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Gantz spells out terms for ceasefire

Bennett makes first White House trip

BY ADAM MOSES

Israel will only agree a long-term ceasefire agreement with Hamas with the return of Israelis held in captivity in Gaza.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz outlined Israel’s terms to foreign diplomats regarding security yesterday in a special briefing.

Successive Prime Ministers have stated a prerequisite to a deal is dependent on the return of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed held captive by Hamas since 2014 and 2015 respectively, and IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul killed in the Operation Protective Edge 2014 conflict.

Hamas must provide proof of life as part of any prisoner swap negotiations.

There are reports Israel has provided a list of Hamas prisoners they will release in exchange for MIAs.

“The conditions for a long-term arrangement with Hamas are the return of the boys to their homes, and a commitment to total calm in the south of the country,” Gantz said.

Gantz was speaking as tensions mount on the Gaza border with incendiary balloon attacks and border riots. An Israeli Border Police officer was also critically injured.

Israel has made it clear they will act swiftly to violence.

Gantz also spoke about Iran, noting Israel would act alone if necessary to stop the Islamic Republic acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Iran is two months away from accumulating the material needed for a nuclear bomb,” he explained. “We do not know whether the regime is ready to reach a (nuclear) agreement and return to the negotiating table, but the world must prepare ‘Plan B’ and halt its progress right now.”

Gantz further accused Iran of launching a deadly drone strike on The Mercer Street oil tanker last month.

Israel, Britain and the US blamed Iran for the attack on an Israeli-operated tanker in international waters off Oman. A British and Rumanian crew member died in the incident believed to be by UAV-style drones.

Gantz named Saeed Ara Jani, head of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps’ UAV Command, as behind the strike.

“Our assessment is that the UAV employed in the Mercer Street attack was launched from Iranian territory and approved by Iranian leadership,” Gantz noted, adding that the “attack on the entire world”.

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BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is set to discuss halting Iran’s nuclear program with US President Joe Biden today in his first official trip to the White House.

After landing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland yesterday, he met government officials and Jewish leaders including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and AIPAC CEO Howard Kohr.

Speaking before his departure, Bennett told reporters talks would also focus on Israel’s qualitative military edge in the Middle East, technology, security, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will confront many fronts, chiefly, the Iranian front and especially the step up in the Iranian nuclear program over the last two or three years,” he noted.

Bennett described Biden as a “true friend of the State of Israel” and was bringing a “new spirit of cooperation from Jerusalem” to Israel-US relations.

Bennett is expected to call on Biden to end talks with Iran on refreshing the JCPOA deal, which former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018. It is anticipated Bennett will call for new sanctions on Iran and more countries to act against the Iranian regime.

Global concerns over Afghanistan could well also be on the agenda. Biden has been heavily criticised after refusing to extend his August 31st deadline for withdrawing American troops.

Biden has voiced concerns over an increased risk of attacks by Isis suicide bombers, noting, “The sooner we finish, the better.” Republicans accuse Biden of a “colossal failure” of leadership.

G7 allies and world leaders fear thousands of people will be left behind.

The Taliban has begun blocking access to Kabul airport.

Tensions were strained with Biden following his inauguration with former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu viewed as backing the Republican party.

Bennett has sought to “reset” relations with the White House.

“Right now, the biggest transaction taking place between the two countries is a refresh and a reset of bilateral relations,” Scott Lasensky, former President Barack Obama’s senior policy advisor on Israel, reportedly told AFP.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid started the process in talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken following the transfer of power to a new Israeli coalition.

“In the past few years mistakes were made. Israel’s bipartisan standing was hurt. We will fix those mistakes together,” Lapid said.

But Iran will be top of the agenda especially with its nuclear program.

“I will tell President Biden that it is time to stop the Iranians, not to give them a lifeline in the form of re-entering into an expired nuclear deal,” Bennett told reporters on Sunday.

Or Rabinowitz, a US-Israel relations expert at the Hebrew University, backs the viewpoint.

“We will present an orderly plan that we have formulated in the past two months to curb the Iranians,” he noted.

But there is scepticism about what can be achieved during the high-profile visit.

