituents.”

Begum was contacted for comment.

Amnesty UK ‘bully’ culture Amnesty International UK is “institutionally racist” and has a “culture that bullies”, an inquiry has concluded.

The independent findings of management consultancy Global HPO’s inquiry, which were published last Thursday, also accused the organisation of failing to embed principles of

anti-racism into its “DNA”. The inquiry suggested white applicants were more likely than all other groups to get roles and black people least likely to get a job.

Amnesty UK chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said: “We acknowledge this report makes clear the scale of the transformation we must make.”

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A new study has shown that Italy, Hungary and the UK are among the 80 best European countries in which to 79% 76% 75% 75% 75% live if you are Jewish – with Denmark 74% 73% 70 72% 70% and Austria also scoring highly.

68% 66% 60 The index, compiled by statisti60% cians using a combination of national 50 policies and quality-of-life polling data, was a project of the Euro40 pean Jewish Association (EJA) and unveiled in Budapest on Monday, in 30 the presence of Hungarian ministers.

20 Some countries, such as Germany, scored highly in terms of the national 10 government’s efforts to protect and celebrate its Jewish community, but 0 fared less well when it came to the * Each European country was marked out of 100 security perceptions of Jews.

The results, arrived at with the help of Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) and Denmark all got 75 points, with the Netherlands, researcher Daniel Staetsky, placed Belgium bottom Sweden, Germany and Spain making up the list.

EJA chair Rabbi Menachem Margolin explained of the list of 12 European countries with sizeable that the index was primarily a tool “to demand concrete Jewish populations.

“The goal with this report is to take the excellent data action from European leaders”, adding: “We welcome we already have about how Jews feel, about how preva- statements against antisemitism by European leaders, lent antisemitism is, and combine it with government but more than statements is needed.”

The EJA this month praised the National Jewish policy measurables,” Staetsky said.

Propping up the table were Belgium (60 points), Assembly, a new British Jewish group founded by Gary Poland (66) and France (68), while Italy came top Mond, a senior vice-president at the Board of Deputies with 79, followed by Hungary on 76. The UK, Austria, who resigned ahead of an Islamophobia investigation.

CALL TO OUTLAW THE IRGG

23 June 2022 Jewish News

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Rwanda scheme / UNWRA support / News

Board seeks meeting over asylum scheme Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl will press for a meeting with the home secretary to raise concerns over the government’s Rwanda asylum policy, writes Lee Harpin.

Her announcement came after a succession of Deputies questioned the Board’s attempt to take a neutral stance on the issue at Sunday’s meeting of the communal organisation.

After initially expressing her personal view that the Rwanda policy was “unconscionable”, van der Zyl told the Deputies the Board had yet to ask for any meeting with Priti Patel because of its policy of neutrality.

But she was pressed by both the new Union of Jewish Students president, Joel Rosen, and Yachad Deputy, Amos Schonfield, to change this stance in response to the

much-criticised forced deportation attempts.

Rosen called for the Board to request a meeting over what he said was the government’s “indefensible Rwanda policy”, while Schonfield said it was vital the Board did not appear to be vocal on the issue of Ukrainian refugees but silent on attempts to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Denise Lester, the South Hampstead Synagogue Deputy, suggested the Board think carefully about seeking meetings with the “incredibly busy” home secretary, while Paul Edlin, of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, suggested countering antisemitism should remain a “priority” for the community.

Van der Zyl said: “We are grateful to the Conservative government…they’ve been very good to the Jewish com-

People demonstrate against the government’s asylum policy

munity ... and a friend to Israel.

But this, in my view, is an unconscionable policy to send refugees to such a place. And it bothers many people in the Conservative Party.”

The European Court of Human Rights blocked the first planned flight to Rwanda last Tuesday night, but Patel later doubled down on the

government’s rationale behind the scheme, under which cross-Channel migrants would be deported to Rwanda, where their claims would be processed offshore.

“Our capacity to help is not infinite and public support for the asylum system will be fatally undermined if we do not act.”

... amid claim issue ‘is not important’ But Mond, who quit the Board ahead of an investigation into allegations of Islamophobia, told the European Jewish Association’s conference on Monday: “Yesterday, at a meeting of one of the premier Jewish organisations, much of the time was taken… in discussing the issue of whether the organisation should be putting pressure on our home secretary Priti Patel over the question of sending immigrants to Rwanda.”

Attempting to explain how he came to decide what issues were “important” to take up on behalf of the UK Jewish community, Mond said that “if you know 90-95 percent of your community support a certain line of action you must pursue it.”

He then claimed that “if only 40 percent” supported an issue you do not pursue it.

In another dig at the Board, he added: “That is what is wrong with certain organisations in the United Kingdom.”

The head of the an organisation set up to rival the Board of Deputies has suggested that the question of whether the government is right to send “immigrants to Rwanda” is not “important to the Jewish community”, writes Lee Harpin.

Gary Mond, founder of the National Jewish Assembly, used a speech delivered at a conference in Budapest, Hungary, to attack the Board.

It followed confirmation on Sunday by the Board’s president, Marie Van Der Zyl, that after repeated requests from deputies, she would be requesting a meeting with home secretary Priti Patel to raise concerns about the Rwanda asylum policy.

A succession of deputies had raised concerns about the Board’s “neutral” stance over Patel’s plan. Many also signed a letter to her from the Jewish Council For Racial Equality stating that the policy, which was scrapped in Israel, was against Jewish values.

AFRICA MINISTER REVEALS UK INVOLVEMENT IN PA FUNDING Ford reaffirmed that the UK was a A government minister has said she would “urge the Palestinian Authority to remove long-standing supporter of UNRWA, and problematic content from its (school) text- values the vital role it plays as a humanibooks” after confirming the UK would take tarian service and a stabilising force in the part in a pledging conference to commit Middle East.

She said that, in 2021, the UK gave the funds for the UN’s Relief and Works Agency agency more than £27 million of support, (UNWRA), writes Lee Harpin Minister for Africa Vicky Ford confirmed the including £4.9 million to the flash appeal it launched after the Gaza conflict in May. UK’s involvement at the pledging conThe UK’s annual contribution, ference in New York on 23 June. she said, also helps UNRWA to Asked about the issue of provide education to more antisemitism in Palestinian than 530,000 children every textbooks, she said: “We year, and helps 3.5 milhave robust conversations lion Palestinian refugees with the highest levels of to get health services. the Palestinian leaderNoting that it had ship, challenging them been a “difficult” decion the need to prepare sion to reduce the foreign their population for peace, aid budget, Ford said the including by promoting a UK would look in particular positive portrayal of others. at “bringing back humanitarian “We have zero tolerance for all forms of incitement to violence A Palestinian teacher aid and girls’ education” when it attends the pledging conference. or antisemitism.”

Her comments, during last Wednesday’s She was also critical of Israeli actions over the Westminster Hall debate on UNRWA, came movement of Palestinians into Gaza.

Ford said: “We continue to stress to the as the European Union confirmed that it had renewed its support for the Palestinian people Israeli authorities that restrictions on movewith a £200 million assistance package. This ment, access and trade for the people of Gaza was approved after the EU was satisfied with are damaging the lives of ordinary PalestinPalestinian assurances over textbooks in the ians.” But she ruled out the idea of applying sanctions on Israel, telling MPs that “honest future.

Sarah Champion, for Labour, told MPs that and open discussions” were preferred.

Last Wednesday, the European Commisshe agreed that there should be “zero tolerance” of any antisemitism in textbooks. But sion approved a new bilateral allocation to she said the EU’s decision suggested “that Palestine worth €224.8 million (£193 million), which complements previous contributions. issue having now been resolved”.

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

News / Child refugees / JFS Ofsted

Ukraine ‘kinder’ Continued from page 1 who applied for visas to the UK, within the rules and in good faith, now to be issued with their visas to the UK. Lord Harrington told Jewish News that negotiations had taken place with the Ukrainian government to allow the move.

It did not wish to allow unrestricted access of Ukrainian teenagers into the UK over fears about the safety and well-being of the minors.

It is understood Ukraine has now provided a list of suitable ‘legal guardians’ who could either travel to the UK with the youngsters, or vouch for them before they arrive.

The change in position was set out in a written statement yesterday by the communities secretary.

He said: “This policy will initially apply to the 1,000 children who have already applied to the Home Office but are unable to travel as they are not travelling or reuniting with a parent or guardian. After working closely with the Ukrainian government, the changes will enable

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a child to apply for a visa if they have proof of parental consent.”

The rule change is due to benefit only those unaccompanied minors already in the system.

Because of safeguarding concerns, their sponsors in the UK will need to be a relative or known to their parents, such as a close family friend.

In exceptional circumstances the minors may be able to stay with a family they have been matched with, but they would need approval from the government and local authority after enhanced safety checks.

Ofsted publishes JFS verdict

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JFS, which has more than 2,000 students in Harrow, was in April rated ‘good’ across the board, as revealed in the

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The rating was revealed by Jewish News last month. The school had previously been labelled ‘inadequate’.

Ofsted praised JFS for

“revisions to the behaviour policy that are understood and respected by all”. It also praised safeguarding, adding: “They [new leaders] have increased the school’s caring culture so that pupils are safe.”

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23 June 2022 Jewish News

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Housing ruling / BASW motion / News

Orthodox housing charity’s court win The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled in favour of a London Orthodox Jewish housing charity in its dispute with a single, nonJewish mother of four who was unable to access its housing, writes Adam Decker.

The woman, known as LF, was living in the London Borough of Hackney in 2020 when the High Court ordered she be rehoused into more suitable accommodation.

With two of her four children diagnosed as autistic, she was considered a priority case, placing added responsibility on the local council. At the time, there was social housing stock available in the borough from the Agudas Israel Housing Association (AIHA), of which she became aware. But in line with an agreement, Hackney did not apply to AIHA on her behalf, because such houses were only awarded to Orthodox Jewish community members.

LF brought judicial review proceedings, arguing that the arrangement discriminated against her because she was not Jewish.

Her claim was dismissed by the Divisional

AIHA supports residents in Stamford Hill

Court, which cited various concerns, including the difficulties faced by the Orthodox Jewish community in accessing housing. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and was then taken to the ECHR, which last week unanimously ruled the agreement was “objectively justified”.

AIHA chief executive Chaya Spitz said the ECHR decision “confirms that making targeted provision to meet the needs of minority groups is protected by the law”.

Disputed motion parked problems were not just about A motion on antisemitism that the rejection of IHRA, but also sparked anger and fear among the refusal to listen to concerns many Jewish social workers was they raised about their voices not voted on at the annual conferbeing overlooked. ence of the British Association of Delegates attending the Social Workers (BASW).

BASW conference, both in A motion tabled for the AGM of person and online, were the largest professional memberinformed on Friday that there ship organisation for social work was a ‘point of order’ to move on had called for the body to “susfrom voting on the motion. pend the decision to endorse the It is understood this call, IHRA [International Holocaust without those online voting on it, Remembrance Alliance] defini- Social workers protest was seconded at the conference. tion of antisemitism”.

Dr Paul Shuttleworth, a lecturer and tutor It was backed by the Social Workers Union, which claimed that the examples of possible for Sussex University and an independent social antisemitic conduct listed by IHRA “have been work practitioner, said: “This was about lisregularly used to conflate criticisms of Israel tening to Jewish experiences of antisemitism.”

The motion will be sent back to BASW’s with antisemitism and to frame defending Palpolicy and ethics committee, which will have to estinian rights as antisemitic”.

Jewish social workers had stressed that the consider issues raised by Jewish social workers.

JCOSS ROLE ULEZ impact The former deputy headteacher of Yavneh College, Melanie Lee, has been named the new headteacher of JCoSS, writes Sabrina Miller.

She will begin her role at the start of the spring term next year and will be the first female to lead the school.

She succeeds Patrick Moriarty, 56, who joined the cross-communal secondary 13 years ago and has been the head for more than 10 years. Dr Lee, who has a doctorate in science, has worked as deputy headteacher of Yavneh College for almost 13 years.

Governors have said they are “confident in the future success of the school under her dynamic leadership”.

At Immanuel College, the prospective headteacher, Joanna Ebner, has been forced to step down for personal, health-related reasons.

The fee-paying school is currently led by interim headteacher Michael Buchanan.

Concerns were expressed this week that the extension by Sadiq Khan (inset) to the Ultra Low Emission Zone in north-west London would affect areas with large Jewish communities, such as Finchley, Edgware and Hendon.

The ULEZ tariff on vehicles already covers Golders Green, which has a large Jewish population, but Barnet Conservatives are among groups questioning the scheme’s expansion into areas with less pollution.

