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Amnesty ban on JLC event sparks furious backlash

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People holding Hezbollah flags during an antiIsrael march in central London

Human rights group branded a ‘disgrace’ for refusing to host community debate Amnesty International UK is under mounting pressure for cancelling a Jewish Leadership Council event it was set to host, citing the group’s purported position on Israeli settlements, writes Adam Decker.

Fallout from the saga continued last night as lawyers said the human rights charity may have acted illegally, while 1,500 people signed an open letter calling for Amnesty to apologise. The legal opinion came as organisers announced a changed venue for the panel discussion, which was due to be held on Wednesday evening, regarding the UN Human Rights Council and Israel.

A spokesperson for the JLC said: “We would like to thank Louise Ellman MP and Damien Moore MP who have kindly agreed to become our new hosts.”

The JLC, an umbrella group representing Jewish communal organisations, said Amnesty had at first agreed to take part in the panel discussion.

It later pulled out of the debate itself, but agreed to the continued use of its London offices as a venue. This was then rescinded on Friday, three working days before the event was due to take place.

Amnesty advocates for a boycott of goods from West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements, which are deemed illegal under international law, and in its letter to the JLC on Friday it said this was the reason it was cancelling.

The charity said it was “currently campaigning for all governments around the world to ban the import of

goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements. We do not, therefore, think it appropriate for Amnesty International to host an event by those actively supporting such settlements”.

In an angry response, the JLC said it “takes no position on settlements” and accused the charity of “maligning the Jewish community by making sweeping accusations and assumptions about its policies on Israel”.

While Amnesty UK could not be reached for comment, a leading barrister said the charity may be on shaky ground. “They might well be in breach of the Equality Act for discriminating against a Jewish organisation, given the nature of other speakers and organisations whom they have hosted previously,” said Jonathan Turner, chairman of UK Lawyers for Israel.

“They are probably also in breach of any contract they have made for the hire of the venue by the JLC,” he added.

The open letter to the human rights group said its stance “vindicates those who argue that there is a slippery slope from endorsing the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to discrimination of Jews”.

Among those who have signed the letter are Ilford MP Wes Streeting, a co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Jews, who tweeted that he was “appalled” by Amnesty UK’s decision.  Editorial comment, page 16  Maajid Nawaz, page 18

BRITS WANT HEZBOLLAH OUTLAWED

Britons are four times more likely to support the proscription of Hezbollah’s political wing as to oppose it, according to an exclusive ComRes poll for Jewish News. The results were revealed last night as MPs prepare to debate whether the government’s ban should extend beyond the military wing. Results and analysis on p2, 3 & 16

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

News / Exclusive Jewish News-ComRes poll

Poll: Brits back Hezbol • 81% of those with a view

• Young more likely to oppose

• 91% of UK Jews want to

• Jewish News-ComRes poll

want political wing proscribed

see government finally take action

By Justin Cohen justinc@thejngroup.com @CohenJust

Britons are four times more likely to support the proscription of Hezbollah’s political wing as to oppose it.

The views of the country are laid bare for the first time today in an exclusive ComRes poll for Jewish News, as MPs prepare to debate whether the government’s ban should extend beyond the military wing.

In a representative poll of 2,038 adults, 44 percent said they would support or strongly support the political wing being proscribed, compared with just 10 percent who were opposed. With 46 percent answering ‘don’t know’, it means a staggering 81 percent of those with a view backed its designation as a terrorist organisation.

Young people are most likely to oppose, with 23 percent of 18-34-year-olds who express a view opposing the proposal compared to 17 percent of over 55s.

The results are likely to pile pressure on the government to finally take action against Hezbollah, which is already banned in full by

ahead of today’s Parliamentary debate on the group’s status

America, Canada and the Arab League, and has been linked to murderous attacks against Jews and Israelis around the world, including the 1994 bombing of a Jewish centre in Buenos Aires, which claimed 85 lives.

Labour Friends of Israel chair Joan Ryan MP, who secured today’s House of Commons debate, welcomed the “solid support” shown in the poll and pointed to repeated statements from senior Hezbollah figures rubbishing the suggestion of the two wings being separate entities.

She will tell MPs: “After the terrible terrorist attack at London Bridge, the prime minister said: ‘There is, to be frank, far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.’ I agree.

But for so long as her government does nor proscribe the so-called political wing of Hezbollah – an organisation driven by hatred of Jews, which promotes and encourages terror-

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Hezbollah being designated a terrorist organisation

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ism and calls for the destruction of the Middle East’s only democracy – that tolerance will continue.”

Former Conservative Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers echoed her calls.

“It is artificial to distinguish the activities of the two elements of this highly militant extremist organisation,” she said. “I would urge the government to listen to the views expressed in this poll and ban the political side of Hezbollah.”

Sadiq Khan last summer joined longstanding communal calls for the group to be fully banned after Hezbollah flags were again openly paraded through the streets of London during the annual Al Quds Day event.

On that occasion, organisers pinned disclaimers to the rifle-laden flags stressing support for the political wing, exposing the loophole in the law that currently enables the flags to fly.

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Under the current law, police would have to be clear that the “context and manner” in which the flag was displayed constituted specific support for the armed wing.

The Community Security Trust, Jewish Leadership Council, Board of Deputies and Israel Britain Alliance are among those to call for the home secretary to ensure there is no repeat of those scenes. Jewish News and

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Exclusive Jewish News-ComRes poll / News

lah ban four to one the Zionist Federation (ZF) have also launched a campaign calling for change.

Paul Charney, chair of the ZF, said: “It is time for the Home Secretary to take the lead and proscribe Hezbollah in full and listen to the will of the people.”

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has previously pledged to consider calls for a ban but refused to offer a running commentary on the issue in a letter to the London mayor.

ComRes chair Andrew Hawkins

JEWISH NEWS POLL Of those who expressed an opinion, 81% of respondents would support extending the designation of terrorist organisation to include Hezbollah’s political wing

NEWS IN BRIEF

PATEL SORRY FOR ISRAEL DEBACLE Priti Patel has apologised for causing Prime Minister Theresa May difficulty by meeting members of the Israeli Government without her knowledge. The former Cabinet minister insisted there was “no malice” in the secret meetings and said it would have been “remiss” of her not to speak to them while on holiday in the country. Asked about the meetings that led to her departure from office, Patel said: “I apologise for what happened.

My actions caused difficulty for the government.”

said: “There seems no reason to suppose that, if the 46 percent who failed to express a view were better informed, their views would fall out any differently from those who expressed it.

“This poll shows that extending Hezbollah’s designation as a terrorist organisation would be a low risk political move, and may perhaps put pressure on Jeremy Corbyn to follow suit or condemn such a decision.”

LANSMAN: NO BID TO OUST MODERATES

19% 81% Protesters at last year’s Al Quds Day march in London wave Hezbollah flags.

A loophole allows them to hold flags of the group’s political wing

t.

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The left-leaning Momentum group of pro-Corbyn Labour activists will not campaign nationally for the deselection of moderate MPs, its chairman has pledged. Speaking to The Independent, Jon Lansman rejected reports that the group’s supporters had drawn up a deselection hit-list of 50 centrists, including Hilary Benn and Angela Eagle. He said: “We have made it clear that we are not going to campaign to deselect anyone, at all, anywhere.”

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

Special report / Holocaust Memorial Day

Synagogues lead efforts to educate the next generation This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day, with its theme ‘The power of words’, will be marked at shuls, schools, churches and community centres across the country in the coming days Across the country people of all ages and backgrounds are preparing the mark this Saturday’s Holocaust Memorial Day, the anniversary of the liberation of AuschwitzBirkenau.

The theme this year is ‘The power of words’, with schools given reading material to mark the occasion. Some texts show how Jews recorded their experience during the Holocaust, others how Jews “used words to inspire resistance”.

Synagogues are leading efforts to educate tomorrow’s generation. From 29 January to 7 February, eight United Synagogue shuls will participate in the Northwood Holocaust Memorial Day Events programme, now in its 16th year, with each synagogue hosting hundreds of Year 9 to Year 13 students from non-Jewish schools to hear a Holocaust survivor’s wartime experiences first-hand.

The youngsters will also take part in an educational workshop exploring the power of words, relating historical facts about the Holocaust to contemporary issues such as racism, discrimination, persecution and citizenship.

Altogether, about 3,000 students will attend the events at Belmont US, Borehamwood & Elstree US, Bushey US, Mosaic Jewish Community, Northwood & Pinner

Liberal Synagogue, Northwood US, Watford & District US and — for the first time — Ealing United Synagogue.

Sessions will conclude with closing reflections from each synagogue’s rabbi and the lighting of a memorial candle, and the closing ceremony on 7 February will include the former government minister and UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues Sir Eric Pickles.

During this event, Manfred Goldberg will relay his experience of ghetto life in Riga, Latvia, and of Stutthof concentration camp, Poland. For years he never spoke of it, but he later became convinced of the need for survivors to speak out “to ensure that the younger generation knows what really happened”.

For those who cannot meet survivors face to face, the Holocaust Education Trust is live-streaming survivor Janine Webber’s testimony at 10am on Friday, inviting people of all backgrounds to join the 35,000 already registered to take part.

Finchley Reform Synagogue is hosting a series of workshops in which participants hear a talk from a Holocaust survivor and reflect on the life of the Catholic social worker Irena Sendler, who smuggled 2,500 children out of the Warsaw ghetto.

Prime Minister Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, joined by survivors Ben Helfgott and Manfred Goldberg, sign the Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment

More than 600 candles form a Star of David at last year’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration at York Minster

Some 800 young people from six local schools will take part during nine sessions at the shul. Also attending will be the Mayor of Barnet, Brian Salinger, and Mike Freer, MP for Finchley and Golders Green. Barnet councillors will also be attending. the events, which are supported by the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Elsewhere, 180 Year 8 students from Canons High School visited Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) last week to learn about the Holocaust. Organisers said: “For many, it was the first time that they had set foot inside a synagogue.”

The youngsters sat spellbound as they also learned about Irene Sendler and heard from Eva Clarke, who waas born in Mauthausen concentration camp.

At universities there are HMD events taking place across 21 campuses, some of which are being organised jointly between the university’s Jewish Society (JSoc) and other groups, such as those representing LGBT+ students.

While HMD events have already taken place at Edinburgh, Warwick and Liverpool, where survivors spoke, other campuses have plans stretching through to the end of February, with activities ranging from lunches, film screenings, talks and interfaith memorials at many of the most prestigious institutions in England and Scotland.

Last week, Shakira Martin, president of the National Union of Students, posted a

Survivor Mala Tribich lights a candle at a previous event at London’s Guildhall

video on Twitter urging others to take the opportunity to learn, saying: “I’ll be honest, prior to joining a student movement, and before my trip to Poland, I thought the Holocaust was just about Anne Frank.”  Details of Holocaust Memorial Day events nationwide can be found at: www.hmd.org.uk/event/find

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Holocaust Memorial Day / Special report

The day survivors ‘spat in Hitler’s eye’ Jenni Frazer joins 150 survivors of the Shoah and other genocides to honour their contribution to British life On the face of it, Eric Murangwa, Yvonne Bernstein and John Hajdu have little in common.

In fact the three share the experience of extreme persecution – and last Thursday, in what the new honorary vice-president of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), Sir Eric Pickles, called “a spit in the eye of Hitler and his henchmen”, they joined 150 survivors of the Shoah and subsequent genocides to celebrate their arrival in and contribution to Britain.

At a tea organised by the HMDT at Mansion House, the Lord Mayor, Charles Bowman, welcomed the survivors. They were mainly Jewish, but joined by survivors of genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Srebenica and Darfur.

Every survivor has a painful story but, as HMDT chief executive Olivia Marks-Woldman made clear, each is inspirational in their determination to reveal it to the next generation.

Hayley Carlyle is one such representative of the

younger generation, as the Lead Youth Champion for HMDT’s Youth Champion Programme and raises awareness of HMD and its message.

Present were survivors from a range of Shoah experiences, and while many had been acknowledged for retelling their stories, some had less familiar tales to tell. John Hajdu, born in Hungary in 1937, often looks up at a battered teddy in his home and tells it: “We made it!” The bear was the only possession he brought to Britain in 1957, when, after surviving the Holocaust, he made a second escape, this time from the Soviet regime that took over Hungary after the war.

Hajdu’s family was middle class and Jewish but not observant. When war broke out, the Hungarian Arrow Cross herded Jews into “yellowstar houses” in Budapest, deporting them in 1944. Hajdu’s aunt hid him in a cupboard in the home of a non-Jewish couple, but his mother was taken to Mauthausen camp. Eventually, he and his aunt were sent to the Budapest ghetto, and were liberated by Russian forces just one hour before the Nazis were due to destroy it.

But living under a Soviet regime was hard for Hajdu, now reunited with his mother, who had survived the war. His middle-class upbringing did him no favours and the only job he could find was as a workman, soldering iron under a bridge.

Hajdu seized the opportunity to leave Hungary after the October revolution of 1956, escaping at night with his teddy and a bag of food, crawling through a minefield and queuing up for permission to enter Britain at the British Embassy

John Hajdu, above, and the bear he took when he escaped from Hungary

From left: The Lord Mayor, Laura Marks, Ben Helfgott, Olivia Marks-Woldman, Sir Eric Pickles and Hayley Carlyle (Lead Youth Champion)

in Vienna. “I shall never forget what this country has done for me,” he says, “and I will always try to give something back.”

Yvonne Bernstein was born Ursula Mayer in Germany in 1937, the daughter and granddaughter of jewellery and silverware manufacturers. “On Kristallnacht [November 1938], my father was on business in Amsterdam and was told by his agent not to return to Germany,” she explained. “He had to go into hiding until March 1939 because he was only 24, and at that point any men under 25 in Holland were being rounded up and returned to Germany.”

Her father got a visa to go to Britain and work in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter and her mother obtained a domestic visa to work for a vicar in Nottingham – but could not bring her.

So began a long series of moves for Bernstein – who, in the care of her aunt and uncle, changed names and homes in France and Alsace-Lorraine many times, until the family was denounced.

Her father, by that time with the British Army set out to find his daughter in September 1944.

The eight-year-old arrived in Britain on a minesweeper in June 1945. She eventually took a PhD in chemistry, became a translator of scientific documents and taught maths before retiring.

Eric Eugène Murangwa was a star player for Rayon Sports Football Club in Rwanda in the early 90s, and also played for the national team.

But Murangwa, now 42, was caught up in the vicious genocide that flared in Rwanda between the two main ethnic tribes, Hutus and Tutsis.

ForaTutsi,Murangwasays,lifewasdiscriminatory, although the team was mixed and largely free of anti-Tutsi prejudice. However, between 1991 and 1994 Murangwa stopped playing up north as some opposing clubs were among the most threatening.

In April 1994, with the killing of Tutsis at its height, a group of Rwandan militia broke into the

house where Murangwa was living and almost killed him and his team-mates – until a photo album fell open, showing pictures of him playing.

One of the soldiers recognised the goalkeeper and sat down for a chat about football.

Shortly afterwards, Murangwa, the eldest of six, returned to his parents’ home. The family heard shooting outside and, as Seventh Day Adventists, their tradition, he says, is to sing alongside prayer. Murangwa could not accept the idea of singing while trying to avoid discovery by the militias, and instead left to go and take his chances with his team-mates.

Life became increasingly difficult for Tutsis and even after the killings had apparently stopped, it became clear former insurgents were returning to Rwanda, determined still to attack Tutsis – particularly well-known faces such as his.

So in 1997 while the Rwandan national team was playing in Tunisia, Murangwa defected, spending six months in Belgium before coming to Britain, speaking little or no English.

Unable to return to professional football, he instead founded the charity Football for Hope Peace and Unity, and was made MBE in this year’s New Year’s honours list. “My story has become my life,” he said. “I have tried to reinvent myself.”

Commenting on Sir Eric’s appointment, HMDT chair Laura Marks OBE, said: “He has campaigned tirelessly to ensure we never forget just where intolerance and hatred can lead.”