“The Biden administration understands this is a shaky coalition,” said Shira Efron, of Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies. Efron doubts Biden will push Bennett to restart peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Biden’s vow to reopen a consulate general in Jerusalem responsible for U.S.-Palestinian affairs is also expected to be discussed. Trump closed the mission in 2019 after he moved the US embassy to Jerusalem.

Eugene Kontorovich advised the Trump administration on Israel.

Bennett is “ideologically and fundamentally committed to the integrity of Jerusalem”, he noted.

Speaking last week about the whistle-stop trip, Bennett noted the timing was at a critical point regarding Iran.

“Tehran is increasing its Uranium enrichment and has substantially shortened the time needed to accumulate material for a nuclear bomb,” he said. “We’ve inherited a complex situation.”

“Iran is behaving aggressively in the region and my message to Biden is that it must be stopped.” Bennett added. “We will present a plan that we have spent months constructing to block Iran’s nuclear ambitions and their belligerence in the region.”

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Israel braced for Gaza tensions

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel is ready for an escalation in violence on the Gaza border following clashes in recent days.

Tensions increased after a plethora of incendiary balloons launched from the Strip caused fires in southern Israel.

A violent rally last Shabbat saw an undercover border police sniper critically injured.

Staff Sergeant Barel Hadaria Shmueli sustained head injuries after being shot at point-blank range through the border wall. He is being treated at Soroka Hospital intensive care unit.

Israeli forces responded by striking Hamas targets including terrorist tunnels, a weapons manufacturing site and rocket launching site.

The IDF Southern Command has reinforced Border Police and Special Forces at the security fence.

After Palestinian groups announced on Monday plans to march from Khan Yunis and Rafah yesterday to protest Israel’s “blockade”, an IDF spokesperson said forces would “act firmly” against terrorist incidents near the fence which they did.

Reports circulated Tuesday that Hamas had agreed to stop the aerial attacks after talks with Egypt, according to Palestinian newspaper Al-Ayyam.

Notwithstanding rumours, with the potential of protests increasing, Israel is prepared for action.

The IDF Gaza Division have reportedly run exercises for scenarios including riots at the border, further incendiary balloons and rocket fire at border communities.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett vowed to “settle the score” to those who harm IDF troops and citizens at his weekly cabinet meeting.

Bennett added that security forces were prepared for “any scenario” in the Gaza Strip.

The move follows Defense Minister Benny Gantz announcing plans to transfer Qatari funds to the Strip last week.

The Kerem Shalom crossing is open for transfer of goods from Israel to Gaza but Egypt has closed the Rafah crossing due to Hamas’ lack of cooperation in cease-fire negotiations.

According to the IDF, in a resumption of weekly riots organised by Hamas on Shabbat afternoon near the Gaza border, demonstrators hurled firebombs and rocks toward Border Police officers and IDF soldiers. Troops responded with riot dispersal methods including when necessary live fire.

“Hundreds of rioters approached one area of the security fence in the northern

Staff Sergeant Barel Hadaria Shmueli PHOTO: ISRAEL POLICE

Gaza Strip and attempted to climb the fence and hurled explosive devices at IDF troops,” a spokesman confirmed.

During riots a soldier fought off rioters attempting to steal his weapon. “The weapon is in the possession of the soldier,” a spokesman noted.

The riots lasted approximately three hours.

Palestinian officials said Imad Hashash, 15, was killed in a clash with the IDF in

Nablus on Tuesday.

“During an operation by IDF troops in the Balata refugee camp, live fire was used against the soldiers,” an IDF spokesperson said in a statement. “At the end of the operation, a violent riot broke out that involved throwing of boulders and objects at IDF troops from the rooftops. During the riot, a number of fighters identified a suspect on the roof of a building holding a large object with both hands, who tried to throw it at a soldier standing under the building. One of the soldiers responded by firing.”

There were no Israeli casualties.

Israeli media reported and the Iron

Dome anti-missile system was deployed.

Barel, an only child, was due to be discharged from the army in October and was at the border on Shabbos in place of another soldier.

His mother, Nitza, told reporters that her son had lost an eye after extensive surgery that lasted a number of hours. Barel’s name for tefillah is Barel Achiya Ben Nitza.

Western Wall stones inspected

BY SIMCHA ABIR

With the High Holy Days less than two weeks away a bi-annual inspection of the Western Wall stones has taken place.

