48 minute read
News
BY SIMCHA ABIR
A Cornish radio host has pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred on broadcasts at Truro Crown Court.
Graham Hart, 69, of Penponds, Camborne, admitted eight counts under the Public Order Act 1986.
Campaign Against Antisemitism called on Devon and Cornwall Police to act after Hart, who is also a singer, spread racial hate on a ‘programme in service with intent or likely to stir up racial hatred’.
Hart was charged with five counts of using offending words or behaviour in a programme. Comments made in December 2020 led to three further charges from earlier this year.
The offences between 2016 and 2020 fall under sections 22(1) and 27(3) of the 1986 Act .
Judge HHJ Linford noted the serious nature of the offences. A sentencing hearing will take place on August 6th, pending a psychiatric report.
Hart was warned he should anticipate “an immediate sentence of imprisonment”. The maximum sentence for each charge is seven years in prison.
Stephen Silverman, CAA Director of Investigations and Enforcement, thanked police for their diligence and welcomed the news as it signalled such crimes would not be tolerated. “The offences constitute some of the most extreme hatred towards Jews that we have ever encountered,” he noted. “It is vital that the Jewish community is protected from this man, and we hope that the sentence will also send a message to like-minded people that hate towards British Jews will not be tolerated.”
Hart’s barrister, Mary McCarthy, reportedly told the court her client had been “exhibiting signs of being quite unwell for a number of years”. She added, “He accepts racial hatred was likely to be stirred up but this was effectively him mouthing off rather than setting to bring about any particular outcome.”
Hart’s music was reportedly banned by the Cornish Pirates rugby union team in 2019 following accusations of anti-Semitism over Hoax Train lyrics published on YouTube.
The club noted at the time of Hart’s ban that the track had not been played.
Graham Hart PHOTO: CORNWALLLIVE
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Rivlin and Edelstein act as time runs out to save Alta
Alta Fixsler with her father Avrohom
PHOTO: FIXSLER FAMILY
BY DAVID SAFFER
Israel President Reuven Rivlin and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein have joined the quest for two-year-old Alta Fixsler to be treated in Israel in preference to palliative care.
Over 20,000 people signed The Jewish Weekly petition launched last week to allow a leave of appeal to enable Alta, who suffered severe brain injury at birth, to be treated by an Israeli hospital.
A High Court judge ruled last week that life-sustaining treatment should be withdrawn. But Alta’s family want her to be transferred to Israel hospital care on religious and ethical grounds.
With time running out to save Alta, Rivlin appealed to Prince Charles to help Alta’s parents’ request.
His letter to the Prince of Wales noted, “Their religious beliefs directly oppose ceasing medical treatment that could extend her life and have made arrangements for her safe transfer and continued treatment in Israel. It would be a tragedy if these parents’ wishes could not be accommodated in a way that respects both the law and their religious beliefs.”
Edelstein appealed to Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week on the family’s behalf confirming Israel would treat Alta.
According to Israeli law where parents oppose cessation of medical treatment leading to a child’s death and life expectancy exceeds six months, medical treatment must not cease.
“Alta’s parents are Orthodox Jews and Israeli citizens, living their lives according to Hebrew law, they are interested in transferring Alta to one of the two hospitals in Israel that have expressed a willingness to treat her,” he noted.
Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl welcomed Israel’s offer and has written to the Department of Health and Social Care for serious consideration.
Lawyers representing Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust told the court there is “no prospect” of Alta getting better.
Victoria Butler-Cole QC told the court Alta’s family called for treatment in Israel. The costs of transporting Alta safely would be met. But Mr Justice MacDonald ruled it was not in the best interests of Alta for life-sustaining medical treatment.
Alta lacked oxygen when she was born in December 2018 but miraculously survived.
Hopes she may come home hit complications and the hospital advised removal of support but Alta’s parents demanded private support at home or abroad, both viable.
An appeal for Alta’s care has reached £275,900.
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Lauder meets Italian PM on first post Covid-19 trip
BY SIMCHA ABIR
World Jewish Congress President Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder has met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, Noemi Di Segni to discuss the fight against antisemitism.
The meeting follows a spike in incidents across Europe.
Discussions focused on political groups boycotting Israel, pro-Palestinian denials of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, changes in legislation related to hate crimes in Italy, legitimisation of fascism and far right radicalisation. Lauder called for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.
WJC’s chief also highlighted a need for Italy to invest in tourism regarding Jewish heritage including synagogues of Venice and important historical sites.
Italy is the first country in Europe that Lauder has visited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Advisor Ambassador Luigi Mattioli and WJC Vice President Maram Stern attended the meeting, which coincided with the day Allied forces liberated Rome from Nazi fascist occupation.
In related news, Lauder welcomed Isaac Herzog’s appointment as the President of the State of Israel.
“I cannot think of a better or more able representative,” he noted. “A scion of an illustrious family, he brings to this new position the dignity and depth of a true statesman.”
Lauder added, “None of us will ever forget the eloquence and intellect of his father, President Chaim Herzog, who was a distinguished diplomat or his grandfather, Yitzhak Ha-Levy Herzog, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, an outstanding Jewish scholar and leader.”
Noting Herzog offered a profound appreciation for the mosaic that is world Jewry, he concluded, “I know that he will greatly strengthen the traditional ties that bind the Jews of Israel to their brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. I look forward to working closely with him on behalf of the Jewish people and in the fight against resurging antisemitism around the world.”
Lauder also hailed a Global Investment Forum in Dubai after last month’s hostilities in Israel.
“The Abraham Accords changed our language and the entire terrain of the Middle East for the better, he noted in a pre-recorded message,” he reportedly noted. “This was something that Arabs and Jews could only dream of in the past, but now it is a reality.”
Lauder added that the majority of Arabs and Jews in the Middle East want to live in peace with enhanced education and economic opportunities for children.
“It can only come from peace and harmony between nations,” he said.