Sir Eric said: “I am honoured to accept the position, particularly to serve alongside the honorary president Ben Helfgott, MBE – a man who has dedicated his life to ensuring we not only remember the Holocaust in the UK but across the world.

“I am deeply committed to ensuring that we not only remember those who lost their lives during the Holocaust but also the victims of Cambodia, Srebrenica, Rwanda and Darfur.”

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

News / Sacks’ Israel role / New prayer book NEWS IN BRIEF

DIAMOND RETIRES OVER PARKINSON’S Neil Diamond has announced he is retiring from touring following a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The much-loved Jewish singer turned 77 last week and said he had made the decision with “great reluctance and disappointment” and also thanked fans for their loyal support. The onset of the disease is said to have made it “difficult” for him to “travel and perform on a large-scale basis”. However, he reassured fans of his plans to continue to write and record music “for a long time to come”.

£38K RAISED FOR KYRA’S ISRAEL OP The family of a six-year-old girl who needs a specialist operation in Israel has said well-wishers and a grant from a Cambridge-based charity have helped raise enough money for her to go. Kyra Warrell suffers from proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), which has left her with a deformed hip, a shortened thigh and an unstable knee and ankle. She needs surgery to help save her leg, which would otherwise be amputated, and the charity campaign has so far raised £38,000.

Sacks had key role in Pence’s Israel speech Former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks played a key role in writing US Vice-President Mike Pence’s speech to the Israeli Parliament this week.

Pence made headlines after telling cheering Israeli politicians that the Trump administration would fast-track the relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem “by the end of next year”.

Officials said Sacks helped to frame a speech laden with policy statements and biblical references. Pence also called on the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table and promised that the US would withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal unless it was changed, putting Trump at odds with allies around the world.

A spokesperson for Lord Sacks said: “Rabbi Sacks has always made it clear that

while he does not get involved in party politics, he is intensely involved and interested in the spiritual and historical dimension of political and public life.

“It was made clear from the outset that Vice President Pence wanted to deliver a speech that, among other things, had a strong spiritual and biblical dimension to it. It was on this basis that

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Liberal Judaism has published its first new draft Shabbat service in more than two decades, as it begins a year-long process to produce a new siddur, writes Simon Rothstein.

The siddur will be the movement’s first since 1995 and is being edited by rabbis Elli Tikvah Sarah and Lea Mühlstein, making it the first mainstream siddur anywhere in the world edited by two women rabbis.

Liberal communities around the UK have been

asked to spend the rest of this year using the service at least once a month.

It will also be used at the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend at the end of June, when an official process for submitting feedback will be launched.

Liberal Judaism is making changes to the Siddur Shirah Chadashah, named after the “new song” the Israelites sang following the exodus from Egypt – to make it as fully accessible and inclusive as possible.

Mike Pence, pictured this week at the Western Wall, had help with his Knesset speech from Lord Sacks [inset]

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Rabbi Sacks met with him.”

He added: “Broadly speaking the conversation centred around how to frame elements of the speech – in particular the biblical and historic connection between the Jews and the land of Israel, and the American and Jewish stories. It was these, and only these, elements that Rabbi Sacks assisted with.”

MUSLIM PUPILS BENEATH THE CHUPPAH Pupils from the Manchester Islamic High School for Girls stand under a chuppah at the Board of Deputies’ Jewish Living Experience exhibition at Manchester Cathedral.

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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Burial controversy / News

Pressure on coroner to respect religious burials Senior politicians this week joined the Chief Rabbi in backing Jewish groups calling for the Lord Chancellor to replace a London coroner over an escalating row about burials and autopsies.

Mary Hassell, the senior coroner for Inner North London, covering Hackney, Camden, Islington and Tottenham, has resisted Jewish community pleas for her to speed up the process, given the religious importance of a prompt burial.

This week Tottenham MP David Lammy said it amounted to “cruel punishment” for families at a very painful time, and backed calls for the Lord Chancellor to intervene. “It is very troubling that [Hassell] has alienated London’s Jewish and Muslim community in such a short period of time,” he said.

He added: “I support the Board of Deputies who have

disadvantaging anybody else, they certainly should be”.

Hassell has resisted pleas to speed up the burial process

called on the Lord Chancellor to act and I have made representations to the Lord Chancellor [David Gauke] myself.”

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis had earlier said he was “extremely troubled” by what he regarded as Hassell’s failure “to give due regard to the deeply-held religious beliefs of Jewish and indeed Muslim families in the area”.

In his letter to Gauke, Mirvis said Hassell “has made

clear that she will not expedite the burial of a Jewish or Muslim person, even in cases where it is possible to do so…

As far as I am aware, there are no other coroners, anywhere else in the country, who have taken such a stance”.

He added that while Jewish families should not be placed ahead of others, “it should go without saying that where cultural and religious needs can be met without

 A charitable foundation that owns a small Jewish cemetery in the heart of the West End this week moved to end speculation that it was about to sell the plot to developers and move the remains to Israel. The Western Charitable Foundation, which owns Fulham Road Cemetery in Chelsea, which has not been used since 1910, last year sought the approval of its sale from the London Beth Din. However, in a letter sent from Dayan Gelley, Rosh of the Beth Din and approved by the Chief Rabbi, the Foundation’s trustees were given the clear message that the sale was opposed.

In a bid to end speculation, the Foundation’s chairman Harold Pasha said: “I confirm that there is no proposed sale of the cemetery.”

Cases like this erode our trust FIYAZ MUGHAL

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR – FAITH MATTERS

The actions of Mary Hassell, the senior coroner whose jurisdiction covers Hackney and Tower Hamlets – areas with high Jewish and Muslim populations – have provoked serious questions over her fitness for the role.

The recent case around the death of Aharon Barzevski last October led to his family accusing coroner Mary Hassell of “unnecessary foot dragging in authorising a CT scan”.

Last week a meeting between the Board of Deputies and the Adath Yisrael Burial Society (ABYS) went nowhere, leading to Board vice president Marie van der Zyl, saying: “Not only is Ms Hassell failing to respect those rights (of burial within 24 hours), but she shows no inclination to do so. She has lost the confidence

of the Jewish community and appears to have no interest in winning it back.”

Any public official reading this would be horrified by the potential loss of confidence within Jewish communities and would have responded with due care and attention.

What comes across to both Muslim and Jewish communities is a coroner whose ‘cab rank rule’ (her words, meaning get in the queue and religious rights come down the line), shows a person out of touch with the deeply-held religious beliefs in both faiths, and lacking in empathy with both communities, who must bury their dead within 24 hours.

Progress has been made to meet the needs of many communities so they feel stable and settled in Britain.

Yet it only takes one such issue to roll back trust in state structures. The anger and sense of betrayal within both Jewish and Muslim communities is growing.

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Diaspora debate / News

One of the Jewish world’s most prominent philanthropists has bemoaned the lack of a “legitimate forum for the exchange of opinions between Israel and the diaspora”, writes Jenni Frazer.

Mikhail Fridman, 53, who holds both Russian and Israeli citizenship, was this week in conversation with Natan Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency, at JW3.

Sharansky, 70, once the most famous Soviet Jewish refusenik, and Fridman, co-founder of the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) and one of Russia’s richest men, were at a sellout event whose audience included scores of young Russian-speaking Jews living in London, rarely seen at mainstream community events.

James Harding, director of news

at the BBC, chaired the conversation, which began with an analysis of identity, and developed into a discussion of the different needs of Israel and diaspora communities.

Despite the age difference between the two men, both had a remarkably similar story to tell about growing up as Jews in the Soviet Union.

Like Sharansky, Fridman, who had grown up in a secular family in Lviv, had been told by his parents he had to work five times as hard as his Russian classmates, precisely because he was Jewish. And, he said, “the state reminded us every day who we were. It was always clear we had a lot of limitations and boundaries”.

Sharansky, who had a long career in frontline Israeli politics after he was freed from the Soviet Union

where he spent nine years in prison, paid tribute during his remarks to three British Jews who had played an important role in the struggle for Soviet Jewry. Two were in the audience: Rita Eker of the 35s (Women’s Campaign for Soviet Jewry) an June Jacobs. Sharansky also recalled the contribution of the late Lord Greville Janner, father of Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, who is on the advisory board of the Genesis Prize.

Fridman declined direct comment on Putin, but agreed that “for the time being Russia is the most tolerant society for Jews that it has ever been”.

Much of the discussion also focused on the need to strengthen the Jewish identity of Russianspeaking Jews outside Israel.

Photo by Olga Shibiko Photography and Genesis Philanthropy Group

Calls for ‘forum’ to connect Jewish world

In conversation: Natan Sharansky, James Harding and Mikhail Fridman

‘MOISHE HOUSE’ GRANT TO HELP RUSSIAN-SPEAKING JEWS ACROSS UK An ambitious plan to open a dedicated ‘Moishe House’ for young Russianspeaking Jews in Britain is being made possible by major grants from the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG).

Co-founded by Russian-born businessman and philanthropist Mikhail Fridman, GPG focuses primarily on

strengthening Jewish identity among Jews from the former Soviet Union.

Moishe House is a house shared by three to six young adults in Willesden Green, forming a hub for social and educational activities. The GPG grant aid will enable the expansion of the Willesden Green house, the establish-

ment of a separate house for young Russian speakers, and, it is hoped, the ability to reach 4,500 young adults through 260 peer-led programmes in the next year.

In parallel, GPG is also giving new funds to PJ Library, an international programme run in the UK with the

Pears Foundation. PJ Library provides Jewish books and music to children aged six months to eight years old.

The new grants will allow PJ Library to focus on hard-to-reach communities, families who are disconnected from organised Jewish life, whether they were born in the UK,

speak Russian, come from Israel or elsewhere.

The grant also seeks to achieve more than 25 percent annual growth in PJ Library’s British subscriber base. A concerted effort will be made to reach families outside London, including Manchester and Glasgow.

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

World News / Warsaw site / News briefs

ments, naming it a protected The area where the Warsaw archaeological site.

Ghetto was located could be eliBefore the area is added to gible as a protected site. the list of the historic monuThe goal is to protect the ments, an archaeological analremains of the ghetto, located ysis will be prepared to precisely underground, which are somedefine the protection limits. times excavated during repairs, The Warsaw conservator and are not always turned over to museums. The Warsaw monu- Bridge leading to the ghetto then will apply to the provincial conservator to enter the ghetto ment conservator led a meeting area in the register of protected monuments. Prolast week to discuss the move, including placing tection will only apply to what is underground. the ghetto area in the communal record of monu-

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WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

NEWS IN BRIEF

GERMANY VOTES FOR ANTI-SEMITISM COMMISSIONER

Your weekly digest of stories from the international press

Germany’s parliament has voted to establish a commissioner to deal with anti-Semitism in the country.

Four mainstream parties endorsed the proposal, which noted that while most anti-Semitic crime is attributable to the far right, there are increased concerns about antiSemitism among recent refugees.

Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, greeted the decision, calling it “a clear signal that our concerns are being dealt with”.

FRANCE

A suburb of Paris led by a Communist mayor has officially recognised the State of Palestine.

Gennevilliers’ Mayor Patrice Leclerc signed the executive order ‘recognising’ Palestine on Monday. Three other municipalities are preparing to do likewise, despite the moves having no effect on French foreign policy.

CANADA

FRENCH JEWS CALL FOR CRACKDOWN AFTER ATTACKS The French branch of the World Jewish Congress has demanded action be taken in light of recent anti-Semitic attacks which have taken place in the country. Citing a “dangerous atmosphere” in France due to a rise incidents over recent weeks, the federation of the country’s Jewish communities want to see authorities take tough action to stop it. “Recent events have left the Jewish community feeling “a real sense of disquiet,” CRIF said.

A wealthy Jewish couple found dead at their home in Toronto were murdered, investigators now think.

Philanthropists Barry and Honey Sherman made their

Photo by Noa Arnon

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money in pharmaceuticals, with Barry estimated to be worth around £3billion. They were found hanged at their house but there were no signs of forced entry.

ITALY

Italy has honoured 87-year old Liliana Segre, one of the few Italian Jews who survived Auschwitz. Segre has been made a Senator for Life in the run-up to International Holocaust Memorial Day. The country enacted anti-Semitic race laws 80 years ago this year, and of 776 Italian children deported to the concentration camp, only 25 lived.

Israel has been named among four wild card teams to take part in the prestigious Giro d’Italia cycling race, starting in Jerusalem on 4 May.

25 January 2018 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Animal magic / News

Will your pet be the cutest?

On the cat [and dog] walk: Minnie Raven and Mini Goodman

The search is on to crown Britain’s cutest Jewish pet!

Jewish Blind & Disabled’s PETron competition has already attracted entries from across the UK. The winner will be the dog, cat, parrot or tortoise whose picture raises the biggest smile from comedian judge Ashley Blaker. They will receive a special trophy and a PetsPyjamas travel box.

The PETron scheme is a unique fundraising initiative, where supporters sign their furry or feathery friends up as supporters.

Becoming a PETron costs

£5 a month and comes with a name tag and certificate, special toys, treats and entry to the annual competition.

Ashley said: “I’m looking forward to seeing some cute pets, all of whom are helping a very special cause.”

JBD chief executive Hazel Kaye added: “This competition is one our favourite moments of the year. Every entry helps us continue to provide services for those we assist.”  Enter your pet into PETron by emailing Yael@jbd org

NEWS IN BRIEF

BIKUR CHOLIM GETS £87K CHARITY GRANT An Orthodox Jewish charity has been awarded £87,300 to boost its programme supporting elderly carers in Hackney and Haringey.

Bikur Cholim was granted the money by City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, “to help meet a surge in demand for its services”.

The money will pay for a carers support worker to provide respite care for carers over 65 through activities such as arts and crafts, gym sessions or simply a coffee at a local café.

SEPHARDI LEADERS WELCOME MINISTER Britain’s Sephardi community has welcomed a Government minister to Bevis Marks, Britain’s oldest synagogue, as part of a “faith tour”.

Minister of Faith Lord Bourne stepped inside the historic shul accompanied by Senior Sephardi Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Rabbi Shalom Morris of Bevis Marks and Vice President of the S&P Sephardi Community David Ereira. The visit was part of Bourne’s tour highlighting the country’s “diverse landscape of faith communities”.

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

Special report / Jewish Schools Awards

Putting the class in clas We preview the finalists ahead of next week’s annual Jewish News–PaJeS Jewish Schools Awards, being held at JW3 At Jewish schools, as with anywhere else, there are some people you just cannot live without. Some you can’t help but notice; others go about their work without making a fuss. We like to think that they know they’re valued, but that can be a dangerous assumption to make.

Awards are a far safer bet.

So it is with great pleasure that Jewish News celebrates the stars of Jewish education for the third year running at a glittering awards ceremony next week, in a joint initiative with Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJeS).

For the first time, non-teaching staff are to be recognised in one of the four categories, which covers both primary and secondary education and showcases the top talent from 120 Jewish schools, with awards of up to £5,000.

In previous years, excellence has been rewarded in areas such as information and communications technology, school leadership, Modern Hebrew and special edu-

cational needs, with other categories honouring the best emerging teachers in their first three years of their teaching.

This year’s awards will pick the community’s top support staff as well as name those doing some of the best work around mental health in schools, an increasingly important issue. Those teaching secular and Jewish Studies to the highest standard will also be picked.

The three contenders for Excellence in Secular Studies at primary school level are Sara Halter from North West London Jewish Day School, Liz Papier from Akiva and the wonderfully-named Daniel Sunshine from Menorah.

Daniel is described as “enchanting” and is credited with creating a ‘Historical Oscars’, while mentor Liz, whom Ofsted inspectors picked out in their recent report, could patent Akiva’s ‘A Factor’ talent contest.

Sara, meanwhile, is said to have “transformed science” at North West London

Awards host, JLC chief executive Simon Johnson, and keynote speaker Dame Helen Hyde at last year’s event

Jewish Day School. That’s when she’s not being Deputy Senco (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) and EAL (English as an Additional Language) Co-ordinator too.

