The Jewish Weekly Issue 186

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15 APRIL 2021/03 IYAR 5781

#186

HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921 - 2021


1921-2021

All the Kisharon family including trustees, staff, people we support and volunteers together with people around the world send their deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and all The Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. His exceptional legacy will live on especially through young people who have been so inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Ability was at the forefront of the awards and young people at Kisharon are so grateful of this message he spread to help everyone be better equipped in the community and work force. Our thoughts are with everyone whose lives were touched by His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

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COMMUNAL LEADERS LEAD TRIBUTES TO PRINCE PHILIP BY DAVID SAFFER Community leaders offered heartfelt tributes to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who died last Friday. Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl noted, “Prince Philip’s life was spent in public service, from his active duty in the Navy during the Second World War to the tens of thousands of engagements which he carried out over six and a half decades of royal duties.” Mike Bluestone, AJEX, offered a message of condolence. “Prince Philip has dedicated his life in the service of our country, and his wartime heroism as an operational Royal Navy officer typified his courage and commitment to his country, and to the democratic values that we hold so dear,” he said. Bluestone added that his Royal Highness had honoured AJEX on two occasions as Reviewing

Officer at the annual November Remembrance event at the Cenotaph. Ron Shelley MBE met the Duke twice, the first as AJEX representative on the Board of Deputies in 1982 at a reception at St James Palace when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were guests of honour. Ron also met Prince Philip in 2005 as national chairman of AJEX. “I had a few minutes before the parade in The Foreign Office waiting for it to begin,” recalled Ron. “I asked whether he felt national service should be introduced. He was not too keen on that idea as he wanted to get more people involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards which he felt gave discipline and direction to young people. We also talked about why so many AJEX members came to the parade from all over the His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 country. They came to pay tribute to comrades who died during World War Two, for friends who survived but had died and a feeling that the parade was a reminder to the wider community that Jews had done their bit in a most positive way.” He added, “It’s the most extraordinary occasion marching to the cenotaph and because of his war time service, Prince Philip had an empathy with us. He understood the feeling of camaraderie and remembrance and as an ex-serviceman understood the dangers the people had gone through.” “After the actual parade, he spoke to a number of veterans and reviewed JLGB. A Sergeant was wearing the red flash of the DoE awards scheme. He was thrilled to meet her.” JLGB recently announced the Prince of Wales as a Patron and noted its long association with Prince Philip since he created his Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme 65 years ago. “Taking on the challenge has become a rite of passage for thousands of Jewish teenagers, with many receiving their gold award from the Duke himself,” Lord Levy, JLGB president, noted in a statement. “In so many encounters across generations that our young award participants and volunteers were honoured to have with him, he would always instantly recognise those from JLGB and would take extra time to speak with them about their experiences. With great enthusiasm and intrigue he also took

his leadership on issues such a keen interest in understanding as the welfare of young people, the specialist kosher expedition environment and wildlife, and provision JLGB provides to ensports.” He added, “As Jews we sure Jewish young people could are commanded to leave the fully access the DofE.” world a better place than how The Duke of Edinburgh was we found it. Prince Philip’s guest of honour at an Albert Hall record of championing good ‘Cavalcade’ event of 1976. causes and supporting many Lord Levy added, “His legacy charities means he has certainand impact will live on through ly done just that. He earned the the millions of young people affection of our community and who have been empowered with the nation and will be sorely the skills, confidence and resilmissed.” ience they need to realise their Community Security Trust potential and make a positive noted in a statement, “We will difference in their local commuPrince Philip on a visit to Heathlands care home in the early PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL always be grateful for Prince nities and wider society.” 90’s shown around by the late Sir Sidney Hamburger Philip’s dedication and support Malcolm Ginsburg met Prince for the UK Jewish community.” Philip in 1971 after completing The Board of Deputies has created a spehis gold award at Buckingham Palace ac- will be remembered.” Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis over the years cial book of condolence for members of companied by his parents and scoutmaster has been deeply moved by Prince Philip’s the UK Jewish community to convey their John Silberman. “The gold award was very challenging, extraordinary sense of duty. He recalled, “A sympathies at the passing of the Duke of we had to do a cross country section in the remarkable Royal, working well into his 90s, Edinburgh. Marie van der Zyl, BoD President, deYorkshire Moors and camping, it was pret- he became a role model for staying active ty arduous,” he recalled. “My parents rang in one’s latter years and demonstrated an scribed how many British Jews have exBuckingham Palace after we were invited to unwavering sense of responsibility to our pressed sadness at the passing of Prince a ceremony and said we’d be driving there, country.” Recalling that the Duke of Edin- Philip. “I would encourage those in our commuwhich was unusual at the time. The Palace burgh Awards Scheme had transformed the said it was no problem we could have a pass. lives of many thousands of young people, he nity who would like to convey messages of In the garden, the Duke walked along the added, “The Queen and all the Royal Family solace at this sad time to do so via this mediline and it was a great occasion. He spoke to are very much in our thoughts and prayers at um,” she said. this difficult time.” As well as the official Buckingham Palace a few of us and it was quite an event.” Michael Goldstein, United Synagogue, book of condolence, the Church of EngMalcolm added, “I’ve always been a great admirer of Prince Philip, he’s done an enor- said, “Prince Philip, as Royal Consort for land and local councils have created online mous amount of good and carries a real her- more than 70 years has, together with the books of condolence. Messages are sent to itage with the scheme. He’s a great loss and Queen, been a constant for generations Buckingham Palace. of United Synagogue members and their The Jewish Book of Condolence can be families, the wider Jewish community and accessed at www.bod.org.uk/condolence/ the nation at large. His attendance with the and will remain open until Friday 6pm. MesQueen at an event to mark our 100th Anni- sages will be included in a document which versary in 1970 is remembered fondly as are the Board will publish.

Passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh On behalf of the S&P Sephardi Community we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the entire Royal Family on the loss of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. His unwavering and steadfast partnership and support of Her Majesty The Queen, his dedicated service to his country, both militarily and domestically, has been a source of strength and inspiration to the nation for close to three-quarters of a century. Prince Philip's legacy, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which he founded in 1956, has encouraged generations of young men and women to strive for excellence, help others, and grow towards their own full potential. His charitable works were wide-ranging and deeply substantive. He was an example to the entire nation of steadfast loyalty, advocacy, patriotism, and responsibility. Our community’s elderly care home, Edinburgh House was named after HRH when he opened it and became patron in 1977. We are grateful for his commitment and support to the UK Jewish community over the years. We pray that Her Majesty and the entire Royal Family find comfort and solace in this time of sorrow. Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Senior Rabbi S&P Sephardi Community

Prince Philip meets JLGB members at the 2004 AJEX parade

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BY JONATHAN METLISS CHAIRMAN OF THE JEWISH WEEKLY It is my privilege as Chairman of The Jewish Weekly to say a few words about the late Prince Philip. I feel qualified to do so as my life (I was born in 1949) spans his position as husband and consort to Queen Elizabeth. His passing has triggered a number of thoughts. I knew of him and his activities through my late friend and client Stanley Cohen who was very close to Prince Philip, or the “Duke” as he used to call him. Stanley was always saying: “Come and meet the Duke! Come and meet the Duke!” All of the many tributes to Prince Philip have made reference to his sense of duty and commitment to the United Kingdom. There are a number of parallels with Jewish law and custom. Prince Philip was a humble man, devoted to his duty and obligation as Consort to the Queen. We have just been celebrating the festival of Pesach and Prince Philip was in the same category as Moses, our greatest leader and prophet, who exuded humility. And his connections with Israel are strong. Prince Philip honouring his mother Princess Alice became the first UK Royal to visit Israel. He visited Yad Vashem in 1994 to attend a ceremony honouring his mother, which named her as “Righteous Among The Nations” for hiding three Jews from the Nazis in Athens during the Second World War.

Princess Alice is buried in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives. Prince Philip’s visit marked the end of an unofficial boycott of the Jewish state by the British Monarchy. His grandson Prince William made the first official Royal visit in 2018. And there are own my family connections. My late father Cyril Metliss was a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, stationed in Ceylon, the last British outpost before a Japanese attack on India. So, my father had much in common with Prince Philip and his Naval activities and there is a family photograph showing an animated Cyril engaging with Prince Philip at a Buckingham Palace garden party. Both were in their element! Weirdly, they were not dissimilar in style and manner, and both had great charm. My younger daughter Elizabeth achieved a gold medal in the Duke of Edinburgh’s awards at South Hampstead School, climbing many Peak District hills and mountains in the process. Again, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme has much in common with the Jewish community’s striving for excellence and education. He was a fine man, friend of the Jewish community and will be sorely missed. A great void has been created. The prayer to the Royal Family that we say in Shul on Shabbos and Yomtov will never be the same.

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Cranbrook United Synagogue mourn the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and send our deepest condolences to HM, Queen Elizabeth and all the Royal Family.

As the country comes to terms with the news of the passing of HRH, Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh, we join together to wish our deepest condolences to HRH, The Queen, her children and all their families. His dedication to The Queen, his family and the entire UK and Commonwealth was highly evident and inspirational. His legacy and wisdom will undoubtedly live on beyond this current time.

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HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021) BY JACQUELINE CURZON Born Prince Philip Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderbyrg-Glucksburg of Greece and Denmark in 1921, to Prince Andrew and Princess Alice, eldest daughter of Prince Louis of Battenberg, and also a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Philip was one of 5 children, the others being girls: Cecilie, Sophie, Margarita and Theodore. His personal life was troubled by any generational standards: his grandfather George I of Greece, was assassinated; his family was exiled to France whilst he was still an infant; his parents separated later in the 1920s, with his mother becoming institutionalised in Switzerland. During 1931 each of his four sisters married Princes of German extraction after which he lived a nomadic life in boarding schools and the homes of various relatives in Germany and England. When he stayed with family he would sign the visitors book with ‘no fixed abode’ given as his address. In November 1937, he saw his parents reunited one last time, but as a result of a tragedy. His favourite sister Cecilie and family were flying to attend a wedding in London. The aeroplane in which they were travelling crashed due to thick fog, and the parents and two of their three children were killed {the surviving baby daughter died shortly after}. One year later his favourite English uncle, Georgie, Marquess of Milford Haven, died of cancer aged 46. In the 1940s his mother finally ‘withdrew from the world,’ forming her own religious order called the Sisterhood of Martha and Mary, and for the rest of her life, she lived in seclusion, dressed as a nun. Despite all these traumatic events, Prince Philip had few complaints about his life, saying, “The family broke up. That’s life. I just had to get on with it.” One childhood influence the Duke happily acknowledged was Kurt Hahn, who had been secretary and friend to Prince Max of Baden, whose son had married Philip’s sister Theodore. Max and Hahn founded a school in Schloss Salem, where the Duke was a pupil. (He remarked humorously - it saved on fees). In March 1933, Hahn was arrested by the Nazis for being an outspoken critic of Hitler, aside from the fact of being Jewish. When released he fled to Scotland, where he founded Gordonstoun School, and the Duke became a pupil there in 1934. Hahn’s broad philosophy on education ultimately shaped Philip’s view of the world, with his leaving report stating, ‘Prince Philip is universally trusted, liked and respected. He has the greatest sense of service of all the boys in the school.’ In May 1939, shortly after leaving Gordonstoun, and six weeks shy of his 18th birthday, he joined the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. This was followed by postings abroad, during which time he served on three warships, and in his 14 years of active service he saw combat in the Mediterranean and the Pacific. Despite being fully committed to the navy, he was additionally a trained pilot with the RAF. Over a 45 year period, he

clocked up over 6,000 hours of flying in 59 types of aircraft, including 9 helicopters. By the 1940s he had already spent some social time in the company of Princess Elizabeth, a distant cousin - dropping in for dinner at Windsor, or attending the theatre with her family - and by 1945 the prospect of marriage became a possibility. His uncle, Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, was rather keen to coordinate these ‘affairs of the heart,’ and the Prince had to urge him emphatically to take a back seat. In 1947 he became a British subject, renouncing his right to the Greek and Danish thrones, and adopting the anglicised form of his mother’s surname, Mountbatten. Elizabeth and Philip were married in Westminster Abbey in November 1947, and on the eve of his wedding, he was designated His Royal Highness and created Duke of Edinburgh. Their son Charles was born in 1948, followed by Anne (1950), Andrew (1960) and Edward (1964). He continued on active naval service until Elizabeth’s accession to the throne in 1952, at which point he took on the role of consort. The Queen and the Duke attended around 350 official engagements each year, most fa-

conservation through organisations such as the WWF (1961), setting up the Duke of Edinburgh Award (1956), a scheme which encouraged young people to learn new skills, develop existing talents and volunteer for community service, with each level culminating in an expedition. All of these tasks were necessary to receive the award at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Around 8 million individuals have taken part in this since its inception. He was a superlative sportsman: a keen swimmer, scuba diver and an accomplished yachtsman, competing for 50 years at Cowes. He excelled at hockey and cricket, and tried - but was indifferent to - football and rugby. The countryside brought its own pleasures, and he showed flair in hunting, fishing and shooting. In addition, he captained the Royal Household polo team, only giving up the sport when he became arthritic, at which point he took up carriage driving, becoming part of the victorious British team at the world championships in 1980, held at Windsor. As an equestrian he was immensely proud of his daughter Princess Anne’s riding prowess, the crown of

2004 National Chairman Ron Shelley, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who was the Reviewing Officer at the AJEX 2004 Annual Parade and Edmund de Rothschild

mously a six month round-the-world tour of the commonwealth in 1953, which included for the first time Australia and New Zealand. In 1957 she conferred on him the title of Prince and in 1960 he changed his surname to Mountbatten-Windsor, a name used by some of their male-line descendants. Although Prince Philip was perceived as a silent partner in the marriage, he was known for modernising the Royal household from the outset, installing modern appliances. He took part in the first ever Royal interview, encouraging the family to be seen by the wider public. The Duke used his skills to foster technological progress, establishing the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1976. He stated during the war, ‘everything that wasn’t invented by G-d was invented by an engineer.’ He was a thoroughly practical man, often travelling across London in later years in an electric powered black cab. He was noted for a variety of philanthropic endeavours, including promoting

PHOTO: PAUL STEWART PSM

which was winning gold and two silver medals in the 1975 European championship. She also competed in the equestrian 3-day event in the Montreal Olympics in 1976, although she did not win a medal. He always celebrated the talents of his children. The Duke’s own talents extended to design, which came to the fore in sketching new stained glass windows for Windsor Castle after the fire in 1992, designing jewellery for his wife, and laterally designing his own hearse. By 2017 it was announced that the Duke of Edinburgh would retire from public duty, having carried out an incredible 22,000 appearances over his lifetime. In his role as consort, he visited over 100 countries, from Algeria to Zambia and made over 600 state visits, meeting both famous and infamous world leaders. He was often at Windsor or Balmoral with Her Majesty, but in retirement preferred quality time at Wood Farm, part of

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PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

the Sandringham estate, enjoying carriage driving in all winds and weathers, painting watercolours and reading history. He still made occasional public appearances. At the same time he was fortunate to enjoy family births (Prince Louis, Lena Tindall, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Lucas Tindall) and marriages including the Duke of Sussex, Princess Eugenie, Lady Gabriella Windsor, and most recently Princess Beatrice last July. But there was great sadness in the deaths of those close to him who predeceased him; Sir Brian McGrath, his former private secretary, Dame Anne Griffiths, his archivist of 65 years, and very recently his valet of 40 years, Chris Marlow, who died the day after the Duke was admitted to King Edward VII hospital in February. His admission, followed by heart surgery, made for an unusually long stay, an indication of his rapidly failing health. He was discharged on March 16th, returning to Windsor Castle. It was a decision likely motivated by a desire to die at home, with his beloved Elizabeth by his side. He had also planned that his coffin would be carried in a specially designed Land Rover, to a private ceremony in St George’s Chapel at Windsor, without any pomp and circumstance. He embodied a new age of Royal, being able to disarm people with his unique brand of humour. He appeared to take himself less seriously than other royals and although this occasionally backfired, with humorous comments such as, ‘do you still throw spears at each other?’ [to Aborigines, 2002], he was nonetheless an incredibly talented and modest individual. When asked many years ago, how he thought he’d be remembered, the Duke hesitated and replied, “cantankerous old sod,” which may indeed be the view perhaps of those whose only acquaintance with him was through press coverage, but others saw beyond that to the fearless, engaging, thoughtful and funny person he was. He has inadvertently missed out on his centenary telegram from the Queen, but he had a marvellous innings nonetheless. HRH Charles, Prince of Wales will inherit the title Duke of Edinburgh. On his accession to the throne, becoming King Charles III, at which point the title Duke of Edinburgh will be passed to Edward, currently the Earl of Wessex. This is in accordance with Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh’s direct wishes. Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Greece and Denmark, you may have taken your leave, but you are to all Her Majesty’s subjects - 99 not out.


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Message from Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies BY MARIE VAN DER ZYL Ever since I can remember, at a certain point just after the Torah reading on a Shabbat morning, the gabbai would clap his hand on the bima and recite a prayer. “He who gives salvation to kings and dominion to princes, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, may he bless our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, Philip Duke of Edinburgh, Charles Prince of Wales and all the Royal Family.” Prince Philip’s death last week, at the age of 99, was profoundly moving for so many of us. He had come to this country as a young man and had proudly made it his own, something I believe struck a deep chord in the heart of the British Jewish psyche because so many of us are children or grandchildren of people who had done the same. One of the videos circulated this week was of a speech he gave in 1956, at a dinner marking the 300th anniversary of the readmission of the Jews to Britain. To general laughter, the Duke said this anniversary “seems to me as good an excuse as any for a party. But this is the snag; do I congratulate the ancestors of the community on having had the good sense to come here in the first place, or do I congratulate the community on having stuck it here for 300 years?” This was far from the only time Prince Philip would grace a Jewish communal event. Other occasions included the United Synagogue’s centenary dinner in 1970, events at Norwood in the 1990s and the opening of Hertsmere Jewish Primary School in 2000. And half a century after his 1956 speech, he attended the 350th anniversary dinner marking our return to Britain. His presence spanned multiple generations. He was also the first member of the Royal Family to visit Israel, coming in a personal capacity in 1994 to participate in a ceremony at Yad Vashem honouring his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, as one of the Righteous Among The Nations. It had emerged that she had sheltered Jews during the War, protecting them from the Nazis. In a profoundly moving speech, the Prince said he felt “deeply honoured” to be present and that his mother would have considered her deeds “a perfectly natural human reaction to fellow beings in distress.” Our community is patriotic. We are proud to be British Jews and we have a great deal of respect for the institution of the Royal Family. I know many will have sent their commiserations to the Royal Family, including via the online Jewish book of condolence which the Board of Deputies published this week. I am sure all readers will join me in wishing Her Majesty, His Royal Highness

the Prince of Wales and the wider Royal Family continued strength at this difficult time. May the thousands of tributes paid to Prince Philip since the news of his passing be a comfort to his loved ones in the days ahead.