The stability of age-old stones takes place in the run up to Rosh Hashana and Passover.

An inspection team uses a crane so every stone is checked including the area of the covered Wilson’s Arch. Each stone has a unique identity card which the Western Wall Heritage Foundation keeps track of through its inspection procedure.

Thousands of worshippers come specifically for the Jewish new year and Passover.

A carefully planned operation takes place under the halachic supervision of the rabbi of the Western Wall, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Israel Antiquities Authority and foundation engineers in accordance with halachic restrictions by Jewish legal authorities and chief rabbis of Israel.

Included in preparations for the High Holiday season are slichot prayers and for the month of Tishrei.

Due to COVID-19 measures constantly being monitored to spread out the vast numbers of visitors who wish to attend prayers, the Western Wall foundation has organised an additional 17 events with live broadcasts so those unable to attend can participate remotely.

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The first slichot event at the Western Wall Plaza took place earlier this month at midnight.

The Western Wall is among the most iconic and sacred places in Israel. Built in the time of King Herod, it is a must-see site with visitors from all over the world who traditionally write a prayer and place it between the large stones.

Placing messages has been restricted throughout the pandemic but over 800,000 people have visited the Western Wall online to write a virtual note to be placed in the stones.

Virtual tours are also available to enable Jews globally to keep a link to the historic site. www.thekotel.org/en/send-a-note/

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Israeli schools to reopen on schedule

BY ADAM MOSES

Israeli schools will reopen as planned on September 1st despite a spike in COVID-19 cases.

The coronavirus cabinet announced the decision after a long debate on Monday.

Ministers backed rolling out vaccines on campuses to children over 12, subject to parental approval. Parents will test children at home and declare they tested negative for the virus.

In ‘red’ communities with high infection rates students in grades eight to 12 will study remotely unless 70% of pupils are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19.

The Green Pass policy is in place for school staff who must present proof of vaccination or recovery, or provide a recent negative test before entering a school building.

According to the Education Ministry, 37,000 teachers have not been vaccinated.

Israel, meanwhile, has begun a national testing initiative to glean the number of unvaccinated children aged three to 12 who have developed immunity ahead of the school year.

The health and education ministries along with the IDF Home Front Command are behind the program aimed at 1.5 million youngsters. Children with sufficient antibodies will not have to quarantine when exposed to a COVID-19 patient. The aim is to limit school disruptions.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz backed 6,000 IDF reservists helping with testing.

In related news, Israel has begun its vaccine booster campaign. Over 1.4 million citizens have received a third inoculation just weeks after the initiative was launched for over 60s.

Professor Ran Balicer advises the cabinet

On their way to school

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

and warned morbidity rates may rise, whilst the government will not rule out measures for the High Holy Days.

There are 670 patients hospitalised, 162 in critical condition including 108 patients on ventilators. To date, there have been 6,830 people fatalities from COVID-19.

Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz is pushing for a surge in first and second vaccinations in communities reticent to date. During a visit to the Arab town of Kafr Qasem near Tel Aviv, he noted, “I’m not going to give up on these weaker groups.”

Horowitz added that to avoid stricter restrictions or a nationwide lockdown more people must be vaccinated. The Tel Aviv suburbs of Kfar Shmryahu and Savyon are most vaccinated. The least vaccinated are Bedouin communities of Kseifa and Hura.

The Health Ministry’s Director-General Nachman Ash told Channel 13 News that Israel would “most probably” expand eligibility for a booster vaccine to include people aged 30 up.

“We can see the operation is going well,” he explained. “We’re vaccinating the older population, and we can take the age down. There are enough vaccines.”

According to Health Ministry figures 37.2 % of Israelis aged 50 to 59 have received a third vaccination. Over 60% of Israelis aged 60-69, 75.8% of 70-79s, 71.6 % 80-89s and 66.2 % of 90 plus citizens have also had a third shot.

As part of the initiative, mobile vaccination vans from the Health Ministry and Magen David Adom will join the initiative to vaccinate neighbourhoods and communities throughout Israel.

The coronavirus cabinet, meantime, have backed travel to Uman in the Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah. Regulations apply to Israeli travellers going to an “orange” country. Passengers must present a negative test within 72 hours before the flight.

