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LAPID TELLS PRESIDENT “WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT”

Left to right- Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, Yamina leader Naftali Bennett and Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas signing coalition agreement

BY JAMES MARLOW As the deadline to form a government dangerously approached midnight, Yair Lapid

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

telephoned Reuven Rivlin at just before 11.30pm on Wednesday saying, “Mr President, I have a government.”

Sitting alongside Naftali Bennett

and with a beaming smile, Lapid proceeded to name the eight parties that would support the coalition and then handed the telephone over to Bennett.

As one journalist tweeted, “If Israel gets a new government, it will be a coalition of religious nationalists, secular liberals, social democrats, liberal nationalists and Islamists – it might just work”.

But by Thursday afternoon, cracks in the foundation of the deal which were already there, increased. As a second Yamina Member of Knesset, Nir Orbach indicated he would not support the deal and opposed the ousting of the Likud Knesset Speaker, Yariv Levin.

If the “Change Bloc” cannot replace the speaker through a majority of 61 MK’s then Yariv Levin can delay the vote on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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Dan Hotels does glamping German army appoints military rabbi

Dan Hotels complex

Dan Hotels together with Go Events and Kenes Israel has won a tender to operate the ‘Carolina Complex’ Eilat.

The complex, part of the Eilat Municipality and Eilat Economic Company, offers a prestigious glamping development with various levels of accommodation.

All tents blend with the landscape with ecological materials. Various size camping tents are available including family ones.

Luxury options include a private pool.

The complex offers an oasis (therapeutic pools), an activity area to include sports, a central space with seating and dining areas, a work area, performance area, attractions and water sports centre.

The complex will be built opposite the coral reserve in Eilat and will operate for 20 years.

The theme of the complex is ‘closeness to nature’. The area has access to Eilat’s beaches. Activities and attractions meet family needs. Facilities are connected to nature, the desert and Red Sea. Ronen Nissenbaum, Dan Hotels CEO, commented, “The new complex will provide a different hospitality experience with various accommodation levels that suit every pocket, up to the most luxurious glamping option.”

Go Events operate with the Camel Farm in Eilat specialising in experience events in Israel and around the world. A variety of desert attractions and hospitality experiences are available.

Kenes Israel produces events and conferences in complex and creative productions.

Holding your

‫ב‘‘ה‬

Hand

Abigail and Saul were the picture-perfect happy couple, with successful careers. When Abigail was prescribed pain killers for relief from a medical procedure, she had no idea how her life was about to change. It did not take long before she was addicted to opioids.

Her life started to unravel, she was filled with inner turmoil, and her home and family were falling apart.

After a burglary, the police came to their home. After seeing its awful state, rubbish piled high, dirty laundry lying all over the house, rabbits running around with their faeces littering the floor, beds unmade and the family in an awful state, the Police reported Abigail and Saul to Social Services who promptly placed the children in protective custody.

Without judgement, The Family Centre helped Abigail seek the help she needed and arranged an appropriate therapist for Saul. They were assisted through every step of their stressful and difficult journey, with ongoing emotional support and guidance.

Rabbi Mordechai Eliezer Bala

PHOTO: ELI ITKIN

BY DAVID SAFFER Rabbi Mordechai Eliezer Bala is the first federal military rabbi of the German army.

The landmark appointment enables a military rabbi to serve in the army for the first time in almost 100 years.

The decision comes 18 months after German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer worked with the Central Council of Jews in Germany to renew the position of military rabbis in the Bundeswehr (Military of Germany). It is almost a year since the Bundestag approved the decision.

Conference of European Rabbis President Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt welcomed the historic move.

“Apart from the practical benefit to the 300 Jewish soldiers serving in the Bundeswehr, this is a clear statement from Germany, as the Defence Minister said, when signing the military Rabbis agreement with the Central Council of Jews in Germany”.

Kramp-Karrenbauer noted the appointment was a clear statement to Europe and the world in challenging times regarding antisemitism.