A

ll the Norwood family join the country and so many around the world in mourning the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

Our staff, service users, trustees and volunteers send condolences to our Patron, Her Majesty the Queen, as we reflect on the honour we have and hold dear as the only Jewish charity to have the Sovereign as our Patron. His Royal Highness will be deeply mourned by the Jewish community with whom he had a great affinity, not least because of his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who heroically sheltered Jews in the Shoah and is buried in Jerusalem and honoured at Yad Vashem as ‘Righteous Among the Nations’. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales and all the Royal Family. May his memory be for a blessing.” Lord Mendelsohn and Lady Mendelsohn CBE, Co-Presidents

Neville Khan, Chair Beverley Jacobson, CEO and all the Norwood family

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Global tribut BY DAVID SAFFER Global leaders and politicians joined stars of theatre, music, sport and TV in offering tributes to Prince Philip following news of his death last Friday. Westminster Abbey, the scene of his marriage to the Queen in November 1947, tolled its tenor bell 99 times in tribute. A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed news of his passing. They noted, “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.” UK government buildings have official flags at half-mast until after the funeral, an online book of condolence is on the Royal Family’s official website. Parliaments across the UK were recalled on Monday to pay tribute. Prime Minister Boris Johnson noted the constant love he gave to the Queen. “He sustained her throughout this extraordinary second Elizabethan age,” he explained. “This country has had no royal champion to match him since Prince Albert.” Johnson added that Prince Philip had the ability to “take something very traditional, whether a machine or a great national institution and find a way, by his own ingenuity, to improve it, to adapt it for the 20th and 21st century”. Labour leader Keir Starmer noted, “His ceaseless optimism about what the country can be and what people can achieve stood alongside his quiet virtues, his discipline and sacrifices.” First Minister Mark Drakeford told the Senedd, “To have lived such a life at the centre of world PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

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events and in a way which made almost every experience of public, rather than simply private interest, makes it even more remarkable still.” Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the Duke as a “thoughtful man, deeply interesting and fiercely intelligent” devoted to supporting the Queen.” Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price commented, “In a year of so much loss, our silence here today is a mark of respect and commemoration to the Royal Family in their grief but it’s also a heart-rending symbol of loss as we grieve with all those who have lost loved ones during this most difficult of years.” Johnson three days earlier spoke at Downing Street shortly after the official Palace announcement. “Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world,” he said. “He was the longest serving consort in history, one of the last surviving people in this country to have served in the second world war at Cape Matapan, where he was mentioned in despatches for bravery and in the invasion of Sicily, where he saved his ship by his quick thinking and from that conflict he took an ethic of service that he applied throughout the unprecedented changes of the post war era. Like the expert carriage driver that he was he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.” Johnson added, “He was an environmentalist, and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable. With his Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions. We remember the Duke for all of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty The Queen. Not just as her consort, by her side every day of her reign, but as her husband, her “strength and stay”, of more than 70 years.”

FORMER PRIME MINISTERS AND POLITICIANS PAID HEARTFELT TRIBUTES.

Sir John Major said it was impossible to exaggerate the role the Duke had played in his lifetime of service to the Monarchy and United Kingdom. He noted, “Modest to the core and hating any kind of fuss or bother, he epitomised the British spirit and remained true to himself right up to the very end.” Theresa May, tweeted, “The nation and the entire Commonwealth owe Prince


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tes to Prince Philip Philip an extraordinary debt of gratitude for a distinguished life of service to the Queen, our country and so many around the world.” David Cameron, said he “showed true dedication to our country”. Tony Blair said in a statement, “Our whole nation will be united in sadness at the passing of Prince Philip. He will naturally be most recognised as a remarkable and steadfast support to the Queen over so many years. However, he should also be remembered and celebrated in his own right as a man of foresight, determination and courage.” Gordon Brown was saddened by his death and expressed condolences to the Queen.

POLITICIANS ACROSS THE DIVIDE JOINED THE TRIBUTES.

Labour’s Starmer said in a statement, “He will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen. For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed, most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the Duke dedicated his life to our country. Sturgeon offered condolences from the people of Scotland. Recalling his “deep and longstanding ties” to Scotland having attended Gordonstoun School and holidaying at Balmoral Castle, she noted, “Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.” First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, noted, “Throughout his long and distinguished life, he served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit.” Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Arlene Foster, commented, “He had a profound and positive impact on thousands of our young people.” Gun salutes marked the death of the Duke of Edinburgh across the UK, in Gibraltar and from Royal Navy ships including HMS Diamond and HMS Montrose. First Sea Lord Tony Radakin, noted, “His deep understanding of our values, standards and ethos made him such a close friend to the service for over eight decades.” Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said Prince Philip was an “extremely talented sailor” never shy telling First Sea Lords where they were going wrong. General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the

Defence Staff, added that the Duke was a “great friend, inspiration and role model” for the armed forces. General Sir Nick Carter continued “His Royal Highness leaves us with a legacy of indomitable spirit, steadfastness and an unshakeable sense of duty. From all of us who serve today and who have served, thank you.” Former First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, noted, “He was a classic naval officer, direct talking, no flummery, good with people. His knowledge was just tremendous. Whenever we were asked to brief him, we wondered afterwards why we had actually done that, because he seemed to know more than us.” He added, “He was a great believer in a crew, he understood a ship’s company’s values. When you saw him with a group of sailors and marines, it was just natural.”

LEADERS ACROSS THE WORLD ADDED NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.

In Israel, President Reuven Rivlin offered his “deepest condolences” adding, “may his memory be a blessing.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added that Prince Philip was “the consummate public servant and will be much

and economic crises, added, “Through it all, he helped provide steady leadership and guiding wisdom. It has long been said that the United States and Great Britain have a special relationship, one that has been maintained and strengthened not just by presidents and prime ministers but by the Royal Family that has outlasted them all.” Obama added that the Queen and Prince Philip had welcomed “leaders like Churchill and Kennedy, Mandela and Gorbachev” and recalled his nervousness ahead of a visit with first lady Michelle Obama to Buckingham Palace. “As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect,” he recalled. “We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable.” Obama added, “Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness, all in service of something greater.” George W Bush recalled Prince Philip’s devotion to public service.

“… he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.” missed in Israel and across the world”. US President Joe Biden praised Prince Philip’s “decades of devoted public service”. “His legacy is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on,” he noted. Former US Presidents offered tributes. Donald Trump noted, “This is an irreplaceable loss for Great Britain, and for all who hold dear our civilization. Prince Philip defined British dignity and grace. He personified the quiet reserve, stern fortitude, and unbending integrity of the United Kingdom.” Barack Obama praised the Duke’s extraordinary partnership with the Queen on the world stage, through world wars

“Throughout his long and remarkable life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others,” they said. “He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign.” Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton enjoyed every opportunity they had to visit him. Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Library noted his sorrow. Russian President Vladimir Putin wished the Queen “courage and mental fortitude in the face of a grievous and irreparable loss”. Pope Francis offered “heartfelt condolences” in a statement praising a “distinguished record of public service” and commitment to education and advancement of future generations. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “In so many areas (he was) whole decades ahead, a quarter of a century, half

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a century ahead, on issues like conservation, issues like climate change, interfaith dialogue, motivation for young people. You knew that one of the most interesting bits of preaching when he was present was the questions you’d get from him afterwards, which showed that he paid intense attention. And he would push back and question and examine, in a way that wasn’t intimidating, but really had you on your toes. This was a man who thought profoundly about his faith. And it was a very deep faith, a very solid faith.”

COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES JOINED THE GLOBAL TRIBUTES.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison noted, “The Duke’s life was one of duty and of service, of loyalty and of honour. Memories of him will of course tell stories of his candour, and (his) unique and forceful and authentic personality.” He added, “There are many towering figures that the world has lost and known, but few have been before us in our lifetimes for such a long time. With his passing, we say farewell to another of the greatest generation.” Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said “Prince Philip was a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others.” New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern recalled The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, noting, “In over 50 years thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme.” Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi commented, “He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives.” Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne described Prince Philip as “a towering global iconic figure” in his own right. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Christopher Rowley added, “His representation in the Commonwealth was always along those lines of development and the environment, so we do have that memory and we feel saddened by his loss.”

IN EUROPE, THERE WERE TRIBUTES FROM LEADERS.

“His friendship with Germany, his straightforward nature and his sense of duty will remain unforgotten,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10


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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 French President Emmanuel Macron described the Duke’s life as “exemplary”, “defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to the youth and the environment”. Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia began a statement by addressing the Queen as “Aunt Lilibet”, stating deep sadness and a sense of loss. King Carl Gustaf of Sweden said Prince Philip had been a great friend of our family for many years while Norway’s King Harald offered thoughts to the Queen and her family. The Duke of Edinburgh became World Wide Fund for Nature president in the 1960s. Tanya Steele, UK chief executive said the Duke of Edinburgh “was ahead of his time”. She noted, “He certainly used his position both to raise the issues to speak powerfully, but he was a man of action, and he was really determined to ensure

15 APRIL 2021

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 there was action, both to conserve species but actually to conserve our whole natural world on which we rely for so very much.” Sir David Attenborough said he was “a man of great abilities”. He added, “What you have to remember, is that in the early 1950s, it was seen as a problem and the majority of people were quite unaware we were heading for ecological disasters.”

STARS OF MUSIC, STAGE, TV AND BUSINESS OFFERED TRIBUTES.

Sir Mick Jagger said, “Alongside his extensive charitable work he was a very active patron of many of the sports organisations my father worked for and helped so many young sports men and women. He will be fondly remembered.” Dame Penelope Keith noted, “He was charming and immediately put you at your ease. You immediately smiled when you met him, a twinkle in the eye was there.” Gyles Brandreth added, “He had to invent his own role and in doing that

curiously invented the modern royal family. Prince Philip was a dynamo. All the things we assume that the Royal family do, their interest in the environment, nature, young people, mental health, all these things were pioneered by him back in the 1950s.” Sir Richard Branson tweeted, “ A lifetime of public service.”

THE WORLD OF SPORT PAID TRIBUTE AT THE WEEKEND.

Prince Philip among notable appointments led the Jockey Club, Football Association and Marylebone Cricket Club. A two-minute silence was held at the Grand National at Aintree, Premier League, English Football League, Scottish divisions, Cymru Premier and Northern Ireland Football League fixtures. Tributes were paid at the Women’s Six Nations and rugby league Challenge Cup. British Rowing athletes wore black ribbons at the European Championships. The Duke attended Wimbledon including the 1977 Centenary

Championships. He presented the Men’s singles trophy to Lew Hoad in 1957 and Neale Fraser in 1960.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD.

Prince Philip established The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956 inspired by his former headmaster at Gordonstoun, Dr Kurt Hahn, and has spread to over 130 countries. The Duke remained Patron throughout his life. In the UK, 6.7 million young people have participated in the DofE challenge. Ruth Marvel, DofE CEO, said, “The Duke was a lifelong advocate for young people, believing in each individual’s potential and creating in the DofE what he saw as a ‘do-it-yourself growing up kit’. We’re honoured to continue HRH’s work, to ensure that all young people, especially those from marginalised groups, can benefit from the better educational outcomes, employment prospects, community ties and better mental health that are associated with doing DofE.”

HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh 1921: Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark is born to Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess. Alice of Battenberg in Corfu, June 10. 1922: Prince Philip is evacuated from Greece after King Constantine I abdicates. 1923: The family settles near Paris.

1944: P hilip appointed First Lieutenant and second in command of Fleet Destroyer HMS Whelp.

1964: Prince Edward born.

in British history, overtaking Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.

1966: Attends World Cup final with Queen at Wembley Stadium.

1945: P hilip is in Tokyo Bay when Japanese surrender.

1977: The Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

1946: P hilip asks George VI for Princess Elizabeth’s hand in marriage.

1981: Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer.

1947: P hilip becomes British subject. Engagement to Princess Elizabeth. Philip marries Princess Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey. Made Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich.

1982: Prince William born.

2011: Prince William marries Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey. Duke celebrates 90th birthday. The Queen gives him a new title, Lord High Admiral, titular head of the Royal Navy. 2012: Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

1928: Philip travels to England to live with his grandmother and uncle. 1930: Philip’s mother Princess Alice is committed to a sanatorium in Switzerland. Philip is sent to Cheam Preparatory School, UK. 1934: Philip attends Gordonstoun School in Morayshire. Philip and Princess Elizabeth meet at a wedding of Princess Marina and Duke of Kent at Westminster Abbey. 1936: George V dies, succeeded by Edward VIII, who abdicates in later that year. 1937: Coronation of George VI. Philip attends. In November 1937, sister Cécilie dies in air crash. 1939: Philip finishes Gordonstoun, starts Naval career. Princess Elizabeth meets Philip on tour. 1940: Philip joins HMS Ramillies. 1941: Philip serves on HMS Valiant in Alexandria. Awarded Greek War Cross of Valour.

1984: Prince Harry born.

2013: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s son Prince George is born.

1992: Princess Royal and Captain Phillips divorce, Windsor Castle struck by fire.

2015: The Queen becomes longest reigning monarch in British history.

1996: Prince of Wales divorces Diana, Princess of Wales. Duke and Duchess of York divorce.

2016: The Queen is longest reigning monarch in the world after death of Thai king.

1997: Diana, Princess of Wales dies in Paris car crash. Queen and Duke’s Golden Wedding.

2017: Buckingham Palace announces The Duke is to retire.

1948: Birth of Prince Charles. 1949: The Duke appointed First Lieutenant and second-in-command of HMS Chequers. 1950: Promoted to Lieutenant-Commander and command of HMS Magpie. Princess Anne born. 1951: P rincess Elizabeth and The Duke tour Canada and United States. 1952: G eorge VI dies February 6, Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen.

2000: New millennium, Queen Mother turns 100. 2002: Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Princess Margaret and Queen Mother pass away.

2019: Buckingham Palace announces he has voluntarily surrendered driving licence. 2020: The Duke and Queen got to Windsor Castle during coronavirus pandemic. The Duke attends Princess Beatrice’s wedding. A photograph marks Duke and Queen 73rd wedding anniversary.

1953: Q ueen’s Coronation. 1956: The Duke launches Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. 1957: Queen gives Duke title of a Prince of United Kingdom.

2005: Prince of Wales marries Camilla Parker Bowles.

2021:

2007: Queen and the Duke celebrate Diamond Wedding anniversary.

1960: Prince Andrew is born. 1942: Philip made First Lieutenant and second-in-command of HMS Wallace.

1961: The Duke becomes first President of World Wildlife Fund, UK.

2009: Duke becomes longest-serving royal consort

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PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

P rince Philip admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital. Has procedure at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, returns to King Edward VII’s Hospital then Windsor Castle. Buckingham Palace announce death of Prince Philip.



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Prince Philip planted tree at Yad Vashem BY DAVID SAFFER The Duke of Edinburgh’s mother Princess Alice of Greece has a special place in Jewish history as a Righteous Among the Nations for saving the lives of a Jewish Greek family during the Holocaust. Princess Alice is buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Prince Philip, who died last week aged 99, visited Yad Vashem to plant a tree in her honour in 1994. Yad Vashem documented his landmark visit. “I suspect that it never occurred to her that her action was in any way special,” he said at the time. “She was a person with deep religious faith and she would have considered it to be a totally human action to fellow human beings in distress.” Princess Alice of Battenberg was born in Windsor Castle in 1885. A great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, she married Prince Andrew of Greece in 1903. They had five children including Prince Philip. During World War Two, Princess Alice lived in the Athens Palace of her brother in law, Prince George of Greece. With four sons-in-law Nazi SS officers, she could have been compromised but continued to aid the Swedish and Swiss Red Cross to help refugees. When the Nazis entered Athens in 1941, the Cohen family fled to the Greek capital, but within two years their lives were in danger with Nazis sending Jews to death camps in Poland. Princess Alice knew Haimaki Cohen, a Jewish member of the Greek parliament, who had died. His widow, Rachel, and five children needed hiding. Three of the sons reached exile in Cairo. Princess Alice heard of the family’s plight and hid Rachel and a daughter, Tilde, at her home for 13 months until liberation. They were joined by a son unable to make the journey to Egypt. Yad Vashem note when Gestapo officers entered the house, Princess Alice, deaf since childhood, avoided answering questions. Prince Philip served the Royal Navy throughout the war with distinction. Most of the 80,000 Jews of Greece were murdered during the Holocaust. In 1949, Princess Alice founded a convent in Athens and following a coup moved to Buckingham Palace prior to her death in 1969, aged 84. Princess Alice had wanted to be buried in Jerusalem, next to her aunt, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna. And in 1988, Princess Alice’s coffin was transferred to the Mount of Olives.

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Prince Philip with his mother Princess Alice

“She was a person with deep religious faith and she would have considered it to be a totally human action to fellow human beings in distress.” In 1990, the Cohen family applied for Princess Alice to be recognised as a Righteous Among the Nations. Prince Philip duly visited his mother’s tomb as a guest of the President of Israel, Ezer Weitzman. He met descendants of the Cohen family. “For years, we did not know, and, as far as we know, she also never mentioned to anyone, that she had given refuge to the Cohen family,’ he said. Prince Charles and Prince William have both paid respect at her tomb on official visits in recent years. A ceremonial royal funeral for Prince Philip takes place at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Saturday. The funeral procession will include Royal Family members, The Royal Marines, Grenadier Guards, Royal Navy, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland and Royal Air Force. The Dean of Windsor and Archbishop of Canterbury will lead the service. The Duke’s medals and decorations will be displayed on cushions on the altar. After the service, the Duke will be interred in the royal vault. The nation has observed eight days

national mourning following The Duke’s death. Paying tribute, Prince Charles said his father had given the most “remarkable, devoted service” to the Queen, his family, country and Commonwealth. The Prince of Wales continued, “My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him. And from that point of view, we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time.” Princess Anne added, “I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have been asked to follow in his footsteps and it has been a pleasure to have kept him in touch with their activities. I know how much he meant to them, in the UK, across the Commonwealth and in the wider world.” Prince Andrew said, “We’ve lost almost the grandfather of the nation. And I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother who’s feeling it probably more than everybody else.” Prince Edward commented, “It’s very, very sad. But I have to say that the

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extraordinary tribute and the memories that everybody has had and been willing to share has been so fantastic.” Prince William said, “My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family. I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life both through good times and the hardest days.” He added, “I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her. I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour.” Prince Harry added, “He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm and also because you never knew what he might say next. He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the monarch, a decorated serviceman, a prince and a duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa, master of the barbecue, legend of banter and cheeky right ‘til the end.” Prince Philip was born in Corfu in 1921. He married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen. He is survived by the Queen, four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.



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Kosher eco-hotel to launch BY DAVID SAFFER The first kosher supervised eco-hotel in Europe launches next month in Kent. Sadeh Farm Hotel is a not-for-profit boutique hotel housed in a 17th century manor house. The house is set in seven acres of countryside and has undergone renovation to provide five family suites ready for occupancy in line with government guidance from 30th May. Suites are individually decorated based on the Shivat HaMinim, the seven fruits and grains native to the land of Israel. Food is a major part of the all-inclusive hotel experience located on a working fruit and vegetable farm. Guests will enjoy freshly-prepared meals in the hotel’s kosher certified restaurant using ethically sourced produce and organic fruit and vegetables direct from the farm. The menu is comprised of fish, milky, vegan and gluten free options. Mid-morning snacks and a daily afternoon tea will ensure nobody goes hungry. Demand is expected to outstrip supply this summer as families look to book a holiday in the UK. “The hotel is the perfect place for couples and families to unwind, connect and regenerate,” said Naomi Verber, Director

of Sadeh Farm Hotel. “We aim to provide guests with delicious and healthy kosher food while being as environmentally sustainable as possible.” The hotel is a social enterprise run by the environmental charity, Sadeh, which aims to educate Jewish people about the environment. Proceeds will go back into the charity. Daily activities will be offered for all ages and are included with bookings. Guests can Grounds of the Sadeh Farm Hotel take part in a Farm ‘n’ Forest foraging perspective. tour, pickling, brewing and honey-making Guests can also take advantage of the workshops, a visit to the chicken coup and hotel’s indoor pool, tennis and basketball vegetable picking. Guests can also explore court, zipwire and obstacle course, two the farm and meet the chickens. playgrounds and children’s playroom. Farm tractor rides, outdoor cinema Older guests can enjoy the onsite microevenings, bonfire nights, magic shows, brewery. The property offers a library and face painting and discos for children are lounge, grand dining room and compleon offer as part of a seasonal programme. mentary Wi-Fi and parking. Experts on site will guide guests through The eco-hotel puts protecting the ennature walks and help them learn more vironment at the heart of its operations, about the environment from a Jewish choosing eco-friendly toiletries for guests

and detergents for laundering sheets. The hotel works with local farmers to source produce to ensure a low carbon supply chain. The hotel is situated an hour from Jewish communities of North London, Essex and Hertfordshire. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer the community a fun and completely different experience without the need to travel far,” noted Naomi. “We can’t wait to welcome guests to our inspirational, sustainable, kosher eco-hotel.” The hotel will be open all year round and bookings are being taken now through to summer 2022. Adult-only breaks will be offered during autumn and winter. There will be special programmes for Shabbat and Jewish festivals. Suites can sleep between 3-6 people and double suites can sleep 8 across two bedrooms. Exclusive hire of the hotel is available for private group stays, simchas, corporate events or parties. The hotel can sleep 25 guests. The hotel will be under the supervision of KLBD. www.sadehfarm.co.uk/holidays

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A teenager at a respected Oxfordshire boarding school in Abingdon may be expelled after allegedly sending an antisemitic image to a Jewish student at the same school. The 15-year-old schoolboy sent the image through the social media app Snapchat. The image depicted three people dressed as Nazis soldiers. The teen also allegedly created a video on TikTok and allegedly joked about rape. Headmaster Michael Windsor described the videos as “grossly racist and sexist”. He added, “These incidents do not just contravene our Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions Policy but they go completely against the ethos and culture of the school based on courtesy, kindness and respect.” The schoolboy has issued an apology regretting his “stupid actions”. He noted, “I deeply regret my actions and I understand that people could get offended by them very easily but I had no intention of offending or hurting someone’s feelings. In the small amount of time I have had to think about my disgraceful actions, I can certainly confirm that not a single thing I said was intended with harm or to offend anyone. I understand now that it would and I regret posting those things,

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Abingdon School

it was a lack of judgement before when posting, and I did not think about all the people that would see my profile. I am deeply sorry and I promise that this will not happen again.” Astonishingly, the boy’s parents have defended their son claiming the videos were “just jokes”. They have argued that social media is not real life so any punishment should not be too severe. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said, “The schoolboy has grasped the gravity of his actions far better than his parents who seem to think that Nazism and rape are joking matters. Unfortunately, social media is exposing young minds to the most appalling material. We hope that the school will apply a suitably serious penalty, even as this boy’s parents irresponsibly dismiss his conduct as ‘jokes’.”