Recalling his Middle East travels, Lauder continued, “The greatest investment that we can make is in education and technology, “adding that education must be a joint venture between Israel and Arab countries.
Lauder called on Jews and Arabs to learn about the culture of both peoples and study together in classrooms and universities.
“Let the Middle East be known not for conflict but for technology and creativity,” he said. “This will only happen with partnerships with Israel.”
Lauder applauded delegates as ‘bridge builders’ and people who understand that ‘salaam and shalom’ carried the same message of “hope and not fear.”
Lauder also called for the region to maintain an open dialogue to gain a greater understanding of each other’s viewpoint. He added that building of a Jewish school in Dubai was a bold step and demonstrated the UAE was a leader for peace.
“After everything,” commented Lauder, “I continue to hope and work for a twostate solution for the Palestinians and Israelis so that future generations will no longer live in fear and mistrust. I know one simple fact, neighbours living productively together in dignity, peace, and prosperity is better than any alternative.”
Lauder concluded by stating that Israelis and the Emiratis could accomplish a great deal.
“All of us involved in this conference have to work against the agents of pessimism, I am an optimist,” he noted.
Ronald S. Lauder
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
CST and CAA discuss “Free Palestine” convoy with police
BY ADAM MOSES
Community leaders are discussing a potential “Free Palestine” convoy due to leave Bradford on route to Number 10 Downing Street on Saturday with the Metropolitan Police.
Community Security Trust have concerns over a planned route into central London if it goes through Jewish communities as a convoy did last month. Campaign Against Antisemitism are asking Police to use its powers regarding the threat of the convoy under the Public Order Act 1986.
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service may, with consent of Home Secretary Priti Patel, ban processions or impose specific conditions under sections 12 and 13 of the Act.
A CST spokesperson noted, “It appears to be by the same organisers as the notorious convoy from last month and we cannot have a repeat of the appalling intimidation and abuse of the Jewish community that we saw on that occasion.”
A CAA spokesperson confirmed talks with Police to ensure the malicious acts of hatred last month do not reoccur and they prioritise the safety of the Jewish community.
“Protest is one thing, but intimidation and violent hatred have absolutely no place on our streets, and anyone victimising British Jews must face the full force of the law,” they noted.
CAA are also having discussions with the Met Police regarding recent events, including the investigation into a previous convoy to ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Last month’s convoy drove through a Jewish neighbourhood shouting “F*** the Jews…rape their daughters” through a megaphone. Four men were arrested and bailed over the incident and an alleged antisemitic incident committed in Manchester before the convoy arrived in London.
Gideon Falter, CAA Chief Executive, called those responsible to face the “full force of the law”.
A vehicle also chased a Jewish mother down a London street and rammed her car whilst she was driving her four-year-old child to see friends.
The drivers were alleged to have been part of the same convoy.
Some 200 cars displaying Palestinian Authority flags were reported to have driven from Bradford, Sheffield and Leicester to London passing through Hendon and Golders Green.
Witnesses stated convoy participants shouted to Jewish passers-by “Free Palestine! Go back to Poland” and other antisemitic chants.
Police admitted they failed badly to monitor the initial convoy which Falter said was “predictable and preventable” as it had been advertised for a week. “Whilst we commend the police on tracking down suspects, they should have been there at the time, monitoring this convoy,” he noted.
At the subsequent central London rally disturbing footage went viral of a female officer embracing protesters chanting “Free, free Palestine”. A number of officers were also seen shaking hands with drivers of a convoy of cars displaying Palestinian flags.
CAA wrote to Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick to act over the actions of Police officers.
Jewish organisatons were outraged by the incidents along with others during a surge in antisemitic crimes. Police patrols were increased in Jewish communities.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson led political support for the Jewish community. “I stand with Britain’s Jews who should not have to endure the type of shameful racism we have seen today,” he said.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel told the House of Commons that the convoy footage was “pure and simple antisemitism which sought to intimidate, harass and frighten members of the Jewish community”.
Labour leader Kier Starmer described the incident as “utterly disgusting” and called for consequences.
80th anniversary of Farhud commemorated globally
BY DAVID SAFFER
The Mayor of Baghdad and police loyal to the Iraqi monarchy eventually imposed a curfew on 2 June. But the Jewish community of Iraq never recovered from the pogrom with arrests on false charges of spying and public hangings of well-known Jews regularly occurring. At the onset of the new decade, Iraqi Jews fled on condition they gave up property and assets, including bank accounts, settling in Israel, the United Kingdom, United States, Until the Farhud, Jews made up a third of India and Australia. Israel airlifted over 100,000 Iraqi Jews, 90 Global commemorations have taken place for the 80th anniversary of the Farhud in the city’s population in 1941. Most felt per cent of the Jewish community, with support from El Al in 1951. By 1952, only 2,000 of Baghdad, Iraq. World Jewish Congress held a special Iraqi first then Jewish. 150,000 were left. The Farhud took place but the British WebTalk of the Nazi-inspired pogrom re- Army could have stopped the violence as calling the murder of over 180 Jews, many born in Baghdad. The coup was defeated by British forces but they were close by under orders to halt Iraqi tortured, and over 2,000 injured on June The programme featured witness testi- their departure was followed by the Farhud oil falling into Nazi hands. 1-2 1941. monies introduced by Dr Bea Lewkowicz, during the festival of Shavuot. “To Britain’s shame, the army was stood
The Israeli-based Babylonian Heritage director of Sephardi Voices UK, a memorial Thousands of armed Iraqi soldiers carry- down,” reportedly said acclaimed historian Museum has noted there are 600 unidenti- prayer by Rabbi Joseph Dweck and inter- ing swords, knives and guns rioted over two Tony Rocca, co-author with Farhud survivor fied victims buried in a mass grave. view with Dr David Kheder Bassoon, Iraqi days of violence. Violette Samash of Memories of Eden, in a
Dr Sasha Goldstein-Sabbah of the Amster- Association of Jewish Academics chair. A red hand sign, or hamsa, was painted BBC interview in 2011. Rocca noted that Sir dam Jewish Historical Museum and Doreen Lily Shor told the audience how her family on Jewish homes. Families had to defend Kinahan Cornwallis, Britain’s ambassador Dangoor, who survived the persecution, was saved by a neighbour in Baghdad. She themselves. in Baghdad, held British forces at bay against participated in the WJC event. now works for the Babylonian Jewish Herit- Some families bribed policemen, others orders from Winston Churchill to take the
Dangoor was saved by a family during age Centre in Israel and showcased archive owe their lives to Muslim and Christian city and secure its safety. the Farhud. Goldstein-Sabbah, a historian, material held at the centre. families who protected Jewish neighbours at A monument, “Prayer”, in Ramat Gan, comprovided background on Iraq’s Jews who Richard Verber, US Director of Commu- great peril during the massacre. memorates those killed during the Farhud. she termed, “the historic Jewish diaspora nications, said, “This chapter of the Second Jewish shops and homes were looted and The United Nations marked the first Intercommunity”. World War is not very well known among torched. Synagogues were broken into and national Farhud Day by globally streaming a
The United Synagogue hosted an online Ashkenazi communities.” Torahs burned. The dead were buried in a live event with a keynote lecture by author evening of history and testimony. There had been two millennia coexist- mass grave. Edwin Black six years ago.