Council President Dr Josef Schuster announced the landmark appointment.

Around 10 more rabbis will be appointed to the Chief Military Rabbinate in the near future.

A soldier prays at The Great Synagogue, Frankfurt

PHOTO: RAPHAEL EHRLICH

Rabbi Bala, a graduate of the Hildesheimer Rabbinical Seminary, is a member of the German Rabbinical Committee and winner of the Maharal Matanel prize at the biennial convention of the CER. Rabbi Bala’s official appointment ceremony will take place in Leipzig later this month where he will serve as Chief Rabbi.

Michael Kretschmer, Minister President of Saxony, Rabbi Avichai Apel, Conference of European Rabbis together with members of the Central Council of Jews in Germany will attend the ceremony.

Shortly after the rise to power of Adolf Hitler in 1933, the role of Rabbis in the German Army was banned.

Defense Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer submitted a bill to restore military rabbinical activity to Germany 75 years later. Parliament approval came six months later.

In a speech to parliament, Kramp-Karrenbauer said, “This is a historic day for Germany, the move is a return to an ancient tradition. It is a sign of solidarity and recognition towards Jewish soldiers. The Rabbis will make a significant contribution against growing antisemitism in our society, and against extremism and populism.”

The road to a return of military rabbis began with an article published by a German newspaper where Allgemeine Zeitung by Dr Josef Schuster called for federal army standards to add a rabbi equivalent to military priests.

The courts ordered Supervised Contact* for the parents with their children. Contact was arranged at the Centre, where they had enough space and the activities to enjoy being a family during those precious hours. Meticulous notes were taken during contact by the Supervisor. These were then sent to court.

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 02 News 20 Opinion 21 Letters 23 Games 25 Community 31 Features

34 Cookery 36 Judaism 42 Kids 44 Youth 46 Sport

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Education key to antisemitism battle

BY ADAM MOSES Education is key to combatting antisemitism after a surge in incidents following the Israel-Hamas hostilities last month.

Jonathan Greenblatt, Anti-Defamation League, called on world leaders to speak publicly against antisemitism. He also appealed to US President Biden’s administration to appoint an emissary to monitor and combat anti-Semitism at an “ambassador-at-large level”.

This post was not taken up by the Trump administration and has not been filled by Biden.

“We are asking that the administration re-establish and fill the position of White House Jewish liaison, which will enable clear channels of communication between the White House and the American Jewish community,” Greenblatt reportedly noted.

Greenblatt urged the White House to uphold a 2019 executive order on campus anti-Semitism and invest in security at religious institutions.

Sacha Roytman-Dratwa, Combat Anti-Semitism Movement, called on

governments to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism.

Some 28 countries have adopted the IHRA definition since 2016.

Roytman-Dratwa, like Greeenblat, called for increased security.

“We are working with local authorities’ mayors and municipality leaders and pushing legislatures where we can, but it is not enough,” Roytman-Dratwa reportedly said. “This is a wake-up call for society to join forces and to deal with violence against Jews, because the hatred that we’ve seen is unacceptable and, as we always say, ‘It begins with Jews but never ends with Jews.’”

Roytman-Dratwa, regarding global anti-Semitism, is optimistic about the US but called for reforms in Canada and tougher sanctions in Europe.

“We heard from the Biden administration that they are willing to adopt the IHRA definition,” he reportedly explained.

“Some cities in Canada are refusing to adopt the IHRA definition, and that needs to change. Europe has very strong

legislation, but the implementation has a lot of weaknesses.”

“We’ve seen very positive actions in France and Germany by not allowing hate speech to be on the street, but unfortunately it moved online.” Roytman-Dratwa added. “There needs to be new legislation to stop it, because the legislation they have is apparently not strong enough.”

Ernest Herzog, World Jewish Congress, continued global calls for social media companies to take a tough stance on anti-Semitism.

