1349 - 11th Jan 2024

a Un re i st ted ro w n e ge r

Hidden terror city Is UK still Jewish News goes inside Gaza’s largest tunnel See page 17

our Eden?

Josh Glancy can’t help noticing troubling signs P9

PROUD VOICE OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY 11 January 2024

•

1 Shvat 5784

•

Issue No.1349 •

@JewishNewsUK

From fish and chips to fashion!

at TLV

We toast kosher culture as MPs debate launching British Jewish History Month P6-8

Airport shows solidarity with hostages Page 19

British barrister poised to debunk ‘genocide’ claims Evidence refuting war crimes claim against Israel set out today at the International Court of Justice

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

Malcolm Shaw KC: defending Israel

British barrister Malcom Shaw, Israel’s main legal representative in the International Court of Justice, will today vigorously challenge claims made by South Africa that genocide has been committed in Gaza by highlighting the appalling lack of concern by Hamas for the lives of its own citizens.

At a trial in The Hague, Israel finds itself facing the genocide charge in an

84-page legal case led by South Africa, a critic of Israel and a state seen as being increasingly friendly with Iran and with terror group Hamas itself.

Jewish News can reveal that highly regarded KC Shaw will mount an argument in the UN’s top court that the devastating civilian death toll among Palestinians since Israel set out to destroy Hamas after it carried out the 7 October atrocity is result of the terror group’s own tactic of embedding itself among the civilian population.

There is also expected to be strong

argument that the “genocidal” attack was the one mounted by Hamas terrorists in southern Israel on 7 October, and that the IDF has responded in a way that does not contravene international law and in an attempt to stop the terrorist group from ever attacking the Jewish state again.

South Africa’s application to the ICJ alleges that Israel has violated several articles of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, including committing genocide, incitement to genocide, attempted genocide and failure

to punish incitement to genocide. It also alleges that 70 percent of civilian casualties in Gaza are women and children.

Open criticism of the South African case has come from senior figures in Israel and from within the UK. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said on Tuesday that “there is nothing more atrocious and preposterous” than the accusations of genocide against Israel. Government spokesman Eylon Levy added that Continued on page 4

2

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 11 January 2024

ISRAEL AT WAR

Blinken makes fourth visit

by Jotam Confino in Israel

US secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Israeli leaders this week in his fourth visit to Israel since Hamas massacred 1,200 people on 7 October.

Blinken met with President Herzog, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant and foreign minister Israel Katz, stressing Washington’s continued support for Israel against Hamas while calling on more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

Blinken also addresses recent calls by farright ministers to deport Palestinians from Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements.

“Palestinian civilians must be able to return home as soon as conditions allow. They must not be pressed to leave Gaza. As I told the prime minister, the US unequivocally rejects any proposals advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza, and the prime minister reaffirmed to me today that this is not the policy of Israel’s government,” he said.

As for the 136 hostages still held by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and apparently civilians, Blinken met their families, repeating his call for their immediate release.

“For [the families], every day, every hour, every minute that they’re separated from their loved ones is an eternity,” he said.

Blinken said the daily toll on civilians in Gaza, particularly on children, is “far too high” and that “more food, more water, more medicine, other essential goods need to get into Gaza.

“And then once they’re in Gaza, they need to get more effectively to the people who need them,” he added, in a reference to the numerous reports and videos of Hamas stealing humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

“Israel must be – must stop taking steps that undercut Palestinians’ ability to govern themselves effectively. Extremist settler violence carried out with impunity, settlement expansion, demolitions, evictions all make it harder,

The aftermath of IDF bombing in Gaza and, inset, Anthony Blinken, (left) with President Isaac Herzog

not easier, for Israel to achieve lasting peace and security,” he added.

During Blinken’s visit to Israel, Hezbollah launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks from Lebanon in response to the IDF assassinating a senior Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon on Monday.

An Israeli drone attack killed Wissam alTawil, who commanded Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force and played a leading role in the group’s southern activities near the border with Israel.

Israel carried out two other assassinations this week. On Monday, the IDF said it assassinated senior Hamas official Hassan Hakashah in Syria, was central figure responsible for rockets fired by Hamas from Syrian territory toward Israel in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes killed Ali Hussein Barji, the Commander of the Southern Lebanon Region of Hezbollah’s Aerial Unit.

According to the IDF, Ali led dozens of terror activities against Israel using explosive UAVs

SHAPPS’ DAUGHTER FELT UNSAFE AT UNI The daughter of defence secretary Grant Shapps had revealed she dropped a module about Israel while studying at Leeds University because she felt “unsafe” with responses by her peers to the Hamas terror attack.

Tabytha Shapps, a second-year undergraduate studying politics and economics, told the Telegraph newspaper: “As the only Jew in the class…

I’m sat there and I’m thinking, what about the injustices of the 1,200 Israelis killed on Oct 7?”

The 19-year-old said she felt intimidated by the chants “from the river to the sea” and placards reading “end Israeli state terror” at pro-Palestine protests at the university.

Fellow students talked about “Israeli apartheid and Israel’s agenda as a genocidal state”, she says , which made her so uncomfortable she felt forced to drop the module.

A spokesman for the University of

Grant Shapps in Manchester

Leeds said: “While the university has a legal duty to support free speech, antisemitism or Islamophobia of any kind will not be tolerated and we do not support any views or actions which make others feel unsafe or unwelcome on campus.”

It said its security teams were working with police and with the CST to try to ensure students feel safe and urges them to report incidents for investigation.

and surveillance UAVs against Israel and IDF soldiers.

Three other members of Hezbollah were killed in a car in what appeared to be another Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday.

Part of Blinken’s visit to Israel revolved around preventing the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah from igniting a regional war.

“The United States stands with Israel in ensuring its northern border is secure. We’re fully committed to working with Israel to find a diplomatic solution that avoids escalation and allows families to return to their homes, to live securely in northern Israel and also in southern Lebanon,” he said, referring to the more than 80,000 Israeli civilians who have been evacuated from their homes in northern Israel due to Hezbollah’s daily attacks.

In Gaza, Israel announced last week that it would begin pulling thousands of troops out as the IDF prepares for a third phase in the war,

which will consist mainly of special and targeted operations against Hamas, in contrast to the combination of heavy airstrikes, naval strikes and ground troops across the enclave.

However, despite the shift to low-intensity warfare, the IDF announced on Tuesday that nine soldiers had been killed in southern Gaza, six of whom were killed in an explosion in central Gaza.

In total, 185 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its ground invasion. The IDF said it had expanded its military operation in Hamas stronghold Khan Younis, killing more than 40 terrorists on Monday.

The IDF continued to discover tunnels and weapons in civilians areas, including schools and refugee camps in central Gaza where Hamas terrorists have been attacking soldiers in recent weeks.

Israel estimates that some 8,500 terrorists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, while more than 700 have been arrested and brought for interrogation.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October. The terrorist group does not clarify how many of those are civilians, and the numbers cannot be independently verified.

While mass demonstrations and governments across the world continued to call for an immediate ceasefire in the war, the United States continued to reject this outright.

“Nothing has changed about our view that we don’t support a ceasefire at this time.

“There’s no change to that because we don’t believe that benefits anybody but Hamas,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.

“We continue to support humanitarian pauses.”

‘International input on the future of Gaza’ Israel alone should not be allowed to decide what happens to Gaza once it is free from the grip of Hamas terror, according to Sir Keir Starmer.

The Labour leader called for international involvement, including from neighbouring Arab countries, in the future of Gaza, and said Israeli occupation of the Strip should not be the answer.

Sir Keir also called for a “humanitarian truce” in the fighting, following reports that Israel has spelt out its vision for the future of Gaza.

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant outlined proposals for Israel to keep security control of Gaza once Hamas is defeated, while a Palestinian body runs day-to-day administration.

Asked by LBC radio about the

Keir Starmer (right) meets Israeli president Isaac Herzog

plans, Starmer said: “We cannot have Israeli occupation, we cannot have people displaced who cannot go back to where they came, because two million have been displaced in the last four months, that is intolerable.”

He added: “I don’t think, frankly, it is for Israel to determine what happens in Gaza. There has got to

be much more international agreement on this, otherwise it simply isn’t going to work.” He pointed to regional rulers in Qatar and Jordan as among those who should be involved in negotiating a peace solution.

Starmer also reiterated calls for an end to the fighting, pointing to humanitarian pauses in the conflict which have previously helped aid get into Gaza as the basis for future peace efforts.

He said: “At the moment what we are seeing is a horror that has gone on for the last few months, far too many civilians being killed in Gaza, far too many people displaced, and not enough aid going in.

“We all want to get to a ceasefire.

So the question is: how do we get there?

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

‘Stand with Israel’ rally this weekend A solidarity rally for Israel takes place in London at 2.30pm this Sunday to mark 100 days since the 7 October Hamas massacre, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

Organised by the 7/10 Human Chain volunteer-led organisation, the event will feature speakers from diverse backgrounds including media, government, and faith leaders representing the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities.

Working closely with the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, 7/10 Human Chain is a grassroots organisation campaigning to bring home the remaining 136 hostages held in Gaza.

Speakers include Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy, Conservative peer Lord Pickles, Labour MP Christian Wakeford, Ayelet Svatitzky, a British Israeli whose mother and brother were abducted by Hamas, Ben Freeman, an influencer and writer, and the Rev Hayley Ace, of Christian Action Against Antisemitism.

Orit Eyal-Fibeesh, co-founder of 7/10 Human Chain Organisation, told Jewish News: “It’s been nearly 100 days since the vicious attack on Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and harm to thousands of citizens. Three months have passed since inno-

3

ISRAEL AT WAR

‘Stark’ risk of famine Britain is lobbying Israel “hard and regularly” to ensure more humanitarian aid reaches Gaza amid warnings the risk of famine is “stark”.

Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell said “numerous constraints” are hindering efforts to help the population of Gaza.

Labour said the fighting “must stop urgently” and there is a “clear” need for a sustained ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Responding to an urgent question from Labour, he said: “We are also clear that too many civilians have been killed, Israel needs to ensure its campaign is targeted on Hamas leaders and operatives, fulfils its obligations to protect civilians and is consistent with international humanitarian law.”

Anti-BDS bill ‘flawed’ ss

A central London rally in October for the hostages. Thousands are expected to attend this Sunday

cent civilians, some as young as nine months old, were captured by a terrorist organisation of the worst kind. Despite this, the streets of London are filled with hate towards Israel, often fuelled by ignorance.

“The Stand with Israel Rally aims to call out to all Jewish and Israelis as well as friends and

allies, urging them to stand with Israel as we hold our heads high, demonstrating our pride and unity in unwavering solidarity and support.

“The people of Israel are not alone, and together we will overcome Hamas and those who support it and call out loud – bring our hostages home.”

The event is supported by the British Board of Deputies, the Campaign Against Antisemitism, the Israeli embassy in London, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Sephardi community, the United Synagogue, UJIA and the Union of Jewish Students.

CST and police will be in attendance.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner and the Labour Friends of Israel group have criticised what they claim is the government’s “flawed” attempt to pass anti-BDS legislation ahead of the general election.

Speaking ahead of the third reading of the government’s Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill in the Commons yesterday evening, both called for the government to work with Keir Starmer’s party on improving what they claim is bad legislation in its current form.

Shadow communities secretary Rayner told Jewish News: “Labour is opposed to BDS policies against Israel, but this Bill is poorly drafted and ill-thought-out. It is not fit for purpose, risks inflaming tensions and creating fresh legal disputes. Labour will continue to urge ministers to stop sowing division and constructively engage with our sensible proposals to address these fundamental flaws and create a workable piece of legislation.”

SAUDI ENVOY OFFERS FRESH HOPE BBC radio says sorry Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the UK has refused to rule out the prospect of a normalisation deal with Israel but only with a pathway for a “stable, independent, sovereign nation for the Palestinians”, writes Lee Harpin.

In an interview on Radio 4’s Today programme, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud was asked about the status of normalisation talks in the aftermath of the 7 October attack, and Israel’s response in Gaza.

He confirmed there was “absolutely” continued interest from his country in achieving a deal, adding “there’s been interest since 1982”.

He continued: “We’ve been at this for a long time and willing to accept Israel for a long time. It’s a reality that we have to live with. But we can’t live with Israel without a Palestinian state.”

Asked about the state of talks over normalisation prior to 7 October, Prince Khalid said: “We were close to normalisation therefore close to a Palestinian state. One doesn’t come without the other.

“The sequencing, how it’s managed, that’s what was being discussed. Not just with

Americans, but also with the Palestinians.

“Palestinians are the key element to this.

This is not a Saudi Israeli peace plan. It’s about the survival of both countries going forwards.

“We are just a part of this, at the end of the day it’s the interest of the Palestinian people that are most important because without a stable, independent, sovereign nation for the Palestinians nothing else matters.”

The Saudi diplomat was also asked whether he saw Hamas as being “part of that solution, part of that future state?”

He replied: “It requires a lot of thought. A lot of work. If you look at Ireland today there are a lot of members, the largest party in Ireland today was recognised as terrorists for years here in the UK. “There’s always room for change if you have optimism and hope. But when there’s a conflict, the first thing you have to recognise is that both sides have lost.”

The ambassador suggested that the current Israeli government was working from an “extremist absolutist perspective which does not want to achieve compromise and therefore you are never going to end the conflict”.

Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud

However, pressed on the fact that the Saudis were negotiating with Israel, he said: “We weren’t talking to them, the Americans were.”

Prince Khalid added that he was of the view that settlers with extremist views had now “occupied the Israeli government”.

He added: “And it’s not just from the acknowledged right-wing extremists, it’s some of the ministers we thought were more sensible. In most sensible governments they’d be asked to leave.”

The BBC has apologised for reporting Hamas claims that the Israeli army carried out “summary executions” of Palestinians in Gaza.

BBC radio news bulletins reported Hamas’ allegation on Christmas Eve but the corporation has subsequently said insufficient efforts were made to corroborate the claim.

The AFP news agency had initially reported that Hamas had gathered testimonies showing 137 Palestinians had been executed since the start of Israel‘s offensive.

The BBC said: “In overnight output [on radio news bulletins] we ran a story about Hamas accusing the Israeli army of carrying out summary executions in the Gaza Strip.

“Although the accusations were attributed [to Hamas] and our story contained a response from the Israeli military saying they were unaware of the incident and that Hamas was a terrorist organisation that did not value truth, we had not made sufficient effort to seek corroborating evidence to justify reporting the Hamas claim. We apologise for this mistake.”

4

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 11 January 2024

ISRAEL AT WAR

British lawyer to defend Israel on genocide claims Continued from page 1 South Africa was “criminally complicit,” and that it had “openly aligned itself with the Hamas rapist regime”.

In the House of Commons, former Attorney General Michael Ellis said there was “no legal merit” in the South African case before the ICJ. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims that more than 23,000 people have been killed in the fighting, but these figures cannot be independently verified, and include both civilians and combatants.

The IDF says it has killed over 8,500 Hamas fighters in Gaza, in addition to some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on 7 October.

As he outlines his defence, Israel’s legal expert Shaw is expected to highlight to the ICJ judges how the army has repeatedly dropped leaflets on the areas of Gaza it targeted ahead of military action. Phone calls and text messages telling civilians to evacuate were also made by the IDF in advance of its activity.

But South Africa’s representatives are expected to highlight numerous inflammatory comments made by senior government ministers, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which suggest the IDF had no problem with attacking civilians in Gaza.

Ben-Gvir is widely reported to have told a party meeting last week that the war was an “opportunity to concentrate on encouraging the migration of the residents of Gaza”.

CORBYN SIDES WITH S AFRICA

A placard thanking South Africa for referring Israel to the International Court for Justice for alleged genocide is displayed during a Gaza Ceasefire Now protest in London

But Netanyahu has distanced himself from previous divisive comments, saying Israel has no plans to stay in Gaza after the war.

While a final verdict will take years to reach, South Africa has asked the ICJ to issue provisional orders against Israel that could include demanding a total and immediate ceasefire.

The court’s 15 permanent judges

MP’S EDUCATION PLEA The government should stage an independent review into how schools could do more to educate pupils about antisemitism, an MP has said.

Andrew Percy made the request to Rishi Sunak after reading out a sinister list of anti-Jewish messages written by children as young as 11 in schools in this country.

The Conservative, who is Jewish, also claimed some schools had allowed “pro-Palestinian activists to educate pupils on the history of Palestine and displayed slides to students that denied the existence of the state of Israel”. He said other schools had allowed pupils to be absent to attend pro-Palestine demos at which antisemitic chanting had been heard.

In his question to Sunak at PMQs

yesterday, Percy said: “Can I ask the prime minister to hold an independent review on how we can do more on our curriculum to educate about the perils of antisemitism.”

The PM said there was “no place for antisemitism or glorification of terrorism in Britain, especially in our classrooms”. He also praised recent recommendations by Lord Mann on tackling antisemitism in classrooms.

Sunak added: “We will continue to work together with Lord Mann on this vital issue.”

Among the observations from pupils in recent weeks highlighted

by Percy was the suggestion, “Not all Jews are bad”. Another message read, “Palestinians are dying while the Zionists are laughing their lives away.”

are appointed by the UN General Assembly, including from Russia, China, Somalia, Lebanon and Uganda, as well as friendlier states such as France, Germany, Australia and India.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron also appeared to cast doubt on the credibility of South Africa’s case when he was quizzed by MPs on Tuesday,

although he stressed it was not his job to make a “legal adjudication”.

Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said the Labour leader was of the view is up to the ICJ to make an independent judgement on the case brought against Israel by South Africa. But he added this is “not a case we would have signed on to... not something we would support”.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will join the South African government delegation at the ICJ for the country’s case against Israel.

As per a Pretoria statement, the South African delegation will be joined by “senior political figures from progressive political parties and movements across the globe”, including Corbyn.

The statement said Corbyn will stand with Pretoria at The Hague on Thursday and Friday for the hearings in the case against Israel, in which the nation is accused of genocide against the people of Palestine.

The delegation will be led by South African minister of justice and correctional services Ronald Lamola.

Lamola said: “We are determined to see the end of the genocide that is currently taking place in Gaza.

“We are most encouraged by leaders of the world who have not blunted their consciousness and have stood on the right side of history by supporting a case that seeks to protect the rights of human beings, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.”

Corbyn was the only foreign political figure named in the South African statement.

Earlier this week, he called on parliament to “support South Africa’s process”.

School declines Levy talk development and alumni in January An independent boys’ school in 2023, refused.

Hampstead has refused to allow a Tasked with encouraging finanformer student who works for the cial support and philanthropy for Israeli government to address pupils. the school, Pickering, who spent a Eylon Levy, born to Israeli pardecade as a fundraiser at the Unients in north London, has achieved versity of Reading, thanked Levy for acclaim for his succinct interviews his offer, but wrote: “We are unfortuwith international media since the nately unable to accept”.

Hamas terror atrocities of 7 October.

He added: “Upon seeking advice His reputation as an orator was Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy on how best to support all pupils established when, as a student at Oxford University, George Galloway walked out of a at UCS, the school has taken a decision not to provide a platform for discussing or fundraising for causes debate with him.

After graduating from Cambridge, Levy made aliyah at directly involved with the current conflict.”

He added: “We have been clear in our condemnation of the age of 23. He was most recently an international media the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas, and neither adviser to President Isaac Herzog.

Ahead of a planned return to the UK next week, Levy antisemitism nor Islamophobia have any place at UCS. “We are aware that many in our community have been wrote to his alma mater, which charges around £25,000 a directly impacted by the conflict and we endeavour to supyear, offering to speak to students.

Edd Pickering, appointed at UCS as director of port them as appropriate.”

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Do something beyond incredible By leaving a Future Gift to Jewish Care in your Will, you’ll be doing something beyond incredible. Future Giving ensures that vulnerable older people in our community are supported, even beyond your lifetime. Without gifts in Wills we couldn’t provide the high level of care that our community deserves.

You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a Future Gift, and there can be tax benefits to your estate.

To find out more about Future Giving or our free Will-writing service: • Contact Sarit on 020 8922 2819 • Email legacyteam@jcare.org • Visit jewishcare.org/futuregiving • Scan the QR code below

Charity Reg. No. 802559

5

6

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 11 January 2024

News / Jewish History Month

British kosher culture: fashion to fish ’n’ chips Today, MPs will pay tribute to the contribution made by the Jewish community to our national identity and consider proposals for a British Jewish History Month.

Michelle Rosenberg celebrates our enduring cultural influence Ahead of a historic Commons debate today aimed at securing a national Jewish History Month, Jewish News and Jewish Renaissance are launching a campaign to support the initiative.

Nickie Aiken, Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster, told Jewish News she was determined to ensure the “significant and positive contribution the community has made” is properly recognised.

She added: “There is so much rich British Jewish history and the significant contribution the community has made to improve the lives of all Britons.

“Whether it’s in business, science, the arts, politics, the legislature, academia, philanthropy, British Jews punch way above their weight when it comes to making a difference for the better. It is time we recognised and celebrate these outstanding achievements.”

The first Jews arrived in this country more than 2,000 years ago with the Romans.

According to the 2021 UK census, there were 271,327 Jews in England and Wales, an estimated 0.5 percent of the population.

From media and medicine to literature, art, sport and science, we have canvassed several communal and cultural organisations to explore what might be included.

THE ARTS

The single largest art donation to this country was by Sir Arthur Gilbert (19132001, knighted in 2001) and his first wife Rosalinde (1913-95), who donated their entire collection of treasures to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. It includes gold and silver, enamel miniatures, gold boxes and mosaics.

Emilia Bassano Lanier, a musician famed for her beauty, is thought to have

The historian Simon Schama

Tracy-Ann Oberman and Maureen Lipman Snuffbox with a miniature of Napoleon Bonaparte © The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection/V&A

volumes of poetry and two volumes of been the inspiration for Shakespeare’s autobiography.

‘Dark Lady’, who featured in his sonnets.

Playwright and actor Steven Berkoff She wrote and lived at the same time as and film director Sam Mendes are the Bard, who was just four years considered national theatrical older. No confirmed representreasures, Sacha Baron tations of Emilia Lanier Cohen brought us Ali G from her lifetime exist. and Sam Wanamaker, Sir Simon Schama who moved to the UK and Simon Sebag Monduring the McCarthy tefiore are historians, trials, devoted his TV presenters and life to reinventing authors of popular Shakespeare’s Globe history books. British Theatre, on London’s Jewish literary lumiSouth Bank. naries also include Harold Pinter and Howard Jacobson, Arnold Wesker, two of David Aaronovitch, Britain’s greatest dramaBernice Rubens, Anita tists, died in 2008 and 2016, Brookner and Linda Grant. having both been born in the Bernard Kops is one of the best-known playwrights of his Mitch Winehouse with a early 1930s. Pinter won a Nobel time. He achieved recognistatue of daughter Amy Prize in 2005 and Wesker was knighted in 2006. tion with his first play, The Veteran actress Dame Maureen Lipman Hamlet of Stepney Green, which has been deserved an ‘ology’ as the legendary performed worldwide.

‘Beattie’ for the 1980s ads for British TelHe has written more than 40 plays ecom, not to mention her role in Coronation for stage and radio, nine novels, seven

The playwright Bernard Kops

Brian Epstein with The Beatles

Street, and Tracy-Ann Oberman is the first British actress to play Shylock in her portrayal of The Merchant of Venice.

Singer songwriter Amy Winehouse made two acclaimed albums, Frank and Back to Black. A life-size bronze of the star, unveiled in 2014, complete with beehive hairstyle and Star of David necklace, is a must-see tourist attraction in Camden.