Around 1,000 viewers tuned in to the US ence between Jews and Arabs dating back Until the Farhud, Jews made up a third of The US programme is available on www. programme hosted by Woodside Park Unit- to the time of Babylon but that ended after the city’s population in 1941. Most felt Iraqi TheUS.tv/farhud<http://www.TheUS.tv/ ed Synagogue’s Edwin Shuker, who was a pro-German military coup in April 1941. HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1 first then Jewish. farhud>
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‘Hero of Auschwitz’ Dushman helped liberate death camp
BY DAVID SAFFER
Tributes have been paid to multi-decorated Red Army soldier David Dushman who helped liberate Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.
Dushman, 98, was the last surviving Soviet soldier to first witness the atrocities at the Nazi death camp. He died at a Munich hospital on Saturday the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria announced.
“Every witness to history who passes on is a loss, but saying farewell to (David) Dusman is particularly painful,” said Charlotte Knobloch, former head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews. “Dushman was right on the front lines when the National Socialists’ machinery of murder was destroyed.”
“As the ‘Hero of Auschwitz’ he was one of the liberators of the concentration camp and saved countless lives,” she added in a statement. “Today, he was one of the last to be able to recount this event from his own experience.”
Knobloch recalled Dushman as a “brave, honest and sincere man”.
A tank commander, Dushman was 21 years old when he drove his T-34 tank through the electric fence at the death camp on January 27, 1945. Over a million people, mostly Jews, were murdered by the Nazis at Auschwitz-Birkenau between 1940 and 1945.
“David flattened the forbidding fence around the notorious Nazi death camp with his tank,” Tweeted the Veterans’ Foundation.
“We hardly knew anything about Auschwitz,” he told Sueddeutsche Zeitung, one of the largest German daily newspapers, in a 2015 interview.
Recalling that there were “skeletons everywhere”, he added, “They staggered out of the barracks, sat and lay among the dead. Terrible. We threw them all our canned
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food and immediately went on to hunt down the fascists.”
Shortly after his arrival at Auschwitz, Dushman was ordered to head towards Berlin.
During World War Two, Dushman participated in the Battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, the largest tank battle in history involving 6,000 tanks. He received over 40 medals for his military service, which he famously wore on his jacket, including bravery accolades.
Auschwitz liberator Dushman would meet up with comrades in Moscow annually until they had all passed away. He did though recall in an interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent him a congratulatory letter on Victory Day, May 9, to mark the end of World War Two.
Dushman attended veterans’ reunions and for many years visited schools to give his eyewitness testimony to students about the liberation of Auschwitz and the Holocaust.
“When we arrived, we saw the fence and these unfortunate people, we broke through the fence with our tanks. We gave food to the prisoners and continued,” Dushman told Reuters last year on the 75th anniversary of the liberation. “They were standing there, all of them in (prisoner) uniforms, only eyes, only eyes, very narrow, that was very terrible, very terrible,” he added.
Asked why Auschwitz happened, Dushman said it was “completely incomprehensible”.
Seriously wounded three times during the war, Dushman was one of only 69 soldiers in a 12,000-strong division to survive.
Though part of a lung was removed, he went on to become a world class fencer. “I couldn’t walk at all because I got out of breath,” he told Reuters. “I started, I made up my own workout routine for one minute per day. So very, very gradually, slowly, slowly I reached a point where in 1951, I became the champion of Russia (in fencing).” From 1952 to 1988, Dushman coached the Soviet Union women’s national fencing team. At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, he was aware of the assassination of 11 Israeli athletes by ‘Black September’ Palestinian terrorists. “We heard the gunshots and the hum of the helicopters above us,” he told
PHOTO: YOUTUBE Abendzeitung newspaper in 2018. “We lived right across from the Israeli team. We and all the other athletes were horrified.”
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach won gold for West German as a fencer in the foil event at the 1976 Olympics. By then he was a friend of Dushman.
“When we met in 1970, he immediately offered me friendship and counsel, despite his personal experience with World War Two and Auschwitz, and he being a man of Jewish origin,” he said in a heartfelt tribute. “This was such a deep human gesture that I will never ever forget it.”
Dushman went on to train a number of the Soviet Union’s best fencers, including Valentina Sidorova, who won gold in the foil at the 1976 and 1980 Olympics.
“Dushman was a legendary fencing coach and the last living liberator of the Auschwitz concentration camp,” the IOC said in a statement.