“There is always this thin red line of freedom of speech, which is misused to incite hatred and violence in a way that it is no longer free speech,” he reportedly said. “If somebody in Austria or Germany or France were to open a bar, and after a month they noticed a group of neo-Nazis gathering and discussing how to kill Jews, they would not allow this to continue happening. They would do something about it. However, if this happens in a ‘virtual bar,’ the bar owner, whether it’s Facebook or some other social media platform, says they have nothing to do with it.” He added,

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NEWS 5 “In real life, you have responsibility not just legally, but also ethically. That line is being pushed online and is the backbone of hate going viral.”

Roytman-Dratwa stressed that “anti-Zionism is the new antisemitism” so people must be educated on this notion alongside continued Holocaust education.

“We see a lot of Holocaust terminology used to describe what’s happening with the Palestinians, which is totally wrong and a kind of antisemitism when you look at the IHRA definition and the examples,” he reportedly explained.

Benjamin Ward, Human Rights Watch, Europe noted that Holocaust education should be regional.

“We need to see antisemitism as a European issue that needs a European solution rather than always seeing it through the prism of the events of the Middle East,” Ward reportedly noted.

Herzog held the view that the IHRA definition was a starting point to teach about antisemitism. He was also clear regarding Israel but not as a stand-alone topic as it singled out Jews.

“Anti-Semitism can be taught on various different age levels, this should be taught as part of a larger course which talks about hate speech or violence or civil rights,” he reportedly said. “We have Islamophobia and homophobia and all these other forms of hatred that should be addressed as well”.

Herzog added that education was crucial to fight rising anti-Semitism as Jewish students are targeted on campus and schools.

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WJC to continue global fight against antisemitism

BY ADAM MOSES World Jewish Congress has concluded its quadrennial gathering addressing key issues affecting Jewish communities and will continue the global fight against antisemitism.

Re-elected WJC President, Ronald S. Lauder, called on Israel to be a “beacon of unity” for all Jewish people in his keynote address at the 16th Plenary Assembly.

Lauder noted challenging times amidst a surge in antisemitic hatred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the State of Israel, Reuven Rivlin and UNESCO Director General, Audrey Azoulay, were among speakers backing his concerns.

Von der Leyen discussed antisemitic hatred in Europe and how quickly conspiracy myths spread. ”The duty to protect the future of the Jewish people starts with remembering the past, but of course it does not end there,” she noted. “Europe can only prosper when its Jewish communities prosper too. Seventy-six years after the Holocaust, Jewish life in Europe is thriving again in synagogues, in schools, in kindergartens and in the heart of our communities. And we must continue to protect it.”

Ms von der Leyen added, “For decades, you have been at the forefront of fighting for the rights of Jewish communities around the world, to eradicate antisemitism and to make sure that the memory of the Holocaust is kept alive, and I am here to tell you Europe is with you in this fight.”

Noting antisemitism is present globally, she concluded, “Antisemitic crimes and hate speech must be brought to justice.”

Speakers thanked world leaders’ recognition of Israel’s right to defend itself following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Rivlin said that security of the Jewish people and security of the Jewish and democratic State of Israel are closely tied together. “We must show zero tolerance for all forms of antisemitism, racism and extremism, whether against Jewish individuals, Jewish communities or the Jewish state, whether in the streets, online or in the halls of power,” he explained.

UNESCO and WJC have partnered to combat antisemitism. Azoulay commented, “We are here to remember that antisemitism is not just an attack on the Jewish people, it’s an attack on our shared humanity. Respect is at the heart of our efforts to fight antisemitism.”

WJC were praised for combating antisemitism, advancing human rights, preserving Holocaust memory and Holocaust education, and developing Jewish leaders.

Criticising international

parliamentarians who failed to defend Jews against antisemitic attacks and Israel during the recent conflict with Hamas, Lauder called on WJC delegates to respond to antisemitism.

“Any government leader that does not stand up with a strong voice against antisemitism will know that the WJC will be there,” he noted. “We must do this as one, united people.”