Liverpool’s impresario Brian Epstein brought us The Beatles and Amy Winehouse while the arts promoter Harvey Goldsmith brought the 1985 multi-venue ‘Live Aid’ concert to the world.

SOCIAL REFORM and PHILANTHROPY The Angel of the East End, Miriam Moses was a social reformer and the first female mayor of Stepney (1931–32).

She was one of nine surviving children of Mark Moses, who had moved to England from Poland when he was just eight, and his wife, charity worker Hannah (Annie, née Ehrenberg). A plaque marks

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

7

Jewish History Month / News her place of birth at 17 Princelet Street.

Leonard Montefiore supported women’s emancipation in Victorian England. Born in 1853, he died young, aged 26, of rheumatic fever. Montefiore was a nephew of financier Sir Moses Montefiore, and his friends included playwright Oscar Wilde and historian Arnold Toynbee.

He was secretary of the Society for the Extension of University Teaching in Tower Hamlets, a member of the Jewish Board of Guardians and a passionate advocate of women’s suffrage. A historic fountain in London’s East End built was restored and unveiled in his honour by Baroness Rabbi Neuberger last year.

In 2020, the Clore Duffield Foundation, chaired by the Benjamin philanthropist Dame Disraeli Vivien, founder of JW3 and a director of the South Bank Centre, donated more than £2.5m to 66 cultural organisations in the UK including the Tate, Natural History Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Roundhouse, Unicorn Theatre and Royal Academy of Arts.

POLITICS

Born Jewish in 1804, Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, became an Anglican at the age of 12 after his father Isaac had an argument with their synagogue.

He served as Britain’s first Jewish prime minister in

Michael Marks’ Penny Bazaar, forerunner of M&S

1868 and then again between 1874 and 1880.

The Rt Hon Dame Margaret Hodge is the Labour MP for Barking and has been an MP continuously since 9 June 1994. In 2010, she became the first woman elected chair of the Public Accounts Committee, serving until 2015.

Dominic Raab is the son of a Czech Jewish refugee who fled to Britain in 1938, leaving behind family who would later perish in the Shoah.

He has been Tory MP for Esher and Walton since 2010 and served as deputy prime minister, lord chancellor and justice secretary from October 2022 to April 2023.

British Jews have also been leaders of the Opposition (Michael Howard for the Conservatives, Ed Miliband for Labour), foreign secretary (Rufus Isaacs, Malcolm Rifkind and David Miliband), home secretary (Herbert Samuel, Leon Brittan and Michael Howard) and chancellor (Nigel Lawson and George Osborne).

Kirkgate Market in Leeds, adding the slogan ‘Don’t ask the price, it’s a penny.’

In 1894 he teamed with cashier Tom Spencer and in September of that year Marks and Spencer was born. As of December 2023, there were 1,057 M&S stores in the UK and 406 stores at locations across the globe.

Tesco was founded by Sir Jack Cohen. Born Jacob Edward Kohen to Polish parents in 1898, he was a Whitechapel grocer who served in the British Army in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War before returning to set up the business in Hackney. In 1924, he created the Tesco brand name from the initials of a favoured tea supplier, TE Stockwell, and the first two letters of his surname. There are now 2,863 Tesco stores spread across the UK.

SPORT

Bare-knuckle boxer Daniel Mendoza was a Sephardi Jew who was champion boxer of England for most years from 1788 until 1795.

Former professional Scottish boxer Gary ‘The Kid’ Jacobs held the British, Commonwealth and European (EBU) welterweight titles and fought for the WBC crown.

RETAIL

Marks and Spencer founder Michael Marks arrived in England from Belarus (then Russian Poland). Beginning work as a pedlar, in 1884 he opened his first Penny Bazaar stall at

Gary ‘The Kid’ Jacobs

ex-servicemen and five women, to fight back against the resurgence of Oswald Mosley’s British fascists. In 1982, he established the Vidal Sassoon International Vidal Sassoon Centre for the Study of Antisemitism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Fashion duo Elizabeth and David Emanuel designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress; an exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands celebrating Jewish fashion designers from London runs until April 2024.

Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style includes Mr Fish ((born Michael Fish), Cecil Gee, Otto Lucas, the Rahvis sisters and Madame Isobel (Isobel Spevak Harris).

Cecil Gee, who began his career in the 1930s, designed the ‘demob suit’ which was granted to British soldiers by the army after their war service.

SCIENCE and MEDICINE

Sir Robert Winston grew up in north

FASHION and STYLE

Celebrity hair stylist Vidal Sassoon was born to Jewish immigrant in Hammersmith, west London. He served in Israel’s War of Independence before returning to the UK to start his hairdressing career as an apprentice, opening his first London salon in 1954.

Sassoon was also part of the anti-fascist 43 Group, formed by 38 Jewish

The Emanuels (inset) and Lady Diana’s dress

Our Jewish identity on tour

by Jenni Frazer jenni@jennifrazer.com @Jennifrazer

The director of the National Holocaust Museum says its new touring exhibition, I Say British, You Say Jewish, is aimed at showing different aspects of British-Jewish identity — with the additional bonus of showing “their distortions in everyday anti-Jewish racism”.

The pop-up touring exhibitionin-a-trailer will launch outside Hampstead Theatre in the London borough of Camden, where it can be seen from 14 to 20 January. It will then move to other cities around the country including Manchester, Wakefield and others.

Through images, objects and interactive digital displays, the exhibition explores myths and realities of being Jewish and British — arguably the most misunderstood of “dual identities”. It offers opportu-

nities to discover some Jewish elements of popular British culture in food, music and football.

But it also exposes anti-Jewish prejudices. It invites visitors to explore everyday objects, from curious walking sticks to good luck charms that have normalised antiJewish racism. In challenging this normalisation, the exhibition makes clear why the attempt to erase Jewish identity is no longer just the province of the extreme right. It is now championed by leftist activists, Islamists and even on our university campuses.

The exhibition is an invitation to think again about unconscious bias. A few objects on display seem harmless enough — until you lift up a flap to discover the particular ingrained anti-Jewish assumption each derives from.

The exhibition has been timed to coincide with 2024’s Holocaust Memorial Day, whose theme this

The touring exhibition shows off aspects of British-Jewish identity

year is The Fragility of Freedom .

The National Holocaust Museum says: “It is of concern that some people are so ready to erase British Jewish freedoms because of the Hamas-Israel war 3,000

miles away. As social activists, we do not simply wish to highlight the problem. We wish to be part of the solution, unpicking and disrupting the ancient prejudices at play.”

Director Marc Cave said: “This

exhibition asks: why is it so difficult to understand that someone’s identity can happily contain diverse elements? Jews have integrated with pride into British society for centuries, whilst preserving Jewish customs and indeed sharing them.

Yet it’s precisely this duality which unnerves the racists.

“Today’s leftists and Islamists make the same old accusations as the far right with their paranoid money, blood and loyalty libels against Jews.

“This exhibition gleefully defies them. British Jews will define their identity, not them. And we are thankful that Britain will uphold this identity, not let the appeasers cancel it.

“We thank the councils of Camden and Manchester and others for supporting this exhibition. May the monomaniacs who cannot grasp the idea of duality one day learn to practise it themselves!”

8

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 11 January 2024

News / Jewish History Month London and developed techniques to improve IVF. He has presented several BBC series over the years and is an emeritus professor at Imperial College London.

Olga Kennard, Lady Burgen was a Hungarian-born British scientist who specialised in crystallography. She founded the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre.

Baroness Rabbi Julia Neuberger chairs University College London Hospitals NHS Sir Robert Foundation Trust. ForWinston merly chair of the Kings Fund, she is an ethicist who has appeared on BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought .

For many years she acted as president of Liberal Judaism and she is a former rabbi of West London Synagogue. She taught at her alma mater, Leo Baeck College, from 1977 to 1997.

J Michael Kosterlitz jointly won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics for studies of unusual states of matter. He was born in Aberdeen to German Jewish emigrés — his father was the pioneering biochemist Hans Walter Kosterlitz. Michael Kosterlitz was educated in England at Cambridge and Oxford universities.

Dr Hannah Billig, known as the Angel of Cable Street, was born in 1901 at 41 Hanbury Street in Spitalfields to Russian Orthodox Jews Milly and Barnett Billig,

who had fled their native Russia following pogroms.

A blue plaque at 198 Cable Street commemorates her work and bravery, when during the Second World War she provided medical support voluntarily at air raid shelters in Wapping.

HISTORY and HERITAGE

Yes, it’s Jewish

Old Jewry, , formerly known as Jewry, in the City of London, was a thriving centre of medieval Jewish life.

Bevis Marks Synagogue (1701) in Aldgate, also in the City, is the oldest synagogue in the UK, and was built

by Sephardi Jews who had arrived from Amsterdam. It is now Grade I-listed.

Spitalfields market: From 1880 to 1970, the market was FOOD predominantly Jewish and Fried fish, known as ‘Pescado probably one of the largest frito’, was first introduced Jewish communities in into Britain by 16th-century Europe, with more than 40 Jewish refugees from Porsynagogues. It is estimated tugal and Spain. that by 1901, parts of SpitalAshkenazi immigrant A bonanza of bagels fields had an almost 95 percent Joseph Malin opened the first Jewish population. fish and chip shop in Cleveland Street, within the sound of the Bow Bells, in c1860. Even US president Thomas Jefferson, after a visit to England, wrote that he had sampled “fried fish in the Jewish fashion”.

Now a traditional British meal staple, the first Friday in June every year is National Fish & Chips Day. Today there are an estimated 11,000 ‘chippies’ across the UK. Bagels (or beigels) are thought to have originated in Eastern Europe and were sold in Brick Lane in the mid 19th century.

Rumour has it that the hole in the middle was to allow bakers to thread them on to dowels when they walked the streets selling Artillery Lane, Spitalfields, in 1912. Parts of their bread. the area were almost all Jewish. Picture: Brits eat more than 320m bagels a year.

Bishopsgate Institute/Jeremy Freedman

A RICH CULTURE TO MAKE US ALL PROUD

BY OLIVER DOWDEN MP It is a real source of pride to me to represent one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. It is important to recognise the valuable contribution the Jewish community has made over centuries and I wholly support the proposals for a Jewish History Month.

Not only will this provide the opportunity to preserve and celebrate their heritage, it will also educate individuals on their history and contributions to society.

A dedicated month to the Jewish community could help foster a better and deeper understanding of Jewish history, which is so desperately needed right now.

As our communities continue to face the scourge of antisemitism, a dedicated month would provide the opportunity to reflect and recognise the significant contributions made by Jewish individuals in fields such as science, arts, politics and more. It will allow for the acknowledgment of these contributions to be shared and discussed across our schools and universities.

While as a society, and in my own constituency of Hertsmere, we continue to combat prejudice, the celebration of a Jewish History Month will contribute to the preservation and promotion of our Jewish culture and traditions.

INDEPENDENT ALIYAH CONSULTANT We k n o w t h a t m a k i n g s u c h a s i g n i fi c a n t decision can be daunting. That's why we're here to guide you through the process, to make your aliyah stress-free & easy

IT'S TIME

COME HOME N.B. Also happy to guide those looking to return HOME

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH DOV

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

9

ISRAEL AT WAR

Is our British Eden becoming a more unwelcoming terrain?

BY JOSH GLANCY

❝

THERE ARE THREE MAIN REPOSITORIES OF ANTISEMITISM IN THIS COUNTRY – THE FAR RIGHT, FAR LEFT AND PARTS OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

When, I sometimes ask friends or family, was the last time a Jew in Britain was murdered on account of their Judaism? It’s a morbid question, but a pertinent one. Generally speaking, no one has a clear answer.

We have no modern martyrs, none really since Clifford’s Tower.

Why not? To answer this question, you could do a lot worse than watch One Life, Oliver Cromwell, the liberty to tender the new film about the righteous gentile conscience established a century earlier by Sir Nicholas Winton and the evacuation Queen Elizabeth had laid the groundwork of mostly Jewish children from wartime for a broad panorama of religious obserCzechoslovakia. My favourite performance vance. In recent centuries, this island nation in the film was Helena Bonham Carter as has been sheltered from the worst tempests Winton’s delightfully indomitable German of history: genocide, conquest, civil strife. Its Jewish mother, Babette.

Jews have been sheltered too.

The scene that stood out for me was I’m not naive about Britain. This is a Babette hectoring a reluctant British class-bound, hidebound society that often bureaucrat into providing visas for refugee children in Prague, explaining that she came likes to sneer and exclude. When Jews needed a refuge from the Nazis in the 1930s, to this country and brought up her son to only a lucky few were invited here. When believe that Britain has a “commitment they needed a refuge after the Nazis in the to decency, kindness, respect for others”.

1940s, few were welcomed then either.

The foot-dragging pen pusher grudgingly Yet I really do view Anglo-Jewry as an obliged. The visas were issued. underrated success story. We were the first “Ordinary people wouldn’t stand real ethnic minority in Britain, the first for this, if they knew what was actually significant non-Christian wave of migrahappening,” says Winton later on in the film, as he seeks to build popular support for his visa scheme.

Of course, lots of ordinary people couldn’t have cared less about the Kindertransport arrivals were met at Liverpool Street by friendly strangers plight of European Jewry. But some the current war in the Middle passions are shallow and ephemeral. And did. Those friendly strangers who that the benevolent culture of deep Britain East, as they have during turned up on the platform at Liveris a stronger and more enduring force. every previous Gaza engagepool Street station to take in terriI was reassured of this on Tuesday ment. There’s a nastiness in fied young foreign children for who night, when I went out for a drink with a the air and, though I pray knows how long. It’s mawkish of me new colleague. He waited until the end of I’m wrong, it feels as if it is I know, but I wept quietly in the back the meal, after he’d had a few glasses of only a matter of time before of the Maida Vale Everyman at those wine, before telling me that he is passionthe question that began this moments of deep humanity. ately, profoundly philosemitic and deeply article has a clearer answer.

I really do believe that, in reladisturbed by the hatred he’s observed online There are three main tion to the rest of Europe, there’s in recent months. My response was stutrepositories of antisemsomething a bit divergent about this itism in this country: the far tering – what to say? – but inside I felt a country.

A member of Hizb ut-Tahrir openly protesting in central London warm glow of comfort and kinship. right, the far left and parts Of course Britain might well have Just one example of course, but I still of the Muslim community. Many British tion since the Vikings. And we were mostly behaved similarly to the rest of Europe think that’s the Wintonian spirit and Jews, looking at population patterns accepted with a very British grumble. I see towards its Jews, had the Nazis ever soul of this country: fair-minded, with a and also at recent French history, worry this as a triumph. To me this country is not conquered here. But perhaps not. Perhaps commitment to decency, kindness and particularly about the last of those three. so much the ‘Troubled Eden’ that was the it would have been more like Denmark than respect for others.

But there is now another strand of title of Chaim Bermant’s famous survey of France. This has never been fertile soil for Not everyone of course, and not all the concern: young people fired up by social Anglo-Jewry, but more like a Gan Eden. The fascism or violent antisemitism. time by any means. This is undeniably a media and algorithmic wokery.

Garden of England.

Why is this the case? I can think of difficult moment and the direction of travel Fed a simple and undeniably heartI think it’s critical to remember this several reasons. Generally there’s a moderconcerns me. But when it comes to antirending story of Palestinian genocide, history when we try to answer the most ation to the British temperament, a stolid semitism in Britain, I still believe that most ignorant of history and blind or indifferent pressing question facing our community aversion to sweeping political passions ordinary people, when they know what is to the Judeophobic pitfalls that riddle their today: is all this changing? Is the garden or the kinds of revolutions in which Jews actually happening, just won’t stand for it. culture like holes in a cheese, parts of Gen Z wilting? Is our Eden becoming a more rarely fare well. For many centuries we are veering into quite alarming prejudice. hostile terrain for Jewish life? haven’t had the Catholic Church, a long Josh Glancy is News Review editor at This does not bode well for the future.

Clearly there are some troubling signs. standing bulwark of antisemitism. the Sunday Times But it may also be the case that these digital Antisemitic hate crimes have soared during When Jews returned to Britain under

10 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

ISRAEL AT WAR

Barrister quits as uni investigator The barrister appointed by St from the investigation. No reason Andrews University to investigate was given.

Weereratne, vice-chair of the Bar the conduct of its rector has withdrawn from the role the day after Human Rights Council of England her acceptance of it was disclosed, and Wales, was a signatory to three open letters signed by a group writes Beatrice Sayers. of UK lawyers about the Aswini Weereratne KC war. The letters made was tasked by the Scotreference to Hamas’ tish institution to attacks on Israel on carry out the inquiry 7 October but were following deep divioverwhelmingly sions that arose critical of the Jewish after rector Stella state, accusing it of Maris sent students breaching internaa four-page email tional humanitarian about the war in Gaza. law and targeting civilIn her email shortly ians. A 10-page letter after being elected in Stella Maris of 26 October, which October, Maris urged remained open to sigstudents to campaign for a ceasefire and described Israel as natures after that date and now has more than 1,000 names, called for the an apartheid and genocidal state.

The university said last week UK to stop sales of arms to Israel for Weereratne, of Doughty Street fear of serious and deliberate comChambers, had decided to withdraw mission of war crimes.

The St Andrews University Court will now seek to appoint what it calls “another suitably qualified individual” to carry out the independent investigation.

At a special meeting on 15 December, the university court had decided to appoint an external investigator following calls from students, alumni and others for Maris, 25, to apologise for her email or resign.

The role of rector at St Andrews is intended to include pastoral support, but two months into Maris’ election Jewish students in the town, which has no Jewish community, were said to have been left feeling isolated.

The rector has posted online that she will not interact with their complaints and has suggested she is a victim of racism and misogyny.

Jeremy Dein KC, who has been assisting the Jewish students, commented: “Bearing in mind the sensitivity and gravity of this matter, it is

A St Andrews University graduation and (inset) Aswini Weereratne KC of Doughty Street Chambers, who has withdrawn from the investigation

extremely difficult to understand how this appointment came about. What matters now are not just the qualifications of the individual selected, but the overriding need for total inde-

pendence, impartiality and transparency. This is self-evident and the importance cannot be understated.”

Weereratne and St Andrews University have been asked for comment.

‘Anti-racism’ expert exposed as anti-Zionist Haringey Council has launched an urgent review into posts written by an “anti-racism” educator who is training teachers in the borough after she denounced Zionism and claimed “the long story of Jewish suffering is being operationalised” to justify Israeli “brutality”, writes Lee Harpin.

Jewish News was alerted to inflammatory content written by Penny Rabiger, a member of the Haringey Education Partnership (HEP) Racial Equity Steering Group, after she led training sessions for primary school heads and governors in on teaching children about diversity and inclusion.

The Jewish parents highlighted deeply concerning comments made by Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality PhD candidate Rabiger including the claim made in a blog post that Hamas had responded with

Haringey confirmed to Jewish News it had “violence against violence” during the October 7th terror attack against the “settler-colonial launched a probe into Rabiger, adding there was “no place for any kind of hate”. formation which is the state of Israel.”

Rabiger, a governor at a Haringey primary Further posts by the educator, who is also a member of the Haringey BAME achievement school who confirms she is “secular Jewish” group and a co-founder of the BAMEed Net- herself, is quite open about her opposition to Zionism in multiple posts made on X/ work, included support for the work of Twitter, on her Linkedin page and on a the conspiracy theorist rapper Lowkey. blog she writes and frequently updates, On 5 January, Rabiger also stating at one stage that in her view expressed her support in a post for the “Zionism is contemporary settler-colohounding of customers buying food nialism and should be resisted as part from McdDonalds by pro-Palestine of any anti-racist activism.” campaigners, over claims the fast But in controversial admisfood chain is support of the Israeli sions, the anti-racism edumilitary. She was also open in cator, who taught for years in her criticism of the Department schools in Jerusalem, where for Education’s “impartiality she had Hebrew speaking rules” around the teaching of children with her partner, issues such as Palestine.

Penny Rabiger

openly praises the work of the conspiracy theorist rapper Lowkey, whose work she said she “keeps coming back to” on 24 November.

But after learning that educationalist Rabiger had leading training sessions with school heads last month at one primary school in the borough a Jewish parent told Jewish News: “It is concerning teachers of Jewish pupils are being potentially radicalised by someone with such unbalanced views of Israel as part of what should be an important initiative to ensure teachers are equipped to tackle racism.”

Rabiger posted on X: “Just to be clear I am a dual Israeli-British citizen. I am Jewish, I am not antisemitic. What Hamas did is horrific.”

She added: “Settler colonialism is defined as ‘when colonizers invade and occupy territory to permanently replace the existing society with the society of the colonisers. “

SHAME ON THE UN FOR ITS SILENCE

BY THERESA VILLIERS MP

CONSERVATIVE, CHIPPING BARNET

As I walked through kibbutz Kfar Aza last Thursday, it was chilling to be told once again of the atrocities perpetrated there. The visit was part of a five-day trip to Israel as part of a delegation of MPs hosted by Conservative Friends of Israel.

Three months on from 7 October, too many people seem to have lost sight of why Israel is engaged in war in Gaza.

Concern about the plight of ordinary Gazans is understandable, and the IDF must continue to make every effort to minimise civilian casualties, but those who demand a ceasefire now are effectively asking Israel to surrender unilaterally.

Leaving Hamas in charge in Gaza with the terrorist infrastructure it has spent years building up would risk a repeat of the horrors that occurred just over 90 days ago.

Having watched the harrowing 47-minute film documenting Hamas violence and seen for myself the devastation in Kfar Aza, that is something I cannot accept, and no one else should either. Israel not only has a right to defend its citizens from attack, it has an obligation to. Hamas has no hesitation in using Gazans as human shields and it is now attempting to use the humanitarian situation as a weapon of war to undermine international support for Israel.

The UK government has been one of the staunchest supporters of Israel since 7 October and there must be no backsliding in this country’s support for Israel’s war to remove Hamas from power in Gaza and destroy the capability of this terrorist group to repeat its crimes.

It is clearer than ever that those crimes

include rape and sexual violence. The MP group visiting Israel heard from Professor Ruth Halperin-Kaddari about the increasing evidence of what took place. It is shameful that the UN and other humanitarian organisations have yet to recognise fully what happened. The world needs to wake up to this aspect of the barbaric Hamas attack.

An especially chilling moment came when the group visited an exhibition on the Nova music festival. Created by survivors of the attack, it includes material retrieved from the site, such as tents and burnt-out cars.

Screens show poignant messages as victims sent their final words to parents and friends. As one of the organisers put it: “Four hundred youngsters came to dance and enjoy life and found their death.”

I have been struck again and again by the similarities between 7 October and the Holocaust, never more so than when I saw tables at the Nova exhibition covered in shoes and bags left by young people fleeing for their

lives, providing a disturbing reminder of the piles of belongings taken from Jewish people on arrival at the death camps.

But my visit also gave me some grounds for optimism and hope. I was moved by the dignity and determination of the families waiting for the return of hostages. I was inspired by the stories of the people who survived the attack like Noa Beer, who calmly and bravely drove her car through a hail of bullets to save four people; and Nimrod Palmach, an IDF reservist who got in his car as soon as he heard people were in danger and drove to southern Israel with only a hand gun and nine bullets.

And I was deeply moved to hear the story of Rami Davidian who received a call early on 7 October from a friend asking him to try to find his son who was escaping from the nearby Nova festival.