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Historic Eichmann trial debated BY DAVID SAFFER The 60th anniversary of the historic Adolf Eichmann trail in Jerusalem will be marked by a special discussion on YouTube this Sunday, 5pm. The Association of Jewish Refugees and 3GNY have brought together a top panel of experts to discuss the landmark trial in 1961 of the Nazi leader. James Libson will chair the event that includes panellists Tamar Hausner-Raveh, Eli Rosenbaum, Avner Avraham and Shula Bahat. Eichmann was a pivotal figure in facilitating the mass deportation of millions of Jews to concentration camps during the Holocaust. He was among the major organisers of the Hitler’s ‘final solution’ planned at the Wannsee conference of January 1942. Following his abduction by Mossad in Argentina on 11 May 1960, Eichmann’s trial in Jerusalem sparked international interest and heightened public awareness of the crimes of the Holocaust. Hausner-Raveh is the daughter of Chief Prosecutor of the Eichmann trial, Gideon Hausner. She witnessed the preparation for the trial from a unique perspective as her father interviewed survivors at their home. “It left an indelible impression on me,” Hausner-Raveh said. “Later on, during and after the trial, our home became like a refuge for survivors, who saw in my father their voice and representative.” Rosenbaum is the longest-serving prosecutor and investigator of Nazi criminals and other perpetrators of human rights violations in world history, having worked on these cases at the U.S. Department of Justice for nearly 40 years. Under Rosenbaum’s leadership, the U.S. Justice Department program has won more World War Two Nazi cases over the past 30 years than all law enforcement authorities in countries of the world combined according to the Washington Post. His most recent victory was in February for the deportation to Germany of a former Nazi concentration camp guard. Avraham is a renowned expert on Mossad operations who famously worked to reveal and publicise the insider story of the historic capture of Eichmann. He discovered the original documents surrounding Eichmann’s capture and trial. Avraham shared his findings with a wider audience, curated the world-famous and headline-making museum exhibition “Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann” and produced an accompanying documentary. Bahat is CEO of ANU Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot) in America and has worked to adapt the Operation Finale exhibition enabling a wide audience to understand the uniqueness and importance of the capture and trial of Eichmann. Libson, who will chair the panel, is Managing Partner at Mishcon de Reya solicitors. He acted for Deborah Lipstadt in her defence against the defamation case brought by David Irving in 2005. Libson thanked AJR for arranging the

The Eichmann trial in 1961

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

event. “I taught a class with Deborah (Lipstadt) last week about her trial and one of the key themes that emerged from the questioning was the extent to which Holocaust denial occupies such a prominent position in so many of today’s conspiracy theories. Tamar’s father, Gideon, would have been concerned that the foresight he demonstrated to adduce the evidence of so many survivors has not guaranteed the inviolate status of the Shoah.” The story of Eichmann’s capture and trial has been the subject of books documentaries and films in the intervening decades. Eichmann was arrested by American authorities after World War Two and held in detention camps for SS members but evaded suspicion by using fake identity papers. Escaping when his true identity was discovered, Eichmann fled to Argentina, living under the assumed name Ricardo Klement. His family joined him where he lived quietly and worked in a Mercedes-Benz factory in Buenos Aires. Tipped off by German justice official Fritz Bauer concerning Eichmann’s whereabouts, Israel Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion vowed to make Eichmann account for his crimes as other Nazis had during the Nuremburg trials. Ben-Gurion and Israeli officials planned

Eichmann’s secret capture. And after a daring operation, on May 20, 1960, Mossad kidnapped Eichmann outside his home and took him to Israel to stand trial. The capture made international news, Argentina protesting a violation of its sovereign rights to the United Nations Security Council. Around 500 journalists from around the world covered the trial. The Eichmann trial was held before a special tribunal of the Jerusalem District Court presided over by Judges Moshe Landau, Benjamin Halevy and Yitzhak Raveh, starting April 11, 1961. Televised and broadcast around the world to help educate about crimes against Jews during World War Two. The legal basis for charges against Eichmann was the 1950 Nazi and Nazi Collaborators’ Punishment Law that enabled Israeli courts to punish Nazi perpetrators for crimes against Jews during World War Two. Israeli lawyer general Gideon Hausner signed a bill of indictment against Eichmann on 15 counts. Counts 1–4 were for crimes against the Jewish people. Counts 5–7 were for crimes against humanity against Jews. Count 8 was for war crimes, based on Eichmann’s role in the systematic persecution and murder of Jews. Counts 9–12 related to crimes against humanity against non-Jews. Counts 13–15

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charged Eichmann with membership of the Storm Troopers (SS), Security Service (SD) and Gestapo. Hausner called over 100 witnesses, most had never met Eichmann, who testified behind protected glass due to possible assassination attempts. Eichmann stated he had not dictated policy, just carried it out. He was “a little cog in the machinery” of destruction. Eichmann said he “never killed anybody”, he was “loyal, obedient and happy to be of service to my fatherland.” “I could not anticipate,” he recalled. “I could not influence. My status was too modest. I was only dealing with train timetables and technical aspects of evacuation transports.” On his last day of testimony, Eichmann did admit he was guilty of transporting millions of Jews to their deaths, but felt no guilt of the consequences. On December 12, 1961, Eichmann was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to death. “Citing legal authorities in six languages,” TIME reported, “The court sought to establish Israel’s jurisdiction over Eichmann although the Israeli state did not exist when the crimes were committed.” Judges argued that Israel now represented all Jews. “The people is one and the crime is one,” they ruled. The Supreme Court rejected Eichmann’s appeal. President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi Yitzhak Ben-Zvi rejected his request to commute the sentence. Eichmann was executed at Ramla Prison by hanging on June 1, 1962. His ashes were spread at sea outside Israel’s territorial waters. Haurner later wrote that archival documents would have sufficed to get Eichmann sentenced “ten times over”. Eichmann’s execution is the only time Israel has carried out a death sentence. The Eichmann trial renewed international interest in the Holocaust and is still debated six decades on. Many historians view the trial as a time when the term “Holocaust” and its events became rooted in public society. The Nuremberg Trial relied on written documents, Eichmann’s trial enabled Holocaust survivors to give detailed testimonies. In Israel, many survivors had remained silent but felt able to share their experiences. AJR and eGNY organised the event in partnership with ANU, Museum of the Jewish People. AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman and 3GNY Director Cayle White issued a joined statement. “The Eichmann Trial was a watershed moment in post-war history,” they noted. “As well as bringing to justice one of the chief architects of the Holocaust, the televised trial reached a global audience and gave a platform for survivors to share their testimony. The impact of the trial continues to have resonance today and reminds us all of the need to uphold the truth of the Holocaust.” www.eventbrite.com/e/the-eichmann-trial60-years-on-tickets-149155775941


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15 APRIL 2021

Israel-Iran tensions increase after Natanz explosion

BY ADAM MOSES Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified after a large explosion at the Natanz nuclear facility last Sunday. Iran blame Israel for the incident and vowed to take revenge. President Hassan Rouhani announced yesterday that Tehran would enrich uranium up to 60% as a response. An Israeli owned commercial ship, Hyperion Ray, belonging to businessman Rami Ungarin, was also targeted by Iran off the UAE coast yesterday in a suspected revenge attack. Damage was minor, the ship, sailing under a Bahamas flag, continued its journey. Israel, who will remain alert at its borders and sea, have as yet not confirmed or denied involvement in the Natanz incident but there were no restrictions on local media reporting Mossad’s possible involvement. Recent months has seen a number of attacks on Israeli and Iranian-owned ships. US and Israeli national security advisers met virtually for strategic talks on Iran this week. The Natanz incident came as US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin arrived in Israel for an official visit last Sunday. According to the Pentagon, Austin’s meetings would concern Iran and “shared

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Austin made no reference to the explosion during press briefings. All were steadfast regarding the threat of Iran. priorities” in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Austin made no reference to the explosion during press briefings. All were steadfast regarding the threat of Iran. Netanyahu said Iran has never given up efforts to obtain nuclear weapons and Israel will not allow Tehran to build them. With Austin by his side, Netanyahu stressed US-Israel defence cooperation was crucial to deal with threats confronting both nations. Regarding the Middle East, he noted, “There is no threat that is more serious, more dangerous, more pressing than that posed by the fanatical regime in Iran. “Iran continues to support terrorists around the world in five continents, threatening civilians everywhere. Iran has never given up its quest for nuclear

weapons and the missiles to deliver them. Iran consistently and outrageously calls for Israel’s annihilation and works towards that goal.” He added, “My policy as Prime Minister of Israel is clear. I will never allow Iran to obtain the nuclear capability to carry out its genocidal goal of eliminating Israel. Israel will continue to defend itself against Iran’s aggression and terrorism.” Austin noted the US and Israel addressed “shared challenges in the region”. He also reiterated the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s security and qualitative military edge in the region. “We discussed ways to deepen our longstanding defence relationship in the face of regional threats and other security challenges and I affirm the department’s support for our ongoing diplomatic efforts to normalise relations between Israel

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and Arab and Muslim-majority nations,” he reportedly explained. “I am confident that together we can chart a path toward enduring peace in this region and advance open and stable order now, and in the years ahead.” Gantz hosted Austin in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Following the meeting, Gantz told reporters, “The Teheran of today poses a strategic threat to international security, to the entire Middle East, and, to the State of Israel. “We will work closely with our American allies, to ensure that any new agreement with Iran will secure the vital interests of the world and the United States, prevent a dangerous arms race in our region and protect the State of Israel.” Austin’s visit is the first by a senior member of President Joe Biden’s administration to Israel. The meeting was important as Biden’s stance on Iran has concerned Israel’s government. Austin said Washington viewed the alliance with Israel as “central to regional stability” as well as “enduring and ironclad”. IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi indicated his views regarding Iran at a memorial service in Jerusalem. “The IDF’s operations throughout the Middle East are not hidden from the eyes of our enemies,” he reportedly said. “They’re watching us, seeing our capabilities, and cautiously considering their next steps.” Kochavi added, “Thanks to complex and sophisticated operations, the past year has been one of the safest years known to the citizens of Israel. We’ll continue to act with power and discretion.” Hours after the incident, Netanyahu reportedly said, “The battle against Iran and its proxies and its nuclearisation is a massive task. Today’s situation does not mean it would be the same tomorrow. “It is very difficult to explain what we have accomplished here in Israel, in this transition from complete helplessness that was unparalleled in the history of nations, to a world power that we have succeeded building here. Certainly, a regional power, but in some ways also a global one. I wish all of us that you continue down this path, and that you continue to keep the sword of David in your hands.” Gantz added that Iran continues to pose a strategic threat globally. “The IDF will continue to build its force in accordance with the new and changing challenges and be prepared for any scenario,” he reportedly noted. In the midst of the Nantaz episode, the US and Iran have been taking part in indirect talks in Vienna with JCPOA participants to try save the 2015 accord.


15 APRIL 2021

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NEWS 19

Foreign tourists to return to Israel next month BY DAVID SAFFER Tourists are set to visit Israel again next month. Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen and Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein agreed a starting date of May 23. Groups will be allowed under guidelines to be published by Ministries. Agreements have been reached by a task force that included Head of Public Health Sharon Alroey-Preis and coronavirus czar Professor Nachman Ash. According to an initial outline, a limited number of groups will arrive. This will be increased based on progress of the initiative. Individual travellers will be allowed into Israel in the second stage. All visitors must have a PCR test before boarding a flight to Israel and a serological test to prove their vaccination at Ben Gurion Airport. Discussions are continuing with a number of countries to reach agreements for vaccine-certificate validation to cancel a serological test. A detailed outline will be released in the coming days. “Israel is the first vaccinated country and the citizens of Israel are the first to enjoy this result,” noted Edelstein. “After opening the economy, it is time to allow tourism in a careful and calculated manner. Opening the tourism is important for one of the fields most hurt during the COVID year. We will continue to look at easing regulations in accordance to the health situation.” Minister of Tourism, Orit Farkash-Hacohen added, “I am pleased to give this important first step to the tourism industry. Only opening the skies for international tourism will truly revive the tourism industry, including restaurants, hotels, sites, tour guides, buses and others looking to work and provide for their families. I will continue to work for the full opening of tourism to Israel, which will greatly assist the Israeli economy and create workplaces for many Israelis.” Sharon Bershadsky, Israel Tourist Office UK, “From the beautiful coast of Tel Aviv, the rich history of Jerusalem, the wonder of The Dead Sea, the ample outdoor travel opportunities and the superb culinary scene, there are numerous reasons for travel wishers to visit our country. We look forward to welcoming all visitors to Israel as soon as it is safe to do so.” Meantime, Public Health Chief Dr. Sharon Alroy-Pries announced that Israelis will not be required to wear face masks outdoors with Israel’s coronavirus infection rate dropping. “According to the latest data, when it

“After opening the economy, it is time to allow tourism in a careful and calculated manner. Opening the tourism is important for one of the fields most hurt during the COVID year.” comes to outdoors, but not during public gatherings, masks can come off starting next week,” she reportedly confirmed. “Masks will have to stay in our bags at all times since it is still mandatory to wear them indoors.” She added, “We do not know if someone next to us is infected or not, vaccinated or not, and closed spaces still pose a high risk. Therefore, masks will have to stay with us.” Israel’s third lockdown restrictions have all but gone due to the national vaccination campaign. Alroy-Preis noted, “Our goal is to open (the economy) as quickly as possible, return to normalcy, but still be cautious. The virus is still here.” Ministers voted this week, in principle, to fully reopen all schools without splitting students into small groups. The plan will provide a range of testing and monitoring options to detect outbreaks. Alroy-Preis warned low infection rates have allowed the Health Ministry to back

the updated schools plan, adding that health officials were debating whether teens should receive the vaccine. The Israel Paediatric Association has recommended children aged 12-15 receive the Pfizer’s vaccine. “The Pfizer vaccine has proven its efficacy and safety both in clinical trials and in its widespan use in Israel, including teenagers with pre-existing conditions,” the IPA noted in a statement. Alroy-Preis noted one of the largest obstacles facing health officials was Ben Gurion Airport and variants entering Israel. “A mutation could develop in Israel but when it arrives from abroad the risk is far greater,” she noted. “At Ben Gurion Airport we will leave restrictions as they are regarding social distancing and mandatory testing 72 hours before boarding flights for both vaccinated and unvaccinated (passengers). Most countries do not do this, but we know that both those who have been vaccinated and who have recovered

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can get infected and we do not want to take a risk.” Regarding Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) events and Yom Haatzmaut celebrations this week optimism has returned but caution remains. State ceremonies are open to Green Pass holders. A maximum of 200 people can attend National Memorial Hall ceremony, 400 at the Yad Labanim ceremony in Jerusalem and 500 at a Western Wall ceremony. Memorial Day ceremonies at cemeteries will be open to Green Pass holders. Bereaved families can sit in groups up to 20 people in a confined space or 100 people in an open area. Families where not everyone holds a ‘Green Pass’ can sit in separate ‘family capsules’. On Yom Haatzmaut, events will be held under restrictions and according to Green Pass holders. In related news, synagogues have limits depending on seat capacity. Essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies have a capacity limit of up to 20 people. Open-air shopping centres and street shops can host up to 20 people. Indoor shopping centres have restrictions and individual shops are based on street shops measures. Hotels dining rooms, hotel swimming pools and gyms require guests to maintain a distance of two meters or adhere to a partition between guests. Restaurants, cafes and bars, and indoor dining is permitted for Green Pass holders operating at three quarters capacity and a maximum of 100 people. At indoor and open-air bars an empty chair is required between customers unless guests are in the same household. When dining outside, no more than 100 people are allowed at the establishment. Events have measurers regarding movement and the serving of food, including parties and simchas. Measures are also in place for swimming pools, gyms, hairdressers, barbers, beauty and tattoo parlours. Nature reserves, national parks, national and memorial sites, zoos and safaris a maximum of 100 people is permitted. Among other measures tickets must be ordered in advance for museums. Procedures are also in place for passengers on buses, taxis and trains regarding tickets. When leaving or entering Israel, a negative COVID-19 test must be presented at the airport. Green Pass holders are exempt from entering isolation on arrival. Anyone not vaccinated or recovered from the virus is required to isolate at home for 10 days and undergo two COVID-19 tests.


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15 APRIL 2021

Coalition negotiations update BY JAMES MARLOW

only happen if a third of a party break or a separate faction within a party, like Yoaz Hendel’s Derech Eretz or Yifat Shasha’s Kulanu faction break off”, he said.

DESPERATE MEDIA HYPE TO PUSH FOR FAVOURITE NARRATIVE

Binyamin Netanyahu’s task to form a new government ends on 4th May and the question is, how does he increase his coalition partners from 52 mandates (Likud 30, Shas 9, United Torah Judaism 7 and Religious Zionists 6) to 61 mandates? Naftali Bennett and Netanyahu have now met face to face on four separate occasions since the general election result was announced. Although each of these private meetings were long and intense, a great deal of much needed “clearing the air” took place. You have to remember, these two party leaders have had absolutely no contact between each other for several months. To add to the tension, the media hype with all sorts of “fake” media “sensational” stories about what Bennett said of Netanyahu and what Bennett’s real goal is, has not helped, especially when news commentators quote, “unnamed sources.” Have you ever wondered why these news networks or publications do not back it up with a name behind the story? In some cases, it is true that the “source” wishes to (or has to) remain anonymous. But on other occasions, it is all part of a media game to push a certain political narrative on to an unsuspecting public. In other words, it’s really about what the news networks or publications, “hope will happen”, but based on absolutely no substance or foundation whatsoever. However even if Bennett and Netanyahu iron out many of their differences and animosity towards each other, and there is clearly a great deal of baggage between them, the Yamina party only gives Netanyahu 7 further mandates, which is clearly not enough to reach a majority.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 4TH MAY?

If Netanyahu fails to secure a 61 seat majority at the end of the 28-day period, President Rivlin could give Bibi an extra day or few

WILL THE PRESIDENT APPOINT ANOTHER CANDIDATE?

days, or even the full 2 weeks, if he believes he is close to forming a government. But the President may create conditions to this extension, like telling the PM, he has to report back to him every day with a progress report. Such a scenario could be for example, if Betzalel Smotrich and his Religious Zionists party decide to accept the Islamist Ra’am party’s support from outside the government. Smotrich always said he made a “technical bloc” with Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben Gvir and Noam, led by Avi Maoz. Therefore he could break from those two factions and accept the Arab Ra’am party’s mandates, from outside the government, giving Netanyahu 57 seats plus 4 from outside. But it is very risky for Smotrich’s voter base, because Ra’am have links to the Muslim Brotherhood and several Likud members are even very concerned about accepting outside support from Ra’am.

WHO ARE THE 6 MK’S IN SA’AR’S PARTY?