Lauder has led WJC for the 14 years and thanked world leaders who supported Israel.

Lauder vowed in his new four-year term to address Jewish community challenges regarding education, pluralism, support for Israel and hate crime legislation.

Calling for 200 new Jewish schools globally, including 100 in America, he noted, “We have to give scholarships because no Jewish child should ever be turned away from an education.” Lauder added, “I have seen the difference that my Jewish schools have made with my own eyes. The Jewish children who graduate from my schools go on as proud Jews and they stay Jewish and they stand behind Israel.”

He continued, “We are one people, from the most secular to the most orthodox.

None of us is more Jewish than the other.

And we need to hold on to every single Jewish person there is. We also desperately need new, young Jewish leaders. But we can’t expect this to just happen, we have to make it happen. Without trained future leaders, we have no future.”

Noting that JDCorps engage daily on the global stage to support communities worldwide,” he explained. “We now have 350 young Jewish Diplomats, and that’s a good start, but I want 500 and then we must double that to 1,000.” Lauder vowed to start a Jewish leadership school in Europe, and potentially the US and Latin America, to train the next generation of leaders.

Turning his attention to Israel and the recent hostilities with Hamas, Lauder noted, “Can you even imagine if 4,000 rockets were launched against Washington, London, Moscow, or Beijing? You don’t have to guess, you know what would happen.

So why is Israel the only country that is condemned for defending itself? Why does Israel constantly have to defend its right to exist in places like the UN? This is what we are up against.”

Stating that the WJC stands with its brothers and sisters in Israel, he continued, “After all the death and loss and suffering that Jews went through to win back our homeland, we cannot allow it to be lost again. We must stand up and fight for it.”

Lauder said the WJC would hold politicians accountable if they supported Hamas or stood silent. He also thanked US President Joe Biden, his administration

Ursula von der Leyen

and world leaders who understood the difference between a sovereign, democratic country and a terrorist group aimed at killing Jews.

Lauder called for Israel to establish a unified government, for Israel and the Diaspora to put together a social media campaign to reflect the ‘true image’ of Israel and make Jewish education a top priority. He also appealed for Jewish causes to be backed and for tougher laws on antisemitism.

Lauder turned his attention to the global rise of “antisemitic hatred”.

“No country is immune, Great Britain, France, Germany, Argentina, even in Israel, and right here in the United States,” he explained. Lauder added, “I know antisemitism has been around for thousands of years, but today, it’s different. Here in America, antisemites are now members of Congress and they are so brazen, that they speak their hatred of Jews and Israel without any shame, what-so-ever. They are in Parliaments in Europe and throughout the diaspora saying the same things and not enough politicians are fighting them.

For far too long, Jews have been the nice, quiet citizens in their countries. Jews don’t like to make waves. That’s our nature. And that ends today. The silence ends today, we are no longer the timid, ghetto Jews of the past. Now when we see antisemitism, when Jews are beaten in the streets, when Jews are killed, we will fight.”

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PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Lauder continued, “When Israelis are targeted with over 4,000 rockets, and Israel is condemned for “dis-proportionate” response and not Hamas, this is unacceptable.”

Lauder called on Israel to be the “beacon of unity” for all the Jewish people.

“Israel must help bring us together,” he said. “If the Israelis can stand together in war, they must stand together in peace as well. Let something good come from this war, something positive.”

A recent WJC poll of Jewish communities in Israel, Great Britain, France, Argentina, Russia and US illustrated that some 80 percent of Jewish people were afraid of being attacked and reluctant to wear anything identifying them as Jews.

Lauder said it was time for Jews to stand up and fight. “Silence leads to fear, and I want to remind you, we do not come from fearful people,” he said.

He concluded, “We come from a long, long line of Jewish heroes who faced terrible hatred, but always held fast to their faith. This miraculous story will not end with us. Our people will endure. Have courage. Be strong and don’t be afraid to fight for what you believe in.”