Councillor Dan Thomas said: “We can always make improvements [to air quality], but we don’t need drastic measures that will cost more.”

A Jewish communal figure closely connected to discussions said the ULEZ expansion “would impact all other Jewish community hubs in north-west London”.

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

News / NUS meeting / Online safety / CPS apology / Israel–Poland row

NUS leader makes Jew hate ‘bandwagon’ jibe The outgoing president of the National Union of Students (NUS) has accused the government of “jumping on the [antisemitism] bandwagon” after minsters cut ties with the body, writes Sabrina Miller.

Larissa Kennedy made the comments during a Zoom meeting for 100 union officers called to discuss “the recent antisemitism allegations and the independent investigation the NUS has called”.

She said: “I think our movement is capable of saying this needs to be dealt with seriously and that the government is jumping on the bandwagon in a bad faith way when their record on antisemitism and racism is so horrendous.” She added that the NUS had never disengaged with government.

Last month, the government cut ties with the NUS over allegations of “systemic antisemitism within the organisation”.

Larissa Kennedy says Jewish voices have been heeded

Throughout the meeting, student union officers from multiple universities raised concerns about “the recent disengagement with the government” while asking: “What are we paying our [£25,000] affiliation fee for?”

Kennedy defended the NUS’ credibility, stating: “Jewish students have been able to raise their voices, have been able to tell us what they

want from us and we have been able to act accordingly. That is, if anything, the most important thing here. A lot has been drawn out by people who don’t necessarily know the facts.”

She insisted that unofficial ties with government, where the majority of policy discussions take place, are ongoing.

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after they complained about a performance from controversial rapper Lowkey, who is a public supporter of sacked Bristol university academic David Miller and former Labour MP Chris Williamson.

Newly-elected NUS president Shaima Dallali is under separate investigation after tweeting an ancient Islamic battle cry referencing the massacre of Jews.

Rebecca Tuck QC, a barrister specialising in employment and discrimination law, has been appointed to lead an independent investigation into antisemitism allegations at the NUS. A senior source from within the Department for Education responded: “You would think an organisation that prattles on about the importance of ‘anti-oppression’ would, when confronted with real racist antisemitism, finally have a moment of realisation.”

MPS’ CONCERN AT ANTISEMITIC GIFS MPs have expressed concern about how service providers may be able to claim no responsibility for the circulation of antisemitic Gifs on social media, as MPs debated a planned online safety law.

A Gif (graphics interchange format) is often a short animation lasting several seconds with the ability to loop. Like memes, they are typically used to communicate jokes, emotions or ideas, and have been a source of sharable antisemitic content.

During the 12th reading last week in the House of Commons of the Online Safety Bill, Barbara Keeley, Labour member for Worsley and Eccles South, drew attention to the problem, saying it had been highlighted by the Antisemitism Policy Trust chief executive Danny Stone.

Gifs can be created on websites such as GIPHY or Gfycat, then shared through platforms such as Facebook’s Messenger, WhatsApp or Twitter, yet the question of

Platforms ‘pass the buck’

who was responsible for antisemitic Gifs remained unanswered, said Keeley.

“Platforms, in particular those supporting user-touser generated content, employ those services from third parties,” she said, using “the problem of antisemitic Gifs” as an example of tech companies passing the buck.

She added: “Twitter would say, ‘We don’t supply Gifs.

The responsibility is with GIPHY.’ GIPHY, as part of the supply chain, would say, ‘We are not a user-to-user platform.’”

Prosecutor apologises for hate crime shortcomings The chief Crown prosecutor for London South has apologised to the Board of Deputies for a number of incidents in which the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) fell short in prosecuting antisemitic hate crimes.

Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl met Lionel Idan, chief Crown prosecutor for London South, last week.

They discussed a number of cases where the Jewish community felt that the CPS had failed to prosecute antisemitic hate crime, the latest

CPS prosecutor Lionel Idan

of which was a religiously aggravated assault against a man alleged to have carried out a string of assaults against Jewish people in August 2021.

Following complaints, the charges were reinstated.

After the meeting, van der Zyl said: “Mr Idan wholeheartedly apologised for the incidents in question, and also responded favourably to the idea of participating in an event with the Board, open to the wider Jewish community, that included opportunities for questions and answers.”

She added that the CPS would facilitate introductions for the Board so meetings between local CPS hate crime leads and Jewish representatives around the country could be organised.

POLAND TRIPS CANCELLED Israel has cancelled educational trips to Poland for thousands of secondary school students this summer.

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid claims the Polish government is trying to control the Holocaust studies curriculum taught to Israeli children.

The announcement reignited long-standing tensions between the countries over Poland’s treatment of its

Jewish citizens during the Holocaust. Lapid said Poland has barred Israeli delegations from learning about the role of Polish citizens in collaborating with Nazis.

“They wanted to dictate what was allowed and what wasn’t allowed to be taught to Israeli children who go to Poland and that we cannot agree with,” he told a news conference last Wednesday.

Poland was the first country

invaded and occupied by Adolf Hitler’s regime and never had a collaborationist government. Members of Poland’s resistance and governmentin-exile struggled to warn the world about the mass killing of Jews, and thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews.

However, Holocaust researchers have collected ample evidence of Polish villagers who murdered Jews who were fleeing the Nazis.

23 June 2022 Jewish News

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Special siddur / News

Chief Rabbi hands out siddur ‘that is good for people who can’t read’ A crowd of excited primary school students have become the first to receive the Siddur Lakol, or “Siddur for Everyone”, which is designed to be used by people with learning disabilities.

The siddur, a tailor-made United Synagogue edition, has been created by JWeb, in partnership with Gesher School and Kisharon, and with the endorsement of Norwood and Langdon.

The “soft launch” of the siddur, which uses the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), took place at Gesher on the eve of Learning Disability Week, which runs nationally from 20 to 26 June.

Special guest Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis gave a signed siddur to each of the school’s pupils. He said: “Our tradition teaches that the Jewish people are just like a sefer Torah – a complete and perfect whole. If one single letter is missing, then the entire scroll is not able to be used. Similarly with the Jewish people, every single person counts.”

The siddur, which goes on sale in September, will be produced in A4 and A5 formats, providing options to support people with a range of

Photos by Jeremy Coleman

By Jenni Frazer @Jennifrazer

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis at the launch

Raphael, Eli and Bezzy with the United Synagogue edition of the inclusive Siddur Sakol

disabilities. PECS is a set of graphic icons to help those with autism spectrum conditions convey their thoughts and needs. All prayers and songs appear with matching PECS. Siddur Lakol has been made possible by the support of Pinner Synagogue’s Daniels family, to honour wife, mother and grandmother Sonya Daniels, who was passionate about Judaism and education.

JWeb co-founder Deborah Gundle, who is also the mother of a special needs child, said: “Our siddur will enable people with learning disabilities to participate in, and enjoy, prayers at home and online as well as in our synagogues.”

Sarah Sultman, co-founder of Gesher School, said: “Gesher was set up for a cohort of children, who, until [it] opened, were largely invisible in our community. Siddur Lakol helps gives them,

and all children, regardless of their learning difference, access to their faith through prayer.”

Hadassa Kessler, Kisharon’s director of operations and development, said: “Siddur Lakol is a siddur for everyone and it will open the doors to Orthodox Jewish communal life for those who may have felt excluded.”

Eli Cohen, a tenant at Kisharon Supported Living, said: “Siddur Lakol is good for people who don’t understand so well or can’t read, because you have pictures and you can understand with the pictures. My friend can’t read but he can use it to say Shema before he goes to sleep if he wants to.”

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

Special Report / The man who escaped hell

‘Auschwitz escapee is a he prophet whose warnings Jonathan Freedland’s new book tells the intriguing tale of Rudolf Vrba, the first Jew to flee the death camp, writes Nicole Lampert

W

hen Rudolf Vrba was planning his escape from Auschwitz, he was convinced that if only people knew what was happening there – the industrialised murder, the experiments, the brutality – someone would do something.

It was why he kept numbers in his brilliant head; the transports, the numbers killed, the countries from where they came. He was determined to ensure his story of the genocide of a people would be so full of fact that he would be believed. And it would be stopped.

By the time he managed his incredible vanishing act – along with fellow inmate Fred Wetzler, he was the first Jew to make it out of Auschwitz to safety – the death camp was gearing up for its most intense activity of the Holocaust: the murder of the Hungarian Jews, the last community in occupied Europe.

But for two long months, as the report he and Wetzler made whizzed around the world – appearing in newspapers, in front of Churchill and Eisenhower, the Pope and kings – another 10,000 to 15,000 Jews were being murdered a day in Auschwitz alone.

Eventually, it could be said, the report made enough of an impact that the final transports of Jews from Budapest – around 200,000 people – were stopped. But Rudolf only ever thought of the nearly half a million who could have been saved.

The Guardian journalist Jonathan Freedland, who has written a brilliant book about Rudolf called The Escape Artist, believes the Slovakian Jew’s name should be as well known as that of Anne Frank, Oskar Schindler and Primo Levi.

His book is as compelling as a thriller; first is the excitement of the escape and then comes the desperation to make sure the world knew.

But this is the darkest thriller you’ll ever read.

“He was a hero who was willing to take the most extreme action in order for truth and fact to be known,” explains Freedland.

“What he did was the most extraordinary achievement – he saved 200,000 lives. But he was eaten up by the 437,000 who were killed.

“To me he is a hero of Jewish history, but he is also sadly in that tradition of the Jewish prophet who issues a warning but that warning is not heeded.”

Freedland first became intrigued by Rudolf’s story when he saw the seminal nine-hour epic documentary Shoah when he was aged 19. The charisma of the cocky, dark-haired man stood out – that and the fact that, as was almost mentioned in passing, he had escaped Auschwitz.

“I think I was partly intrigued by what he’d done at the age of 19, partly because he spoke to the viewer in English, and also, he seemed like

a generation younger than the rest,” he says.

“He felt like of the present while the others felt like ghost-like figures of the past.

“When he said he’d escaped from Auschwitz it was a shock. I thought nobody could get out of that place. His idea of getting out to tell the truth was something that never left me.”

Freedland was inspired to start researching Rudolf as he became concerned about the new ‘post-truth’ world. “I have been very spooked by the issue of truth twice,” he says.

“The first was when I covered the David Irving trial in 2000. I remember feeling physically unnerved by the idea of someone denying all the evidence.

“And then that strange anxiety came back in 2016 with Trump and Brexit. People in the public conversation were saying things that weren’t true. I had the same sort of shaky feeling.”

He was amazed to find that the only book

❝

Rudolf Vrba was 19 when, alongside a fellow inmate, he fled Auschwitz to safety

HIS IDEA OF ­GETTING OUT TO TELL THE TRUTH WAS ­SOMETHING THAT NEVER LEFT ME

New arrivals to Auschwitz concentration camp are shepherded by guards alongside camp inmates

23 June 2022 Jewish News

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13

The man who escaped hell / Special Report

hero but also a were ignored’ that had been written about Rudolf was a memoir; and that the hero’s first wife, Gerta, was still alive and had a treasure chest of material for him.

The book isn’t just the story of one man, but it is the story of Auschwitz told in unflinching and painful detail from Rudolf’s own words.

It is also the story of a world that – at best – was willing to turn a blind eye to what the Nazis were doing to the Jewish people.

The book could not be more important at a time when Holocaust denial is growing across the political spectrum and after a bruising few years for the British Jewish community.

“I think we are collectively a post-traumatic people; the Holocaust is present for us, it is part of our inherited memory and so it is not surprised we are hyper-vigilant,” he says.

Freedland is aware of the criticism held by parts of the community for his newspaper, but stands by the decision to publish both pro- and anti-Corbyn articles.

“We were having the same debates in the paper that were happening within the Labour

party,” he says. “My memories of that period are bruising, but that was more about wider society than my place of work.”

As we talk at his publisher’s office, he is preparing to head back into that bruising world, writing his first play, which will be performed in perhaps the lion’s den of theatrical antisemitism, The Royal Court. Jews. In Their Own Words, conceived by actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, comes after the Hershel Fink scandal in which a megalomaniac billionaire was given a Jewish name owing to – at best – “unconscious bias”.

The play will feature the words of luminaries including Howard Jacobson, Simon Schama and Luciana Berger, as well as ordinary Jewish people, talking about antisemitism.

Freedland will be directly targeting and challenging the left wing ‘anti-racists’ who go to the Royal Court and for whom, it often seems, Jews don’t count. Freedland insists that, like his hero Rudolf, he will be presenting the unvarnished truth.