At secondary level there’s Tracy Basgar at King David High School in Manchester, Adam Boxer at JCoSS and Lelanie Grobler

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from JFS. With a “fearless intellect”, Adam has made a “dramatic” impact on science at JCoSS in only a year, they say, while Tracy has received the approbabion of colleagues for facilitating a school-wide increase in KS4 Progress 8 reports, helping students to exceed their targets at A-level. Not to be out-

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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Jewish Schools Awards / Special report

2018

SCHOOLS SCHOOLS AWARDS AWARDS

done, Lelanie “has made Psychology one of the most popular sixthform subjects”.

The three contending for Excellence in Jewish Studies at primary school level are Rachel Coleman at Mathilda-Marks Kennedy School, Jo Jacobson from Wolfson Hillel and Rabbi David Wilk at North West London Jewish Day School.

Rachel is said to have “kindled a love of Jewish Studies for the pupils she teaches,” while Jo – whose Purim costumes are the stuff of legend – is described as “an inspiration, mentor and friend to every child at Wolfson Hillel”. A little more experienced, Head of Kodesh Rabbi David “teaches from the heart” and has done for 10 years at North West.

At secondary level we have the “remarkable” Katie Abrams from JCoSS, Hasmo’s “meticulous” Pamela Simonsson and Immanuel’s “outstanding” Danny Baigel. Danny’s impact is felt in things like the school’s ‘escape room’ style activity on erev Pesach, where students “escape from Mitzrayim.”

As Director of Learning, Pamela pushes her team hard to reach the same standards she does. Katie is praised for “her use of Jewish terminology across all her classes and her application of Jewish values”.

Many within the community will be pleased to see support staff being recognised, amid a growing understanding around the level of backroom support needed to help teachers teach. Among those up for awards at primary school level are Angela Bass, PA to the Headteacher and Admissions Co-ordinator at Wolfson Hillel; Dalia Fraser, PA to the Headteacher and School Administrator at Etz Chaim; and Moses Kirosingh, Premises Manager at Eden Primary School.

Known as the “heart of Hillel,” Angela is “a linchpin” and the school’s go-to person for any number of things, while Dalia should be cloned and distributed across the Jewish school network, such is her sense of humour, ability to multi-task and encyclopaedic memory.

Moses, meanwhile, is a whirlwind of warmth, empathy and kindness towards the children.

Described as “extraordinary”, he instils in them “a sense of pride and teamwork”.

At secondary level, fighting for the winner’s medal are Jo Bernard, Headteacher’s PA at Yavneh College; Claire Gelband, Trips Co-ordinator at JCoSS; and Kevin Lutchmeenaraidoo, Site Manager at Hasmo Girls.

Colleagues of Jo’s tell judges that “her attention to detail is second to none”, while anyone who – like Claire – manages to take up to 100 groups of students (some autistic) abroad every year whilst being “a byword for calmness” needs at least a pat on the back, if not some prize money. Kevin, meanwhile, is described as “the most dedicated site man-

Photos by Joel Seshold

J EW JE WIS I SH H

ssroom

Last year’s winners on stage with Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer, PaJeS exective director Rabbi David Meyer, educational philanthropist Benjamin Perl and JLC chairman Jonathan Goldstein

ager any school could wish for… nothing is too much trouble” — a rolemodel for site managers everywhere.

Last but not least is the Mental Health category, a hot topic as the Jewish community seeks to rid itself of any stigmas and emulate best practice across the country. We now know, for instance, that it is important to start kids thinking about this from an early age, so with that in mind, the three nominees for excellence in this area at primary level are Anna Livoti from Wolfson Hillel, Alexis Gaffin at Immanuel Prep and Danielle Petar at Sinai.

Anna “never falters in the kindness and patience she shows these children”, say colleagues, and parents of children with different needs say she’s transformed their lives.

Alexis is credited with ensuring that “student wellbeing is part of the school’s curriculum and that the school takes part in national initiatives”. Danielle, an “exceptional inclusion leader”, is the brains behind a number of clubs for children with different needs, including a Lego and Minecraft club.

Colleagues say she goes “over and above,” and corresponds with parents in her own time.

At secondary level, where mental health comes face-to-face with hormones, nominees include Hasmo’s Amit Kalley, Immanuel’s Beth Kerr and Geniece Watson from JFS. If feedback is key then Amit must be in with a good shout, because students, colleagues and the headteacher are all gushing about him.

One student says: “Never have I witnessed a teacher go to such lengths.” Colleagues of Geniece, meanwhile, say: “She’s only been at the school two years but it feels like forever.”

Finally, if anyone has done more to boost the importance of mental health in Jewish schools than Beth, we’d be impressed. As well as introducing “mindfulness mornings” every Tuesday, she’s ushered in initiatives on anti-bullying, healthy eating, a social media evening for parents and sessions “to help students feel that it is OK to talk about mental health”. She also wrote a ‘good practice’ guide on eating disorders in Jewish News last year, helping other schools get to grips with it, as she’s done.

So, there you have it: 24 amazing people doing amazing things every day in Jewish

education, helping tots to teens and everyone in between.

To all those incredible people either teaching or supporting at Jewish schools who didn’t get a mention this year, we salute you and urge you to nudge colleagues in time for next year!

To those up for awards next Wednesday evening, we salute you too and remind you to get your outfit ironed.

And to everyone in Jewish education across the UK, whether they are up for prizes or not, we say thank you on behalf of the next generation.

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

J EW JE WIS I SH H

Special report / Jewish Schools Awards

2018

SCHOOLS SCHOOLS AWARDS AWARDS

Shaping a generation

“It was a great privilege to know I can make a difference to students and teachers in Jewish schools across the UK,” reflects Sivan Simons, winner of last year’s Modern Hebrew Teacher Secondary School Award.

Hers is an ambitious project. The JFS teacher has been working with Ivrit teachers across the UK to develop a comprehensive range of resources for the new GCSE specification in Modern Hebrew. “I wanted to use the award to benefit Ivrit learners in Jewish schools nationwide,” she explains.

To that end, Simons recently contacted

all secondary school Ivrit teachers to explain her proposal and has asked them to contribute resources.

Using her award money, she intends to hire a professional to proofread and edit the materials to transform the submissions into a cohesive set of resources for all Ivrit teachers to use.

The Jewish News-PaJeS Awards have been running for three years and already more than £124,000 has been given to schools through the annual scheme.

Each winner receives £5,000 and each finalist £1,000, courtesy of the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust.

The awards, sponsored by The Emmes Foundation, seek to recognise excellence in

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Twelve months on from the 2017 Jewish Schools Awards, three finalists tell Alex Davis how the recognition has helped their teaching

The Jewish Schools Awards celebrate the best in education. Left: Rabbi David Meyer

performances and play them back to the teaching in both secular and Jewish studies. whole class instantly. The handheld techFor Joanna Black, winner of the nology also helps with composition Emerging Teacher In Their First and even enables students to create Three Years of Teaching Award their own music videos.

(Secondary School), her ambi“The initiative has brought tions are sky high. “As well as many laughs to the lessons, buying new science equipespecially when students have ment for our current and hit record and forgotten to future students to use both turn the camera around,” adds in and outside of lessons, we Thomson. “It is also a way for are going to host a day where students to feel more at home, students will experience a as we are teaching a generation planetarium,” she explains. who are very comfortable with The project will run after SMART technologies.”

British Science Week and seeks Looking to the future, all three to engage students in a new and educators offer practical advice for exciting way. “It was a great honour JFS teacher to be nominated, let alone to win SIvan Simons aspiring teachers. “Stand out by having the confidence to try new the PaJeS award last year,” adds the teaching techniques and initiatives JCoSS teacher. in lessons. If something doesn’t work, then “The award is a wonderful initiative, simply ask the students for feedback on how which not only allows schools and teachers to make your idea successful. In my to run projects that they may not have experience, I’ve found some of the necessarily been able to do before, ideas that first failed ended up but also provides a platform for being the ones students enjoyed us to notice and to celebrate most in the long- term,” says the brilliant work that so Sivan. many teachers do around the Thomson agrees: “Never country.” be afraid to ask for help. Also It is a sentiment shared by enjoy going to work every Isla Thomson, runner-up in day, teach with the love and the Emerging Teacher In Their enthusiasm you have for your First Three Years of Teaching subject and make students your Award (Secondary School). “It number one priority.” Black adds: was such an honour to be nomi“Continue to remember and to work nated by staff and parents of Yavneh College as I had only been at Yavneh JCoSS teacher for the reasons why you came into one term at the time of the nominaJoanna Black teaching,” adds Black.

Marni Levy, fundraising and tion. It is something I am immensely communications manager at PaJeS, said: proud of,” she says.

“These awards are a great opportunity to The music teacher wants to use her recognise teachers who often don’t get £1,000 prize money to purchase two iPads, the credit they deserve. It gives them the alongside accessories and applications, for opportunity to create a project they feel students to use in the classroom. passionate about and now have the funding The devices make lessons more interacto be able to do so.” tive for students who can record their own

25 January 2018 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.

1038

VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS

Where words lead The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘The power of words.’ As a newspaper whose job it is to write about some of the most sensitive issues on the planet, the power of words is not lost on us.

What we write about, how we write it, what we include and discard, who we quote and how we headline all affects the perceptions of our readers on some level.

The terms we use, the depth we delve and the context we give can all affect understanding and debate. That our stories are shared, discussed and waived as evidence and explanation beyond our pages extends the effect the power of our words has.

This poses questions. Do we pander to readers’ worst instincts, aim for the lowest common denominator, reach for the most emphatic adjectives, accentuate the impact and hope it becomes ‘click-bait’ to send our online numbers rocketing?

Or do we strive for balance and composure, seemingly old-fashioned traits, in the hope of reflecting nuance and of better mirroring the various shades of reality?

The power of words can both define a modern news business and refine its readers’ outlook on the world. Consider one extreme: Breitbart News. Last week, its lead story was: “Palestinians Attempt to Bomb 1,000 Jewish Pilgrims.” Another heralded Donald Trump’s slashing of Palestinian aid money.

Compare that to another extreme, Al-Jazeera, which led on the “devastating” impact of the US aid cuts and the continued detention of a Palestinian girl who attacked an Israeli soldier – something ignored by Breitbart.

Just like images, words matter. They have the power to hurt, heal, divide; or to right wrongs. Presidents, prime ministers and newspaper editors know it, just as Anne Frank did. Yet if Holocaust education is to mean anything today, it must mean not only knowing the power of words but knowing when they are being misused. Because no one needs reminding where that can lead.

Ignorant Amnesty

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send us your comments PO Box 815, London HA8 4SX | letters@thejngroup.com

TRUMP RIGHT TO CUT PALESTINIAN AID In last week’s edition you reported on Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas’s recent speech to the Palestinian Council. In his talk, which I have read and should have been fully and accurately reported in your newspaper, Abbas shows his true colours.

It is a truly sickening two-hour rant of anti-Semitism, blood libel and historic lies and revisionism against Jews and Israel, Rant: Mahmoud categorically denying Jewish rights to any part of Israel, let alone the city of Jerusalem.

At one point Abbas even has the gall to ask: ‘When did we reject [peace] talks? Where is the negotiation we rejected?’

Sketches & kvetches

When will the penny finally drop that being Jewish doesn’t mean thinking one way about Israel? Anyone who knows anything about anything should surely realise that. Anyone, it seems, apart from Amnesty UK, which wilfully labours under the illusion that the Jewish Leadership Council has a policy of supporting the settlements that it opposes. In reality, of course, the JLC is made up of dozens of member organisations, each with their own staff, volunteers and supporters. Are they all pro-settlement? The truth, for what it’s worth to Amnesty, is that the JLC has no stated policy on settlements. As an umbrella group for the UK-Jewish community, why on earth should it?

Amnesty it has routinely shown itself to be ignorant on Israel. Now that ignorance is having an impact on Jews in the UK. It should apologise and resolve to know what it’s talking about before next deciding to open its mouth.

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This is laughable considering the times the Palestinians have said no to every agreement put before them.

It is quite clear from hearing this speech that there has been no peace partner all along. Abbas is not prepared to give an inch to find a compromise.

President Donald Trump’s policies might be controversial, but he has done the right thing slashing US Abbas funding to the Palestinian people until they put their house in order, are accountable for their actions and stop inciting hatred and intolerance from the cradle to the grave.

Shelley Hart By email

CANVEY’S AMAZING MELTING POT When I first heard that lots of the strictly-Orthodox Jews were moving from Stamford Hill to Canvey Island, I was shocked as I know the island pretty well, and best ­describe it as white and right.

I have never seen a black person there and only a few minorities.

My concern was how the locals were going to react to these strange-looking individuals: men with long ringlets, and women who wear wigs and keep themselves to themselves, and go swimming with their

clothes on. I decided I must go there and investigate, so I gave it a few months to let the locals get used to their new neighbours and actually went today.

The first place I visited was the Jewish community centre. I just walked in and was amazed …. no security!

I then went to the pub on the island and asked a selection of customers i.e. about their feelings on their new neighbours. There was no negativity. I am surprised by how well it’s going.

Gerald Stecker Chigwell

Correction Last week’s letter headlined ‘How was Torah debacle allowed?’ incorrectly stated that Beis Menachem synagogue is under the umbrella of the Federation.

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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Editorial comment and letters

Evolution is nonsense In your editorial comment you decried unregistered schools in Stamford Hill and reflected on Ofsted ramming anti-religious agendas into Jewish school curriculums (Jewish News, 11 January).

Maybe both problems could be resolved if Ofsted stopped trying to stamp out religion by insisting we teach nonsensical ideas like the big bang, evolution and gender fluidity to Jewish pupils.

Eve Sacks’ article in the same issue refers to “claims” that so-called British values are contrary to religious

values. She says a recent court ruling gives clarity on the issue, but seems to forget that we have the Torah, otherwise known as the word of God, which has already clarified all these issues. It is clear that such values are contrary to religious values.

No “effort and enthusiasm”, or new laws will make Torah Jews contradict the Torah.

It is a contradiction to state that there are religious Jews encouraging such practices.

been found guilty of passing information to the enemy during Israel’s war of independence, a charge of which he was posthumously declared to have been completely innocent.

Geoffrey Niman’s letter condemning Yehudis Goldsobel would be laughable were it not so offensive (Jewish News, 18 January).

The victim was castigated as being objectionable and a self-publicist for castigating Mr Levy publicly.

Mr Niman states that if Mr Levy “wishes to do good by donating a Sefer Torah, then so be it”.

I would say that if Mr Levy truly wanted to do teshuvah (repentance) by making such a donation, he would have done this privately and anonymously.

In my own opinion, he did it for the yichus (status) he hoped it would afford him.

It is Mr Levy who is the self-publicist, not the innocent Yehudis Goldsobel.

Professor Geoffrey Alderman University of Buckingham

Mike Hinden Harrow

Ann Cohen Golders Green

ISRAEL’S TRAGIC EXECUTION I was surprised that Rabbi Rene Pfertzel, in his article on the death penalty in Israel (Jewish News, 18 January), did not mention the tragic case of Meir Tobianski, an officer in the IDF who was executed by IDF firing squad on 30 June 1948 having

DON’T CASTIGATE LEVY’S ENTIRELY INNOCENT VICTIM

WHERE IS YOUR COMPASSION? I found the letter from Geoffrey Niman in last week’s edition to be perverse and insensitive. He followed the twisted path of the victim becoming the oppressor.

If Mendy Levy is full of contrition for his despicable acts against a young, defenceless woman, he could have easily donated the Torah scroll anonymously.

Instead, he chose the high-profile option in an attempt to show what a righteous Jew he is, and to

their shame many Jews believed in his so-called remorse.

Mr Levy received a paltry threeyear sentence. According to Mr Niman, that is the end of the matter.

Not so. The brave Yehudis Goldsobel, who was shunned by her community for speaking out, received a life sentence as she will be forever scarred.

A little rachmones on the part of Mr Niman would not go amiss.