After Rosh Hashanah, Israelis in Ukraine must submit a quarantine declaration 24 hours before returning to Israel. At Ben-Gurion Airport, travellers will take a test and enter quarantine for 14 days. This can be reduced to seven days with two negative coronavirus tests.

Fully vaccinated travellers must have Ukrainian medical insurance (over the age of 12) but are not required to be tested for COVID-19 or enter quarantine on arrival.

Unvaccinated travellers to Ukraine must quarantine for 10 days on arrival and register with a surveillance app until they receive a negative test, which can taken at Kiev airport.

James shaken after attacks

James Marlow

Jewish Weekly correspondent James Marlow was shaken after two shocking physical attacks close to his home in north west London this week.

Walking to a local shul in Brent Street, Hendon, a woman on a scooter crashed into him before claiming she was attacked. During an altercation, the assailant verbally abused and punched James in the face, causing minor injuries. James had a witness.

Police eventually informed James the woman had a medical condition and was known to the force.

Later in the evening on route to another local shul, James was holding a siddur when he was verbally abused in an antisemtic incident by an Asian passer-by.

CST are aware of both incidents.

MDA UK supporters dedicate first of six lifesaving Mobile Blood vehicle

A Mobile Blood vehicle has been dedicated to Magen David Adom at the Millennium Centre in Israel.

Batya and Barry Segal, and Vision for Israel, donated the first of six Team Blood Mobiles by UK supporters to MDA at a cost of £135,000 each.

Vision for Israel was founded 27 years ago and provides humanitarian aid, disaster relief and community support in Israel.

President and co-founder Barry is the first donor to give blood in the vehicle.

“This is a day we dreamed of seeing since Vision for Israel not only to save lives when needed, but to serve the community around us and all Israel,” he said at a dedication ceremony. “It gives us the privilege to serve, providing hope and strength in any time of need for emergency services provided by MDA. We do not just believe in miracles and visions but in their coming to fulfilment.”

MDA is Israel’s sole national medical emergency and blood service centre supplying hospitals across Israel and the IDF.

MDA collects 1,100 blood units daily, a total of 300,000 units every year.

Blood Mobiles are an integral part of the centre. Every day teams of phlebotomists are dispatched to perform blood drives in Israel. Additional mobiles meet Israel’s increasing blood demand.

Daniel Burger, MDA Chief Executive, said MDA was indebted to the generosity of the Segal’s and Vision for Israel. “Their support over the years has helped save countless lives,” noted Burger.

“Kol ha kavod, here’s to many more years of collaboration between Vision for Israel, MDA, MDA UK and the American Friends of MDA,” he added.

MDA has also begun the rollout of mobile vaccination vans to neighbourhoods and communities across the country.

Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz has welcomed MDA’s efforts to get the booster jab to the elderly and compromised populations.

“Our booster shot campaign is an immense success,” MDA noted.

CAA call on Patel to ban Hamas

BY ADAM MOSES

Campaign Against Antisemitism has called on all MPs to ask Home Secretary Priti Patel to proscribe Hamas in its entirety under the Terrorism Act 2000.

CAA provided Patel with a dossier making the case for proscription of the terror group last month. The dossier has now been made available to MPs from all parties.

A loophole in British law allows Hamas to operate in the UK. But after the record-breaking surge in antisemitism in Britain during the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel, CAA has taken the lead to close the loophole and ban Hamas in its entirety.

A CAA spokesperson said, “It is intolerable that Hamas representatives and supporters can operate in the UK on the pretence that they only back the group’s supposed ‘political wing’. There is no distinction between the units of this Islamist, antisemitic, misogynistic and homophobic terrorist organisation. Support for Hamas is tied to the recent surge in anti-Jewish racism on British streets. The Home Secretary must move to protect British Jews by banning Hamas in its entirety in the UK.”

Currently, the UK proscribes the Izz alDin al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ ‘military wing’, relying until now on the European Union’s proscription of the entirety of Hamas as a de facto ban in the UK.