Rami spent the whole of the next two days driving in and out of the danger area, rescuing more than 500 young people.

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

MEDIA PARTNER

11

12 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

ISRAEL AT WAR

The expat kibbutznik praying for normality A British-Israeli has said he is hoping for life to “go back to normal” in 2024 following a year which he described in just one word – a “massacre”, writes Joy Falk.

Simon King, 59, relocated in 1984 to Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel, where he lived with his wife, Zehavit King, 51, and his two sons aged 13 and 14, and worked as a landscape gardener.

He and his family members were evacuated to a hotel on the Dead Sea following the terror attacks, which left him, his wife and one of his sons trapped in their safe room for 36 hours until they were freed.

King said he returns to the kibbutz every day to help with the clean-up process so those who come to visit can “see what happened with their own eyes”.

He said his hopes for 2024 include moving out of the hotel into his own house and for his family to return to normal routines.

King’s comments came as the conflict enters its third month after Hamas gunmen stormed the Israeli border, killing 1,200

people and taking some 240 hostages. Terror group Hamas claims more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war and more than 53,000 wounded.

Reflecting on the past few months, King, originally from Worcestershire, said: “We’ve all gone through a massacre. It’s not just terrorists going into the kibbutz and shooting you, they had knives and they raped and they cut bodies up.

“They raped young girls and men. We’ve gone through a very traumatic time. My end hope is that I’ll be able to move back to my house and continue a normal life.”

King said it has been “frustrating” over the past few months as the family adjusts to living in the hotel. “Things have been quite frustrating,” he said. “Life in the hotel, going backwards and forwards to Be’eri every day – it takes an hour and a half to get there and an hour and 40 minutes to get back.

“I help to clean it up and make it presentable for the bus loads of people that come to see what happened with their own eyes.”

“My hopes are to get into a house with a couple of bedrooms and a kitchen to do some cooking and not being in a hotel for another year,” he said.

“I hope my children can go back to school and go back to their normal routines of playing football and basketball and I hope my wife goes back to the school in the area to start teaching again.” because it’s quite unbelievable what happened.”

Mr King said most of the “bad scenery” has been cleaned Brothers Ben and Simon KIng. Simon lived at Kibbutz Be’eri

Looking ahead, King said he hopes “to get into a house with a couple of bedrooms and a kitchen to do some cooking and not being in a hotel for another year”.

“I hope my children can go back to school and go back to their normal routines of playing football and basketball and I hope my wife goes back to the school in the area to start teaching again.”

Tech firm offering wartime $50M FUND LAUNCHED mental health programme A US and Israel-based tech company has launched an initiative to provide free mental health support to people during the conflict, writes Candice Krieger.

Established by Yuval Moed, CEO of Eazyshow Inc, a Michigan and Israel-based financial technology company, Ezra.live is a platform for Israelis and Jews under stress to talk, connect and cope during the present difficult times.

Several other volunteers from the tech sector have joined the project, which allows users to connect with a vetted volunteer who offers non-therapeutic support and advice via a remote live video and audio session. The service is free.

Moed said: “During this horrific period, which understandably

Ezra.live founder Yuval Moed

is triggering stress and feelings of loneliness, Ezra.live’s mission is to help individuals better cope by allowing volunteers to offer a listening ear as from a friend.

“A sympathetic, non-judgmental and open ear can be all it takes to help someone through the day.”

Conversations are confidential and can be anonymous. In cases

where the volunteer cannot provide the necessary support, the caller is directed to a mental health hotline for additional support.

Ezra.live volunteer Shirley Khamani, an organisational consultant and coach, said: “We’re in a war and we’re all holding on tight, running around, keeping busy.

“But the minute things calm down a bit, people will have a hard time keeping it together. We want to help people now before things get to that critical mass level.

“Already, we know a lot of people who could use our support, for example spouses whose partners are on the front.

“People need a supportive and empathetic ear where they can give free reign to their feelings.”

Israel’s leading NGO, Volcani International Partners and Western Negev Farmers have launched a $50 million emergency fund to restore and rebuild farming communities, writes Candice Krieger.

ReGrow Israel is raising money that will be given immediately farmers to help them recoup revenue losses and provide equipment such as tractors and ploughs and rebuild infrastructure and irrigation systems.

The 45 kibbutzim and moshavim communities that live and farm in the Western Negev region will lead the assessment of needs and allocation of dollars with support from scientists, applied R&D experts and agronomists and technology leaders from around the world.

Danielle Abraham, chief executive of Volcani Partners International, said: “These pioneering, passionate farmers are already getting creative in finding solutions to use what’s left of their land

and resources to feed the Israeli population. Investing in the rebuild of the Negev is critical to ensuring the immediate safety and security of all Israeli people as well as the world’s food and agriculture system.”

Mishkey HaNegev chief business development officer Arbel Levin said: “The Western Negev farming communities are sought by governments, corporates and non profits around the globe for their ability to turn minimal arable land bordering desert terrains into a world-renowned agricultural powerhouse region.

“Israel has been making significant contributions to the world’s agriculture system for more than 70 years, and the ReGrow Israel fund will invest in building this region back even better for the future.”

ReGrow Israel has support from leaders worldwide, including US agriculture secretary Dan Glickman, who is an adviser to the fund.

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

13

ISRAEL AT WAR

British Iranian addresses Knesset A British-based Iranian dissident, who has spent months campaigning outside the Foreign Office in London, has urged Israel to attack pinpointed sites in Iran, claiming that once it did so it would help thousands of oppressed Iranians overthrow the regime, writes Jenni Frazer.

Coventry-based Iranian activist Vahid Beheshti spent 72 days on hunger strike in London in an effort to persuade Britain to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as it did with Hamas and Hizbollah.

On his first visit to Israel, under the auspices of the right-of-centre Middle East Forum, Beheshti addressed a Knesset caucus — the Israel Victory Project — and told members that Israel “did not need to fear attacking Iranian bases in Iran”.

He told the caucus, which includes coalition and opposition politicians: “Do not be afraid. Attacking the heads of the Iranian leadership in Iran is the only language they understand .. you have an army of 80 million Iranians thirsty for freedom and democracy.

“Since 2009 they have been trying to overthrow the government but have not succeeded yet, because of the (government’s) barbaric violence.”

Beheshti invoked Persian leader Cyrus the Great, who “freed the people of Israel from slavery and gave them the opportunity to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem. We have a great history between Iranians and Israelis, many common interests: but more important, a common enemy.”

Beheshti, whose visit was also backed by Ukrainian chief rabbi

Vahid Beheshti (centre, in green sweatshirt) at the Knesset caucus

Moshe Azman, said he wanted “to do everything I can to see that [Israel] is not on its knees in front of a bunch

of Islamic terrorists, rapists and fascists”. The ruling Irtanian regime, he added, was at its weakest in 44 years,

and Israel’s war should be properly categorised as war with Iran.

He said the regime had been “surprised” by Israel’s reaction to the Hamas attacks, anticipating “a total ceasefire within two months”. Iran’s leaders had “miscalculated” and thought a short war would shift world focus from events in Iran and destroy Israel’s relationships with Arab countries – “they never expected Israel to go into Gaza”.

He added: “This is not a war with a small terrorist group, this is a war with Iran. The Iranian regime is the root of this problem. The solution is to hit the head of the octopus and support the Iranian people who want to overthrow the regime.

“The only language the regime understands is force.”

Red Sea Houthi crisis could JFS STUDENT ATTACKED last all year, expert warns Ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea are causing major disruptions in global supply chains – disruption that could become the new normal, says former navy officer Ami Daniel, the co-founder and CEO of Windward, a global leader in maritime AI and risk analytics, which has been supporting its customers through the crisis, writes Candice Krieger.

Houthi rebels, Yemen’s militant group, have been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea since 7 October in protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

They are attacking ships owned by Israelis or ones they determine are en route to Israel.

The attacks are significantly disrupting the flow of commercial goods through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, a key route for business between Asia and western countries, and responsible for about 12 percent of global trade.

Daniel told Jewish News: “Containerised rates have quadrupled and delivery times are two weeks more, and then with vessels having to go around other areas you will see congestion at ports…

“The supply chain is amalgamating. It’s a rolling

effect of a layer upon another layer upon another layer.

This could be the new normal, and this quadrupling of freight rates as a result is likely to be the situation over the next 12 months.”

According to Windward insights, more than 300 ships have had to change course, with one in five commercial vessels avoiding the Red Sea. “The disruption is real,” said Daniel, who founded Windward with fellow ex-navy officer Matan Peled. The company is chaired

by Lord Browne, the former boss of BP, and listed on the London Stock Exchange on 2021.

Around 30 percent of freight shipped through the canal is made up of containerised goods, which Daniel says is about half the world’s toys.

The route also provides a crucial passage for oil shipments from the Persian Gulf to Europe and North America, and for car imports and exports.

Many of the impacted vessels that had been heading to Europe from Asia via the Red Sea are having to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, adding between 10 and 21 days to the duration of the trip.

A 17-year-old JFS student has been subjected to an unprovoked physical attack by a group of individuals outside the school premises.

The assailants physically assaulted the boy and forcibly tried to coerce him into saying ‘free Palestine’ at around 3.30pm on Thursday.

The attackers managed to carry out the assault despite the presence in the vicinity of the school’s headteacher and a security guard.

A Community Security Trust spokesperson confirmed: “This was a distressing assault in which a Jewish student was singled out and attacked, and the link between extreme antiIsrael hatred and anti-Jewish violence was made clear by his attackers.

“We are working with the police and JFS security to provide increased protection for JFS students when they leave school each day.”

Since the Hamas terror attack in southern Israel on 7 October, JFS has

taken significant steps to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

Extra security measures have included the presence of teachers and the headteacher in various areas surrounding the school and next to Kingsbury station.

But there have been concerns on some days about a lack of visible police presence in the area.

One parent, who asked not to be named, told Jewish News: “I never know what will happen next. I fear for my children’s wellbeing. The school is going above and beyond in this respect, but I worry about the approach of the police and the government.”

14 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

News / Film promo / BACP apology

COUNSELLING MAG AXES JEWISH COLUMN

Promo claims Winton saved ‘Central European’ children Warner Brothers has updated materials for the film One Life to make clear that children saved by Sir Nicholas Winton were ‘predominantly Jewish’, after the film was promoted online describing the youngsters as ‘Central European’, writes Lee Harpin.

It’s believed the ‘Central European’ description originated from a film website.

Posts on social media platforms from retailers and cinemas promoting the film sparked widespread anger, with campaigner against antisemitism Rachel Riley among those to protest.

Riley wrote: “Wow. They can’t even bring themselves to say “Jewish children” were saved from the Nazis. “Jewish child Holocaust survivors no longer creditable? Sign of the messed up times. ” As complaints about the wording mounted, the retail chain HMV subsequently

A film promotion labelling kinder ‘central European’ children

deleted their post that had used the phrase “central European.” Other followed their lead. It was unclear who was immediately responsible for the poorly worded press release.

On the Warner Bros website it states that One Life “tells the true story of Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, a young London broker who, in the

months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis.” But Jewish News understands Warner Brothers, the film’s YK distributor, had referred to 669 children, without mentioning Jewish in recognition of the fact around 100 of those saved were not.

Following the uproar, Warners changed this to “669

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has said it is “deeply sorry” for removing a Dr Mann’s cancelled column column about Jewish trauma over 7 October from Following an outpouring its latest magazine over fears of concern across and beyond of a possible backlash, writes the Jewish community, which Richard Ferrer. included furious members The professional body threatening to quit the organipulled the piece by mental sations, the BACP issued a health practitioner Dr Sandi statement, saying: “On reflecMann from the January issue tion, this was the wrong deciof its Counselling At Work sion. We’re deeply sorry for magazine. In it, Dr Mann told not publishing the article and how Jews in Manchester are for the hurt that decision has struggling to come to terms caused. It’s really important with the Hamas massacre in that we continue to listen and southern Israel. This month’s learn when we make mistakes, issue will be the first in 10 so that we can do better for our years that will not include members, their clients and the her regular column, entitled profession.” It continues: “Dr Workplace Matters.

Mann’s article is a powerful The scrapped column, insight into important work headlined, ‘A community in being carried out to support traumatic stress’, describes the Jewish community with the trauma of the city’s Jews trauma and deserves to be in the aftermath of the Hamas shared publicly. We’ve conmassacre of more than 1,200 tacted Dr Mann to apologise people in southern Israel. It and have now published her was apparently scrapped on article on our website. It will deadline because of concerns also feature in a future edition about possible ramifications. of BACP Workplace.”

predominantly Jewish children”.

One Life was released in UK cinemas on New Year’s Day. Johnny Flynn, who is known for roles in Stardust and Emma, portrays Sir Nicholas in his younger years. Barbara Winton, Winton’s daughter and biographer, when she gave permission to See-Saw Films to make the project.

Winton, alongside a few volunteers – including his mother – worked tirelessly to get Jewish children into Britain to escape the Nazis in the Kindertransport programme after the British government relaxed its immigration laws and agreed to allow in a limited number of children from Germany and Austria.

The last train of children was scheduled to leave on 1 September 1939, but was cancelled because war broke out leaving Winton devastated about the fate of the 250 children on board.

Four ways to get involved Mental Health Shabbat

1

19-20 January 2024 Jami Mental Health Shabbat provides an ideal opportunity for the entire community to come together and raise awareness of mental illness and distress.

“Jami has changed my life forever. They helped me through many years of darkness.”

Host a Shabbat meal

2

Come along to our community day at Head Room café

3

Make use of our toolkit filled with everything from sermons to youth activities

Visit jamiuk.org/jmhs to find out more Jami_MHAS24_9Jan_JN Life Magazine 165mmHx260mmW_AW2.indd 1

Join our Challah Make

4

JamiPeople jami_uk #JMHS24

JAMIMentalHealth Jami UK Registered charity no. 1003345.

10/01/2024 10:26

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

15

DOMINIC CAVENDISH

STARRING

TRACY-ANN OBERMAN AS SHYLOCK

BOOK THE BEST SEATS AT MERCHANTOFVENICE1936.CO.UK LIMITED 6 WEEK SEASON FROM 15 FEBRUARY 2024

CRITERION THEATRE PICCADILLY CIRCUS

MM_2024004_MOV_JewishNews_260x330mm_+3mmBleed_2.indd 1

09/01/2024 11:14

16 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Advertisement

INVEST IN ISRAEL

with Israel Bonds NOW IS THE TIME!

5.35% 4.22% 4.50%

2-year GBP Jubilee bond

£1,000 min.

5-year GBP eMazel Tov bond

£36 min.

2-year US Jubilee bond

$25,000 min.

eMazel Tov rate as posted valid to 31 Jan. 2024.

Jubilee rates valid to 14 Jan. 2024.

Subject to conditions.

New! Buy Online:

https://online.israelbondsintl.com infoEN@israelbondsintl.com 020 3936 2712

Development Company for Israel (International) Ltd.

Your capital may be at risk.

This advertisement has been issued by the Development Company for Israel (International) Ltd., which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and registered in England No. 01415853. This is not an offering, which could only be made by prospectus. Your capital is at risk, the rules under FSMA for the protection of retail clients do not apply. An investment in any of these bonds will not be covered by the provisions of the Financial Services Compensation scheme, nor by any similar scheme. Israel bonds are intended as a long-term investment as they are not listed or admitted to dealing on any recognised investment or stock exchange nor is there any established secondary market, as a consequence Israel bonds are not readily realisable before their maturity date. DCI (International) Ltd is not the issuer of these bonds, they are issued by the State of Israel. In the event that the information regarding offered bonds on the State of Israel’s official records differs from the information contained here, the information on the State of Israel’s records shall control and take precedence. 01-24

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Inside Hamas’ subterranean ‘terrorist city’

17

ISRAEL AT WAR

Jewish News’ foreign editor Jotam Confino gains access to Gaza’s biggest terror tunnel It’s humid, dark and warm. I’m entering the largest Hamas tunnel discovered by the IDF in Gaza. It’s 50 metres deep, several miles long and looks like a metro built for trains.

The tunnel is highly advanced with electricity, a ventilation system and water pipes. The floor is equipped with what looks like railway tracks, which the IDF said was used to transport everything from military equipment to general goods.

The tunnel is a testament to the enormous efforts and money invested by Hamas in its underground terror networks which run across the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, it was built by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s brother, Muhammed.

When the IDF uncovered the tunnel last month, IDF spokesman

Daniel Hagari said it was “no ordinary tunnel. It’s a city. A terrorist city underground that Hamas dug and built instead of investing money in the residents of Gaza”.

Indeed, it looks like a small city.

Videos revealed by IDF showed Muhammed Sinwar driving a car in the tunnel.

“It’s a symbol of success because it’s so advanced,” Maj. Doron Spielman told Jewish News outside the tunnel.

As Spielman talks about the tunnel and its terror purposes, artillery fire from tanks sound in the background. While the IDF says it has largely taken control with northern Gaza, Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists still appear sporadically in some areas, engaging in face to face battle with Israeli soldiers.

Spielman explained how Hamas and other terrorists used this tunnel to launch a surprise attack on the Erez border crossing with Israel, which is just 400 metres from where we stand.

Human corridor Some 550,000 Palestinians crossed the Erez border in the first nine months of 2023. It served as Gaza’s lifeline in to Israel’s economy.

Some 18,000 Palestinians worked in Israel before October 7, often making 10 times more money than they would in Gaza. But Hamas’ massive terror attack on put an end to it.

As we walk back toward the border crossing, several tanks drive past us.

It’s hard to imagine how Hamas managed to breach one of the most secure border crossings in the world. Or at

Israeli troops emerge from the largest tunnel discovered so far, located next to the Israeli border

IDF soldiers on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip

least, it used to be. October 7 revealed major gaps in Israel’s security.

The large, cemented border wall is showing clear signs of Hamas’ attack.

And about 300 metres from there, the civil administration building lies in ruins. This is where Hamas and other terrorists massacred soldiers, civilians and administrative officials.

“We can see the soldiers tried to hide inside these protective areas,” Spielman said, pointing at bullet holes in the bomb-shelter like building just outside the large administrative central.

The first sight that meets us when

we enter the building is destruction.

The floors are full of remnants from the roof. Each office is destroyed, some of which still has its hairs, computers, desks, and documents.

In two of the offices, pictures of President Isaac Herzog and IDF chief of staff Herzl Halevi still hang on the walls, seemingly without a scratch.

It’s a stark contrast to the destruction in the rest of the room.

• Jewish News was allowed access in to northern Gaza embedded with the IDF and subject to military censorship.

Israeli troops on the Gaza side of the border at the entrance to the tunnel

18 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk Working with the ADULTS & KIDS | MEN & WOMEN

Added protection to your business, office or premises - install Security Window Film

since 2006

SELF-DEFENCE & MARTIAL ARTS

We supply & install a range of high quality Security Window Films

Benefits of installing our Security Window Film: • Improve Security • Vandal Protection • Protection from Break-ins • Reduced Risk of Injury • Strengthen Glass • Clear, Reflective, Frosted, Tinted • Improve Energy Efficiency

We install nationwide, call us on 03300 881 051 to discuss your requirements and book a free site survey 18a Beech St, Barnsley S70 4HT | T: 03300 881 051 | E: enquiries@sureguard.co.uk | www.sureguard.co.uk

WHATSAPP 0204 599 8309 WWW.THEWAREHOUSE-WELLNESS.CO.UK INFO@THEWAREHOUSE_WELLNESS.CO.UK HENDON, NW4 9HG

NOW MORE THAN EVER ISRAEL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Leave a gift in your Will to JNF UK to support Israel for life

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING EXECUTORSHIP

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

PASTORAL CARE

WILL SERVICES

Mountcliff House, 154 Brent Street, London NW4 2BF

020 8732 6101 • ENQUIRIES@KKL.ORG.UK • WWW.KKL.ORG.UK KKL Executor and Trustee Company Ltd (a Company registered in England No. 453042) is a subsidiary of JNF Charitable Trust (Charity No. 225910) and a registered Trust Corporation (authorised capital £250,000).

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

19

ISRAEL AT WAR

TLC at TLV: airport shows

solidarity with hostages Hundreds of ‘Bring Them Home Now’ metal dog tags have gone on display in Ben Gurion airport as a powerful pledge of solidarity to the women, men, children and babies still being held hostage by Hamas, writes Candice Krieger.

The exhibition, which started this week, is the brainchild of Tamir Raicher, who designed the tags shortly after the war broke out on 7 October as a way for people to express both a collective commitment to, and solidarity with, those kidnapped and their families and call for their return. All proceeds from their sales go to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

X owner Elon Musk, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Google founder Sergey Brin and the Pope are among those who have been seen wearing the tags, which are inscribed with the words ‘Our heart is captive in Gaza’ in Hebrew on the top half, and ‘Bring Them Home Now’ underneath.

Tamir Raicher designed the tags

Raicher came up with the project while running a ‘Search and Rescue Operation Room’ during the first week of the war.

He told Jewish News: “’Our heart is captive in Gaza’ was the thought of how to sum up in only a few worlds the heartbreak that our nation is experiencing.

“I wondered how I could express in a few words [to fit a tag], the whole range of abductees: toddlers, babies and children, women

On display at Ben Gurion: ‘The last and the first thing travellers see’

The metal tags are a pledge to the women, men and children held captive

and men, young and grandparents and, of course, soldiers...

“What they all have in common is that until the abductees all return home, the heart sof their loved ones who were left behind, the hearts of the families and the relatives remain captive in Gaza – theirs and ours as a country.”

Raicher has manufactured 800,000 of the tags and about 800 are hanging on display in Ben Gurion. “This is the main gateway to Israel and the most prominent airport we have. I thought it would be a good idea for journalists, diplomats, tourists and Israelis themselves to see.

“The display is located at the main entrance and exit gate of the State of Israel, symbolically located next to the statue of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the return of all our abducted people.

“We want this to be the last thing people see when they leave Israel, and the first thing they encounter Elon Musk when they come back.”

France’s youngest PM has Jewish family

Gabriel Attal’s father was a Tunisian Jewish lawyer

France’s new prime minister, Gabriel Attal, whose father was Jewish, is the youngest person ever to hold that post.

The 34-year-old is said to be the country’s most popular politician, and is of mixed cultural and religious heritage.

He and his three siblings were brought up in the faith of their mother, Marie de Couriss, a Russian Orthodox Christian of French and Greek-Russian ancestry.

Attal, whose full name Gabriel Attal de Couriss, is the son of Yves Attal, a Tunisian lawyer and film producer, who

died in 2015. His mother’s family comes from Odesa, Ukraine.

According to a 2019 profile in the French paper Liberation, Attal recalled: “My father said to me, ‘Perhaps you’re Orthodox [Christian], but you’ll feel Jewish all your life, mainly because you’ll suffer antisemitism because of your name.’” Part of Yves Attal’s family is said to have been deported during the Second World War. As well as being the youngest French prime minister, Attal is also the first

openly gay person in that role. He was previously in a civil partnership, which is believed to have ended recently.

Attal had a privileged upbringing in Paris, attending one of the city’s top schools, École Alsacienne, and later the Sciences Po University, where he obtained a masters degree in public affairs.

He entered politics aged 23 as a health civil servant, later rising to become education minister. One of his first actions was to ban abayas, the long robes worn by many Muslim women, in schools.

20 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

News / Comment

A MONTH TO RECOGNISE AND CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSITY

BY PROFESSOR COLIN SCHINDLER EXPERT IN ISRAEL STUDIES

Today (Thursday) in the House of Commons, MPs will debate the possibility of holding a Jewish History Month. Nicki Aiken MP, who has secured the debate, has argued it would complement Black History Month and Islamophobia Awareness Month – both of which have celebrated the value of difference.