At the age of 94, Dushman was still giving daily lessons at his fencing club, they added.
Born in Danzig, April 1, 1923, his father was a sports and military doctor, his mother a paediatrician.
Growing up in Minsk, the family moved to Moscow, where his father worked at State Institute of Sport.
Tragically, he was a victim of Stalin’s ‘Great Purge’ in 1938 and was sent to a camp in the Arctic Circle. He died there after 10 years.
At the onset of the Eastern Bloc borders ending, Dushman moved to Austria as a coach, then Neuperlach, a borough of Munich in 1996 with his wife Zoja, who died a few years ago.
More Stamford Hill antisemitic incidents
Jewish residents in Stamford Hill continue to be the target of antisemitic incidents.
The past few weeks have seen a surge of hate crimes that Police are investigating.
A Jewish children’s school bus displaying religious items recently had tyres slashed in a disturbing hate crime. The incident on Vartry Road was reported by Stamford Hill Shomrim (CHS 28842).
Harassment of Jewish residents follows the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas last month.
The Jewish volunteer organisation had to act after a Jewish man needed a tetanus injection when a gang reportedly set a vicious dog on him. The attack took place on Queen Elizabeth’s Walk (Ref: 4612639/21).
The gang understood to be operating on the Webb Estate have attacked Jewish homes and made threats against Jewish residents in the neighbourhood.
Shomrim reported the gang swearing at a Jewish person and her young daughter threatening to “blow up” their house” (CAD 3728).
Two incidents also took place on Craven Walk in Stamford Hill when youths attacked the front door of a Jewish home (CAD 7646), a day later the gang threw rocks at Jewish homes (CAD 5790).
These incidents followed others in the area which include a man dressed in camouflage giving the Nazi salute to Jewish passers-by at Manor House Station, two Jewish men being approached by a man threatening them with a large knife and Jewish residents of Clock House discovering “Hitler” daubed at a communal area in their block. All three incidents were reported to police by Shomrim.
Campaign Against Antisemitism continue to monitor the situation around the UK. CAA’s analysis of Home Office statistics illustrates over three hate crimes directed at Jews daily in England and Wales.
Jews are almost four times more likely to be targets of hate crimes than other faith groups.
Anyone with information should telephone the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 999 0123 quoting the relevant reference number.
Gantz meets US officials over Gaza and Iran
BY ADAM MOSES
allowed medical equipment, POWs and MIAs, Yaron Blum, described food, medicine and fuel for the the recording as “cheap and transparent Defence Minister Benny Gantz private sector to enter the Gaza manipulation.” Israel will do “everything has met senior US officials to dis- Strip via the Kerem Shalom cross- in its power to secure their release” and cuss security commitments to Is- ing. Patients requiring life-saving return them home, Blum reportedly said. rael, Gaza and Iran. treatment are allowed out of Gaza Intelligence Affairs Minister Eli Cohen
Gantz stressed a need to solidify into Israel via the Erez crossing. told Army Radio, “We know exactly what is a military option regarding Iran The new policy is based on the happening in Gaza. This is simply anothin meetings with US Secretary Government Activities in the Ter- er cheap manipulation. We will not lend of State Anthony Blinken and ritories Office. a hand to rebuilding Gaza until the issue National Security Advisor Jake A long-term ceasefire must in- of the MIAs and hostages is resolved. The Sullivan. clude the return of Avera Mengistu State of Israel is committed to that and we
Following a meeting with Sulli- and Hisham al-Sayed held captive have made this clear.” van, Gantz tweeted that they had by Hamas since 2014 and 2015 In the midst of negotiations, according discussed a need to promote “re- respectively, and IDF soldiers Ha- to security sources, tensions remain in gional stability by halting Iranian dar Goldin and Oron Shaul killed southern Israel and the IDF is on a high aggressiveness”, while protecting in the Operation Protective Edge state of alert. Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge. 2014 conflict. Meantime, a fifth round of indirect
Gantz also met US Secretary Hamas must provide proof of US-Iranian talks in Vienna regarding the of Defence Lloyd Austin at the life as part of any prisoner swap JCPOA nuclear deal ended last week. The Pentagon. negotiations. UK, Germany and France said in a state-
“Stopping Iran is certainly a There are reports Israel has pro- ment progress had been made but the shared strategic need of the US, vided a list of Hamas prisoners most difficult decisions were ahead. Europe, the countries of the Mid- Benny Gantz PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA they will release in exchange for All sides want to finalise talks before dle East, and Israel, and, for the MIAs. Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Iranian presidential elections on 18th people of Iran as well,” noted Gantz in a State Joey Hood reportedly told the Israel Yahya Sinwar, is reportedly demanding June but uncertainty remained this week joint statement. “They too deserve a gov- Policy Forum. “President Biden is clear over 1,100 prisoners, including terrorists whether the talks will be fruitful. ernment that will devote itself to solving about this administration’s support for re- serving life sentences for killing Israelis. “We’ve been engaged in indirect conreal problems, rather than with develop- plenishing this system to support Israel’s In relation to this, Al Jazeera released an versations, as you know, for the last couing weapons of mass destruction to threat- ability to defend itself in the future,” Hood audio recording of a man speaking Hebrew ple of months, and it remains unclear en other peoples.” added. that Hamas claimed was an Israeli soldier whether Iran is willing and prepared to
Austin added, “The administration fully Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of held captive in the Gaza Strip last Sunday. do what it needs to do to come back into supports your country’s right to defend it- South Carolina, visited Israel in a show of It is unclear who is speaking and the compliance,” Secretary of State Antony self against rockets, rocket attacks fired in- solidarity. recording is poor. The man wondered if Blinken reportedly told the House Fordiscriminately by Hamas, and other Gaza- Bicom noted Gantz was heading Israeli Israeli leaders were thinking of soldiers in eign Affairs Committee. based militants against Israeli civilians.” efforts with the Biden administration over captivity and working for their release. The “We’re still testing that proposition,”
The Biden administration pledged sup- Iran and Gaza. Mengistu family have said the recording is Blinken added. port for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence Gantz is part of the coalition set to follow not their son, the al-Sayed family have not Blinken worryingly noted Iran could system prior to the visit. Netanyahu and is expected to remain De- commented as yet. assemble a nuclear bomb in a matter of
Gantz had sought assurances for US fence Minister. The recording was broadcast with unseen weeks if Tehran keeps violating the 2015 funding to restock the system that inter- The release of Israeli captives is being footage of Gilad Shalit, freed from five years deal former US president Donald Trump cepted over 4,000 rockets fired by Hamas negotiated as part of Egyptian mediation captivity in Gaza in 2011 as part of a pris- pulled out of three years ago. terrorists into Israel last month. to allow for the rehabilitation of Gaza. oner swap deal of over 1,000 Palestinian U.S. President Joe Biden would return
“During the conflict we saw the Iron According to Bicom, Israel’s current ap- prisoners in Israel. to the accord if Iran plays its part. Dome system, which our nations devel- proach is to allow “basic” humanitarian Among those freed was Yahya Sinwar, Rafael Grossi, Atomic Energy Agenoped together, save the lives of countless aid into the Gaza Strip until captives are current head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. cy (IAEA) head, has cast doubt to a innocent civilians,” Assistant Secretary of returned. As part of the policy, Israel has Israel’s coordinator for the return of resolution.