“Following the UK’s exit from the EU, this reliance is no longer tenable, the UK must now act to proscribe the entirety of Hamas,” note CAA. “There is no material distinction between the supposed ‘wings’ of Hamas, which share the same personnel and where political leaders launch military operations. Because of this loophole, Hamas flags can be flown, its ideology can be promoted, funds can be raised, material can be disseminated, and its representatives can operate in the UK.” CAA’s Demonstrations and Events Monitoring Unit has found evidence of support for Hamas on British streets in recent months. “This is undoubtedly tied to the recent surge in domestic antisemitism,” CAA explained, adding that the proscription Hezbollah in its entirety in 2019 serves as a case study for a ban of Hamas. Hezbollah’s ban sent a “powerful message to the Jewish community, and Islamists, that antisemitism and terrorism will not be tolerate” in the UK, CAA explained. “The proscription of Hamas would Priti Patel PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA have a similar effect,” CAA added. A landmark CAA poll on the subject in 2020 showed that 91% of British Jews want the government to proscribe Hamas in its entirety.

Sturgeon to tackle antisemitism

Scottish First Minister and Nicola Sturgeon is “committed to tackling” antisemitism.

It has been reported that the SNP leader has met with The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and Glasgow Jewish Representative Council to discuss the rise in antisemitism.

Sturgeon was said to have understood the “community’s anxieties” and to tackle on-campus antisemitism. Describing the meeting as “incredibly useful”, she added that antisemitism would not be tolerated in Scotland. “We remain committed to tackling it,” Sturgeon noted.

Campaign Against Antisemitism have previously reported about SNP members comparing a political party to the Nazis.

Stephanie Callaghan, who is standing in Uddingston and Bellshill, Lanarkshire, apologised for “poorly chosen” words in an old tweet and offence caused after deleting the posting.

Colm Merrick, SNP candidate for Eastwood in Glasgow, apologised for a “stupid post”. And Peter Grant, MP for Glenrothes, “apologised unreservedly” for a highly insensitive tweet but posted another inflammatory tweet. McLaughlin’s tweet has since been deleted.

A CAA spokesperson said, “Politicians must set an example by learning the lessons of the Holocaust.”

Bennett slams Poland’s “shameful” restitution bill

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel, US and British leaders slammed Poland’s parliament for passing a restitution bill that ends most legal claims for confiscated properties during the Holocaust.

The legislation, backed by Poland’s Senate and ratified by President Andrzej Duda earlier this month, terminates pending claims over 30 years old and the reversal of property confiscations over 10 years ago.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett lambasted Duda over the ruling that affects Jews and non-Jews.

“Poland has chosen to continue harming those who have lost everything,” said Bennett. “This is a shameful decision and disgraceful contempt for the memory of the Holocaust.”

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid added that Poland had approved, not for the first time, an “anti-Semitic and immoral law”.

Lapid confirmed Israel’s charge d’affaires to Warsaw would return and the new ambassador to Poland had suspended his departure. He also advised that the Polish Ambassador to Israel should continue his vacation at home to explain to the Poles the significance of the Holocaust to Israeli citizens.

“We will not tolerate contempt of the memory of those who perished and the memory of the Holocaust,” he said.

Lapid added that Israel would be holding talks with the US on a response.

Polish President Andrzej Duda

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

“Poland has turned into an anti-democratic, non-liberal country that doesn’t respect the greatest tragedy in human history,” he said. “Israel and the Jewish people will certainly not remain silent.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Duda to veto the law.

David Mendoza-Wolfson, Board of Deputies, said the law dishonoured Holocaust victims. Jews and non-Jews, he added, wished to be treated with “morality and decency” to receive what was rightfully theirs.

“By ratifying a law that legalises theft, Poland is sliding backwards towards decline,” he noted. “Until it reverses this measure, Poland’s Government is complicit in the dispossession of Polish citizens. The attitude of its leaders in penalising Holocaust survivors brings shame on the country.”

The Board is continuing to work with international partners, including the World Jewish Restitution Organisation. They have raised concerns with Lord Pickles, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Post-Holocaust Issues, British Embassy in Warsaw and Polish Embassy in London.

Duda said in a statement the law ended “legal uncertainty” and fraud linked to properties. Duda denied the law was directed against Jews who survived the Holocaust.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki rejected accusations of anti-Semitism from Israel and Lapid’s announcement over the charge d’affaires as “baseless and irresponsible”.

Morawiecki warned Israel’s move would “increase hatred towards Poland and Poles” and said children of Poland’s ambassador to Israel would return.