Robert Dulin Winchmore Hill

Tune into this Friday’s Jewish Views podcast!

• Mala Tribich shares her incredible story of survival as the country marks Holocaust Memorial Day. •Noemie Lopian on her father’s book A Long Night – the memoirs of Holocaust survivor Ernst Bornstein.

• Yael Toledano of Jewish Blind & Disabled tells us about the PETron campaign HOW TO LISTEN... to crown Britain’s PODCAST: Fridays iTUNES ‘The Jewish Views’ cutest Jewish pet.

WEB RADIO: Sundays at 10pm on Wandsworth Radio ONLINE: jewishnews.co.uk and spectrumradio.net

Speaking to survivors so inspiring and humbling AMBER RUDD MP HOME SECRETARY

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his week I had the privilege of meeting survivors of genocide.

They included Hannah Lewis, a survivor of the Holocaust, one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century and a stark example of what can happen when nations fail to uphold essential values of tolerance, respect and the right of every individual to express their faith and identity.

It was truly humbling to be able to speak alongside people who have gone through such unimaginable suffering and horror.

I count myself very privileged to have heard their stories and reflected on how we can all apply the lessons from that dark time.

I was honoured to meet Hannah Lewis, who was just five years old when the Germans began rounding up the Jews of her town Włodawa to either the nearby Sobibór extermination camp or labour camps.

She and her family were sent to a work camp in 1943, where her mother was murdered. Hannah was saved after being

found starving and hiding in a trench.

When she was 12, Hannah reached London. From the utter despair that she had to suffer at the hands of the Nazis, she has gone on to create a life and a loving family who support her.

Hannah has gone on to tell her story so that we will never forget what happened to her, her family and the six million Jews who were murdered.

Tragically, the Holocaust was not the last genocide. Awful crimes against humanity have been committed in Rwanda, Cambodia, Darfur and elsewhere.

It is incumbent upon all of us to remember and learn from these terrible events.

I’m pleased that there will be a permanent Holocaust memorial close to Parliament, to remind us that the process of learning from the past to build a peaceful future is ongoing, and we must not forget the depths of depravity to which humanity can sink if hatred and extremism is left unchecked.

I’m proud to live in and represent a diverse, open British society that recognises

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I WAS HONOURED TO MEET HANNAH LEWIS, WHO WAS JUST FIVE YEARS OLD WHEN THE GERMANS SENT THE JEWS IN HER TOWN TO NEARBY SOBIBOR the need for harmonious community relations and the decent treatment of others.

However, one of the most crucial lessons to learn from the Holocaust is that we must never be complacent.

The President of Genocide Watch, Gregory Stanton, has said the first stage of genocide is categorising people as ‘other’ – and this was certainly true in Nazi Germany.

We must never accept the negative treatment of any group of people as a result

of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, transgender identity or any other such intrinsic characteristic.

In Britain we value highly the contribution of our Jewish community to the cultural, social, educational and religious life of the country and are determined to protect that community from those that would do it harm.

We work closely with the Community Security Trust – providing them with £13.4million for security measures in addition to the extensive and on-going work of the police – to make sure you can go about your daily lives without fear of threat.

We treat every incident of hate crime as one too many, and have strong laws in place to tackle these deplorable incidents.

It is incredibly important to me that Britain is a place that all of our citizens can call home.

Survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides are remarkable and it is an absolute inspiration to listen to them.

I encourage everyone this Holocaust Memorial Day to take the time to hear their stories.

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

Opinion

Strange stance for a human rights group MAAJID NAWAZ FOUNDER, QUILLIAM

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t seems that officially partnering with pro-jihadists was not off limits for the once great and greatly admired Amnesty International, yet hosting Israeli speakers with whom they disagree is. If ever there was proof that the regressive left rot is spreading into the core of our liberal culture, look no further than the way it has politicised this former beacon of human rights.

This week, Amnesty UK cancelled a Jewish Leadership Council organised debate it was due to host between Fred Carver of the UN Association, and Hillel Neuer of UN Watch. Amnesty had initially agreed to join the panel debate, but withdrew their speaker months ago.

On Monday they went even further by denying use of their venue entirely. The reason ostensibly cited by Amnesty was that because they are “currently campaigning for all governments around the world to ban the import of goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements” they do not “therefore, think it appropriate for Amnesty International to host an event by those actively supporting such settlements.”

Amnesty is within its legal rights to permit or deny whomever it likes to and from its own venue.

But the right to do something is very distinct from it being the right thing to do.

So let’s get this straight.

Because Amnesty International opposes trading in goods produced in the occupied West Bank, in one clean sweep they’ve decided to extend this boycott to human beings who simply express an opposing view.

Such rot has been festering for years. Being once adopted

by Amnesty International as a Prisoner of Conscience, I am both intimately familiar with the organisation and indebted to the hard work of their many grass roots and sincere human rights activists.

Human rights are meant to

be universal. This means that we defend the right of someone to say something, even while we vehemently disagree with what they are saying.

At least, this is the reasoning Amnesty gave for adopting my case. At the time they did I was imprisoned in Egypt for being an Islamist seeking to establish a global caliphate that enforced a strict version of sharia as law.

Amnesty’s actions on my behalf were controversial, but justifiable under a liberal human rights doctrine. They could maintain my right to advocate my then appalling ideas, while making clear their disagreement with these ideas. If only things had stopped there.

Much to the frustration of many, Amnesty extended this sound reasoning not just to defend, but to officially partner with and champion Islamists and jihadists.

And here they began to lose their way, as they capitulated to the increasingly far-left voices from within who viewed life almost exclusively through an anti-American lens.

Amnesty UK’s official partnership with the Islamist ex- Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg and his group Cage shattered their reputation.

With this move, defending people’s right to say reprehensible things morphed into the outright championing of people who believed in those reprehensible things.

So appalling was Amnesty’s formal campaigning partnership with Begg’s Cage that the international head of their gender unit Gita Sahgal felt she had no choice but to blow the whistle.

For her troubles Gita eventually lost her job.

It took another five years for Amnesty to be humiliated into severing all ties with Cage. Ridiculously, this only happened when Cage described the infamous ISIS executioner Jihadi John as a “beautiful man”, and their research director Asim Qureshi flatly refused to condemn the stoning of adulteresses to death on Andrew Neil’s BBC Politics show.

Amnesty UK was finally forced to act, while never once conceding that Gita Sahgal had

Because Amnesty UK opposes West Bank settlement goods, it’s extended its boycott to those expressing an opposing view. Below: Hillel Neuer of UN Watch

been right about Cage all along, and should never have lost her job.

And yet it seems that despite such an openly embarrassing PR disaster, Amnesty UK is still failing to distinguish between defending one’s right to speak, and championing what the speaker is saying.

I once met the leader of a prosettler group in Israel. I was keen to hear how an Israeli settler would seek to justify those rather aggressive settlements deep inside the West Bank.

I ended up disagreeing with everything he said, not least because it was primarily justified by biblical scripture and absolute moral certainty. But I’m glad I met him.

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If I hadn’t spoken to this man, I would’ve been ignorant of his arguments and less equipped to

CHOOSING TO SINGLE OUT ISRAEL FOR CRITICISM WHILE IGNORING THE WORST DICTATORSHIPS STINKS OF A PATHOLOGY

respond accordingly. I can now say with some authority that many of these settlers are as millenarian and stubborn as their Islamist counterparts.

But like Islamists, they are still human beings who have the right to speak and to be heard, albeit not be championed.

But Hillel Neuer isn’t a settler, and this debate wasn’t about settlements.

It was about the UN, which has been disproportionately targeting Israel for critique.

Criticising Israel – like criticising any government – is legitimate. Singling out Israel for criticism, while totally ignoring the world’s worst theocracies and dictatorships stinks of a pathology.

Why focus on the world’s only Jewish state? Have Amnesty ever barred pro-Iranian or pro-Saudi individuals form their premises?

Amnesty UK could have allowed this debate to continue without supporting a side.

Instead, they boycotted a human being for his views.

A curious stance for a human rights group.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

Opinion

Josef’s story shows how labelling turns to abuse KAREN POLLOCK

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE HOLOCAUST EDUCATIONAL TRUST

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n April 1945, aged 14, Josef Perl was liberated from Buchenwald. He had survived unimaginable conditions in ghettos, slave labour camps, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and a death march. He had witnessed his mother, four sisters and five of their children being shot in a pit and had been separated from the rest of his family.

Post-liberation, with no one left and nowhere to go, Josef did what I imagine most of us would do – he went home.

When he arrived, he was greeted by his neighbour pointing a gun at him, shouting: “Get off my property Jew or I’ll finish Hitler’s job for him.”

The word “Jew,” spat at Josef, was filled with vitriol and hate. In his lifetime he has been forced to wear the same word as an identifier on an armband. He’d seen the sign in ‘Jews forbidden’ at swimming pools, restaurants, parks, beaches and benches.

He’d seen ghettos with signs outside telling passers-by not to enter because the area – unsanitary, overcrowded and oppressive – was for “Jews only”.

For Josef being Jewish, being a Jew, wasn’t a label; it was part of who he was.

Before the war, seeing the dangers facing them, his father buried their family Torah in the garden. His father knew it was important to protect the holy scrolls and it was part of Josef too, something he held onto.

I think about Josef’s experiences and the way the word “Jew” or “Jewish” was used as a term of abuse. I still see and hear it all too often. I like social media. I tweet and use Instagram. On the whole, they are wonderful platforms to reach more people with HET’s message. Yet sadly labelling as a form of abuse is still all too freely used.

It’s more than 70 years since the Holocaust and many age-old tropes like “Yid” and “Zio” are still in use, spreading more quickly and virulently than ever before through the borderless unchecked world of social media.

We posted a story online about a

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JOSEF PERL, WHO WAS LIBERATED FROM BUCHENWALD, WITNESSED HIS MOTHER, FOUR SISTERS AND FIVE OF THEIR CHILDREN BEING SHOT survivor giving testimony. The responses and comments were, on the whole, heartwarming, but with them came the expected: “Can they teach me what happened to the six million bodies?” and “the Holocaust is fake.” Ironically, through the same thread, we see people claim that not only is the Holocaust fabricated, but simultaneously call for another – “we need a new Holocaust but this time it will be for real and

not propaganda.” Many of the same people who claim the Holocaust is a lie also claim “Hitler was right”.

We also received another anti-Semitic favourite: “There is no difference between Nazis and Zionists.” Today, the word might be “Zionist” rather than Jew, but the intent remains the same as it was when Josef returned home. It is anti-Semitism, pure and simple – against Jewish people, a Jewish homeland and Jewish self-determination.

We need to call it out loudly and clearly, wherever it is found.

Thirty years after the war, Josef discovered his father was alive and he had returned to their old home and dug-up the family’s Torah from the garden, recovering something that truly defined them.

For me, this is the essence of the word “Jew”. It may have held power as a term of abuse for Josef’s neighbour – or so he thought – but really it held power for Josef, and his father.

Not the power of hate, but the power of family, tradition, identity and faith.

Confrontation is needed to get coroner removed JENNI FRAZER

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he streets round here have been ringing with the sound of people saying “no” – and, a little like the mighty and laminated Peter Finch in the film Network, we Jews are mad as hell and aren’t going to take this any more.

Exhibit one, the supremely self-satisfied Mary Hassell, senior coroner for four boroughs in north London, who almost literally has the power of life and death over the Jewish and Muslim communities unfortunate enough to have to deal with her.

Hassell’s stock-in-trade is saying “no” to distraught families who want to bury their relatives according to religious teaching – that is, as soon as possible and, in the Jewish tradition, after the body is watched over, the process known as shemirah.

It takes a lot for the strictly-Orthodox to make common cause with mainstream representative communal bodies, but as regards Mary Hassell, the Adath Yisroel Burial Society and the Board of Deputies are

of one mind. The coroner’s insistence on the “cab-rank” system wherein one burial does not take “priority” over another, has proved too much for both groups, which went to talk to Hassell last week.

But even the highly emollient Marie van der Zyl, vice-president of the Board – and it surely speaks volumes for the seriousness of the issue that the Adath was prepared to confront Hassell together with a woman, but hooray for that – could only conclude that the meeting was “deeply disappointing”.

Hassell has refused to budge and, accordingly, our community has called for her removal as she is making religious burial a bureaucratic nightmare for many people.

It’s not so easy to remove a coroner, as is being discovered, but it is surely right that Hassell’s rule should be terminated.

At least one member of the community – who I will identify in a moment – has praised van der Zyl for “tremendous leadership” in the Hassell affair, but frankly she and the Board could scarcely do other in the circumstances. There comes a point when talking behind the scenes in the hope of resolving an

issue simply doesn’t work – not least when all too often the person or organisation at the heart of the dispute is relying on the fact that Jews don’t want to make waves.

Now, the member of the community in question? He is Councillor Jeremy Newmark, leader of the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) and a serial behind-the-scenes organiser, often to good purpose. This time, however, I feel he has come unstuck because the second grouping appearing to say “no” is Cllr Newmark’s own Labour Party and its endless inability to deal with anti-Semitism.

I don’t know about you, but I am mightily sick of seeing Jeremy Corbyn mouth on about “zero tolerance” and then precisely nothing happening when it comes to the

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Ken Livingstones, Jackie Walkers and Marc Wadsworths of Labour, to say little of the scores more offenders clogging up Labour’s files and committees.

Last week’s almost wholesale takeover of Labour by its core activist group, Momentum, appeared to seal Jewish hopes completely.

For all the behind-the-scenes negotiating, the promises made at Labour’s annual conference in September look hollow.

It is time, Cllr Newmark, with all the good will in the world, for Jews to make waves.

JLM – and the rest of the community for that matter – should stop shushkying into their sleeves and go for some intelligent confrontation. Then perhaps, for a change, we will hear the word “yes”.

MARY HASSELL IS MAKING RELIGIOUS BURIAL A BUREAUCRATIC NIGHTMARE FOR MANY PEOPLE. TALKING BEHIND THE SCENES ISN’T WORKING

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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Community / Scene & Be Scene

1THE EYES HAVE IT

Year 6 children at Nancy Reuben Primary School visited Moorfields Eye Hospital, where they learnt about infection as well as how eyes can be treated in different ways. School governor Daniel Ezra, a consultant at Moorfields, helped facilitate the trip, which allowed the children, who have been learning about eyes in science, to see some of the cutting-edge technology used at the hospital.

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And be seen

BFBIU’S NEW BOSS

British Friends of BarIlan University (BFBIU) held an event to introduce its new president, Professor Arie Zaban.

Arranged by BFBIU executive director Shlomo Rechtschaffen, the event – hosted in the home of chair Romie Tager and his wife, Esther – was attended by Israeli Ambassador Mark Regev and university vice president for development Dr Merav Galili. Regev called Zaban the “ultimate Israeli”, having served as a combat pilot in the Israel Air Force and subsequently becoming a renowned scientist and, most recently, president of the university.

The latest news, pictures and social events from across the community Email us at community@thejngroup.com

3 UJIA’S LIONS

UJIA relaunched Lion of Judah in the UK to give women in the community the opportunity to join a global Jewish philanthropy network of women who are passionate about Israel and the future of their communities. Forty-four guests joined the dinner at Mortimer House in central London, and heard from Israeli Lions, Ruth Oren and Sigal Bar-On, and US Lion Dana Adler, about how they are putting Jewish values into action and increasing Jewish women’s philanthropy. Other attendees included The Apprentice judge Linda Plant and actress TracyAnn Oberman (pictured). UJIA chair Louise Jacobs said, “I’m delighted UJIA is partnering to bring Lion of Judah to the UK. We are building a strong British Jewry with a lifelong commitment to Israel, and engaging women is vital for this.”

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Camp Simcha brought fourlegged fun to young patients at Barnet Hospital when its Paws For Fun pet therapy dogs visited the wards. Starting to pay regular visits to both Barnet and the Royal Free Hospital, the charity’s Mandy Isaacs said: “You could really see the children responding to Charlie [the labradoodle], they were so pleased to see him.