Even so, it is worthwhile to ask why this idea has emerged now. When news broke about this initiative, one headline read Stars and MPs back calls for Jewish History Month amid rising antisemitism in UK — and not Teachers and Academics welcome Jewish History Month as an investment in the communal future.

It has come about due to the realisation that for many non-Jews, Jews don’t count – whereas other minorities certainly do. The pogrom of ethnic cleansing on 7 October in Israel has been either ignored or glossed

over by far too many in the UK, and this was before the bombs fell on Gaza.

It is also abundantly clear there are also many within the Jewish community itself who are deeply interested in our history.

This is indicated by talks that have been held at JW3, Harif, Limmud, Jewish Book Week and other organisations.

The enduring interest in the Jewish past is exemplified by the continued existence of the Jewish Historical Society – founded when Queen Victoria was on the throne!

There has also been a veritable explosion in Jewish genealogy due to the advent of DNA matching and this in turn has led to understanding the turmoil and tragedies that confronted our forebears.

Yet Jewish history has hitherto been seen as the poor relation in communal endeavours. Only Holocaust education and in recent years the study of antisemitism (more as a reaction to the Corbyn years) have escaped this complacency.

So should an appreciation of Jewish history be regarded in its own right rather than simply a response to a crisis outside?

The late businessman Robin Spiro and his wife Nitza thought Jewish history was fundamentally important when the Spiro

Institute was established more than 40 years ago. His persistence resulted in a GCSE in Jewish history amid widespread apathy from leadership. The Spiros inspired numerous British Jews to continue their studies at university.

Today there are many academics who teach modern Jewish studies at universities throughout the UK but without doubt, they are an under-used resource which could benefit the community.

Indeed, during these dark days, would not a knowledge of Zionist ideology and history have been an asset in challenging the superficial coverage in the media of the terrible events in Israel and Gaza?

This is far different from the US where Jewish Studies including Jewish history is both appreciated and well-funded.

Admittedly there are more Jews and more money, but there is also a different attitude – a frame of mind that values the educational and intellectual reclaiming of episodes in Jewish history. This has led to the establishment of respected institutions such as Brandeis University in the US – and a plethora of Jewish Studies centres at American universities.

Simon Schama, however, has been scep-

tical about the value of a Jewish History Month as a quick fix and placed greater emphasis instead on the importance of teaching Jewish history in schools.

Even so, this does not negate the belief that such a commemoration would encourage a wider acceptance of the importance of knowing the rich history of the Jewish people, both in this country and elsewhere in the diaspora, among both Jews and non-Jews.

It should not be a temporary flash in the pan to satisfy the political demands of the moment. It would also be a boon for younger teachers and academics who are coming up through the ranks.

Up until 200 years ago, the teaching of Jewish history was defined within purely religious parameters – more Judaic history than Jewish history. It was Heinrich Graetz who wrote the first history of the Jews in German. He started this monumental task in 1853 because he understood Jewish history as a national history.

It took him 23 years to complete after which he spoke about “the miracle exhibited in the history of the Jewish people over 3,000 years...a marvel not to be overlooked”.

Wise words which should be heeded today.

Selling items of value has never been simpler.

Whether you’re clearing a home, moving, remodelling, I will get the best prices for any items of value you’re looking to sell.

I am a independent broker acting solely on your behalf • I sell through many different auction houses, high-end dealers, collectors and private clients • Having been in business for over 10 years looking after many, many clients you will always receive my personal discreet one-to-one service (references available) • There is no cost or obligation meeting with me at your home or storage facility • Probate valuations carried out • Based in St Johns Wood, clients in the UK and Europe

Perry Field | 07802 157500 | E: perryfield@hotmail.com (Independent renowned antiques expert BBC’s Dealing with Dickinson, Antiques Master and ITV’s Storage Hoarders.)

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

21

22 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

News / Business spotlight

Israeli tech titans ready back to make 2024 a bo Business leaders say Startup Nation is hoping to harness AI developments after a bleak year and will emerge stronger than ever, writes Candice Krieger

I

srael’s tech sector – the largest in the country’s economy – has faced a challenging 2023. The war came on top of the judicial reforms crisis, a soft global economy and a tech downturn and left startups struggling. Funding has dipped and the call-up of more than 300,000 reservists has presented staffing issues.

But as Israel looks ahead to the new year, several business leaders and investors are offering hope, predicting that the startup nation will emerge from the present crisis stronger than ever.

Ben Lazarus, partner and head of consulting for PwC Israel, told Jewish News: “Looking forward, a lot depends on the length of the war, but amongst all the bad news there is a sign of hope and that is the clear resilience and sense of unity that has come to Israel.

“Its young generation has proven strong and motivated and many have come back to fight, and a feeling of unity and common purpose has been set across all sectors of the population. If this continues, it could galvanise the economy as and when it lifts out of war and the population gets fully back to business.”

The 2023 Exit Report by PwC Israel painted a bleak picture of the Israeli tech industry: with the aggregate value of acquisitions and IPOs falling by 56 percent, from $16.8bn in 2022 to $7.5bn last year.

Meanwhile, the country’s M&A deal value amounted to $9.8bn, down 46 percent from $18bn in 2022 and foreign investment in Israel fell 41 percent to $6.7bn.

This came amid concerns over political and social developments taking place in Israel in 2023, as well as the war.

However, there are signs that give reason to be positive.

AI expert and investor Eze Vidra, the cofounder and managing partner of Remagine Ventures, told Jewish News: “There’s no doubt we’re living through a difficult and complicated period as a country and as the Jewish people

in the diaspora, and it of course has an impact on Israel’s tech sector as well. However, I’m optimistic that we’ll start seeing the boom and recovery hopefully from 2024.”

Several Israeli companies have raised money over the past few weeks, signalling signs of a rebound.

They include Dream Security, which completed a $35m financing round; Israeli data security startup Mine’s raising a $30m Series B co-led by PayPal Ventures, and Israelifounded VAST Data, which develops an AI data platform and secured $118m in Series E funding at a $9.1 billion valuation.

On a smaller scale, CorrActions, an Israeli AI-based driver-safety startup, raised $7.25m in a Series A round.

This was led by Volvo Cars Tech Fund, joined by BlackBerry, and other venture capital firms including OurCrowd, the Jerusalembased global investment platform for startups and alternative assets.

OurCrowd founder and CEO Jon Medved believes 2024 is set to be a “great vintage” for venture investors.

He told Jewish News: “Company valuations are off their highs, so prices are very attractive as an entry point for investors.

“We know from past experience that great tech companies, including some of the world’s biggest, are those that can weather periods of stress and disruption and emerge strengthened because they have great technology, business model and management.

“We see startups continuing to thrive and deliver even in the middle of a war, so that increases our confidence that they will do well when we emerge from this crisis.

“History also shows that after each crisis in the past 25 years, Israel’s economy and its high-tech sector has bounced back and emerged even stronger. I am confident the same will happen this time around. Even now, we see companies achieving exits and attracting significant investment.”

Jonathan Morris is a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) and co-chair of the firm’s Israel Group.

He said: “Israeli entrepreneurs are very resilient and innovative and so, despite companies having 10-20 percent of their employees called up for military service, they are VAST Data, which develops an AI data platform

Ben Lazarus

Jon Medved

Eze Vidra

Guy Cherni

determined for business to continue as close the midst of the war – plus HPE’s purchase of to ‘normal’ as possible.

Axis, and Perimeter 81 by Check Point.

“And if the war ends in early 2024, with PwC Israel partner Yaron Weizenbluth a relatively quick demobilisation of said: “Cyber deals saved the situation, most of the reserves and a period of but you have to look at it critically. stability, one can expect a deterOut of the 45 deals in 2023, 19 mined effort by them to get had some connection to cyber, out into the market and make with a cumulative value of up for lost time. That doesn’t $3.8bn, and 51 percent of the mean to say that every comtotal deal value. pany will make it. But I cer“Another interesting fact is tainly wouldn’t write off Israel that among the 12 deals with a startups either.” value of more than $200 milIsrael’s cyber security comlion, no fewer than 10 came from panies had a particularly strong that segment.”

2023, responsible for around half If you further exclude Israel’s two of all deals done with an aggregate most significant IPOs this year – the Jonathan value of $4.2bn, according to the beauty tech company Oddity (IL Morris PwC report.

Makiage) and Freightos, the world’s Among the most prominent was largest freight marketplace – cyber the acquisition of Talon by Palo Alto Net- accounted for 100 percent of all deals involving works for a reported $625m – announced in sums of more than $200m.

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

23

Business spotlight / News

to bounce oom year “Israel continues to be a giant in cyber security, with about 40 percent of every dollar invested worldwide in the sector invested in Israel,” Medved added.

“And I expect that trend to continue with

Shmuel Ben Tovim

Yuval Passov companies like CyberSixgill and IXDen leading the way.”

Tel Aviv-based IXDen has developed an AI platform for securing critical infrastructure from cyber attacks. It has secured a contract with Mekorot, the National Water Company of Israel, for the roll-out of 3,000 sites across the country. Seventy have been finished and the company plans to complete all 3,000 this year.

IXDen chief executive Zion Harel said: “We are committed to helping Mekorot and other Israeli critical infrastructure organisations in their efforts to secure operations against any cyber attacks in this war and in general helping to maintain the daily life of ordinary citizens”.

IXDen is also working with defence groups but is unable to disclose which ones.

The new year will be key for climate tech startups in the face of intensifying global climate challenges. Governments – and investors – across the globe are realising the pressing need for solutions, and tech entrepreneurs

are doing their best to provide them. This is nowhere more evident than in Israel, which is at the forefront of the innovation.

Last year, a selection of Israeli companies were in London as part of a pioneering climate tech delegation organised by UK Israel Business and Climate First, Israel’s leading ClimateTech accelerator founded by Nadav Steinmetz and Guy Cherni.

Among the companies was Criaterra Innovations, which creates low-carbon sustainable building materials that can be recycled and reused, and Zohar CleanTech, a waste management solution that converts unsorted residential waste into clean energy onsite.

Speaking at a recent Restart IL business event, Cherni said: “Climate change is the biggest challenge of our generation”, adding that Israel is the “best place” to realise this opportunity because “we’re always facing new challenges, because we always have to deliver in order to survive, because we’re programmed to innovate out of necessity, because we have a track record of innovation, from desert agriculture to advanced defence systems. The climate crisis is no different. We’re on it.”

Israel continues to solidify its position as a key player in the dynamic realm of Generative AI. Yuval Passov, head of Google for Startups Israel, believes “the latest AI technology will take startups to a new level this year”.

He goes on: “At the root of any startup is the motivation to solve problems at hand – 2024 will be the year of problem solving based on the current difficulties Israel is facing. During the past three months, the greatest minds have come together to solve big difficulties.

“Cybersecurity and Generative AI will boom in the next year due to the need to solve problems quickly in our current state of affairs.”

According to Alex Shmulovich, principal at tech investor Viola Ventures, Israel currently ranks as the third-largest Generative AI venture capital ecosystem in the world, boasting an impressive investment influx of more than $2.2 billion in the past three years.

More than 130 companies in the country have either secured funding or demonstrated initial signs of traction.

“In AI, Israeli startups are developing specific technology in areas of drug discovery, financial security and agricultural technology,” Medved noted. ”Israel is also an AI leader in developing fundamental tools that other companies can use to integrate AI into their own businesses, with startups like Open AI, Leo AI and nextgeneration AI chipmakers like Hailo and PolyN. Other sectors where Israel is a major player include health, cloud computing and financial technology.”

Vidra’s Remagine Ventures, which has been investing in generative AI since early

❝

FROM THE DARKNESS WE ALWAYS EMERGE STRONGER AND THIS TIME IS NO DIFFERENT. ISRAEL STARTUPS WILL EMERGE STRONGER – THEY HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DO SO 2019, before the term ‘Generative AI’ was even around, has been following the landscape closely. “In the past year alone we’ve seen the number of generative AI startups more than double and collectively raise over $2.5bn in funding to date,” said Vidra.

He is particularly excited about what 2024 has in store for companies such as HourOne, which offers avatar-led text-to-video solutions; Munch, using generative AI for video content repurposing, and Playo, which is building deep-learning models for generative AI in gaming. “These early-stage companies are not just riding the wave of technological advancement, but are at the forefront, shaping the future of AI and its applications.

“The talent launching new companies is particularly exciting for us, as we believe Israel will continue to be one of the leading AI hubs globally and new technologies present the ability to automate, reduce costs and look differently at almost every industry vertical, from edtech, commerce or health.”

The development of AI continues to pose a huge opportunity for growth within Israel’s financial sector – one of the largest and most advanced in the world.

“More and more we shall feel the entry of AI technologies into the Fintech arena,” noted Shmuel Ben-Tovim, president of The Israel Fintech Centre.

Ones to watch include Motiv8AI, which is using AI and behavioural science to revolutionise the way enterprises understand and communicate with their customers; SureComp – a market-leading provider of digital trade finance solutions for corporations and financial institutions, and Neema, a highly customisable multi-currency digital account with international Visa card for the underserved population.

“Israel’s thriving fintech industry remains resilient, offering ground-breaking solutions that resonate on the global stage. In most cases, it is not dependent on physical delivery to its customers, so even temporary delays in international transport are meaningless,” said Vidra. Moreover, unlike in a global crisis, such a Covid, target markets show continued and strong demand.

“Locally, start-up companies, where staff are naturally younger and smaller in number, have a higher percentage of drafted people

to military reserve service. Early-stage fundraising is also becoming more challenging, and the government is offering support in the way of quick financing solutions.

“The large Fintech companies, however, are less affected. Even previously-planned M&A’s are moving on as scheduled.”

In October, the American payment giant Shift4 sealed its acquisition deal with Finaro, the Israeli cross-border payments provider.

Shift4 CEO Jared Isaacman said at the time: “The ability to work together during these trying times is a testament to the talent and character of everyone on the Finaro team. We are proud to welcome them into Shift4.”

In December, Pontera, an Israeli-founded fintech startup, announced it had secured $60 million in new funding to expand research and development operations in Tel Aviv this year.

The company now plans to recruit more than 50 people for positions in cybersecurity, software engineering, data analysis, and product management. It has already moved to a larger office in Israel and is looking for new office space in the US. Looking to the rest of this year, Ben-Tovim identified several encouraging trends. “Israeli regulation is promoting significant reforms in areas such as open banking and payments, creating important business opportunities for both established and new companies.

“One of the positive side effects is that more and more large fintech companies (unicorns) are exploring entry into the local market, which will increase competition and create new benefits for the Israeli consumer, both private and business.”

Israel has built a backbone of thousands of startups that are showing resilience amid the war, and the tech ecosystem continues to offer significant possibilities for investment and collaboration.

“Unfortunately, Israel and the Jewish people are no stranger to setbacks from tragedy,” said Passov.

“We are a nation which is far too often exposed to difficulties that we need to overcome. With this reality being one we are used to, also comes with our strength – that from darkness we always emerge stronger, and this time is no different. Israeli startups and founders will emerge stronger than ever. They have no choice but to do so.”

24 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization is a nonprofit that provides vital and long-term assistance to bereaved families of fallen IDF soldiers and security personnel.

Help us ensure no widow or orphan is left behind.

Donate now to make a difference.

To learn more, visit: Our website: idfwo.org/en Facebook: IDFWO Facebook

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

25

ISRAEL AT WAR

Tour de France star ‘can’t stand idly by’ British four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome will be among tens of thousands of people set to take part in a mass solidarity bike ride around the world this Sunday to mark the 100th day since the 7 October attacks and the kidnapping of hundreds of people to Gaza, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

The #RideToBringThemHomeNow initiative will be held in several major cities including Tel Aviv, London, Paris, Melbourne and New York. Cyclists are encouraged to ride with yellow ribbons on their bikes and upload photos from the ride with the hashtag #RideToBringThemHomeNow. The event is organised by Israel – Premier Tech, together with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the Israeli Cycling Federation.

Chris Froome, the four-time Tour de France winner and part of the Israel Premier Tech cycling

team, said he was moved to action by the story of the Calderon family, whose father Ofer and 12-yearold son Erez, both cyclists, were abducted on 7 October.

The son, Erez, was released after 51 days in captivity, but his father is still being held by Hamas.

“As a human being, as a father myself – I cannot stand idly by,” said Froome.

“Their suffering and that of all the other captives deeply affects me, and I call on all cyclists to come out for a solidarity ride that day – just as I will myself – in the hope that this show of support will bring them closer to returning home.”

Sylvan Adams, owner of the Israel – Premier Tech team, said: “I hope that January 14 will become a day of freedom. It will be a call from those who believe in human values to free those children, women, the elderly, and adults who were taken as hostages by the

Hamas terrorists in complete contradiction to every human norm.

Our freedom ride showcases our values of sportsmanship and fairness in contrast to the brutality of Hamas. I hope that a massive number of people join us internationally in this ride for freedom.

Am Yisrael Chai.”

In London, hundreds of cyclists are expected to turn out in support.

Howard Kayman, who is organising the London event, said: “This will be an easy ride for those who haven’t been on their bikes for a while, some have even asked about getting a train back, that will be down to you and not a problem.

It’s purely about us showing support and more importantly, being safe and helping each other on the ride with a mix of experienced and novice riders.

“The response so far has been amazing but not surprising due to the reason why we are doing this.”

Chris Froome in the saddle

IT’S ANTISEMITES WHO DON’T GET IRONY

BY JEREMY HAVARDI

DIRECTOR OF THE BBUK (B’NAI B’RITH) BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL The response to Stephen Fry’s Alternative Christmas Message was so telling and so very depressing.

The actor offered a heartfelt plea for tolerance and resolution in the face of mounting antisemitism. He reminded listeners about the terrible spike in antisemitic incidents, including the ‘venomous slurs and hateful abuse’ against Jewish people, and asked people to acknowledge the ‘real fear stalking the Jewish neighbourhoods of Britain’.

Fry’s broadcast has generated a spiteful backlash that illustrates the whole point of his broadcast. One user of X juxtaposed a photograph of the smiling and elegantly dressed comedian, sipping tea, with images of bloodied and suffering Palestinian children.

Accompanying it was the caption: ‘Thank you Stephen Fry for reminding us who is the real victim’.

Lowkey, the controversial rapper, told followers that Fry had ‘imaginatively smeared opponents of Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza as being motivated by racism’.

Another popular Twitter user decried Channel 4 for inviting Fry to deliver a ‘proIsraeli propaganda piece’, even though Israel was barely mentioned in the broadcast.

Alexei Sayle’s ‘Alternative Alternative’ message was also revealing. Instead of supporting

a conversation about antisemthe entire Jewish community, itism without invoking the issue he would stand with that small of Palestine, as if the two are now number of Jews who were part inextricably linked. of the united demonstrations Someone should remind for Palestine. For Sayle, these them that there is a reason why are presumably the ‘good Jews’, we call this ‘the world’s oldest the virtuous ones who deserve hatred’: old as in ancient. In fact, a modicum of sympathy, as they are attempting to erase opposed to the ‘establishment’ discussion of Jewish suffering Zionists who support ‘genocide’ altogether. and ‘mass murder’ in Gaza.

Message: Stephen Fry Stephen Fry’s message All these people assume that reminded people about anti-Jewish racism, the mentioning Jewish suffering is a political geskind for which some are all too ready to ignore ture born of deception and connivance. or excuse.

They liken it to weaponised victimhood, The backlash proves his point: these militant designed to hide the excesses of Israeli ‘criminality’ and to fool the world. It is what academic ‘anti-racists’ hear antisemitism and cry foul, David Hirsh calls ‘the Livingstone formulation’. accusing the Jews of lying and manipulation.

Do antisemites have no sense of irony?

These leftists suggest one cannot even have

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Chai provides specialised support to anyone affected by a cervical cancer diagnosis.

Please call our freephone helpline on 0808 808 4567.

Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

#CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth

26 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Opinion / Nicholas Winton

Kindertransport legacy: ‘itisms’ in the 21st century

BY KAREN POLLOCK

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, HOLOCAUST EDUCATIONAL TRUST

The film One Life, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, has opened in cinemas. It tells the story of a quiet, unassuming man who managed something extraordinary – the rescue of 669 mostly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia.

His work, alongside other brave men and women, brought unaccompanied children to the UK, giving them a sanctuary from the horrors at home. Across Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia, the Kindertransport as it became known allowed almost 10,000 Jewish children to settle here.

Many have crowded into cinemas and no doubt leave in awe of the determination, resourcefulness and bravery of Nicholas Winton – as I was whenever I met him.

But the truth is, none of this story is straightforward – as is alluded to in the film.

The decision to allow Jewish children into the UK took time, persuasion and campaigning. Despite all that work, it was really the November pogrom known as Kristallnacht that served as a wake-up call for the rest of the world, showing as it did that the anti-Jewish hate had risen greatly and that there was now a real risk to Jewish life.

With the annexation of Czechoslovakia, it became clear to many this threat spread beyond Germany and Austria. The Kindertransport has long been heralded as Britain’s response – seeing the risk, this country led

by example, using British values to save Jewish lives. But like so much of the history of the Holocaust, it was complex.

Because while 10,000 Jewish children were saved, most would never see their parents again: they were refused entry and most were later murdered by the Nazis.

It took time for the British government to decide to allow these children access. The violence seen rampaging through German towns and cities during Kristallnacht finally tipped the balance, proving to the onlooking world that Jewish people under Nazi control were at imminent risk.

But this risk did not come out of nowhere: it came after years of increasing persecution and antisemitism.

And this ‘rescue’ of children did not come cheap: the bond required for each child was £50, equivalent to £2,780 today. Private citizens or organisations had to guarantee payment for each child’s care, education and eventual emigration from Britain; the original plan by the British government was for these unaccompanied children to return home to their families once the “crisis was over”.

The Kindertransport is not simply a story of rescue and survival. At its heart it is also a story of loss. It is a story of children who came here, many alone and without speaking a word of English, and who managed to rebuild their lives.

It is a story of parents, who were forced to make the impossible decision to send their children away to unknown lands. It is the story of the murder of most of those loved ones left behind.

As is shown so powerfully in One Life, it is also the story of those who did not get

❝

THE STORY OF THE KINDERTRANSPORT IS ONE OF RESCUE AND SURVIVAL, BUT IT IS ALSO A STORY OF DEEP LOSS out: the last train, scheduled to leave Prague on 1 September 1939 never left the station because war was declared.

Some 1.5 million children were murdered during the Holocaust; their lives were not saved, and instead their birth as Jews condemned them to murder in fields, ravines and gas chambers across Europe.

So, as we watch One Life, we remember the children who were saved by the Kindertransport, and all those who were not. In doing so we are reminded where antisemitism, the world’s oldest hatred, can lead and why it is so crucial always to confront it when it rears its ugly head.

We know that at this moment, as Jewish hate is again spilling into violence, this challenge could not be more vital. And we also remember the bravery and heroism of individuals like Sir Nicholas Winton, determined to make a difference no matter what.

On 7 October, we saw again Jewish people attacked and forced to seek safety, this time in secure rooms and bunkers in southern Israel. More than 1,200 Israelis were massacred by Hamas terrorists whose goal is the elimination of the Jewish people.

Since 7 October, we have heard the rhetoric of hate on marches and on the streets. It has permeated our online spaces, and even classrooms.

But thankfully, although the hatred comes from the same root – the antisemitism that has endured for centuries – much else has changed.