After the senate passed the bill, Israeli politicians called on Duda to veto the ruling.

“Poland knows what the right thing to do is, repeal the law,” Lapid said in a statement.

Knesset Speaker Micky Levy described the law as an act of “outrageous thievery” and axed efforts to create a Polish-Israeli inter-parliamentary friendship group. Legislation, Levy added, “desecrates the memory of the Holocaust” and harms relations between the two nations.

Blinken called on Duda not to sign the bill until a “comprehensive law” for resolving confiscated property claims was enacted. “The pathway to compensation should not be closed for new claims or those pending decisions in administrative courts,” he noted.

Gideon Taylor, World Jewish Restitution Organisation, slated the decision.

Should Duda sign the bill, he added, the Polish government, would “effectively legally” foreclose the possibility for rightful owners to secure redress.

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski claimed on state television that Warsaw would explain the legislation to Israel Ambassador Tal Ben-Ari Yaalon to “set the record straight”. But Alon Bar, Israel’s Foreign Ministry, told Magierowski the bill would negatively impact 90% of property restitution claims by Holocaust survivors and descendants. Bar added that it was not too late for Poland to halt process.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder said the draft law was a “slap in the face” to what remained of Polish Jewry and survivors of Nazi brutality.

“Perhaps the time has come to treat Poland with the same consideration it accords to Polish Jews and their descendants seeking justice,” Lauder noted.

Lapid hails historic Morocco visit

BY DAVID SAFFER

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid hailed a historic diplomatic trip to Morocco earlier this month.

Lapid inaugurated a liaison office in Rabat where he met officials including Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who hosted the trip.

Lapid and Bourita signed a trio of agreements during an official ceremony.

“Strategically, what we’re creating here is a diplomatic axis featuring Israel, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to present a pragmatic alternative to religious extremism,” Lapid said at the inauguration. “We are creating a cycle of life against the cycle of death of Iran and its proxies.”

Lapid added, “Something is happening in the Middle East. People and leaders look at Libya and Syria and Lebanon and say to themselves, ‘This is not what we want for our children. This is not what we want for ourselves.’ The only war worth devoting our lives to is not against our neighbour, or against anyone who prays differently from us. The only war that has meaning is the war on poverty, the war on ignorance, the war on epidemics and drought.”

Lapid continued, “Hostility and hatred are created by human beings, and human beings can also decide to bring them to an end.”

Lapid and Bourita will develop ties between the nations and open official embassies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Morocco and Israel creating a more “peaceful, secure and prosperous future” for people in the Middle East.

Israel President Isaac Herzog called for an official meeting with the King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI after establishing “full

Yair Lapid

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations”.

Herzog thanked the Moroccan monarchy for protecting Jewish communities “throughout the years.”

After formally opening the Rabat office alongside Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister, Mohcine Jazouli, Lapid visited a synagogue, Temple Beth-El in Casablanca, and mausoleum where King Mohamed V is buried.

Documents signed by Lapid and Bourita established a political consultation between the ministries, cooperation on culture, sport and youth, and direct flights between the two nations.

Agreements will bring Israel and Morocco “innovation and opportunities”, noted Lapid.

Bourita praised future economic benefits and called for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

“Our ties with Israel are unlike any other ties,” he told reporters adding that Morocco’s Jewish heritage was integral to its identity.

Referring to the Palestinians, Bourita urged “trust from all parties” for a political solution.

The landmark visit by an Israeli minister, the first since 2003, took place less than a year after Israel normalised relations.

The historic two-day mission was a continuation of “deep roots and traditions” the Moroccan Jewish community and Israelis with origins in Morocco share, Lapid tweeted ahead of the trip.

Moroccan-born Welfare Minister Eli Cohen, Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Ushpiz, Ram Ben Barak and senior Health Ministry official Inbar Zucker also attended.

Lapid’s visit came as Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry undersecretary visited Israel for official meetings.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa agreed a partnership between Israel’s Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy and the Gulf country’s Derasat think tank.

“We can confidently say that we have a solid foundation to develop these bilateral ties,” he noted.

“We sign this at the time when our shared security interests are taking centre stage again,” added Ron Prosor, the institute’s head.

Proser is a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations and United Kingdom.