Bibi to face leadership challenge after Knesset vote
BY DAVID SAFFER
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face a challenge for the Likud leadership after he is ousted from office in Sunday’s Knesset vote for a proposed new government led by Naftali Bennett.
According to reports, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and MK Nir Barkat will oppose Netanyahu for the Likud leadership at the next primary election. Other senior Likud members are also expected to run.
With MKs expected to back the coalition, Bennett appealed to Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, to finally allow the country to “move on” and avoid a fifth general election.
“This is happening!” Yair Lapid said on Twitter.
The Bennett-Lapid’s coalition is a mix of right-wing, left-wing, centrist and Arab parties.
“The unity government is going ahead to benefit the citizens of the State of Israel,” noted Lapid.
Yamina MK Nir Orbach announced this week he would vote in favour of the new government. His confirmation assures the incoming coalition a wafer-thin 61-59 seat majority.
Explaining his decision, he noted on Facebook, “I am not taking this path with happiness or enthusiasm, I am taking it precisely because it is unclear, an exemplary society can include rightists and leftists in one home. An exemplary society should shun marginal forces. In this exemplary society, religious Zionism should have a central place.”
Criticising the Religious Zionist Party, Orbach added, “Unfortunately, the political religious Zionism from which I came, which knew how to cooperate with both right and left, is no longer. It has been appropriated by forces that don’t represent me or the community I came from.”
Zionist Party chief Bezalel Smotrich lambasted Orbach on Twitter, “He’s so arrogant, insolent, untruthful and power-seeking that he would come over to us immediately had we offered him a reserved spot.”
There was also criticism from ultra-Orthodox party leaders who join Netanyahu’s opposition.
In a joint press conference, Shas leader Aryeh Deri warned, “The State of Israel is changing its appearance and identity. The government headed by Bennett will destroy and ruin everything that we have preserved of the Jewish character and identity of the country, which enables life together over the last 73 years together.”
United Torah Judaism’s Yaakov Litzman added that Israel’s Jewish character was in danger.
“Jewish tradition, values and religion, the pillars of Judaism have been thrown in the garbage,” he noted. “Conversion, yeshiva students, the Torah world, the holy Sabbath, the Western Wall, recognising Reform Jews, everything is going to haters of religion, Lieberman, Bennett and Lapid.”
Bennett lamented the comments by Deri and Litzman.
“These are expressions that do not add respect to them and reflect a loss of temper. Only a year ago, when the current unity government was formed, the right remained outside, and the ultra-Orthodox sat inside. You did not see me calling Gafni to remove his yamulkah. There was a government, we were not part of it, and the sun was shining in the morning. The ultra-Orthodox Knesset members will not teach us what Judaism is and certainly not what Zionism is.”
Reassuring ultra-Orthodox communities, he added, “The past year has shown that you are the ones paying, with your very life, for a political culture of neglect, preference for associates and perpetuation of problems.”
Pro-Netanyahu demonstrators have protested since the possibility of a new coalition materialised.
Bennett called on Likud’s leader to face the reality of stepping down.
“In a few days we will swear-in a new government,” he said. “It is not a catastrophe nor is it a disaster. It is nothing but a change of government, as is normal in every democratic country.” Bennett added, “Israel is not a monarchy, no one has a monopoly on who will rule. Every government, when it becomes withered and corrupt after many years, is eventually replaced and so on. It is the natural, healthy course of action in every normal country.”
Bennett spoke about threats against him, his party and members of the coalition.
“It is fine, you can talk against (the government), write against it and protest against it,” he said. “Not every objection to the government is incitement, and yet, legitimate conduct is one thing, worrying conduct is another.”
Bennett addressed Netanyahu, “Free the country so it can move on. Do not leave nothing but charred earth behind you.”
Bennett dismissed claims by Netanyahu and supporters the coalition was left-wing.
“It is actually ten degrees further to the right than the current one,” he noted. “A government headed by me, a right-wing man, wearing a kippah, a government with a centre-right majority in the cabinet and other forums, is not a ‘left-wing government’. It’s not ‘us vs them’. No one here is an enemy.”.
With tensions rising during a whirlwind few days of political claims and counter claims, Bennett called on Knesset Speaker Yair Levin to schedule a vote for a new government.