Another option for Netanyahu is Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party with 6 mandates, could climb down from a very high tree and join the coalition. Likud and New Hope are perfect for each other in terms of ideology and right-wing

ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS: • Four MKs from the Joint List party who used the Knesset swearing in ceremony to attack Israel last week when they substituted the traditional commitment to serve Israel and the Knesset with, “we will fight apartheid,” “occupation” and “racism”, were sworn in correctly this time. The predominantly Arab Joint List MK’s were told their previous oaths were disqualified and they could lose Knesset benefits as a result. • Using his diplomatic immunity, Labor MK and reform rabbi, Gilad Kariv took a small Torah

scroll into the Western Wall plaza on Tuesday morning, (Rosh Chodesh) in defiance of the site’s regulations and used it for the Women of the Wall prayer service. • No agreement has been reached on the Knesset Arrangements Committee that runs the Knesset, until a government can be formed, Knesset speaker Yariv Levin said. The decision has been postponed until next week. • Labor leader Merav Michaeli told a Labor

agendas. The only “snag” is, in the words of Jeremy Saltan, who heads Yamina’s English division: “I think people underestimate the amount of hatred Gideon Sa’ar has for Netanyahu.” The Yamina candidate and spokesperson, said that it is unlikely that any of New Hope’s six MKs will join. But who are they? Gideon Sa’ar, Sharren Haskel and Ze’ev Elkin were all Likud MKs at the end of 2020, but bolted the party for “more favourable options.” But it is well known that Benny Begin, has not voted Likud for at least the last four elections, possibly five, and distanced himself from Likud several years ago. Yoaz Hendel was an MK with Moshe Ya’alon’s Telem party, then moved with him to Blue and White, then formed Derech Eretz and now finds himself in New Hope. Like Begin, Hendel also worked with Netanyahu. Yifat Shasha-Bitan took over the leadership of Kulanu when Moshe Kahlon retired, but ran on a joint ticket with Likud for the last few elections. However like Hendel, she moved her faction to Gideon Saar’s new party. So the question is whether a faction will break from New Hope. Jeremy Saltan believes defectors and break away groups have huge legal implications. “They can

faction meeting, that Democrat leaders in the United States no longer know if Netanyahu represents Israel when he makes decisions on Iran, or his own personal situation. • Naftali Bennett’s demand to be Prime Minister and prevent a new government from being established is fake news, the Yamina head told journalists. Bennett said, he told Netanyahu that he will help him form a right-wing government and prevent a fifth election. • Meretz leader Nitzan Horowitz warns that Netanyahu cannot be trusted on security issues,

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A second option for President Rivlin would be to hold party consultations for a second time to see if support for Yair Lapid has increased. If so, Lapid may receive 28 days to form a government. But the President said last time, there is little chance a stable government will emerge with the likes of Yesh Atid, Blue White, Labour and Meretz along with Yisrael Beitenu, New Hope, Yamina and Ra’am which only just makes it over the line. Shas and UTJ will not join with Yisrael Beitenu, Labor or Meretz and would have a hard time accepting Yair Lapid. The President could hold consultations with party representatives for a second time, but Rivlin spent a whole day, meeting each of them, and it was plainly obvious to anyone viewing the proceedings, that he was getting more and more frustrated as the day went on. In addition, in the last Knesset, there were only 8 parties that Rivlin had to meet with. This time there are 13 political parties that crossed the threshold.

PERHAPS BIBI CAN BECOME PRESIDENT?

One final possibility is the hype around Netanyahu running for President which is a great job for 7 years, if he wants it. But Netanyahu doesn’t want the President role and never backs down from a political fight. Besides, Presidential candidates like Yehuda Glick (Likud), Yitzhak Herzog (Labor) and others are already campaigning amongst Knesset members who get to choose the head of state. So Netanyahu is probably too late to canvass for nominations, as the latest date the Presidential election can be held is June 9th. The options for Netanyahu, Lapid or a third candidate to form a government of 61, are at this point looking quite slim. But don’t worry, all Knesset members want to avoid a fifth election. Phew, that’s reassuring.

because he will make decisions based on his political and legal problems, which will be dangerous for Israel. • Labor and Arab MK Ibtisam Mara’ana-Menuhin tried to avoid answering the question, if she would vote for a government led by Naftali Bennett. But in the end the controversial MK said, she would be willing to vote for a government formed by Yamina. • The race for President of Israel is underway and candidates need to secure 10 MKs to sign for them on nomination papers.


15 APRIL 2021

OPINION 21

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OPINION OPINION PIECE BY LORD POLAK CBE, HONORARY PRESIDENT OF CONSERVATIVE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL. It may have come as a surprise to my colleagues in the House of Lords this week when I recited the beginning of Psalm 133, “Hinneh mah tov umah na’im, shevet achim gam yachad”, in my tribute to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. “How good and how pleasant it is that people sit together in unity”. It is certainly true that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has brought us together in unity as we pay our respects and celebrate a wonderful life. Whenever I hear the song, I recall a summer’s day in July 2000 when as Vice-Chairman of the governors of Hertsmere Jewish Primary School, we had the honour of welcoming Prince Philip to officially open the school. The Duke stopped to talk to so many of the five year-olds who were waving Union Jacks on the pathway to greet him. The official ceremony started late because he wanted to personally thank each and every one of those friends of the school who had made donations. Prince Philip took pleasure in naming it the “Joy and Stanley Cohen Hertsmere Jewish Primary School”. He knew the late

Stanley Cohen OBE z”l well through his support for the DofE scheme and generous philanthropic work together with his wonderful wife, Joy. The Duke even joked that the reason Stanley had a surgical boot on one foot that day was because someone had got their own back on Stanley as he was trying to raise funds for the school. While the children were singing and entertaining the attendees at the event, they sang “Hinneh Mah Tov Umah Na’im”. As Jewish Weekly readers will know, a number of tunes are sung to these words. As the children sang the fourth melody, the Duke touched my arm and whispered to me: “I recognise that Jewish tune”. I replied: “Indeed, Your Royal Highness. It’s the Flintstones”. He giggled like a schoolboy. He was able to share the excitement of the day with the children, parents and teachers – a day they will never forget, a day I will never forget, and a day His Royal Highness repeated for so many people thousands of times.

As a primary schoolboy, I remember my own excitement when Prince Philip visited my school, King David in Liverpool, after arriving outside in a helicopter – though my friends and I were most concerned

As a primary schoolboy, I remember my own excitement when Prince Philip visited my school, King David in Liverpool, after arriving outside in a helicopter – though my friends and I were most concerned that he might ruin our football pitch.

that he might ruin our football pitch. I was an active and proud member of the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB) while growing up in Liverpool, which ran the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award across the community. Participating and attaining success in the scheme was the pinnacle of achievement, and over 25,000 young people have taken on the challenge with JLGB over the years. The Duke’s affection for the Jewish community and his countless communal engagements have been recalled in recent days. In 1994, Prince Philip visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem to participate in a ceremony honouring his mother, Princess Alice, as a Righteous Among the Nations who saved three members of the Cohen family in Athens during the Nazi occupation of Greece. In his speech, Prince Philip said: “We did not know, and, as far as we know, she never mentioned to anyone, that she had given refuge to the Cohen family… I suspect that it never occurred to her that her action was… special”. The Duke’s pride in his mother’s actions was palpable. I offer my sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family, just as our community did last Shabbat in synagogues across the country. Yehi Zichro Baruch: May his memory be for a blessing.

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24 OPINION

15 APRIL 2021

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not reflect the opinions of this Newspaper

Don’t bet on the Palestinian Election OPINION PIECE BY JAMES J MARLOW Now that we are done with the Israeli election, at least for now, let us turn our attention to the Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections, scheduled for May 22 and July 31 respectively. The question I immediately asked, when I heard they were taking place was why now? Why is 85-year-old Mahmoud Abbas, who is in his sixteenth year of a four year term, announcing elections now? Palestinian Fatah is no longer a single political movement. It is heavily divided into many different factions with much discontent and dissatisfaction with Abbas’s leadership and what he represents. In fact several Palestinian Fatah groups are just looking to move the aging Abbas out of the way, so they can make plans for “Palestinian life after the Abbas era.” But Abbas knows if Fatah win, nothing changes on the ground. Hamas in the Gaza strip are not going to change their ideology, or its objective of the elimination of Israel. They certainly will not hand over power to Fatah in Gaza nor give up their huge arsenal of weapons. But if Hamas win, they will attempt to take over parts of the Palestinian Authority areas in the West Bank. This will be a huge embarrassment to the Biden administration in the US and the European Union, who have mistakenly put their Foreign Policy commitment and faith in the Palestinian Authority. Mohammed Dajani Daoudi, a former Weston Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and Director of the Wasatia Academic Institute in Jerusalem, believes Hamas have an excellent chance of winning both the parliamentary and presidential elections. In an interview, the Palestinian Professor told me, “Hamas will win because they are united as one force, running on one list, with good organisational skills and funding from abroad.” The problem for Fatah is that jailed leader Marwan Barghouti has decided to run in the election on a separate list from Abbas. It’s a move that is seen as a major challenge to the Palestinian leader and the Fatah leadership. To make matters worse, prominent Fatah member, Nasser Akidwa of the National Democratic Assembly, agreed to join forces with Barghouti. In addition, exiled Palestinian politician, Mohammed Dahlan of the Democratic

Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA.

Reform List, also confirmed he will run on his own list and further split the Fatah vote. Dahlan was a former Fatah chief and ex-PA security minister, before he was expelled from the West Bank in 2011, following a bitter political dispute with the Ramallah government over corruption. Professor Daoudi said that 28 parties have so far submitted their party for registration, although Palestinian reports said it was 36. So far, 14 have been approved and each of these lists are promising a better future for the Palestinian people with them in charge. Sound familiar? Many are independent parties, other than Hamas and the “official” Fatah, so the vote will clearly be divided. But Daoudi says, few details about their policies are known. “What are they proposing to get us out of the Covid 19 pandemic? “What about jobs for Palestinians, investment, talks with Israel? “We don’t know what they plan to do”. Daoudi continued, “They could claim that because they are campaigning under occupation, they cannot really address these subjects. “But they are not even saying how they will end the occupation. “How will the elections effect future negotiations with Israel? “None of this is being disclosed,

Fatah leader, Mahmoud Abbas

none of them have a peace plan, none will address how they will improve the status of the people”, Daoudi said. On the other hand, “Hamas is unified” he told me and will win the parliamentary election. As for the Presidential election, “Abbas is not popular and will be a loser if the election takes place. Mohammed Dajani Daoudi continued, “The majority of the people want change and that includes those in the President’s office. Marwan Barghouti is probably Abbas’s main challenger and being in jail could play very well for him, as he enjoys a great deal of popularity. Daoudi says, “It signifies the Palestinian people are in a prison and they will look to him as a symbol for freedom”. Mahmoud Abbas does have support, because many Palestinians are financially supported by him. But Barghouti who is serving four life sentences for murder, will take votes from Abbas. However, if Barghouti wins, Israel is unlikely to release him from his Israeli jail cell. The last parliamentary and presidential elections in 2005 and 2006 were a real disaster for the Palestinians, because the result brought about a split, with a great deal of violence, and to some degree, created two states – Gaza and the PA autonomous areas.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

It is true the Americans would love to know how much support Mahmoud Abbas really does have on the Palestinian streets, in order to know how much investment to make in the Palestinian Authority. But the Americans and EU are busy dealing with the Covid crisis at this time. Maybe Abbas wanted to show to the world, “We are a democracy”, but they are not. Still the Palestinian people are calling for change and there has been a lot of pressure on Abbas to hold elections. But he could have refused, like he has been doing for the last 12 years. Israel bans any PA activity in Jerusalem, but it has in the past, allowed east Jerusalem Arabs to vote in PA elections. However this is likely to be the “silver bullet”, Abbas is looking for to delay or cancel both the parliamentary and presidential elections. And of course he will blame Israel at the same time. Fatah will claim they don’t have full campaign rights in Jerusalem, when really they know they are going to lose. That’s how these elections are not going to take place. But we will soon see how it plays out. James Marlow is a broadcast commentator and communications trainer Facebook: James Jeremy Marlow Twitter: @James_J_Marlow


15 APRIL 2021

OPINION 25

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Covid comment OPINION PIECE BY JACQUELINE CURZON Okay, we acceded to all the stringencies, the inconveniences, the autocratic bullying and diktat. But no more. You couldn’t see your doctor, dentist or optician, because they were closed; you couldn’t hug granny because you would endanger her (even if you are covid negative); you couldn’t cut your hair, unless you were brave or foolhardy; you couldn’t really get married, unless it was just you and a couple of mates; all these have been off the agenda for the last year, and now the Duke can only have 30 people at his funeral. It was (and is) an invasion of our freedom, the likes of which we have never been asked to do in our history, but which we accepted. We bowed in 2020 in humble submission to it all, for the greater good, because we are for the most part - an obliging nation. Not sure many other countries would have been quite so accommodating… We were promised a release date of June 21st, subject to the roll out of

vaccinations, and falling numbers. With a daily count of between 7-10 deaths (of 6.7 million), are these numbers still too high?! When will the government decide the risk to the public is acceptable? Vaccines were to be the key to our freedom, but now the goalposts are moving - again. Worse still, No.10 can congratulate itself on fuelling a culture of abject fear and social distrust. We observe people walking off the pavement into the path of cars, to avoid a transient passerby. It’s berserk, especially when every other person in the country has been vaccinated. This ‘clear and present danger’ is becoming embellished fiction, but it serves a purpose for those who want to keep us imprisoned in a new, aberrant, way of life. A society like the one we see today must not become a new ‘normal.’ We are being denied any meaningful freedoms, with the promise of lockdown’s end disappearing into the summer haze. Even taking flights will become a farce! Grandma - who has recently broken her hip for a second time - is now in a care home, but of course we cannot go and see her, even though this might also be the end of her road… Never mind that she,

From the editor’s desk PRINCE PHILLIP

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was someone who touched many people’s lives, as the longest serving consort in British history. I have spent the last few days explaining to my children why he wasn’t the king. However, his role in British life was a pivotal one, and he played a vital supporting role to the Queen. The Queen once described him as her ‘strength and the stay by her side’. He was well known for his banter and I personally got to see this at a Buckingham Palace garden party a few years ago. I was standing amongst the 8000 strong crowd and the Prince came over and started conversing and cracking jokes with people. An African gentleman was standing near me, bedecked in bright long flowing robes, and looking like a tribal leader. His Royal Highness asked him, “Where are you from, man?” The gentleman replied that he was from, “The Congo.” “That’s very far from here” said Philip, “you must be homesick!” The crowd erupted in laughter as it was quite amusing to think that anybody enjoying the Queen’s garden party amongst the beautiful and luscious gardens of the royal palace could be homesick! I was also struck by how the Prince walked, confidently twirling his stick round and round his hand as he strolled

amongst the crowds, looking like he was thoroughly enjoying himself! I guess you need to be a pretty confident chap to be married to the Queen! But he used his immense talents to help better people’s lives, and there are countless examples. The Duke of Edinburgh Awards stands out amongst many other fine achievements. Trekking through the British countryside all those years ago I remember thinking what a great initiative he had come up with to get young people into nature, whilst team building and having fun outdoors. My condolences go out the Her Majesty The Queen and all The Royal Family. The Prayer for the Royal Family in shul will never be the same again.

BIDEN AND IRAN

News came out in recent days that American President Joe Biden has started doing exactly what this newspaper predicted he would. Shipping millions of dollars to the Palestinians; money that the Trump administration had stopped. Together with his attempts to reignite the disastrous Iran deal, Biden is really doing all he can to relight all the dangerous terrorist fires that Trump extinguished. In the week that Iran publicly threatened revenge against Israel’s sabotage attack at a nuclear facility, let’s hope Biden concentrates more on walking up the stairs to Air Force One without slipping, rather than trying to blindly pave the way for more death and destruction around the world.

and all her potential visitors have been vaccinated. GP surgeries are evidently being run by administrative gatekeepers. When I have a problem, I effectively self diagnose and get a prescription ordered

We bowed in 2020 in humble submission to it all, for the greater good, because we are - for the most part - an obliging nation.

up for me over the phone. Excellent! I could be making it up, or worse - ordering meds for someone else. The pharmacist who I speak to seems a nice chap, but he doesn’t even have my notes in front and is mostly unaware of my medical history. He takes my word for blood pressure, glucose readings, and prescribes accordingly. I have now not seen a GP for at least 17 months. And, of course, in a Jewish community where many are lawyers and doctors, you can usually dial-a-doctor friend for some advice, when your own surgery blocks your access, although you might need the lawyers later, for subsequent negligence and malpractice claims. But what of those less diligent or persistent health customers, who may unknowingly exhibit discreet signs of cancer, diabetes or cardiac trouble?? When will they be picked up? As a contrast, I know personally GPs who are diligently seeing their patients (horror of horror - in person!), and are affronted by their colleagues’ reticence to do likewise. There are a growing number of medical professionals who are vociferously outspoken in their criticism of a service largely gone to pot.

Letters to the Editor Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.

BBC COMPLAINT - ISRAEL FACTUAL ERROR OR INACCURACY Dear Editor My wife and I watched series 61, espisode1 of ‘Have I Got a Bit More News For You’ on BBC iPlayer. This was broadcast 09/04/2021 David Tennant, who was hosting says on the TV programme at 14min and 40 seconds: “As you can see Israel have vaccinated 61% of their population which is pretty much everyone there if you ignore the Arab population, which they do. So they’re done.” This is factually incorrect, inaccurate and awful BBC Bias. I will be making a complaint to the BBC. Kind regards, Dan Miller

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PRAISE FOR ISRAEL ELECTION COVERAGE Dear Editor I have read your Israel election coverage over the past few months and found it absolutely fascinating and informative. Thank you for detailed explanations of the system and political structure. Please keep it up as it seems we are not that close to a new government before formed at this time. Yours Mr Tony Goldstein


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Games

Emma and Philip are first US wedding

Bridge With Harold Schogger

Dealer: South Both Vul s 10 8 6 3 h 7 d A 7 6 c A Q 7 3 2

N s 2 h Q 10 9 3 2 d Q P 4 3 2 c J 10

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Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg officiates at the wedding of Phil Lewis and Emma Philips

W

N

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Pass Pass End

4h 5h

Pass Pass

1s 4NT 6s

North’s leap to 4h was a splinter bid and promised 10-13 points and a singleton or void in hearts. West led Jc. Declarer counted four trumps, two hearts, two diamonds and a club on top. Consequently, he needed three more tricks and they would have to come from playing on hearts. This is one of those deals on which it is vital to play on the principal side suit before touching trumps, which declarer proceeded to do. He played a heart to the ace followed by a heart ruff with dummy’s 6h. After returning to hand with the Kd, he ruffed a second heart with the 8h, East discarding a diamond.

Declarer got back to his hand with a club ruff and ruffed the Jh with the 10s, again with East discarding, this time his remaining diamond. Declarer now called for dummy’s last trump and, as East had the ace of trumps and trumps were not 4-0, nothing could prevent him from drawing trumps and making twelve tricks. The trap was to avoid playing a trump at trick two. Here East could win and play a second round of trumps or alternatively, he could duck the first round of trumps and overruff the third round of hearts to play a third round of trumps. Either way, declarer would fall a trick short of his contract.

Emma Phillips and Phil Lewis were married at Woodford Forest United Synagogue in the first United Synagogue wedding since government guidelines permitted weddings again. Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg, Senior Rabbi at Woodford Forest United Synagogue and Rabbi Rafi Goodwin, Community Development Rabbi of Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue, officiated. “I always enjoy the privilege of being

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part of a couple’s big day, but after a year of delayed weddings, it was an extra special and joyous occasion,” noted Rabbi Wollenberg. To preside over Emma and Phil’s chuppah at our shul was not without challenges but to be able to celebrate the next step of the couple’s journey and the building of their home together was truly amazing.” The government have permitted weddings to take place with 15 people.


Does your child complain of leg or joint pain, especially at night? Has it been dismissed as ‘growing pains’? Does your teen complain of neck or back pain? These symptoms are typical of Hypermobility which is very common in the Jewish Community. At The Green Clinic, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach. We know that everybody and every lifestyle is different, and we tailor our recommendations and advice according to what works for YOU. Our Principal Physiotherapist Mr Stephen Parkus is an expert in treating hypermobility – a surprisingly common but often undiagnosed condition which can cause a child or teen to be clumsy, fidgety or

experience cramps when writing or neck pain when studying. We’ll take the time to properly assess your child and help you to understand the diagnosis. Through tailored exercises for strengthening, balance and co-ordination, we’ll assist your child to feel better and help them to move with confidence. Stephen Parkus MCSP SRP is a state-registered Physiotherapist, qualified since 2001.