National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat bolstered diplomatic ties with Morocco last December. Former senior White House adviser Jared Kushner led the US delegation on the first El Al Israel Airlines direct flight from Tel Aviv to Rabat.

Former US President Donald Trump brokered the accord and recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of the agreement.

Morocco’s 1975 annexation of Western Sahara is not recognised by the United Nations.

A number of political parties in Morocco back the US-brokered agreement but Islamist groups rejected the deal. Hamas and Palestinians branded the accord a “betrayal”.

Around one million Jews originate from Morocco in Israel, 70,000 visited last year to trace roots.

The two nations had low-level diplomatic relations in the 1990s, but Morocco ended diplomatic ties with Israel and closed its mission in Tel Aviv in 2000 though informal ties continued.

The European Muslim Jewish Leadership Council has condemned long-standing antisemitic rhetoric conducted by an Imam in Norway.

MJLC com mended Norwegian police for launching an investigation into comments by Noor Ahmad Noor and are hopeful the justice system will ensure accountability and prevent future inflammatory remarks.

“As a body that was founded by European rabbis and imams in response to a rising tide of intolerance in Europe, including growing islamophobia and antisemitism, the MJLC is appalled by the revelations of an ongoing pattern of hateful statements against followers of the Jewish faith in Norway,” noted a statement.

“We are additionally dismayed that the comments that have been uncovered, some purportedly including incitements to violence against Jews, were issued by someone who claims to represent the movement for enhancing inter-religious understanding and promoting the rights of people of different faiths to live without fear of harassment or violence. These expressions are wholly contradictory to the values that define us as Europeans and as people of faith.”

Noting Jewish communities are aware of a dangerous link between hate speech and real-world violence, MJLC said Europe’s Jewish and Muslim communities were united in rejecting antisemitism.

Conference of European Rabbis president, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, is an MJLC board member. BY SIMCHA ABIR Police are investigating a number of antisemitic attacks against orthodox Jews in North London. It has been reported one suspect is responsible for two recent attacks in Stamford Hill.

One incident took place on Holmdale Terrace where the suspect slapped the back of the head of a child last week (CAD6568 20/08/2021). Another incident at the junction with Colberg Road saw a 64-year-old victim going to a synagogue before being struck and left unconscious. He suffered facial injuries and a broken foot (CAD4492 20/08/2021).

Stamford Hill Shomrim reported both incidents where the suspect is dressed in religious Muslim clothing.

The Mayor of London, Saqid Khan, condemned the attacks. “Let me be clear, racist abuse and hate crime, including antisemitism, have absolutely no place in our city,” he said. Khan called on witnesses to contact the Metropolitan Police.

MJLC condemn Imam rhetoric Police investigating antisemitic attacks A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said, “These attacks are not ‘random’ in the usual sense. These victims were chosen because they are Jews. Violent antisemitic crimes have surged in recent months, but they have already been prevalent against religious Jews for some time, particularly in Stamford Hill.” CAA applauded Shomrim for reporting the incidents and urged police to act swiftly to Noor Ahmad Noor PHOTO: FACEBOOK “apprehend the assailant and deliver justice” victims. Anyone with information should telephone the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 999 0123 quoting a relevant reference number. In other incidents, Jewish graves have been desecrated in Layton, Blackpool. Photographs on Twitter show graves toppled over and smashed. Vandalism is believed to have occurred in the Jewish section of Layton cemetery. A Twitter user noted a destroyed grave “filled with litter”.

Arrests made after Denver yeshiva student murder

Shmuli Silverberg z”l

PHOTO: YWN

BY DAVID SAFFER

Denver Police have arrested four suspects following the ‘random’ killing of yeshiva student Shmuel (Shmuli) Silverberg z”l last week.

Seth James Larhode, 21, Isaiah James Freeman, 18, Aden Sides, 18 and Noah LoeppHall, 19 face multiple charges including murder, burglary, aggravated robbery, aggravated motor vehicle theft, menacing and assault.

Samuel Fussell remains at large. A Crime Stoppers appeal includes a $27,000 reward for information leading to his arrest following the shocking killing that has devasted the Jewish community.

Suspects’ previous offenses have now been reported.

Yeshiva Toras Chaim yeshiva has written an open letter to students, families and the Jewish community expressing deep pain at Silverberg’s death.