“We know that Netanyahu is pressuring you to delay the vote, to postpone it by another five days in order to give him more time to hunt for defectors,” he reportedly said. “This may be in Netanyahu’s best interest, but you know this is not in the state’s best interest. The Likud knows this too. You swore allegiance to the state, not to a particular person. The people expect you to do that.”.
Bennett denied Netanyahu’s claims he agreed to “forfeit” Israel’s Negev for a coalition.
Netanyahu condemned incitement against his rivals at a Likud faction meeting but lambasted the proposed coalition, vowing to topple it “very quickly”.
“We condemn all forms of incitement from any side, even when others remain silent as the incitement against us runs rampant,” he said. “It’s important to stress that freedom of speech is not incitement,” Netanyahu added. “You can’t treat criticism from the right as incitement and criticism from the left as a legitimate act of freedom of speech. It is an attempt to frame the right as something dangerous to democracy, the very idea is dangerous to democracy.”
Netanyahu accused rivals of electoral fraud in forming a coalition. He explained, “We are witnessing the biggest election fraud in the history of the country, and perhaps in the history of democracy. People rightly feel cheated,”
Netanyahu also criticised social media platforms for attempting to silence rightwing activists, including his son Yair. And he denied holding coalition negotiations with Islamist Ra’am party head Mansour Abbas who backed Bennett and Lapid.
“We have always been open to helping Arab MKs and we have done so more than all other governments combined, but unlike Bennett and Lapid, we have never agreed to give Abbas autonomy in the Negev,” Netanyahu said, adding, “When we talk about a dangerous left-wing government, we are talking about a government that will lose the Negev, a government that will not be able to stand in the face of the American demand to freeze construction (the West Bank) and Jerusalem, unfortunately.”
Shin Bet Director Nadav Argaman issued a warning of possible violence following Netanyahu’s demise. Argaman called on political and religious leaders to show responsibility.
Benjamin Netanyahu
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
BY DAVID SAFFER
World Jewish Congress has published a shocking monthly review outlining global antisemitism last month.
Across Europe, America and Australia a plethora of hate incidents have struck Jewish communities.
Here in the UK, among a host of reported cases there was a media storm after a convoy of cars decked with Palestinian flags drove through Jewish communities of north London. Swastikas have been daubed on synagogues and homes, mezuzahs desecrated, protests, assaults and verbal abuse have also taken place. And Jewish leaders were appalled when footage of a female officer embracing protesters chanting “Free, free Palestine” went viral.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has led political support for the Jewish community but concern persists.
In Vienna, 2,500 protesters rallied against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Among other incidents, a train passenger was punched after he asked another passenger to stop denying the Holocaust occurred whilst engaging in antisemitic speech. There was also outrage when three people verbally assaulted a woman reading a book called “The Jews In The Modern World.” According to media reports, when the victim told police she was not Jewish, they informed her it was not an antisemitic incident.
In Victoria, Australia, before a pro-Israel rally, a 19-year-old Muslim woman posted a TikTok video allegedly advocating calls for violence against the Jewish community. The video was captioned, “If you’re from Victoria, Australia, you know what to do.” Inciteful comments followed.
At a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney, a swastika was drawn on an Israeli flag, replacing the Star of David. And a Nazi slogan and swastikas were also daubed on a train in Brisbane.
Support came from Prime Minister Scott Morrison who confirmed Australia would boycott the anti-Israel Durban Conference this year. “We will not associate Australia with one-sided and contentious language that singles out Israel or an event that champions such language,” he noted.
In Belgium, pro-Palestinian protestors burned Israeli flags and shouted antisemitic slogans while waving Hamas flags at a Brussels rally. And a Club Brugge footballer was filmed leading supporters singing an antisemitic song, chanting “I’d rather die than be a sporting Jew”, after his club had won the national league. Georges-Louis Bouchez, MR Party in the Belgian Senate, said in a statement, “I await an explanation and an apology from Noa Lange and sanctions at the level of Club Brugge and the Royal Belgian Football Association.”
In Toronto, pro-Palestinian demonstrators assaulted pro-Israel protestors at a rally. WJC-affiliated Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs condemned acts of assault, intimidation. Elsewhere, a Hitler Youth flag was seen on a property in Alberta. The owner refused to take down the flag, prompting an investigation.
Solidarity came from Canadian MP Anthony Housefather who confirmed the country would not participate in the Durban conference describing the events as a “forum for antisemitism”.
In France, Jewish activists discovered a Facebook page honouring the killer of Sarah Halimi. And a monument honouring one of the Jewish victims of the 2015 Hypercacher kosher supermarket terrorist attack was vandalised. In Dusseldorf, Bonn and Munster, synagogues and a Holocaust memorial were vandalised, whilst in Munich, a man was arrested after assaulting a non-Jewish man he called a “Jewish pig”. And 200 anti-Israel demonstrators marched to a synagogue in Gelsenkirchen chanted “s***y Jews.” German police in Bremen also arrested a man for planning an attack on a synagogue.
Italian police seized weapons from homes of members of a white supremacist movement planning to form a new fascist party.
And in the Netherlands, the Dutch Conservative party suggested on the country’s Holocaust Memorial Day that COVID-19 measures had undone the liberation from the Nazis.
In Ceuta, Spain, “Free Palestine, Allah” graffiti was daubed on a synagogue, while in Gothenburg, a non-Jewish man who wore a kippah in a show of solidarity with Swedish Jews was assaulted.
Antisemitic bullying also took place in schools including a number of boys approaching a 13-year-old Jewish pupil in Stockholm and desecrating an Israeli flag in front of him.
In Basel, the former leader of far-right Basel Swiss Nationalist Party Tobias Steiger was fined for remarks blaming Jews for World War One and Two during a demonstration in 2018.
Steiger has questioned the Holocaust on Facebook, according to Keystone-SDA news agency.
In Kremenchuk, Ukraine, a bullet hole was found in a synagogue, and grave robbers allegedly raided a Holocaust mass grave, scattering human remains.