The Green Clinic is recognised by all major health insurance companies, and with flexible opening times and three clinic sites (Edgware, Bushey and Radlett), we are sure to be able to help you, whatever the issue. CALL US TODAY

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Tel: 020 8728 0625 Home visits offered around NW London. Covered by all major UK health insurers. Serving the community since 2008.

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Now we can go out… come in! ADVERTORIAL

After many weeks of Lockdown 3, we’re happy to announce a new phase of Covid-safe life for Londoners starting this week. It means non-essential shopping, haircuts and gym sessions are allowed again. And for hospitality, one of the hardest hit sectors of the UK economy since the start of the pandemic, it means outdoor seating is finally back - and we couldn’t be more excited. The kosher restaurant scene has never been this diverse or fast-paced, adapting quickly to new delivery patterns, government regulations and growing competition. Some of our go-to restaurants have not only managed to stay open over this challenging year, but have elevated themselves by responding to the climate. S Group, for example, have exciting updates across their venues: the group includes all 5 branches of Soyo Cafe and Pizaza, along with Pita, Hot Cut, Soyo Diner, Delicatessen and Reubens. We catch up with S Group to hear about what’s next for our favourite brands. High streets are expected to look a little busier from this week, with most cafes and restaurants ready to seat customers outside. This is especially good news

these alfresco on Hampstead’s Rosslyn Hill - we recommend something cheeky off the drinks menu to enjoy with your meal! Soyo Diner, which opened just before lockdown started in March 2020, has had a steady year of delivering family favourites to the area. Burgers, fried and rotisserie chicken, Delicatessen stir-fries, pastas, steaks and more have very much been in demand for at-home movie Pizaza nights and work-from-home lunches. Pizaza, with its pizza, fries and shakes have stayed popular throughout lockdown, as well as Soyo Cafe’s range of fresh and healthy dishes. We all hope that springtime in London will give us an excuse for more milkshakes and Froyos, but even if the weather doesn’t deliver on that - and that’s very possible - we can count on these two to keep delivering to hit our sweet spot. But perhaps the biggest news for

Reubens

Pita

The kosher restaurant scene has never been this diverse or fastpaced, adapting quickly to new delivery patterns, government regulations and growing competition. for street food sensation Pita, which has plenty of outdoor seating. And we have to admit, dining at this hummus hotspot will surely bring a holiday-like vibe to your meal. Also coming up is a new extension to Reubens on Baker Street: Reubens Restaurant. Reubens launched its refurbished upstairs deli in 2019, and is best known for its Ashkenazi and Israeli hits, from chicken soup to salt beef. From 19th May you’ll be able to sit downstairs for an alternative Reubens experience: kosher fine dining at an unseen level, featuring an exclusive menu from established chefs. After a few months of a high-end street food twist on its dishes, Delicatessen reopens with its original menu, bringing back its seasoned meats, salads and Mediterranean sides which are so well-loved. Enjoy

London’s kosher market is the launch of two new kitchens in Kentish Town for celebrated brands Pita and Hot Cut. With limited kosher options outside London’s key areas for kosher food, this is big news for meat fans around North West London. The new site brings Pita’s Middle Eastern street food and Hot Cut’s gourmet toasted sandwiches to a new radius of foodies, including Hampstead, Primrose Hill, Finsbury Park, Muswell Hill and Highgate. If you live or work in this extended radius, you’ll now find them on Deliveroo, with discounts and freebies to celebrate the opening. As always, it’s thanks to the community’s incredible support through takeaway, delivery and Click and Collect orders that independent restaurants have been able to thrive, with hopeful plans for the summer and beyond.

Soyo Diner

Hot Cuts

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15 APRIL 2021

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Noa fundraiser will benefit Orthodox girls BY DAVID SAFFER Noa Girls launches a virtual community fundraising appeal next week, April 18-19, to enable them to expand to meet the huge increase in need for their service. Established in 2009, Noa supports over 100 girls every week and 180 girls annually, in the Orthodox Jewish Community, providing a wraparound service that addresses girls’ practical, emotional and therapeutic needs. Noa’s growth reflects the increased communal need for a specialist mental health service and is a testament to its success in engaging struggling adolescent girls. But with COVID-19 triggering a steep surge in mental health challenges, Noa faces a daunting waiting list of 58 girls from NorthWest London and Stamford Hill. Noa was awarded multi-year funding from the Lottery, BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief, and was recently awarded an £80,000 grant from the Mayor of London, but demand far outstrips capacity. In response to the overwhelming communal need, Noa’s fundraising appeal is crucial. “The 58 girls on our waiting list desperately need support now,” explained Naomi Lerer, CEO of Noa Girls. “It takes so much courage for a girl to step up and say ‘I need

help’. Unfortunately, if girls are left on a waiting list for too long their problems may become entrenched and we may lose the opportunity to help them.” Naomi, Rebbetzin of Central Synagogue, is hoping the community this weekend sends out a resounding message of support by backing Noa’s attempts to help girls with struggles, applaud their bravery and root for their recovery. Noa provides a culturally sensitive service and is committed to maintaining girls’ confidentiality. Working discreetly under the radar, Noa has impacted hundreds of girls and gained a reputation for reaching girls when no one else can. “Many girls and their families simply won’t access other services due to cultural barriers,” explained Naomi. “They know that Noa staff understand their religious needs and operate with absolute discretion, so they trust us. These girls need support and we are their only address”. Noa provides support that addresses every facet of girls’ challenges beyond providing a specialist culturally-sensitive service, Naomi, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, recognises there should not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach to tackling girls’ mental health.

Noa provides every girl with one-to-one support, tailored to unique needs and works creatively to empower girls to overcome their specific challenges. Diverse programmes include mentoring, therapy, alternative therapies such as art, drama, music and equine therapy, family therapy, vocational placements, business projects and academic tutoring. “Noa is at its heart about the individual’, Naomi explained. “We work hard to bring out girls’ inherent strengths and talents which helps to build their emotional resilience’. Leora Zahavi, Barnet CAMHS family systemic psychotherapist, noted, “Noa makes a difference because it’s able to provide different services for young women. It tries to prioritise the young women which is great and it doesn’t then leave behind the families. It really takes a holistic approach’. During Covid-19, Noa’s team employed creative and innovative tools to ensure girls’ increased need for support. Karen Harris, Noa trustee board chair, commented, “Noa is clinician led, has the most formidable team and is a ridiculously lean organisation, but most of all Noa is really saving these girls. They are gently bringing girls out of darkness into a world of possibilities.”

Naomi acknowledges the strides that the Orthodox Jewish community has achieved in increasing awareness about mental health challenges. Noa recently initiated an education programme in a number of girls’ high schools within North-West London and Stamford Hill, providing guidance to teachers and parents so they identify girls who may be struggling and steer them towards receiving support. Early intervention is critical to preventing issues from escalating. Above all, sensitively raising awareness about mental health challenges can be a relief to girls who are suffering in silence. Laura Waugh, Hasmonean High School for Girls assistant headteacher, noted, “Noa is hugely important to our students. They help the girls to overcome all sorts of difficulties, from studying to coping with mental health and well-being. I’ve seen girls really flourish with Noa’s intervention.” The last decade has seen an upward trend of mental health challenges among adolescent girls in the UK. National statistics reveal that one in five girls struggle with mental health. www.charityextra.com/noa

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The Nicky sets its sights on May reopening

SCoJeC to appoint first CEO in 22 years BY ADAM MOSES

Michelle Wiseman Nicky’s CEO tidying up with volunteers

Staff at The Nicky Alliance Centre are working hard in preparation for a May reopening of the club facilities. The Nicky’s Chief Executive, Michelle Wiseman is excited at the prospect of meeting all its old members and welcoming new ones too. She said: “Subject to advice from the appropriate authorities we are planning on re-opening our doors in May. We have completely refurbished our premises, including the lounge, dining room and toilet facilities to make sure everything is Covid compliant and that our members will be perfectly comfortable and safe.” Throughout the pandemic, Michelle and her team, staff and volunteers, have kept in touch with the members and are checking to ensure that they are all getting their vaccinations. “We are now preparing to

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

visit all our members in their own homes as soon as it is safe to do so. We have kept in touch over the past months by telephone and online, providing many members with laptops and tablets, along with the required training to use them. The Centre is now taking shape and looks brighter and fresher and we hope to attract many new members too. We have also been distributing over 1,500 Meals on Wheels a month.” The Nicky’s dedicated volunteers have been involved preparing the art studio, planning activities and delivering meals. Members will be informed of the reopening date in due course and there will be announcements in the local press, on Facebook and on the website, www.mjcc.org. uk. Information will also be available by telephoning 0161 740 0111.

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15 APRIL 2021

The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC) and Board of Deputies have the basis of an agreement to professionalise representation for the Scottish Jewish community. SCoJeC agreed a ground-breaking MOU deal with the Board that give the Council its first paid CEO in 22 years since formation. During that time, Ephraim Borowski has served as the organisation’s director in a voluntary capacity. Over recent months, Borowski had expressed a desire to retire, and SCoJeC Chair, Alan Kay, and Vice Chair, Mark Taylor, embarked on a fundraising drive to enable recruitment for a paid professional to lead the organisation when Borowski retires by the AGM in June. Under the new agreement, the Board will contribute up to half salary costs for a new Chief Executive and support the Jewish Community with wider staff resources from its team. Leadership of both organisations are upbeat about the future.

Alan Kay, SCoJeC Chair, noted Borowski’s outstanding service to the organisation over two decades. “This agreement will enable SCoJeC to increase its support to the Jewish communities of Scotland,” he said. “Over the coming years, Scotland is going to be at a critical juncture and we are very pleased to be able to step-up our work at this crucial time, together with the Board in partnership with the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and Jewish Leadership Council.” The Board appointed its first Regional Manager, Sara Radivan, to support Jewish communities around the country last year. Marie van der Zyl, Board of Deputies President, added, “In view of the increasing relevance to the politics of Scotland, to all parts of the UK Jewish community, this was an obvious next step and we look forward to working closely with SCoJeC and the Scottish Jewish community to enhance provision for Scottish Jews that will have a positive knock-on effect for Jews across the UK.”

Naomi Goldman appointed as Jewish Education Outreach Officer in Leeds Naomi Goldman has been appointed as Jewish Education Outreach Officer as part of a ground breaking initiative funded by Educating for Impact (EFI). Based at Brodetsky Primary school, the new two-year role will enable Naomi to support Leeds’s educational provision throughout Leeds by enhancing young peoples’ connection to Judaism; part of a wider programme by EFI to strengthen Jewish communities across Europe. Naomi comes to this role with many years of experience, in both community work and specifically within the Jewish Community. She began her career at the Leeds Talmud Torah, before moving to the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB) working at Manny Cussins House children’s home and several other charities, before working at Sinai Synagogue, as an Early Years and Youth Worker. Since starting her role in March 2021, Naomi has already delivered a community Purim Zoom event with local Shuls, as well as a number of community Pesach activities, including a Pesach ‘Learn to Lead’ event with the Kollel and an alternative Matzah Ramble competition. Working closely with Mr Sagi Yehezkel and the Limmud Kodesh team, as well as being supported by Susie Gordon from the Leeds Jewish Representative Council (LJRC), Naomi will be working with the whole community which will include

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

engaging with university students in Leeds and young adults to enable them to be more involved in communal life. Naomi says: “Leeds is my home and the Jewish community my extended family. Learning Judaism through engaging moments and creating opportunities is something I feel very passionately about, as it will help ensure our children have a deep connection to and ownership of Judaism and their community. This deep bond can travel with them as they grow into Jewish adults as they make their own roots in our wonderful community. “One of the key aims of my role is to educate and inspire our children and families using Jewish values, knowledge and skills, so that they can live and contribute to a fulfilling Jewish life in Leeds. Indeed, my two children are pupils at Brodetsky Primary School and I very much look forward to building on what the school has already managed to achieve. By spreading the passion for Judaism throughout our community for our children and families to enjoy long into the future, we can help to build a stronger, more dynamic community here in Leeds.” Sagi Yehezkel, Head of Limmud Kodesh at Brodetsky Primary school added: “We are very excited to be working with Naomi and look forward to implementing a series of long-lasting and meaningful initiatives throughout our community.”


15 APRIL 2021

GIFT’s new appointment GIFT is excited to announce the appointment this week of a new Bnei Mitzvah Coordinator, Esther Zneimer. Esther has been involved in informal education in South Africa, Manhattan and Israel. GIFT is hoping to revolutionise the Bar and Bat mitzvah experience, making it predominantly about the giving aspect. Esther will be creating a number of new initiatives that will enable young people to get involved in many charitable causes at this important time in their lives. Esther explained: “I’m so excited to be joining this incredible team and to have the opportunity to get involved with the community. I’m extremely passionate about Jewish education and giving, this is the perfect way to combine the two”. Shira Joseph, High School Manager said ‘One of the unexpected outcomes of the pandemic is that simchas have changed drastically. These milestones are so much more than just a party. We are so excited to be focusing on this area and Esther is the perfect person to be taking this forward.” GIFT will be introducing bespoke volunteering opportunities based on the interests of the young person, individually or in group settings. Bnei Mitzva courses and trips will also be available. These activities will aim to instill the

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Councillor Rabbi Arnold Saunders is a cut above the rest

Esther Zneimer

‘giving mindset’ in the youngsters and hopefully as they continue their journey into adulthood, giving will be part and parcel of their everyday lifestyle. To book your bespoke Bnei Mitzva project contact Esther@jgift.org

Before

After

Cllr Rabbi Arnold Saunders claims to he the first person in the UK (at least joint) to have a professional haircut at a barber shop/ salon when lockdown ended on Monday . Mordy Jacobs, proprietor of Trims and Cuts gents hairdresser on Leicester Road in Broughton was one of the first to take advantage of the lifting of restrictions on hair salons on Monday April 12th when he opened his shop at 12 01am. 5 minutes later Cllr Saunders was sitting in his chair having his hair cut and beard trimmed. Cllr Saunders is this year keeping the later part of the omer as the period of mourning. This starts from after Rosh

Chodesh Iyar and, apart from Lag Ba’omer, continues until Shavuot (see Mishna Berura 493- 14). As he had a busy day, he wanted to ensure he got his haircut in at the earliest opportunity. There were also halachic reasons for the unusual time. As some people avoid haircuts on Rosh Chodesh-in accordance with the Kabbalistic ruling of R’ Yehuda Hachasid - he felt it would be preferable to have a haircut prior to the Molad (birth of the New Moon, which took place later in the morning) as well as Alos Hashachar (day break) at which point the laws of Rosh Chodesh become more severe.

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM


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Section 48 inspections cancelled Pikuach has announced that no Section 48 inspections in Jewish schools will be carried out in the summer term. Inspections had been delayed until the current term due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension has been extended due to the third lockdown that saw schools closed to most pupils from January to March. The latest suspension means a number of schools’ next inspection will take place after the statutorily-required five-year period. Ofsted and the Department for Education have confirmed no schools will be penalised for this. Ofsted has announced a full return to inspections is expected from September

2021. Director of Pikuach Jeffrey Leader has confirmed the news to schools. “We have been assured that no schools will be penalised if they were due an inspection during the period in which they have been postponed,” he noted. Leader added, “Pikuach are aware that this has been an incredibly challenging time for school leaders, teachers, staff, parents and pupils. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for all your work to support the education of the community’s young people.” Pikuach are the Board of Deputies’ body responsible for inspecting Jewish education in maintained Jewish schools.

Ger Tzedek killed in argument A man allegedly beat his roommate to death during an argument before hiding the body in an apartment for weeks in Chicago. Cook County prosecutors confirmed Anton Urbinkas, 34, had been charged with first degree murder after admitting killing Mark Criddell (Akiva Mordechai ben Avraham), 49, with a bed

Akiva Mordechai ben Avraham z”l

PHOTO: YWN

frame leg. Urbinkas didn’t call for help and reportedly covered the body with chemicals to hide the smell of the corpse. Police discovered the body after a neighbour reported “the smell of death”, noted prosecutors. The funeral has not taken place due to the murder investigation. It is hoped it will soon.

Technion AI to help Pfizer with its next drugs Pfizer is the latest company to turn to Israeli tech. When it comes to pharmaceutical giants, there are few that are larger than Pfizer. Founded over 150 years ago, the American company is one of the most famous and successful of its kind in the world. Developing and producing many different products – including the first Covid-19 vaccine approved for general usage - Pfizer makes over £50 billion in revenue annually. All this expertise and experience in researching new drugs therefore makes it even more impressive that Pfizer has turned to a new Israeli company for assistance in creating its latest medicines. Founded in 2016 by scientists from Technion (the Israel Institute of Technology), CytoReason focuses on using machine learning to help assess the efficacy of new techniques. It does this with cutting-edge technology that simulates the effect of trials on the human immune system at cell level. Anything that can increase the accuracy of these trials has the potential to save considerable amounts of time and money. CytoReason’s machine learning technology can even help with non-human biology. The company recently announced a new model for translating the effects of

Board and JLC launch Jewish manifestos for UK BY ADAM MOSES

noted Adrian Cohen and Andrew Gilbert, London Jewish Forum CoChairs, in a statement. “This manifesto will give our elected officials a guide to addressing the needs of London’s Jewish community as we come out of this pandemic. We very much look forward to working with the next Mayor, their team and London Assembly to support the Jewish community.” Jonathan Goldstein, JLC Chair said, “As we recover from the pandemic, a strong relationship between London’s politicians and the Jewish community couldn’t be more important.” Ahead of Holyrood elections, the manifesto for Scotland, was drafted with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and Glasgow Jewish Representative Council. “The last year has been hard for everyone,” noted a spokesman. “So many people have lost, or know someone who has lost a loved one. As Scotland recovers and

THE JEWISH MANIFESTO FOR LONDON

The Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council have launched a manifesto for Jewish communities across the United Kingdom in anticipation of the London Mayoral and Assembly elections next month. The community’s priorities in England, Scotland and Wales are summarised in the ‘#TenCommitments’ that candidates are asked to support and includes implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. Policy priorities ensure faith and culturally sensitive provision of public services, opposition to boycotts of Israel, promoting of links to Israel and supporting anti-racist education. The manifesto for London drafted with the London Jewish Forum addresses issues concerning Jewish Londoners. “The last year has been tough for Londoners, including our Jewish community,”

15 APRIL 2021

rebuilds from the pandemic, this manifesto provides a guide for the next intake of MSPs on how to best represent Jewish Scots. We look forward to working with the new Scottish Parliament and Government on implementing our manifesto proposals, and urge candidates and elected representatives to endorse principles summarised to help ensure Scotland continues to be a great place to be Jewish.” Ahead of the Senedd elections, the bilingual Jewish Manifesto for Wales/ Maniffesto Iddewig Cymru, was drafted with the South Wales Jewish Representative Council addressing issues relating to Welsh Jews. Laurence Kahn, Chair of the South Wales Jewish Representative Council said, “The Jewish Manifesto for Wales guides Senedd candidates on how they can ensure that Wales continues to be a great place to be Jewish. We urge them to support it.” Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies said, “As our society recovers from the pandemic, these manifestos provide a road map to elected representatives on how they can serve their Jewish constituents. Following its recommendations will help ensure that the Jewish community is supported and valued.” www.bod.org.uk/news/

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

drugs on mice to humans – again, another method for saving time and resources given that all such products are first tested on these rodents. Despite its young age, CytoReason’s partnership with Pfizer shows that it already has the potential to dramatically improve how new medications are developed. It also represents another showcase for the impact that Technion can have. Since 1912, the academic institution has been at the forefront of spearheading Israel’s scientific endeavours. Israel today is the country with the highest percentage of scientists and engineers – and the majority of them studied at the Technion, home to three of Israel’s five science Nobel Laureates. Alan Aziz, CEO of Technion UK, commented: “One of the lessons of Covid-19 is how important it is to be able to quickly and safely develop new pharmaceutical products such as vaccines. It might seem remarkable that a huge company such as Pfizer has partnered with a tiny Israeli start-up to help develop the next generation of life-saving drugs, but this kind of impact is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Technion graduates.”