The children petted Charlie and gave him treats – it was lovely.

Several were chatting about their childhood pets. It really perked everyone up.”

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Photo by Marc Morris

4 CHARLIE BRINGS JOY

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Jewish News

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25 January 2018

Scene & Be Seen / Community Email your story to community@thejngroup.com 5

5 RUMMIKUB FUN

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Jewish Blind & Disabled’s Cecil Rosen Court in Bushey recently hosted a Rummikub competition, where 10 tenants took on 10 Young Patrons and volunteers. Youth overcame experience on this occasion, with the guests just edging it – 14-year-old Corey walked off with the coveted trophy.

music on the piano. Played out in front of a capacity audience at the home of a fellow member, Goldwater talked about aspects of music, from the 1890s to popular songs and pop, from the gramophone to TV, and films to musicals, all illustrated with piano selections. The event was a continuation of the synagogue’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

6 RINDER’S SECRETS 9 SOUTHEND PARTY

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Photo by Yakir Zur

PEOPLE CAN HAVE A LAUGH AND ENJOY THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO RAISE A LOT OF MONEY FOR NORWOOD 10

Photo by Terence Mendoza

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Judge Robert Rinder regaled more than 200 guests at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue with his showbiz trade secrets for an event in aid of UK Friends of Schneider Children’s Hospital. During the evening, which included a raffle and lively auction, Rinder spoke about his personal affinity to the hospital. The evening raised almost £10,000 to buy vital medical equipment for the centre in Israel.

7 SINGULAR AFFAIR

Jewish Care’s Singular Challenge – a support group that offers skills and confidence to help people move on after the early stages of separation and divorce – recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. At the group’s party, Frances Harris, supported by Gary Elster (pictured right), handed over the reins to Anna Decent and Mandy Cooper (left).

8 MELODY NIGHT

Hampstead Synagogue presented an evening of “Melodies through the Years”, where member Stephen Goldwater performed a selection of

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis helped Southend and Westcliff celebrate their 111th anniversary via an historic Skype link. He said: “You are a symbol of what a Jewish community is about. It has a treasured past and is one of the UK’s outstanding communities, also benefiting from the Chasidic families moving into the town, enriching the community, a welcome phenomenon going spectacularly well.”

Among the 120 attendees was Southend West MP Sir David Amess and former mayor and member, Councillor David Garston.

10 POKER FACE

Norwood’s fifth annual Poker Night was attended by 70 players, who helped raise £60,000 for the charity. Held at the Playboy Club in Mayfair, Mark Pollack, Norwood chair of fundraising and Poker Committee member, said: “This evening is great because it’s a little bit different to Norwood’s other events. I like that it’s relaxed; people can have a bit of a laugh and enjoy themselves, but we also raise a lot of money for Norwood, so it’s a win-win.”

Your simcha announcements Jessica Enoch celebrated her batmitzvah at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel

Louis Kalisky celebrated his barmitzvah at Hadley Wood Community Synagogue

Photo by Gary Perlmutter Photography

Photo by Karen Zetter

Max Levey celebrated his barmitzvah at Golders Green Synagogue

Photo by Gary Perlmutter Photography

Photo by Stephen Swain Photography

Amelie Kalms celebrated her batmitzvah at Pinner Synagogue

Have you had a recent simcha?

Send your picture to picturedesk@thejngroup.com

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25 January 2018 Jewish News

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

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sonalisation that makes its events stand out.

“I don’t just want my guests to come to Israel and party,” she says. “It’s not just about the main event: I want to bring in meaning.

“For example, if I have a barmitzvah, I will arrange the guests to meet Israeli soldiers to help understand Israeli and Jewish values.

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25 January 2018 Jewish News

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Life

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Film preview / Lifestyle

IN THIS SECTION: Travel 27 Competition 35

‘Most wished they could have killed more Nazis’ Francine Wolfisz speaks to director Avi Merkado-Ettedgui about his new film, which details an audacious plot by Jewish survivors to kill six million Germans

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s he surveyed the horrific conditions inside the ghetto, Simcha Rotem suddenly heard the cry of an infant. He saw a young mother holding her baby, but as he walked closer, he realised her life had already ebbed away.

“What do you do?” asks Rotem, the last survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, who remains deeply affected by what he witnessed 70 years on.

His question can never be answered, but is one that partly explains why he enlisted in a secret group of Jewish survivors led by Abba Kovner, who were determined to take revenge on the Nazis. Known as “Nakam” (“The Avengers”), in 1946 they devised an audacious plot to kill six million Germans by poisoning the country’s water supply, as well as assassinate thousands of SS officers. Their extraordinary plans – which were ultimately foiled – are detailed in a series of audio recordings broadcast for the first time in a new Channel 4 documentary, Holocaust: The Revenge Plot.

The tapes, recorded in 1985 by Kovner (who was dying of cancer) and his fellow surviving

Avenger member Ideck shares his experiences

comrades, describe how the group attempted to infiltrate the waterworks of four German cities – Hamburg, Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Munich.

They also reveal the details of a second plot to poison the bread of 50,000 SS officers held at prisoner of war camps in Nuremberg and Munich, which may have partially succeeded.

Their plans were bankrolled, somewhat ironically, by buying £5 notes forged by Jewish prisoners in concentration camps, and selling them on the Italian black market.

Somewhat sensationally, the tapes implicate two future presidents of Israel, Chaim Weizmann and Ephraim Katzir, in helping The Avengers to acquire their poison.

The discovery of the forgotten tapes was “amazing”, according to Israeli director Avi Merkado-Ettedgui. Having learnt about The Avengers a few years ago, Merkado-Ettedgui wanted to research further into the story and discovered Kovner’s family had donated all his belongings to the Moreshet archive in Israel.

Trawling through the boxes of items, he came across a single tape of the 1985 meeting.

Merkado-Ettedgui tells me: “I thought, wow, that’s amazing. Then I talked to the son of another group member, Pasha Reichmann, and we went through his things. We found more. It was quite a detective moment. I returned to the archive and eventually we found 10 tapes.”

In total, the recordings provide eight hours of material that have never been heard before – not even by those who took part in the meeting.

Merkado-Ettedgui adds: “In 1985, Abba was dying and people were beginning to poke around the story. They decided to put everything on record, for future generations, what really happened. The tapes are really well-organised,

Vilna Ghetto Fighters, some of whom joined the group ‘Nakam’, including Abba Kovner, circled

each speaker knew when they had to talk and some are reading from old notes and interviews.

You could feel this was an important moment for them and they wanted it to be accurate.”

Given their intentions for making the tapes, I ask Merkado-Ettedgui if he believes their claims Weizmann and Katzir were involved in helping procure poison for the group.

“There is a claim that Weizmann wasn’t even in the country, but from everything I’ve learnt about Kovner, I don’t see any reason for him to lie. He really describes the meeting in detail. As for the involvement of Katzir and his brother, I believe these things are true also. It’s amazing that two past presidents were involved. But it’s important to state Kovner never told them about their plans for mass murder, only about procuring poison for murdering SS soldiers.”

The film also features testimony from the last surviving members of the group, including Rotem, as well as Auschwitz survivor Yehuda “Poldek” Maimon and Hasia Warshawski, who publicly speaks for the first time about her experiences. Their perspectives provide a unique insight into why they joined The Avengers.

“Their wartime experience was hell and this was one way to cope. What made them do it?

Why were they different to other survivors?

Poldek, who spent 22 months in Auschwitz, told me that when he closes his eyes every night, he sees his parents being led to the crematorium.

Kazik is still affected by the crying baby he couldn’t help. Their experiences made them feel humiliated. It wasn’t so much about losing loved ones as about what the Germans made them do.”

While many were troubled by the morality of indiscriminately killing six million Germans, there were fewer qualms over assassinating SS officers. “I know that most of them still wish they could have killed more. They felt it was different to kill those who were actually a part of the extermination of Jewish people. That was justice.”

Following Kovner’s arrest and two failed plots, The Avengers started work on their next plan: to begin again in Israel. “All of them said it was hard to come here, to give up their feelings of revenge, but they now had hope, a new life. Israel changed everything for them.”  Holocaust: The Revenge Plot, airs on 27 January, 9pm, on Channel 4

26

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

Lifestyle / Holocaust education

‘It bothers me that man does this to fellow man’ Caron Kemp speaks to Noemie Lopian about using her father’s harrowing Holocaust experience to help combat anti-Semitism

F

or years it remained perched on the bookcase of their Munich home, cutting a solitary shape amid an expanse of empty shelving. Written with a gutsy determination to never forget the truth, the little book emphatically recalled the events of the Holocaust, yet was barely explored by hand or eye.

Chronicling the seven concentration camps and five transit camps he endured for four gruelling years, Ernst Israel Bornstein’s Die Lange Nacht (The Long Night) revealed the indiscriminate brutality and death at the hands of the Nazis and was penned almost immediately after his liberation in 1945.

But it was not until long after his premature death in 1978, aged just 55, that daughter Noemie Lopian really pored over its contents for the first time.

“We knew little about my father’s experiences of the Holocaust during his lifetime, only that he’d documented everything in the sole book to grace the shelves of our living room,” recalls the married mother-of -four.

“I was just 12 when he passed away, and so, while I did eventually dip into his book, along with my mother Renée, brother Alain, and sister Muriel, we focused on starting our new life in Manchester together, in the hope that it would offer us a fresh start.”

Indeed Lopian, now 50, did not turn to the book again until she was 36, following the birth of her youngest child.

“In order to delve into a subject like this that is so terrifyingly close and gruesome, I needed stability in my mind,” admits Lopian, who still lives in Manchester.

“In the interim years, I had been so focused on my career and family and was juggling so many balls. Finally, I found the inner strength to endure it and relive it again.”

Hailing from a loving family and living a cossetted life in the Polish town of Zawiercie, Ernst was just 17 when he was conscripted into forced labour. His parents and two of his siblings were gassed at Auschwitz.

After four years of relentless torture, Ernst was eventually liberated in Bavaria by American soldiers on 30 April 1945. He was one of only six members of his extended family to survive.

Ernst went on to qualify as a dentist and a doctor, married Renée and set up home and practice in Munich, where he also made it his mission to work tirelessly on behalf of fellow survivors and speak out about his experiences.

Die Lange Nacht served a variety of purposes for Ernst. A type of therapy charged with trying to heal his mind, he also felt strongly about the need to battle ignorance and ensure that future generations fully appreciated the devastation the Holocaust brought.

But he was also haunted by his younger brother’s voice, which he claimed still rang in his ears long after he had perished.

“For you dear brother, with your innocent eyes, which were barbarically extinguished in Auschwitz. You look at me in the darkness when I lie awake and your eyes warn me, ‘Don’t forget!’ For you I will have sleepless nights, my little brother. For you I will tell the story of the long, bloody night,” Ernst wrote in his introduction.

Published in Germany in 1967, Lopian not only felt compelled to absorb the book’s every detail, but to finally translate it into English to

❝ Above: Noemie with her father’s book. Inset: Ernst as a young man. Below: Renée, Noemie and Muriel in 1969

share his story with a wider audience.

The process, undertaken in collaboration with Holocaust educator David Arnold, took four years and many a tear shed to complete.

“Of course it was a cathartic experience, because I was able to see him from the perspective of one adult to another,” recalls Lopian, who trained and worked for many years as a GP, in an affectionate nod to her father’s legacy.

“But there was also incredible pain, which I cannot reconcile and, even now, each time I reread it, it bothers me more and more that man can do this to fellow man.”

This pain has driven Lopian – now a fulltime mother and grandmother-of-three – to dedicate much of her own time to Holocaust education, hoping to use her father’s experiences to combat ignorance and prejudice in all its forms.

Her latest project involves the launch of a free, interactive website, holocaustmatters.org, on Holocaust Memorial Day this year.

The site aims to bring to life themes from The Long Night to a new audience, who

will not benefit from hearing survivors’ testimonies first-hand.

“Anti-Semitism never really went away and my fear is that people want to forget the past, which becomes easier to do as time goes on and survivors get older and [become] fewer,” she concludes.

“We all have a duty to be proactive in this world, to lead by example and to see the good in humanity and harness it.

“Good can only lead to greater good. It’s our job to spread this message and influence the next generation for the better, so that we actively honour the mantra to never forget.”  The Long Night by Ernst Israel Bornstein is published by Toby Press, price £10.99. Available now

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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27

Holocaust Memorial Day / Lifestyle

Land of tragedy and revival Jack Mendel reconnects with his Jewish roots on an emotional trip to Poland

T

he first time I visited Poland – or indeed eastern Europe, the birthplace of my ancestors – was to witness the opening of a museum celebrating the thousand-year history of the country’s Jewish community.

That, of course, includes their rich cultural contribution to Poland, as well as the community’s tragic decimation in the wake of the Shoah.

The systematic mass murder of Jews by Nazis during the Second World War resulted in the deaths of approximately 90 percent of the country’s 3.3 million Jews.

Time did not allow for me to visit one of the Nazi death camps located in Poland, which include Majdanek, Chelmno, Sobibor, Treblinka, Belzec and notably, Auschwitz, where some 1.1million Jews were deported.

But then I returned to Poland as a participant on March of the Living, to delve deeper into the country’s Jewish roots and to understand more about this modern-day tragedy.

When I think of Poland, it’s difficult to separate it from its indomitable Jewish past.

Arriving on a chilly spring day last April, I was greeted by Warsaw’s grey and dull bloc buildings. The city can be a little depressing,

having been bombed in the war, and rebuilt with a Cold War-style Soviet influence, but the simplistic charm grew on me.

Warsaw’s Jewish past is woven into every element. Boasting a Jewish presence since the 14th century, Poland’s capital was the epicentre of cultural life before the Holocaust, so it’s very much defined by what was lost.

I walked along the street, where plaques and monuments revealed details about heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.

The Umschlagplatz, an area used by the Nazis to assemble and deport Jewish victims, sits between blocks of modern flats, and opposite is the former Nazi SS headquarters, which is plastered with posters and graffiti.

While remnants of a disquieting past were all around us, Warsaw Jewish Community Centre – as well as the one in Krakow – are signs of Jewish rebuilding and revival of in Poland.

Every year, more Poles discover previously unknown Jewish roots, and they walk in to the centres to find out more.

While Warsaw is notable as the capital, for me Krakow has more soul. Used as the Nazi headquarters in Poland during the war, the city remained largely intact, including its

grand, historic synagogues. In the Jewish district of Kazimierz, seven such synagogues still stand.

Krakow’s Izaak Synagogue was gratifyingly brought back to life as hundreds of march participants filed in for a pre-Shabbat service, leaving standing room only.

Just south of the city lies the remnants of Płaszów camp, populated by the liquidated Krakow ghetto and where 9,000 prisoners lost their lives. I had the honour of visiting with survivor Harry (Chaim) Olmer. We also travelled to Majdanek, before making our way to Auschwitz.

My experience at Auschwitz-Birkenau was hard to process at the time. During the trip, I first visited Auschwitz with a small group of around 35 people. It was empty, quiet, and grey. All I could see were barracks.

As the rain came down and the biting wind lashed my face, all we could think about was what it must have been like to endure life here, and what could have been done to prevent all the suffering that took place on this land. It was

Above: Survivor Harry Olmer speaks at the former Nazi concentration camp KrakówPłaszów, where he was held between 19421944. Above left: Krakow’s Izaak Synagogue

something I found difficult to comprehend.

Returning for the march itself, which began at Auschwitz I and ended one-and-ahalf miles later at Birkenau, there were more than 11,000 people in attendance, waving flags, exchanging badges from around the world and singing Jewish songs.

Along the route, Christian and Polish groups lined the streets, in support of the marchers.

I was surrounded by the joy that we were alive, while acknowledging that we were marching in a place where so many perished.

While a part of that did not feel right, the message was also empowering. The community may have been close to being extinguished, but Polish-Jewry will never be forgotten.