In the US, pro-Palestinian demonstrators attacked Jews at a Los Angeles restaurant, in Illinois a window was smashed at the Persian Hebrew Congregation. A similar incident took place in Tucson, Arizona and a Holocaust memorial was defaced in Portland, Oregon.
Support has been plentiful including the State Department who confirmed the United States would not participate in anti-Israel Durban Conference in September.
BY SIMCHA ABIR Odelia Fitoussi to serve on UN Israel voted on UN ‘ECOSOC’ AJC opens UAE office Committee on the Rights of Per- The American Jewish Committee has Israel has become a member of sons with Disabilities (CRPD) in opened an office in the United Arab the United Nations ‘Economic November 2020. Emirates. and Social Council’ for the first The first Israeli selected to serve A landmark first in the region, UAE fortime after receiving over two- on the prestigious UN committee, eign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed thirds of the vote from member Erdan described her election as a al-Nahyan welcomed the move to promote states. “true triumph of the human spir- dialogue.
ECOSOC advances economic, it” for people with disabilities all The UAE and Bahrain established ties environmental and social sustain- over the world. with Israel last year as part of the US-broable development. It is also re- He added, “Israel’s extensive kered Abraham Accords. The UAE was the sponsible for following up on UN experience in the field of rights for first Arab state in over a quarter century conferences and summits. people with disabilities will con- to make a historic deal. “We are thrilled to
“This is an incredible achieve- tribute greatly to the committee’s have you,” Zayed al-Nahyan told an annual ment for Israel and comes despite activities and will have a positive global forum. “Your presence in the UAE is the efforts of Palestinians and influence on the lives of many part of changing mindsets.” their supporters against us,” said United Nations Economic and Social Council chamber PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK around the world. I am sure that AJC Abu Dhabi, The Sidney Lerner CenGilad Erdan, Israel’s Ambassador Odelia will be an excellent ambas- tre for Arab-Jewish Understanding, will be to the UN and the US. promote collective action for a sustainable sador and achieve great things.” headed by State Department’s Marc Siev-
“Choosing Israel to serve on ECOSOC is world’. The Geneva-based CRPD is responsible ers. The veteran diplomat of over four deca recognition of our innovation and crea- ‘At the centre of the UN development for monitoring and examining the activi- ades has served in Israel, Morocco, Turkey, tivity, which serves to benefit all nations of system, we conduct cutting-edge analysis, ties of signatory states. Its implementation Iraq, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. the world, as well as evidence of our diplo- agree on global norms and advocate for improves the lives of people with disabili- The AJC office will promote Arab-Jewish matic efforts throughout the international progress. Our collective solutions advance ties around the world. and Muslim-Jewish ties, fight anti-Semicommunity.” He added, “I will continue to sustainable development.’ The UN Convention on Rights of Per- tism and work with Jewish communities in lead the State of Israel to further achieve- ECOSOC, which numbers 54 members sons with Disabilities is ratified by 182 the region. ments and to expand cooperation efforts of 193 UN member states, has 15 special- countries. Sheikh Abdullah is hopeful that the acat the UN, despite efforts by the Palestin- ised agencies, eight functional and five Israel was a leading nation in drafting cords, which Sudan and Morocco have ians and their supporters.” regional commissions in its remit. the convention, joining it in 2012. Since also signed, will bring lasting peace and
Countries are nominated as part of re- ECOSOC, which is responsible for ap- then, Israel has been active in legislative prosperity. “We have to be tolerant to thrive gional blocs. Israel’s is among Western proving action plans of permanent com- and social initiatives for people with dis- in a challenging neighbourhood,” he said. European and Other Countries (WEOG). mittees, the Security Council and Human abilities. It is responsible for implement- Sheikh Abdullah added that a solution to
The UN notes on its website, ‘ECOSOC Rights Council are the UN’s main bodies. ing and overseeing the Commission for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict required brings people and issues together to Israel’s success follows the election Equality of Persons with Disabilities. “strategic” thinking on both sides.
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From the editor’s desk
Israel
So after all the shenanigans of previous elections it looks like we will now have a proper government in Israel again. Due to the complexities of the Israeli system, Naftali Bennett could end up as Prime Minister of Israel despite having just 6 seats in the Knesset. Whilst many experts are sceptical as to how long this government will even last, it presents many questions and much fear for lots of people, especially religious Jews.
What will the attitude be towards the religious community? One MK sparked outrage last week by suggesting he would try to make Kiruv/Outreach a criminal act. Emissaries from Chabad rightly staged an angry protest at this modern day Korach figure.
Government led political and financial attacks are now widely expected on the frum community, with Yeshiva funding being cut and many other things being planned. I hope all the people who were so desperate to get rid of Bibi haven’t made a huge mistake.
Broughton Jewish Primary School
Well done to BJPS in Manchester, who this week raised over £1,000,000 a staggering amount which will greatly help develop the school in many exciting ways, including a new Beis Hamidrash and more outside learning facilities.
Chair of Governors Dov Black told me how ecstatic the school was at the vast level of support, with over 6000 donors from around the world. The 210 teams put in so much effort, and everyone played their part, especially the matchers.
The amount of money that British Jewry have raised for so many charities since the Pandemic began is truly astounding. As we say during Shabbat Mincha, ‘Mi K’amcha Yisroel - Who is like Your people Israel?’
Israeli Politics & The Knesset
Israel’s brand new government consisting of eight political parties will be voted upon in a special Knesset session on Sunday at 4pm.
The confidence vote is expected to pass by a razor-thin majority of 61 votes to 59 in the plenum, after Yamina MK Nir Orbach confirmed he will vote in favour of the “change-bloc”.
“This is not an easy decision,” Orbach wrote on his Facebook page, “but it is what is called for in light of the governmental instability, the violent discourse and the sense of chaos verging on civil war”. Orbach continued his lengthy piece by stating that “After an unending impasse, the time is right to try to rewrite the challenges of the Zionist vision and the shared values of Israeli society in the coming years.”