“Given the history of the Royal Court; the

Freedland: ‘I was intrigued partly because he spoke in English’

plays Perdition and Seven Jewish Children as well as the Hershel Fink [issue], I think anyone in our community will always be wary of the Royal Court,” he says. “But I also think when an institution says: ‘We got something badly wrong, we want you – the Jewish community – now to have the floor, to say it in your own words’, I think that is very hard to resist.

“I am excited to be doing this project and

it’s a good opportunity to set out what we – and the Jewish News reader – are familiar with, but is not well understood by part of British society, including those who would pride themselves on being very sensitive to questions of prejudice and bigotry.” The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland is published by John Murray

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

Special Report / Biblical orchards

Pick your own – 5,000 years BC Analysis of charcoal from an Israeli-led dig reveals olive and fig tree wood, indicating first examples of orchards in an advanced, wealthy society, writes Sue Surkes she said. “It was used The first domestication of fruit for construction, trees anywhere in the world took Valley,” she said. “This means for making tools place some 7,000 years ago in someone brought them there and furniture, the Jordan Valley, according intentionally – took the and as a source to a fascinating study by Tel knowledge and the plant itself of energy. That’s Aviv University and Jerusato a place that is outside of its why identifying lem’s Hebrew University. natural habitat.” tree remnants The researchers reached their “In archaeobotany, this found at archaeoconclusions after analysing charis considered indisputable logical sites, such coal remains at the Chalcolithic Tel proof of domestication, as charcoal from Tsaf site in the Jordan Valley and Dafna Langgut which means we have here hearths, is a key to finding wood from olive and fig trees. the earliest evidence of understanding what kinds of Charred olive wood Olive trees do not grow naturally in the area. the olive’s domestication anyDr Dafna Langgut, head of Tel Aviv’s Labo- trees grew in the natural enviratory of Archaeobotany and Ancient Environ- ronment at the time, and when humans began where in the world.”

Langgut also identified remnants of ments, which specialises in microscopic identi- to cultivate fruit trees.”

Her analysis of the charcoal from Tel Tsaf branches belonging to the fig tree, which fication of plant remains, said it was possible to did grow naturally in the Jordan Valley. As identify trees by their anatomic structure even found locally native trees, but also olive and fig.

“Olive trees grow in the wild in the land the fig tree had little value for firewood or if they had been burned down to charcoal.

“Wood was the ‘plastic’ of the ancient world,” of Israel, but they do not grow in the Jordan working into tools or furniture, she concluded

Rows of apple trees in a fruit field

that the branches resulted from pruning, a method still used today to increase the yield of a fruit tree.

Langgut said that in addition to the evidence of early fruit tree cultivation, researchers had also discovered some of the earliest examples of stamps, suggesting the beginnings of administrative procedures.

“As a whole, the findings indicate wealth and early steps toward the formation of a complex multilevel society, with the class of farmers supplemented by classes of clerks and merchants,” she said.

The latest research was published in May in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports from the publishers of Nature.

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

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News / Vital funds / Rape case / Sacks award

Modern & Contemporary Prints & Multiples Auction

Liberal Judaism sets a fundraising record

Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 July, 10am

Liberal Judaism has raised the most money in its history – bringing in £275,000 from more than 1,000 contributors in its largest fundraising campaign.

On the occasion of its 120th anniversary, the movement raised £145,000 over a 36-hour matched campaign, with an additional £130,000 pledged to match donations over the rest of this year.

Celebrating the figure, Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “This has been an Money raised will be used for a series of initiatives to incredible achievement – five times build Liberal Judaism for the future more than we have ever raised in need by providing bursaries for children before.

“The money has been amazing, but what wanting to attend LJY-Netzer youth camps makes me most proud is that we had a whole and events, as well as sending Shabbat boxes army of people, over 1,000 of them, giving £10 to elderly members of the community living in non-Jewish care homes. and £20.

Liberal Judaism chair Ruth Seager said: “In a time when many are really struggling, it’s amazing how people came out from all “Liberal Judaism has completed its most sucacross the country to donate and share their cessful fundraising event. Ever.

“I am proud of our LJ ambassadors and stories and messages with us.”

The money raised will be used for a series grateful to our donors. They will enable us to of initiatives to build Liberal Judaism for the bring Judaism home to even more people.”

The movement will now use the next year to future, with many focussed on supporting try and reach a total of £500,000 raised so it can youth.

These include a new online hub to support fully implement all of its plans. Events planned communities and individuals, a Progressive include a pre-Pride celebration with the Pink Jewish Chaplain in universities, a social justice Singers, a nationwide sponsored bike ride and department and b’nei mitzvah and Kabbalat President’s 120th Anniversary Ball.

Torah programming for smaller communities  Liberal Judaism’s crowdfunding page remains open. Donations can be made who do not have a rabbi.

The raised funds will also support families at campaigns.causematch.com/LJ

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A fantastic opportunity to join our friendly, motivated and busy fundraising team.

We are engaged in a whole host of exciting pieces of work, supporting our shuls raising funds and engaging the community in meaningful and impactful charitable projects.

As the Fundraising Administrator, you will play an important role in ensuring all donations are processed correctly. You will be responsible for data input, producing reports and analysis and be an expert user of our ThankQ database.

We care about building lasting relationships with our synagogues and active supporters, and we know that our database is critical in helping us to do that. For the right person, this is an opportunity to support the work of the United Synagogue in using data to develop excellent relationships and raise more money.

Closing date for receipt of applications is: Thursday 30th June 2022 To view the job description and apply for this position, please visit: www.theus.org.uk/vacancies

CYPRUS RAPE CASE CONTINUES Registered charity number 242552

Salary: £30,000 per annum Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (part-time hours and flexi working would be considered)

Lawyers for a British woman cleared of lying about a gang rape in Cyprus are taking her case to the European Court of Human Rights because her alleged Israeli attackers have never been prosecuted.

Now 21 and studying at university, the woman is “determined to push for justice” in challenging a decision

by Cypriot authorities not to order a fresh investigation into her alleged attack in the

party town of Ayia Napa in the summer of 2019 after she was found innocent.

Twelve Israeli men in their late teens were arrested at the time but were released soon after, returning home only hours later to a heroes’ welcome. Israeli media reported that one suspect was 16, adding that the group were on holiday ahead of their Israel Defense Forces army service. They denied allegations of rape,

saying that sexual relations were “with consent”.

The woman, who was then 19, was found guilty of ‘public mischief’ by a Cypriot court, which accused her of lying. This decision was later overturned by the country’s supreme court.

“It was clear to all guilt had been decided before the trial had begun,” her lawyers said, adding “fair trial provisions were not applied”.

DOCTORATE AWARD FOR SACKS Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has been awarded a posthumous honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in recognition of his “lifelong dedication to the Jewish people”.

Sacks, a prolific author and public speaker who served as Britain’s Chief Rabbi from 1991 to 2013, had links to the university in his role as a visiting professor. The award was accepted by Sacks’ brother, Eliot, on his behalf.

Those receiving the honour

Eliot Sacks at the ceremony

are typically distinguished by academic leadership, creative achievement or activities of notable benefit to humanity, the state of Israel or the Jewish people, and include film director Quentin Tarantino.

Lady Elaine Sacks said: “It was both moving and inspiring to be present as the Hebrew University bestowed this honour in memory of my dear husband, acknowledging the impact his legacy continues to make. My family and I were deeply touched by this very meaningful gesture.”

Hebrew University president, professor Asher Cohen, said: “Leaders inspire. They show us the way forward and light up the path for those who follow.”

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23 June 2022 Jewish News

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

News / Anne anniversary / AJEX commemoration

Sonnet for 75 years since Anne’s diary Children’s author Michael Rosen has penned a special sonnet to mark 75 years since the publication of Anne Frank’s Diary, writes Adam Decker.

It follows a central London event on Tuesday featuring a speech by actress Sarah Solemani, whose father is a retired Persian Jewish maths lecturer.

Addressing the audience, she said: “We are here today to wake up, and to encourage our families and communities and countries to wake up, and affirm that racism, antisemitism, anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, anti-Muslim, antihumanity in all its forms, is a sickness with a changing face. It is the need to purge the country of one kind of human being.”

Solemani said Anne Frank “wanted her writing to matter”, adding: “It does. She wanted to go on living after her death. She did. Her legacy is far more than the entries of her diary. It is the goodness in all of us who crave and cling to her words of hope, the handbook of hope.”

Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich, who was in Bergen-Belsen at the same time as the young diarist, said: “Anne Frank has captured the hearts and minds of all young

AJEX holds service for Falklands heroes

An entry from Anne’s diary and, right, Michael Rosen

people of her generation and beyond; 75 years after publication, her book still inspires. Her wisdom and ideas at such a tender age were truly amazing.”

Anne Frank Trust chief executive Tim Robertson said Anne’s diary was “a

masterpiece that plays a unique global role in conveying the human impact of extreme antisemitism, especially to non-Jewish audiences”.

Jewish military association AJEX held a special service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire yesterday to mark 40 years since the Falklands War, writes Joy Wilfred.

The AJEX Standards were raised in the sunshine for the memorial garden service led by AJEX chair Staff Sergeant Dan Fox and Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone, an event that remembered all Jews who served – and continue to serve – in particular, in the Falklands War. It also highlighted the courage of young Jewish paratrooper Private Jason Burt, who was shot and killed by an Argentine sniper just short of his 18th birthday during the Battle of Mount Longdon, only two days before the end of the conflict on 12 June 1982.

“Coming together as generations, and having the cadets remembering with us, highlights the ongoing importance of ensuring the AJEX legacy continues and passing on the baton of remembrance,” said Fox. Wreaths were laid by Major Danny Yank, Brigadier Christopher Coles, Fox, and the students of the JFS Combined Cadet Force, who laid a posey. After the ceremony, attendees joined in a l’chaim, raising a glass for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

One of several events ahead of Armed Forces Day, it comes amid a flurry of significant anniversaries of Jewish service to the Crown, including 125 years since the first officially sanctioned religious service for Jewish members of the Armed Forces.

By 1892, the numbers of Jews serving in the British Army and Royal Navy had grown to the point where a Jewish military chaplaincy was needed. In 1897, Rev. Cohen obtained the sanction of the British Admiralty and the War Office for a special annual service for Jewish men in the Forces.

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Another election looms / Israel News

October election set as coalition crumples ANALYSIS For the fifth time in barely three years, Israelis are set to go the polls after the leaders of its discordant coalition admitted they could no longer hold the government together, writes Michael Daventry.

A new election will be called for 25 October, the first full week after the Jewish High Holy Days, if the Knesset votes to dissolve itself next week.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said “no stone was left unturned” in his bid to keep the coalition afloat, but that they exhausted all options.

He is now expected to hand the premiership to foreign minister Yair Lapid under the terms of their agreement. The two men had confounded analysts, first by cobbling together a coalition including left-wing, hard-right and Arab parties, and second by keeping it in office for a year.

But the government always had a wafer-thin majority in the Knesset and was unable to overcome the resignation of MKs from Bennett’s rightwing Yamina Party.

Lapid, the leader of the centrist Yesh Atid Party, will become Israel’s 14th prime minister.

He will remain in post at least until after the October election — a posi-

Naftali Bennett (left) will hand the premiership to Yair Lapid. And Bibi (inset) is watching

tion that could provide a powerful advantage during the four-month campaign.

But an election could also pave the return of opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, the former premier, who said the collapse of the government was “great news”.

There was uncertainty this week about Bennett’s immediate future after Israeli media speculated that he might leave politics altogether.

In a joint televised statement with

Lapid on Monday night, he tried to defend the coalition’s year in office.

“Together, we got Israel out of the pit. We accomplished many things in this year. First and foremost, we brought to centre stage the values of fairness and trust,” he said.

Lapid added: “What has happened in the past few days, what has happened here tonight, is further proof that the Israeli system is in need of serious change and major repairs.

“What we need to do today is go back to the concept of Israeli unity.

Not to let dark forces tear us apart from within. To remind ourselves that we love one another, love our country.”

Bennett’s departure means it will be Lapid who greets US President Joe Biden when he visits Israel next month.

Netanyahu called the collapse of the government “great news for millions of Israelis”. “People are smiling,” he said, “because... they understand that... we are getting rid of the worst government in Israel’s history.”  Editorial comment, page 20

‘GOD IS TO THANK FOR THIS’ Divine intervention had toppled Naftali Bennett’s government, Israel’s strictly-Orthodox leaders declared, as they prepared to court a voter base that is increasingly turning to the far-right, writes Michael Daventry.