Disgraced financier Madoff dies Disgraced Wall Street financier Bernie Madoff who swindled thousands of investors out of billions of dollars has died in prison. Maddoff, 82, was serving a 150-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2009 to running a Ponzi scheme that collapsed a year earlier in the global crash owing clients an estimated $65bn. Large institutions, celebrities, charities and people from all walks of life were financially affected including Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, whose foundation lost $15 million. Madoff died at Federal Medical Centre in Butner, North Carolina, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced yesterday. Born in New York, 1938, to Jewish immigrants, Madoff’s investment firm was listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. He confessed the scam to his sons who went to authorities. Madoff pleaded guilty in March 2009. Judge Denny Chin denied Madoff’s request for early release due to health issues. Prosecutors allowed his wife, Ruth, who was not charged, to keep $2.5m from the $825m family fortune. He is survived by his wife. His son Mark committed suicide in 2011. His other son, Andrew, died in 2014.


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Mayoral hopeful Shaun Bailey visits Hendon

15 APRIL 2021

Photos by Avi Yodaiken

Last Thursday, London Mayoral election conservative candidate Shaun Bailey met members of the Jewish community in North West London. Arranged by Barnet Councillor Nizza Fluss and the Conservative Friends of Israel, the Mayoral hopeful met members of Shomrim outside the Hendon town hall. If Bailey wins, as the Police and Crime Commissioner for London, he will responsible for the totality of policing in the capital, (with the exception of the City of London), so naturally meeting Shomrim was of great interest to him. Shomrim members told him how they have been stabbed before and threatened at gunpoint.

Yet the fact that they are there as a deterrent and help to the police has made a huge difference to crime figures. Local people are more comfortable calling them rather than waiting much longer for an already stretched police force to arrive. After driving the squad cars, he made his way to Golders Green to talk to Hatzolah members, and hear about the vital work they do. Mr Bailey was fascinated to hear the scale of just how busy Hatzolah members have been during Covid-19. He remarked how as a military man, he was trained in basic first aid but could clearly see that Hatzolah was a different level and, if you pardon the pun, a cut above the rest!

Read the exclusive interview in next week’s edition!

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From the front line…

HRH Prince Philip was a model of total selflessness. We can learn much from him. BY JACQUELINE CURZON The Duke of Edinburgh was an incredibly talented man: sportsman, serviceman, husband, ambassador, but first and foremost he was a dedicated family man. Photographs show him riding a tricycle with Charles, playing at the beach, riding with his children, and by his wife's testimony, he was a hands-on father. His children had only good things to say of him: Anne - that he had extraordinary skills and experience. Edward - that his parents were a fantastic support to each other. Their father's reputation for being rude was largely underserved - Prince Philip usually gave as good as he got, but in a disarming, entertaining way. Humour, I believe, Jacqueline Curzon runs in the family. I met Prince PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY Charles at Buckingham Palace at a community reception in December 2019, and whilst chatting about my and super techy, but superb manners are forthcoming concert/ fundraiser, I invited fast becoming a thing of the past. him to it on the spur of the moment. My Age is but a number, and those who truly parting remark - 'but you'd have to come love someone - Her Majesty and her chilin a dress,' made him chuckle. It was of dren as an obvious example - will see past course a ladies-only event, but we would that, remaining in a quasi state of constant. certainly have made an exception for HRH I recall seeing my father in his later years, The Prince of Wales. He appreciated it was hair turning white, face ageing and pace my humour, not rudeness. And so it was slowing, but remember still feeling I was I imagine with his father - his dry wit was talking to the same person I grew up with, simply part of who he was, and like all and to the end he still had a twinkle in his mortals, occasionally it came out wrong. eye, and an appreciation of humour. At the Statesmen and leaders across the world end of their life's journey the grief can be have expressed their condolences, although notably leaders in Wales, Ireland all consuming and overwhelming for those and Scotland appear to be missing from left behind. I remember being completely the list. Perhaps Ms Sturgeon heard the his- floored with sadness. Compare this to my torical joke he made to a driving instructor relatives who never pick up the phone in Oban back in 1995, "...how do you keep to ask if I'm okay! If youngsters of today the natives off the booze long enough to can't empathise or appreciate the wisdom get them through the test?" I’m of Scottish and attributes of old age, our society has descent and I totally get the humour: the let them down. Perhaps on that note, stereotypical Glasgow 'Jock' staggering the death of the Duke of Edinburgh will around on the weekends, wearing a wee engender a degree of humility in the Duke tartan bunnet and holding a can of Tenof Sussex, and he might beg forgiveness nents lager or a wee dram wrapped in for his global criticism of a family more brown paper. Now whilst not many Scots attuned to discipline and public service, fulfill this particular stereotype, (or others than he. such as kilt wearing, eating haggis or being Covid deaths have hit single digits for frugal) these images are all too familiar to the first time since September, with reports those who live there. this week showing a daily figure of 7, which I have had young people asking me why translates as 1:10 million. Now I'm due to we give so much focus to someone of 99, get my second AstraZeneca jab this week, an 'old crusty,' someone with 'bits failing so if by next week the Front Line has gone and dropping off?' {one of Philip's rejoinquiet, you'll know there's some truth in the ders}. Well, aside from the fact we may all A-Z bad press. reach that age and state if we're fortunate, it Following our recent holiday our shows a decided absence of hakoros hatov, children have finally, FINALLY, gone back which should be accorded to their elders. to school (sigh!) and we are warned that The present generation may be super smart there is to be a pre-summer covid surge,

except scientists are now predicting the surge may only come after the summer. {Just remember there is nowhere to go on holiday anyway. Forget about red, yellow and green you better stick to red, white and blue, unless you are taking out an overdraft for your covid tests} Never mind holidays, let's get back to reclaiming our lives. Just when you felt it was safe to nip to those long forgotten shops, the hairdresser, the garden store, a bookshop or the gym, you are reminded in capital letters [Atten-SHUN!], to stand back, observe distancing, wear your mask (especially if going for your pint in the gloriously freezing outdoor garden of the pub), and you absolutely mustn't forget you are not allowed to meet anyone indoors. Hmm. With a 1:400,000 chance of catching the virus if two vaccinated people meet indoors - according to Prof Tim Spector of King's College, London - I think it's possibly a risk worth taking; especially if you're married. If you're not married, do remember you can currently only have 15 people at your wedding, which is good news for some, as it means: 1) you can now get your hair done, although a short back and sides is currently recommended for both men and women, to minimise your risk of transmission; 2) you can plan your modest reception in a pop-up tent, pitched on Uncle Joe's back lawn; 3) You can still have a minyan with officiating Rabbi, plus the bride, bridesmaid and the mothers-in-law; 4) these numbers sadly won't permit any children or a band, so you'll be able to eat and speak without any interruption or needing earplugs. {Oh no, I forgot, you might not have caterers if numbers are this tight, but you can always make it yourself and have a buffet}; 5) With no space for a photographer either, you can smile smugly, as everyone will probably bring smartphone cameras anyway. As a plus, they can keep checking if the covid rules have been lifted, and then the other 250 guests, waiting patiently outside can finally come in. Although, as you've already eaten everything by this stage, they'll have to bring sandwiches. 6) Congratulations. You'll have saved a fortune now, as it's very affordable to become Mr & Mrs. Put your savings into Pfizer shares:- they'll pay handsomely. Seriously though, the wedding industry, accounting for £14 billion annually, is set to disintegrate if the government doesn't

raise the number of permitted attendees. The hospitality sectors have similarly lost billions in revenue, and are set to fail if indoor dining doesn't resume its service soon. Small wonder that Boris is holding off on his wedding plans for now, as I'm sure he and Carrie want a bit more of a bash. I've been prompted to write a little about the IVF crisis currently happening in the UK. According to NICE, those aged over 40 or with limitations on natural conception should get 3 rounds, but individual Trusts are doing their own thing. Take - as an example - the mother of Miriam, mentioned last week. She fell pregnant twice, over the last 5 years, and unbelievably both times it was an ectopic pregnancy, and on one occasion was an emergency. The net result was she lost both tubes, leaving her with zero chance of ever conceiving, except with ivf intervention. She has only been allowed one crack at the whip, despite being young (33) and with such a medical history. Her fresh cycle failed (!@!) and we were reliant on the frozen embryo transfer, which B"H worked. It was a truly emotional journey, and I was with her every step of the way, from the IVFs, to pregnancy tests, to scans, right to the end. When the theatre staff heard her story, they were very moved. Baby Miriam is indeed a miracle, and her choice of name is perfect for this time of year. If I can help her mum swing an extra treatment, it would be amazing - gamzu letova, all for the best. Going back to fertility updates, clinics are apparently charging an arm and both legs, to couples desperate to have a family. It is devastating for women to have missed out on a year of opportunity, caused by the chaos of coronavirus. Their biological clocks are not permitted a reprieve. Moves are in place to force private clinics to make the costs more reasonable. And finally, I have a rare opportunity to share with you lovely readers that this Friday is in fact my birthday. 🧁 Usually falling during pesach, I am often reduced to eating crumbs, but this year I hope to have a chometz cake on the table {but no candles}. And - of course - I am indebted to the Almighty for allowing me to still be here. To the incredible community, I thank you for keeping me in your prayers and your hearts. I am now celebrating my 3rd birthday since diagnosis, and p"G perhaps next year I will have 'fork handles.' To conclude this week's column it would only be appropriate to wish HM The Queen a long life, and in continued good health. Love Jacqueline x

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Love, Communication and Marriage Part 1

15 APRIL 2021

This article is part of a serialisation of the book ‘Go to Yourself’ transformation through Jewish wisdom and Psychology’. The author Aryeh Sampson is a psychotherapist based in North London and counsel’s online. It combines approaches from psychotherapy and Jewish wisdom to address many psychological issues that modern man is faced with. This includes overcoming anxiety, low self esteem, improving relationships and creating a greater sense of meaning and spirituality. BY ARYEH SAMPSON When our love was strong, my wife and I could have slept on the blade of a sword. Now our love has grown weak, a bed sixty cubits wide isn’t large enough. (Talmud, Sanhedrin 7a) ONE of the greatest problems in society today is unhappy marriages, with a divorce rate of fifty percent, or higher, in many Western countries. Even many marriages that don’t end in divorce are often far from ideal.

STAGE 1: AWARENESS

The first step in creating good relationships is to understand the relationship dynamics and source of any underlying problems. Let’s look, for example, at one of the most common problems in marriage, that of “falling out of love.” Many of these relationships begin on a high, with a couple becoming infatuated with each other. They may have felt that they have met the person of their dreams, who will fulfill all of their unmet needs. But infatuation is not true love, and develops from the projection of positive qualities onto another person, which blinds us from seeing their faults. When the initial high begins to fade, the true person is revealed — warts and all. Negative traits may then begin to cause antagonism, and it is common for power struggles to develop in which each person strives to have their needs met. Shaming and blaming often follows, where each person lashes out at the other’s insecurities causing arguments to spiral out of control. David and Ruth became enamored with each other when they first met. David was charming and sincere; Ruth was kind and sweet. Ruth was the first person that David felt he could truly open up to, and Ruth felt deeply appreciated by David. A few months after they were married, David started to become less attentive and caring toward Ruth. Ruth thought that she had done something wrong and began to pressure David into spending more time with her. David reacted to this by backing off. Ruth then felt even more unappreciated and

responded by becoming highly critical. Arguments flared up with increasing regularity until they were a daily occurrence. In therapy, it became clear that the source of their problems developed from the fact that David had always been a loner and was used to spending much of his time by himself. The excitement of courtship and the early stages of marriage had created a temporary distraction, but after a few months of marriage, he began to feel a deep need to spend more time alone. David’s actions triggered Ruth’s insecurities, as she took them as signs of rejection. Looking a bit deeper into relationships often reveals that the root of conflict lies in patterns of behavior that began in childhood, such as a lack of ability to trust or a desire to control. Attachment theory describes three childhood styles of behavior: secure, anxious, and avoidant. Secure individuals fi nd it relatively easy to become close to others. Anxious people are more aggressive and needy in their pursuit of affection, and avoidant ones tend to withdraw and avoid conflict. David had an avoidant style as he had become a loner in childhood to protect himself from the hurt of critical parents. Ruth had an anxious style, as her father abandoned her and her mother when she was young. To protect herself from future rejection, she developed the tendency to be aggressive and critical. Thus far, I have focused on one common example, but there are many other relationship dynamics that cause problems. For example, some couples may gradually become less enamored with each other without major fights until their marriage becomes empty and loveless. Whatever the case, the first step is to gain insight into the dynamics and the source of problems within the relationship.

STAGE 2: CONTROL

Once we gain a greater awareness of the dynamics in the relationship, we can begin to improve the relationship. 2(a): Thought When we feel negatively toward someone, we tend to justify the feeling with compelling reasons. “He is so selfish/

inconsiderate/ rude!” Cognitive therapy points out that our reasoning often results from distorted thinking; we may jump to the wrong conclusions, see things in allor-nothing terms, or fail to view the whole picture correctly. We may also project our own negative feelings about ourselves or others onto the “disliked person.” We hate in others what we hate in ourselves. As the Talmud teaches, “When one disqualifies another person, he is really doing so due to possessing that same trait (blemish).” To improve the relationship, we need to see through these irrational thoughts and projections by trying to understand the other person and his perspective. As the psychologist Erich Fromm wrote, “Try to see the difference between my picture of a person and his behavior as it is narcissistically distorted and the person’s reality as it exists regardless of my interests, needs, and fears.” This understanding helps a person to become less reactive and more compassionate. When David realized that Ruth’s criticism was rooted in a fear of abandonment due to her childhood experience, he took it less personally and began to withdraw less. Similarly, when Ruth understood that David’s habit of withdrawing was his way of dealing with critical parents (which had carried over to their relationship), she began to feel less rejected and, in turn, became less critical of him. Imago relationship therapy teaches that it is common for people to subconsciously be drawn to choose spouses who exhibit the same difficult behavior patterns as their parents, or to project onto their spouses these behavior patterns. Understanding how pain from past relationships can be projected onto current ones also helps to reduce the current conflict. We then begin to realize that the upset that we are experiencing is not wholly due to the current relationship, but from experiences in our past. Ruth realized that David’s withdrawal from the relationship was so painful to her because it reminded her of her father abandoning the family, and David realized that Ruth’s criticisms hurt so much

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because they reminded him of his critical parents. These realizations helped them feel less offended by each other’s actions as they understood that they were magnified by their past experiences. 2(b): Speech Building healthy communication also plays a vital role in improving relationships. As King Solomon taught: “Death and life are in the hands of the tongue.” It is not just openly aggressive communication that causes harm. Untold anguish can also result from passive-aggressive communication (in which dissatisfaction is expressed indirectly) and avoidant communication (in which difficult issues are “swept under the rug”). To break out of these negative forms of communication and create a safe environment where one can discuss issues productively, the following techniques can be very effective. 1. Beginning communication in a calm and positive way Dr. John Gottman, professor emeritus of psychology at Washington University, has carried out extensive research on marital relationships. He explains that ninety-six per cent of the time, he can predict the fate of a conflict discussion in the opening three minutes of watching a couple, as discussions invariably end on the same note on which they began. Therefore, a couple should find a good time to talk — when both parties are in a calm and collected state of mind and there are no other people around. It is a good idea to begin on a positive note; for instance, one person should acknowledge the other person’s point of view or apologize for that which he or she may have done incorrectly. Rabbi Salanter taught that at a time of giving criticism, we should be particularly careful to show the other person a great deal of respect. If you are interested in viewing a webinar on Love, Communication and Marriage, or receiving a free download copy of Go to Yourself, email aryeh.sampson@gmail. com. He also has a YouTube channel, ‘Aryeh Sampson’ where he shares insights on a range of psychological issues. For more information about counseling view www.ascounsellinginnorthlondon.co.uk



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15 APRIL 2021

Leek & Asparagus Shakshuka Shakshuka, meaning ‘all mixed up’ in Hebrew is a dish of eggs traditionally poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers and onions; my recipe omits the tomatoes and replaces them with a mix of vibrant green vegetables. Enjoy with pita bread for a tasty brunch or vegetarian dinner.

Another delicious recipe from Denise Phillips For more recipes and inspiration visit my website: www.jewishcookery.com

Ingredients 18 asparagus tips 200g peas 100g frozen edamame beans – defrosted 200g kale or cavolo nero– shredded 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 leek sliced 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 3 teaspoons cumin seeds 6 – 8 eggs 2 tablespoons dill chopped Pinch chilli flakes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1. Bring a pan of salted water to a boil then add the asparagus and cook for 30 seconds. 2. Add the peas and beans and cook for another 30 seconds, then add in the kale and cook for 2 seconds more before tipping everything out into a colander to drain. Refresh under cold water. Set aside.

The Taste Of Israel BY DENISE PHILLIPS Thursday 15 April is Yom Ha’atzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day and from a culinary point of view we have so much to be proud of. Israel’s population is multi-cultural with multi ethnicity and consequently has produced the most amazing unique cuisine. Every Jewish ethnicity that immigrated to Israel brought its own specialties. The taste reaches from Russian and Polish to Oriental. There is almost no better way to get into the rich culture of the country than via its kitchen. Biblical and Ancient Israeli food was based on several products grown in the land;, the seven species – olives, figs, dates, pomegranates, barley, wheat and grapes but over the last 73 years food, farming and food trends have moved on enormously. The real heart of Israeli food can be found on the streets, small market stalls and boutique restaurants. It is here you will get the prefect representation of the food culture.

THE TOP 7 ISRAELI FOODS INCLUDE THAT I ENJOY EATING INCLUDE:

• Falafel Israel’s national dish – these chickpea fritters very often stuffed into pita bread with hummus and Israeli salad. Recipes vary enormously using different herbs like parsley, cumin and coriander, ground fava beans or a mix with ground chickpeas. It is thought that they originated in Egypt when Christians looked for a hearty replacement for meat during long seasons of fasting or lent. For best results use dried chickpeas which have been soaked for 24 hours in water with a ½ teaspoon of baking powder to give the perfect consistency. • Hummus – the variations of this chickpea dip have grown enormously with

numerous flavours and additions of other vegetables like beetroot, butternut squash, carrot, red pepper, avocado to name just a few. A worldwide popular vegan dish that is delicious for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner! • Shakshuka – this is of Tunisian origin translated into ‘all mixed up’ in Hebrew. It is a tomato sauce flavoured with cumin, coriander, chilli, peppers, onions and garlic – although there are numerous variations and finished with poached eggs inside. • Sabich – this is a type of sandwich originally an Iraqi Jewish dish eaten on Shabbat morning which has become a popular daily staple. Sabich is pitta bread stuffed with hard boiled eggs, tahini sauce, Israeli salad, fried aubergine slices, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. • Babka –This is of Polish origin and is a sweet bread twisted dough filled with chocolate sauce and topped with a honey syrup. Babka means ‘small grandmother’ in Polish and these were brought to Israel by Eastern European Jews. • Bureka – this is real street food. Found in every bakery. Burekas are individual savoury pastry pastries with delicious fillings including potato, cheese, mushrooms, egg and vegetables. They are eaten hot or cold often for lunch with salad. • Shawarma – this is lamb (or sometimes turkey or chicken) cooked in compressed layers on a vertical spit flavoured with onion, garlic and Eastern spices. Pieces are shaved off to order and often stuffed in pita bread with salad, hummus, pickles and chips. Above is one of my shakshuka recipes – Leek & Asparagus Shakshuka.

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3. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. 4. Cook the leeks and garlic until soft, then add the cumin seeds. Stir in the blanched veg and cook for 2 minutes. 5. Season, then make holes for as many eggs as you want and crack an egg into each space. 6. Keep cooking gently on the hob until the eggs are cooked as you like them (cover with a lid if you want to speed things up). Scatter over dill and chilli flakes and add another drizzle of olive oil before serving.