When we think back to the Kindertransport, one difference is clearest of all.

At every level of society, there are people committed to ensuring that anti-Jewish hatred is tackled, head-on.

The government is not waiting to make a difference or limiting its support for the Jewish community. Rather, it has spoken out time and again since the Hamas atrocity against antisemitism. As has the Labour Party, standing resolutely in support of our community.

We have allies across the United Kingdom, whether it is the 100,000 who joined the March Against Antisemitism or the tens of thousands every week who are refusing to be silent as hatred sweeps social media.

Also welcome is the chancellor’s announcement in the Autumn Statement that much-needed funds have been committed to tackle antisemitism in our schools and at our universities.

This will help to ensure that this hatred can be tackled at the root – in the classroom.

It all means that people who understand what contemporary antisemitism looks like, sounds like and what it can lead to, can be empowered to speak out against it. So that the words ‘never again’ can never ring hollow.

Let’s hope that in this new year, these words ring true.

Sir Nicholas Winton, whose heroism saved 669 mostly Jewish children from Nazi Europe and who died in 2015 aged 106, is played (right) by Sir Anthony Hopkins in the film One Life

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

‫ סטנדרט בינלאומי‬.‫יחס אישי‬ Individual approach.

International standard.

27

28 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

ISRAEL AT WAR

Police won’t arrest Hamas fan Police have refused to investigate a vile video of a man declaring “love” for Hamas, saying the footage shows the terrorist sympathiser “amicably arguing” for his cause, writes Richard Ferrer.

Jewish News supplied video of the incident on Oxford Street on 1 November to the Metropolitan Police. It shows a man ripping down posters of kidnapped Israelis and then stating: “Hamas, my mujahadeen brothers. I love them, I support them, I pray for them.

“Put this video on YouTube and tell Rishi Sunak we love them and pray for them.”

Jewish News also provided police with the terrorist supporter’s full name, mobile phone number, email address and business address, sent to us by a concerned reader who recognised the individual in question.

After two months of delays, during which time the case was mistakenly closed and then reopened, it has now been decided that no action will be taken.

In correspondence between the police and the individual who filmed the video, the police state: “This is a protracted discourse between the groups where both are amicably arguing their points for support of their own cause.

“Each party has freedom of expression, no matter how correct or incorrect their points are.

“Also in relation to the allegation that the suspect pledges allegiance to Hamas, this is slightly misleading in the fact that he is asked the direct question of “Do you support Hamas?”, to which he responds that he loves and prays for them.

“This does not meet the

The man in the video supplied to police by Jewish News

threshold for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. Also there is a clear defence of entrapment as he is asked outright.”

The Community Security Trust

has urged the police to reconsider the case. A spokesperson said: “Expressing support for Hamas is among the most upsetting and alarming behaviour we have seen in

the wave of antisemitism that has hit the Jewish community since the Hamas terror attack on 7 October.

“It is vital that people are prosecuted and convicted whenever this is possible. We urge the police to look at this case again and review whether charges could be brought.”

The person who filmed the video and reported the incident to the police said: “It’s terrifying that there’s an atmosphere where people feel emboldened to make such statements without fear of prosecution.

“It terrifies me that I share a city with individuals who support the death of me and my family.

“I am at a loss as to the purpose of laws pertaining to supporting proscribed terror groups if such open and clear support is not prosecuted.”

New clinic to treat PTSD ‘TERROR GROUP SUPPORTER’ SENT FOR OLD BAILEY TRIAL patients opens in Tel Aviv Tel Aviv University has announced the opening of a dedicated national clinic to treat mounting cases of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) as a result of the ongoing war.

Professor Yair Bar-Haim, head of the university’s existing National Centre for Traumatic Stress and Resilience, said: “Cautious estimates speak of 30,000 new cases of PTSD and related pathologies resulting from the war.

We have harnessed TAU’s academic and ther-

New clinic: Tel Aviv University

apeutic resources to provide an immediate response to as many sufferers as possible.”

The university says the clinic expects to treat “large numbers of civilians and reserve soldiers suffering from PTSD as a result of the war or other causes”. Therapy will be offered at a nominal fee to patients who do not have the backing of the Ministry of Defence or the National Insurance Institute.

Plans were in place more than a year ago to open a centre including a treatment clinic and cutting-edge laboratories in 2025, but the war brought everything forward.

TAU is now opening the clinic immediately in specially-allocated temporary premises to enable an immediate therapeutic response to as many patients as possible to bolster Israel’s mental health system.

The clinic will be led by Dr Ofir Levi, formerly commander of the IDF’s Unit for PTSD, who currently teaches at TAU’’s Bob Shapell School of Social Work.

A provisional trial has been set for a man accused of expressing support for terror group Hamas during a demonstration in Whitehall.

Urslaan Khan, 41, appeared at the Old Bailey last Friday wearing Islamic dress and a black cardigan and sat in the well of the court for the short hearing.

He is charged with expressing support for Hamas during a protest on 17 October in a way that was “reckless as to whether a person to whom the expression was directed would be encouraged to support a proscribed organisation”.

Khan, of Bow, east London, will appear at the same court on 28 March for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

A provisional trial has been set for 12 August next year, also at the Old Bailey.

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker adjusted one of Khan’s bail conditions so that he is now banned from going within 50m – instead of 100m – of

Charged: Urslaan Khan

any synagogue or premises associated with the Jewish community, including Jewish schools.

Other conditions ban him from attending organised demonstrations and entering the London borough of Westminster unless he is attending court or meetings with lawyers.

He must also attend a police station weekly and live and sleep at home each night.

DEFENCE GIANT LAUNCHES MASS RECRUITMENT PLAN Israeli defence giant Rafael plans to hire up to 2,000 more people this year to meet the critical increasing demand for its services and products.

Rafael, which is responsible for the development of the Iron Dome, Israel’s main defence system, has been at the forefront of the country’s military efforts against Hamas since the 7 October attack.

It is also behind Trophy, a military armoured vehicle active protection system, and the ‘David’s Sling’ air defence system used to defeat longrange air and missile threats.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began, Rafael, which employs around 8,000 people, has witnessed an outpouring of interest from people wanting to join the company.

They include engineers, executives, startup founders, corporate leaders and retirees wanting to contribute to the war efforts.

“This also includes those already serving in the army who seek to make a meaningful impact in our defence systems,” Rafael executive vicepresident of human resources Sagit Sela-Gal said.

“Rafael is in the midst of a dynamic and busy period, with an impressive order backlog of NIS 43.6bn ($11.7bn), an alltime high, and we are hiring between 1,000-2,000 new talents to meet this demand.

“Although specific details of the orders are not disclosed, the backlog underscores our commitment, ensuring the company’s vitality for four years, even without new sales.

This period is a testament to the robust and impactful role we play in national security.”

Sela-Gal said 2024 would be “a year of recruitment”.

SPREADING CHEER TO ISRAELI KIDS BY THE BOOKLOAD The National Library of Israel (NLI) has come up with a novel way of cheering up hundreds of children from displaced communities — a brightly-coloured bookmobile van, which will tour the country visiting evacuees at 40 centres who have been moved from the country’s southern and northern border communities.

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

29

Honour award / News

Estranged grandparent on ‘living bereavement’

How helping troubled families earned Lorraine an OBE. By Jenni Frazer Behind Lorraine Bushell’s OBE award in the New Year honours list lie many stories of pain and bewilderment.

Mrs Bushell, who divides her time between London and the West Midlands town of Solihull, received her award for her work in services to estranged grandparents.

In what she has described as “a living bereavement”, Mrs Bushell’s award is a response to her own deeply painful story from more than 20 years ago, when her twin grand-

❝

IT IS A PHENOMENON JUST AS PREVALENT IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY AS IT IS IN WIDER SOCIETY

sons were born and she was excluded from their lives, for reasons she says she is still is at a loss to understand.

After a year of depression, she discovered a charity called the Grandparents Association, and called its helpline. She took a counselling course and then founded a non-denominational support group in the West Midlands.

She told Jewish News: “About 12 years ago, I realised there was nothing specifically for grandparents who were Jewish.”

Contrary to popular belief, Mrs Bushell says, the phenomenon of estrangement is just as prevalent in the Jewish community as in wider society.

She set to and hired a room at the Jewish Marriage Council in Hendon. “I was staggered at how many Jewish grandparents didn’t see their grandchildren”, she says. But the demand was so high she soon opened the support facility to everyone, regardless of religious background.

Over the years, Mrs Bushell has heard

OBE recipient Lorraine Bushell

many terrible stories relating to family estrangement, including suicides and longlasting mental health issues.

Her group, Hendon Grandparents, now offers help and support for many people. “The

really important thing is for people to know that they are not alone,” she says. She has witnessed small success where “one or two people” have been able to have contact with their grandchildren.

But she says for really intractable cases, the only route has been the courts and that is expensive, with a starting fee of around £30,000 just to apply for leave to go to law.

Instead, with the backing of local MPs such as Matthew Offord and Mike Freer, she is campaigning for parliament to make mandatory mediation available to estranged grandparents. That way, she says, misunderstandings which may have led to the shunning could be resolved.

In the meantime, armed with her OBE — “which is really lovely, it gave me a real boost” — Mrs Bushell is continuing her work.  Anyone who would like to join the group should e-mail hendongrandparents@gmail.com

“I just hope to survive the winter” Hanna’s home was destroyed by a bomb. This winter, temperatures will reach -20°C in Ukraine. She needs your help.

Will you repair Hanna’s home and keep her warm this winter?

SCAN TO DONATE NOW

T: 020 8736 1250 E: info@worldjewishrelief.org

worldjewishrelief.org/winter

30 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish Heritage Tours INVITE you to our 2024 trips:ISLE OF MAN – 11th March – 4 days dealing with German Jews wartime internment NAPLES & PUGLIA – 22nd March – 10 days with accomplished guide Moshe Ben Simon GREECE – Pesach trip – Call for details GEORGIA – 12th May – 10 days travelling from Batumi Via Gori to Tbilisi KRAKOW - 26th June – Jewish Culture festival & Mountain trip add on BERLIN & HAMBURG – 9th August – 5 night trip SPAIN – 13th Sept – Almeria – Granada Ubeda Lorca & Mojacar over 8 days IZMIR – Chanukah trip immersing ourselves in Sephardi festival Contact Marcel for further details: Tel: 07712290520, Email: marcel.manson@westendtravel.co.uk West End Travel, 4-6 Canfield Place, London, NW6 3BT Tel: 0207 644 1500 Email: info@westendtravel.co.uk Websitew: www.westendtravel.co.uk

H A M P S T E A D

C O U R T

C A R E

H O M E

Experience Excellence in Memory Care Hampstead Court Care Home has a dedicated memory care suite that truly represents Avery’s expertise in providing person-centred care for people living with the many forms of dementia.

Residents are supported to live life well in a calm environment that reflects the most up-to-date dementia care research.

020 8031 9486 | averyhealthcare.co.uk

48 Boundary Road | St John’s Wood | NW8 0HJ

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

31

ISRAEL AT WAR

Why not welcome diversity of opinion regarding Israel? many thousands more, and transcends time and place.

The Jerusalem of the psalms is THEATRE DIRECTOR an ideal we carry in our hearts, and AND CULTURAL strive to build. To falter from this LEADER is indeed a betrayal of the driving Jewish belief that every day of every year, symbolised by Yom Kippur, we War is not external. For me, have the power to make ourselves as for many others, the past and our world incrementally better. three months have wrought a I fear that we have come to near-comprehensive collapse of internal peace. For me, the turmoil conflate this with present-day Jerusalem, the here-and-now structures is compounded by fear around of state and politics and army, to the what I can and cannot say among degree that it becomes a point of my friends, my loved ones, my community, about Israel. This is a faith to defend Jerusalem and line up behind Israel’s actions. To the fear I experience now, as I write. degree that it is commonplace to I adore being Jewish in the UK. say, “Israel’s not perfect but…”, and I treasure our community, culture then to use that ‘but’ as a stopping and practice. The quality I love point, and desist from any further most is the diversity. Such richness interrogation of imperfection as and flex. So much space opened up soon as the words have been said. for change and counter-change.

What would happen if we You want to worship a certain separated these out? Jerusalem the way? Go here. You believe someGolden, the utopian, from Jeruthing a bit different but want to salem of the here and now? What worship that way too? Go there.

You sort of want to do it that way would happen if we acknowledged that one can yearn for Jerusalem but you don’t think women should while asking – out loud – very diffibe doing that – start a new thing cult questions about Israel? over there. You don’t like that new If we did that, we would open thing or any of the others? Over a new space. A conceptual gap. A there. We’ll see you at kiddush.

Our ability to hold and champion space for the admittance of doubt.

A space for questions, and, maybe, difference and disagreement is our for new stories. This is the space most valuable quality. I don’t know playwright Tony Kushner referred that any other religious community to as ‘a bright room called day’. in the UK has re-formed itself over This is far from easy. Pain and and over into such a biodiverse fear, those familiar shadows of the ecosystem. It’s a superpower.

Jewish experience, conspire in And yet, there is one issue on us all to close space for questions, which we brook significantly less plurality of thought. An issue where doubt and new stories. And others the majority of institutions, schools have spoken, better than I can, about the effect of the horrors of and movements speak with one 7 October on their ability to feel voice, about which people I know, anything other than their own – and know of, have kept silent out our own – pain. of fear for their positions, liveliFor Holocaust Memorial Day hood, or social repercussions. I’m last year, I wrote in The Times about speaking of course, about Israel. our community’s collective pain, For years as a communal profestrauma and sorrow. I wrote about sional, I held myself back from expressing opinions or asking ques- the readiness to flee or hide that is tions on this topic, and on this topic programmed deep into our psyche, and about how this has passed from alone, out of fear for my reputation generation to generation, undiminand that of the organisations I ished. The reactions to that piece worked for. were extraordinarily powerful.

Why? I think we’ve collapsed a valuable conceptual space for questioning and learning, and that there are complex issues of idealism, loyalty and betrayal at play. Let me try to open the space.

Running through Judaism, like a golden thread is the quest to make a better world. We yearn for Jerusalem, and everything that symbolises. The yearning has lasted thousands of years, will last for

BY RACHEL GRUNWALD

❝

The progessive Jewish group Na’amod holds a protest in central London against the Israel government

Readers felt that their trauma had been recognised, and that their pain had been ‘seen’. The strength of the release, the relief at feeling ‘seen’ perhaps masked a challenge in that text.

I wrote that there was no hierarchy in suffering: “No use in being the top corpse on the pile.” I ask you now to consider that again. My friends, my loved ones, my community, there is no competition in horror. All of humanity is losing.

When I was a very young child, my father taught me to spill a drop of wine for the fallen Egyptians while reciting the 10 plagues on seder night. I used my little finger to shake it on to the tablecloth, the exact opposite of what I spent most of the evening trying to do.

Don’t lick it, I was told.

The rest of the sweetness is for us. This is for the memory of those who suffered, even though they were enemies standing in the way of our freedom.

WE HAVE NOT TAUGHT OUR CHILDREN THE FULL STORY OF PALESTINIAN DISPOSSESION IN 1948 FOR FEAR OF BEING ACCUSED OF BETRAYAL

After so many years of holding our own pain so close, so many years of fearing or believing that nobody cares and that therefore we have to hold tighter and closer, we’ve forgotten we have space in our lives for the pain of others. But we do. It’s there. In the seder; in the formative story of our people.

Sorrow is like light. It is not diminished by sharing. Allowing in another’s sorrow does not diminish our own.

Recognising the pain, trauma and sorrow of the other is the only way to understand and heal, and for too long we have held our own sorrow too close to see anybody else’s.

We’ve looked away, and we have not taught our children the full story. We have not taught our children – or allowed ourselves to learn – that for multitudes of Palestinians their experience of dispossession in 1948 was the Nakba, the Catastrophe.

I want to teach this to my children without fear that they – or I – will be accused of betrayal if they broach it outside the house.

I hunger for the space to discuss this, in the community I adore.

Discussing this, learning about this, even acknowledging this is not betrayal. It does not cross a rubicon, and does not mean you need to change your politics, your

opinions, and your support for the existence and safety of a Jewish state.

It means you understand that at our wedding, somebody’s else’s glass smashed. And that the past 75 years have cast a shadow of grief and pain as real as our own. That the people who feel that pain will cling to it unless the story changes beyond all recognition.

And we cannot change that story unless we talk about it.

Unless we make space.

The Kotske Rebbe taught that there is nothing so whole as a broken heart. My friends, my loved ones, my community, we lose nothing by becoming more whole.

We can acknowledge the pain of others wholeheartedly. We can acknowledge that while we dream of Jerusalem – of a better world, a healed world, a peaceful world – the Jerusalem in our present time and space is far from utopian.

We can make space in our community for diversity of thought and speech about Israel, and allow in all the richness, the questions, the argument and the doubt that characterise our approach to all other aspects of Jewish life.

That would, truly, bring us back to the best of ourselves. We wouldn’t lose a thing.

Let’s try.

32 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

URGENT CALL TO ACTION Join us at this critical time as we come together to support our community in times of crisis. As we embark on this journey of compassion, resilience, and unity, your presence and participation are a vital part of our collective strength.

Yad Sarah is at the forefront of social welfare services in Israel. We are urgently evacuating hundreds of Israel’s elderly, Infirm and disabled trapped in their homes in areas of extreme danger now from the north as well as those close to the war in the south. We have opened additional branches in the safe locations in order to care for these extremely vulnerable people. Almost every hospital throughout Israel has a Yad Sarah branch and they have asked us to dramatically increase availability of medical and mobility equipment.

Thank you for standing with Yad Sarah in our commitment to providing essential services during emergencies and times of conflict. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the safety and well-being of those who depend on us.

Please help us to help those in the most desperate need by being as generous as you are able.

THOUSANDS OF ISRAEL’S MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE ARE RELYING ON US

DONATE TODAY CALL - 020 3397 3363 | ONLINE - WWW.YADSARAH.ORG.UK/DONATION | SCAN HERE

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

33

34 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

News / Theatre nomination / New Year Honour

Critical acclaim for JW3 pun-tomime

by Jenni Frazer jenni@jennifrazer.com @Jennifrazer

For two silly, joyous hours over four equally fun weeks, JW3’s first-of-its-kind Jewish pantomime, Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Pig, rocked audiences in the Finchley Road building.

And now the Hood and the Pig have come to national prominence, as the show has been nominated in two categories for the prestigious Offie awards — best panto performance and an individual nomination of Josh Middleton for best musical director.

The Offies — or Off West End Theatre Awards — are a national institution, and the awards in a variety of categories are much prized by the small theatres whose productions are nominated.

Raymond Simonson, executive director of JW3, said: “We’ve always loved to explore the place along the hyphen in ‘BritishJewish’, to look at British culture through a uniquely Jewish lens, and at Jewish culture through a British one.

“We started discussing the idea of creating the first professional Jewish panto well over a year ago, while thinking about

JW3’s contribution to strengthening British-Jewish culture over our first decade.

We were excited about the idea of playing with this most British of theatre traditions and finding the unique JW3ish twist on it.

“It was a calculated risk to go for it and to create the longest-running show that we’ve ever staged, with 33 performances over four weeks. I’m thrilled that audiences have embraced it so wholeheartedly.

“We’ve had loads of Jewish school groups, end-of-year trips, three and four generations of families, birthday party groups, celebrities, and lots of non-Jewish families from across London — all filling JW3 with their laughter, singing, and repeating the silliest of the jokes out loud!

Feedback from so many people had made it clear that the community needed this, especially right now. A chance for two hours to come together and laugh and enjoy a proudly British-Jewish, heimishe, fun show”.

Praising the “brilliantly talented…arts creatives that we brought together for the panto”, Simonson added that he believed the pantomime had “created a new annual winter tradition for the community that will grow and grow over the years”.

“At a time when it seems that the only conversations about Jews in mainstream media are about antisemitism or Israel-Gaza, I’m pleased that we’re helping ensure there are also some more positive conversations about the Jewish community and culture.

This is what we’ve become known for over the past decade, as the home for culture and conversation”.

Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Pig has come to national prominence

JN’s Justin Cohen gets MBE ALL ABOARD ICON MOURNED

Jewish News co-publisher Justin Cohen brought together players from more than 10 was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Premier League clubs for a first collaborative Year’s Honours List in recognition of almost film to mark the anniversary. a quarter of a century of tireless work on Justin Cohen led a campaign to honour Sir Nicholas Winton with a Royal Mail stamp behalf of the UK Jewish community.

Cohen has left an indelible mark on the • Leading a successful campaign to honour field of community journalism and has been British hero Sir Nicholas Winton with a Royal instrumental in elevating Jewish News‘ Mail stamp, resulting in a petition of 106,000 signatures and the release of stamps featuring prominence and profile.

During his 22-year career in journalism, the late stockbroker who rescued hundreds of which began with inputting Maccabi football children before the Holocaust. scores into the paper’s website, the 43-year-old • Pioneering the world’s first collaboration from Borehamwood has conducted interviews between media outlets of different faiths by bringing British Muslim TV and Church with five prime ministers, six leaders of Times together with Jewish News to the Opposition, three Archbishops of honour young people leading the Canterbury, two Chief Rabbis and way in interfaith cooperation. notable figures in Jewish history He also helped raise more including Elie Wiesel, Shimon than £100,000 as part of a Peres and Sir Ben Helfgott. campaign he initiated to Cohen’s MBE, the first honour the late Lord Sacks given to a journalist working in and led a project to honour Jewish media for at least three inspirational figures over 80 in decades, honours his contributhe community – a twist on the tions to Holocaust remembrance and the Jewish community. Over Justin Cohen MBE popular 40 under 40 format.

Cohen — who outside his the past decade, he has expanded his role beyond traditional journalism to benefit work for JN co-founded the Asian-Jewish Business Network — said: “I’d like to think both his community and the entire country. this award is testament to our determinaJustin’s most notable achievements include: • Initiating the Generations project, which tion to be more than a newspaper, to make featured HRH the Princess of Wales photo- a difference beyond our community and graphing some of the last Holocaust survivors to the potential for a small media outlet to in the UK to commemorate the 75th anniver- think big while remaining intensely proud sary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 2020. of its roots.” Remembering his late father Cllr The project, in partnership with the Royal Melvin Cohen, he added: “My delight is temPhotographic Society and Holocaust Memo- pered by sadness that my dad is no longer with rial Day Trust, led to exhibitions at IWM in us to enjoy this award — recognition I felt he London and UNESCO in Paris and garnered deserved for his work as Barnet’s longestinternational attention. In the same year, he serving councillor and two-time mayor.”

The founder of an organisation that has raised in excess of £3m selling clothes and bric-a-brac for Jewish communal charities has died aged 107.

Stella Lucas established All Aboard in 1987. In 2022, through its chain of 21 shops across London and Manchester, it supported more than 70 UK-registered charities including Chai Cancer Care, Gesher School, Maccabi GB, Jewish Women’s Aid, Nightingale Hammerson, Seed and the Anne Frank Trust.

All Aboard provides grants for projects in the areas of community, education, medical equipment, older people, welfare and youth. The stores, at locations including Barnet, Burnt Oak, Cricklewood, Golders Green, Mill Hill, Prestwich, Salford and Stamfored Hill, have consistently made it on to Time Out’s charity shop top 10 list.

The organisation has provided hospital equipment, outings and respite care for terminally ill children, research projects, and learning programmes, as well as contributing towards residential care for the elderly.