Rabbis and leading figures in Shas and United Torah Judaism, the country’s two main Charedi parties, appeared elated that a coalition that had excluded them for the first time in a decade was no more.

“A government that harmed and tried to destroy Judaism and the sanctity of Israel and harmed the weak has been driven from the world,” said Shalom Cohen, the spiritual leader of Shas. “The holy one, blessed be he, has had mercy on the people of Israel.”

Yated Ne’eman, a Charedi newspaper, dubbed it “the fall of the riffraff government”. Yet strictlyOrthodox leaders combined their jubilation with powerful attacks on the far-right politicians including Itamar Ben-Gvir, who caused controversy this month by flouting a rabbinical order to stay out of the Temple Mount compound.

He was branded a “fool” by Yitzhak Yosef, Israel’s Sephardi Chief Rabbi, who is known to be close to Shas. Yosef told followers: “Stay away from him and all of his leadership.”

But recent elections have suggested that younger strictly Orthodox voters, attracted by the far-right’s message, are rejecting such instructions from their rabbinical elders in growing numbers.

NETANYAHU TURNS OFF BENNETT’S LIGHT

BY DAVID HOROVITZ

I

EDITOR, TIMES OF ISRAEL

n a scene that no scriptwriter would have attempted, as outgoing prime minister Naftali Bennett announced the collapse of his coalition, the lights went out in the Knesset hall where he and his leadership colleague Yair Lapid were addressing the nation.

Bennett was promising an “orderly handover” of power to Lapid, who will take over as interim prime minister ahead of elections tentatively expected in October, and was reminding the public that “there’s a country to run”, when the room was briefly plunged into darkness.

“How symbolic,” murmured Lapid, wryly, at his side.

For a year and one week, the most improbable coalition in Israel’s history attempted, in Bennett’s depiction on Monday, to brighten governance and “restore national dignity”,

with its eight constituent parties, from all the way across the spectrum, promising to put aside key ideological differences and drag the country out of political darkness.

In what amounted to his farewell speech, Bennett set out a list of that government’s achievements – including reviving the economy from the ravages of Covid-19, tackling a wave of terrorism and preventing a return to the 2015 Iran deal without harming ties with the United States.

But most importantly, in his summation, his coalition championed “decency, trust… and a culture of togetherness”. In that vein, Bennett spoke with real warmth and regard for his “mensch” of a coalition partner Lapid, who reciprocated: “I want to thank you for our friendship; I love you very much.”

Ultimately, though, while the eight party leaders in the coalition stuck firmly together and remained committed to their common cause of preventing a return to power by the man they ousted, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, several of their legislative troops proved less loyal to the cause.

Numerous Israeli political commentators on Monday predicted that as Israel now heads toward its fifth general election in three-anda-half years, the result will be as unworkable as it was those four previous times – with no party leader or bloc capable of assembling a coalition strong enough and stable enough to hold power for long.

But that assessment does not square with the current political momentum, which hugely favours Netanyahu. Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope is polling below the Knesset threshold in some surveys. So, too, is Mansour Abbas’ Ra’am.

Bennett’s Yamina is a broken political vessel, and has been overtaken on the religious-nationalist right by the rising Religious Zionism party, complete with its Kahanist provocateur, Itamar Ben Gvir.

It is by no means clear that Bennett will risk humiliation by even running again in the next elections; he already lost his seat once, in the April 2019 vote.

Netanyahu, by contrast, is flying high.

As politically astute and energetic as ever

at the age of 72, he pre-empted the BennettLapid press conference on Monday evening by issuing his own statement.

In it, he hailed the collapse of “the worst government in Israeli history” and promised to replace it with a “broad national government” – a possible first hint that he will try to appeal to the Israeli political centre, having tightened his control of the Israeli right.

Helping his cause, too, is the fact that the state prosecution is publicly floundering in the most serious of the corruption cases for which he is on trial, recently failing to persuade the judges at Jerusalem District Court to let it amend the indictment in the so-called Case 4000.

Although polls should always be treated with caution, Netanyahu is also soaring there.

His Likud, Religious Zionism and the two strictly Orthodox parties managed 52 seats in the March 2021 elections; recent polls gave those same four parties 60 seats – just one short of a Knesset majority.

And that was before he turned out the lights on the Bennett government.

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Editorial comment and letters

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THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT TIMES...

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Please remember ACTOR BAN Shimon Amir too OFFENSIVE Regarding your piece on the death of Jewish-British Bergen Belsen liberator Bernard Maurice Levy, I would ask readers to please remember my brotherin-law Shimon Enreich (later Amir – pictured), who served in the Jewish Brigade of the British army and was one of the liberators of Bergen-Belsen.

He got a group of survivors together, taught them Hebrew and somehow got them into Palestine in the days of the British Mandate. He used to reunite with all these people every year the day before Independence Day in Israel. Shimon was born in Lemberg in 1921 and was in the Israeli diplomatic service. Amir died of cancer in 1997. Deborah Vietor Engländer, By email

One person not mentioned by Lana Melman in Nicole Lampert’s piece is Emma Thompson who, with Mark Rylance, led a pack of actors wanting to ban Israel’s Habimah Theatre from the 2012 Shakespeare Festival at London’s Globe (Jewish News, 9 June 2022).

I will never forgive her and the others who signed the offensive anti-Israel letter to the media; as actors and others wanting to ban other actors from an international drama festival.

Other signatories included Mike Leigh and Miriam Margolyes. I attended both sell-out Habimah performances; they were fantastic even though several protesters were thrown out. Zoe Wanamaker, as Globe’s head of trustees, refused to ban anyone.

Martin Sugarman, By email

KINDER HOSTS FOR INTERVIEW SADEH VITAL

TO HERITAGE

We are conducting research for the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC to find British families that took in Kindertransport children in the late 1930s to provide them with a home; kindly people who opened their doors and their

hearts to these refugees. We would like to find surviving British foster siblings, now in their 80s and 90s, who would be willing to be interviewed for a museum archive.

UPSET ABOUT FLAG ABUSE

DID YOU KNOW JACK BERKOVI?

How sad I was to read Jenni Frazer’s column about how the Israeli flag has been abused by the anti-Arab far right. In the 1970s, my family left our Orthodox shul because our rabbi preached anti-Arab messages. I did not want to bring up my children listening to that.

Thank you for your excellent feature on Jewish holidays in Bournemouth.

My late husband, Jack Berkovi, lived in Bournemouth in his younger years.

I am trying to do research on his earlier years before we were married in 1970. Perhaps some readers might recognise the name and get in touch.

Marilyn Finester, By email

Daphne Berkovi, By email

Mike Levy and Anna Nichols, for US Holocaust Memorial Museum

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Issue No.1207

The sale of Sadeh farm by the Jewish Youth Fund is more than just a shame.

Sadeh is connecting young people to their heritage and making it spiritually and culturally relevant, as we face the next decades of social and economic change.

If continuity is important it must embrace, not drive out, an institution like Sadeh.

Josh Dresner, Pinner

TEKIAH! We should welcome Turkey’s official new name, Türkiye, with a shofar blast: Tekiah!

Kay Bagon, Radlett

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It is possible to argue that an Israeli election day is fun, if only because it is a national holiday. Most people get the day off work or school, and the railways provide free travel to help everyone reach their ballot box, so it’s perfectly possible to combine a democratic duty with a trip to the seaside.

Yet even the most dedicated psephologist will have groaned in despair at the news that Israelis will be asked yet again to try to break the country’s political deadlock. Weary voters will go through the motions once more on 25 October, but there is little sign that their verdict will be radically different.

There are a few small differences that might flip a few voters this time around. Some will register their unhappiness at Israel’s cost ofliving crisis. Others will be happy – or angry – that the outgoing coalition broke a major political taboo by taking an Arab party on board. But, essentially, this fifth election will be the same as the previous four: it is about one man – Benjamin Netanyahu – and, once again, Israelis appear evenly divided on whether or not he should be in charge again.

The former prime minister remains a political behemoth. The fact he still faces multiple corruption charges will cause little trouble for him: all recent opinion polls project his camp comfortably winning the most seats. A majority is far less certain.

For those of us watching from afar, there’s little reason to believe this election will be any different.

But four months is a long time in politics.

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Editorial comment and letters

Iranian terror militia ban will send clear message DES STARRITT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL UK

W

arnings of a concrete Iranian attack on Israelis in Turkey led Israel’s Defence Minister Benny Gantz to warn: “We aren’t able to personally protect every Israeli anywhere in the world.”

This is just the latest reminder that wherever Iran’s terrorist militia, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is operating, free people – including and especially Israelis and friends of Israel – are at risk. But what if there was something practical the UK could do to help?

Unbelievably, the UK government has yet to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. This must change.

With Iran now reportedly resigned to the fact that the US will continue to proscribe the IRGC irrespective of any future Iran nuclear deal, the UK has no cause for delay in mimicking the US’ policy towards the Islamic Republic’s in-house terrorist group.

The IRGC has been responsible for terror plots targeting British citizens, stockpiling explosives in London and other European cities, and for attacks on British troops overseas. We witnessed Tehran’s dirty tactics in agonisingly slow motion during Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s imprisonment – even, it has now been revealed, forcing the British-Iranian mother to sign a confession document before boarding the plane home.

Clearly Iran doesn’t play by any rules.

The IRGC is critical for the Iranian regime’s extremist ambitions – it’s the weapon Tehran wields in an effort to expand its influence through terror against the West and fulfil its antisemitic objective of destroying Israel.

Iran’s portfolio of propaganda videos liberating Jerusalem and a digital clock counting down to Israel’s destruction would be satirical if they weren’t so deadly serious.

A regime that inscribes its ballistic missiles with ‘Death to Israel’ should be taken seriously. The Iranian regime should be taken precisely at its word.

The IRGC gives significant support to terror groups that are banned in Britain, arming, training and funding groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. It is central to Iran’s

❝

THE IRGC HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR TERROR PLOTS TARGETING BRITISH CITIZENS

assassinations that remain a constant threat to Israel and the West.

The UK proscribing the IRGC will delegitimise Tehran’s attempts to present it as a conventional armed force. And it would send a clear message to the Iranian regime and its proxies that their malevolent activities will not be tolerated.

Consistent with UK government policy towards Iran’s terror proxies, it would also empower Britain to crack down on IRGC operaIRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami, left tions closer to home and keep our borders safe. And then, we can at least destabilising role across the Middle East respond to Gantz’s words in good faith by and has been used by the Iranian state to making clear: Israelis are safe in these shores. conduct terrorist attacks, hostage-taking and

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

Opinion

UK’s reward for refusing to kill? Ticket to Rwanda MICHAEL RUBIN

DIRECTOR, LABOUR FRIENDS OF ISRAEL

T

here is perhaps no better example of the moral bankruptcy of the government’s policy of sending refugees to Rwanda than its attempt to deport an Iranian police commander who had to flee from the Islamic Republic because he refused orders to have his officers fire on protesters in November 2019.

Priti Patel’s hardline stance is costly, ineffective and unethical, but it also stands in stark contrast to the government’s kid-gloves approach towards the thug-like militias, torturers and hangmen who uphold Tehran’s tyrannical rule.

According to news reports, this former police officer received a last-minute Home Office reprieve and wasn’t due to be on the aborted first flight. However, it is deeply concerning that the government would have contemplated placing his life in danger in this way.

Initially sparked by economic discontent, the autumn 2019 protests in Iran swiftly evolved into a wider movement against the authoritarian political system and the manner in which the state squanders the country’s precious resources pursuing its neo-imperial ambitions throughout the region.

The authorities responded with characteristic brutality: peaceful, unarmed demonstrators were fired on indiscriminately. The Reuters news agency later found that up to 1,500 people were killed in under two weeks.

These dark events are now being investigated by the Iran Atrocities Tribunal. Among those who has given evidence is the ex-police officer whom Patel wished to send to Rwanda.

According to Hamid Sabi, counsel to the Iran Atrocities Tribunal, he refused orders to have the 60 men under his command open fire on the peaceful protesters. This act of bravery no doubt saved many lives. He was demoted, tried and sentenced to five years in prison.

Although he managed to escape to Turkey while his appeal was pending, the former police commander has, Sabi says, “a genuine and

well-founded fear of persecution”. Indeed, the Iranian security forces have harassed his family in an effort to discover his whereabouts. It is well-known that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operates freely in Turkey.

There is also mounting proof that Iran is now covertly building its strength on the very continent to which the Home Office was planning to send the former police commander.