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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PREGNANCY

when he met my mother and she fell pregnant with me. Does this make me a mamzer in Jewish law, restricting my marriage to only another mamzer or a convert? Derek

Dear Shaini Do be sure to listen to everything which your doctor tells you. Do give some extra charity each day in the merit of a healthy baby. Do check the mezuzot on the doors of your home, if you haven’t done so in a while, in order to make sure they are kosher. Jewish law speaks of the impact our mezuzot – intended as protection – have on a home and its occupants. Do pray to G-d, especially when lighting your Shabbat candles on Friday evening, a particularly auspicious time, asking that you have an easy delivery and a healthy baby. There is a concept of not disclosing the fact that you are pregnant, much as you want to shout it from the rooftops, until you complete the first four months. So don’t tell anyone other than close family, until then. I had to really think hard as to your second question, but then connecting it with your first, I am assuming people wished you bisha’a tova (2 words) which means, “It should be in an auspicious time.” It’s the more appropriate blessing to give a pregnant woman rather than Mazal Tov which is reserved for after birth.

Dear Derek It’s a common misconception that a mamzer is a child born out of wedlock or any extra marital relationship. To be sure, a mamzer is only someone born of a married woman and a man who is someone other than her husband. That, and any child born from an incestuous relationship. However, assuming your mother in this case was a single woman at the time, even as your father was married, this would not make you a mamzer. (The point being that a man can have more than one wife, while a woman cannot have more than one husband). That should put your mind at rest about your future marriage prospects (though not perhaps about your father’s chastity).

Dear Rabbi What are the dos and don’ts of a pregnant woman in Judaism? And what does bishatov mean? Shaini

AM I A MAMZER?

Dear Rabbi I recently found out that my father was married to someone else

MAKING SENSE OF LIFE

Dear Rabbi I think the reason why some of your readers are cynical about religion is because a lot of it is so contradictory. I mean this in the nicest possible way and no disrespect. Why can’t life be left alone to be as simple and sensible as it is? Sonia Dear Sonia Your email made me think about just how much of our daily life really makes so much sense. Let’s see: We leave bank doors

wide open but chain the pens to the counters. We leave our expensive cars in the drive or on the street and fill our garages with useless junk. Chemists make the sick walk all the way to the back to fill their prescriptions, while the junk food they might sell is at the front for the healthy people. And my favourite all time observation was when I pulled up to a drive-in cash machine in the United States and noticed the key pads had Braille lettering. What’s up with that? Life actually makes very little sense as it is and we are full of paradoxes in our daily living. Now you tell me what you find so contradictory about religion and we can take this further.

PASS THE (PESACH) RICE PLEASE

Dear Rabbi I spent Pesach at a hotel in Israel (I am an Israeli citizen and was one of the lucky ones to get back for Pesach). I got to watch enviously as so many people were enjoying all the rice concoctions while I had to sit idly by and enjoy my more bland Ashkenazi diet. Is there any way I can switch to becoming Sephardic next year? Heather Dear Heather I’m always intrigued how people get so panicked that they can’t have their rice on Pesach even as the only other time they ever eat it is when in a Chinese restaurant and only when it is egg fried. So, to be sure, you were in a hotel: you didn’t cook a meal; you didn’t make a bed; you just luxuriated for eight days, and

you’re still not happy. The grass on the other side is always greener isn’t it – or in this case, the rice being whiter. You don’t mention if you’re married or single. If it is the latter, you could always find a nice Sephardic man and then you would get to follow his customs. Word of warning though: I gather some of them beat you with the horseradish during the Seder.

SHLISEL CHALLAH REVISITED

Dear Rabbi I enjoy and appreciate your answers each week. However, in your reply to Cynthia last week you refer to Jewish practices being adopted by non-Jews and that it should not be an issue. Two items come immediately to mind, namely Rashi Devorim 16:22 concerning Matzeivo, and Mishna Beruro 494:10 quoting the Gr”a regarding trees on Shovuot. Meir Dear Meir For the benefit of readers, you refer to the verse that says “G-d

Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.

Pirkei Avot

For Refuah Shalema for Mordechai Ben Chaya Sara

We have arrived at the last Mishnah in Perek Beis. Continuing with last week’s author Rabbi Tarfon, the theme of precious time is once again visited. ‘Even though the day (i.e life) is short, don’t be discouraged as it is not your responsibility to complete all the work. However you are never free from giving up trying either! You must do as much as you possibly can. As the

famous Jewish saying goes, each person is obligated to strive to reach the level of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. You will never reach it but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to try. If Moses had given up we would have had no Torah! As the famous Reb Zushe of Anipoli once said, he was not afraid of the Heavenly court asking him why he didn’t become a Moshe Rabbenu,

Perek 2: Mishna 16

but he was afraid of them asking him why he didn’t become Reb Zushe! We must remain positive but keep focused. If we do this we can be guaranteed that as the end of the Mishnah and the Perek states that our reward will be in the world to come where Hashem is faithful to repay His reward to the righteous, Amen.

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hates the making of these altars,” and Rashi adds, “For it was the way of the Cananites to worship with such altars.” The other reference is regarding the custom to bring trees into shuls on Shavuos as other faiths have the custom of trees on their pagan holidays. The former citation is very specific to actual idolatry, which of course G-d hates, hence it is prohibited for the Jew. Jewish customs, like the Challah in question, is not copying nor constitutes any idolatrous practise. And regarding the trees, let me refer you to the Ramah (Rabbi Moshe Isereles) in Code of Jewish Law, 605:1 – who makes the point regarding “kaporos” – that inasmuch as the author suggests to avoid the practise because of pagan undertones, he cites many great men who encourage the custom and thus not to abolish it. My point, as I wrote, is that there are many great men who encourage the custom of the “shlisel Challah” as well, hence it too need not be abolished. I trust that clarifies



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Yom Ha’atzmaut: Corona Diary #28

15 APRIL 2021

Redemptive Moments During the Past Year BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN In life, before we move forward, we must take inventory. It is true in the business world just as it is true in many areas of life. Without examining and taking stock, we fail to learn from the past and risk repeating the very same mistakes. For religious people “cheshbon hanefesh” – moral inventory –allows correction of mistakes and also enables and assessment of the general direction our lives are taking. For example, Yom Kippur provides an opportunity to examine our religious world: how much did we adhere to Torah values and how far did we veer. My Rebbe, HaRav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l, recommended a thorough inventory of Torah study on Shavuot: how did we fare the past year in our commitment to the study of G-d’s word. On Rosh Hashanah, my Rebbe, HaRav Yehuda Amital zt”l would assess the state of G-d’s presence in our world. Which events during the past year augmented G-d’s presence in our world and which obscured His presence. In this vein, Yom Ha’atzmaut provides a cheshbon hanefesh opportunity to assess the state of the Jewish people and the state of our redemption. Living through redemption requires celebration, but also honest assessment. Over the past year, several events verified that we are living through a process of redemption. The signing of the Abraham accords will hopefully contribute to regional reconciliation. The motivation to sign the accords wasn’t the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies but rather was a product of diplomatic necessity. However, once relationships between regional countries are forged, they develop and arc of their own and, hopefully, many “spin-off” benefits will evolve. In our continuing struggle to settle our homeland with international approval these treaties with former adversaries shouldn’t be trivialized. The dizzying technological revolution in Israel continued unabated during the corona crisis. Aside from fuelling impressive economic growth, Israel’s technology sector protected our economy against the severe slumps experienced in other world economies. G-d promised Avraham that his descendants would deliver prosperity to mankind. Israel’s advances in the field of medical technology are just one feature of this prophecy. Likewise, early and rapid vaccination allowed Israel to become the world’s laboratory and provide vital information and statistics in the battle against this viral infection. After two thousand years, we finally have a national identity, and it is

our responsibility to improve the medical condition of our suffering world. During the corona pandemic, I often thought about Jews in past centuries, who faced crippling pandemics while living under foreign governments and often, in hostile environments. Illness and contagion bring out the worst fears and suspicions in people, and Jews were always easy targets and convenient scapegoats. In the aftermath of the Black plague of the 14th century, over 500 Jewish communities across Europe were obliterated. Life as a European Jew during the Middle ages was frightening; living through a pandemic for which you were blamed must have been horrific. Thank G-d we occupy a very different world and the Jewish experience during this pandemic could not have been more different. Across most of the world, Jews live in modern democracies which protect religious rights and offer equality and freedom before the law. Jews were afforded the very same medical treatment options alongside the rest of society. Life in Israel during the pandemic was, ironically, even more affirming. This was the first time that a Jewish state managed a pandemic for its own people. There is no more secure feeling that living ‘at home’ during times of crisis or danger. I felt as if I was being looked after by “my family”. Honestly, though the corona experience in Israel was affirming, our reaction to the crisis was disheartening. Sadly, our national response to the pandemic was a failure. Theoretically, a crisis of this magnitude could have served as a “rallying point” to unify the broader Israeli population against a common invisible enemy. During the initial stages of the crisis nationalistic pride did foster a patriotic environment and most were willing to sacrifice for the common good. Unfortunately, as the pandemic wore on, uneven adherence to health guidelines and politicization of the crisis generated strife and tension. Regrettably, our country is far more splintered in 2021 than it was in 2020. Of course, the degradation of Israeli politics and the recurrence of senseless elections has further polarized Israeli society. It is not easy absorbing so many Jews from so many different parts of the world, so many different cultures, different ethnicities and differing levels of religious adherence. In our continuing pursuit of national unity this year was a letdown. In a more general sense, aside from specific events, the past year’s struggle with corona helped illuminate several aspects of redemptive. Over the past half century,

Over the past year, several events verified that we are living through a process of redemption. in the wake of the Holocaust, and with our return to our homeland, our orientation has become very national and very parochial. Over the past eighty years we have massively invested in restoring Jewish communities and institutions and, of course, in rebuilding the state of Israel and defending her from her numerous enemies. Many Jews are so immersed in these nationalistic experiences that they have ignored our universal role. We are so busy renovating the Jewish world that we sometimes ignore the broader world which we are members of. The pandemic didn’t not discriminate between Jew and non-Jew. More over containing and overcoming the virus can only be a collective effort. This experience has reminded us of our universalist identity, that we share the fate of other humans on this planet and that we are meant to inspire the world through our “godly lives” and through our moral example. This universalist voice, which recently had been disregarded, was eloquently articulated by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l who passed untimely this past year. Corona has also reminded us just how rapidly and dramatically the world can change. People of Messianic vision believe that our current world order will be replaced by a completely different reality. During earlier points in history, when the existing society was oppressive and dysfunctional,

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it was easier to harbour a Messianic vision of an alternate reality. When your current world is broken, substitute worlds appear more appealing. The modern world, however, is highly functional and abundantly progressive. Our systems of government, business and technology feel larger than life and appear unchangeable. A successful world can make it difficult to envision different worlds. Additionally, much of our world isn’t religious and the Messianic prospect of the entire world turning their hearts to G-d seems remote. Corona was a complete overhaul of everything we knew in a short time span. This reminded us about how flimsy human conventions are and how quickly an act of G-d can overturn everything we know to be true. This should make it easier for us to acknowledge the frailty of human constructions and to imagine the prospect of Messianic transformation. It has been an historic year and certainly one which has reflected our redemptive era. There are many lessons about geula which this year has provided. Rabbi Moshe Taragin is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.


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48 JUDAISM

Tazria Metzora

“Then the Kohen shall sprinkle seven times upon the person being purified from the tzara’at; he shall purify him, and he shall set the live bird free upon the open field” (Vayikra: 14:7)

Sidra Summary 2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 13:24-39

It was also possible for tzara’at to develop from a burn. Tzara’at could erupt on the scalp or on the beard area, causing a loss of hair.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 13:40-54 1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – VAYIKRA 12:1-13:23

After childbirth, a lady would wait several weeks before bringing an elevation offering (olah) and a sin offering (chatat). This completed her post-birth purification process. God told Moshe and Aharon that someone who had the appearance of a particular type of skin disease (tzara’at) would have to show the white blemish to a Kohen. The Kohen would evaluate and decide if the affliction was clearly tzara’at, thus rendering the person impure (tameh). If the case was unclear, the Kohen would quarantine the person in a house for seven days, after which the Kohen would re-inspect the afflicted area and declare whether the person was tameh or tahor (pure).

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A slightly different form of tzara’at is detailed, which caused a more substantial loss of hair. A metzora (one who has been contaminated with tzara’at) was sent outside of the camp and had to tear his/ her garments. Tzara’at could also infect clothing. A suspected garment was quarantined before the Kohen made a decision about whether it was tameh. If it was declared tameh, the garment was burnt.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 13:55-14:20

The Torah details the process through which a metzora purified himself/herself after the period of isolation and the healing of the affliction. This involved a Kohen taking two birds, cedar wood, a crimson thread and hyssop. The Kohen would slaughter one of the birds and – using the wood, thread and hyssop

together in a bundle – sprinkle its blood seven times on the metzora. The metzora would also bring three animal offerings and three meal offerings. Point to Consider: What is the significance of the cedar wood, crimson thread and hyssop? (see Rashi to 14:4)

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 14:21-32

A metzora who could not afford three animal offerings could instead bring one animal offering, one meal offering and two birds.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 14:33-15:15

Tzara’at also affected houses. The house owner would report the suspicious signs to a Kohen. The house would be evacuated before the Kohen’s arrival. If the Kohen saw a deep green or deep red ‘affliction’, he would order the house to be quarantined for a week. He would then re-inspect the house. If the affliction had

spread, the infected stones would be removed and replaced. If the affliction nevertheless returned, the house would be demolished. However, if replacing the stones solved the problem, the Kohen would declare the house tahor (pure). The Torah lists specific discharges that would cause a man to be considered tameh, and details the purification procedure.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 15:16-33

A similar set of laws is listed for a lady who has specific discharges, as well as the laws of niddah (menstruation), which form the basis of the laws of family purity.

HAFTARAH

From the Book of Melachim (Kings II), the haftarah is set upon the background of the long siege and ensuing famine of the city of Shomron (Samaria) by the King of Aram. Four metzora’im were put outside the city gates because of their affliction. They discovered and reported that the Arameans had actually left their camp, which allowed the Israelites to plunder the camp and thus end their famine.

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat It has previously been explained that a person was created with an inclination towards a certain type of occupation and that one who finds that their nature encourages them towards entering the building profession, for example, should not resent the fact that they did not become an accountant. Overall, a person should enter the workforce with the intention of fulfilling their task in this world, which is to create a productive environment for humankind and to sustain oneself and one’s family. Even if one does not succeed in their efforts to earn a living, if their intentions are pure, G-d rewards them for their efforts. Working for a living therefore does not need to draw one away from G-d; a person can remain aware that they are thereby serving G-d. One must remain conscious of the fact that G-d can provide for them in a vast number of ways, so, if for example, one is made redundant or they have lost customers due to pandemic, they should reassure themselves that G-d does not need any particular industry to flourish in order to sustain a

person, and, if they place the right amount of effort into a different appropriate occupation, they will surely be provided for. Where else does Bitachon play a pivotal role in a person’s life? The author explains that the role of Bitachon is crucial both in matters concerning this world and in relation to the afterlife. In total, there are seven areas in which a person needs to have Bitachon. These are: (1) Matters relating to one’s physical well-being (2) Matters relating to one’s income (3) Matters relating to one’s immediate family and friends (4) Duties that a person must fulfil with one’s body or mind which are of benefit to him (5) Duties that one must fulfil with one’s body or mind which affect other people (6) The rewards that a person reaps in the Worldto-Come for their adherence to Torah and Mitzvot and (7) The pleasure they will get in the World-to-Come simply out of the kindness of Hashem. The author proceeds to elaborate on each of these seven areas and demonstrates how Bitachon fits into them.

We introduced the topic of Muktzah in the previous column and provided the reason for Muktza as explained by Rambam. Further reasons are provided as follows: 1. The Sages were concerned that if people freely touch and move every item they come across, that they will then transport it in a public domain or out of their private domain into the street. 2. Another reason for Muktzah is to prevent a person from transgressing a prohibition on Shabbat. Using our previous example, handling a pen on Shabbat could lead someone to write with it, so in order to avoid that possibility, the Sages only allowed one to move items that can be used on Shabbat. 3. To remind a person that Shabbat is intended to be a day of rest. There are people who may not usually engage in any of the 39 Melachot of Shabbat, for example, a Torah scholar who is engaged in intellectual pursuits the entire week. What would differentiate the weekday from Shabbat for such a person would be refraining from moving Muktzah items on Shabbat.

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As previously explained, Muktzah may not be moved. An item which will not move if touched may be touched. An egg laid on Shabbat, however, which is Muktzah, may not be touched, as touching it will lead it to be moved. Moving a small part of Muktzah is equally forbidden to moving it in its entirety. A car, which is Muktzah, may not be moved entirely, but nor can one open its door on Shabbat. We explained that Muktzah usually refers to an item that was set aside from being used, already during the sunset time at the start of Shabbat. However, a door or other fixture which came off its hinges on Shabbat may not be moved, even though when Shabbat commenced the door was being used, it was not set aside for use on Shabbat other than for opening and closing and therefore moving it when it has come off its hinges will be forbidden.


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Weekly Dvar Torah FR O M ER ETZ Y I S RA E L

Follow Your Heart BY RABBANIT RACHELLE FRAENKEL Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Well, that really depends on the training you got. Are you the one who sees every blemish, that notices every error and is quick to recognize and attempt to fix and heal? Or maybe you have the tendency to see things in a more wholesome light, always looking at the bright side of life, recognizing good intentions, seeing the positive, interpreting things generously. Our Parsha presents these two very different states of mind: thinking of Tzara’at (a disease often called leprosy that is surely not the same disease that carries that name in the modern world) brings to mind thoughts about the transgressions of Lashon Hara and gossip. In Jewish thought, Tzara’at is the punishment for speaking ill of someone or bad-mouthing people. We are reminded to view people generously, see their virtues, and mention them in a positive context, making relationships stronger and fonder.