Whilst still in a state of shock, the yeshiva noted its thanks for the “tireless work” of local, state and federal law enforcement authorities over the four suspects in the case.

“We are particularly indebted to Chief Paul Pazen for his leadership and commitment to making the security, community well-being and the safety of Toras Chaim a top priority,” Rabbi Aaron Boruch Kagan, Rabbi Naftali Seidenfeld and Rabbi Ahron Yisroel Wasserman wrote.

They also offered “deep gratitude” to the Jewish Federation, Secure Community Network, Chai Lifeline, Anti-Defamation League and Rose Community Foundation for support.

Regarding the case, the rabbis added that Shmuli was caught in a “random string of horrific violence”.

“Though vicious and tragic, it is our belief at this current time that this was not a targeted hate crime motivated by anti-Semitism,” Rabbi Kagan, Rabbi Seidenfeld and Rabbi Wasserman noted.

They added, “There are many conflicting stories and rumours as to what unfolded at the Yeshiva that night. Untruths are being amplified on social media and are causing unnecessary and additional pain for all those involved which adds to our pain.”

The yeshiva’s priority is to protect the Silverberg family from more pain and to get Bochurim and staff professional counselling if required. The yeshiva is bolstering security protocols.

Rabbi Kagan, Rabbi Seidenfeld and Rabbi Wasserman concluded, “During these days of Elul, may the A-lmighty comfort our yeshiva and our community as we move forward with resolve.”

Pazen confirmed at a press conference that Silverberg was shot outside the school and ran back inside the building, with the suspects following him before racing from the scene of the crime. But there are eyewitness reports that tell a different account.

“At this time in the investigation, it appears that the victims were targeted at random,” a Police statement said. “Therefore, the homicide near the Yeshiva Toras Chaim does not appear to be bias-motivated. However, if evidence is discovered that it was, the Denver Police Department will work with the Denver District Attorney’s Office on adding appropriate charges.”

“We continue to send our condolences to those who were impacted by these terrible crimes,” added Pazen.

The suspects were taken into custody after work from Denver Police investigators, the Crime Lab, District Attorney’s Office alongside local and federal partners.

“Violence will not be tolerated in Denver,” noted Pazen.

Shmuli’s funeral began in Denver prior to burial in Lakewood, New Jersey last week.

The suspects reportedly burgled a business in Lakewood, Colorado and stole a Toyota RAV4.

Yeshiva Toras Chaim released a statement following the incident.

“Our community is grief stricken at the killing of one of our students overnight,” it noted. “We are caring for our faculty, staff, students and their families in the face of this tragic and incomprehensible act of violence. We are grateful for the support we are receiving from our Denver community and from around the country, and for the work of local law enforcement authorities who have made this their top priority. Our community is seeking solace and privacy at this time.”

Crown chat for US in The City

Cliff Crown offered insights into running a Premier League football club this week.

The Brentford FC chairman, a Radlett United member, was taking part in a video interview with Rabbi Jonathan Hughes of the US in The City and spoke of his excitement at Brentford reaching the top-flight.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. The full-house atmosphere at the first home game against Arsenal was “amazing” and helped lift the team to victory.

Brentford as a club, Crown noted, was a “team effort” with every member of staff and the players pulling together. Crown felt that the team had more than enough to stay in the Premier League.

Crown was totally energised, enjoying every minute of his chairmanship and was part of the club’s PR machine in replying to letters received from fans.

Two of his biggest life lessons, he said, were “never plan to fail, but you must never fail to plan” along with the ability to spot the mistakes of others.

As chairman, he was the last port of call and in the best position to rectify mistakes.

Crown recalled his transition from being an accountant to helping run a business where he had to make the decisions as opposed to advising others to do so.

Answering a question from Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination chairman, he said that Brentford took a tough stance against racism and would “root out” any offenders.

Rabbi Hughes said, “Cliff was a delightful guest who shared with us the highs and lows of his exciting life as a Premier League football club chairman. US in the City continues to go from strength to strength providing exciting and engaging programming for the Jewish public.”

The online interview, which took place on UStv and Facebook, forms part of an outreach programme run by Rabbi Hughes of Radlett Synagogue and promoter of the US in The City initiative.