Iran has repeatedly tried to kidnap dissidents abroad and force them back. In 2020, for instance, the IRGC tricked and kidnapped journalist Ruhollah Zam, who had been living in exile in France. He was swiftly executed.

What is shocking is that, as Labour Friends of Israel has detailed in our recently published policy paper, Iran: A Darkening Picture at Home and Abroad, the UK government’s muchtrumpeted new, Magnitsky Act-like sanctions regime appears to have given Iran a free pass.

Established in 2020 to promote human rights and punish corruption, it has targeted individuals and entities in, among other places, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, North Korea and Venezuela.

❝

THE POLICE OFFICER HAD TO FLEE IRAN AFTER REFUSING ORDERS TO FIRE ON PROTESTERS

Iran is conspicuous by its absence from this list. Although various European sanctions – including for those who have violated human rights in Iran – were carried into British law when the UK left the EU, this list has not been added to in nearly a decade. By contrast, both the EU and US have since issued new sanctions for human rights violations in Iran.

Thus Priti Patel and her government colleagues appear to have expended more effort on sending to Rwanda an Iranian police commander who refused to take part in the mass killing of innocent civilians – potentially endangering his life in the process – than it has on attempting to identify and punish those who ordered and perpetrated these heinous acts.

Summer Concert for Ukraine featuring the uplifting music of the Jonny Turgel and Rabbi Alby Chait

The Immanuel, Kerem & Sacks Morasha school choirs

and introducing The Shabbatones

Monday 27th June at 7.45pm Hampstead Synagogue, London

Box Office: tinyurl.com/3r5jc769 Tickets: £25/£15/£10

HURRY!!! BOX OFFICE CLOSES AT 12noon ON MONDAY Supporting WJR’s Emergency Ukraine Appeal

Admittance strictly by pre-paid ticket only

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Community / Scene & Be Seen

1 MATILDA MUTINY

More than 70 youngsters from Hertsmere Jewish Primary School stood on their desks, shook their fists and staged a mutiny – but it was all in good fun, as the Year 6 Leavers’ show, Matilda, played to packed-out audiences over two nights at the Radlett Centre this week.

Headteacher Rita Alak-Levi said: “Every pupil performed with confidence, ably supported by the Year 6 stage crew, in what was one of HJPS’s most ambitious productions for a very long time.”

And be seen!

The latest news, pictures and social events from across the community

2 CHANA RALLY

3 FASHION FOR ALL

GIFT hosted Beyond the Label, an inclusive fashion show to raise awareness of the need for all shapes, sizes and abilities to be represented in the fashion industry, as well as an opportunity for women to support other women in this female-only show. More than 150 people came to show their support for the event, which was held at Kinloss Synagogue. As part of its educational programming in schools, GIFT worked together with two Hasmonean sixth formers: Adina Rosenstein and Shira Gabai, to develop the Beyond the Label event.

4 BUSINESS BREKKIE More than 240 people joined Jewish Care for a Business Breakfast at The Savoy Hotel, raising more than £55,000 for core services.

During the breakfast, donors heard from Marks and Spencer’s chairman, Archie Norman, who discussed his experience in business, emerging from the pandemic, and about the history and present challenges of the British retailer.

Email us at community@jewishnews.co.uk 1

2

Photos: Claire Jonas Photography

Fertility charity Chana welcomed back its annual Car Rally after a three-year break.

Nearly 100 men were delighted to be back behind the wheel to drive the tough topics of infertility and loss into the spotlight. Rabbi Moshe Levy guided the audience on a journey through the eyes of a couple suffering the loneliness and isolation of experiencing the Jewish calendar with no children by their side.

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Your family announcements Coby Greenberg celebrated his barmitzvah at Barnet United Synagogue

Chloe Franks celebrated her batmitzvah at Barnet United Synagogue Photo by Paul Lang Photography

Photo by Paul Lang Photography

5 SPECIAL OPENING

The formal opening of the young adults’ unit at Bayis Sheli – a residential and respite home for disabled children and young adults in Stamford Hill – took place last week and was attended by the Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville.

Photo by Paul Lang Photography

Jade Clapich & Jamie Gouldman celebrated their wedding at Finchley Synagogue

Have you had a recent simcha?

Send your picture to picturedesk@thejngroup.com

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Scene & Be Seen / Community

Once upon a time, Kidanza dancers ma More than 100 children aged between four and 18 from Kidanza Dance School hit the stage for Once Upon A Time, a modernised remake based on a selection of Disney favourites.

The auditorium for Sunday’s show was filled with hundreds of people, including Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, Liane McRae from the Royal Ballet, ballet teacher Rose Kassel from the Batsheva Dance Company and many other teachers, choreographers, photographers and distinguished directors.

The show was produced by Kidanza Dance School director Hila Moussaioff and featured more than 500 costumes and props created by Michal Agmon and lighting by Alon Berchoviz.

Moussaioff said: “It felt incredible to be back on stage after almost three years of not being able to perform. I am so proud of all

my students for their unbelievable performances.

“All the children were so confident and shining on stage, from the little four-year-olds who performed in their first production to our oldest girls doing their GCSEs and A-levels. The children have worked so hard, had countless hours of rehearsals and showed immense dedication and passion throughout this journey. I am thrilled to have the joy to teach these talented children every week.”

Moussaioff praised her “brilliant” team, mentioning Judi and Mia Moussaioff – her two daughters who teach and choreograph with her – Yael Shtrul, Michal Agmon and Tali Tzemach from Tzemach Productions Ltd.  For information contact kidanza@live.com

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Community / Scene & Be Seen

Photos by Shai Dolev Photography

made an ‘incredible’ return to the stage

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

Scene & Be Seen / Wine & food

It’s the first of the summer wine Wine and food go together like summer and ice pops. All these were on offer at the Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE), writes Louisa Walters. A transport strike was never going to get in the way of Jews eating and drinking.

Eight hundred attendees swarmed into the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane to taste 240 different wines and feast on a sumptuous buffet by Arieh Wagner. There were 40 winemakers from all over the world, including Israel, South Africa, California, France and Spain.

I sampled a delightfully fresh Chenin Blanc from Unor-

thodox, part of the Backsberg winery in Franschoek, and a fresh, crisp Sauvignon Semillon from the Matar winery in the Golan Heights. A rose champagne from the Edmond de Rothschild portfolio went down a treat, and it was interesting to sample the no-added-sugar varieties from Champagne Drappier. There was the full gauntlet of red wines, whiskies aplenty and a crisp Mexican tequila. There was wine in cans and there were cocktails in ice pops.

We couldn’t get enough of the freshest, prettiest sushi. We devoured Thai rice and chicken, salt beef and beef short ribs

garnished with truffle at the buffet. There were 7,000 little bowls of food being passed around – salmon or tuna poke, mini cones of goujons and chips, beef arancini, duck salad , baba ganoush, turmeric-infused cauliflower. Then there was dessert – mini crème brûlée, tiramisu, Eton mess, churros.

And then we tasted more wine.

As we spilled out into the warm night, sated and merry, we were, as one, filled with joy. The pandemic may have held us away from the KFWE for two years, but the tube strike was going to do no such thing.

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Jewish News 16 June 2022

rry Photo by David Pa

Photo by David Parry

Photo by David Parry

Bournemouth beach

Clockwise from top left: Ruth Williams greets Hagai Levi; Moshe Zondar and Omri Shenhar, co-creators of Tehran; Producer Dan Patterson quizzes the director; Hagai with The Affair’s leading lady Ruth, pictured alongside Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and TAU trust chair David Meller

From left: Hagai Levi’s graduation film, Snow in August; Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain in Scenes From A Marriage; and the cast in the first season of Hagai Levi’s The Affair

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23 June 2022 Jewish News

LI FE

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Inside A look

Drake’s ‘wedding’ Stolen cookbook Marbella hotel

Photo by David Parry

A reel

For 50 years, one Israeli film school has shaped the evolution of the country’s screen entertainment.

Brigit Grant attended TAU’s anniversary bash Professor Yaron Bloch, head of the Tel Aviv University Steve Tisch School of Film and Television

W

hen a major anniversary graduates Avi Issacharoff and Michal Aviram film-makers and artists so appealingly low key won 14 Israeli Oscars, Showtime drama series looms, celebrants are inclined also helmed the global testosterone triumph or, as Shtisel’s Dov Glickman says, “willing to The Affair (unmissable for anyone immersed to make plans. An event filled Fauda, but by then Ari Folman had set out his take the bus.” Seemingly indifferent at times, in the fate of writer Noah (Dominic West) with supportive friends in a stall with an Oscar nomination and Golden instead of pushing to the front, they loiter and waitress Alison (Ruth Wilson) and most location befitting the occasion is typically Globe win for Waltz With Bashir and a Euro- on the periphery, typically smoking where recently an HBO adaptation of Ingmar Bergthe way to go, and all of this was ringed by pean Film Award for Best Animated Feature it’s permitted. man’s Scenes from a Marriage. the Trust of Tel Aviv University (TAU) for for The Congress.

Take professor Yaron Bloch, the head of the “That’s a very intense watch,” said producer the 50th anniversary of the Steve Tisch Where to stack the column inches of praise Tisch school. Standing beside a TAU banner, Dan Patterson of this new adaptation, while School of Film and Television. is the biggest issue for TAU’s former he observed the throng and, when asked, was hosting the Q&A after cram-watching Hagai’s When the pandemic struck, and commemstudents, such as Maya Zinstein (Forever quietly proud about Tisch’s achievements. stable. “I have to admit I’d not seen anything, orating anything was confined to Zoom, the Pure), Gideon Raff (Homeland, Prisoners Yet Bloch is a producer in his own right and but I’ve made up for that, though I’ve not Trust could not have imagined that by June of War and The Spy) and Dror Moreh, who hosts visits from big hitters in show business reached the end of The Affair.”

2022, there would be canapés and drinks won an Academy Award for documentary who hold master classes on campus. The Coen The Affair was over for Hagai when he flowing at a Bafta reception ahead of a film The Gatekeepers.

Brothers, Roger Corman, Richard Gere, Liev left after the first season. “I don’t like multi screening directed by one of the school’s most But however nice the plaudits are (and they Schreiber and Atom Egoyan and have all been seasonal series because they are done for celebrated alumni. With a turnout to rival really are); Tisch, circa 1972, has taught, fineto the school and, when Covid stopped visits, commercial reasons, not real reasons,” he said attendance of the Royal Academy Summer tuned and fostered the home-grown talent there were webinars with Robert De Niro, with refreshing honesty, considering Ruth Exhibition launch across the road, Trust that has been instrumental in the evolution of Michael Douglas and Martin Scorsese.

Wilson, who was in four of its five seasons, was supporters were in their finery to toast the Israeli cinema and TV. As the star of the night, everyone wanted sitting in the audience as Hagai’s guest. school, along with Israeli Ambassador Tzipi That these productions have to meet Tisch alumnus Hagai Levi, a diminuNot one to shy away from candour, it Hotovely, who was there officially and as a fan. since arrived on the world tive figure with colossal talent. As creator, is Hagai’s talent for bringing realism to TAU’s Steve Tisch School of Film and Telestage was the intenwriter and director, he made the screen relationships that has made him vision has a lot of fans as it is the only Israeli tion, but not the Israeli series BeTipul, which was such a popular hire and he attributes his ear institution listed in the ranking that includes expectation. later remade in 19 countries. He is for authentic dialogue to being in yeshiva. such global entertainment educators as the It is this also responsible for the Emmy“Fifteen hours a day, and most of the time London Film School, University of Television absence of and Golden Globe-winning HBO you are paired with someone. It’s a dialogue and Film Munich and the Australian Film, presumption that series In Treatment and the between two people, interpreting a specific Television and Radio School. makes Israeli HBO miniseries Our Boys, which text. This is your whole life. Two people More than 1,200 entertrying to get to the bottom tainment industry insiders, of something.” educators, film-makers and Hagai Levi never truly got to the film pundits were among the bottom of his Tisch graduation film, anonymous experts polled for Snow in August, so his decision the ranking, and they didn’t to make a director’s cut and need their arms twisting when premiere it at the school’s 50th it came to recognising the soirée was bold. output by the school’s gradu“It’s naïve, but very autoates. Just check out the alumni, biographical about my religious who include Omri Shenhar, background, specifically my Alon Aranya and Moshe Italian-Jewish background. It’s a Zonder, who co-created the hit true reflection of my life back then,” series Tehran, which won an said Hagai, who is an award-winning Emmy Award for Best Drama. reflection of Tisch’s teaching.

Zonder, together with TAU Prepare to meet the others.