And then there are the Kohanim. In our Parsha, they have the uneasy task of looking at the blemishes, examining them, and determining - how bad is it, and what has to be done to make it heal? These two states of mind are difficult to juggle and are difficult to contain within one person. I can share my personal experience: after the unbelievable support and unity we experienced during the kidnapping of our sons in the summer of 2014, I was overwhelmed by all the goodness and generosity of Israeli society and Jewish communities worldwide. It was truly awe-inspiring. And then, as a person who wants to give back to their own society, to contribute to its bettering, I find one needs to develop a keen eye for what is wrong, the injustice, the abuse, all that is

oppressive and wrong and desperately needs to be improved. It seems like one needs a different set of mental capacities if he is going to celebrate the full half, or notice and try to fill the empty half. Each of us might have our inclination, but to some extent, we all need to be able to be both. A somewhat similar dilemma comes up in the next stage, when it is not only about what you see, but what you say. When we are deeply committed to saying nothing bad about each other, there might come the point where we are called to look closely at the affected area, to examine it, and to decide what to say and what to do. As described by the 18th-century author of Pitchey Teshuva: “I want to raise an uproar about the more common, and greater, reverse sin, namely, avoiding speaking up when there is a need to rescue the oppressed from the oppressor. For example, one who sees another lurking on the desert road plotting to kill his friend... would he refrain

We are reminded to view people generously, see their virtues, and mention them in a positive context, making relationships stronger and fonder.

from cautioning the friend because of the prohibition to speak lashon hara? This would be too great a sin to bear, the sin of standing idly by while another’s life is threatened… How can we know the limit and say: ‘speak no more than this?’ The principle here is: follow your heart. If the desire is to harm another – this is lashon hara, but if the intention is to save or protect the other – this is a great mitzvah! How often do we witness the downfall of a friend in a web set before them by an evil person, while we hide our faces and say, ‘why should we become involved in something that is not our concern…’ “ The Mashiach is described as sitting amongst the lepers, undressing his wounds. Apparently, with the wonderful virtue of appreciation and having a positive view of reality, true redemption requires us to be able to examine our wounds and lesions, uncover them and do everything we can to help them heal. Rabbanit Rachelle Fraenkel is a Yoetzet Halacha and Senior Scholar at Nishmat, and Head of Hilcheta advanced Halacha studies at Matan. She is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

Listening to your messages RABBI GOODMAN Until a year ago, Parshas Tazria-Metzora was ranked as a “boring” Parsha. (Please note that these rankings have never been, and never will be, documented. Rather, they exist in the hearts and minds of those who deny them.) The laws of infection, diagnosis, social distancing, and quarantine were not particularly relevant to our buoyant and unsuppressed existence. However, times have changed and, in the words of Dovid HaMelech, “The stone the builders despised has become the cornerstone.” Suddenly, Parshas Tazria-Metzora has become a different Parsha for all of us. Tzara’as, the central theme of this week’s Parsha, refers to a disfigured condition of the skin, symptomatic of spiritual wrongdoing. Among its many complex laws lies a curious illogicality. In reference to its diagnosis, the Torah says that if at least two black hairs in the afflicted area have turned white, that is definitive evidence of tzara’as and renders the patient impure. However, if the patient’s entire body, and by extension, countless

hairs, has turned white, he is pure from the affliction of tzara’as. To resolve this paradox, the Chofetz Chaim explains that tzara’as is essentially a message from Hashem, appealing to the recipient to humble himself, recognize his erroneous conduct, and improve his ways. Although Hashem’s broadcast is loud and clear, unfortunately, our antennas are not always functioning at their best, and reception is poor. Consequently, whether we neglect to check our messages, or even if we check them but fail to discern their meaning, we require Hashem to resend the message, but in a stronger tone than before. Two black hairs turned white are a clear-cut indication of tzara’as, and respectively, a spiritual shortcoming, but they are also subject to being dismissed as some random aberration. Accordingly,

someone afflicted with this degree of tzara’as is sent away from civilization into quarantine in order to grant him the opportunity, through serious introspection, to get the intended message. However, someone who contracts full blown tzara’as, covered white from head to toe, cannot disregard his condition and receives the message in no uncertain terms: my behavior is unacceptable and needs immediate correction. Therefore, such a person has no need for quarantine and is automatically purified from tzara’as. Hashem is continuously sending us messages and we are better off receiving them while they are safely tucked away in places like Wuhan, rather than waiting for them to be delivered to our communities and homes. Granted, we do not necessarily possess the ability to understand

Although Hashem’s broadcast is loud and clear, unfortunately, our antennas are not always functioning at their best, and reception is poor. THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

properly their specific implications, but their general message imploring us to improve certainly resonates loud and clear. May Hashem grant us all the ability to receive His messages, make the necessary changes, and become more spiritually connected. A project of My Dvar Torah, Torah Bite is your resource for a short, dynamic, and meaningful Dvar Torah to share at the Shabbos table. Originally from London, Rabbi Ben Goodman has spent 20 years in Jerusalem, teaching and inspiring students from all backgrounds and from all over the world. He is the director of My Dvar Torah, providing tailor-made Divrei Torah for all occasions. www.mydvartorah.com. He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com


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Tazria Metzora

Tazria Metzora Word Search

This week we are in for a double dose of this healthy talking! The Torah teaches us the laws of the Metzora - the person who is punished with Tza’raat, whether on their body, their clothing or their house. Once they are confirmed a “Metzora” they need to isolate for a number of days and in order to be allowed back to normal they needed to bring special korbanot and have a ceremony in the Beit Hamikdash including having oil sprinkled on their ear finger and toe. If Tza’raat landed on a house and didn’t go away, the house would need to be demolished. Sometimes

though, Tza’raat landed on a house in the Land of Israel because Hashem wanted a person to discover the hidden treasures in the walls. So, what appeared to be a nuisance was actually a gift from Hashem! Generally, though, we are taught that the reason for tza’raat was due to a person speaking Loshon Hora and we know how important it is to watch our mouth and be careful not to spread gossip about people. In general we are encouraged to seek the good in people and that is a sure way to avoid speaking badly of them.

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CLEAN • DEMOLISHED • HOUSES • IMPURE • METZORA • SKIN • TAZRIA • TZARAAT

Tangram Challenge! Using all the shapes on the left can you make the apple shape on the right?

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Tazria Metzora In a nutshell At the beginning of Parshat Tazria, we learn of the Mitzvah of Brit Milah, which had been given to Avraham Avinu, but was now given to the nation too (although they had already performed this Mitzvah before leaving Egypt). Then the Torah teaches the fascinating laws of Tzara’at, a plague which came in the form of patches on a person’s skin, clothing or house. A Kohen was called to inspect the Tzaraat when it landed and depending on the colour of the Tzaraat and the size of the spot, would the Tzaraat be declared Tamei or Tahor. If a person is confirmed a Metzorah, they were required to isolate outside of the camp and remain there until healed. They had to warn all those who came near to them that they were Tamei.

When Tzaraat appears in a garment or a house, at first, they try to remove the afflicted area. If the Tzaraat returns, then the house or garment must be destroyed. It was not always bad news though; at times, the person knocking down the house would be thrilled to discover that there was a treasure hidden there by the occupying Canaanites from whom the Jews took over the Holy Land. After the Tzaraat clears, a person must undergo a purification process. The Metzorah brings two unblemished male lambs, one unblemished ewe lamb, along with fine flour. Along with this he brings two birds, spring water, a piece of cedar wood, a red thread, and a bundle of hyssop. Through a ceremony in the Beit Hamikdash, in which one bird was

Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

slaughtered and the other sent away, as well as having the oil and and blood sprinkled the Metzorah then achieved purification. There are many reasons why a person would be afflicted by Tzaraat. The most famous reason is that it came due to Lashon Hara – evil speech. A person must be very familiar with and aware of the laws of Shemirat HaLashon – guarding one’s tongue, a concept brought to the fore over the last century in the merit of the holy Chafetz Chaim, who lived in Radin and wrote extensively on the laws and underlying awareness one must have, of the concept of judging favourably and not slandering others. Many people study the laws of Shemirat Halashon and have seen wonderful Divine help in its merit.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more!

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each lace clang clean THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

hence lance leach leech

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Did you hear about the actor who fell through the floorboards? He was just going through a stage.

Q: Why don’t scientists trust atoms? A: Because they make up everything.! Q: Where are average things manufactured? A: The satisfactory.

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. I weigh nothing, but you can still see me. If you put me in a bucket, I make the bucket lighter. What am I?

3. What question can you never answer “Yes” to?

Q: What did the left eye say to the right eye? A: Between you and me, something smells.

2. I’m the size of an elephant, but I weigh nothing. What am I?

3) What does “N-O” spell?

1. A hole

2) An elephant’s shadow!

1. Make a monkey out of him 2. Wise guys 3. Any questions?

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4. Bed spread 5. Ice cube 6. Ready, steady go


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10-man Leeds stun City Sixteen-goal Lions with Dallas double rout Scrabble in Cup BY DAVID SAFFER

Leeds United stunned champions-elect Manchester City with a last ditch 2-1 triBY DAVID SAFFER umph at Etihad Stadium. TheMogilner defeat is ascored blip insixCity’s to the Reiss goalscanter as Maccabi Premier League title but served as Aa in wakeLondon Lions thumped Scrabble the up call round for their quadruple challenge. Pep second of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. Gaurdiola is well aware hisracked team up must be The Premier League side a 16-0 morewith clinical after Marcelo Bielsa’sKenley team win Daniel Green and Michael dug deep to win with only two shotsDaon both bagging a hat-trick. Ed Brafman, target. vid Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali completbossed buta tie. Stuart Dallas edCity the rout in apossession mismatch of opened the scoring for theinPremier newLions could have scored the opening comers, of who impress, withthea minute thecontinue clash buttosoon opened swift counter scoring and ledattack 9-0 byjust halfbefore time. half time. But joy was lived when skipThUnited’s e Division Oneshort team, though outper Liambattled Cooper wastodismissed classed, away the end. for a rash tackle onboss Gabriel moments Lions wasJesus lost for words atlater. full time Citywas ploughed forward the break such the display fromafter his team who against a blanket and equalised in gave every respectdefence to the opposition. the“I’m 76thnot minute Ferrananything Torres but reallythrough sure there’s to Leeds dangerous and Raphinha say, welooked are happy to make it after through to the wentround close of Dallas claimed the spoils from next the cup, ” he commented. another lighting break in injury Hendon United Sports ran outtime. 3-1 victors Bielsa League told BBC Sport, value of the against One outfi“The t North London victory increases because it was achieved Raiders. inTh a egame where were and Premier sideweled earlydominated in the second demanded effort and personality. half only forcharacter, Raiders to equalise but struck The spirit of all to thebook players addedintogether two late goals a place round creates uniform effort. It’s very difficult to three ofathe competition. win games like He added, “The to target Hendon nowtoday. turn ”their attentions the is alwaysastothey impose yourself in the next league travel to Oakwood A game for a and in accordance the clash resultson weSunday take, it crucial top of the to table will leave us in a position we deserve to be.” (10am). Guardiola told BBC Sport, “We did creDaniel Kristall’s team stunned thenot league ate enough the forwards. It iswon part 2-0, of thea leaders lastfor month when they game. In the last 10 minutes had other victory would move them to they within a point chances, they (are) fast and can do it. When of Hendon with a match in hand. they defend ininthe theyround were you to Elsewhere theway latest of fihave xtures, stop themNorth running and weGalaxy did notmade do that. 10-man London it”a Manchester United defeated Tottenham three-way title race in the only Division One Hotspur 3-1day andafter remain nine points clear B. of clash of the defeating Oakwood fifth placed Chelsea in the battle for ChamJamie Murray saw red early on but Galaxy pions League spots. rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and JaEdinson Cavani the scoring for cob Leigh to recordopened an important 2-1 away United only to be denied by a marginal win. VAR decision. Heung-min then putAthe Galaxy headSon Redbridge Jewish Care in hosts ahead at half time. after But the Reds hit the table by just one point 10 matches, back in devasting through Fred and third place Fairlopstyle FC are five points beCavani nodded homeinon 79 minutes. Mahind with two games hand. son Greenwood wrapped up the win. Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood. Redswas bossa Ole Gunnarperformance Solksjaer toldinSkya “It fantastic

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United stunned champions-elect Manchester City

Sports the disallowed goal “kick-started” his team. 16-goal London Lions “WeMaccabi felt the injustice and we showed good character to come back,” he noted. “We can’t let those decisions ruin this playgood must-win game, ” commented Galaxy season for us. The goals we scored, were er-manager Luke Lewis. excellent. “We sat” back and allowed Oakwood the Josegiven Mourinho told BBC Sport, “You look ball, the one-man advantage and to the table and you on see the the counter distance attack to the looked to hit them top four. You know it’s difficult but it’s mathwith pace. ematically possible. ” down the right-hand “Both goals came West Ham secured side. Leigh crossed the fiarst3-2 onewin into against Cohen Leicester City who are suddenly only four to finish, before slotting home himself. Up points to first clear we go.of ” fourth-placed Hammers and areThine danger of missing a top-four spot took for a Division Two title race also asecond twist season with running. league leaders Herstwood Jesse Lingard first half brace Vale going downgrabbed to a 2-1 adefeat at Temple and played his part in Jarod Bowen’s goal for Fortune. a 3-0 lead. But allowed Leicester Faithfold B West have Ham played a game more to hitVale backbut asmoved Kelechilevel Iheanacho setwin up ata than with a 5-3 nervy finish. North London Raiders Masters. Hammers boss David told BBC Jacob Kalms struck twiceMoyes for Fortune who Sport, “We can’tleading do it that wayJames too many scored through scorer Milmore times, it’s goal not good the ticker! We letwith his 17th of thefor season. need learnwas our all lesson, we have been 3-0 Thetoresult the more remarkable up Temple in the last three games andplayers made hard as were down to 11 with work of it. ” Rebuck dislocating a shoulder ‘keeper Ben Brendan Rodgers told inLeicester the warmmanager up. Sky Sports, goals are win awful,given all three “Th is was“The a fantastic the

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

and we had a mountain to climb.” Chelsea are a point adrift of West Ham after a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Kurt Zouma struck in the opening 30 minutes to settle the contest. Christian Benteke scored a consolation before Pulisic scored again. Blues boss Thomas Tuchel told Sky Sports: “We were totally focused. It’s a part of our DNA to be aggressive and should be.” Liverpool are hot on the heels of the top four after Trent Alexander-Arnold scored an injury-time winner to defeat Aston Villa 2-1 at Anfield. circumstances, ” said delighted Fortune Ollie Watkins opened the scoring for Villa, boss Simon Linden. Roberto Firmino had a goal chalkedout, off prior “We had a number of players Reto Mogot Salah heading Andy Robertson’s buck injured, so I in couldn’t have asked cross. Liverpool’s win ended We six consecutive any more from the players. wish Ben a home league defeats. speedy recovery. Jurgen toldold Skyschool Sports,performance, “We needed “It was Klopp a proper thatbattled win today, these three feel big. we and defended for points the 90 minutes We have putchances. the otherExperience teams under presand tooktoour proved sure. knows we get to be Everyone the winner. It’s athat bigwhen win, one weon willa run weand arewe dangerous. enjoy hope to”build on it in 2019.” Everton’s are He added,European “This winhopes marks 50unravelling years as a after a 0-0 draw atwill Brighton. football club and be one Nigel Kyte and Neil Maupay and Lewis Dunk went everyone associated with the club fromclose day

for the Seagulls who are edging clear of the relegation zone. The result sees the Toffees slip to eighth place six points behind Chelsea. Carlo Ancelotti’s team have a match in hand on opponents but form has begun to elude them. Burnley are level on points with Brighton following a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United who came from behind to secure what could be a pivotal win at Turf Moor to potentially guarantee safety. Super sub Allan Saint-Maximin inspired the Geordies after coming off the bench to set up an equaliser for Jacob Murphy before slotting home a solo goal. The Clarets had opened the scoring through Matej Vydra on 18 minutes. Newcastle boss Steve Bruce told Sky Sports, “This win is big but there’s still a bit to go. It’s an important game, so to win it was very good.” He added, “We can’t get carried away but back-to-back wins in the Premier League is huge. It sets us up nicely.” Newcastle’s win was all the more important as Fulham suffered a devastating loss against Wolves. Adama Traore fired home PHOTO: SAFFER a stunning goal in stoppage-time atDAVID Craven Cottage. Scott Parker told BBC MOTD, “When the game ends like it does, it’s not a good feeling.” West Brom eased to a 3-0 against Southampton to keep slim survival hopes alive. Goals from Matheus Pereira and Matt Phillips gave the Baggies a 2-0 interval lead. Callum Robinson made it 3-0 to seal a second consecutive win in what has been a torrid season. Sam Allardyce’s team however need a miracle retain one willto enjoy. ” their Premier status. Allardyce BBC Sport, “It’s a big Vale boss told Jacob Emanuel was not quick to chance, just awell hope that wehis keep winning wish Rebuck following injury. and hope themost otherimportantly, teams lose.” everyone at “First and Arsenal a 3-0 at Sheffield Vale wouldeased like toto wish thewin Fortune ‘keeper United cannot to to seesee thehim endback of a a quickwho recovery, wewait hope dismal campaign. on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he Alexandre Lacazette bagged a brace for said. theAsvisitors Gabriel Martinelli also hit for theand defeat, Emanuel commented, the target inmatter a predictable at Bramall “It doesn’t how bigwin a squad you Lane. have, you can never account for unavailWith orgames out and ability injury.running Only five of Fulham today’s team West Brom appear doomed to be played in our recent win over FCrelegated Team, a alongside the Blades. and poor individual lack of togetherness

“It was a proper old school performance, we battled and defended for the 90 minutes and took our chances. Experience proved to be the winner.”

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Goals galore as football is back in MSFL BY DAVID SAFFER Maccabi London FC continued where they left off before the lockdown by securing a sixth consecutive win in the MSFL Premier Division. Charlie Dryer, Charlie Kasler, Zack Berg, Jamie Cohen struck the goals for the league leaders in a 4-1 win against Jewdinese. Maccabi took the lead through Dryer, Jewdinese almost equalised but hit a post. Kasler scored from close range to settle the nerves before half time. A third came after the break through a Berg header from a corner. Jewdinese won a penalty which Reiss Mogilner tucked away. Cohen settled the contest with a late header. Maccabi’s Max Kyte said, “It was great to be back on the pitch after such a long break and the game was played in great spirits. Jewdinese boss, Darren Lawrence, “We gave them a good game but conceded sloppy goals.” HMH are three points back having played a game more after edging a close game 3-2 at North London Raiders. Tom Prais headed home a brace and Ethan Krell struck a terrific goal for the victors. HMH boss Avi Goldberg said, “An excellent controlled performance from the boys, particularly in the second half but we were too profligate in front of goal.” Liron Mannie and Jordan Nathan scored for the hosts. Raiders boss Gideon Gale noted, “A disappointing restart in an even game. Small margins are costing us and clearly something we need to work on at training.” Hendon United Sports won a double header against North London Galaxy 2-0 in both encounters. Chaim Korman and Moses Seitler scored in the first match, Seitler and Ari Last hit the target in the second clash. Hendon’s David Garbacz said, “We stuck to the task really well in both games and managed to overcome a pretty stubborn Galaxy team. I thought overall, we deserved it, we created the clearer chances and these wins now set us up nicely to mount a proper title challenge in the coming weeks ahead.” He added, “Korman was the stand out

Hendon United Sports won a double header against North London Galaxy

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

Stoke Salmon are Division Two joint leaders

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

player over the 120 minutes and provided big moments of class to break the deadlock in both games.” London Bears are on the promotion charge after coming from behind to defeat Brook Farm Rovers 4-1. Sharpshooter Zacki Doumou hit a hat-trick, Shackleton also scored. Bears boss James Harpin said, “An unbelievable second half display after a shocking first half performance. We were down at the break but Doumou found some form and we turned it around. Joe Bellmans debut was as good as expected. His influence on the game was second-to-none and we look forward to seeing more of him.” Sam Georgevic scored for the visitors following up from a corner. Rovers manager Dan Cohen, “We started really well and were deservedly winning at half time however we tired and our mistakes

were punished. But there are lots of positives to take into the rest of the season.” Bears are now two points adrift of Borussia Barnet who lost 4-3 at Mill Hill Dons in a thrilling match. Zach Cohen (2), Elliot Freer, Isaac Virchis scored for the victors. Dons manager Brandon Hamme noted, “An incredible performance from the boys as we beat top of the table Barnet despite being down to 10 men. They worked hard and we got three points that we deserved. The mentality and desire were spot-on from start to finish. I couldn’t be happier with how the boys.” Hertswood Vale are in promotion contention despite drawing 1-1 at Faithfold Green. Dan Reuben scored for the visitors after the hosts opened the scoring inside two minutes. Vale’s Jacob Emmanuel, “After a poor first

half, we rallied and took the game to Faithfold on a poor pitch. Our equaliser came after excellent work from Josh Gorb. A draw was probably a fair result, neither team did enough to win the match. However, one team came to play football. The celebrations from Faithfold at the final whistle told the story of the match.” Paris Saint Jewmain edged a close game 1-0 at Temple Fortune with an Archie Leigh goal. PSJ missed a few chances to settle the clash but held their nerve until the end. Fortune’s Elio Elia said, “A gritty game but we were really pleased with the win, clean sheet and all-round team effort. We were patient until our goal came and dug in when we needed to. This is something to build on for the second half of the season.” Division Two joint league leaders Stoke Salmon defeated FC East London Bees with an 89th minute Jonny Halmer header from an Alex Bleetman free-kick. Stoke’s Jamie Weiner said, “Bees set up well and were organised but good teams win ugly and that is what was needed today to continue our winning streak.” Stoke’s seventh consecutive win from as many games was matched by NWL Azzurri who won 4-1 at Straw Hat Pirates. SPEC defeated West Hendon Wallabies 6-3 in a nine-goal thriller. Zack Neiman (2), Jonny Blain (2), Josh Green and Raf Neiman scored for the victors. “A good win,” noted Ricky Lawrence. “The Wallabies were the better side in the second half but we wrapped the game up with four goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half.” Adam Sonning scored a wonder goal for the visitors. Zak Gelbier and Gabe Cooke also hit the target. Hampstead Ducks came from a goal down to defeat Redbridge Jewish Care 2-1. Sam Cicurel, with a cross-come-shot, and a Sam Shooter header from a corner claimed the spoils. Hampstead’s Jacob Summerfield noted, “It was a deserved win, we dominated the game. Anything less than three points would have been a real injustice to the performance.” Club de Chigwell and FC Team shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

MJSL football update Broughton Park Rangers defeated Reich Masters 1-0 with a Jasper Van Veen penalty to move level on points with Maccabi having played two games more in the Manchester Jewish Soccer League. The restart to the season saw the Maccabi Manchester 3rd v Haroldeans postponed due to a snowstorm.

One minutes silence before the match

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