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17 JUNE 2021
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Boris increases Simcha numbers UK to chair International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance BY DAVID SAFFER
BY SIMCHA ABIR The UK government is to chair the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in 2024. The government last chaired the Alliance, which is made up of 34 countries including the US and Germany, a decade ago. The union unites governments to promote and strengthen Holocaust education and research. The UK’s chairmanship will be supported by experts including Holocaust Educational Trust, UCL’s Centre for Holocaust Education, Association of Jewish Refugees, Wiener Library and Holocaust Memorial Day Trust representatives. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was a poignant moment for the UK to chair the Alliance 80 years after the first discovery of the Nazi death camps. “We will never forget the worst crime of modern history and we will never relent in the fight against antisemitism,” he noted. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick added, “It will be a great honour for this country to chair the IHRA and continue to lead the way in promoting Holocaust education and remembrance. Our new UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning
Centre will bear witness to the evils of the Holocaust and stand as a permanent reminder of why we need to make a stand against antisemitism wherever and whenever it appears”. CFI ParliamenPHOTO: tary Dominic Raab Chairman WIKIMEDIA (Lords) and head of the UK IHRA delegation, The Lord Pickles commented, “At a time when Holocaust distortion and revisionism is on the increase the UK intends to be at the forefront of nations that uphold the truth of the Shoah, with a clear unblinking eye.” He added, “The UK Chair will build on cooperation between international institutions to fight antisemitism and Holocaust denial”. The UK was the first country to adopt the adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism in 2016. Around three quarters of local councils and over 80 universities in the UK have adopted the definition following the government’s encouragement and own adoption.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s much awaited lockdown easing announcement had ramifications for the Jewish community with caveats. The country remains at Step 3 until July 19 but the update means that couples will be able to celebrate their wedding with Boris Johnson more family and friends from June 21. Numbers depend on how many people a venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place. Dancefloors though will remain closed. The news is good for KLBD caterers regarding simchas after months of uncertainty. Shul attendances and stonesettings will also see increased numbers. The United Synagogue has welcomed the news even with limitations on certain aspects. Steven Wilson, Chief Executive of the United Synagogue, said, “Many couples have already been forced to postpone their big day a number of times. The government has said that the number of people who can attend will now be determined by how many people a venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place, including guests of all ages and anyone working at the event.” Couples are encouraged to contact their US venue to understand what is possible. “The government has said that dancefloors will sadly have to remain closed,” noted Wilson. “We know weddings are not the same without dancing, but we recognise the government’s desire to keep guests and staff safe and we are pleased the couple will still be able to enjoy a first dance together,
should they wish.” He added, “We are so pleased that our KLBD caterers can now carry out larger wedding functions. They, together with the hospitality industry, have had an incredibly difficult time over the pandemic and we wish them all the very best for the coming weeks and months.” PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA The US is delighted shul attendances continue to rise. In line with government guidance, social distancing and masks are still required. “Do join us if you are able,” commented Wilson. “We will review possible changes to our guidance as and when lockdown restrictions ease further.” The government has changed rules on stonesettings allowing an attendance limit to 50 people from Monday. The US has already increased the limit for funerals to 50 people to help more family and friends attend. “Ceremonies will continue to take place outside to reduce the risk of transmission among guests,” noted Wilson. Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s confirmed residential summer camps can go ahead in bubbles of 30 children, a move applauded by the US and Board of Deputies. “This means Covid-19 secure Tribe residential camps can go ahead,” noted a US spokesperson. “This will help ensure some viability for the community’s residential summer camps for young people,” added BoD President Marie van de Zyl. The Board is meeting Department of Education officials this week and will look for reassurance that if Step 4 number limits come into force residential camp limits will be lifted.
Trial to take place over Rabbi assault Two men will stand trial over the assault of Rabbi Rafi Goodwin, of Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue, last month. Abderrahman Brahimi, 25, and 18-yearold Souraka Djabouri, both of Tudor Crescent, Ilford, east London, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Rabbi Goodwin was allegedly struck over the head with a concrete brick in
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Chigwell and needed hospital treatment for head injuries on May 16. Brahimi and Djabouri are also charged with robbery and religiously aggravated criminal damage. Prosecutors allege Rabbi Goodwin’s phone was stolen. Both men deny all charges. They were remanded in custody to face trial at a later date, a court official said. The trial may be listed in November.
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