He also blasted the Religious Zionists party by writing, “It has aligned with far- right extremists and religious elements that do not represent me or the community I come from.”
Nir Orbach was reportedly offered a ministerial post in return for his vote. However Yamina’s seventh MK, Amichai Chikli announced last week, he could not support the Left-Centre-Right-Islamist pact.
Likud faction chairman Micky Zohar said in response to the Orbach announcement, “In the end, Naftali Bennett’s opportunism won over ideology.”
Speaking on Kan Radio, Zohar told listeners, “If the government falls, Bennett’s political career is over, so there is concern that his decisions are led by considerations of personal survival and not what is good for the country.”
On the subject of replacing Binyamin Netanyahu as head of the Likud, Zohar stressed, “This is not on the table and Netanyahu is expected to lead the opposition in the Knesset and head the Likud into the next election”.
However Kan reported earlier this week that Health Minister, Yuli Eidelstein planned to seek the party leadership, while another potential candidate, Finance Minister Yisrael Katz denied that he was planning to mount a campaign to unseat Netanyahu.
But for now, the focus is on the confidence vote on Sunday for the new government. If successful, Naftali Bennett will be sworn-in as Prime Minister after 12 consecutive years (4458 days) of Binyamin Netanyahu. The alternate Prime Minister, Yair Lapid and the cabinet will then be sworn-in and the Knesset will vote to remove Likud Knesset speaker MK Yariv Levin, who will be replaced by a Yesh Atid MK.
The coalition agreements of the emerging government must formally be handed to the Knesset, 24 hours before the vote. But with Sunday being the day of the vote, the Yesh Atid leader, Yair Lapid and coalition partner Naftali Bennett, must therefore submit their coalition paper work to the plenum by Friday.
This will give the pro-Netanyahu bloc, 48 hours to review the agreements and at the same time, convince right wing MK’s in the emerging government to oppose Sunday’s vote of confidence.
In the unlikely event this would happen, the Likud unanimously approved a motion on Tuesday to reserve three open spots on their party’s electoral list, in a further bid to entice members of Yamina and New Hope, to bolt the coalition in exchange for a spot on the slate.
Heads of the New Hope, Yesh Atid and Yamina met on Tuesday night at the house of New Hope party leader, Gideon Sa’ar in order to hammer out fine details on several issues before the final signing of the coalition accords.
Although we don’t know the exact details of the coalition agreements between Yesh Atid and the 7 other parties, it is widely believed that IDF service will be mandatory for most Yeshiva students, a reform egalitarian section will be set up at the Western Wall and major changes will take place on matters related to religion and state.
These will include reforms to the system of Jewish conversion, the provision of kashrut (kosher) authorities and the method for electing the Chief Rabbis. Yisrael Beteinu’s coalition agreement includes stipulations regarding civil marriage, the strictly Orthodox educational system and public transportation throughout Israel on Shabbat.
A United Torah Judaism MK commented that Mansour Abbas, who heads the Islamist Ra’am party, will be the most religious person in the new government.
The Bennett-Lapid-Sa’ar bloc plan to promote two dramatic laws in the early days of their new government according to Channel 12 News. First, preventing anyone who has served as prime minister for at least four years, (which of course applies only to Netanyahu) from running for the next Knesset.
Second, to introduce a law that makes it easier for a faction within a party to break off and form their own party. According to the law, Knesset members can only break away from their party, if they take at least a third of the MK’s. So as the Likud hold 30 seats, a minimum of 10 MK’s would be needed to break.
The new government plan to reduce this number considerably, in case Likud defectors are looking to join the Bennett led coalition, which will need to strengthen their narrow majority of one seat.
The Likud responded by saying “Bennett is crossing every red line in his insane chase for the Prime Minister’s seat at any price. “After Bennett deceived his voters and passed votes from right to left only to appoint himself Prime Minister with six seats, he is now bringing a law that does not exist in any democracy in the world, with the aim of disqualifying Prime Minister Netanyahu from running for Knesset”.
Israel’s political analyst JAMES MARLOW continues with his weekly report, and this week, it looks like its “All Change” as a brand new unity government prepares to take control of the Knesset.
ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS:
• The Security Cabinet on Tuesday night voted to reinstate the Jerusalem flag march on Tuesday 15 June, after the police decided to cancel the Thursday event, due to safety concerns. During the meeting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz agreed to reach a compromise that would allow the march to take place on a later date, but re-route it from the Old City’s Damascus Gate. The cabinet voted in agreement with the motion. • Leaders of the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties, Moshe Gafni and Arye Deri denounced Yamina leader and Prime Minister designate, Naftali Bennett as someone who would “uproot religion” and called upon him to remove his yarmulke. They said the coalition agreements drawn up on religion and state would destroy the Jewish character of the State of the Israel. For his part, Bennett responded to Gafni and Deri by saying, they had failed their voters. • Kikar Hashabbat reported that members from the Likud-Chareidi bloc approached President Rivlin with a proposal that Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin be tapped with forming a government, while Netanyahu took a break from politics and public life for one year. During this time, New Hope head Gideon Sa’ar would serve in the position of Prime Minister. Likud sources have said the report was nonsense but Netanyahu did admit that he offered Sa’ar to serve as Prime Minister in a rotation agreement. However Sa’ar rejected the offer. MK in 2013, Bennett’s goal was to eventually succeed Netanyahu as Prime Minister, but never intended to oust him. Bennett was always aware of how much the “Right” respected Netanyahu and that ousting him could result in a permanent scar on his political resume.
• Bennett is a religious Zionist politician who staunchly opposes a Palestinian state and backs many right-wing policies. He is relatively liberal on religious issues and pragmatic on some others. He is seen as mostly independent of the rabbis he follows.