Founder Stella Lucas was born 30th July 1916 and grew up in Hackney. She started

Stella Lucas has died at the age of 107

volunteering at the age of 14, helping elderly people across Stepney and supporting the Meals on Wheels scheme.

Together with her husband Victor (they married in 1938), the couple continued volunteering their time with community projects in the areas in which they were both passionate – cricket, community building and Jewish philanthropy.

Whilst Victor was president of the United Synagogue, Stella volunteered at the Board of Deputies central enquiry desk in the mid-1980’s. It was here that she became aware of the hundreds of requests from members of the community wanting to donate unwanted clothes.

This was Stella’s ‘Eureka!’ moment, when she came up with the idea to recreate the

concept of the Oxfam charity shop with the profits being ploughed back into local community projects.

Together with three friends, volunteers Monique Landau, Trudie Reiss and Jeffrey Pinnick, Lucas launched the first ‘All Aboard for Charity’ shop aged 70.

The premises were located where the O2 centre is now on Finchley Road, north London, initially raising funds for charities including Jewish Care, AJEX and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

By 2010, the organisation has grown to 16 shops and All Aboard’s HQ moved to Edgware High Street in north London.

The building was named Stella Lucas House in her honour to mark her 94th birthday.

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

35

Limmud 2023 / News

From Hitler Youth to Judaism A Limmud slogan on banners and screens around the recent festival in Birmingham read, ‘Taking you one step further on your Jewish journey’. The journey had been pretty long already for one participant, a former Hitler Youth member and Waffen-SS officer who, with his wife, spoke about their 40 years as Orthodox Jews, writes Beatrice Sayers.

Yitzchak von Schweitzer, a lively 97, spoke at a session chaired probingly and with humour by Clive Lawton. In a film about his life the audience heard that he was christened Helmut into an aristocratic family that could trace its ancestry to 1751.

Asked by Clive what as a 16-year-old he would have thought about the Jews, he replied: “‘They’re being persecuted and I don’t want to talk about it.’ That was the German attitude.

The Germans weren’t all war criminals but they knew when to keep their mouths shut.”

A memory from 1935, when he was nine or 10, was of a doll his younger sister Rosie had at the time the family moved from his native Austria to Germany. “Unusually for Europe at that time, her doll was a dark coffee colour,” he said. On the train journey, her father and stepmother tried to persuade Rosie to accept an expensive new doll with blond hair and blue eyes but she declined. “Then suddenly Dad grabbed the black doll and put it away,” Yitzchak recalled. “Rosie was crying bitterly.

I was dumbfounded. Rosie would never touch

on 14 May 1948, which he heard about at a party that evening for his 22nd birthday. “For me it was like a hit in the heart,” he recalled. “How could it be possible that a miracle like that could happen, to me of all people? It must be that I’ve got to do something about it.”

He applied to study at the LSE, as an Austrian rather than as a German, and met an Englishwoman, Anne. In 1975, now married with two children, they moved to South Africa to follow new business opportunities.

From the beginning of their stay in South Africa both he and his wife were employed

by Jewish companies, and surrounded by Jewish friends, one of whom introduced them to Angela, wife of Rabbi Barry Marcus, of Waverley Hebrew Congregation in Johannesburg. “We felt at home, and began to consider conversion to Judaism,” Yitzchak said.

After three years of study, all four members of the family underwent conversion, and he Yitzchak von Schweitzer with wife Rivka at Limmud, and as a Waffen-SS officer and young Nazi and his wife were given their Jewish names.

The couple, married for 15 years already, had the new doll. To the end of her life she would to a position a few miles north-east of Berlin a Jewish wedding ceremony, a “really special to defend against the Russians. Under heavy experience”, in December 1984. still recall her horror of her experience.”

Last year, Yitzchak celebrated his second Yitzchak joined the Deutsches Jungvolk, artillery fire, he and his unit were left without the section of Hitler Youth for boys aged 10-13. support, or food. He initiated an organised barmitzvah, surrounded by family and comHis father was appointed a captain in the retreat – to find their commander at the back. munity. “I could look back at nearly 40 years of Having surrendered, he was taken as a POW being Jewish, feeling like I belonged.”

Wehrmacht and was called up when war was declared in 1939. When, in 1944, recruiters to England, where he worked as part of a bomb Yitzchak von Schweitzer’s book, From arrived in his village looking for volunteers, disposal unit in London. A memory from this German War to Jewish Peace, was published Yitzchak enlisted. He was posted in April 1945 time is of Israel’s Declaration of Independence in June and is available on Amazon at £14

This was a thorough

Take Care of Your Mental Wellbeing This Winter

ly vital course.

“Four days after the course, I was with so mebody who had a panic att ack, and using this kn owledge I was able to support them through it.”

Course Dates

JAN

Wed 10th @ 8pm

Wed 24th @ 10am

(90 mins)

(3 hours)

FEB

Wed 7th @ 10am

Mon 19th @ 8pm

(90 mins)

(90 mins)

Hundreds of people have joined one of our FREE professional 90 minute or 3-hour Zoom training sessions. Places are limited so book now from a choice of Top-Line or In-Depth Introduction to adult mental health and learn how best to care for your own and others’ mental wellbeing.

Book now at projectlily.org.uk Project Lily, 52 Portland Place, London W1B 1NH

Honorary Patron: Lady Elaine Sacks

020 3627 2422 • training@projectlily.org.uk

Trustees: David Coffer, Rabbi Danny Kirsch & Lisa Radford

Reg. Charity No. 1171723

Book one of our FREE CPD Accredited Training dates now

36 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

37

Tributes to Martin Segal / News

Israel Guide Dog Centre loses its inspirational champion “Martin the kibbutznik. Martin the Israeli. Martin the Zionist.Martin the Jew, wearing his Judaism proudly .Martin the soldier, in and out of uniform, defending Israel, and defending our people. Martin the voice of the Israel Guide Dog Centre.”

This is how Noach Braun, the founder of the Israel Guide Dog Centre described Martin Segal. It was as executive director of the UK arm of the charity that Martin was best known to the Jewish community, writes Brigit Grant.

But for the hundreds of people who attended his funeral on Sunday he wore many important hats, including a cycling helmet that was placed on top of the Israeli flag across his coffin.

Martin Segal’s passion for cycling was only rivalled by his commitment to Israel and he constantly

tried to combine the two through fundraising, notably in 2019 when he cycled to Be’er Sheva for the IGDC .

Alongside him on that sponsored cycle was close friend and fellow biker Damon Shaw who read a eulogy

by Martin’s wife Rebecca in which she described her husband as her “soul mate, her everything and an amazing father to Natan.”

Rebecca’s sentiments are mirrored in the intro on Martin’s Facebook page which reads: ‘My family, cycling, and my charity define who I am’ and above a joyful family photo posted in August 2022 he expresses his pride for Natan graduating as a policeman.

Posts over the past few days have come from his global network of friends who are sharing their memories of the former Hasmonean pupil who went to Israel in 1986 to do ulpan at Kibbutz Yagur.

There he met Grahame Molen who also gave a tribute at the funeral,

Martin and wife Rebecca

highlighting the fun they shared as kibbutzniks and their joint decision to remain in Israel and join the IDF. Martin served on the Golan Heights under the command of Michael Fejdman who in an emotive post wrote that Martin was “a good soldier who was obedient with a large dollop of chutzpah” and his chutzpah, humour and zeal for life has been echoed by all who knew him.

At the shiva this week those tributes have continued with a roster of family, friends and colleagues wanting to honour the charismatic charity director. Martin met IGDF co-founder Noach Braun in 2011 which lead him to joining an an existing Friends organisation in the

New exhibit celebrates iconic survivor Leon A new exhibition devoted to the life of Society. The collection also features items from British Holocaust survivor Leon Greenman key milestones in Leon’s life: a wooden truck is opening at the National Holocaust Centre made by Greenman for his son Barney, the uniand Museum — with items from the collec- form he wore at Buchenwald, the final camp he was held prisoner, and his OBE medal, awarded tion of the Jewish Museum in London.

Greenman, who died in 2008, was born in in 1998 for services to education.

The Jewish Museum London (JML) London, but in 1940 was living with his wife and son in the Netherlands closed its physical doors in Camden in September 2023 and now when the Nazis invaded the describes itself as a museum country.

Unable to prove his and without walls. It is sending different parts of its his family’s British idenextensive collection to tity, the Greenmans were museums throughout the first sent to the deportaUK. In December last year tion camp Westerbork it received a grant from and then on to Auschwitzthe National Lottery HerBirkenau where his wife itage Fund of £231,000 for Else and their son Barney its project, Jewish Museum were murdered. Greenman London on the Move. himself survived 18 months of The chair of JML, Nick Viner, concentration and labour camps said: “Leon Greenman’s distincand made a promise to tell his story Leon Greenman tive British testimony, and his to the outside world. willingness over his life to share The gallery collection focuses on the theme of determination, a defining trait it, provides an immensely important contributhroughout the life of Leon Greenman. The tion to our understanding of the Holocaust. At display celebrates his dedication to telling the JML, as part of our commitment to challenging world about the Holocaust, including several antisemitism through education and sustaining signs created to advertise his public speaking the legacy of Leon Greenman, we’re delighted work educating communities about the Holo- to be collaborating with the National Holocaust caust, including engagements with the Anti- Centre and Museum, and with the University of Nazi League and Oxford University Jewish Nottingham.”

L-R: Orna Braun, Director of Breeding Kennels, Noah Braun, CEO and co-founder, Jon Benjamin, Chairman of UK IGDC and Martin Segal

UK – “that was far from meeting its potential,” said Noach.

“You grabbed onto it and took a completely different approach.

With your vision and steely determination, you transformed a volunteer fundraising group and professionalised it. You have revolutionised all areas related to fundraising, taking your vast experience and bringing new life to the organisation. You mobilised interest in our work, raised public awareness, built connections, expanded your donor

base, and created an organisation that we are all proud of.”

A 19-month battle against cancer never stopped Martin from working for the Israel Guide Dog Centre or finding new ways to fund raise.

And the horror of October 7 which distressed him so much, made him more determined to support the charity which has been left understaffed and over-populated with new puppies and abandoned dogs.  To donate in Martin’s memory visit: israelguidedog.org.uk

SITE OF THE ‘SECRET LISTENERS’ OPENS HOUSE OF SECRETS MUSEUM One of Britain’s most important wartime buildings, Trent Park House in Enfield, is set to launch its “House of Secrets” digital museum, in anticipation of its physical museum in 2025.

In the middle of the Second World War, Trent Park, previously owned by the Jewish millionaire Sir Philip Sassoon, became the unlikely location for a group known as the Secret Listeners. These men, mainly German Jews who had fled the Nazis, were at Trent Park to eavesdrop on high-ranking German military officers who had been captured by the British forces.

One of the Secret Listeners was Ernst Lederer, grandfather of the actress and comedian Helen Lederer, who is now a trustee of the Trent Park House of Secrets.

The German prisoners of war lived a life of comparative luxury at Trent Park, with good meals and accommodation — and even access to top-class tailors to ensure their uniforms were in the best condition. But they were unaware that they were being spied on — with a host of listening devices embedded in the walls and furniture of the mansion. Even the billiard table and trees were bugged.

Historians believe that the “careless talk” casually flung about by the German PoWs provided crucial information to Allied intelligence. At least one of the captives, according to historian Clive Francis, was suspicious that because of Trent Park’s previous incarnation as an interrogation centre, the building

Historians believe that the “careless talk” casually flung about by the German PoWs

might still be bugged. General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim, captured earlier in 1943 in North Africa where he had been commander of two Panzer divisions, called a meeting of fellow inmates on July 9 1943, warning them to indulge only in “morale-boosting conversation”.

Helen Lederer’s grandfather, Ernst, was born in the Sudetenland and fled to Britain in 1939. As well as being a Secret Listener, Ernst had another role, says his granddaughter: “To mingle among the German generals to manipulate their conversations and tease out essential information. His affable personality may have come in useful when extracting information from the incarcerated generals. He was asked to assess their characters and interview them personally. The generals were encouraged by these ‘stool pigeons’ to speak freely about the war, and they did.”

38 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Editorial comment and letters

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

It’s a bit rich for your columnist Alex Brummer to bleat that a “narrative of Israel hatred, bleeding into virulent antisemitism has taken hold” when he, like other liberals, has allowed it to take hold over decades.

The academic problem isn’t new. As far back as 2008 an attempt in a debate at the LSE to brand Israel an apartheid state failed by just seven votes. I don’t recall Mr Brummer writing about Israel Apartheid Week or addressing it at the Board of Deputies.

I do remember his attack on the Israeli ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely, in 2020 when she said that the Naqba (Catastrophe) is a

CAN YOU HELP IN THIS AJEX QUEST? AJEX is searching for family of Cpl Harry Louis Woolf of 617 Armoured Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers, Tanks/Armoured Cars, who was a Jewish man who died in the assault on Venray, Holland, on 16 October 1944. His grave is tended by the CWGC; however there is no record of his family ever visiting it. The local residents of Venray light a candle at the grave every Christmas Eve. We are trying to locate his descendants to let them know more about Harry.

If you are able to help, please let me know via Jewish News.

Martin Sugarman AJEX Archives

MBE MEANS MAZELTOV! I was delighted to read that Jewish News copublisher Justin Cohen was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

His tireless devotion to the community, reflective of this paper’s endeavour as a whole, has made him a thoroughly deserving recipient.

I wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Justin, to all at the JN, and to all the community’s honourees who give us so much collective nachas and pride!

Phil Rosenberg, By email

“made-up Arab lie”. He has in the past mentioned the “forcible displacement of 700,000 Palestinians around the time of the founding of the state of Israel”, which he claimed as “the root of the conflict”.

Of course, the Naqba was the Arab “catastrophe” (they were not known as Palestinians then) in which five Arab armies failed to destroy the nascent state of Israel in a war of extermination.

The only forcible displacement of Arabs to take place was by Arab armies persuading them to leave, to return once the Jews had been thrown into the sea.

D Rosenthhal, Hendon

HAMAS VS XMAS Why have the mainstream media failed to mention the pro-Hamas rioting, an attempt to stop and shut down Christmas celebrations around the world, especially in the USA? Here are a few examples: on Boston Common, Hamas supporters defaced a Nativity scene. In Manhattan, they attacked the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting. Around the country, Hamas supporters went on the rampage against ‘joy’ at other tree lightings.

Is it because the Israelis are not carrying out these atrocities that they are not worth reporting?

Eric Silver, Edgware

BRITAIN NEEDS YOU! I have always seen the Jewish community as being as British as I am. I am 72 and have never heard negative opinions about Jewish people. l served in the British army and have had lots of jobs over the years and the subject of Jews has never even been mentioned by anyone.

I believe that any anti-Jewish feeling does not come from the working class of the UK but, perhaps, from immigration from Middle East countries.

Britain needs you and your continued major contribution to all walks of life..

Terence Fox, By email

I’ve been going to Daniel’s bakery in Temple Fortune for years, for Shabbat challah or food for the family, but my recent visit was my last. An assistant aggressively shouted, “And? And?” while serving me.

When I politely asked if he

perhaps meant “Would you like anything else?” he looked upset.

I can’t be certain but I sensed he told me to “**** off” as I left.

Is this the level of behaviour to be expected at our community’s shops?

Robin Field, NW4

MY TIP FOR RESTAURANTS It has come to my attention that some kosher restaurants in northwest London do not pass the service charge on to their waiters and waitresses, instead keeping it for themselves. I now always ask the people serving if they receive the service charge themselves. If the

answer is no, then I make a point of having the charge removed from the bill and paying the amount in cash to my server instead.

I find it incredibly selfish that restaurant owners are keeping tips from their hard-working staff.

Name withheld on request

MAKING RADIO WAVES Anyone listening to James O’Brien on LBC on 4 January could only conclude he is biased against Israel, although he claims not to be. He blames Israel for the war in Gaza and is adept at twisting the views of callers. If Hamas is

not defeated, when will the next 7 October take place?

The policing of anti-Israel marches does not bode well for Jews in this country. Israel must and will overcome, for all our sakes.

Sidney Sands, By email

THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT TIMES...

Shabbat comes in Friday night 4.01pm

Support your Jewish community. Support your Jewish News Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community.

Unlike other Jewish media, we do not charge for content. That won’t change. Because we are charity-owned and free, we rely on advertising to cover our costs. This vital lifeline, which has dropped in recent years, has fallen further due to coronavirus.

Today we’re asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.

For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.

Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.

You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.

100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity.

Support Jewish News by visiting our donor page at jewishnews.co.uk

lives to survive. He’s criticised and condemned for being alive. He’s not supposed to fight back, he’s supposed to have thick skin. He’s supposed to lay down and die when his door is kicked in”.

How prophetic (the song was written in the 1980s), his words have turned out to be.

David Frencel Hackney

BOORISHNESS AT BAKERS

27 May 2020

Shabbat goes out Saturday night 5.10pm

BRITAIN’S BLIND SPO T •

16 Sivan 5781

•

Issue No.1212

•

@JewishNews

UK

We’ve never been racism, so why so focused on fighting the deafenin g silence as antisemitism spirals out of control?

• Hospital probes ‘cutth

• Driver with Israel roat gesture’ to Jewish patient attacked in Golders Green • Crucifixion banneri flataghuge pro-Palesti • BBC journalist’s #Hitle nian demo • Nearly 300 antisemitic rwasright tweet revealed

ANTI-JEWISH

RACISM – THE

incidents in under

MADNESS SPREAD

‘It’s okay not to be okay’ BOO KVE DRI

S: Pages 2,

3 weeks

3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

8, 20, 22 &

DONATE ONLINE

EE

AT ORTUK.O Alternatively, RG/BOOKS to donate via text Text 8ORT to donate £8 or 16ORT to donate £16 to 70085

Help ORT UK raise £50,000 children’s FR books to gift 7,000 across the globe

Journey’s end Fredd ie’s Covid

cancels Israel tours for second summer Page 10

VOICE 22 April 2021

•

OF TH E COM M

10 Iyar 5781

•

Issue No.1207

23 1105254

Liberals let the hatred in

Letter writer Patrick Humphries (14 December) mentions Bob Dylan, the Nobel Prize laureate in literature, who, although being perceived as an archetype leftwing rebel (and thus, one might expect him to be sceptical about Israel’s right to self-defence), expressed a very clear moral stance in his song Neighbourhood Bully. He sang that Israel “Just

Charity number

PO Box 815, Edgware, HA8 4SX | letters@jewishnews.co.uk

SEEN BLOWING IN THE WIND

century!

UK registered

Send us your comments

Beloved survivor’s 100th birthday P31

Sedra: Va’era

THE JACOB FOUNDATION Jewish News is owned by The Jacob Foundation, a registered UK charity promoting

UNITY

Time to en the divide d •

@JewishNews

UK

Landmark revie racism in the w of Jewish community calls for:

Jewish community and between British Jews and wider society. Jewish News promotes these

• End to racial

at communal profiling events • Synagogues ‘welcoming to create committees’ • Word ‘Shvart understood zer’ to be as a racial slur • Sephardi, Mizrah songs in Ashken i and Yemenite azi • Schools to increas synagogues e focus on colonialism and black history • ...and Facebo ok group Jewish Britain is named and shamed Jewish News

aims by delivering dependable and balanced

LIFE FULL REPORT

cohesion and common ground across the UK

& EXPERT

ANALYSIS

ON PAGES

Commission chair Stephen authored the Bush Board of Deputies report

6, 7 &September 26 2021 • ISSUE NO.6

Magazine

news reporting and analysis and celebrating the achievements of its vibrant and varied readership.

Through the Jacob Foundation, Jewish News acts as a reliable and independent advocate for British Jews and a crucial communication vehicle for other communal charities.

DRESSING

Inside Julia’s

WITH HAART

unorthodox wardrob: e

YIZKOR – Living

with loss

New Beginnings

Pink Rabbit

turns 50

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

39

Editorial comment and letters

WE BU Y ANTIQ UES WE PAY CA SH FOR ANTIQUES & JEWELLERY

All Oriental Works of Art

ld & Silv

Clocks, Wrist & Pocket Watches.

All Large Furniture

Antiques & designer Silverware.

Art Deco to Modern Jewellery. Fine Porcelain, Bronzes. Glass. Fine Jewels & Objects of Virtue. Antique & Contemporary Paintings.

We purchase a wide range of Antiques, including Furniture through the ages, from Georgian, Regency and Victorian, to the more rare 20th century modern pieces. We also specialise in diamond jewellery, gold, silver, and paintings of any period, with an emphasis primarily on quality.

If you would like advice or to sell direct, do get in touch. Selling direct eliminates the high commissions involved with auction houses. In fact, we encourage sellers to obtain an auction estimate before contacting us, to be certain of receiving the best possible price.

Payment is immediate, by cash or Bank Transfer and we collect free of charge.

We are here to help.

Please call Sue for a free valuation on: Freephone 0800 840 2035.

Mob: 07956 268 290. email: antiquesbuyers8@gmail.com.

Visit our website for more details: www.antiquesbuyers.co.uk

40 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

D E k T Y u I . o ch M c T I .

I L IL jc esa n Y B @b k/P R A VE AIL : stay c.co.u AV ons bnj ti a rv

se e R

PESACH 2024 IN BRIGHTON START FROM

£6,999* * For TWO adults and a NINE day all-inclusive package in a 2 bed, 2 bath home & all meals

AN ALL-INCLUSIVE STAY BY THE SEA...

A perfect UK getaway for observing Pesach while enjoying a relaxing and unforgettable seaside trip, for all the family. Only an hour from London, with an on-site restaurant for a fully catered kosher holiday, plus 24/7 security and outstanding accommodation. With a fabulous Rabbinic-led programme and supplement excursions around East Sussex, let us do all the work as you enjoy creating memories this Spring.

Restaurant

Childcare

Synagogue

Co-working

Gym

@bnjcbrighton

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

41

Inside A look

Elvis Presley’s affinity with Jews

Sloping off in Italy

Claudia Winkleman

Parliamentary affairs adviser Zack Davies from north London takes part in the new series of The Traitors on BBC1. Jewish News gets the lowdown on his game plan

T

he nail-biting psychological reality competition is back on our screens to get our brains active after the festive slowdown.

Claudia Winkleman has welcomed 22 strangers to a beautiful castle in the Scottish Highlands to play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning up to £120,000. Zack Davies, 27, is among them. As a Traitor, his job would be to secretly ‘murder’ a player every night, without getting caught. As a Faithful, his role would be to try to detect who the traitors are and banish them from the game to avoid being the next victim.

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

To see if I’m as smart as I think I am! In my career I think I am very good at reading people, and I want to see if that is the case. I think it helps that I come from the tightly knit Jewish community, where socially everyone knows each other’s business. The money would be a huge bonus for my girlfriend and me, as we are trying to find a flat. I think that I could win it if I’m a Faithful – I’ve already said that I do not want to be a Traitor at all because I’m never going to win!

What did you think of the first series?

It was great – eccentric and ground-breaking.