Director Ari Folman, inset top, a scene from his animated feature The Congress, left, and Glenn Close in the new season of Tehran

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

JN LIFE

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WHO,WHAT WHERE RABBI RELAY RIDE

CHARITY

Read and listen

LITFEST

Photo: Keke Keukelaar

Fourteen rabbis cycling 1,400 miles across Britain sounds ludicrous, but it happened – 10 years ago this month. The Rabbi Relay Ride, a cross-communal bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, was conceived at a meeting at London’s JHub in 2011 to discuss social action in the Jewish community. David Brown, then coordinator of the Jewish Social Action Forum, raised the subject of the ‘Year of the Bike’ and, as the Board of Deputies had a Big Green Jewish campaign, book publisher Michael Leventhal suggested recruiting rabbis who could each ride a one-day leg of an epic bike ride. Three rabbis immediately volunteered.

“My then-fiancé (now wife) Rachel told me I was mad,” says Michael. “When, at a book launch a month later, I heard the then Chief Rabbi Sacks say: “It’s the meshugenahs who make things happen’, I felt vindicated.” Rabbi Harvey Belovski blew his shofar to start the ride from Land’s End visitor centre and, three weeks on, Rabbi Natan Levy blew it at John O’Groats. Michael kissed the ground.

“We had no budget for food, transport or accommodation,” he says but friends called in favours to help. “Ten years on, with more wisdom and weight under my belt, I’d consider trying to assemble another team for a coast-to-coast rabbinical fundraiser next summer. Anyone game? Get in touch.” michael@greenhillbooks.com

Left: Howard Jacobson.

Below: Charlotte Mendelson

This weekend the Proms at St Jude’s LitFest is on in Hampstead Garden Suburb (at The Henrietta Barnett School) and there is lots of Jewish conversation taking place on Sunday.

Former BBC North America editor John Sopel will be chatting to Simon Lewis, former director of communications at 10 Downing Street, about his book, UnPresidented: politics, pandemics and the race that Trumped all others, a diary of Donald Trump’s extraordinary 2020 US presidential campaign trail. Charlotte Mendelson is in conversation with Ham & High features editor Bridget Galton about her new book The Exhibitionist, billed as a dazzling, hilarious, sad and sexy exploration of toxic marital and family dynamics, which explores art, vanity and stifled ambition. Cookery writer Claudia Roden will tell BBC Food Programme presenter Dan Saladino about her most recent book, Med – a Cookbook. What is a literary event without author Howard Jacobson? Not possible and he will chat to broadcast journalist Georgina Goodwin about his book, Mother’s Boy. Tickets for live events are £10; recordings will be available to watch online from 2 July for £5. www.promsatstjudes.org.uk

Dan Good

MUSIC

Pop star seeks Jewish girl(s)

You’ve gotta love Drake. Openly out about being Jewish, unlike so many, the Canadian musician has put his money where his mezuzah is and made a video in which he marries a Jewish girl. Well, 23 of them, actually, in his promo for the song Falling Back from his new album Honestly, Nevermind. Drake (without a kippah) is the groom standing under a white floral chuppah with an Orthodox rabbi in a black hat officiating who asks the first bride: “Do you commit yourself to being a good wife, according to our values and traditions?” She answers: “I do”, which is then echoed by 22 other women in white behind her. This is all done in the presence of his fake mother, who looks like Barbra Streisand, though Drake’s own mother would no doubt be thrilled if one of the chosen girls was real, as he is still single, but has a child, Adonis. No one escapes from the video before dancing the hora around Drake and one of the betrothed up on chairs. This isn’t the first time the multi-platinum-selling artist has used his roots in his music, as he posed with a Kiddush cup and Sabbath candles for the cover of his 2012 album Take Care, and staged his own re-barmitzvah in the music video for his single HYFR. It sounds like he is just looking for the one – even if it’s only in a song.

IT’S A MYSTERY TRAVEL

A big pat on the back is due to the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel as it has joined The Leading Hotels of the World. That’s the collection of independent, luxury properties we all mull over and dream about and now the Dan is among them as it meets the criteria – for distinctiveness and quality. “Extensive renovations that combine classic chic with a contemporary twist” was how the VP of membership described the Dan, along with “perfect for curious travellers”. If you are curious about seeing where Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2 and Lady Gaga have stayed, they are ‘leading’ you to the Dan.

THEATRE

John Krasinski is one of those ‘is he or isn’t he Jewish?’ actors. He isn’t but, with Polish parents, he looks and sounds the part. He is perhaps most well-known for being married to Emily Blunt, famous for her role in The Devil Wears Prada and then the blockbuster film The Girl on the Train. A new stage production of the latter has opened at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate. The intimacy of a small space adds to the tension of this cleverlywoven tale, which is based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel about commuter Rachel Watson. Her only escape from reality is the couple she watches daily through the train window, who are happy and in love – or so it seems.

The Girl on the Train is at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 2 July. www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com

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JN LIFE

COOKING THE BOOKS

A tale of copyright theft The granddaughter of a woman who wrote a bestselling cookbook in 1930s Vienna tells Alex Galbinski why it was so important to restore her authorship after Nazi aryanisation

K

arina Urbach grew up with two versions of a bestselling cookbook in her home. One had the author listed as her paternal grandmother, Alice Urbach, whom she knew was a great cook, and the other a man called Rudolf Rösch. But the cookbooks were practically identical – save, mainly, for the introduction and some references to names that were removed from Rösch’s version. Both included photographs of Alice’s hands while cooking.

It was much later, in 2014, when Karina’s cousin, Katrina, who lives in the US, sent her Alice’s old letters and tapes that she decided to investigate. She ended up writing about what happened: the intellectual theft and Aryanisation of Jewish authors during the Nazi period. Unlike the subjects of looted art and property, this has not, she says, really been looked at until now.

Karina’s recently-published non-fiction work, Alice’s Book: How the Nazis Stole My Grandmother’s Cookbook, beautifully pieces together the story of Alice, whose life traversed great times – briefly – and then plunged to the depths of despair during the Nazi era and the Holocaust, in which three of her sisters were murdered.

Born in Vienna in 1886, Alice Urbach was one of the youngest of six children. Her father had established an extremely successful textile business and the family was prospering.

Her older siblings were all finding ways to shine, but she gained no educational qualifications and felt overlooked.

It was only when Alice entered the kitchen that she felt at home. Karina, who is married to a fellow historian and lives in Cambridge, meticulously reveals how Alice’s culinary skills ended up saving her life.

Alice’s husband (with whom she had had an unhappy marriage) died in 1920, having squandered their money through gambling.

The 34-year-old Alice was left with two boys, Otto and Karl, and in need of an income. She started cooking – first catering for the parties of her wealthy sister, Helene, and then giving classes before opening a cookery school and even delivering ready-made meals.

Alice published the bestselling So kocht man in Wien! (Cooking the Viennese Way!) in 1935 and, by 1938, had submitted two more manuscripts to her publisher, Hermann Jungck, at Ernst Reinhardt.

But her self-made success did not last long. After Germany’s annexation of Austria, Jews lost their jobs and were then in danger

Karina Urbach, left, with her cousin Katrina, who sent her Alice’s correspondence

of disappearing and being murdered. Katrina’s father, Karl, was sent to Dachau, but fortunately, thanks to the efforts of Karina’s father Otto, was released. He fled to the US to join Otto, who had gone there to study and later became a US intelligence agent, a role he performed in post-war Germany.

Alice managed to leave for England in October 1938, gaining employment as a cook in a castle owned by an eccentric woman.

She was later approached to head up, along with her best friend Paula Sieber, a home for 24 Kindertransport refugee girls, who were evacuated to Windermere and were severely traumatised.

Meanwhile, her publishing house had removed from her book all trace of her – apart from the photos of her hands – and republished it under the name of Rudolf Rösch.

This was a common get-around for publishers who wanted to continue printing lucrative books during the Nazi period.

Having moved to the US to be with her sons, Alice visited Vienna in 1949, and spotted her book with the name Rösch (his identity remains a mystery) in a bookshop. Perplexed as to why this was still the case post-war, she, along with other family members, wrote many polite letters asking for her authorship to be restored and for a meeting with the publishers – but to no avail.

For Alice, although she wasn’t bitter, and had experienced so much grief in her life, the loss of her cookbook – which she referred to as her “third child” – was “momentous”, says Karina.

“It ruined all her chances of ever having a career as a cookbook author again. If the book had been published under her name again, she could have returned to Austria and continued her career but, instead, she had to do low-paid work in the States as a nutritionist.”

What happened to Alice was part of a largescale fraud German publishers continued to practice after the war, argues Urbach. “None of the [other] Jewish nonfiction authors I have identified so far [in the book] got their authorship back after the war,” she tells me.

“The scoop of my book is that I found, for the first time, that German publishing houses Aryanised Jewish non-fiction books.

“They didn’t just steal the physical books, they also stole authorship,

Alice Urbach, seated, with her sister Helene

Alice and her son Otto, pictured post-war

but they never gave it back after the war – that is the true crime.”

Finally, in 2020, after Karina’s book was published in German and four other languages, media interviews raised the issue and the publishing house “found” its archive relating to Alice – which it had previously said no longer existed – and apologised.

It said its actions were “morally indefensible” and restored Alice’s rights to her book, 40 years after her death. “I thought this would never happen,” Karina admits.

Karina writes in her book that Alice wanted to be remembered for her “adventures and actions”. She will certainly be remembered for her care of the refugee girls, most of whom ended up as orphans. Now, thanks to Karina and Katrina, she will also be remembered for her legendary and much-loved recipes.

• Alice’s Book: How the Nazis Stole My Grandmother’s Cookbook by Karina Urbach is published by MacLehose Press and is out now, priced £20 (RRP)

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JN LIFE

Carbs, Marbs and a

WEDDING

I

It’s Marbella. But not as you know it. Louisa Walters discovers the charm of a serene, elegant hotel in the sunny hills of Benahavís

didn’t actually go to a wedding.

But if either of my kids chooses to get married, I have chosen the venue. A Roman amphitheatre sets the stage for an atmospheric chuppah at the heart of a glorious Palladian villa up in the hills of Benahavís.

There’s a pretty tree-lined terrace for dinner and dancing and, should it dare to rain, a magnificent ballroom with a palatial foyer that can hold up to 300 or be sectioned off for your nearest and dearest. This is the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace – a world away from the glitz of tourist-soaked Puerto Banús, it offers an altogether more refined way to entertain and indeed holiday in Marbella.

All those lockdown walks drew me to the beauty of light, peace and space, which is mirrored as I enter the hotel.

The undeniable beauty of the building and the grounds. The light of the glassroofed atrium. The peace of its location high up in the hills of Benahavís.

The space of the opulent rooms and the three golf courses on the property.

I could go on, but I need to check in and unpack, for this is very much a place to settle in and stay a while.

Looking very much like a beautifully restored ancient Italian palazzo, the dusky rose-coloured building was

constructed only 20 years ago by the Arranz family. They are art lovers, and it shows in the prints and paintings lining the walls and in the objets d’art dotted around the hotel. It has recently been taken under the wing of Asian hotel group Anantara, wellknown for supreme levels of comfort and service, both of which are in evidence.

The swimming pool is surrounded by turquoise-tiled canals and lined with majestic cypress trees.

Tucked in a corner is the delightful La Pergola restaurant, which serves healthy dishes, salads and smoothies.

There are 67 rooms in the main hotel and a further 56 in the adjoining building, which also houses the ballroom and outdoor function spaces. If you hold a function at the hotel, these rooms are allocated to your guests, so partying into the night will not affect those staying at the hotel.

Villa Padierna has become one of the foremost wedding venues in this part of Spain and it’s easy to see why. Kosher caterers are welcomed and, if the cross atop the chapel in the grounds causes offence, it can be removed. They think of everything.

There are also nine private pool villas – one of which is named the Obama

The dusky rose-coloured walls of the hotel terrace

The amphitheatre at the Anantara Villa Padierna – the perfect setting for a wedding

Villa after the former First Lady, who visited the hotel in 2010.

Our huge lilac-painted bedroom was filled with antiques and had three sets of floor-to-ceiling double doors with views of one of the golf courses.

On a clear day, we could see as far as the Rock of Gibraltar. Our king-sized bed was extremely comfortable and our vast stone-lined bathroom had a large bath and separate shower, double sinks and luxury toiletries from Ortigia. In-room speakers, coffee machine, robes and slippers, plants, water in glass bottles, chocolates at turndown – all the treats denied to travellers during the pandemic are back and it’s wonderful to see them.