JACK’S TRAVEL DETAILS Above: Participants on March of the Living. Left: The Ulma Family Museum of Poles who Saved Jews in Markowa

This Saturday marks Holocaust Memorial Day. Jack was a participant on March of the Living, which this year takes place from 8 to 13 April.

For details, visit marchoftheliving.org.uk

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

ADVERTORIAL

LET’S TALK ABOUT TEXT! Alex Galbinski speaks to Alan Cohen, co-founder of Text My Deal, which helps businesses communicate more effectively with their customers

B

efore Alan Cohen had even finished installing his text messaging system for his restaurant client, he heard five previous customers had just booked a table.

Cohen was thrilled – as was the restaurant owner. “While I was there, they sent out a campaign using their existing database loaded onto our platform. Before I’d even left, they’d had bookings as a result of our software.”

Four years ago Cohen, 61, and business partner Nigel Diamond, 54, set up Text My Deal, an in-house marketing platform that allows companies to communicate with customers via text messaging.

“We use text messages because everyone opens them. Texts have an open rate of 98 percent, compared with 22 percent of emails,” he explains, citing latest figures.

“This makes it about the most effective medium for communicating with customers. And they normally open texts within two minutes of receipt.”

Around 60 percent of Text My Deal’s customer base is restaurants – indeed, the company launched at the Restaurant Show, where it came runner-up in the ‘great new idea’ competition – but it has also expanded across retailers.

“Health and beauty is a big market for us, as is the hospitality sector, pubs and gastropubs, bowling alleys, golf clubs, hotels… pretty much anyone who deals with the public regularly,” explains Cohen, who has a background in voice and data communications.

“We bring in customers, and anyone who wants to encourage repeat business and increase loyalty can take advantage of Text My Deal,” he affirms.

“The way I always put it is: How many times a day do you look at your phone?

Normally it’s upwards of 70 or 80, so how good is it to be able to proactively put out a message your customers are going to see?”

A loyalty scheme is built into the platform, recording the number of

Above and left: Examples of how messages from in-house marketing platform Text My Deal can be used. Below: Text My Deal co-founders Alan Cohen and Nigel Diamond

customer visits, and the restaurateur or retailer can predetermine how many visits they want a customer to make before they receive a text message with the loyalty or reward.

The reason for setting up the company was two-fold; Diamond had been to America, where he had noted the prevalence of text message marketing, and Cohen says he himself had “a particular bee in my bonnet” about online voucher companies, which, he feels, “make a lot of money for doing very little”.

He elaborates: “For example, they’ll encourage a restaurant to do a 2-for-1 deal, but it will have to pay a commission on top of that, and the voucher company will own the database.

“The restaurant may be full, but it’s

making very little money, and if it wants to contact the customers again, it has to do it through the voucher company.”

The pair came up with the idea of giving their clients an in-house platform that puts them in control of their discounts and special offers. It lets them decide on the number of messages they want to distribute, which might also contain information on topics such as music or themed nights, new menus and chefs, and preview sales.

While there are other companies offering text messaging marketing, Cohen says that none of them offer an end-to-end solution.

“With us, clients don’t have to go to a third party,” he explains. “One of our unique selling points is our ability to capture data; there are online text companies you can use if you have an existing database, but they don’t help you with data capture.”

This is especially important, he says, for obtaining details of everyone who turns up for a booking, for example a party of eight at a restaurant – not just the one who reserved the table.

“And because those people have enjoyed the service you have provided, they’re looking forward to hearing from you, so it’s a very favourable way of communication,” he adds.

Speaking of contented customers, Cohen says the Borehamwood-based

company, which operates a lead referral scheme, has many of its own.

“For clients who have been with us more than two years, there’s been a 30 percent increase in the volume of messages sent out, and we’ve got a lot of happy customers because we’re increasing their business.”

Clients pay an initial set-up fee, which includes complimentary texts, and then a monthly licence fee. “Return on investment normally happens within the first month,” Cohen enthuses.

Last month the company launched a sister service, Text My Donation, a freeto-use platform for UK registered charities allowing them to collect money from supporters via texts. With no set-up or monthly costs, the company has already signed up 38 charities.

“When people give, for each charity we create a database of donors or supporters who are happy to be contacted by SMS, allowing the charity to message them with news, updates or when they hold fundraising events.”

Cohen says Text My Deal is always on the lookout for new opportunities. “We designed the product to be infinitely scalable. We want to go nationwide, and we can install different languages onto the platform, so we can very easily go international.”

Details: textmydeal.co.uk and textmydonation.co.uk, 0330 122 2876

25 January 2018 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

29

Orthodox Judaism

Torah For Today

SEDRA Beshalach

What does the Torah say about...

Same-day burial

BY RABBI ALEX CHAPPER “Your call is important to us... please stay on the line…’”

Have you ever heard that infuriatingly upbeat and repetitive message and thought: life’s too short for this?

Then, in the meantime, you find your own solution to the problem that you called the helpline for in the first place?

With the 10 plagues having effected the release of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, they are now free and encamped on the banks of the Reed Sea. However, when they see the might of the entire Egyptian army heading at full speed towards them, they panic and cry out to God. They also complain to Moses that it would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than die like this in the desert.

For his part, Moses reassures the people that there is nothing to be afraid of, because God will save them. In response, God says to Moses: “Why do you cry out to Me?” The classic commentaries are perplexed. Surely, in times of need,

prayer is exactly what is required?

Rashi understands that God is telling Moses now is not the time for lengthy prayer: they are inappropriate when the Jewish people are in distress and all they need do is continue their journey, because nothing stands in their way, not even the sea.

God instructs Moshe: “Raise your staff and spread your hand over the sea and split it.”

In effect, Moshe is being told he has all the resources he needs to deal with the situation, rather than needing divine assistance.

Sometimes we are quick to cry out to God for help. But sometimes, realising we possess the ability to resolve a dilemma ourselves actually reflects a deeper faith in God and our abilities that is truly deserving of success.

To paraphrase Kohelet: “There is a time to pray and a time to act.”

 Alex Chapper is community

rabbi of Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue and the Children’s Rabbi www.childrensrabbi.com

BY RABBI ARIEL ABEL Mary Hassell, senior coroner for Inner North London, has said she will not prioritise burial for any religious community, even if that means leaving the dead unburied for several days. What is the Torah view on this point?

The Torah states that even the corpse of an executed criminal must not lay overnight unburied.

The reason given is that each person is created in the image of God. However, this requirement is not absolute; the practice of sameday burial is not derived from this

❝

UNLESS IT’S UNWORKABLE, SAME-DAY BURIAL SHOULD NOT BE REFUSED

verse, but from the concern that an unburied corpse may putrefy and spread disease.

Furthermore, halachah has accommodated past practices of delaying the burial of important personalities who were eulogised across a country. Their body was left to decompose in a coffin and the bones interred six months later. In these cases the sealing of the coffin was deemed a sufficient act of burial for proceeding with mourning rituals.

In the case of a police inquiry, where medical malpractice or

murder is suspected, saving others’ lives comes before same-day burial.

In Germanic countries, a body must lie for three days before burial. A dayan on a UK Beth Din once anecdotally expressed favour for this practice, voicing his own concern that he feared waking up in his grave and so preferred to be dead for a period before being buried.

If there is a constructive and health and safety compliant reason, delaying burial is not transgressed.

The Torah also instructs: “There shall be one rule for you and the dweller in your midst.”

Perhaps, then, Coroner Hassell is correct in not discriminating?

Perhaps. But unless it is unworkable, then same-day burial as a cultural preference should not be unreasonably refused, whether the motive is religious or not.  Ariel Abel is padre to HM Armed Forces and rabbi of the Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

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Progressive Judaism

The Bible Says What?

‘A woman should not wear men’s clothing and vice versa’

BY RABBI LEAH JORDAN “A woman should not put on the apparel of a man; nor should a man wear the clothing of a woman – for whoever does these things – it is a to’evah [behaviour completely off-limits] to the Eternal your God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5) This one verse in the Torah is sometimes cited as support for modern strictness around the gender binary.

Some take the opinion that there are two fixed genders, and second that there are clear and agreed-upon rules for how those two genders should be expressed, especially where clothing is concerned.

However Keshet, the organisation that works for full LGBTQI+ equality and inclusion in Jewish life writes of this verse: “All of the mitzvot that are nestled around our verse point to a world of compassion, where we are careful not to damage relations between beings...

“According to Rashi, this verse prohibits sexual betrayal, while for

Rambam, this verse prohibits idolatry.

All of these readings understand the prohibition to be not about crossdressing per se, but about damaging relationships between us, our neighbours, loved ones or God.” Rabbis Elliot Kukla and Reuben Zellman further argue that Deuteronomy 22:5 teaches us we must not misrepresent our true gender to deceive someone else or to cause harm.

“When we try to conceal our uniqueness,” they write, “we cause ourselves pain. And when we ask others to obscure themselves, we cause harm to them.”

This echoes Rabbi Ethan Tucker, who states that Jewish law makes allowance for difference and diversity and insists that we not erase our own.

Liberal Judaism celebrates this diversity as seen through projects such as Twilight People, which celebrates the hidden history of transgender and gender-variant people.  Rabbi Leah Jordan is Liberal Judaism’s student chaplain

Progressively Speaking Should Shabbat observance in Israel be enforced by law?

BY RABBI NEIL JANES I strongly object to using civil law to enforce Jewish law. It is in violation of everything the enlightenment handed to society in terms of personal autonomy and equality.

In truth, only a power-hungry religious fanatic thinks Jewish law can be enforced with civil sanctions in the 21st century.

The observance of mitzvot is, in all Jewish communities that are tolerant and open, only something that can be practiced freely and never coerced.

A state has many tools at its disposal to create a vibrant Jewish culture without forcing anyone to comply with mitzvot.

Moreover, the cultural and societal norms are more effective at maintaining the sanctity of a day and the Jewish nature of Israel’s liberal democracy.

The issues is complex. Shabbat is a stronghold against the forces of capitalism that push us to be consumers every hour of every day.

And it is a protection against anyone being forced to work every day of the week in a challenging labour market.

Today, it is Rabbi Gilad Kariv of the Israeli Reform Movement who has spoken of the need for labour laws to protect people working on Shabbat.

It is something that would require compromise, which Charedi parties are incapable of doing.

With the rise of online shopping, there is also something important about allowing local stores the ability to decide for themselves how

best to compete in a market that is diversifying.

By enforcing Shabbat for corner shops, there is an additional injustice.

None of us would, I suspect, be willing to sanction the state of Israel shutting down the internet every Shabbat, so why would we countenance shops?

Having lived in Israel and hoping to live there again, I’m willing to accept a world in which I compromise and lose some of the peace of the day in favour of freedom from religious coercion – in such things as public transport and commerce.

Then again, in a world where the balance of power favours the strictlyOrthodox turning the Western Wall into a strictly-Orthodox synagogue, what hope is there for Mr and Mrs Cohen trying to put food on their table running their mini-market up the road?  Rabbi Neil Janes is executive director of the Lyons Learning Project

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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31

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

Ask our Our trusty team of advisers answer your questions about everything from law and finance to dating and dentistry.

This week: Helping children with special needs, going into the IDF after aliyah and kitchen design...

ELAINE KERR CHARITY EXECUTIVE

NORWOOD

Dear Elaine As the mother of two children with special needs, I often feel like I’m drowning and not coping very well. Please can you suggest anything to help me?

Rosie Dear Rosie First, know that you are not alone. Again and again we hear about parents who are overwhelmed by the enormous challenges of caring for disabled children. The first thing is to remember to look after yourself as well.

It’s understandable that self-care has gone to the bottom of your priority list, but it’s vital

DOV NEWMARK ALIYA ADVISER

NEFESH B’NEFESH Dear Dov I’m looking to make aliyah this summer after my A-levels. I want to go straight into the army, but have been told this process could take up to a year. Is there anything I can do to quicken the process?

Daniel

Dear Daniel You are to be admired for your desire to make aliyah and to serve in the Israeli army.

After making aliyah, the government of Israel allots olim one year of acclimation before they are drafted.

A Tzav Rishon (first IDF notice) will be sent to your residence roughly nine months after making aliyah.

If you are interested in expediting your army process, please be in touch with Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers department, via army@nbn.org.il.

You may also want to look into the Garin Tzabar programme, which creates a group framework of guidance and support for young olim such as yourself.

you consider your own needs too, because if you crumble, the whole support system for your child crumbles. So it’s not selfish to make time for yourself; it’s essential for your whole family’s well-being.

It is difficult, but it can be done in baby steps.

Identify the small things that you can look forward to. Eat well. Earmark those family and friends you can rely on, and what specific and regular help you can ask for that works for all.

Professional bodies such as Norwood can also help. At our Rainbow Groups, for example, we offer parents emotional and practical support, and the chance to learn from each other while the children are safely cared for.

We offer respite care at Buckets and Spades and a really good umbrella of services for specific issues. We believe everyone deserves a brighter future, including you.

For more details about the Rainbow Group, contact daryl.freeman@norwood.org.uk

It includes a preparation process of discussion, questioning and personal reflection prior to aliyah.

Once you are in Israel, there is a three-month absorption process prior to enlistment, where you are placed in a hosting kibbutz that becomes your ‘home away from home’. You are prepared for your military service, attend educational activities, tour the country and learn Hebrew at the ulpan class.

During your military service, both options will provide you with ongoing support.

For further information, you can visit Garin Tzbar’s website, israeliscouts.eu, or email me on dov@nbn.org.il. Good luck!

SHANTI PANCHANI KITCHEN DESIGNER

THE HOME CONSULTANCY Dear Shanti We’re planning to build an extension this summer and would like to incorporate an open-plan kitchen.

We’re a family of four and have a kosher kitchen.

What things would you recommend we look out for?

Henrietta

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Dear Henrietta Having an extension is one of the biggest investments you will do to your home and, as such, you’ll need be consider a wide range of factors.

First, plan the process; do not leave the kitchen design to the last minute.

When deciding on the use of the room, ask yourself the question: ‘What else am I going to do in the room?’

Are you going to have more than one use, for example, dining or casual seating.

Before visiting any kitchen company, have your wish list ready. What appliances, finishes, and worktops would you like? You need to guide the designer

in these as their job is to give you as much of your wish list as possible.

I always want to know about your lifestyle, so I can ensure I give you the perfect design – but one that works with your home schedule.

Appliances also play a big part of the design. Consider your cooking; how many ovens and how many hob burners. Who is going to use them? If you bake a lot, a granite worktop may not be suitable.

So, again, having an understanding of your lifestyle and cooking styles will help us to help you make the best use of your extension and give you a kitchen you will want to use for a very long time to come.

32

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Jewish News 25 January 2018

Ask Our Experts / Professional advice from our panel

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

Email: editorial@thejngroup.com CHARITY EXECUTIVE

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST

SOCIAL WORKER CAROLYN COHEN Qualifications: • Supports couples dealing with infertility and reproductive health.

• Strictly confidential helpline.

• Specialist medical support and information.

• Counselling for individuals and couples and educational events.

• Expert medical advisory panel.

CHANA 020 8203 8455 Helpline: 020 8201 5774 / 020 8800 0018 www.chana.org.uk info@chana.org.uk

KITCHEN DESIGNER

ELAINE KERR Qualifications: • Able to draw on the expertise of Norwood’s professional staff team, including social workers, educational psychologists, drug and alcohol specialists, speech & language and occupational therapists, teachers, psychologists, benefit advisers.

• Expertise in services available for children and their families and young people with special educational needs, and adults with learning disabilities.

TREVOR GEE Qualifications: •Managing director, consultants in affordable family and corporate health insurance.

• Specialise in maximising cover, lowering premiums and pre-existing conditions.

• Excellent knowledge of health insurers, cover levels and hospital lists.

• Board member UK International Health Management Ass • LLB, solicitor finals, FCA Regulated 773729.

SHANTI PANCHANI Qualifications: • Experienced Designer with more than 25 years’ experience in German and English kitchens and have supplied kosher-friendly kitchens for more than 10 years • We provide a full circle approach from designing, supplying and installing your new kitchen including appliances and speciality worktops.