Aside from Lauder, WJC delegates elected David de Rothschild (Chair of the Governing Board), Chella Safra (Treasurer), Moshe Kantor (Policy Council Chair) and Robert Goot (Co-Chair of Policy Council).

JNF UK: ALWAYS STANDING WITH ISRAEL

JNF UK was proud to stand by Israel during the recent outbreak of violence from Hamas, with our JNF UK volunteers giving vital support to those living under endless rocket fire.

Terrorism will not prevent JNF UK from fulfilling our vision of transforming the south of Israel into the new heart of the country, so that every Israeli can fulfil their potential. We will continue to support the communities in the Negev, as we have for many years.

JNF UK will always stand by Israel.

Registered Charity Number: 225910

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CAA welcome Chelsea antisemitism viewpoint

BY DAVID SAFFER Campaign Against Antisemitism has welcomed Chelsea FC condemning recent antisemitism incidents and support for the Jewish community.

The act from the Champions League winners came after incidents included a convoy of cars driving down Finchley Road shouting “**** the Jews” through a megaphone, mezuzahs being vandalised in Borehamwood and Rabbi Rafi Goodwin being assaulted and hospitalised.

The football club released a tweet, stating, “Chelsea FC stands with the UK’s Jewish community, and Jewish communities across the world, in the face of rising antisemitism. This hatred and intimidation towards the Jewish community is unacceptable and must stop.”

Chelsea received criticism from some Twitter users over the anti-racist tweet.

But Jewish organisations were positive about the sentiment.

“We commend Chelsea for this show of solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community,” noted a CAA spokesperson. “At a time

of surging antisemitism, it is reassuring to have the support of a club that has itself made enormous progress in tackling anti-Jewish hate. We hope that fellow Premiership teams and other sporting clubs and association will follow Chelsea’s lead.”

The Blues have adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism and only last month banned an abusive online troll from matches for 10 years after he hounded a Jewish journalist.

CAA offered Levene support after Sam Mole, 20, from Kettering, posted antisemitic and homophobic messages to freelancer Dan Levene One message wished Levine would die, another lamented he was not killed in the Holocaust.

Twitter suspend other abusive messages

sent by Mole from another account.

Following the ban, CAA applauded the club. “This announcement sends a powerful message that antisemitism in football and online must not be tolerated,” a spokesman noted.

CAA added, “Football clubs walking out of social media over online hate is one thing, but backing it up with strong action like this is the strongest antidote.”

Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Antisemitism chairman, said, “As we have said previously and consistently, clubs, football authorities, police and social media platforms have to do much more to prevent and eradicate this behaviour and Chelsea’s punitive action is to be commended.”

In a statement, Chelsea FC said, “Our

players, staff, fans and visitors to the club come from a wide range of backgrounds, including the Jewish community. We want to ensure everyone feels safe, valued and included. We will not tolerate any behaviour from supporters that threatens that aim.”

Chelsea added, “As a club, we will continue to take action against individuals or groups who produce or disseminate social media posts that contravene these values.”

Levene said, “This is a good day for the fight against racism in football.”

Mole admitted to police he had sent abusive tweets in October 2019, but was found not guilty at Leicester Magistrates Court in February 2020 on a technicality as he was on holiday in Australia so outside UK’s courts jurisdiction. But he was issued with a three-year restraining order prohibiting him from directly or indirectly contacting Levene and posting messages about him on social media.

Mole, a trainee teacher, expressed remorse for his actions.

CAA is in contact with the Teaching Regulation Agency.

Sandys Row gets £25K boost The oldest Ashkenazi synagogue in London has been awarded a £25,000 grant from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

Sandys Row shul is the last synagogue in Spitalfields, London’s East End. Essential work to the Grade II listed building can take place. Shul president, Harvey Rifkind welcomed the funding to enable Sandys Row to play a role in the community.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced the rescue package in July 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, for cultural organisations to help the sector survive, and when possible, reopen.