The hotel has extensive leisure

The hotel’s By the Sea beach club

facilities, including a seasonal kids’ club, a gym, tennis and padel courts and an internationally-awarded thermal spa with Roman baths, hammam and aromatherapy steam rooms. I headed here to enjoy the signature essential olive oil massage. It began with an Andalusian orange and rock salt foot scrub followed by a onehour full body massage. I drifted into lavender-and-rosemaryscented deep relaxation.

The concierge can arrange outside activities, such as an e-biking nature adventure, or a visit to Marbella Old Town with a photographer to see it through his eyes. But we didn’t want to leave and settled down on the plush sofas of Eddy’s Bar, an elegant lounge area reminiscent of fine English country house hotels except that the sun pours through the windows.

With the takeover by Anantara comes a new focus on food and the opening of La Veranda restaurant. A fine dining experience in an elegant room lined with tapestries had us feasting on ajo blanco soup (almond and pistachio gazpacho), foie gras with fig mousse, red mullet coconut curry and a chateaubriand. No carbs before Marbs means you can enjoy them while there and we did – beetroot

The elegant lounge at Eddy’s Bar

bread and tomato and onion bread with delicious spicy oils to dip them in.

By night an informal Italian eaterie and by day the home of breakfast, La Loggia is a gorgeous Mediterranean-style restaurant with a terrace looking out over the lake and one of the magnificent golf courses.

A sumptuous, inviting and beautiful breakfast buffet is supplemented with hot dishes from the kitchen. At dinner, there is an impressive antipasti buffet and a great range of pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes, some of which are finished off at the table.

Michelle Obama officially opened the By the Sea beach club. We hopped on the hotel’s shuttle bus, which took us there in just a few minutes. The luxury, attention to detail and service followed us and we had a wonderful day soaking up the sun. On Sundays, there is a special brunch at the beach club with live music, children’s activities and bottomless Cava. It’s another gorgeous location for a wedding – chuppah at sunset against the backdrop of sea and then a fun beach party under the stars but, for my kids, my heart is back up the hill in that intimate amphitheatre at the villa.

• Deluxe rooms from 325 Euros per night based on two sharing, including breakfast and taxes. www.anantara.com

One of the hotel’s sumptuous bedrooms

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Business / Travel technology

candicekrieger@googlemail.com

With Candice Krieger

THE COMPANIES TRANSFORMING AIR TRAVEL The founders of three Israeli firms tell Candice Krieger how their innovative technology helps airports provide more streamlined passenger journeys

P

Rationale: eople’s summer holiday “Airport punctuality is measured by the plans have been thrown on-time performance of departing flights. into doubt as the travel Today, 70 percent of all delays can be industry struggles to cope attributed to turnaround (the time it takes with the growing passenger to prepare an aircraft to push back from the demand post-pandemic. Staff gate, otherwise known as target off-block shortages have resulted in long queues, time) issues. Airlines for America estimates delays and cancelled flights, with many that just one minute of delay costs the US warning the chaos could continue over airline industry $74.24 (£60.62) and the the coming months. But it’s not all doom International Air Transport Associaand gloom. An array of Israeli tion (IATA) estimates that, by 2030, technology is emerging to turnaround related departure ease some of the current delays will cost $20.1bn annupain points of travel. ally if there is no technological Israeli technology advancement. The good is being embraced by news is that every airport airlines and industry already has the foundation professionals who see of a technology-led turnamajor cost savings to round solution.” help them return to profit SeeTrue provides artificial intelligence-based threat detection software after more than 18 months How can technology transform CORRACTIONS Rationale: To disrupt how humans and of grounded flights and the travel industry and what is machines interface empty planes. Investors are its importance within travel as we Founded by Zvi Ginosar and also welcoming the innovation, Udi Segall move to a post-Covid era?

How can technology transform the travel which presents some exciting Eldad Hochman in 2019. of IntellAct “Anyone who recently travelled via industry and what is its importance within opportunities.

CorrActions’ neuroscience-based platform an ever-congested airport would not describe identifies if a person is fit to operate. The travel as we move to a post-Covid era?

High-profile Israeli entrepreneur and the experience as stress-free, productive, “Among the many technologies that would investor Jon Medved, the CEO of OurCrowd, company’s technology rapidly detects and or eco-friendly. A significant element of the transform the travel industry post-pandemic an online venture investing platform that quantifies human cognitive and physical stress that we, as passengers, experience at is virtual and augmented reality, enabling enables institutions and individual accredstates such as intoxication, drowsiness, airports stems from the frequent, last-minute exhaustion, motion sickness, stress, cognitive tourist destinations such as museums to ited investors to invest in start-ups, says: changes in departure times and gate changes. create online exhibits and experiences.

“As the world comes out of the pandemic, decline and more.

“Airports are large and complex organisa“As these experiences are best seen with the need for innovation is painfully obvious.

CorrActions’ solution can be used in any tions with many moving parts that include a virtual reality headset, CorrActions’ techWe need solutions to turn around planes human-machine interface to understand aircraft crews, ground-handling teams, nology can analyse the headset motion to quicker, so we don’t have 7,000 cancellathe human’s cognitive state and adapt the airport operation teams, passengers, luggage, understand the traveller’s cognitive state and tions in a day, and software that will speed up machine’s operation accordingly, as well as cargo and more. advise the visited online site to adapt its user security lines, and even marketplaces for the to predict human errors before these affect “To ensure that passengers, their luggage, experience accordingly. overburdened air freight sector. the machine. This will be key in any humanand cargo arrive safely at their destination “CorrActions’ capability will be key in “These are just some of the issues that are machine interaction, including healthcare, and on time requires all of these stakeholders gaming, industrial and mobility. any human-machine interaction including crying for technology to come to the rescue.” to operate in concert. The problem is that, healthcare, gaming, industrial and mobility.”

Cue IntellAct, CorrActions and SeeTrue In mobility, CorrActions enables the while many other aspects of the aviation � www.corractions.com – three companies within OurCrowd’s portvehicle to understand the driver’s cognitive industry have undergone digital transformafolio of some 350 companies. state, so it can use this data to take action, tion, turnaround management has been for example – limit the speed and increase overlooked and airports are still relying breaking distance. Cars already measure INTELLACT SEETRUE heavily on verbal communication and body motion, through the steering wheel, manual reporting. for example.

Incorporated by Udi Segall in 2017.

Founded by Assaf Frenkel in 2018.

“The good news is that this is changing.

CorrActions AI-based software uses this IntellAct enables airlines, airports, and SeeTrue provides an AI-based automatic Through the combination of data to extract and report the ground-handling teams to address turnathreat detection software solution on top surveillance camera systems driver’s cognitive state. The round services performance bottlenecks, of X-ray and computer tomography (CT) already in situ and the applicatechnology has been proven minimise delays and transforms precious systems at airports, seaports, urban security tion of artificial intelligence, with leading car manufacground time to air time. It does this by taking checkpoints, customs and shipment, making it is now possible to pinpoint turers and moving to advantage of investments already made by the security process and travelling as fast joint impleairports in video surveillance that are already what is causing process and secure as possible along with improving bottlenecks, safety mentation positioned in key areas of interest to the peroperational efficiency. hazards and, in turn, projects. formance of the turnaround service, namely minimise departure delays, the gate and ramp areas.

Rationale: optimise airport and airline Using artificial intelligence (AI), IntellAct SeeTrue was created to revolutionise the curefficiency, significantly reduce automatically monitors the turnaround service rent security screening process, addressing costs and improve the passenger in real time, alerting stakeholders when perforthe challenges of passenger throughputs, experience. mance is slower than expected, or when safety experience, security, and cost with a new “Far too many aircraft have violation is detected, and an airline’s service AI approach. already spent far too long on the ground; level agreement is at risk of being violated. now is the time to get them back in the It also ensures that ground-handling team How can technology transform the travel skies as quickly, safely and efficiently personnel and service equipment is allocated industry and what is its importance within as possible.” at the right time, to avoid overcrowding and travel as we move to a post-Covid era? � www.intell-act.com idle time.

“Covid has had a devastating impact on the Zvi Ginosar, top, and Ilan Reingold of CorrActions

23 June 2022 Jewish News

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35

Travel technology / Business

aviation industry. Since the outbreak, passenger volumes have declined by half.

“Nowadays, while steady recovery in air traffic is being observed, alongside peak demands, these recent peaks in passenger demand proved to be very Assaf Frenkel of SeeTrue challenging in security checkpoints in many airports, and resulted in passengers waiting in very long lines, sometimes outside the airport.

“It is not only a result of the growth in demand for flights, but also a staff shortage, after the pandemicrelated reductions in force. Many airports only have half of their security checkpoints operating every day, which create a painful bottleneck for airports and passengers.

“It is time for digital transformation of the security screening; AI is the only answer to reassure fast, secure and healthy passenger’s journey through the airport.

“Airports that use SeeTrue in their operations already enjoy streamlined passenger journeys and improved operational efficiency, making travel fast and secure.” � www.seetrue.ai

Staff shortages at airports after the Covid-19 pandemic are causing misery for passengers, including long delays and queues

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I can’t hear you if you cover your mouth.

Top tips for chatting to someone with hearing loss

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Orthodox Judaism

MAKING SENSE OF THE SEDRA In our thought-provoking series, rabbis, rebbetzins and educators relate the week’s parsha to the way we live today

BY AVIVA ZOBIN

PARTICIPANT ON THE CHIEF RABBI’S MA’AYAN PROGRAMME

Accepting obligation helps us to grow Have you noticed a tendency to balk at authority and be reluctant to do something just because someone told you to? Perhaps you have happily volunteered your services and, yet, as soon as it became expected you thought again. If so, you are not alone.

There is a little-known episode in this week’s Torah portion Shelach that questions this predication by highlighting authority and control.

On the heels of the famous story of the spies occurs the incident of the Ma’apilim. The Jewish people had rejected God’s gift of the land of Israel, believing the spies’ negative report,

and were sentenced to 40 years of wandering and dying in the desert.

Then a small band of activists, named Ma’apilim, regretted the error and decided to act according to the original plan and immediately force their way into Israel. They were so determined they ignored Moshe’s repeated objections and his warnings that they would fail (and they did).

The Ma’apilim had a somewhat ambivalent reputation. Indeed, one of the many suggested translations for the unusual name Ma’apilim is ‘murky and dark’, hinting at the dubious nature of their endeavour, although the more classic translation is ‘the determined ones’.

So, were these good people repenting for believing the spies, or were they rebelling? More profoundly, what exactly shifted their

mindset? Previously they were terrified of entering the land, and yet when they were forbidden entry, something prompted them to bravely commit to forcing their way into Israel.

Rav Kook sees their error as misguided repentance – an example of our natural desire for control and avoidance of vulnerability. Unlike the majority of the nation, who did not admit any error, the Ma’apilim confessed their mistake and even desired to actively make amends.

However, this is the point of murkiness: true repentance means admitting vulnerability and limitation, but in the very act of supposed repentance, paradoxically the Ma’apilim insisted on their ability to retain control and direct the process according to their timeline – in direct contradiction of God’s instruction.

Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl

“Gadol ha-metzuveh ve-oseh mi-mi she-eino metzuveh ve-oseh (greater is one who does good when commanded, than one who does so without being commanded)” (Talmud Kiddushin 31a) means that doing something when obliged can make one into a better person than purely voluntary activity. Overcoming the desire for control and independence, embracing vulner-

ability and accepting obligation itself help us to grow and improve.

In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, the Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl writes: “Man… must actualise the potential meaning of his life. The more one forgets himself by giving himself to a cause to serve… the more he actualises himself… selfactualisation is only possible as a sideeffect of self-transcendence.”

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Celebrating 150 Yea r s

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Jewish News 23 June 2022

Progressive Judaism

LEAP OF FAITH

BY RABBI CHARLEY BAGINSKY CEO OF LIBERAL JUDAISM

What would Moses say about fundraising for the future?

“Moses was 120 years old, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.”

As Liberal Judaism celebrates its 120th anniversary, this is a quote to which we keep coming back.

Like Moses, we stand on the edge of a Promised Land – but one we will not inherit ourselves.

Liberal Judaism has just undertaken its first crowdfunding campaign, raising a staggering £275,000 to support our work and our members.

Yet, like many other charities who have fundraised in this way and, indeed, like Moses himself, the people doing a lot of this work may not be the ones who feel its impact.

In our case, this includes providing bursaries for children wanting to attend LJY-Netzer youth camps and events, a Progressive Jewish chaplain in universities and a centralised b’nei mitzvah and Kabbalat Torah

programme for smaller communities that do not have a rabbi.