I’ve played games like Mafia and Werewolf with my friends and when we started watching Traitors together we were hooked immediately.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Wilfred for sure. He went for the ultimate Traitor move, which was to sell his Traitor buddies down the river. I thought that was brutal, but it was so effective. When he chucked Alyssa under the bus it took all the pressure off him. Although he did mess up at the end by choosing Kieran to be by his side – if he had tried to recruit Hannah it might have worked out better. I actually rewatched it and saw that he was so on it from the start. It was so Machiavellian. He was a schemer.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I think I’ll feel quite happy. You have the power in your hands, you’re probably going to get through a few Round Tables and have a bit more fun being there for a bit longer. I just don’t think I could win with it though. I know that I would give it away – I smile too much! If I’m at the Round Table and someone accuses me of being a Traitor I’m probably going to just smile and laugh at them, rather than passionately defend myself.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I think I’ll bring a lot more as a Faithful than as a Traitor. I’ve got a massive mouth so I can’t keep anything a secret. If I am a Faithful I’ll bring my perception, plus an understanding of what people are thinking and lies they might be weaving without really realising it. As I spend my life finding out what MPs are thinking I feel like I could do it with the average person who hasn’t undergone that scrutiny or the media training.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I’ve won a few poker tournaments, but no. I do this stupid thing where my lips just curl up, I can’t help it!

Do you have a game plan?

My aim is to strike up close friendships. I’d like to think I give a good first impression, I’m quite charismatic and strike up quite intimate relationships quickly, so I’d like to lean into that a little bit. Try and gather people from different age groups and backgrounds and have their backs but kind of be secretly puppeteering from the background so they do the things I want them to do.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win?

I think I’d be cut-throat. I’d like to think I wouldn’t factor in sentimentality, even though I said close friendships were a big part of my plan. It is a game and I think I’ll have the guile to recognise that. I think I’d be even more brutal than Wilfred.

If you’re a Faithful, what will be your game plan?

I think the best way is to sit in the middle for the first few episodes. If you’re absolutely certain someone is a Traitor, I think you should call it out straight away because if you’re right and you trust your gut feeling the odds are they won’t vote you off, so you basically have immunity if

you figure it out immediately. But on the other hand, you don’t want to raise suspicions so it’s probably best to keep quiet until you know for certain who is who. I guess I can lean on my understanding of facial expressions and tonalities and the way people talk and look.

Hopefully, I’ll stick in the middle. I’m not going to be dead quiet, but I’m not going to say everything or give my hand away.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I think I can spot if someone is pulling the wool over my eyes.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’ll need to make it to the final?

I think it’s about being likeable, intelligent and effective in the way you play your cards. I think passion goes really far and it’s good to show your emotion. For example, Wilfred broke down in tears a few times and that might have been a reason why people didn’t get suspicious.

If you win the prize money, what will you spend it on?

The real answer, that my girlfriend doesn’t know, is that I want to spend it on a Mazda MX-5, because I love cars and racing. It has perfect balance, so I want to take it round tracks around Europe – that’s my dream. But in truth I have to say a flat. My girlfriend would break up with me if I didn’t say that!

The Traitors is on BBC1 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 9pm

42 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JN LIFE

Blue Suede Jew Priscilla Presley may take centre stage in Sofia Coppola’s recently released biopic but Lorraine Gibson keeps the focus firmly on Elvis’ (supposed)Jewish heritage

S

ofia Coppola’s movie Priscilla, about life with Elvis as told through the tarantula-lashed eyes of his titular former wife, has caused fury among his fan base and dismay in his estate, resulting in an awkward absence of any Elvis music in the film.

Their rage is levelled as much at Priscilla as at Coppola, as she enthusiastically endorsed the film (based on her memoir, Elvis and Me, co-written with Jewish author Sandra Harmon). It exaggerates his flaws and failings, yet ignores his spirituality and his search for life’s meaning through alternative religions, including Judaism, which played a part in his life from a young age.

In the summer of 1954, when 19-yearold Elvis Presley received a freshly-pressed copy of his first record, That’s All Right, he had nothing to play it on. The $50-a-monthrent for the family’s flat in Alabama Avenue, a lowly Memphis enclave nicknamed ‘The Pinch’, meant they could barely afford essentials, let alone a record player.

Unfazed, the teen who would be ‘King’ ran upstairs to Rabbi Alfred Fruchter’s apartment and played it on his turntable, the one on which he played his cantorial music.

The Fruchter family, in a similar situation to the Presley family in that their flat was a step towards better things, were fond of Elvis and his mum Gladys, who’d pop up for cake with Alfred’s wife, Jeanette. Elvis even acted as their ‘Shabbos goy’ and when offered payment, would refuse. Sometimes he’d join the family for Friday night dinner wearing the kippah they gave him.

Elvis never forgot their kindness and when the rabbi appeared years later at one of his concerts asking to see him, he was invited

Baz Luhrmann with Austin Butler and Hal Lansky on a visit to Memphis. Lansky Bros

backstage where Elvis bear-hugged him and took him to a press conference, introducing him as ‘his’ rabbi.

Professor Roselle Chartock, author of The Jewish World of Elvis Presley , says that when Gladys told Mrs Fruchter that she was worried about Elvis’s future prospects, she prophetically said: “Don’t worry, he’s a good boy, he’ll make you proud someday.”

This affinity with his Jewish neighbours and, at around the same time, with Bernard Lansky, a stalwart of Memphis’ Jewish merchants community who sold ‘cool threads’ (hip/ trendy clothes) and spoke Yiddish with a southern drawl, has raised the question as to whether there was more than just mutual admiration going on.

And now, with an exhibition in London stirring up huge interest in Elvis nearly 50 years after his death, the answer is all the more keenly sought. A treasure trove of Elvis’ personal possessions, plus costumes worn by Austin Butler in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 Elvis movie, are on display at the Direct From Graceland exhibition, exquisitely curated by keeper of The King’s things, archivist Angie Marchese.

There’s much enthusiasm for the theory that Elvis had Jewish heritage, driven by the story told by Chartock that Gladys sat Elvis down while quite young and told him he had Jewish blood, then added: “But I don’t want you to tell people, because people don’t like Jews.”

Bernard Lansky had noticed a shabby kid hanging around the window of his Beale Street shop, not just because he was scruffy, but because he was white. “Beale was a rough, tough street and home to mainly African Americans many of whom were our customers,” said Bernard’s son, Hal Lansky, when I visited the famous Memphis store last year. “Elvis stood out like a sore thumb.”

Still, Bernard ushered him inside as though he were one of his VIP customers, among them BB King and Little Richard.

An unlikely friendship was forged and Elvis patronised Lansky’s for 30 years. “I put Elvis in his first suit and I put him in his last,” said Bernard, referring to the white suit and blue tie his dear friend was buried in.

Elvis struck up many relationships with Jews: songwriters, directors, costume designers, jewellers and Alfred Wertheimer, the photographer who created the now-sanctified series of candid, monochrome photos

Elvis sports a Star of David pendant in 1973 and (inset) c1958 with seven-year-old Hal Lansky and his sisters. Bernard Lansky was a stalwart of Memphis’ Jewish merchants community

of Elvis on the stage. Memphis Mafia member Marty Lacker, brink of megaanother close Jewish friend, told author stardom at 21 – an Alanna Nash, in her 1995 book Elvis Aaron incredible record Presley: Revelations from the Memphis Mafia, of a life-altering three months, forever frozen that Elvis wore the chai “to cover all bases” in time. after exploring different religions to his own In 2018 Angie Marchese, vice president of Baptist-Pentecostal one and that he’d joke archives and exhibitions at Elvis Presley’s Graceland, happened upon the gravestone that Elvis designed for his mother in 1964, six years after she died in 1958.

It was placed in storage after Elvis died on 16 August, 1977 (many believe by Elvis’ father, Vernon, known for his anti-Semitic leanings, which infuriated Elvis) and hadn’t seen the light of day since.

“It existed,” Angie says, “but I’d never seen it. It was among thousands of items as you can imagine, but suddenly there it was. Elvis had it carved with a cross and with a Star of David to honour Gladys’s Jewish heritage. The stone was broken but I had it restored and added it to Graceland’s Memorial Garden to mark the 60th anniversary of her death.”

Elvis changed the spelling of his middle name from Aron to Aaron and regularly wore his bejewelled Star of David and chai pendants on Elvis with Bernard Lanksy, whose shop he patronised for years

11 January 2024 Jewish News 43

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JN LIFE ELVIS SHMELVIS

By day, he’s Martyn Dias from St Albans, but once he pulls on his bespoke spangled jumpsuit, raven-black wig and bejewelled gun-slinger belt, he is Elvis Shmelvis, one of the UK’s best-rated Elvis tribute acts – and certainly the number one Jewish version.

He rocks an impressive simulation of The King’s voice, making him in demand to get all shook up at weddings, birthdays and barmitzvahs. He fully endorses the theory that Elvis was Jewish.

Gravestone of Gladys Presley, mother of Elvis, in Graceland, Memphis, and the Tree of life pendant gifted to him by the Memphis Mafia

that he didn’t want to be kept out of heaven on a technicality.

One of the most compelling pieces of this pedigree puzzle is the appearance in various Presley family trees of Nancy Burdine, a European Jew. Tracing Elvis’ lineage for her book, Elvis and Gladys, author Elaine Dundy discovered Nancy’s daughter was Martha Tackett who married Mansell White and had a daughter called Octavia or ‘Doll’. Doll married Bob Smith and they had a daughter, Gladys Love Smith - Elvis’ mum. Dundy, who credits Elvis’s third cousin, Oscar Tackett with this information, then searched through five generations of women from Nancy and ended up at Elvis, indicating his descent from a direct line of Jewish women.

Who knew? Well, at the time, hardly

anyone. However, Elvis did and later told several people – including Jewish friends George Klein, Alan Fortas and Larry Geller, all of whom became part of his inner circle.

Roselle Chartock sums up: “The words ‘Elvis’ and ‘Jews’ may not seem to go together.

But the truth is that, despite growing up in a poor, fundamentalist Christian family in the Deep South – an area sometimes known for its antisemitism – Elvis Presley developed a deep affinity to Jews. I believe the main reason goes back to that day when Gladys told [him] about their Jewish blood.”  Tickets for Direct From Graceland are available at elvislondonbridge.co.uk  Elvis: The King of Fashion by Lorraine Gibson is out this summer (White Owl Books)

“I’ve been in touch with Larry Geller, Elvis’ hairdresser and spiritual adviser, who said that he confided in him about his Jewish ancestry,” says Martyn.

shmelvis. com

We need your good quality donations ...and we collect for free!

Your donation will help many local worthy causes.

Arrange your collection today.

t. 020 8381 1717 e. collections@allaboardshops.com w. www.allaboardshops.com Reg Charity No: 1125462

44 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JN LIFE

Caron Bluestone and her family reclaim joy on the sunkissed, snow-covered slopes

Five-star Sassongher in Corvara

S

even spotted deer on the unlight glinting off my visor momentarily adjacent slope.

The enchantment blinded me to the extended beyond breathtaking panoaesthetics, the sauna rama sprawled before me. or the wonderful Crisp mountain air filled indoor pool. Paula, my lungs, chasing away the the ever-smiling echoes of anxieties that had clung to me like frost in the concierge, became our guardian angel, weeks leading up to this trip. orchestrating ski lessons, This wasn’t just a ski holiday, it was our family’s first foray back recommending hidden-gem into the world after war broke out A well-earned dessert shops, and guiding us to the La Majun Hotel hums with the warmth of hospitality region’s best family-friendly in Israel; a tentative step into sunrestaurants. And for top-notch equipment shine from the shadows of conflict. on the slopes. We’d melt away anxieties in the luxuand expert advice, Sport Posch hit the spot We weren’t victims – we were skiers, advenrious indoor pool, surrounded by panoramic views with knowledgeable staff ensuring we were set for turers, a family with two boys aged eight and 12 of snow-dusted peaks. La Majun’s tranquil spa every adventure on the slopes. bound by laughter and the thrill of carving fresh provided a further haven, where expert therapists Our foodie hearts truly soared at the lively yet tracks in powder. The Dolomites, with their jagged kneaded away knots and revived tired muscles intimate Hotel La Perla’s Bistrot in Corvara. We peaks piercing the azure sky and valleys cradling with alpine-inspired treatments. From invigorfeasted on melt-in-the-mouth crispy Dolomite quaint villages, became our canvas for reclaiming ating massages to indulgent facials, the small but eggs with exquisite fresh truffle, an exceptional joy, and boy did they deliver. perfectly formed spa offered a holistic sanctuary partridge with foie gras, an intoxicating beef Our first haven was Sassongher, a majestic fivefor ultimate après-ski indulgence. tartare served on rosemary roasted marrow, all star hotel perched in Corvara. Crackling flames Beyond the slopes and sumptuous meals, the perfect creations of chef Simone Cantafio. And licking a stone fireplace cast warm shadows on Dolomites hold a deep-rooted cultural heritage. wood-panelled walls. Regal yet cosy, our suite had a then there was the acclaimed, award-winning We explored enchanting Ladin villages with their wine cellar – a dimly-lit labyrinth lined with dusty balcony – a front-row seat to the stunning scenery brightly-painted houses and unique language, a bottles whispering tales of bygone vintages. The that surrounded us. On the clear nights, the delightful blend of Italian and German. The local sommelier, a passionate storyteller with a twinkle outdoor hot tub, lit up in colours of the rainbow, customs, from traditional wood carving to festive in his eye, led us on a tour, his words painting vivid steamed us into a blissful state under a blanket of parades, offered a glimpse into a world untouched pictures of sun-drenched vineyards and patient stars, offering a celestial soak unlike any other. We by mass tourism. grapes ripening under the watchful gaze of As our week drew to a close, the Dolomites the Dolomites. had woven their magic. The thrill of carving fresh From Corvara, we glided on skis to La tracks in powder, one ski pass for 1,200 glorious Majun, a jewel in the neighbouring village of kilometres of slopes, the warmth of communal La Villa. This family-run haven hums with dinners, the quiet moments spent gazing at starthe warmth of Ladin hospitality. The aroma studded skies – it was a kaleidoscope of experiof freshly-baked bread hung in the air and ences that transcended the typical ski holiday. the staff, led by the infectiously-enthusiastic This is a place where families can bond over owners Natalie and Roberta, treated us like long-lost relatives. The food was a revelation shared adventures, where relaxation and rejuvenation await in luxurious sanctuaries, and where – Ladin cuisine, a delightful fusion of Italian even self-proclaimed foodies like us can discover and Austrian influences, with portions that culinary treasures worthy of Michelin stars amidst could satisfy even the hungriest Olympian. the snowy peaks.

But the magic truly unfolded after a day Sassongher’s hot tub is celestial on a clear night

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS GETTING THERE  Sky Alps flies directly from Stansted to Bolzano, cutting transfer time in half skyalps.com  Maple Parking Meet & Greet Service means you breeze through the airport mapleparking.co.uk STAY WARM  Bertschat heated gloves and vests – fantastic warmth and amazing battery life bertschat.co.uk  Manbi ski apparel for kids: stylish comfort at great prices manbi.com TASTE THE GOOD LIFE  La Perla’s Bistrot laperlacorvara.it WHERE TO STAY  Sassongher luxury and views from €300 a night (half-board) sassongher.it  La Majun family haven and spa from €370 a night (B&B) lamajun.it SKI SCHOOL  Marco at Ski School Corvara was the perfect mountain companion, refining technique and challenging the family to improve while having fun scuolascicorvara.it  For La Villa, book private lessons with Ski School La Villa scuolascilavilla.it

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

45

46 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JN LIFE

GHETTO TALES A play opening next week sheds light on life in the Warsaw Ghetto, writes Angie Jacobs The archivist Isaac Schipper wrote in 1943 that “everything depends on who transmits our testament to future generations” and that if the Jews did not take responsibility for writing their own history, “not even a dog will howl for us”.

Not Even the Dogs, which opens next week at The Old Red Lion Theatre in Islington, is a new play

by Josh Baumring-Gledhill and Josh Myers. In their telling of the story of Emanuel Ringelblum’s creation of the Oyneg Shabes, they attempt to challenge traditional Holocaust narratives by celebrating how the inhabitants of the Warsaw Ghetto endeavoured to live rather than focusing on how they died.

Ringelblum was a historian, political activist and humanitarian prominent in Jewish self-aid efforts. Disgusted by the mistreat-

ment of the Jewish population and terrified by what their fate might be, he decided to commit himself to telling the Ghetto’s story in the words of its citizens, forming the Oyneg Shabes group, which documented and archived the experiences of Jewish Ghetto life through poetry, music and stories.

Myers explains that their play “recognises the tragedy of how the people died, but the focus of our play is to celebrate how they lived”.

Baumring-Gledhill adds: “It is a story that is about the power of the human spirit. It’s about Jewish love, Jewish kindness and a celebration, in particular, of Yiddish Ashkenazi Jewish culture of the early 20th century”.

The idea for the play was first conceived in 2019 when Myers’ parents saw an exhibition in Poland about people who had

buried various materials in milk churns under the Warsaw Ghetto and this led Josh to do some more research. Both playwrights were so fascinated by the Oyneg Shabes (which translates as Joy of the Sabbath) that they decided their story needed to be told on the stage.

While conceived as testimony to be used to prosecute the Nazis after the war, the archive later focused more on survival in a slightly more metaphorical, epic sense.

Myers says of the archivists’ efforts: “Look, we’re probably going to die, we recognise that, and so this archive, these things we’ve been collecting, are now becoming the last will and testament of a 5000-year-old people. Ringelblum knew that if the Germans were to win the war, they would most likely either wipe the Jews out of history and pretend they never existed, or

WORK | SHARE | GROW WE HUB, FINCHLEY CENTRAL

The cast of Not Even the Dogs, at the Old Red Lion Theatre in Islington

paint their destruction as something beautiful.”

The word Nazi is not mentioned in the play. Nazis are only referred to as “the others”; that’s how they are to Ringelblum, and indeed how they were described in his Ghetto journal: a nameless force.

The cast is made up of six Jewish actors, all but one playing multiple roles. They all play real people with real stories and any scene that is not within the archive comes from extensive historical research based on conversations that were thought

DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE JEWISH COMMUNITY TO DEFEND ITSELF & PROTECT OTHERS

2 PRIVATE OFFICES AVAILABLE MEN ONLY (16+) SUNDAYS 6-7.30PM £12 PER SESSION (90MINS) HENDON, NW4 9HG

WHATSAPP 02045998309

THEWORKAVENUE.ORG.UK/WEHUB 020 8349 4048 REGISTERED CHARITY 1164762

 Not Even the Dogs is at the Old Red Lion Theatre in EC1, 16-20 January oldredliontheatre.co.uk

STREET SELF DEFENCE & AWARENESS COURSE

SHARED WORKSPACE & PRIVATE OFFICES

FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS

likely to have taken place. Together with producers Lew Forman and Ella McQueen, Myers and Baumring-Gledhill, who will also be directing, are keen to take the show to areas where there is not a big Jewish population and use it as an educational tool to improve nationwide knowledge of the Holocaust and Jewish culture.

11 Janiuary 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH N E R D IL H C L IL Y L S U IO R SE

F

amilies facing the devastating reality of having a seriously ill child not only contend with huge emotional and practical challenges, but also the oftenoverlooked financial implications.

Charity Camp Simcha, which offers support to UK Jewish families with a seriously ill child, says at least 50 percent of families they support are feeling the financial impact of their child’s condition.

The cost of living crisis from the past 18 months has only made matters worse.

Camp Simcha head of services Daniel Gillis explains: “There are multiple financial implications – such as gaps in healthcare support because while the NHS covers all essential healthcare services, additional therapies, specialised equipment and certain medications may not be fully covered leading to extra expenses.

“There may be travel and accommodation costs as families sometimes need to access specialised treatment centres that are not near them; the costs of running life-saving medical equipment; lost income as both parents may not be able to work, and the emotional toll a child’s illness takes on a family can lead to mental health challenges. While the NHS offers mental health services, available

resource sadly often outstrips demand so families may be forced to seek private therapy.”

Many of Camp Simcha’s services are geared up to mitigating these challenges. Support such as hospital transport, crisis meals, counselling, other therapeutic services and respite care can take the pressure of families who are struggling to cope.

Days out organised by the charity, with medical care on site, provide a huge emotional lift and can often be the only opportunity for families to spend time out together, due to prohibitive cost and accessibility issues.

In addition, Camp Simcha’s social work team can signpost to available benefits and grants and support families with their applications.

Leat Preston, Camp Simcha social work manager, explains that she looks at every factor that may be impacting how a family is coping.

“Camp Simcha puts in place a range of bespoke practical, therapeutic and emotional support, but then we also liaise with other organisations and agencies to ensure they access all available help.

“Together we work out what they

Camp Simcha children and volunteers at retreat

are entitled to from the local authority in terms of a package of care and benefits. We can also help with grant applications for specialised equipment or adaptions they may need to make at home.

“Local authority budget cuts in some areas mean these care packages sometimes need to be supplemented, so Camp Simcha will try to work in tandem to fill in gaps in support, such as providing additional respite care.”

Camp Simcha parent Katie, whose daughter Leia has a rare mitochondrial disease, says: “When you have an unwell child the costs are just enormous; a lot of the practical help we receive from Camp Simcha we simply couldn’t afford by ourselves.

“They have helped us with transport to and from hospital, countless numbers of meals and respite care.

We can’t just hire any babysitter to look after Leia as she needs very specific care and neither of our parents live in London, so Camp Simcha have helped with a carer on a number of occasions.

“Some of the outings we have been on with Camp Simcha have been a real ray of sunshine ... to have something to look forward like that is a big deal.

We spend a lot of time in hospital with Leia and sometimes you lose the things in between, because you are just waiting for the next hospital visit, the next appointment, the next procedure, but Camp Simcha give you these things in between that provide an escape.

“Over the years their support has been a lifeline.”

If you or someone you know needs Camp Simcha’s support, get in touch: office@campsimcha.org.uk or phone 020 8202 9297

47

48 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JVN connects volunteers to over 100 UK and Israel-supporting charities. They continue to do essential work and they need volunteer support more than ever, especially at a time when many people are feeling down. Volunteering can channel those feelings into something meaningful. It’s what our community does. Now’s the time to do something positive for each other.

our community needs you

www.jvn.org.uk Charity no. 1130719

www.jewishnews.co.uk

11 January 2024 Jewish News

Ask our

49

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

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

This week: Coping with social media, dealing with wills and handling cryptocurrency risks and start creating and posting content that positions you as a thought leader in your industry.

SHOSHANNA DAVIS Secondly, grow your commercial awareness: Keep SEMINAR FACILITATOR up to date with the latest industry news and trends RESOURCE that you can use to show off in job applications and at interviews!

Thirdly, find exclusive job opportunities: OrganiDear Shoshanna sations often post jobs to social media first before I find social media very overwhelming. posting them to job boards, allowing you to be the How important is it for my job search? first to know, first to apply and often first to get their Talia application seen!

This isn’t just limited to LinkedIn. Platforms like Dear Talia You aren’t alone! Social media can be an overwhelming X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok all have their own individual job-searching place! But this doesn’t mean you should ignore it. capabilities. You don’t have to be active on every When looking for a job you’re selling yourself and single one of these platforms. It’s all dependent on just like any business selling a product it’s important to have multiple sales touchpoints rather than just one your industry and your goals and I suggest you pick one or two channels to focus on. so you can be visible to more people and land more Want to learn more? I’m hosting a workshop at opportunities. Here are three reasons why you should Resource on ‘Why Social Media is Important in Your consider using social media during your job search: Job Search & How To Use it!’ on 15 January at 12pm.

Firstly, to network, build a personal brand and To book, call the Resource office on 020 8346 4000 or increase your visibility: Find and connect with individuals at any company in any job title in any location email hello@resource-centre.org

CAROLYN ADDLEMAN DIRECTOR OF LEGACIES

KKL EXECUTOR & TRUSTEE CO Dear Carolyn My elderly uncle, who had no children of his own, passed away a few months ago and named me as his executor in his Will. His nephew, who had a poor relationship with him, is threatening to challenge the Will, under which he doesn’t benefit, on the grounds of the uncle’s lack of capacity.