Founded in 1854 by 50 poor Dutch Ashkenazi Jewish families by 1867, it had grown to five hundred members when it acquired the leasehold of the French chapel.

Architect Nathan Joseph remodelled the original building with a new entrance for Sandys Row. In 1870, Sephardi Rabbi, Haham Benjamin Artom of Bevis Marks Synagogue, consecrated the shul.

By 1887, Sandys Row was the largest of the East End congregations that founded the Federation of Synagogues. It left the Federation in 1899 and was refurbished for the 50th anniversary after acquiring its freehold, becoming an Associate of the United Synagogue in 1922.

In 1949, Sandys Row returned to independent status.

For many years the shul acted as

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secretariat of the Stepney and Whitechapel Street Traders’ Association, bringing together traders from Petticoat Lane and Whitechapel markets.

Sandys Row was not directly hit by bombs during World War 2, but bombing nearby damaged the structure of the building. In the 1950s the synagogue enjoyed a renaissance, but two decades on the synagogue was in decline as the Jewish population had migrated from the East End. With membership dwindling, by the 1990s the synagogue nearly closed down.

An English Heritage £250,000 grant restored the Huguenot roof in 2009, a new Jewish generation now lives in the East End, enabling the shul to serve the Jewish community.

Famously, the synagogue was a location for the 2006 short film The Tenth Man.

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Williamson stands firm on antisemitism in schools

BY DAVID SAFFER

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has called on schools to act against antisemitism and be politically impartial.

Williamson’s stance comes after a spike in antisemitism in classrooms and on campus following hostilities between Israel and Hamas last month. A plethora of incidents involving Jewish students and teachers have resulted in forthright comments from the Tory minister.

“Schools should ensure that political expression by senior pupils is conducted sensitively, avoiding disruption for other pupils and staff,” he said. “It is unacceptable to allow some pupils to create an atmosphere of intimidation or fear for other students and teachers.”

Williamson added, “School leaders and staff have a responsibility to ensure that they act appropriately, particularly in the political views they express.”

The Education Secretary confirmed schools should not work with organisations not recognising Israel’s right to exist. And he reminded headteachers of “legal duties regarding political impartiality”.

Pupils must also be offered a “balanced presentation of opposing views” when political issues surface.

“Schools should not present materials in a politically biased or one-sided way and should always avoid working with organisations that promote antisemitic or discriminatory views,” Williamson explained.

Campaign Against Antisemitism applauded the cabinet minister for raising awareness on antisemitism in schools but whilst a ceasefire has held in Israel, hate crimes in the United Kingdom persist.

Only last week a Jewish school advised CAA that pupils hid garments that might identify them as Jewish. There were also reported incidents at Brent Cross Shopping Centre and in Stamford Hill.

There has been continued harassment on streets, disturbing hospital incidents targeting Jewish patients and staff, and a major charity’s Instagram was hacked by anti-Israel trolls have occurred.

Norwood’s display photo was changed to a Palestinian Authority flag highlighting “Free Palestine, end apartheid”. Hackers also uploaded a photo of a man holding a PA flag with a caption “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”. Another was captioned, “Palestine will be free. Free free Palestine.”

A Norwood spokesperson confirmed the recent issue, commenting, “As a British charity, our duty is to support vulnerable members of the British Jewish community and, as such, we condemn as abhorrent all hate crimes. Norwood stands for inclusivity regardless of our differences.”

Norwood endorsed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent statement that there is no place for antisemitism in British society.

The charity has control of its Instagram account again but it was a worrying development.

The Royal Free Hospital, meantime, investigated two incidents regarding patients awaiting a blood test. One has since been withhdraen.

The Trust does not tolerate racist or antisemitic behaviour from anybody on our premises. They added in a statement, “We would urge anybody who experiences racist or antisemitic abuse in any of our hospitals to report it immediately to a member of our security team or to the patient advice and liaison service.”