• We deal with suppliers who are flexible in design.

NORWOOD 020 8809 8809 www.norwood.org.uk elaine.kerr@norwood.org.uk

PATIENT HEALTH 020 3146 3444/5/6 www.patienthealth.co.uk trevor.gee@patienthealth.co.uk

THE HOME CONSULTANCY 07738 067671 www.thehomeconsultancy.com shanti@thehomeconsultancy.com

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CHARITY EXECUTIVE

MAXI ROSE Qualifications: • MD at RCUK since 1999. Grown the business into three substantial UK branches serving clients worldwide – USA, Europe & Middle East.

• Telecoms specialist in business & consumer mobile solutions, landline and broadband services and Ofcom Telecoms registered reseller.

• Successfully established the RCUK International Travel

STEVE WAYNE Qualifications: • Owner of Benjamin Stevens established in 2004 with offices in Edgware and Bushey and dealing with all surrounding areas.

• Specialist in buy 2 let investments and managing lettings portfolios.

• Deals with residential sales locally and an expert on all things property in North West London.

• Partner at Frederick George & Co

SUE CIPIN Qualifications: • 18 years’ hands-on experience, leading JDA in significant growth and development.

• Deep understanding of the impact of deafness on people at all stages of life, and their families.

• Practical and emotional support for families of deaf children.

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

RCUK 020 8815 4115 www.rcuk.biz maxi@rcuk.biz

BENJAMIN STEVENS ESTATE AGENTS 020 8950 7777 www.benjaminstevens.co.uk Steve@benjaminstevens.co.uk

JEWISH DEAF ASSOCIATION 020 8446 0502 info@jewishdeaf.org.uk www.jewishdeaf.org.uk

TELECOMS SPECIALIST

JEWELLER

TRAVEL AGENT

CRIMINAL DEFENCE SOLICITOR

JONATHAN WILLIAMS Qualifications: • Jewellery manufacturer since 1980s.

• Expert in the manufacture and supply of diamond jewellery, wedding rings and general jewellery.

• Specialist in supply of diamonds to the public at trade prices.

DAVID SEGEL Qualifications: • Managing director of West End Travel, established in 1972.

• Leading UK El Al agent with branches in Swiss Cottage and Edgware.

• Specialist in Israel travel, cruises and kosher holidays.

• Leading business travel company, ranked in top 50 UK agents.

• Frequent travel broadcaster on radio and TV.

CARL WOOLF Qualifications: • 20+ years experience as a criminal defence solicitor and higher court advocate.

• Specialising in all aspects of criminal law including murder, drug offences, fraud and money laundering, offences of violence, sexual offences and all aspects of road traffic law.

• Visiting associate professor at Brunel University.

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

WEST END TRAVEL 020 7644 1500 www.westendtravel.co.uk David.Segel@westendtravel.co.uk

NOBLE SOLICITORS 01582 544 370 carl.woolf@noblesolicitors.co.uk

DIRECTOR OF LEGACIES

REMOVALS MANAGING DIRECTOR

PRINCIPAL, PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

CAROLYN ADDLEMAN Qualifications: Lawyer with more than 15 years’ experience in will drafting and trust and estate administration, eight years at KKL Executor and Trustee Company.

Keeps in close contact with clients to ensure all legal and pastoral needs are cared for.

Member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

•

STEPHEN MORRIS Qualifications: • Managing Director of Stephen Morris Shipping Ltd. • 45 years’ experience in shipping household and personal effects.

• Chosen mover for four royal families and three UK prime ministers.

• Offering proven quality specialist advice for moving anyone across the world or round the corner.

LOUISE LEACH Qualifications: • Professional choreographer qualified in dance, drama and Zumba (ZIN, ISTD & LAMDA), gaining an honours degree at Birmingham University.

• Former contestant on ITV’s Popstars, reaching bootcamp with Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw and Kym Marsh.

• Set up Dancing with Louise 10 years ago.

KKL EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE COMPANY 0800 358 3587 www.kkl.org.uk wills@kkl.org.uk

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING LTD 020 8832 2222 www.shipsms.co.uk stephen@shipsms.co.uk

DANCING WITH LOUISE 020 8203 5242 www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk louise@dancingwithlouise.co.uk

• •

25 January 2018 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

33

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

ACCOUNTANT

IT SPECIALIST

HEARING AID AUDIOLOGIST

MELVYN SOBELL Qualifications: • Chartered accountant FCA. • Accounting, taxation and business advisory services.

• Specialises in forensic accounting.

• CEDR accredited mediator.

• Expert witness advice for all financial matters.

EWA KOZLOWSKA MSHAA Qualifications: • Fully qualified, HCPC registered, Hearing Aid Audiologist.

• Specialist in hearing healthcare including tinnitus management and wax removal.

• Fully understands the impact of hearing loss and will work with you to find the best solution for your unique hearing needs and lifestyle.

IAN GREEN Qualifications: • Launched Man on a Bike IT consultancy 15 years ago to provide computer support for the home and small businesses.

• Clients range from legal firms in the City to families, small business owners and synagogues.

• More than 18 years’ experience.

SOBELL RHODES 020 8429 8800 www.sobellrhodes.co.uk m.sobell@sobellrhodes.co.uk

BLOOM HEARING SPECIALISTS 020 8869 9999 www.bloomhearing.co.uk pinner@bloomhearing.co.uk

MAN ON A BIKE 020 8731 6171 www.manonabike.co.uk mail@manonabike.co.uk

ALIYAH ADVISER

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

BUILDING CONTRACTOR

DOV NEWMARK Qualifications: • Director of UK Aliyah for Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organisation that helps facilitate aliyah from the UK. • Conducts monthly seminars and personal aliyah meetings in London.

• An expert in working together with clients to help plan a successful aliyah.

BAYLA PERRIN Qualifications: • Free professional service delivering immediate practical help with domestic administrative matters, assisting those alone and in crisis.

• Providing workable solutions for debt management, budgeting, bills, utilities, insurance, welfare & benefits, form filling, financial correspondence, bureaucracy and divorce procedures. Cross communal and throughout London.

HOWARD GOLD Qualifications: • Member of the Federation of Master Builders.

• Member of the Consumer Protection Association offering an underwritten insurance backed guarantee of 5 years on all projects.

• Providing a tailored end-to-end property service for residential property clients in north and north-west London. Focusing on a quality service.

NEFESH B’NEFESH 0800 075 7200 www.nbn.org.il dov@nbn.org.il

THE PAPERWEIGHT TRUST 020 8455 4996 www.paperweighttrust.com info@paperweighttrust.com

HPS 077 1005 7233 / 020 8457 1320 wwww.hpsuk.com howard@hpsuk.com

MEDIATOR

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

ANDREW MILLER QC Qualifications: • Mediator with more than 25 years of experience of using mediation to economically resolve commercial disputes.

• Queen’s Counsel (Barrister) with 25+ years legal experience of conducting commercial cases.

• Providing a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to the court litigation process.

HAZEL KAYE Qualifications: • Able to draw on the charity’s 45+ years of experience in providing specialist accommodation designed to enable independence.

• Knowledge of the features and innovations that can empower people to undertake everyday tasks and awareness of relevant grants and benefits available.

• Understands the impact of a diagnosis of disability.

AMQC MEDIATION @ 2TG 020 7822 1260 www.2tg.co.uk amqc@2tg.co.uk

JEWISH BLIND & DISABLED 020 8371 6611 www.jbd.org hazel@jbd.org

SENIOR EMPLOYMENT ADVISER

CAREER ADVISER

SHARON GLASSMAN Qualifications: Born and raised in Israel.

Worked in the private sector.

15 years experience with new olim while working for the government.

Vast knowledge of the Israeli business and labour market.

• • • •

CLAIRE STRAUS Qualifications: • Provides free professional one-to-one advice at Resource to help unemployed into work.

• Offers practical support, workshops and networking opportunities to maximise job prospects.

• Career coach with MSc in Career Management and Coaching with a background in human resources and general management and experience of private, public and voluntary sectors.

THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL 020 8371 5258 www.jewishagency.org sharong@jafi.org

RESOURCE THE JEWISH EMPLOYMENT ADVICE CENTRE 020 8346 4000 www.resource-centre.org office@resource-centre.org

FAMILY SOLICITOR

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

REBEKAH GERSHUNY Qualifications: Member of Resolution, Law Society Accredited and registered with the Family Mediation Council.

Collaborative family lawyer, with more than 20 years’ experience and founder of family mediation practice, Evolve Family Mediation.

Promotes a constructive and non-confrontational approach.

•

NICKI BONES Qualifications: • Registered mental health nurse with more than 30 years’ experience in areas supporting people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

• Founding member of SweetTree Home Care Services.

• Proudly leads SweetTree team to the forefront of home care and specialist services delivery.

FREEMANS SOLICITORS 020 7935 3522 www.freemanssolicitors.net rg@freemanssolicitors.net

SWEETTREE HOME CARE SERVICES 020 7644 9554 www.sweettree.co.uk info@sweettree.co.uk

• •

ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO JOIN JEWISH NEWS’ EXPERT PANEL?

Email: sales@thejngroup.com Got a question for a member of our team?

Email: editorial@thejngroup.com

Since 2002 SweetTree has provided award winning care and support to people in their own homes and in the community

C all us for a free assessment or advice

Live-in & live-out home care Dementia - End-of-life care - Learning disabilities - Autism - Brain injuries Neurological conditions

020 7644 9554 www.sweettree.co.uk

34

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 25 January 2018

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER VACANCY HW Fisher is recruiting on behalf of a Jewish charity Full-time, London

The main responsibility of the role is to be focused on transactions, reporting, forecasting, budgeting and compliance.

You will need to be a change manager for Finance, to be able to run the day-to-day finances of the organisation and to be an ambassador for Finance around the rest of the organisation.

The main tasks are around Management, Transactions and Reporting.

These include: • Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures • Development of financial controls and process/systems development

Vacancy for Inhouse Accountant at Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue is one of the largest synagogues in the UK with over 2000 families as members. It was formed in 2017 from the merger of Edgware & District Reform Synagogue with Hendon Reform Synagogue.

EHRS is looking to fill this new hands-on role within the finance team (currently 2).

• Manage the initial drafting of the annual budget and forecast

It would require familiarity with Sage and the usual bookkeeping and accounts tasks.

• Work with the FD to ensure that the accounting, processes and entries are correct and follow UK GAAP and Charity Commission guidelines

General tasks including but not exclusively: Bank Reconciliation, Purchase/Sales Ledger, Reconciliation with membership db., Gift Aid Claim; Annual and Quarterly accounts, mgmt. accounts, inc. budget variance analysis; Management of departmental budgets and quarterly reporting; Production and distribution of annual subscription notices and chasing of accounts.

• Ensure that accounts payable are paid in a timely manner • Ensure that all accounts receivable are collected promptly • Oversee accounting control systems, transaction-processing operations, policies and procedures • Oversee the operation of the accounting team

Some familiarity with the workings of a synagogue would be helpful.

It is likely that you would be qualified by experience, a semi-qualified chartered accountant or a retired accountant

• Provide a system for management cost reports • Calculate and issue financial operating metrics

Please contact for further information Perry Newton, Community Director EHRS via perry@ehrs.uk

Applicants are invited to submit their CV together

Salary depending on experience

with covering letter to info@hwfisher.co.uk

Full-time with some flexibility.

Closing date for applications:

Wednesday 14 February 2018

Financial Controller - JN - Jan 2018.indd 1

Deadline for applications 15 February 2018 23/01/2018 10:14

Funding Executive NOA GIRLS is a charity supporting adolescent girls in the Orthodox Jewish Community.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a funding executive to join our team at Noa Girls. The new role will involve widening our funding base through public and private foundations, trusts and individuals with a particular emphasis on attaining local authority funding for our work.

Applicants should have experience in the non-profit sector, preferably with some background in dealing with local authority funding. Candidates should be passionate and assertive with excellent communication skills.

Part time: 18-24 hours week.

Start date: Feb 2018 If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and covering letter to contact@noagirls.com For a job description or more information please call 020 8731 7025 or email contact@noagirls.com

Hillside Ave, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1HL

EYFS / Key Stage 1 Class Teachers & EYFS / Key Stage 1 Limudei Kodesh Teacher MPS/UPS

Required for September 2018 Possibility of a TLR for the right candidate

Yavneh Primary School, on the site of Yavneh College, is seeking highly motivated, talented practitioners to play an important part in the growth and development of our new two-form entry school.

As an inspirational and ambitious practitioner, you will help take our school on the journey to outstanding.

This is a unique opportunity for individuals with a passion to drive forward teaching and learning in EYFS or KS1 and to work as a small team – but have a big impact.

To request an information pack contact: admin@yavnehprimary.org call 020 8736 5580 or visit www.yavnehprimary.org Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

Closing date for applications: midday Monday 22nd January 2018.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

25 January 2018 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

35

Organic fruit snacks giveaway / Fun, games and prizes

WIN A GOOGLY FRUIT ORGANIC GOODIE BAG! Organic real fruit made crunchy are Jewish News and Googly Fruit Organic have “yummy, scrummy and super crunchy”; teamed up to offer five lucky readers the chance 100 percent freeze-dried fruit snacks, availto win a fabulous goodie bag including one of able in apple and blueberry, strawberry and each of their snacks across the range, a banana and raspberry varieties. book, stickers and googly eyes!

Organic squeezy pouches contain 100 Googly Fruit Organic is on ENTER percent fruit and veg and are available a mission to help toddlers and ONLINE: in five flavours: apple, sweet potato and young children make a lifelong jewishnews.co.uk clementine; apple, strawberry, blueberry friendship with fruit and Closing date 8 Febuary 2018 and raspberry; apple, pear, carrot and vegetables, with their range of pumpkin; apple, blueberry and purple tasty and attractive 100 percent carrot; and apple, mango and peach, each of organic fruit and veg snacks. which counts as part of your child’s five a day.

Organic Crunchy Puffs are an exciting alternative to fat-filled crisps, and are available  The Googly Fruit Organic range is in three delicious flavours your children will available from Superdrug and Ocado. love, including banana and strawberry, corn To learn more visit googlyfruit.co.uk and carrot, and corn and tomato.

Hilarious Hebrew Hilarious Hebrew Word the Week Word ofof the Week

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

The NHS recommends we eat how many portions of fruit and vegetables every day?

A: 3 B: 4 C: 5

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD

THE JewishNews CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8

9

120 YEARS OF ZIONISM ”ZIONISM IS AN INFINITE IDEAL”

10

11

13

17

14

The ELEPHANT is ill, he needs to take a PILL The Hebrew word for 'elephant' is… pil ‫פִּיל‬ *** From the book Hilarious Hebrew – the Fun and Fast Way to Learn the Language, available on Amazon and in book and gift shops around NW London. www.hilarioushebrew.com

15

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ACROSS 1 Infer (6) 4 Species of large black bird (4) 8 Annoying bark (3) 9 Smash into small pieces (7)

12

16

19

21

10 Bohemian dance (5) 11 Deceitful fellow (5) 13 Exert (power) (5) 15 Use less than is needed (5)

Last issue’s solutions ACROSS: 1 Crows 4 Churn 7 Gremlin 8 Cot 9 Arc 11 Riches 14 Embryo 17 Run 19 Hoe 20 Fairway 22 Water 23 Moose DOWN: 1 Cognac 2 One 3 Solar 4 Cynic 5 Unclear 6 Note 10 Comment 12 Ivy 13 Enzyme 15 Refer 16 Opium 18 Show 21 Woo

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

See next issue for solution.