Ian

Dear Ian Although you don’t mention it, I will assume your uncle’s nephew would inherit on an intestacy if the Will was set aside.

This shows the importance of following the ‘Golden Rule’ when drafting a Will. The draftsman should make every effort to ensure that all older testators have the necessary capacity and obtain a detailed report from a medical practitioner when preparing the document.

Recent research shows that one in 11 people over the age of 65 have some form of dementia and that more than 900,000 people within the UK have some form of the condition.

In a recent case, a solicitor who took instructions from a 90-year-old gentleman for the making of a Will without taking any proper steps to satisfy himself

as to the man’s capacity to make a Will was severely criticised by the judge. The Will was subsequently successfully challenged on the grounds of a lack of the necessary capacity.

The testator must be aware of the aims in making a Will, understand the approximate value and composition of their estate and appreciate any moral claims there may be on the estate. It must be clear they do not suffer from any mental condition which might impair their Will-making ability.

The Golden Rule is intended to protect the wishes of the testator and avoid a situation such as you have described.

When making a Will, it is advisable to consider giving the draftsman authority to write to your GP for confirmation of testamentary capacity.

JACOB BERNSTEIN FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

RICHDALE CONSULTANTS LTD Dear Jacob I am considering investing in cryptocurrencies but am very aware there are risks.

Does the FCA regulate crypto in any way, or offer any kind of protection to crypto investments?

Benjamin Dear Benjamin Investing in cryptocurrencies is currently unregulated

Need a Business Plan?

YES, YOU DO.

Especially in times like these.

We can help you.

Like we’ve helped 100’s of enterprises like yours. Let’s talk.

Call 020 8429 8800 or email “book” to businessplan@sobellrhodes.co.uk for a 30 minute business plan discovery session.

The first 30 responders will receive a free, printed copy of “HOW TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH SIMPLE STUFF THAT WORKS” worth £45.

Start looking forward to a more resilient, flexible, profitable business.

Elstree. London. Watford.

in the UK. Among other crucial consequences, this means consumers should not expect protection from the Financial Service Compensation Scheme or the involvement of the Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong.

However, the FCA since October 2023 has begun to regulate promotion of cryptocurrencies. Under the new rules, any firm promoting cryptocurrencies has to fulfil at least the following: • Every cryptocurrency promotion has to include a prominent risk warning and risk summary as provided by the FCA, which highlights the fact cryptocurrencies are a high-risk investment and there is no protection if something goes wrong.

• Not to offer any incentive (whether monetary or nonmonetary) to invest in cryptocur-

rencies, which includes bonuses, cashback, discounts, free gifts or additional free or discounted investments.

• Wait a “cooling off period” of 24 hours before making an offer to invest in cryptocurrencies to a first-time client who requests an offer in response to a promotion of cryptocurrencies.

• Show a personalised risk warning pop-up for first-time cryptocurrency investors.

• Categorise each client and assess whether the cryptocurrency offer is appropriate to the client who requested to invest.

Note these new rules do not mean your investment is protected or is in any way more secure, but rather are intended to ensure promoters are more clear, fair and not misleading in the promotions they publish.

Remember, your capital is at risk.

50 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Ask our experts / Professional advice from our panel

Our Experts Do you have a question for a member of our team? Email: editorial@jewishnews.co.uk

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

TREVOR GEE Qualifications: • Managing director, consultant specialists in affordable family health insurance • Advising on maximising cover, lower premiums, pre-existing conditions • Excellent knowledge of health insurers, cover levels and hospital lists • LLB solicitors finals • Member of Chartered Insurance Institute

JACOB BERNSTEIN Qualifications: • A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: • Mortgage, protection and general insurance intermediaries; • Lenders, credit brokers, debt counsellors and debt managers; • Alternative Investment Fund managers; • E-Money, payment services, PISP, AISP and grant-making charities.

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

RICHDALE CONSULTANTS LTD 020 7781 8019 www.richdale.co.uk jacob@richdale.co.uk

ISRAEL PROPERTY & MORTGAGE BROKER

HUMAN RESOURCES / EMPLOYMENT LAW

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DONNA OBSTFELD Qualifications: • FCIPD Chartered HR Professional • 25 years in HR and business management.

• Mediator, business coach, trainer, author and speaker • Supporting businesses and charities with the hiring, managing, inspiring and firing of their staff

ILAN RUBINSTEIN Qualifications: • UK born, licenced Israel estate agent in Israel since 2001 • Ilan assists in buying, financing & re-sale of new & existing property in Israel.

• Helps level the playing field opposite vendors, developers & even the bank • Attentive to your needs, saving you time, hassle & money

JOE OZER Qualifications: • Executive director for the United Kingdom at DCI (Intl) Ltd • Worked in finance for more than 20 years • Specialists in distribution and promotion of Israel Bonds

DOHR LTD 020 8088 8958 www.dohr.co.uk donna@dohr.co.uk

I.L.A.N. ESTATES & INVESTMENTS “Bringing Jews Home” UK: 0203-807-0878 ISRAEL: +972-504-910-604 www.ilanrealestate.com nadlan@hotmail.com

DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FOR ISRAEL 020 3936 2712 www.israelbondsintl.com joe.ozer@israelbondsintl.com

JEWELLER

ACCOUNTANT

GOAL ATTAINMENT SPECIALIST

ADAM SHELLEY Qualifications: • FCCA chartered certified accountant • Accounting, taxation and business advisory services • Entrepreneurial business specialist including start-up businesses • Specialises in charities; personal tax returns • Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation Volunteer of the Year JVN award

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

DR BEN LEVY Qualifications: • Doctor of psychology with 15 years’ experience in education and corporate sectors • Uses robust, evidence-based methods to help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be • Works with clients individually to maximise success

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

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

MAKE IT HAPPEN 07779 619 597 www.makeit-happen.co.uk ben@makeit-happen.co.uk

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR OF LEGACIES

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

LISA WIMBORNE Qualifications: Able to draw on the charity’s 50 years of experience in enabling people with physical disabilities or impaired vision to live independently, including: • The provision of specialist accommodation with 24/7 on-site support • Knowledge of the innovations that empower people and the benefits available • Understanding of the impact of a disability diagnosis

CAROLYN ADDLEMAN Qualifications: Lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in will drafting and trust and estate administration. Last 14 years at KKL Executor and Trustee Company In close contact with clients to ensure all legal and pastoral needs are cared for Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners

SUE CIPIN OBE Qualifications: • 24 years+ hands-on experience, leading JDA in significant growth and development.

• Understanding of the impact of deafness on people, including children, at all stages • Extensive services for people affected by hearing loss/tinnitus • Technology room with expert advice on and facilities to try out the latest equipment.

• Hearing aid advice, support and maintenance

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

KKL EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE COMPANY 020 8732 6101 www.kkl.org.uk enquiries@kkl.org.uk

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

CAREER ADVISER

• • •

REMOVALS MANAGING DIRECTOR

PRINCIPAL, PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

LESLEY TRENNER Qualifications: • Provides free professional one-to-one advice at Resource to help unemployed into work • Offers mock interviews and workshops to maximise job prospects • Expert in corporate management holding director level marketing, commercial and general management roles

STEPHEN MORRIS Qualifications: • Managing director of Stephen Morris Shipping Ltd • 45 years’ experience in shipping household and personal effects • Chosen mover for four royal families and three UK prime ministers • Offering proven quality specialist advice for moving anyone across the world or round the corner

LOUISE LEACH Qualifications: • Professional choreographer qualified in dance, drama and Zumba (ZIN, ISTD & LAMDA), gaining an honours degree at Birmingham University • Former contestant on ITV’s Popstars, reaching bootcamp with Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw and Kym Marsh • Set up Dancing with Louise 19 years ago

RESOURCE 020 8346 4000 www.resource-centre.org office@resource-centre.org

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

DANCING WITH LOUISE 075 0621 7833 www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk Info@dancingwithlouise.com

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

51

Orthodox Judaism

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

BY RABBI ARIEL ABEL Can God deliver the hostages and give us a free Israel?

Abraham did not know God the way that Moses did. Abraham understood God as el elyon (the Supreme Being) and koneh shamayim va’aretz (Creator of heaven and earth, to whom all gratitude is due). This description was an appellation given to God

by Melchizedek, a contemporary of Abraham, hailed two millennia later as one of the ‘uncircumcised’ spiritual heroes of a new gentile religion: Christianity.

The Torah progresses the theme in Va’era, the history of Divine revelations to humankind. The patriarchs

are said to have known God as el shaddai (God provider). The ancestors knew that they had a deal with God regarding their future and wellbeing. They would do the right thing, and God would protect then. More than just being a God who made everything, God also cared about their personal lives. The verse then says: “But by my name YHWH I was not known to them.” Who, then, is YHWH, or Jehovah, as pronounced in the English language? What does that description, or manifestation of God, mean?

The 11th-century commentator Rashi challenges this verse. On several occasions, God is recorded as having approached the patriarchs as YHWH. So why is the Torah apparently denying that it happened?

Biblical critics might take this

as an indication that the texts are not consistent. But believers are aware that God is not perceived the same way by everyone, and that God intentionally reveals Himself to humankind in accordance with the need of the perceiver.

As we pray for the hostages in Gaza to be freed, and for there be a peaceful end to war in the region, we recall that the ancestors did see God as capable of delivering human beings from dire predicaments.

Abraham saw God’s hand in delivering Lot back to him from captivity.

Jacob saw God’s role in returning him to his father’s homeland from the clutches of his domineering father-in-law and jealous brothersin-law. But what would it look like for the same God to intervene on a huge scale, removing control of an entire

A Trafalgar Square rally. Our ancestors saw God as a deliverer

people, subjugated in slavery, from an emperor Pharaoh, a regional superpower, and rebirth that enslaved people as a free nation? That was inconceivable; it was easier to think that it was God’s will that slaves were slaves and should remain so.

The Torah’s spiritual heritage, though, is to challenge that. Wherever we see injustice, it is to be fought, on however grand a scale; it is our raison d’être. According to ancient rabbinic teaching, the 10 plagues visited upon Egypt formed a Divine military strategy to gradu-

ally wear down the enemy to the point that they would recognise that YHWH was the deliverer of the oppressed. Thus, promises made to the patriarchs by a modest el shaddai appearing in a burning bush are fulfilled by a bombastic almighty redeemer, a God of war, YHWH in action, trustily and loudly fulfilling His promises to achieve a free Israel.  This piece is dedicated in celebration of the 80th birthday of my dear father, Rabbi Dr Yehuda Abel

52 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Progressive Judaism

LEAP OF FAITH

A stimulating series where progressive rabbis consider how to navigate Judaism in the face of 21st-century issues

BY RABBI DANNY RICH

VICE-PRESIDENT OF LIBERAL JUDAISM the ultimate reward is to be found

saintly person – fully human and

rious behaviour and achievement, as reflected in this passage from the Babylonian Talmud in Berachot 17b: “In the future world there is no eating or drinking nor propagation nor business nor jealousy nor hatred nor competition but the righteous sit with their crowns on their heads feasting on the brightness of the Divine Presence.”

Nevertheless, Judaism does acknowledge that there are those men and women who others considered were operating on a special spiritual plane and whose presence and connection to God was of such a quality that they merited the title or epithet tzaddik or tzaddeket, meaning righteous or

financial generosity was worthy.

Synagogue offices and mitzvot in the synagogue ritual are open to all but communities always did – and continue to – require money for capital projects and running costs.

The custom of pledging a donation to charity and receiving a blessing and/or the opportunity to perform a ritual mitzvah is widely discussed in Jewish commentaries.

It is also true that many Jewish communities would not have been built were an individual or a group of donors not to have been ‘honoured’ for their contribution by the naming of a building or an object in recognition of such.

This is, of course, vastly different

serve as a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6) and the task of the individual Jew is to play his or her role such that it will give others cause to say: “Blessed be the God of the Jews” (Jerusalem Talmud Baba Metzia 2:5).

The efforts of all those Jews who were recognised in the New Year Honours List is not only a personal tribute for their merit of achievement and service but serves a wider particular and universal agenda too.

First, it reinforces the positive contribution which Judaism demands that Jews make to the society in which they live, which should bring admiration and appreciation from our secular neighbours, and second, it plays a role in the raison d’ être of Judaism: to create a world in which the values of care, justice and faith are embedded in day-to-day living.

A hearty Jewish mazeltov and an enthusiastic English well done to all this year’s Jewish recipients.

the Divine sphere, in the olam yet spiritually fine-tuned.

Honours and inha’ba: More prosaically, Jewish commuthe World to Come.

The World to Come has many nities sought to recognise persons of serving as a and descriptions but perhaps merit – particularly but not exclulight to nations aspects it is ideal for those of real merito- sively those whose scholarship or What do the campaigner for estranged grandparents Lorraine Bushell, New North London Synagogue’s Masorti Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg and Jewish News’ co-publisher Justin Cohen have in common? Apart from my personal admiration, each is a committed Jew and received recognition in the recent New Year Honours List.

In some senses an honours system is irrelevant to Jews and Jewish living. Jews are, by definition, expected to lead a morally sound and hardworking existence, and, while they may receive appreciation from other human beings,

Justin Cohen was awarded an MBE

from Jews receiving honours for their contribution to national life.

Indeed until relatively recently Jews were excluded from many aspects of national life, even when their contribution was widely known but only informally acknowledged.

The mission of the Jewish people remains what it has always been: to

Get LIFE magazine delivered FREE to your door!

Pause Now A space for healing in nature Secret Forest Cyprus REGISTER AT www.jewishnews.co.uk/life and start receiving the magazine for free if you live in the UK.

‫כשר‬ +357-26814-000

A unique Spa & Wellness Retreat experience - H e a l t hy K o s h e r & Ve g a n c u i s i n e Open with love 365 days a year ♥

R

E

F

R

E

S

H

Y

O

.secretfo.rest

www

U

R

I

N

N

E

R

L

I

F

E

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

53

10 Golders Green Road London NW11 8LL Opposite Cafe Nero

WINTER BARGAINS FOR ALL Suits from £79.50 SPECIALISING IN LARGE SIZES Overcoats from £79.50 TROUSER BARGAINS £25 EACH, 2 FOR £35 Trouser Bargains £25 BIG SIZE TROUSERS UP TO 56 WAIST AVAILABLE Raincoats from £49.50 OVERCOATS FROM £49.50 SUITS AND SPORTS JACKETS ALL HALF PRICE

Large SHIRT BARGAINS £15 EACH, Sizes2 FOR a £25 speciality

NING MOR ND A SUITS SUITS ER DINN KED STOC

CLEARANCE BODY WARMERS £20

Open everyday & Sundays til 5:00pm

We accept

Need Cash Fast?

Sell your gold and coins today!

GOLD PRICES AT RECORD HIGH!!!

Receive the best prices for your unwanted gold today! Call Jonathan 020 8446 8538

9 ct per gram - £18.49 14 ct per gram - £28.84 18 ct per gram - £36.98 21 ct per gram - £43.14 22 ct per gram - £45.16

o pt u s r rt Shi colla W h NO 0 inc 2

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

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

We wish to purchase any Diamond and Gold Jewellery

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

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

24 ct per gram - £49.30 Platinum 950 per gram - £20.50

Personal and Confidential Customer Service Price Offered Instantly Same Day Payment

Silver 925ag per gram - £0.34 Half Sovereigns - £180.66 Full Sovereigns - £361.32

A free valuation from our in house gemmologist and gold experts on anything you may wish to sell.

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

Krugerrands - £1,533.45 We also purchase sterling silver candlesticks and any other sterling tableware

www.howcashforgold.co.uk

@jewellerycave

WE PAY MORE than all our competitors.

Try us, and you will not be disappointed!

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

54 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Business Services Directory ANTIQUES

HOUSE CLEARANCE

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.

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

MARYLEBONE ANTIQUES - 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

07866 614 744 (ANYTIME) 0207 723 7415 (SHOP) closed Sunday & Monday STUART SHUSTER - e-mail - info@maryleboneantiques.co.uk

MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING

WANTED Furs, Jewellery, Old Costume Jewellery, Watches, Silver, Designer Bags, anything vintage.

We clear houses, flats, sheds, garages etc.

No job too big or too small!

Rubbish cleared as part of a full clearance.

We have a waste licence.

We buy items including furniture bric a brac.

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN

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

£24 A WEEK

CHARITY & WELFARE

ARE YOU BEREAVED? Confidential Bereavement Counselling for adults and children individually.

Support Groups available. We offer in person, online and telephone counselling.

Contact Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence.

0208 951 3881 enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk

COMPUTER

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION Sheltered Accommodation We have an open waiting list in our friendly and comfortable warden assisted sheltered housing schemes in Ealing, East Finchley and Hendon. We provide 24-hour warden support, seven days a week; a residents’ lounge and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.

Email Sales today at sales@jewishnews.co.uk

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

BRIDGE

HOUSE FOR SALE

Harold Schogger

Afternoon Free Taster Monday 15th January 2024 Afternoon Beginners Course Starts Monday 22nd January 2024 Afternoon Intermediates Course Starts Tuesday 23rd January 2024

Guaranteed success Phone 0208 905 3877 for more details www.haroldschogger.com

STONEMASON

HOUSE SALE 4 Bed House for sale, Hendon, NW4 £1,100,000 Contact Clive 07970510656 Private sale LAW MENTOR

UTILITIES

Are you happy paying big household bills?

LAW MENTOR WouldCircle” you likesolicitor to pay less?

Former “Magic

The specialist masons in creating bespoke Granite and Marble Memorials for all Cemeteries.

Clayhall Showroom 14 Claybury Broadway Ilford. IG5 0LQ T: 0208 551 6866

offers help with:Find out how

Edgware Showroom 41 Manor Park Crescent Edgware. HA8 7LY T: 0208 381 1525

CVs and personal statements call Jeff on 07958 959 822 • interviews and assessment days • coping with stress and workload LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORYLegacy Classified advert v1.qxp_Legacy 16/06/2021 Page 1 • promotion and new10:57 opportunities Gary Green ad 84 x 40mm JM Group v2.indd 1 18/03/2019 12:50:51 ©•

Email : info@garygreenmemorials.co.uk

www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk

LAW MENTOR Former “Magic Circle” solicitor offers help with: • • • •

CVs and personal statements interviews and assessment days coping with stress and workload promotion and new opportunities

For more information contact Tom lawmentor@btinternet.com / 07590 057097

For more information contact Tom

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

WEB DESIGN

01277 352560

House clearances Single items to complete homes

CLOTHING

Registered Charity No. 259480

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR lawmentor@btinternet.com / 07590 057097 COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL. Call our Legacy Team on 020 8922 2840 for more information or email legacyteam@jcare.org Charity Reg No. 802559

Chancellors House, Brampton Lane, London, NW4 4AB Tel: 020 8903 8746 | Mobile: 079 3172 2153 www.bfiwd.org | email: info@bfiwd.org

11 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

55

Fun, games and prizes

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD 1

2

4

3

5

8

9

11

10

12

14

13

15 17

16

18 19

21

20

22

24

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

11 Descriptive phrase (7) 12 Child’s play (1,5,2,4) 16 Merger of several firms (12) 20 Important body fuel (7) 23 Heals (5) 24 Interesting and unusual object (5) 25 Giddiness (7)

7

6

SUDOKU

23

25

ACROSS 8 Demanded (7) 9 Suggest, arouse (5) 10 Hickory nut (5)

8 6 4 4 2

DOWN 1 Percolates (5) 2 Pot used for cooking (8) 3 Straight away (2,4) 4 Work-shy (4) 5 Conviction (6) 6 Lake in Scotland (4) 7 Wharfs (7) 13 Rough-leaved tall tree (3) 14 Rocky celestial body (8) 15 Mountaineering tool (3,4) 17 Stay hidden (3,3) 18 Comes back (6) 19 ___ Villa, football club (5) 21 Frightening giant (4) 22 Central church section (4)

5 6 4 8 3 9

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

4

WORDSEARCH

CODEWORD

The listed words to do with Paraguay can all be found in the grid.

Words may run either forwards or backwards, in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction, but always in a straight, unbroken line.

In this finished crossword, every letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. All you have to do is crack the code and fill in the grid. Replacing the decoded numbers with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.

E A S U N C

I

O N C D

16

R D E K C O L D N A L

9

U H C O

N A M E T Y

10

T F T B E E F R C H A

13

I

L K U O V

J

B E L O

U T P Z B N R

I

E L V

C A Y E R A Z H B I R

I

I

7

25

I

I

15

R G T C N

I

O

G R C B S S T P O S B A S

J

A G U A R S M E

21

13

22

20

11

22

21

16

19 16

18

22

16

T

2

15

18 13

1 15

20

22

19

22

15

16 16

18

R

15

16

21

22 25

18

11

22 13

16

15

15

22

22

12

15

19

2

15

15

8

3

2

16 3

19

ASUNCION

CATHOLICISM

LANDLOCKED

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

BATS

CERAMICS

MANIOC

1

2

3

BEEF

CORNBREAD

TAPIRS

BOLIVIA

COYPU

TOBACCO

14

15

16

Last issue’s solutions Crossword ACROSS: 3 Eva 7 Nutmeg 8 Unisex 9 Starfish 10 Alas 11 Priest 12 Roused 15 Booths 18 At hand 20 Lilo 22 Re-enacts 23 Outfit 24 Claire 25 Amy. DOWN:1 Duster 2 Emergent 3 Egoist 4 Author 5 Pisa 6 Remake 11 Pub 13 Upheaval 14 Dad 16 Odious 17 Strata 18 Agency 19 Notary 21 Oafs.

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

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

T

7

8

17

18

19

20

21

R

9

10

11

12

13

22

23

24

25

26

I

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

1 4 1 4 3 2 3 2 3 2 1 4 5 4 1 5 3 5 2 3 2 4 1 2 1 4 1 5 3 5 3 2 3 2 1 4

See next issue for puzzle solutions.

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

Wordsearch 4 2 5 1 3 1 3 1 3 2 4 2 2 5 4 1 3 1 1 3 2 5 2 4 4 5 1 4 3 1 3 2 3 2 5 4

3 2

11

JAGUARS 6

4

10

BRAZIL

5

4

9

AGRICULTURE

4

2

18 5

10 15

5

8

16

2

3

18 2

25 2

2 5

10 10

2

21

I

16

11

1 21

15

6 16

2

10

12

22 5

12

9

16 22

2

14

21

22

15 19

15

21

26

21 25

21

22

21

21

17

2 21

16

16 19

24 22

3 10

8

18 19

2

4

2 1

I

22

23

P O O M A C A E C L C

6

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

E G Y Z D L S S C C T G N O E T D O W N A M L B B C S E E A D B T L I R A O L I E R H M U H N U H E S R M E A

R A S R F I N F Z I D

Codeword E D D O F L F B T I I U T E I F R T R H U N Y E O A T G P R S R S P N A O A A S I E N L P F E R C N O W O A T

HON E Y S UCK L E G Z A T O E P ROO F S E ADAGE E N E ARN S R R E V E N S E T UN I C N I SOB N O GA T E AU OR D E A L R C MUG I A OGR E S N ADOP T C A C L I MB W I E X I L E Q BAN J O R N N U O E N T Y P E S E T T E R S D YG J L N X ABK V C T 11/01 Q I U PMFWZ E ROH S

56 Jewish News 11 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk