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FROM RUIN TO RENEWAL
Strengthening Communities piece
by piece
On October 7th thousands of people living in the Gaza envelope communities had no choice but to leave behind the kibbutzim they cherished. These kibbutzim were far more than just a home, but a way of life. Now, that sense of belonging has been shattered. Many families remain in temporary accommodation, trying to create a sense of normality while others have returned to find their homes unrecognisable, and their once-familiar surroundings marked by loss and trauma.
This Green Sunday, JNF UK is standing strong with these communities just as we always have in Israel’s times of need. JNF UK is working closely with the residents of Nir Oz, Kfar Aza, Holit, Sufa, and Nir Am, listening to their wishes and providing support through a number of projects aimed at helping them take the first steps to rebuild their lives and restore the vital sense of community cohesion that was deeply fractured on October 7th.
SHIR’S STORY
Among the residents JNF UK is supporting is Shir, a 22-year-old orphan originally from Kibbutz Holit. After the tragedy of October 7th, when both her parents were murdered by terrorists, she moved between Ein Gedi, Be’er Sheva, and her grandparents’ home, before finally arriving at Kibbutz Revivim located about 50km southeast of Holit. Despite settling physically, Shir admits, “I don’t feel at home yet. My heart is still in Holit, but my body is here.”
The unfinished infrastructure in Revivim and the lack of community spaces further exacerbate her sense of displacement.
A critical concern for Shir is the lack of physical and emotional security in Revivim. The absence of a robust fence around the kibbutz leaves her feeling exposed and vulnerable, a fear rooted in her traumatic experience.
Shir also longs for spaces that foster togetherness. In Holit, a community garden and outdoor kitchen served as hubs of connection.
“Everyone would meet there, bring dishes, cook, and eat together. It wasn’t just about food; it was about community.”
In Revivim, such spaces are sorely lacking, and the community feels fragmented.
“Togetherness is our most important need,” Shir emphasises. For the community, having a secure fence and community spaces would restore safety and a sense of purpose and routine.
To support the residents from Holit, JNF UK is planning to build a fence ensuring their safety and peace of mind, as well as constructing outdoor spaces that can be used by the whole kibbutz to foster unity and help rebuild what they had before.
Read Varda’s story inside
Shir pictured with her family before October 7th
About Kibbutz Holit
Before October 7th, Kibbutz Holit was home to 175 residents. On that tragic day, the community, located near the Gaza border, came under attack.
Twelve residents lost their lives, and seven were taken hostage. Since then, five have been released alive, while the remaining two were tragically murdered in Gaza. The kibbutz is not expected to be resettled until at least July 2026.
US-owned Gaza Strip would be ‘Riviera of Middle East’
BY DAVID SAFFER
President Donald
Trump drew strong reactions around the world on Tuesday night during a press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House with a radical announcement that the United States should take ownership of the Gaza Strip and turn it into ‘Riviera of the Middle East.
Trump, who welcomed Netanyahu as the first foreign leader in his second term to the White House, said 1.8 million Palestinians could resettle in a number of Arab nations while the US dismantles Hamas’ bombs and weapons before undertaking redevelopment of the Strip.
and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area. If you go back, it’s going to be the same way it has for 100 years.”
The revolutionary ideas are a seismic shift in US policy that would change the shape of the region. Trump is set to announce his views on the future for Judea and Samaria in the coming weeks.
He added: “I see it bringing great stability
private meeting, about the future of Gaza and plight of 79 hostages held by Hamas.
Trump was confident of his plans, stating: “If you look over the decades, it’s all death in Gaza. If we can get a beautiful area to resettle people permanently in nice homes where they can be happy, not be shot, not be killed, not be knifed to death like what’s happening in Gaza, I believe we can resettle, I believe we can do it in areas where the leaders currently say no.”
Trump added: “I think the entire world, representatives from all over the world, will be there, Palestinians also will live there, many people will live there... You have to learn from history, you just can’t let it keep repeating itself. We have an opportunity to do something phenomenal. I don’t want to be cute, I don’t want to be a wise guy, but the Riviera of the Middle East, this could be something so magnificent. We’ll make sure
President Trump embracing Prime Minister Netanyahu
Continued from page 1
Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s proposal, noting: “It’s something that could change history. It’s worthwhile really pursuing this avenue. He has a different idea, I think it’s worth paying attention to this.”
Asked whether Biden or Trump should take credit for the hostage-ceasefire deal, Netanyahu said: “I think President Trump added great force and leadership to the effort, we appreciate it. He sent a very good emissary. I’m happy they are here (the White House).”
Regarding the hostages, Netanyahu, said: “We are not going to give up on them. Hamas is not going to be in Gaza and we are going to get everyone out.”
Pressed on the hostage situation, Netanyahu stayed firm: “I support getting all our hostages out and meeting all our war goals. That includes destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and making sure Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again.”
Trump added: “October 7 was a horrible period of time. We will never forget it. There is a big group of people who want to pretend it didn’t happen. It happened. There are people who think the Holocaust didn’t happen. It’s the same mindset. We’re going to get this thing wrapped up and get it done.”
Asked whether his proposed peace plan in 2020 was on the table, Trump responded: “Plans change with time, we are faced
with a complex situation but we will solve the problem.”
Questioned whether Palestinians had a right to return, Trump responded: “Why would they want to return? That place has been hell.
It’s one of the meanest, toughest places on earth. I hope they don’t want to go back, they have experienced nothing but death and destruction.”
Netanyahu said he was optimistic of a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia and reaching phase 2 of the ceasefire deal, particularly working with Trump.
In a later statement, Netanyahu thanked Trump: “You are the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House. Its policy is bringing our hostages home, including American citizens.
You have resumed the transfer of weapons that were withheld from Israel during a seven-front war against our existence.”
Netanyahu said they saw “eye to eye” on the Iranian issue.
He concluded: “Israel will end the war by winning the war. Israel’s victory will be the victory of the US. We will work together and win in peace as well. With your leadership, we will create a great future for the region and bring our alliance to greater heights than ever.”
Netanyahu will remain in Washington in the coming days for meetings with senior officials including Vice President Vance and Secretary of Defence Hegseth.
Bibas family demand answers from government
BY DAVID SAFFER
Global publicity has centred on the fate of Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir held in captivity by Hamas for
here and we’ve rediscovered what we already knew, how strong and amazing he is. We’ve learned how he survived hell with his sensitivity and humour, which are so characteristic of him. We look at him, hug him, and still can’t
the state’s duty to us after everything we’ve been through.”
She added: “It is the responsibility of the government and the state toward Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir, toward Yarden, toward me, toward our entire family, and toward every citizen who looks and asks whether the State of Israel knows how to protect its citizens.
489 days in Gaza.
The IDF have warned of “grave concerns” about their lives.
Seventy-nine hostages are still being held. Twenty of 33 Israeli hostages detailed in the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire-hostages deal have yet to be freed.
Yarden Bibas was finally released after 484 days captivity last Saturday with no knowledge of the fate of his family. Earlier this week the Bibas extended family released an update on his condition in a statement and appeal to the government from Sheba Medical Center.
Ofri Bibas Levy, Bibas’ sister, reportedly said: “Yarden’s journey to recovery has only just begun, and it’s clear it won’t be complete until his family, Shiri, Ariel and Kfir, are home. Yarden asks about them, and I have no answers for him. I demand that the Prime Minister and the negotiation team provide us and him with answers. Our journey will not be complete until we have certainty about Shiri and the children’s fate and until all 79 captives are home.”
Appealing to the government for action on the day negotiations for the second phase were due to begin, Bibas Levy noted: “The price is heavy, but there is no price for life, freedom, and security. The challenges are great, but the commitment is clear, to bring everyone back, the living for recovery and the fallen for burial.”
Regarding her brother’s well-being, Bibas Levy commented: “Yarden is
believe he’s here. He’s adjusting and learning about everything that happened. There’s a lot of information to process, some of it difficult to handle.”
Dana Silverman Seaton, Shiri’s sister, gave a rare statement, demanding answers from the government.
“Two days ago, I finally managed to breathe a little after 15 months of hell in which I lost my parents, my friends, and my younger and only sister, Shiri, who was kidnapped along with my nephews Ariel and Kfir and her husband Yarden to Gaza,” she reportedly said.
“I am so happy I got to hug Yarden, hear his voice, and look into his eyes again. Yarden has only one question, where are Shiri and the children?
Three-quarters of our hearts are still held in captivity and until they return, we will remain incomplete. We will no longer accept uncertainty, we demand answers. We demand them back. It is
“I appeal to the Prime Minister and the members of the government, complete the deal in all its stages until the last captive is home. Do not let extreme voices derail the agreement. This is what distinguishes us from our enemies. Bring everyone back, the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for proper burial.”
Seven hostages, over 50 years of age, due for release are Ohad Ben Ami, Eliyahu Sharabi, Itzik Elgart, Shlomo Mansour, Ohad Yahalomi, Oded Lifshitz and Tzachi Idan.
Ten hostages, ill or wounded, are listed as Sagui Dekel Chen, Yair Horn, Omer Wenkert, Alexander Troufanov, Eliya Cohen, Or Levy, Tal Shoham and Omer Shem Tov, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed (held in Gaza for nearly a decade).
President Isaac Herzog, speaking this week, said the State of Israel was experiencing a turbulent time of pain and concern but there was a glimmer of relief and hope.
“The hostages who have returned and begun their recovery have brought us tremendous relief, emotion and faith,” he said. “They have reinforced our deep understanding of the immense importance of redeeming captives and the vast potential these efforts hold for our healing and renewal. These are critical moments in which I repeat my call to complete all stages of the deal and swiftly bring back all our abducted brothers and sisters, every last one of them.”
Ariel and Kfir Bibas being held by their mother Shiri
Yarden Bibas before being released back to Israel
Bayern honour Holocaust victims
BY DAVID SAFFER
Bayern Munich fans have been praised for paying tribute to Holocaust victims before their match against Holstein Kiel at the Allianz Arena.
The gesture honoured International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Fans waved images of past club figures persecuted by the Nazis. Signs read ‘In memory of the persecuted Bayern members. Never again!’
Both teams held a minute of silence before kick off in memory of Nazi victims. Bayern, led by former Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane, won the game 4-3 to stay top of the Bundesliga.
Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination chairman, is a long time campaigner against antisemitism in football.
“The club, its directors, officers, players, and in particular their fans are to be applauded for their commemoration of the Holocaust,” he said. “What a shame this show of support was not replicated at football grounds across this country and in particular by supporters and fans of clubs such as Arsenal, Brighton, Chelsea, Tottenham, and West Ham who all have a large core of Jewish supporters, owners and directors with ties to the Jewish community as Bayern, in particular before World War II.
“This would have been a welcome
gesture in light of the failure of the Football Association, the Premier League and many clubs to recognise the October 7 terror attack on Israel. This was an opportunity lost to show tangible support in the fight against antisemitism in British football. Football authorities and bodies as well as leading clubs should have acted as a catalyst in this regard. Kol hacovod to Bayern and its fans.”
Gary Mond, NJA Chairman, said:
“Bayern has set a powerful example of moral clarity and integrity by remembering its persecuted members. This is in stark contrast to the disgraceful behaviour of certain British football clubs that have chosen to fly the Palestinian flag, openly aligning with a cause that glorifies terrorism. Politics and sport should be separate, but if clubs insist on making political statements, they should at least stand on the right side of history, as Bayern has done.”
The teams before the game issued a joint statement as part of HMD observances, stating:
‘Never again’.
Bayern’s official statement read: ‘We remember the crimes of Nazism. We want to stop all forms of discrimination and exclusion.’
Bayern also held an event in memory of the team’s president Kurt Landauer, persecuted by the Nazis. Landauer escaped and after World War II returned to his position as club president. His brothers were murdered in Nazi death camps.
Family members of Holocaust survivors and fans joined current club president Herbert Hainer for the commemoration.
“Kurt Landauer is a unique figure
in our history, he is an inspiration for future generations, and today he is more relevant than ever,” Hainer reportedly said. “In an era when partisan forces like the AfD party are trying to endanger our democracy, we stand against them. We will not let them raise their heads here.”
“Just remembering the Holocaust is not enough,” added Hainer. “We must actively act against the rise of anti-democratic forces in our country and in Europe.”
2025 “year of combat” says Zamir
BY DAVID SAFFER
Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir is set to be the 24th Chief of Staff of Israel Defence Forces.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz selected Zamir, currently Ministry of Defense director general, to succeed Herzi Halevi. The appointment must be ratified by the Grunis Committee, the advisory committee for IDF senior appointments, and government for approval.
Zamir, 59, will be the oldest IDF Chief of Staff. He is expected to take up the post on March 6.
Zamir is the first tank officer to take the post since Dado Elazar in the 1970s.
In his first address at the MoD’s work plan conference on Sunday, Zamir spoke about the IDF current conflicts and warned the coming year would be challenging across numerous fronts.
Zamir reportedly said: “We were all raised on the principle that ‘The State of Israel will defend itself by itself.’ Israel will produce its own weapons independently, in the face of any threat or scenario. During the war, we restarted production lines that had been shut down, expanded existing production lines, and established new manufacturing capabilities. Reducing our dependence on the world benefits security, the economy and industry. This will also prove itself in defense exports.”
He reportedly added: “We are in a global arms race, a technological race. In our region, there is no room for mercy. Our neighbours, from Iran to Gaza, from Yemen to Beirut and Damascus, misjudge us. The people of Israel and the IDF are strong. During moments of crisis, a fighting spirit emerges in our people. We must salute the IDF, its soldiers, and its commanders. They saved the State of Israel. The MoD provided the IDF with the tools, support and safety net needed to complete its mission.”
The MoD must continue to build strength and support IDF needs and national security missions.”
“In the coming days, I will conclude my role as director general,” he added.
“I feel that I am leaving behind a strong, leading and powerful ministry that is focused on its primary mission, which I defined during the second day of the war, providing the military and the defense establishment with the breathing room they need.”
Command, Ground Forces Command Chief of Staff and deputy Chief of Staff.
In the past year, Zamir has overseen US arms acquisitions, including deals for fighter jets and munitions, and increasing production in Israeli defense industries. He managed military support for civilians during the COVID-19 pandemic and Operation Guardian of the Walls in 2021.
Katz congratulated Zamir, reportedly noting: “I have known Eyal for many years, I am confident that he will lead
not enough to prevent this great disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour and will remain with me for the rest of my life.”
Whilst leaving at a time of “significant” IDF achievements”, Halevi recognised “not all” Israel’s war goals had been achieved.
Thanking Netanyahu and Katz for the opportunity, he said. “We will show our enemies that they face a determined, powerful, and victorious force. As it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘I will pursue my enemies and overtake them, and I will not turn back until they are destroyed.’”
Speaking about IDF operations including against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, Zamir observed: “The IDF rose from the depths. Enemies on all fronts were defeated, and their leaders are now buried beneath the rubble. But the campaign is not over, and challenges remain ahead. We must remember the heavy price we paid in lives lost and wounded. The year 2025 will continue to be a year of combat.
Zamir has to appoint a Deputy Chief of Staff and Southern Command commander to replace Major General Yaron Finkelman. Zamir must integrate ultra-Orthodox Jews into the IDF, ensure Hamas does not politically lead Gaza and overcome Iran with its proxies.
Zamir has served the IDF for 38 years in combat and senior command roles including Prime Minister’s Military Secretary, Commander of the Southern
the IDF forward in light of the expected challenges. In the coming weeks, we will complete a professional and high-quality transfer of command of the IDF.”
Netanyahu planned to announce the appointment before his departure to the US.
Halevi submitted his resignation to Katz earlier this month.
In a statement, Halevi reportedly said: “On the morning of October 7, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens. The state of Israel paid a heavy and painful price, in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally. The courageous acts of many, security forces personnel, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave civilians, were
“The military will continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas and its governing capabilities, ensure the return of the hostages and enable Israelis displaced by attacks by armed groups to return home,” he noted.
Netanyahu thanked Halevi for his service that had “led to great achievements” for Israel.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid welcomed Halevi’s decision and called on Netanyahu to resign.
“Now, it is time for them to take responsibility and resign, the prime minister and his entire catastrophic government,” he said.
Finkelman announced he was stepping down, as he had failed to protect the Western Negev.
Major General Eyal Zamir
PHOTO: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT
Parliament ban Holocaust exhibition
BY ADAM MOSES
Jewish organisations have condemned a ruling banning a Holocaust Memorial Exhibition being displayed at Westminster Hall for being “too political” during HMD commemorations last week.
‘Vicious Circle’ covers five pogroms from Berlin 1938 to Baghdad 1941, Kielce, Poland 1946, Aden in Yemen 1947 and Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7 2023.
The ruling by a parliamentary official follows the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Trades Unions Congress holding events last year.
A House of Commons spokesperson said the decision was made on a ‘case-bycase’ basis.
However, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle nor the Lord Speaker, Lord Great Chamberlain, were aware of the request. Hoyle is to meet exhibition
organiser, Marc Cave, and has called for an investigation.
Cave reportedly said the decision was a dangerous precedent. The exhibition is due to be displayed at the European Parliament in Brussels and Bundestag in Berlin.
A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesman was staggered that a Holocaust exhibition was “too political” to be exhibited in Parliament especially when a PSC stall, one of the organisers behind London’s anti-Israel marches, could appear at the venue.
CAA have welcomed Hoyle opening of an investigation into how permission was refused for the Holocaust exhibition.
“Only one-third of British Jews believe they have a long-term future in the UK, according to our polling,” CAA noted. “When our own Parliament hesitates to authorise a Holocaust exhibition while happily hosting controversial displays, it is clear why.”
Gary Mond, National Jewish Assembly, condemned “sickening” double standards.
“This is not about neutrality, it is about selective erasure,” he said. “The same Parliament that has welcomed the PSC in the past, an organisation riddled with supporters of Hamas and rife with antisemitic conspiracy theories, has decided that an exhibition documenting the persecution of Jews across history is too ‘political.’
“Let us be clear, Holocaust remembrance is not a political issue. It is a moral imperative. That Parliament can make space for groups that vilify Jews but refuses to host an exhibition that tells the unvarnished truth about antisemitism through the ages is proof of a sickening double standard.”
Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination blasted “overt bias, prejudice and hypocrisy”.
“This sadly reflects pro-Palestinian bias we have been seeing since 10/7 with pro-Palestinian marches and Labour Party policies on the State of Israel,” he said.
Lord Pickles, the government’s post-Holocaust special envoy, said Winston Churchill, who had the honour of lying in State in Westminster Hall, would have been “appalled” by the ruling.
Speaker of The House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle
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Emily returns to Kfar Aza
BY ADAM MOSES
British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari has returned to Kfar Aza for the first time since being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 2023.
Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher were freed after 471 days last month.
Sitting on a sofa with Gonen, she posted: “I’m Back.”
Damari continued: “Today I returned to my home, to my apartment, to the oxygen I had that was nearly gone. I returned to the place where all my nightmares began, 485 days ago, and I have closed only part of the circle that I so longed to close.”
She added: “Like me, there are 79 other hostages who need to complete the circle and are waiting to fill the missing pieces. We must not stop here, we must bring everyone back home, life for the survivors and honour for the fallen. I will feel my true victory only when they all return.”
Gonen posted: “My sister from captivity”. Liri Albag, released after them, responded: “We will fight for everyone through fire and water.”
Emily’s brother, Tom posted a photograph of his sister with Gonen, and a picture of Aviv Baram, a friend of Emily’s killed on October 7, in the background in Kfar Aza.
He wrote: “Emily came today to close a circle, to conquer her personal victory and return to the place where she was kidnapped by the monsters of Hamas.”
Tom added that Romi and Emily became one in captivity. He wrote: “Their unspoken understanding, eye to eye, sometimes without uttering a word… It is a great joy to see our captives returning, and a sick feeling in my stomach to see buses of lowly murderers being released.”
Emily and her mother Mandy have thanked Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UK campaigners for pressing for her freedom. Starmer, who has spoken of his joy at seeing images of Emily reuniting with Mandy, has invited Emily to visit 10 Downing Street when she is fit to travel.
Starmer was told in the phone call that Emily was held in United Nations facilities belonging to UNRWA, and denied appropriate medical treatment.
Emily was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists who killed her dog and shot her in the hand and leg.
Mandy, survived when a bullet jammed the door in the room she was locked in.
The sole British citizen held in Gaza, there was no indication if Damari was alive throughout her captivity. She lost two fingers and was given an out-of-date bottle of iodine to treat her wounds.
The Damris have asked Starmer to pressure Hamas and UNRWA to allow Red Cross officials to have access to the remaining 79 hostages.
FROM RUIN TO RENEWAL
This Green Sunday, JNF UK is dedicated to supporting the communities of Nir Oz, Kfar Aza, Holit, Sufa, and Nir Am. Many are still living in temporary accommodation, longing for stability and the community life they once had.
With your support, we aim to upgrade vital facilities and create spaces that foster connection, helping to restore the sense of community shattered on October 7th.
JNF UK has stood by Israel through these dark times, offering steadfast support, and now, we need your help to take the next step: rebuilding community life and giving the residents a place to call home once again.
With your support, we can ensure that these communities heal and thrive again. No donation is too small
Strengthen the Gaza envelope communities as they start to rebuild their lives piece by piece
NIR OZ • KFAR AZA • HOLIT • SUFA • NIR AM
Herzog blasts ‘silent’ UN nations
BY HARRY SIMONS
President Isaac Herzog has condemned United Nations members that have remained ‘silent’ over the fate of hostages held in Gaza.
Herzog gave a scathing rebuke whilst updating a special session of the UN General Assembly in New York on the plight of hostages held in Gaza after International Holocaust Memorial Day.
Addressing UN representatives who consider themselves “part of a civilised world”, Herzog called for them to ensure the release of all hostages.
He then criticised ‘silent’ UN nations, noting: “How is it possible that international institutions, which began as an anti-Nazi alliance, are allowing antisemitic genocidal doctrines to flourish uninterrupted in the wake of the largest massacre of Jews since World War II? How is it possible that the moral compass of so many in the family of nations has become so disoriented they no longer recognise the clear truth that just as terrorists use civilians as human shields they also weaponise the international institutions, undermining the most basic, fundamental reason for their establishment? How is it possible that the same institutions established in the wake of the greatest genocide in history, the Holocaust, are manipulating the definition of genocide for the sole purpose of attacking Israel and the Jewish people?”
Herzog raged: “Time and again this assembly have exhibited moral
bankruptcy. International forums and institutions such as the International Criminal Court opt for outrageous hypocrisy and protection of the perpetrators of the atrocities. They blur the distinction between good and evil, creating a distorted symmetry between the victim and the murderous monster.”
Herzog said terrorists behind the 10/7 terror attack were inspired by Nazism and
Hitler and new forms of antisemitism was surging.
“This is an urgent wake-up call for all of humanity,” he noted. “Antisemitism, savagery, cruelty and racism are still thriving on our planet.”
Regarding Iran, Herzog said the regime was a danger to the world.
“This is a moment of truth for us all, we either bow our heads, or unite and take
action to halt the danger,” he said. Herzog said challenging Israel’s right to exist was “plain antisemitism” whilst “expansion of the circle of peace” in the Middle East would benefit the world. Herzog and First Lady Michal whilst in New York visited the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to pray for the hostages, IDF soldiers, security forces, those wounded, the fallen and those murdered.
WJC-EU antisemitism forum
BY ADAM MOSES
World Jewish Congress, supported by the European Union, highlighted new technologies to combat hate and Holocaust distortion at its Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism forum in Krakow.
The 12th International SECCA meeting, chaired by Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission’s coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, followed the official commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Delegates, which included government officials, Jewish community representatives and global experts outlined regional priorities to combat antisemitism. Cross-border cooperation was agreed to address online and societal challenges. A key part of the forum was interaction with Meta, TikTok and X representatives. Tech leaders participated in discussions on fighting automated hate speech, evolution of harmful content post-October 7 and leveraging generative AI to mitigate online hate. Topics covered
accountability, transparency and adapting content-moderation practices.
“As the world continues to grapple with antisemitism we are grateful for our partnership with the WJC and the work we have done together to combat Holocaust denial and antisemitism,” said Nell McCarthy, Vice President, Trust & Safety, Meta. “This includes our partnership redirecting anyone who searches about the Holocaust or Holocaust denial to the WJC/UNESCO website. We recognise the role that we can play in fulfilling the promise of ‘Never Again’ and appreciate the invitation to participate to hear voices of Jewish communities around the world in this critical time.”
Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust & Safety, TikTok, noted: “We share WJC’s commitment to remembrance and education, which are critical to preventing hate and fostering common ground, and have connected more than three million people on our platform to facts about the Holocaust from WJC.”
Wifredo Fernandez, Head of US & Canada Government Affairs, X, said X was
honoured to help combat antisemitism and collaborate on a critical challenge.
WJC’s Technology and Human Rights Institute presented findings from its study Human vs. AI: Comparison of Online Antisemitism Experiences.
Research examined two Jewish people targeted by online hate, comparing antisemitic content with AI systems, ChatGPT and Claude. The study highlighted AI limitations and a potential to detect antisemitism.
“When technology companies engage directly with Jewish communities it enables them to fully understand the real-world impact of online hate and misinformation,” said Yfat Barak-Cheney, TecHRI Executive Director. “Collaboration is essential to developing tech-based solutions that can effectively mitigate risks and prevent harm. This can be done through the responsible use of AI and enforcement of already existing policies. Having representatives from Meta, X and TikTok in one room underscores the commitment of these platforms to listen, learn and take actionable steps to address the challenges we face together.”
The forum featured TecHRI advisory council members Prof. Yuval Shany and Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Dr. Rob Williams, USC Shoah Foundation, and Hannah Rose of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.
They offered viewpoints on regulating online hate speech and protecting vulnerable communities, policymaking, best practices and partnerships between civil society, governments and private sector.
Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, introduced the UN Action Plan to combat antisemitism, Deputy Justice Minister Dariusz Mazur outlined Poland’s EU presidency strategy.
Alice Nderitu, former UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide, addressed the group.
SECCA was established by the WJC to promote international collaboration in combating antisemitism.
SECCA includes government officials, Jewish community representatives and organisations including the European Commission, IHRA and UNESCO.
President Herzog praying at the kever of The Lubavitcher Rebbe
More Support Needed for Children of Parents with Cancer
To mark this Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (3-9 February 2025) and World Cancer Day (4 February 2025), Chai Cancer Care is calling for greater recognition of the rising need to support children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer.
With one in three Chai clients diagnosed with cancer being under the age of 50, the UK Jewish community’s leading cancer support service has identified a rising demand for specialised services that help parents navigate explaining a diagnosis to children.
To meet this need, Chai is expanding its Parent Support Group, an initiative that equips parents with the tools, guidance and language to help their children cope with the impact of cancer on family life.
The call for enhanced support comes as The Princess of Wales publicly shared her own experience of explaining her cancer diagnosis to her children, highlighting the challenges faced by parents in similar situations. At the time, Her Royal Highness said: “It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them.”
Reflecting on the importance of these conversations, Chai’s Parent Support Group facilitator, Sara Rey, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, said: “From my experience, I’ve seen the anxiety and fears of children – as well as their parents. Parents would go to the kitchen to have
conversations that they thought their children couldn’t hear – whilst children had questions that they would ask me because they didn’t want to upset their parents. The parents were trying to protect the children, and the children were doing the same - but it meant that they weren’t communicating with one another.”
Sara explained: “The children would would want to know if cancer was contagious, if they would be looked after if something happened to their mum or dad, and what will happen at school pick-up if mum is at hospital having treatment. It was noticing this, as well as the questions that children asked in sessions that made Chai want to create a therapeutic space where parents with a cancer diagnosis could regularly meet to support one another.”
She added: “I have always wanted to work closely with parents when it comes to talking to their children; that’s why we launched the Parent Support Group. It’s a group that provides support to families when one parent has been diagnosed with cancer. It helps when it comes to language, and how it is framed, sharing book recommendations or talking about the more upsetting issues, like a fear of not watching their children grow up.”
Alongside the Parent Support Group - which currently has 10 participantsChai provides a range of services designed to support children affected by a
family cancer diagnosis. These include the Chai in Schools initiative, which equips teachers with the resources to support children in a school setting, as well as dedicated therapy services at Chai centres, including music, art, play therapy and counselling.
Victoria Portnoi, CEO of Chai, said: “The Princess of Wales’ experience in explaining her diagnosis has put a much-needed spotlight on the challenges faced by families. Chai is seeing more people under 50 diagnosed with cancer
than ever before, which means there are an increasing number of children affected by a parent’s illness. Children know more than they are given credit for, and having the right language to communicate appropriately is essential.”
She added: “Chai takes a holistic approach to cancer support – looking beyond the medical aspects to consider the emotional and psychological impact on the entire family. Our services exist to ensure that no child or parent has to navigate this journey alone.”
Seed Israel Women’s Trip with R’ Joanne Dove Jan 2025- A Personal Story by Hayley Scott
It was all Hashem, and I felt Him at every turn. After years of waiting, I finally joined one of Rebbetzen Joanne Dove’s Seed Israel trips for women. With just a day’s notice, I booked a last-minute return ticket and joined a small group of incredible ladies for a four-day, jampacked tour and shiur programme.
Our flight meant we missed the first night with Rebbetzen Altusky and her inspiring stories. Day one was a guided tour of the Old City, where our tour guide brought our history alive. We volunteered with GIFT and participated in a scavenger hunt in Machane Yehuda, preparing sandwiches and fruit cups for soldiers and the homeless. We were rewarded with a banquet at the home of cookbook writer Sally-Ann Thwaites.
Our hotel was also home to displaced Israeli families, a heart-wrenching sight. Day two brought the pain and trauma of the Israeli people to the forefront. We visited the ashes of Nova and the brave heroes of the Sderot community, witnessed a Sefer Torah being written, and visited a recuperation centre for women in Sderot. We met an incredible couple who had experienced the horrors of Hamas terrorists firsthand. The day ended with an uplifting shiur from Rebbezen Gottleib.
Day three began with a “challah make” on an army base in Ramla, where we met special needs and handicapped soldiers. The hafrashas challah was moving, and we enjoyed a BBQ with them. Rabbi Silver spoke to us about hashgacha and emunah. We visited Kever Rochel and heard from Rivka Ravitz, Chief of Staff to ex-President Rivlin, about juggling her life as a Haredi litvak mother of 12 with a high-profile political role.
I had to leave on the last day due to family commitments. Breakfast was hosted by the Morris family, where they heard from Rabbi Doron and Shelley Peretz about their son Daniel Peretz’s bravery and ultimate sacrifice. The final stop was Rebbetzin Sara Yocheved Riggler, a perfect end to a day of thought, inspiration, and resilience.
These few days felt like weeks in the best possible way. It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this group of inspiring women. Each one brought something
and I felt a deep sense of gratitude to Hashem for being part of this experience, feeling part of something
special,
much bigger than myself, and with deep pride to be a Bas Yisroel.
Change on the ground?
OPINION PIECE
BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN
Since just after 7 October 2023 there have been pro-Palestinian marches through central London. To call the marches pro anything is something of a misnomer since so many of those taking part are in fact anti. Anti-democratic, anti-Israel and anti-Semitic.
These hate marches up until December last year were pretty much the same, in that there were significant numbers of people screaming for the destruction of Israel as well as openly supporting terrorist groups. What was also the same was the inaction from the Metropolitan Police. It was impossible to ignore the reality that despite the various hate crimes being committed, the Met were unwilling to take any action. To make matters worse, various communal
leaders seemed to be content with this situation and recently made it clear that they didn’t want the marches banned. That is a mystery to me. Hate marches running through the capital city and the Jewish leaders don’t want them stopped, just that they should be peaceful. In other words, it was okay to call for the destruction of the only Jewish state provided you didn’t raise your voice. I could go on, but that is not the thrust of this week’s article. What is significant is that in the middle of last month the Met took a harder line. The march due to take place in the middle of January was originally going to pass very near to Central Synagogue near the BBC. The Met issued a mandate which made it clear that no protesters were to go near Central Synagogue. As far as I could tell this was a significant departure from their previous laissez faire attitude and what was more significant still was the attitude towards those who defied the ban. Over 70 people were arrested for public order offences which as far as I know is the largest number of arrests arising out of hate marches since they started. I do not know whether the ban on marchers going near Central Synagogue or the arrests of those who defied that ban are indicators of a sea change in attitude. I do know though that the ban and arrests are not only
well overdue but most welcome. The violence attributable to those claiming to be pro-Palestinian is wholly unacceptable. Whether this is against property or police officers the message is the same. Many of the marchers have no real interest in promoting Palestine. Their aim is the destruction of the West through terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas; and they are not shy about making that clear.
When the Met issued the ban on protesters going near Central Synagogue, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said that request amounted to “repressive restrictions” and “a grave violation of our right to protest”. Rubbish. This was nothing about a right to protest, it was about wanting to intimidate Jews and being upset that they couldn’t. As for the Metropolitan Police and their actions in both the ban and the arrests, I say thank you. Credit is due to them, and let us hope that their newly found steel sticks around.
Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.
The Power of Solidarity: The NJA’s Mission to Israel
BY DALIA HAJIOFF
On October 7, 2023, the Jewish people faced a brutal wakeup call. It shattered illusions, exposed hard truths, and forced us to confront the reality that antisemitism - often disguised as anti-Zionism - is alive and thriving. In the days that followed, we saw the masks slip. Those we thought were allies either stayed silent or, worse, openly celebrated the massacre of Jews. We realised, with painful clarity, that we were living in a world indifferent, if not hostile, to Jewish suffering.
And yet, amidst the darkness, something extraordinary happened. The Jewish people - scattered across the world but bound by history, faith, and destiny - rose up. We rediscovered the power of solidarity, and in doing so, we transformed ourselves.
The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) has been at the forefront of this transformation, and our recent Solidarity Mission to Israel was a testament to that. Over
four days, we stood with our brothers and sisters in Israel, not as passive observers, but as active participants in their struggle, grief, and resilience.
At the Knesset, MK Shelly Tal Meron spoke to us about the unthinkable horrors of October 7 - the mass murder, the sexual violence, the mutilation of bodies, and the hostages dragged into Gaza. She condemned the silence of international organisations, the disgraceful inaction of UN Women, and the moral cowardice of movements that claimed to stand for justice but turned away when Jewish women were the victims.
We met Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who expressed deep gratitude for the NJA’s unwavering support. As the UK and Europe bend to the demands of pro-Hamas activists, Israel takes strength from knowing that Jews in the diaspora - and our Christian allies - stand with her. Standing in the dark tunnels at the IDF Yahalom Unit’s training facility, we confronted a chilling reality. These were the terror tunnels where Hamas terrorists hid, where hostages were dragged, where Israeli soldiers fought for survival. We were asked to turn off our phone lights
and experience, for a brief moment, the isolation, the claustrophobia, and the terror that hostages endured for months.
Later, we met Brig. Gen. (res.) Danny Gold, the visionary behind the Iron Dome, who shared how Israel’s cutting-edge defence systems continue to save countless lives. Every day, Israelis fight not just for themselves but for all Jews. The least we can do is fight for them in return.
At Zikim Beach, we met Itamar Revivo, the Mayor of Hof Ashkelon. A hero who personally defended his city from Hamas terrorists, he is now leading reconstruction efforts. Where Hamas sought to bring death, he is determined to bring life.
The same spirit of resilience was found in Netiv Ha’Asara, where residents, once peace activists who believed in coexistence, now stand beneath the tallest Israeli flag ever raised - a declaration that they are here to stay.
Nowhere was the power of solidarity more evident than at Kibbutz Nirim. There, we met Adele Raemer, who lost over 50 people from her close-knit community. In the face of unimaginable horror, she chose not to flee but to
rebuild. She welcomed us into her home as we placed a mezuzah on her safe room door - an act of faith and defiance.
This is what solidarity looks like. It is standing together, not just in mourning, but in rebuilding. It is ensuring that Jewish life in Israel continues to flourish, no matter how hard our enemies try to destroy it.
Since October 7, something profound has shifted in our own community. Many of us have experienced a transformation - one that has changed how we see ourselves, our responsibilities, and our role in the Jewish story.
We are no longer complacent. We no longer take our safety for granted. We have seen how quickly the world can turn on us, and we have responded by standing taller, speaking louder, and fighting harder.
The war is not over. The hostages are not all home. The lies spread by Hamas sympathisers continue to infect the media, universities, and politics. But one thing is clear: the Jewish people will not be broken.
Dalia Hajioff is the NJA Events and Projects Manager
Untold story of the Nazi Hunter goes global
BY JONATHAN KALMUS, SENIOR FILMMAKER AND SENIOR DIGITAL EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR, JROOTS
We couldn’t believe the footage we were sitting in front of. It was the key to one of the unsolved mysteries of the Holocaust that the film Schindler’s List could not include. The story about Josef Lewkowicz, now an international bestselling book as a result of work by charity
JRoots, nearly remained untold had it not been for an astonishing discovery.
The Sunday Times bestseller, ‘The Survivor’, which launched in the US last week and has been translated into 12 languages, came from our Holocaust education work while filming our latest feature-length documentary. Josef, a short, but tough-looking Holocaust survivor made an astonishing claim: “When I caught the Butcher of Plaszow, Amon Goeth, I handed him over to the Americans.”
Goeth is now one of the world’s most infamous Nazi murderers depicted in the film Schindler’s List. But this part of the story wasn’t in the film. In fact, it wasn’t told anywhere. Rabbi Naftali Schiff, founder of JRoots, discovered Josef’s story while interviewing him. I was tasked as the filmmaker, but there was a massive problem.
Josef has a near flawless memory of his role as a Holocaust survivor turned Nazi-hunter who also saved hundreds of Jewish orphans after the war. But he possessed not a single document of evidence to prove it.
After hiring several expert WWII researchers we got nowhere. But I had a piece of advice, sung by Josef to me countless times in a half shtetl, half talmudic melody: “Don’t give up, never give up, it is worth it.”
There are rare moments in few people’s
lives when you sit staring at evidence of history that no one else in the world knows about, but will define a part of our collective Jewish story and beyond. I was privileged to such a moment when, after searching 100,000 archival documents, I discovered how secret US army and other classified documents proved Josef’s story. But not only that, they unearthed new history that Schindler’s List couldn’t tell and formed the key research for the book. The evidence was a total wake-up call to the alternative world we might have lived in, had it not been for people as courageous as Josef. A survivor, aged just 18 at the end of WWII, who like all others would be entitled to do nothing but rebuild his own destroyed life, instead listened to an inner Jewish voice of collective responsibility he had been brought up with: “You have to do something for your people”.
There is much more to Josef’s story than solving how one of the worst murderers of Nazi Germany was eventually caught and brought to trial. It reveals that Josef played a key part in history that still defines how we keep our civilization protected from mass human evil.
We assume in our post Holocaust perspective that history was obvious. The Nazis were the bad guys and the Jews and millions of other were seen as their innocent victims. But history isn’t clear cut at the time it emerges. The Holocaust
wasn’t known or proven yet, the extent of Nazi evil was far from universally recognised, and who knew if Nazism wouldn’t re-emerge. Josef said no! He and others wanted courts to prove Nazi crimes, for the world to know based on facts. Of so many other lessons he taught, Josef exemplified crystal clarity about what can be achieved by a single individual striving to shoulder a collective responsibility for the Jewish people. In his case, to clarify for the world and prove the facts of history so evil cannot be mistaken or denied, the world is not ignorant and good can win out.
Josef died in Jerusalem in December, but we are privileged to help his incredible legacy live on.
The Survivor by Josef Lewkowicz is available on Amazon. JRoots’ latest documentary film “The Survivor’s Revenge” will be released later this year. Watch the trailer here.
NJA Condemns UK Government’s Reckless £17 Million Aid Commitment to Gaza
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The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the UK government’s latest decision to send an additional £17 million in socalled “humanitarian aid” to Gaza - an egregious misuse of British taxpayer money that will inevitably end up bolstering Hamas in some form.
The government has once again chosen virtue signalling over genuine accountability, refusing to acknowledge the glaring fact that humanitarian aid to Gaza has historically, and repeatedly recently since Oct 7, been exploited by Hamas to sustain its terror network. With no robust oversight mechanisms in place, this funding is a direct investment in Hamas’ continued rule, disguised under the veneer of aid for civilians.
Development minister Anneliese Dodds’ absurd claim that the UK is ‘investing in the ceasefire’ is nothing short of delusional. Ceasefires are not dictated by foreign aid but by Hamas’ willingness to keep using civilian suffering as leverage in its never-ending war against Israel. Every pound sent into Gaza without absolute ironclad guarantees on its distribution is a pound that could, at best, be wasted or, at worst, fund the
rearmament of terrorists who still hold Israeli hostages.
The fact that £2 million is earmarked for the World Bank to repair water and energy infrastructure across Palestinian territories is equally ludicrous. This infrastructure has repeatedly been seized, weaponised, or destroyed by Hamas itself - whether it be the sewage pipes turned into rocket launchers or UNRWA schools used as terrorist hideouts.
The NJA also slams the UK government’s disgraceful stance in demanding that Israel allow UNRWA to continue operating in Gaza, despite overwhelming evidence of its infiltration by Hamas operatives - including direct involvement in the October 7 massacre. Israel has every right to block an organisation that has functioned as a Hamas enabler for decades, yet the UK insists on throwing good money after bad.
This reckless, ideologically driven decision is a betrayal of British taxpayers who expect their hard-earned money to be used responsibly, not funnelled into a war zone with no accountability. The NJA demands that the UK government immediately suspend all aid to Gaza. The time for blind appeasement is over.
The GIFT of Giving
BY RABBI ZEIDMAN
“My child refuses to share. I feel the best approach would be to allow them to own things only on the condition that they share with their siblings. What do you think?”
Answer:
Thank you for your thoughtful question. Sharing is a crucial life skill, and as parents, we naturally want to encourage it. However, there’s an essential principle we need to understand: in order to share something of our own, we first have to own it.
If a person doesn’t truly own something, it’s not theirs to share. Imagine your sister gives you a phone but says, “It’s yours, but whenever I want it, I have to have it back.” That phone isn’t truly yours—it comes with strings attached. The same principle applies when we give our children something on the
condition that they share it. While the toy may physically belong to the child, they don’t experience the deeper sense of ownership.
What happens in this scenario? On the surface, you might see the child sharing, but it’s transactional rather than heartfelt.
The sharing is a condition of their access to the toy, not a genuine expression of generosity. They’re not learning to enjoy having something and, more importantly, discovering the joy of sharing it with others.
What we truly aim for, is for our children to experience sharing autonomously and to enjoy it as a natural, fulfilling choice. To achieve this, we must step back from our instinct to control their social interactions. We must allow our children to own their belongings fully and to decide for themselves when and how to let others use them.
Of course, as parents, we can and should encourage, persuade, and guide them toward positive actions. But the ultimate decision must remain theirs.
Here’s an example from my own life.
My son received an electric drill as a bar mitzvah gift. One day, my neighbour asked to borrow it while my son was at school. I told him I couldn’t lend it without my son’s permission because it wasn’t mine to give. My neighbour thought I was joking, but I wasn’t. Respecting my son’s ownership reinforced an important lesson: what belongs to him is truly his.
Yes, it can be embarrassing or awkward when a child refuses to share, especially in public. But our goal as parents is not to achieve immediate results; it’s to train them for the long term. This requires patience and subtlety.
Rather than forcing them to share, we should model generosity ourselves and highlight the joy and impact that giving can have on others. If we snatch a toy from a child and give it to their sibling or friend, we risk teaching them that “might is right,” undermining the deeper lesson we want them to internalise.
By empowering our children with real ownership and guiding them gently toward the benefits of giving, we plant the seeds of true generosity. Over time, they will learn that giving is not a demand placed upon them but a powerful, fulfilling choice they can make from their own hearts.
Rabbi Zeidman is an experienced educator of young people, young professionals and parents. Having worked for SEED and United Synagogue, Rabbi Zeidman is now the Senior Educator at GIFT UK, where he has created an entire curriculum based around educating the next generation of givers, which the GIFT Education team teach in over 30 schools.
LSJS offers Teacher Training Alumni the chance to win an overnight stay at The Grove
The London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) is offering its teacher training alumni a chance to be entered into a raffle draw to win an overnight stay at deluxe five-star The Grove Hotel in Watford.
As a token of our appreciation, we’re offering our teaching alumni a complimentary night at The Grove – a stunning retreat just 18 miles from London. Relax in luxurious surroundings, unwind at the spa and pool, and explore breathtaking grounds with canals and woodlands.
To claim this exclusive opportunity, simply share one of the school’s videos on Instagram and tag LSJS.
“LSJS is the ideal place for anyone considering qualifying as a teacher, especially since we offer expert teaching and support and a local friendly campus”, said Dr Helena Miller, Director of Degrees and Teacher Training Programmes, Senior
Research Fellow. “Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, so anyone considering it or looking for a career change, should look into the options we offer.”
LSJS runs a range of teacher training courses from fulltime to part-time, covering both primary education and specialist secondary subjects. Their flagship Teach to Lead programme is designed for those looking to become Jewish Studies teachers.
As the only Ofsted-approved teacher training provider for the Jewish community, LSJS partners with schools across the UK.
Trainees learn from education experts and receive personalised guidance at every step of the way – one of the many reasons why so many graduates secure teaching roles immediately after qualifying. There are four routes to
qualification at LSJS:
• School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
• Primary and Secondary School Direct courses
• Assessment Only route –(for those with significant teaching experience)
“Our past trainees work very hard as teachers, which is why we have organised this raffle to show them how much we value them, so they can get the chance
to win a fabulous prize enabling them to get away from it all, relax and switch off, “said Joanne Greenaway, Chief Executive of LSJS.
To follow us on Instagram, please go to: londonschooljewishstudies
For more information about any of these routes to qualification, please visit our website at www.lsjs.ac.uk
To find out more about entering the raffle, please email lsjsadmin@lsjs.ac.uk or call 020 8203 6427.
Inspiration on the Eve of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz
On Sunday 26th January, the eve of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, over 100 people gathered at Yavneh School to watch a special screening of The Commandant’s Shadow. This film showing was organised by Rebbetzen Joanne Dove of Seed, supported by AJEX.
The evening began with a welcome and introduction from Seed’s Rabbi Malcolm Herman, which linked the organisation’s work with the focus of the film and set the scene. After this inspiring start, there was a welcome from Joanne Dove and a few words from Wendy Robbins, the Executive Producer. Before the film began, the audience also heard a recorded message from Maya Lasker Wallisch, the daughter of survivor Anita, featured in the film. She said that on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, far from it being a memory, it is alive in terms of all its issues across the world. She highlighted the rise in antisemitism and race hatred across the globe and how Auschwitz teaches us the consequences of hatred and what man is capable of. She said, “Most frightening perhaps, it has taught us about the banality of evil— one ordinary man gathering with more ordinary men to create a regime that murdered millions of our people.” She
asked everyone to take the legacy of the Holocaust and stand against all hate.
Following the showing, there was a session of poignant insights from the Director, Daniela Völker, and Producers Wendy Robbins and Gloria Abramoff, facilitated by Rabbi Raphy Garson from JRoots. They shared how the film came about, some of the memorable moments of filming, and the work that is going into using the footage for education against antisemitism and hate across the globe. The organisers were so grateful that they took the time to join the event.
Wendy Robbins said: “This evening we had the most inspiring event organised by Joanne Dove at Seed, in conjunction with AJEX. As the Executive Producer, it was a real privilege to share our film, The Commandant’s Shadow, with such an engaged and curious audience. My colleagues and I were grateful to have our Q&A enhanced by the knowledge and wisdom of Rabbi Garson. When I first
became involved in the making of this documentary, I used to sit with Joanne and discuss the themes and insights that were emerging. She was there by my side from early on in this special project and determined to host a screening of the film. As usual, she pulled it off! What a memorable way to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. Thanks to everyone for making the effort.”
Rebbetzen Joanne Dove of Seed said: “Thank you to each and every person who was involved in this incredible event—to Seed, to AJEX, to our awesome producers for coming and sharing their insights with us, as well as to Rabbi Herman and Rabbi Garson. For me, the most important thing we can all learn from this is that, as Jews, we must recognise that the best antidote to antisemitism is learning about our Judaism and becoming more passionate about who we are as a Jewish people. We need to stand strong, and most importantly, learn to be proud of being part of this
incredible Jewish nation.”
Kai, the grandson of the Commandant, sent a message that was read out by Wendy: “It was a great blessing that my dad could be part of The Commandant’s Shadow, which helped him come to terms with our sad family history and his own father’s horrific crimes against the Jewish people and humanity at large. Being part of this incredible film project, my dad made an amazing transition from shame and silence about our family’s legacy to acceptance and repentance. May his transition, captured by the film, touch many hearts and spur them on to make similar heart transitions.”
After the event, Fiona Palmer, CEO of AJEX, added: “AJEX was privileged to have been involved in tonight’s film showing. Much of our work focuses on combating antisemitism along with remembering and honouring the thousands of Jews who fought to defeat Nazism. It feels especially poignant to show this film the night before Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Thank you to Daniela, Wendy, and Gloria for this important and moving film—it is impossible to put it into words, but it will stay with me.”
Community comes together for Jami Mental Health Shabbat
Last weekend (31 January–1 February), Jami marked its ninth Mental Health Shabbat, and the first as part of Jewish Care, to raise awareness of mental illness and distress in the community, to encourage conversations on mental health and to share ideas on how to support ourselves and each other.
Using helpful resources from the Jami Mental Health Shabbat toolkit, hundreds of synagogues, schools, youth groups, university J-Socs, organisations, individuals and families throughout the UK, celebrated this important Shabbat, together with several of Jewish Care’s services.
Jami service user Jonathan, who regularly attends the charity’s hub in Finchley for people with long-term mental illness, said,
“Jami Mental Health Shabbat acts as a focus, once a year, for people to think about mental illness and to learn that there is help out there. Mental illness isn’t just going to go away, so we need an annual event like this to keep it at the forefront of people’s minds and to help them understand that it’s a real problem and that they need to keep donating to the cause.
“If, as a community, we keep talking about mental health issues, we will gain a greater understanding of how it affects people’s lives. It’s also important that people know where to turn for support, should they need it, so that they don’t feel alone in the world. Because if they know that there’s somewhere like Jami where they can turn, it helps them to keep going. Jami has been a real lifeline for me.”
To raise money for Jami’s mental health services, many people signed up to participate in Jami’s Host a Meal initiative, inviting family and friends over for a Shabbat meal and requesting a donation, instead of flowers or wine. On Sunday evening, the whole community was also invited to a special edition of Open Mic Night at Head Room, Jami’s
social enterprise café, supported by The Maurice Wohl Foundation, to celebrate creativity, foster community, and have fun.
Daniel, who regularly attends the community programme at Head Room, was among the performers. He said: “The darkness that we talk about in Parashat Bo during Jami Mental Health Shabbat is very appropriate for me. I often get a feeling of darkness when I wake up. People don’t always realise how hard it is to deal with mental health issues. Coming to Head Room helps me to get over the darkness I feel. It is such a positive place to be and somewhere that people can connect with each other, whether they’re coming to a group or popping in for a coffee or something to eat. I like the mix of people here, who come from all walks of life.”
The personal accounts of some of Jami’s Redbridge hub service users on their mental health journey and the way Jami supports them were read out at Ilford Federation Synagogue’s kiddush, to help the community better understand and encourage discussion about these issues.
Stanmore & Canons Park Synagogue held an experiential art therapeutic workshop that highlighted the role of community in providing support to others and focused on the extent to which even someone without formal training or qualification can contribute to help someone else. Participants were invited to take part in a hands-on session of collective image-making, gain insights into mental health and connect with others in a meaningful way.
At Western Marble Arch Synagogue, Jasmine El-Gamal, a staunch mental health advocate who has served three US Secretaries of Defence, advising on Middle East issues in times of crisis, gave a talk and Q&A on her efforts to humanise policy discussions and advocate for mental health and wellbeing in
high-stress environments. Rabbi Daniel Epstein, Senior Rabbi at Western Marble Arch Synagogue, also led a special Kabbalat Shabbat Live service, marking the last ever United Synagogue Kabbalat Shabbat Live.
At Kol Nefesh Masorti Synagogue in Edgware, Rabbi Joel Levy held a learning session on mental health during Friday night dinner. And, following a kiddish lunch, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Leon Rozewicz led a discussion on anxiety and depression for members of the Mosaic Jewish Community. Meanwhile, Cheltenham Synagogue organised a ‘walk and talk’ for Jami Mental Health Shabbat, visiting interesting places on the walk.
Maccabi GB held a One Minute for Mental Health, where all league games were paused for one minute to allow football players, managers and supporters to think about their own mental wellbeing and that of those around them.
A number of people associated with Jami and Jewish Care also spoke at events across the community. Philippa Carr, Jami’s senior mental health education and suicide prevention manager, spoke at Loughton Synagogue and will be speaking at Finchley Progressive Synagogue. She said, “This year I am focusing on the biggest challenges to our mental health that we face as a community, such as antisemitism, the cost of living crisis, young people, care of older adults and the continuing impact of October 7 and the unrest in the Middle East. We are living in a changing world and uncertainty seems to be one of the key themes for our contemporary lives. Uncertainty has an impact on our mental health. It affects our self-confidence, self-worth and sense of agency. This is a time for us to come together to find support through community and connection, which we know can protect our mental health.”
Meanwhile, at a joint Friday night dinner between Woodford Forest United Synagogue and Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre, speakers included Richard Shone, Jewish Care’s Director of Community Services, Volunteering, Social Work & Hospitality; Aryeh Miller, Chief Executive of the Union of Jewish Students, who said a few words about the impact of
mental illness on students; and Andrew Markovitch, the Jami Ambassador for Woodford Forest United Synagogue. Andrew said, “As a Jami Ambassador, I get to help educate, be open and listen to members of our shul community who need help and signpost Jami’s services for support. Our mental health is important every day, not just on a particular Shabbat. However, marking this weekend is important for those who may be a little nervous about speaking about mental health at other times. Things have improved over the last eight years. However, there is still a stigma associated with mental health. The more we have events like this, hopefully the easier and the more normalised mental health will become – just like physical health.”
As well as Andrew, other Jami Ambassadors also came out in force. Joey Kolirin, the Jami Ambassador for Mill Hill Synagogue, who is also a mental health awareness campaigner, spoke at the Young JW3 Mental Health and Wellbeing Friday Night Dinner and to members of Bushey United Synagogue. He said, “The basis of my story and what I speak about is that things aren’t always what they seem and to look deeper ‘behind the smile’ in a bid to understand and support those suffering. When I was in the depths of my depression, I felt alone, isolated and like no one understood me. Now that I have built a level of recovery, I want to help others to understand, with the view of helping.”
Jay Dor, the Jami Ambassador at South Hertfordshire and Edgware Masorti Synagogue, focused on mental health at the synagogue’s regular learning breakfast. He said, “One of the fascinating sermons provided in the Jami Mental Health Shabbat toolkit springboarded us into a discussion around what the community can do more of to support mental health. We thought about all the reasons why people may not attend services and discovered ways in which we can be more inclusive as a community. Some members shared their experience of receiving support from Jami.” The synagogue also hosted a meal on Friday night after the service. Jay said, “I heard some wonderful discussions at the tables supported by the conversation cards provided in the Jami toolkit.”
Jewish Care’s services also got on board. Challah Makes were organised at The Ronson Family Community Centre at the Sandringham campus in Stanmore and at The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia at The Betty Asher and Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, where year-8 pupils from JCoSS joined the Centre’s members to make challah, candles and Shabbat cards together. Another intergenerational experience was held at Southend and Westcliff Jewish Community, where members came together with a local school choir, to mark the weekend.
ASK THE RABBI
Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com
THE REBBE’S ENDURING LEGACY
Dear Rabbi
This week marks 75 years since the Lubavitcher Rebbe assumed his leadership. His impact is undeniable, but what truly set his leadership apart?
Barry
Dear Barry
The Lubavitcher Rebbe stands as one of the most transformative Jewish leaders of the modern era. Seventy-five years after he formally assumed leadership in 1950, his influence continues to shape Jewish life across the world. But what truly set the Rebbe apart was not just his scholarship or charisma - it was his unique approach to leadership, one that combined profound vision with personal attention to every individual.
The Rebbe didn’t just lead from behind a desk; he was deeply engaged with people on an individual level. Whether speaking to world leaders, writing thousands of letters to people seeking guidance, or standing for hours on Sundays giving out dollars and blessings, the Rebbe made everyone feel valued. He saw potential in every Jew and responsibility in every human being. To him, no person was insignificant, no mitzvah too small, and no challenge insurmountable. His leadership wasn’t confined to Brooklyn, New York. Under his guidance, Chabad emissaries (shluchim) spread to every corner of the globe. Today, there are Chabad centres in over 100 countries, ensuring that no Jew, no matter how far from a Jewish community, is ever truly alone. The Rebbe’s vision of unconditional love, outreach, and Jewish pride
continues to shape Jewish communities worldwide.
But perhaps what’s most remarkable, 75 years later, is that his leadership hasn’t faded with time. His teachings, directives, and influence continue to guide and inspire. Thousands of people who never met the Rebbe still feel deeply connected to his wisdom and mission. His message was clear: each of us has the power to bring light into the world, to uplift others, and to transform challenges into opportunities. Seventy-five years on, the Rebbe’s leadership is as alive as ever. His impact is not just a legacy - it’s a living force, shaping Jewish life today and for generations to come.
WHEN ELOQUENCE OVERSHADOWS SUBSTANCE
Dear Rabbi
I ventured into a Synagogue in the United States recently, and I sat through a sermon on the Shabbat. Someone told me, “He’s an absolutely mesmerising speaker.” So, I listened and it’s true, his words flow beautifully, his voice rises and falls at just the right moments, and he has this incredible ability to hold the entire congregation spellbound. But here’s the thing – I went back for three weeks running (they have a great kiddush afterwards). Each time I walked away thinking, “Wow, that was amazing!” and then I realize that I have no idea what he actually said. There’s no real message, nothing to take home, just a lot of impressive rhetoric. It left me thinking why it is that we’re so easily captivated by eloquence, even when there’s no real substance? Why do we sometimes mistake
style for depth. Surely, Synagogues should appoint Rabbis that can share words that don’t just sound good but actually mean something.
Gerard
Dear Gerard
All too often we are attracted by aesthetics more so than substance. My son recently sent me a link to a WhatsApp group – “Whisky Deals and Discussion UK.” I clicked on the link. 868 participants. Not long ago, someone posted a picture of three bottles. He wrote that he was going to open one of the bottles on Shabbat and did a poll asking which he should open. Two were known brands and the third not so but definitely an unusual looking bottle. The overwhelming consensus was to open that third bottle. Why? I assure you most hadn’t heard of it. Ochdamour 14.2 edition. Because the bottle looks real cool. That is the allure.
The very look is a marketing tactic and all the more crucial within the highly competitive whisky market today. The look of the bottle will initiate a first purchase, while the quality and taste will initiate a second purchase.
It’s actually the same tactic used in the whole advertising industry! Netflix calls a potential customer: “You want to watch a 10-hour movie?” Customer: “What? No! Absolutely not! Are you insane?!” So, what does Netflix do? They break it up into ten - hour long episodes and everyone’s binge watching all episodes in one sitting.
The same is true with speakers. There are very eloquent speakers who can wax lyric, be profoundly poetic – they’re such gifted orators that they can turn people’s
emotions on and off like a faucet. They have silver tongues and a strong command of the spoken language such that they can deliver their talk brilliantly. But sometimes one walks away from a really eloquent talk: “Wow that was amazing! You should have heard the Rabbi today!” “Really? What did he say? What was his message?” And that will be followed with silence. Stirring and expressive noise but no substance.
To be sure, presentation matters! We must always be aware of our target audience and the best possible way to draw them in. But key in all this remains eminently the message. And the message must be real and consistent. Otherwise, to be frank, whether you are “selling religion” or selling a product, you are little more than a snake-oil salesman.
Using our words to recognise the good
BY RABBI SANDOR MILUN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GIFT UK
There’s a classic story told about R’ Avigdor Miller. One day his son came home and found his father standing by the sink with his head submerged in the water. He screamed out and after what seemed like an eternity, R’ Miller lifted his head, gasping for any breath he could gather in. He explained that on the way home, someone had complained about the pollution, and he too had begun to grumble. He then realised he needed to reset his appreciation of having air, thus he submerged his head in water!
Hakarah means ‘To recognise.’ The first starting point is to internalise what you actually need to recognise. The buzzword nowadays is ‘Mindfulness’. Stop, breathe.
Breathe again. Take a moment to actually recognise your breath. We are so busy, we become mindless to what we actually have.
The fact that I recognise good things undertaken by employees is wonderful; however, if it stays in my heart, that’s not enough. I need to express it—through words or deeds, compliments or appropriate gifts.
Where do we see this in the Torah? Moses refuses to strike the Nile as he himself was saved whilst floating in a basket on the river as a three-month-old baby. Many sources of Hakarat Hatov come from our leaving Egypt. Why?
The Talmud in Bava Kama says if you drink from a well, do not throw a stone into it. Even before Moses came to Egypt, he felt obliged to ask his father-in-law, Yitro, if he could leave Midian and go and save the Jewish people. Hello!? G-d had commanded him to go. And Yitro had possibly heard about this? Yet Moses still asks permission! Seriously? Yitro took him
in, fed him, gave him his daughter as a wife. Therefore, Moses cannot just leave, he gives Yitro the respect to go and speak with him… That’s Hakarat Hatov!
As Jews, we have many ‘opportunities’ that enable us to recognise the blessing we have to just be here. These opportunities are merely ensuring our mindfulness is not sporadic but near constant.
Recognising the good, Hakarat Hatov, is a fundamental expression of our Judaism. It is about realising all the good that is done every second for us. But, it’s not enough to just recognise. Part one is to be mindful, part two is to act. We live in a world that requires actions to function— eat, sleep, drink, speak.
Recognise = Mindfulness + Action. What is the action of Hakarat Hatov? Saying thank you! Why do you need to do this? If you don’t act, you didn’t recognise. To recognise without action is NOT recognising. The main thing to recognise is that you are alive, as well as all the myriads and myriads of positive events constantly
happening in our lives. G-d chose to create the nation of Israel in Egypt and the basis of this connection is that He is so overwhelmingly kind to us and the founding principle of the DNA of the nation is our trust and belief in H’m. Hakarat Hatov is the basis of connection – Our job is to keep saying thank you!
This ties in beautifully with the Clean Speech Project, a joint initiative between GIFT and Seed. The project took place this past week and the theme was—‘Words of Gratitude’. It highlights and emphasises the importance of showing gratitude through our words.
Gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful; it’s about expressing it, reinforcing the power of positive speech. This initiative has reached over 50 schools and organisations this year, making a real impact in promoting meaningful and appreciative communication. Let’s all take this opportunity to use our words to uplift, inspire, and show appreciation every single day!
Aish on Campus Ignites Passion and Purpose in Second Term of Programming
BY RABBI GIDEON GOLDWATER, MANAGING DIRECTOR , AISH UK
Aish on Campus has burst into the second term with an electrifying line-up of events that are transforming Jewish student engagement across the UK. Building on the energy and enthusiasm of Term one, the flagship Gold Track programme is back, offering immersive, thought-provoking experiences that bring Jewish learning to life in unexpected and unforgettable ways.
At the heart of this term’s programming is a commitment to the Core Values of Jewish Futures, where Aish is one of organisations in the family. The values are expressed through creative, handson experiences that challenge, inspire, and unite. One of the most buzzworthy highlights was an event centred around resilience and trust, embodied by the core value of Bitachon. Students took on the exhilarating challenge of constructing protective contraptions to safeguard an egg from dramatic crash tests. The tension was palpable as each design faced the ultimate trial—would it hold firm, or would their egg meet a messy demise? More than just a game, this experience drove home the deep lesson of resilience: sometimes, we have to take a leap of
faith, trusting ourselves and those around us. Perhaps more important than whether their egg survived was whether they had the fortitude to pick up the pieces and try again! This creative exercise encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and a profound reflection on what it means to put resilience into action.
Another unforgettable moment came in the form of an evening dedicated to Jewish Unity. The event’s emotional centrepiece was a powerful talk from the Head of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in the UK, who shared harrowing and deeply moving stories from October 7th. Students sat riveted as they heard firsthand accounts of pain, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit that has held the Jewish people together through history’s darkest moments.
The message was clear: unity isn’t just a value—it’s our superpower. The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of connection, as students reflected on their own role in strengthening the Jewish future.
The power of these experiences extends beyond the events themselves, as university students continue the conversations long after they have ended. Discussions on trust, unity and the other core values, ripple through campuses, igniting
curiosity and strengthening Jewish identity in a profound way. This organic engagement is a testament to the effectiveness of immersive programming—it doesn’t just teach Jewish values, it helps live them.
Beyond these powerful experiences, Aish on Campus has also expanded its reach to ensure that Jewish students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and inspired. New partnerships with university Jewish societies, collaborations with influential guest speakers, and a growing network of passionate educators have all contributed to the exponential growth of the programme.
With over 800 students now engaged in the Gold Track programme, across 23 universities nationwide, Aish on Campus is experiencing an unprecedented wave of participation, proving that Jewish identity is thriving in today’s student world. And the excitement doesn’t stop here— the journey reaches its crescendo with two incredible trips to America, where 80+ students will embark on an amazing adventure of exploration and connection. These trips are more than just educational—they offer unique experiences, from meeting world-renowned Jewish leaders to participating in immersive Jewish study in vibrant communities. The
students will return not just with memories but with a renewed sense of purpose, Jewish positivity and ready to lead and inspire others.
This term’s launch has been nothing short of revolutionary. By blending heart, hands-on experiences, and cutting-edge engagement, Aish on Campus is redefining what Jewish education and connection can be.
The fire has been lit—now, it’s up to our students to carry the flame forward. As this generation continues to explore what being Jewish means to them in new and exciting ways, Aish on Campus remains committed to innovating, growing, and ensuring that every Jewish student finds a meaningful place within the larger story of the Jewish people.
Parasha Insights | Torah Power
BY RABBI SHAUL YONATAN TAWIL
Maimonides was the court physician for the Sultan Saladin in medieval Egypt. Reportedly the Sultan was hardly ever ill. Once he called Maimonides, and demanded of him proof that he was a good doctor. “I am never ill,” said Saladin, “so how am I to know whether you in fact deserve the reputation that you have for being a great physician?”
Maimonides answered: “The greatest of all physicians is the Lord, of Whom it is said ‘I am the Lord thy physician’. As proof of this, it is written ‘I will not place upon you the illnesses which I have placed upon ancient Egypt’. Who is truly the good doctor? Not the person who heals the sick from their diseases, but rather the one who helps the person from becoming sick and sees to it that he maintains his health.”
As Maimonides writes in one of his medical works, Essay on Human Conduct, “Most of the illnesses which befall man are his own fault, resulting from his ignorance of how to preserve his health –like a blind man who stumbles and hurts himself and even injures others in the process due to not having of a sense of vision.”
another miracle to bring the Bnei Yisrael closer to Mount Sinai, some more wonders?
The Torah relates otherwise;
And Moshe made Israel journey from the Sea of Reeds and they went out into the wilderness of Shur. And they went for three days in the wilderness and they did not find water. And they came to Marah [bitter] and they were not able to drink water from Marah, because they were bitter; therefore its name was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moshe, saying “What shall we drink?”(Shemot 15:22-24).
What a rude awakening! From the highs of the splitting of the sea to no drinking water? Surely that’s the basics, why was Hashem not supplying them with drinking water?
Moshe cries out to Hashem and;
Prevention is better than cure – so how can we ensure prevention?
In this weeks Parasha the Bnei Yisrael take their first steps on a long journey out of Egypt. They are finally free to go and make their way to the Yam Suf. There Hashem performs even greater miracles then the ten plagues, and the Egyptian army is miraculously entirely wiped out. Consequently the Bnei Yisrael let out a song of praise sung till today.
Imagine the euphoria! The entire people had witnessed miracle after miracle culminating with the splitting of the sea. Now they were to head for their next event – the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. If we pause here, what would we expect next? Perhaps
“Hashem instructed him about a tree which he cast into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He established for it [the nation] law and justice, and there He tested it. And He said: “If you will surely hearken to the voice of Hashem, your G-d, and will do that which is right in His eyes, and you will give ear to His commandments and you will keep all His laws, then all the maladies which I have put upon the Egyptians I will not put upon you, for I am Hashem your Healer” (25-26).
The waters of freedom are bitter! Freedom, it seems, is not the magical, trouble-free existence they may have once imagined. It is demanding, and fraught with disappointments.
As a servant, they were provided their daily rations, they were to do the set job and finish the day. They then entered a new phase, one of freedom and euphoria in the midst of great miracles. But now they were entering the real world one in which freedom is demanding as well as pleasing. They will have to fend for themselves in the real world.
Now is the time to teach them two essential lessons that will aid them manoeuvre through their new existence.
The first is that Hashem has the power to transform something bitter (water) using something bitter (tree), into something sweet. Up to now the Bnei Yisrael had witnessed how Hashem can destroy the enemy, but what about using something bad to transform an object to good?
Hashem can use a bitter agent to turn the bitter sweet.
The people personally witnessed Hashem’s Providence:
Hashem is the same One Who not only punishes, but rewards; He brings illness, but He also is the Healer; and He is the same One Who creates the bitter and then can make it sweet.
The second lesson being taught at Marah was the power of Torah.
At Marah the Bnei Yisrael are taught some laws of Torah. (Sham Sam Loh Chok Umishpat…) What is the connection between the sweetened water and Torah?
Our Sages explain that it is this Torah that gives power to make the bitter water sweet.
They must learn that it is only through the Torah – its commandments and laws – that their freedom will have meaning.
Learning Torah isn’t easy. As a beginner we look at the book with uncertainty and it requires much effort at first to help us get on the right path.
The Torah at first is viewed with all its laws as bitter. Its tough keeping all the Mitzvot, its tough learning. Yet once we start and attach ourselves to them, they become part of us, they help guide us in life and act as sweetener.
The soul contains elements of bitterness in the form of destructive passions, but the Torah, whose strictures often begin as bitter themselves, sweetens the waters of life. It provides a framework in which freedom can flourish responsibly, creatively and purposefully. When the Jewish people observe the Torah, Hashem enters into a partnership with them preventing troubles and showers them with healing blessings.
The Ibn Ezra notes the symmetry of comparing this miracle with the first of the Ten Plagues: then, Hashem changed sweet water into blood; now, Hashem shows that He can also turn bitter water sweet. Of course, this demonstrates Hashem’s mastery over the forces of nature. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach) says that the tree itself was bitter, and only
Rabbi Tawil is the Founder and Director of ‘Torah Action Life’ (TAL)
Family Fun Beshalach - חלשב
Moshe Rabbeinu finally leads the Jewish people out of Egypt! But a few days later, Pharaoh thinks it would be clever to chase after the Jews, and force them back to being slaves. He takes a large army, and runs after the Jews, who are approaching a sea – Yam Suf. As he gets nearer the Yidden realise they must daven to Hashem, and Hashem says – time to
move forward! The sea splits, leaving dry land for them to walk through, completely calmly. The Egyptians decide to chase after the Jewish people, and the waters came onto the Egyptians, drowning them and their chariots.
The Jews then travel further to Marah, guided by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. They are now beginning their journey in a
desert, but they completely trust Hashem. When they ask for food, Hashem sends them a special food called Manna which had fabulous tastes! At the end of the Sidra, Amalek comes to fight with the Jews. Moshe goes up to Daven, ably supported by his devoted Yehoshua and, with heartfelt connection to Hashem, the Jews were able to succeed in winning the war.
Hashem tells us not to forget what Amalek did. And so, each year, we recall the bad deeds of Amalek and his great (great…. though not great) grandchild Haman. Can you remember when we do this?
Jewish Riddle
Last week’s answer: Which tractate’s name is the antonym of the name of the Order (seder) of which it is part
The answer is:
‘Chullin,’ the tractate whose name means ‘non-holy things’ is part of the order ‘Kodshim,’ - ‘holy things.’
Well done David B From Golders Green!!!
BONES • CLOUDS •COMPLAIN
This week’s Question: Please fill in the missing 5 numbers in the following sequence: 15, 16, 115, 116, 215, 216,___, ___, ___, ___, ___, 315, 316.
Tangram Challenge!
Using all the shapes, can you make the shape on the right?
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.
Last edition’s words
Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more!
H T O R R E A N B
Jokes
Q: Where are sharks from?
A: Finland!
Q: What do you get when you cross a cow and a lawnmower?
A: A lawnmooer.
Q: What did the dog say to the flea?
A: Stop bugging me!
Riddles
1. What can be seen in the middle of March and April that cannot be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
2. I love to dance and twist and prance, I shake my tail, as away I sail, wingless I fly into the sky. What am I?
3. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
Creating everyday Jewish Leaders
BY RABBI DR. EFFIE KLEINBERG.
Jewish Leadership comes in different shapes and forms.
There are of course communal, non-profit, synagogue and Jewish school leaders, but there are also everyday Jewish leaders. These are the people who find a way to proudly engage in and share their rich heritage and meaningful traditions with others. At Forum for Jewish Leadership (FJL), we are inspired by our alumni who have become high-impact leaders, such as Jonathan Haranouff (FJL 2014) who serves as the International Spokesperson for the Israeli mission to the United Nations.
We are equally inspired by our alumni who are Jewish leaders in their everyday lives, such as Marco Laurence (FJL 2016) currently building a startup company, but who is most proud of being the founder of “The Warehouse,” located in Hendon, teaching Jews self-defense and mental health. Max Steinberg (FJL 2013) works as a hedge fund manager, but spends many hours as a guide and mentor in his role as a trustee of FJL.
To be a Jewish leader in the post October 7th world has taken on an added layer of meaning. One word that has encapsulated the call of Jewish history over the past year is “Hineni” - Here I am. It is a statement that was exclaimed by
Avraham and Moshe in the founding narratives of Jewish history and has echoed over the generations of challenges the Jewish people have faced.
With the uptick in relentless antisemitic incidents over the last 14 months around the world, we need everyday Jewish leaders more than ever. We are in a new era of “Hineni.”
We require young leaders who are ready to take responsibility on their university campuses, in the workplace and within their communities, to bring others in as well. We seek upstanders not bystanders, active participation and engagement, and an awareness that is so badly needed in our communities today.
Certainly, there is a well-founded fear of stepping up in these environments. Daniella* (FJL 2021), working in private banking, told me at a recent FJL alumni reunion that she had stopped wearing her Magen David necklace to work. Eli* (FJL 2023) who paused his studies at a prestigious university to draft into the IDF and has fought in both Gaza and Lebanon over the past year, is aware that there are anti-Israel groups on campus. They got wind of his military service and have threatened him when he returns to campus. Even my taxi driver dropping me off at Ben Gurion airport on my last overseas trip to meet FJL alumni wished me to, “Stay safe!”, a greeting I never received upon leaving Israel over my years living in the country.
FJL receives over two hundred applications each year for its leadership programmes. Since October 7th 2024, we have asked candidates to respond to the question: “How has October 7th shaped your Jewish identity?” An entire study could be written on the responses of young Jews from numerous countries and Jewish backgrounds to this question, but one sample provides a taste of the current mindset of young Jews:
“October 7th changed my life forever. It was the day I found out who my true friends were and whom I could no longer trust. In the Autumn of 2023, I started my first year of university. I was surrounded by antisemitism and was afraid to show any sign of being Jewish, a major part of my identity. I was one of three Jewish undergraduate students. I felt alone and scared. On Friday nights, I would attend Shabbat dinner at Chabad, the only place I felt safe expressing my Jewish identity. By the end of the year, one of my professors threatened to sue me for reporting her antisemitic behaviour. Through my experiences, I’ve never felt more connected to my Jewish community and I will forever stand up to antisemitism.”
At the same time, I have heard from our alumni about their activism on university campuses in support and prayer for the return of the hostages and the safety of the soldiers of Israel, in addition to numerous fundraisers.
This past summer, FJL welcomed over a
“I wanted my grandchildren to understand the values that have guided our family. The final result was nothing short of a masterpiece.”
dozen alumni to Israel who volunteered their time, using their holiday days to assist devastated farms and to bring joy to the evacuee families of northern Israel; Everyday Jewish leaders.
Zack (FJL 2022) experienced antisemitism from his professor, when he was a student at university. In one incident, he revealed that the professor was awarding extra points to those who attended a pro-Palestine rally. He has since channeled his passion and advocacy through his current work at Friends of Simon Wiesenthal, tracking and reporting on antisemitism. Zack noted to me recently in a half-joking manner, “since starting this work, and really seeing things from a different point of view, I really have discovered there is so much to do here.”
Early in the war, Hagai Lober, the father of a fallen soldier, wrote about the motto, Am Yisrael Chai - the Nation of Israel lives. He said that this popular aphorism and song is not just a tagline. It is a charge and responsibility that each of us must take an active role in. We can all be everyday Jewish leaders, by enabling the Jewish people to come alive. And that’s what FJL strives to do through our programmes, events and internships.
*some names changed to protect identities
Rabbi Dr. Effie Kleinberg is the Educational Director FJL and Netzach
YOUR LIFE STORY
A life’s story is more than just a collection of events and memories. It encompasses values, beliefs and heritage. At Legacy Live, we believe every story deserves to be captured and preserved as a precious keepsake for future generations.
Our cinematic documentaries are expertly created by experienced former BBC television professionals and journalists, who understand the power of a life story and of passing on cherished lessons and values.
“Without exception, all the family found it deeply emotional to watch. They also learned many things they hadn’t known before. My granddaughter, aged 9, even asked to watch it again!”
EXPERT ADVICE
Hi Yair,
Why is it important to leave a will?
Yoni
Dear Yoni,
I start with a quote,
“Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate.” Ambrose Bierce I know nobody wants to think about death, especially not their own, but thinking about what should happen to your assets after you die can save your loved ones a lot of pain and trouble after you’re gone.
While you may have already set up a will in a different country, Israeli inheritance laws might differ from what you have arranged. In Switzerland, for example, part of the inheritance has to be left to specific heirs – namely children. That’s not the case in Israel, as you’ll see below.
How the Israeli law distributes assets
The law in Israel for the distribution of assets of those who die intestate (without a will) are clear and are divided into a hierarchy of relations: 1) they are distributed equally between the person’s spouse and their children; 2) If there is no spouse or children, they are distributed equally between parents and siblings; and so the law continues. So, for example, this means that if a married person with two children dies without leaving a will, their spouse will receive half the estate and the children will each receive a share of the other half of the estate. In such a case, none of the estate will go to any other heirs.
How does this work in reality? If a couple jointly owns an apartment and one spouse passes away, the half of the apartment that “belonged” to the deceased spouse will be split between the spouse – who gets a quarter – and the children, who each receive an eighth of the apartment (a quarter + an eighth + an eighth = a half).
To Be Continued...
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FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE
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A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries; Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors and Debt Managers; Alternative Investment Fund Managers;
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WEALTH MANAGMENT
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Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.
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BUTCHERS
KOSHER DELI
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CARE
Contact: Trevor Gee 020 3146 3444 07956 244350 trevor@patienthealth.co.uk www.patienthealth.co.uk
Contact: 020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk
Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Our vital services touch the lives of 10,000 people every week. We provide services and offer a wide range of support groups to older people, people with mental health needs, Holocaust survivors, people living with dementia, people with a variety of needs and carers support.
Contact: 020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org www.jewishcare.org
CHARITY JEWISH
MANAGED I.T. SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP)
SIMON MOSCOVITZ BSC (HONS) – EUROTEK UK LIMITED
We are a well-established and successful Managed I.T. Services Provider (MSP) with a clear sense of purpose. We plan, design and enable the procurement, implementation, protection and management of a wide range of modern technologies through an earned and trusted partnership with our clients across the UK. We enable our clients to be operationally efficient by successfully embracing their digital transformation journey.
• Why choose Eurotek UK? Deliver > Manage > Automate > Secure > Backup
Contact: 0161 660 2745 hello@eurotekuk.co.uk www.eurotekuk.co.uk
BUILDING AND PARTY WALL SURVEYING
MATRIX SURVEYORS LIMITED
Offering a range of building surveying services and specialising in party wall matters, nationwide, for both consumers and businesses, including; -
• Pre-acquisition Surveys
• Party Wall Matters
• Defect Inspections
• Schedules of Condition
• Insurance Reinstatement Costs Assessments
Contact:
Toli Moscovitz BSc (Hons) MRICS
0161 823 6973
info@matrixsurveyors.co.uk www.matrixsurveyors.co.uk
• Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules
• Construction Project Management
• Licence for Alterations
• Insurance claims
ALIYAH ADVISORS
ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE
Book a FREE meeting with UKAA’s founder Gary Brown, who will go through your particular needs and wants on a the PRACTICAL side of leaving your country of origin and/or living in/moving to Israel. This is both for pre and post- Aliyah Olim.
This FREE meeting will allow Gary to advise on who you need to speak with for each requirement and when in the year you should approach them. Confidentiality assured.
SHIPPING
Contact: +972 (0)2 372 3775 / +44 (0)20 3 989 5080 info@ukaliyahadvisors.com ukaliyahadvisors.com/providers/
STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING
With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail.
We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation.
And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!
Contact: 020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk
HMO News Today
Understanding the Property Management Process and Our Comprehensive Services
Our mission is to make property ownership and renting a seamless and rewarding experience. Whether you're a landlord seeking peace of mind or a tenant looking for a well-managed home, we provide a full range of services to support every stage of the property management process. Here’s a closer look at how we handle property management from start to finish, along with the specific services we offer.
1. Property Onboarding and Marketing The process begins with a thorough property onboarding, where we ensure your property is fully ready to be placed on the market.
Our services include: Property Assessment: We evaluate the property’s current condition and suggest any needed repairs or improvements to maximize its rental value.
Professional Photography and Listings: High-quality images and detailed listings help your property stand out, attracting quality tenants. Strategic Marketing: We advertise on multiple platforms, targeting prospective tenants through online listings, social media, and local networks.
2. Tenant Screening and Leasing
Finding the right tenant is crucial for a successful rental experience. We handle the entire screening process to ensure reliable and responsible occupants:
Comprehensive Background Checks:
We verify employment, check credit scores, contact previous landlords, and conduct background checks to ensure tenant reliability.
Lease Preparation and Signing: We prepare and manage lease agreements, covering all legal aspects to protect both landlords and tenants.
Move-In Coordination:
We ensure a smooth move-in process by completing an initial walkthrough and documenting the property’s condition with a checklist.
3. Rent Collection and Financial Reporting
Our property management services include rent collection and transparent financial reporting to keep landlords informed and tenants accountable:
Automated Rent Collection: We use a reliable, user-friendly system for rent collection, minimizing delays and ensuring timely payments.
Financial Reporting: We provide monthly and annual statements with detailed breakdowns of income, expenses, and any maintenance costs.
Handling Late Payments: We manage any issues related to overdue rent, following legal procedures to ensure compliance and maintain professionalism.
4. Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are vital for tenant satisfaction and property upkeep. We oversee all maintenance tasks with a network of trusted contractors:
Routine Inspections: We conduct regular property inspections to identify any necessary repairs and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
24/7 Emergency Repairs: Our team is available around the clock to handle urgent repair needs, providing peace of mind to both landlords and tenants.
Preventative Maintenance: We schedule routine maintenance tasks, such as heating and plumbing checks, to avoid costly issues down the line.
5. Compliance and Legal Support
Navigating regulations and legal requirements can be complex, but we handle all aspects of compliance for you:
Safety Compliance Checks: We ensure that properties meet all legal safety standards, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and emergency exits.
Legal Assistance: Our team stays up-to-date on property law changes and manages eviction proceedings if necessary, ensuring that landlords comply with all legal requirements.
Our services cover every aspect of property management, from initial tenant placement to ongoing maintenance and legal compliance. By working with us, landlords can enjoy the benefits of a well-managed property without the day-to-day hassle, while tenants gain access to a reliable, responsive support team. If you’re looking to make the most of your property investment or are seeking a better rental experience, contact us today.
Hampshire Heights are experts in HMO property management.
THE CHILDREN OF NIR OZ
The majority of the Kibbutz Nir Oz community was evacuated to Carmei Gat, a neighbourhood in the city of Kiryat Gat located 50km south of Tel Aviv.
The emotional toll of the tragic events on October 7th on the children has been profound, with every child bearing the weight of loss.
The children attend Gan Tut kindergarten, but Irit, a Kibbutz Nir Oz Preschool manager, says “the facilities lack the nurturing, therapeutic environment these young children desperately need”.
Among other projects being carried out to support this community, JNF UK plans to upgrade the kindergarten, creating a supportive space where children can heal.
How you can help
About Kibbutz Nir Oz
The residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz endured unimaginable trauma. Before the horrific attacks of October 7th, the kibbutz was home to 400 people. On that dark day, 38 members were brutally massacred, and 75 were kidnapped to Gaza, including JNF UK’s cherished employee Sagui Dekel-Chen. Tragically, eight of the kidnapped residents were murdered while still being held hostage. The community’s return is not expected until the end of 2026.
JNF UK is working closely with the residents of Nir Oz, Kfar Aza, Holit, Sufa, and Nir Am, listening to their needs and providing support through a number of projects, aimed at helping them take the first steps to rebuild their lives.
UPGRADING KINDERGARTENS AND SAFE SPACES
ENHANCING KIBBUTZ FACILITIES CREATING COMMUNAL SPACES
“WE NEED TO RETAIN THE VIBRANT SPIRIT THAT CHARACTERISED LIFE BEFORE THE ATTACK.”
Noa, of Kibbutz Sufa
JNF UK’s beloved employee, Sagui Dekel-Chen, remains in captivity. We deeply miss you, Sagui, and our thoughts and prayers are with you every day.
We continue to hope for your safe return, along with all the remaining hostages.
JNF UK has stood with the communities of southern Israel through their darkest hour, providing unwavering support in times of crisis. Now, we must help them rebuild their lives: transforming ruin into renewal.