25/01

COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

By Paul Solomons

The WZO and ZF run subsidised Ulpan (Hebrew language) classes across the UK. For more information, contact ulpanuk@wzo.org.il or call 020 8202 0202

17 Group of people attractively arranged, as if in a painting (7) 19 Numerical prefix meaning ‘three’ (3) 20 Rational (4) 21 Thick hooded jacket (6) DOWN 1 Become desiccated (3,2) 2 Disgust (7) 3 View that narrows to a point on the horizon (5) 5 Informer (3) 6 More awful (5) 7 Deficit (4) 12 Pilot (7) 13 Dirty Den’s surname in EastEnders (5) 14 Method of losing weight (4) 15 Reject (5) 16 Jab, sting (5) 18 Proscribe (3)

Terms & Conditions: Five winners will receive a fabulous Googly Fruit Organic goodie bag, including one of each of their snacks across the range, a book, stickers and googly eyes, worth £20. Prize is as stated, is not transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or exchange in whole or in part for cash.

By supplying your email address, you agree to receive marketing information from the JN Media Group or any of its affiliates and carefully selected third parties. The promotion excludes employees of Miroma and the promoter, their immediate families, their agents or anyone professionally connected to the relevant promotion. Proof of eligibility must be provided on request. Normal T&Cs apply and can be found at jewishnews.co.uk/ about-us/promotions-terms-and-conditions.

For full Ts and Cs, see jewishnews.co.uk.

Closing date: 8 February 2018

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY 36

Jewish News 25 January 2018

Business Services Directory

Clothing

Carer Auxiliary Nurse

FURS WANTED

Available to support you in your home.

Days/nights.

Very reasonable rates.

ANTIQUES

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.

House clearances Single items to complete homes CHURCH STREET ANTIQUES - 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

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

Call 0208 958 2939 or 07495 026 168

Antiques

Cash paid for Mink jackets, coats, boleros, stoles, also fox coats, jackets etc.

Wardrobes cleared

Call 01277 352

560

VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS. All Antique Hille & Epstein Counselling forFurniture adults & children who are Diamond Jewellery, Gold, Paintings, Porcelain, experiencing loss, Silver, and support groups.

Glass, Bronzes, Oriental &Bereavement Judaica Antiques etc.

ContactIvories, The Jewish

Full house clearances Counselling Service organised. in confidence

VERY HIGH PRICES PAID. FREE HOME VISITS.

Networks, virus problems, broadband, wireless systems, All Antique Furniture Hille & Epstein new computers and everything else you may need.

Diamond Jewellery,&Gold, For small businesses home Silver, users. Paintings, Porcelain,

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON:

0800 & 840 2035 or 07956268290 CHARITY WELFARE OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS.

Glass, Bronzes, Oriental Judaica Antiques etc.

Call Ian Green,Ivories, Man on a Bike & on 020 8731Full 6171 • www.manonabike.co.uk house clearances organised.

Please look at our website for more details

PORTOBELLO RD LONDON.

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SUE ON: 0800 840 2035 or 07956268290 ARE YOU BEREAVED?

REMEMBER OUR HELPLINE.

OPEN 8am TO 9pm 7 DAYS.

Counselling for adults children who are PORTOBELLO RD&LONDON. experiencing loss. Support groups offered.

Call The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence

For further details and application forms, please contact For confidential information and support don’t forget Jewish Direct.

Westlonadvice, Housing Association on 020 8201Care 8484

020 8922 2222

jcdirect@jcare.org

020 8951 3881 • 07765 693 160 17-443-ER Helpline advert v1.qxp_Helpline 85x45mm 24/11/2017 10:02 E: enquiries@jbcs.org.uk

jewishcare.org/helpline

Company Number: 3024499

Jami supports and represents Are you a Jewish woman experiencing domestic violence? people illnessdoacross Withwith abusemental in your home, you worry about your children? the Jewish community.

We are here to help #jamithinkahead

020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org

with free support, advice and information and confidential counselling.

K

P PLUMBSAFE LUMBSAFE (UK) (UK) LTD LTD

No further, your

LOCAL PLUMBERS

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| |boiler boilerrepairs repairsand andinstallation installation| |complete completecentral centralheating heating| | | |power powerflushing flushing| |complete completebathroom bathroominstallation installationservice service| | | |landlords landlordscertificates certificates| |project projectmanagement management| |home homepurchase purchasereports reports| |

All AllNW-London NW-Londonpostcodes postcodescovered covered

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

020 8953 2094 office

Not shabbat

Email: gordonstirling65@gmail.com

Not shabbat PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

PLUMBSAFEUK.COM

Home & Maintenance COMPUTER

Rapid Response IT support for your PC & Mac Networks, virus problems, broadband, wireless systems, new computers and everything else you may need.

For small businesses & home users.

Call Ian Green, Man on a Bike on

020 8731 6171 • www.manonabike.co.uk

!

07860 881505 or 0800 610 12 12

office@hallandrandall.com

Man on a Bike will get you working fast!

For Forall allyour yourheating heatingand andplumbing plumbingrequirements requirements

020 8207 3286 home 020 8386 8798 hallandrandallplumbers.com

“Better “BetterSafe SafeThan ThanSorry�

Sorry�

Hall & Randall Plumbers

CENTRAL HEATING, PLUMBING REPAIRS & ADVISORY SERVICE EMERGENCY REPAIRS, BLOCKED PIPES DRAINAGE GUTTERING, ROOFING, CENTRAL HEATING AND BOILERS

Please contact Gordon Stirling 0208 9605401 or 07825224144

w

Free Confidential National Helpline 0808 801 0500 020 8458 2223 | info@jamiuk.org advice@jwa.org.uk • www.jwa.org.uk Reg Charity No. 1003345 www.jamiuk.org

Home & Maintenance

L

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

A Wi

Give support Get support Get involved Kosher• refuge provision• available for women and children in need.

Charity Reg No. 802559

Established over 60 years.

Know who you are dealing with.

All quality furniture bought & sold.

We hav warden in Eal warden

For furt Wes

Charity Reg No. 802559

For confidential advice, information and support contact us on

Stirlings of Kensal Green

MAKE

We have an open waiting list for our friendly and comfortable warden assisted sheltered housing schemes for Jewish people in Ealing, East Finchley and Hendon. We provide 24-hour warden daysWHICH a week; aWAY residents’ lounge and IF YOUsupport, DON’Tseven KNOW TO TURN, kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.

WHEN YOU NEED HELP, CALL OUR HELPLINE.

HOME & MAINTENANCE

S

Sheltered Accommodation

Charitywww.antiquesbuyers.co.uk & Welfare

Charity Number: 1047045

HOME & MAINTENANCE

C

Please look at 020 our website for more details 8951 3881 enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

Rapid Response IT support for your PC & Mac

MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING

Ep Dini D

WE BUY ANTIQUES ARE YOU BEREAVED?

Man on a Bike will get WE fast!

BUY ANTIQUES you working

STUART SHUSTER - e-mail - stuart@churchstreetantiques.net

Ant

CHARITY & WELFARE

Computer

closed Sunday & Monday

CHARITY & WELFARE

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Carer

EDUCATION

TAILOR

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING, DECORATING & PAPER HANGING Tutorials

POSHTAILORING City and Guilds Elect

20 20 years experience ď ?Over Over years’

Friendly, reliable & teaching experience

personal service. ď ? Very DBScompetitive checked rates

Miriam Reich STEPHEN: 07973 342 422 srindsmc@hotmail.com 07971 700 948 reich@ic24.net

types of electrical work u REPAIR & All ALTERATIONS BYPROFESSIONALTAILOR Rewiring, extra sockets, BT points, Economy 7 EX PERTINFURSANDMINKSUEDE, storage heaters, Shabbat time switches, securi LEATHER, JACKETS &COATS LED spotlights, fault finding, CCTVportable ap HAND BAGS landlord tests and house buyer’s surveys.

GENERAL CLOTHING For an efficient reliable and friendly LOWPRICESANDNEATWORK Call Harvey Solomons on

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

25 January 2018 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

37

Business Services Directory CLOTHING

TRANSPORT

STONEMASON

FURS WANTED

Cash paid for Mink, Fox, Coats, Jackets, Boleros etc.

Also wanted, Chanel bags and clothes etc…

01277 352 560

A. ELFES LTD

Gary Green Memorials

New memorials Additional inscriptions & renovations

14 Claybury Broadway, Clayhall, Ilford Tel: 020 8551 6866 Fax: 020 8503 9889

Gants Hill

41 Manor Park Crescent, Edgware, Middx Tel: 020 8381 1525 Fax: 020 8381 1535

For a lady to call

12 Beehive Lane Gants Hill, IG1 3RD Telephone

0207 754 4659 0207 754 4646

www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk

HEALTHCARE

Edgware

130 High Street Edgware, HA8 7EL Telephone

www.memorialgroup.co.uk

BRIDGE

SILVER

Bridge lessons with Harold Schogger FREE TASTERS, BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATES 2 Free Taster Sessions Tuesday 16th January 2 New Beginners Courses Tuesday 23rd January 2 New Intermediates Courses Monday 22nd January

Healthcare

GUARANTEED SUCCESS

www.haroldschogger.com T:0208 905 3877

Covering North London Providing: Home care, Live-in, Overnight Care Quality assured, with care plans tailored to suit you according to your wishes.

DANCE CLASSES

Our services include: • Preparing meals • Personal care going to bed • Washing/ironing

• Medication prompting • Help getting up or

Classes in Dance, Fitness and Performing Arts

Contact one of our friendly professional team to discuss your needs on Tel: 0203 621 4525 Mob: 0737 604 6049

*School Clubs*Parties*Camps*Shows* 0208 359 1223 / info@dancingwithlouise.com / www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk

info@angelichealthcare.co.uk • www.angelichealthcare.co.uk Angelic Care Recruiting Agency Ltd. North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, New Southgate, N11 1GN

LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORY

Leave a legacy and create the future leaders of Israel

020 8458 2223 info@jamiuk.org www.jamiuk.org #jamithinkahead

1 in 4 people will experience mental illness.

Youth Aliyah Child Rescue Trojan House, 34 Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2JU t: 020 8371 1580 e: info@youthaliyah.org.uk www.youthaliyah.org.uk

Leave a legacy to Jami to support those with a mental illness across the Jewish community.

Charity No: 1077913

Remember our future Please remember the future of Jewish children by remembering Jewish Child’s Day in your will. It is the legacy that will last a lifetime.

To find out more call 020 8446 8804 or email info@jcd.uk.com

Reg Charity No. 1003345 Registered Charity No. 209266

15-040-ER Small legacy advert v3.qxp_Legacy 16/11/2017 08:26 Page 1

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL. Call Alison on 020 8922 2833 for more information or email arubenstein@jcare.org Charity Reg No. 802559

Secure our

Leave the legacy of independence to people like Joel.

PLease remember us in your wiLL.

eNABLeD visit www.Jbd.org or caLL 020 8371 6611

Registered Charity No. 259480

children’s future

The British Friends of Reuth

People come to Reuth broken, with no physical and mental independence.

The patients need your legacy to help rebuild their lives T: 020 3286 4100 E: info@reuth.org.uk W: www.reuth.org.uk Charity no: 1126124

Please include

CST in your Will

Charity no. 1042391

Every gift makes a difference legacy@cst.org.uk

Legacy advert 84x40.indd 1

020 8457 3700

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07/04/2017 14:47

25 January 2018 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

38

Active

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Send details of what you’ve been up to and forthcoming events to: andrews@thejngroup.com

Team keep pace in three-way title race MGBSFL The race for the Division Two title is fast turning into a three-horse race – with the top trio of sides all winning on Sunday morning.

FC Team sit in third, as Eddie Sternberg’s double and Jon Breger ‘s strike helped it to a 5-3 win at Straw Hat Pirates. Dave Grossman scored their fifth, with player-manager Mitch Young saying: “It was a comfortable win, but we made hard work of it..”

Mill Hill Dons still lead the table by two points, after doubles from Zach Cohen and Adam Isaacs saw it to a 4-0 win at Real Hendon.

Two goals from Adam Ellis, along with strikes from Rafi Terespolsky and

Gav Nussbaum saw Bayern Mincha beat Raiders C 4-1. Josh Cohen’s hattrick helped Hertswood Vale beat Faithfold B 4-1, James Neidle scored their fourth.

Raiders B were held to a 3-3 draw

by Oakwood B in Division One. Rob Blackman, David Dinkin and Jake Gilbert all got on the scoresheet, but Simon Davies, Daniel Seligman and Max Clynes goals denied them a point.

London Lions White moved up to fourth spot in the Premier Division as a hat-trick from Ollie Craig helped it to a 6-0 win over Raiders A. Adam Arnold, Tyler Smith and Josh Weiner were also on target.

Defeated Diego earns Nadal praise

Fairlop FC booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy after James Jaconell’s strike earned it a 1-0 win against London Lions Vets.

Brady’s trip up north was in vain as they were beaten 3-1 by Manchester Maccabi 2nd, Simon Lester scored twice, with Jack Myers also on target.

Los Blancos booked its place in the semi-finals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup as goals from Avi Kestenbaum, Oli Sade and Jake Doffman saw the Division One side beat their Premier Division opponents Camden Park 3-0.

 Full review: jewishnews.co.uk TENNIS

ACTIV8 STAY ACTIVE NEXT WEEK...

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9th East Finchley Brownies 25 Jan – 5.45pm-7.15pm BrownOwlHGS@hotmail.com Seniors stroll through Mill Hill Park 28 Jan – 10.00am office@millhillsynagogue.co.uk MGB Jewish walking tour of London 28 Jan – 11.00am-1.00pm janice@maccabigb.org Street Dance for 9-13-year-olds 29 Jan – 9.00am-5.00pm www.jw3.org.uk

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Football unites for Holocaust Memorial Day

Photos by Pete Haskin AJN

Diego Schwartzman saw his hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open ended by Nadal Rafael, but the world number one was quick to praise the Argentinian for a “great battle”. Schwartzman became the first player to win a set against the Spaniard, when he tied the match by winning a second set tiebreak, but Nadal went on to win the third and fourth set 6-3. Gracious in victory, Nadal said: “It was a great battle. He is a good friend of mine, a great player in all aspects.” Schwartzman said: “I think I did a good job. I had the chances, but Rafa played better than me in the important moments.”

Jon Breger scored twice for FC Team in their win over Straw Hat Pirates

11th Edgware Cub Pack 29 Jan – 6.30pm-8.00pm office@edgwareu.com Israeli dancing at Ealing shul 30 Jan – 8.00pm-10.00pm office@ealingsynagogue.org.uk Tone & Stretch class 1 Feb – 9.30am office@muswellhillsynagogue.org.

Tai Chi class at Shaarei Tsedek 1 Feb – 2.00pm-3.00pm info@shaarei-tsedek.org.uk

AND IF YOU’RE FEELING INACTIVE...

The Art of Hebrew Calligraphy 30 Jan – 12.30pm www.jw3.org.uk

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, the FA’s Paul Elliot and Brighton striker Tomer Hemed show their support for World Jewish Congress’ #WeRemember campaign Chelsea Football club owner Roman Abramovich has put his weight behind the World Jewish Congress’ campaign to mark International Holocaust Memorial Day. Joining members of the squad, who were pictured holding up signs reading #WeRemember, he said: “there is still much to be done in the fight against anti-Semitism”.

The English Football Association has also given its support to the campaign, with Paul Elliott, chairman of The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, telling Jewish News: “It’s important to remember, but it’s also about celebrating the remembrance. This is important history – and it’s important to remember.

“I was very impressed by the substantive range and the diverse areas of people who are behind this, I think it’s very clever – that

it’s gone into sport, business, politics, to maximise and amplify the message.”

Also speaking about Chelsea launching its campaign to raise awareness of anti-Semitism, he said: “I absolutely hope other clubs take their lead. They’ve shown a tremendous commitment to this, it’s credible they’ve done this and we [at the FA] support it along with any other clubs who will take part in it.”

Talking about its campaign, WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer said: “We’re reaching out to millions across the globe to join our We Remember social media campaign and work together to combat antiSemitism and all forms of hatred, genocide and xenophobia. Above all, the campaign’s an educational initiative, aimed at reminding the world that unless we remember, these horrors can happen again.”

25 January 2018 Jewish News

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25 January 2018

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