This is all to create the next generation of confident and passionate Liberal Jews and to ensure that our children have a future-proofed Judaism.

It was not Moses and his generation who went into the Promised Land, but a future generation that went forth.

If I’m honest, Moses didn’t go quietly into the night. He wasn’t happy about not seeing the Promised Land. He railed against God’s plans.

It is a struggle to realise you are not going to see the fruits of your efforts – that a legacy will be created, but that it is going to be delivered by the next generation.

This is actually a central idea within Judaism.

The Talmud tells us that we don’t plant trees for ourselves, as we are never going to see them, but for the next generation to benefit from.

In the end, Moses accepted what was happening.

The Torah tells us he may have been dying, but his vision was not diminished and his strength not abated.

His advice to Liberal Judaism, and anyone raising funds, would be to think about the future with a clear vision and a reinvigorated strength.

A stimulating series where our progressive rabbis consider how biblical figures might act when faced with 21st century issues

The Talmud tells us that we plant trees for the next generation

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This week: Independent living after a fall, safeguarding empty properties and recording a conversation at work LISA WIMBOURNE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

JEWISH BLIND & DISABLED

Dear Lisa My mum is 82 and is starting to get much frailer. She wouldn’t say she is disabled, but she is prone to falling over and walks with a stick. She is still fiercely independent.

Her house is too big for her now and I am concerned about her falling when she is home alone. Do you have any advice?

Debra Dear Debra I often get questions like this, with people concerned about their parents as they get older and frailer. People frequently move into a Jewish Blind & Disabled apartment because

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SPENCER WEST LLP Dear Emma I am so fed up at work.

My line manager is totally unreasonable and doesn’t seem to respond to me raising my concerns.

I have tried to escalate it, but he denies saying things that we have discussed. If I record our next conversation, can I use that as evidence that he is not following the

Dear Judith While it is always upsetting to feel that you are not being listened to, neither an employee nor an employer has the right to record a meeting – unless both parties agree to the recording. It is unlikely that many employers would agree to this.

If your employer’s disciplinary procedure has a specific ban on covert audio recordings, or if your employer declines to agree to the meeting being recorded and then you were to continue to make your recording, this

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Ask Our Experts / Professional advice from our panel

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Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

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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.

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.

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

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

If you are making Aliyah or just need to ship some odds and ends, books etc. to Israel……..

Just call me!

Stephen Morris Stephen Morris Shipping Ltd 020 8832 2232 (Direct line) www.shipsms.co.uk

ISRAEL ADVERT 2 100X84.indd 1

11/04/2021 18:40

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www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 23 June 2022

Superb care in a

family setting

PREMIER CARE HOMES IN NORTH LONDON

L

ooking for a care home for yourself or a loved one? Then you could do no better than to join us

as part of our Springdene family. Unlike other care homes, which are often part of large corporations, we are a family business. And we’re still run by the same family that founded it more than 50 years ago.

New residents at Springdene can be sure of a warm reception. All our homes – Spring Grove in Hampstead, Spring Lane in Muswell Hill and Springview in Enfield – are rated as good by the Care Quality Commission.

Residents enjoy hotel-style luxury, with their own spacious room, complete with full en-suite facilities, personal telephone and wi-fi. There are three delicious meals a day, with a varied choice of menus.

And there are lots of regular activities, including quizzes, short stories, art competitions and poetry readings, live-streamed concerts and film-showings on a big screen, as well as walks in delightful gardens.

We’ve a great team, offering wonderful care and everyone is brilliantly looked after.

As our motto says:

Life is for living To arrange a visit, or for more information, just call

020 8815 2000 or visit

www.springdene.co.uk Follow us on

Hampstead

Muswell Hill

Enfield

The ultimate in comfort, Spring Grove is situated on the Finchley Road near to Swiss Cottage and is close to local shops, cultural facilities and a tube station.

One of the finest and best-appointed homes for older people in North London, Spring Lane is just a short distance from Muswell Hill Broadway.

Standing in tranquil surroundings, Springview is a purpose built home, situated near to Enfield Town with its local shops and public transport.

Springdene Jewish News_2022 ad_HIRES.indd 1

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23 June 2022 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

43

Fun, games and prizes

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

10 11 13 15 17 19

Tintin’s dog (5) Throw out of school (5) Browse (through) a publication (5) Downward distance (5) Of the skull (7) Bird group which includes the guillemot and the razorbill (3) 20 Victim of deception (4) 21 Tumbler (6)

6

7 8

9

10

11

13

14

17

12

15

16

18

19

20

21

ACROSS 1 Sahara’s continent (6) 4 Drink of fermented honey (4)

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

8 Increase an engine’s speed (3) 9 Make circles with (your thumbs) (7)

4 6

DOWN 1 Land measures (5) 2 Italian dish of filled ‘cushions’ (7) 3 Malicious (5) 5 Last part (3) 6 Reside (5) 7 Subsist (4) 12 Final chat before a match (3,4) 13 Looked towards (5) 14 Make (a garment) using wool (4) 15 Dig deeply (5) 16 Walker (5) 18 Cause of Cleopatra’s death (3)

SUGURU Each cell in an outlined block must contain a digit: a two-cell block contains the digits 1 and 2, a three-cell block contains the digits 1, 2 and 3; and so on. The same digit must not appear in neighbouring cells, not even diagonally.

CODEWORD

The listed sandwich fillings 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.

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 with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.

G T O E A N W A R P M O

I

I

S M S

P K B

J

I

I

26

E

13

N A O G S

11

L Y C C A Y D G S E

A A L Y T H

I

O M D E T I

O S D N A E T R O T C K N A R

I

I

S E U E

5

I

I

M A B E

5

W A L S E CHEDDAR CHEESE CHICKEN CHUTNEY COLESLAW

I

N E

I

A

CUCUMBER EGG JAM LETTUCE MAYONNAISE

MUSTARD PASTRAMI PICKLE PRAWN SALMON

Last issue’s solutions Crossword ACROSS: 1 Shrug 4 Quark 7 Average 8 May 9 AKA 11 Try-out 14 Inside 17 Yen 19 Ass 20 Creeper 22 Toady 23 Tired DOWN: 1 Shaman 2 Rue 3 Giant 4 Query 5 Armoury 6 Keys 10 Amnesia 12 Red 13 Inbred 15 Itchy 16 Erect 18 Past 21 Par

12

SARDINE SPAM STEAK STILTON WATERCRESS

7 1 2 9 6 5 3 4 8

3 5 9 8 2 4 1 7 6

6 4 1 7 3 2 9 8 5

26

20

25

16

P

17

16

25

10

9

5

14

12

26

13

14

4

16

16 5

11

7

5 14

25

R

5

14 13

9

11

23

17

10

9

15

16

14

1

5

6

16

9

25

5

7

25

14

15

9

9

26

5 9 7 1 8 6 4 3 2

9 6 4 2 1 7 8 5 3

1

I

24

14

14

7

4 2 5

11 13

9

3

11

3

21 8

4

14 14 25

7 5

3

14

25

22

14

18

1

2

3

4

5

14

15

16

17

18

P

6

7

8

9

19

20

21

22

I

5 3

3

19 14

14

12

10

11

12

13

23

24

25

26

Suguru 2 3 8 5 4 9 7 6 1

7

18

3

7

9

12

18

4

10

16

25

5

12

19

11

25

21

5

14

14

5 4

5

2

See next issue for puzzle solutions.

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 4 8 6 3 7 1 5 2 9

7

14

L O C E P R H N

14

18

7 7

7 20

25

L U H P

L E C B G N

O R T W S A R D

14

14

15

R P S N U T E S H O M D R T E

5

17

U A C

14 2

11

L

L R R C E O N H R R C E K M T G D H N N A C

15

7

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

WORDSEARCH S B N J O M L E T T U C E

3

1 2 3 4 5 8 6 9 7

8 7 5 6 9 3 2 1 4

1 5 1 3 1 3

3 4 2 4 2 4

2 1 3 1 5 1

R

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com

Wordsearch 3 5 4 2 4 2

1 2 1 3 1 3

4 3 5 2 4 2

1 2 4 2 3 1

4 3 5 1 5 2

5 1 2 4 3 4

2 4 3 5 1 5

1 5 1 2 4 3

2 3 4 3 5 1

R D R R H I G H E S T T E

Y B E D N P W S A D T N C

S M U E N O I F P A T S D

W W R N L A T L W R Y W W

O I O E G E L O L E A O R

L N B L R A L W L O L L M

B S E G F I L L O L W L I

Codeword Y L L U K T O O A L R A I

L O E R C W U M W N U H N

W W O L L A F O E S I S F

O P O H C A O C W O L S L

L W I L L O W T C E E A O

N K D E M H I G H L Y T W

J A NG L E F A X S T UN T R E G R B R OWS E A M AB L Y I C O S KN I GH T A L E N V E L OP Z A W T A XMAN

S CO T CH P D R A P DOOR L Q A S Y L UM M E E S E T T N T DR E S S Y M R H E NOOK N L W T R Y I NG

F H V U O T A S J I G 23/06 Y L C B D NWP Q XME K Z R

44

Jewish News 23 June 2022

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Business Services Directory HOUSE CLEARANCE

ANTIQUES

Stirling of Kensal Green

Top prices paid Antique – Reproduction – Retro Furniture (any condition)

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

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

Established over 60 years.

Know who you are dealing with.

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

House clearances

All quality furniture bought & sold.

Single items to complete homes

Best prices paid for complete house clearances including china, books, clothing etc. Also rubbish clearance service, lofts, sheds, garages etc

MARYLEBONE ANTIQUES - 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

07866 614 744 (ANYTIME) 0207 723 7415 (SHOP)

Please contact Gordon Stirling

closed Sunday & Monday STUART SHUSTER - e-mail - info@maryleboneantiques.co.uk

020 8960 5401 or 07825 224144

MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING

Email: gordonstirling65@gmail.com

CHARITY & WELFARE

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.

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

HOME & MAINTENANCE

ARE YOU BEREAVED? 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

Labels are for jars.

Not people.

Refer yourself or a loved one by calling 020 8458 2223 or visit www.jamiuk.org REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1003345

CHARITY & WELFARE

PLUMBSAFE (UK) LTD

SILVER

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION

“Better Safe Than Sorry”

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.

| boiler repairs and installation | complete central heating | | power flushing | complete bathroom installation service | | landlords certificates | project management | home purchase reports |

All NW-London postcodes covered

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12 Not shabbat

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

CARPENTER

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

UTILITIES

Josef Carpenter Ltd

Are you happy paying big household bills?

SASH WINDOWS - FRENCH DOORS WARDROBES – KITCHENS – BATHROOMS GENERAL BUILDING WORK

Would you like to pay less?

TEL: 02085660113

joiner@josefcarpenters.com www.josefcarpenters.com

Find out how ©

call Jeff on 07958 959 822

STONEMASON

A. ELFES LTD New memorials Additional inscriptions & renovations The specialist masons in creating bespoke Granite and Marble Memorials for all Cemeteries.

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

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

Gants Hill

12 Beehive Lane Gants Hill, IG1 3RD Telephone

Edgware

130 High Street Edgware, HA8 7EL Telephone

0207 754 4659 0207 754 4646

www.memorialgroup.co.uk

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

23 June 2022 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

45

Business Services Directory LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORY

JEWISH WAR VETERANS

Leave the legacy of independence to people like Joel.

YOUR LEGACY

PLease remember us in your wiLL.

& THEIR DEPENDANTS NEED

legacy@cst.org.uk ►

eNABLeD

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

visit www.Jbd.org or caLL 020 8371 6611

Registered Charity No. 259480

Legacy Classified advert v1.qxp_Legacy 16/06/2021 10:57 Page 1

Registered Charity No: 1082148

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

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL.

Legacy advert 84x40.indd 1

16/04/2021 10:55

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

Charity Reg No. 802559

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

Antiques Buyers

Wanted all Antiques & furniture including Lounge Dining and Bedroom Suites. Chests of drawers.

Display and Cocktail Cabinets. Furniture by Hille.

Epstein. Archie shine. G plan etc in Walnut. Mahogany.

Teak and Rosewood.

We also buy Diamonds & Jewellery. Gold. Silverware.

Paintings. Glass. Porcelain. Bronzes etc.

All Antiques considered. Full house clearances organised. Very high prices paid, free home visits.

Check our website for more details www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk Email: info@antiquesbuyers.co.uk Please call Sue Davis on Freephone: 08008402035 WhatsApp Mobile: 07956268290 Portobello rd London By appointments only.

46

Jewish News 23 June 2022

www.jewishnews.co.uk