A Jewish neonatal intensive care nurse was shaken after antisemitic abuse at Royal London Hospital.

A Barts Health NHS Trust spokesperson

reportedly said, “We do not tolerate antisemitism, racism or abusive behaviour in our hospitals.”

CAA welcomed a British Medical Association statement condemning antisemitism and racism.

The BMA noted, “Antisemitism and racial discrimination harms people and harms communities. We empathise with the negative impact these events have had on our Jewish members.”

The statement concluded, “Antisemitism and any form of racial discrimination is unacceptable and to maintain the trust of our patients and colleagues, the BMA affirms that we cannot achieve equality for some without equality for all.”

A Jewish Medical Association (UK) spokesperson told CAA, “Ignoring antisemitism as racism is unacceptable.”

The JMA welcomed the BMA statement about tolerance and respect. JMA called on other national organisations to adopt a similar model.

A CAA spokesperson confirmed, “We continue to hear of incidents targeting Jews in schools and hospitals and now, just as cowardly, the hacking of the social media account of a Jewish charity for children with learning disabilities. Notwithstanding the relative quiet in Israel, we urge the Jewish community and its institutions here in the UK to remain vigilant.”

CAA, in the midst of rocket attacks on Israel, met with Johnson and cabinet ministers regarding increased antisemitism in communities.

Williamson wrote to the Office for Students regarding the adoption of the International Definition of Antisemtism last February following a letter to the sector in October 2020.

Gideon Falter, CAA CEO, welcomed Williamson’s insistence that universities should report and take action against antisemitic incidents. “Jewish life on campus must be protected from anti-Jewish hatred on campus, be it from academics or students,” he noted.

CAA has published a resource “What to do about antisemitism at school” for children and parents who encounter anti-Jewish hate.

Email contact@antisemitism.org or telephone CAA 0330 822 0321 with antisemtic concerns.

Belfast City Council vote to expel Israeli ambassadors

BY LEAH WAXLER Belfast City Council has passed a motion to expel Israeli ambassadors in the wake of Israel’s conflict with Hamas last month.

The Board of Deputies has slammed the decision and called on the Council to reflect on the outcome.

Councillor Fiona Ferguson of the People Before Profit (PBP) Party proposed the motion, backed by Sinn Fein, the Green Party and Social Democratic Labour Party.

Minority unionist parties opposed the motion, which condemned the actions of the Israeli state.

The Council will write to the Irish and UK Government calling to expel from office

Israeli ambassadors with “immediate effect”.

Ferguson thanked councillors who supported the motion as an “important and symbolic act of solidarity” with the Palestinian people on Twitter.

BoD President Marie van der Zyl slammed Belfast City Council’s decision.

“The refusal of the proposers of this motion to even condemn Hamas terrorist rockets aimed at Israel’s Jewish and Arab civilians speaks to the motivations behind this political grandstanding,” she said. “The greatest contribution those outside the region can make is supporting those who recognise the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Ms van de Zyl added, “Having had to face its own difficult conflict, it is particularly sad

Councillor Fiona Ferguson

PHOTO: TWITTER

to see Belfast city councillors voting to expel ambassadors and curtailing dialogue, rather than taking steps aimed at helping to resolve

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conflict. We hope that Belfast City Council reflects again on where its own experiences of this path have led and decides to take a different approach.”

Steven Jaffe, Northern Ireland Friends of Israel, was not surprised at the result given the breakdown of the Council who endorsed a motion for the destruction of Israel and support for Hamas.

The DUP supports efforts to promote peaceful co-existence between Israel and Palestine.

For the small Jewish community of Belfast, the result is a huge blow.

The next step is uncertain but the decision is a concerning development for community leaders.

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Bibi blasts UNHRC over Hamas conflict

BY DAVID SAFFER Prime Minister Netanyahu has lambasted a decision by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva as “shameful” in launching an inquiry into Israel’s actions during 11days hostilities with Hamas last month.

The investigation focuses on Israel Defence Forces’ Operation Guardian of the Walls campaign in Gaza alongside clashes in Jerusalem, across Israel and the West Bank.

Netanyahu said the adoption of a resolution is yet another case of UNHRC’s “blatant anti-Israel obsession.”

“Once again, an immoral automatic majority at the Council whitewashes a genocidal terrorist organisation that deliberately targets Israeli civilians while turning Gaza’s civilians into human shields,” Netanyahu noted. “This while depicting as the ‘guilty party’ a democracy acting legitimately to protect its citizens from thousands of indiscriminate rocket attacks. This travesty makes a mockery of international law and encourages terrorists worldwide.”

The UNHRC voted 24-9 with 14 abstentions to adopt a resolution brought by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Palestinian delegation to the UN. The Council for the first time called for the creation of a permanent “Commission

of Inquiry” into Israel’s actions. Among supporters were Russia, China and Bahrain (who signed the Abraham Accords with Israel).

The UK opposed the motion with Austria, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Czech Republic, Germany, Malawi, Marshal Islands and Uruguay. All other European members abstained.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz slated the Council’s decision which drew its “basic legitimacy” into question.

He explained, “There has never been an army that has overseen such a complex military operation with so little damage to the uninvolved, while facing an enemy that turned homes, medical clinics and the streets of Gaza into fighting grounds.

There is no doubt, the leaders of Hamas are shameful war criminals with blood on their hands, and every peace-loving country should seek to stop them.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected outright the resolution by a body with a “builtin anti-Israel majority, guided by hypocrisy and absurdity.”

They added, “Any resolution that fails to condemn the firing of over 4,300 rockets by a terror organisation at Israeli civilians, or even to mention the terror organisation Hamas, is nothing more than a moral failure and a stain on the international community and the UN.”

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UK Ambassador to the UNHRC, Simon Manley, “unequivocally condemned” indiscriminate attacks by Hamas and militant groups on Israel.

“We are clear that Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence,” he noted.

The action “threatens to imperil the progress that has been made” noted a US statement.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder, like Netanyahu, described anti-Israel resolution as “shameless” as it sullied the reputation of the UN and bodies under its auspices.

“Some UN member-states seem to believe that by exculpating Hamas and distorting the facts, they will gain cheap political points against Israel,” he noted. “The real losers, of course, are the Palestinians in Gaza, cynically held hostage by a terrorist organisation that purports to speak in their name. Once again, truth has fallen victim to a shameless charade.” Lauder added, “For the countries advancing this agenda, lying is obviously no sin, no matter the consequences, and even if the reputation of the UN is once again sullied.

We’ve all been down this road before.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said Israel’s air strikes on Gaza may constitute “war crimes” if deemed “indiscriminate and disproportionate” on civilians. Bachelet

did however note that Hamas had violated international humanitarian law by firing rockets into Israel.

“Hamas rockets are indiscriminate and fail to distinguish between military and civilian objects, and their use, thereby, constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law,” she said. “However, the actions of one party do not absolve the other from its obligations under international law.”

“Unless the root causes of the violence are addressed, it will certainly be a matter of time until the next round of violence commences with further pain and suffering for civilians on all sides,” Bachelet added.

Bicom noted that the UNHRC was viewed by Israel as an extremely biased, anti-Israel body. And the Trump administration withdrew from the Council and cut funding because of its anti-Israel position. The Biden administration has since brought the US back in as an observer.

Secretary of State Blinken noted that the UNHRC is a “flawed body, in need of reform to its agenda, membership, and focus, including its disproportionate focus on Israel”.

Blinken argued that by returning the US could exert a positive influence. But Israel is not expected to cooperate with an inquiry.

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Eitan out of intensive care after cable car crash

BY DAVID SAFFER The sole survivor of the Italian Alps cable car disaster in Stresa is out of intensive care at Citta della Salute hospital in Turin.

Doctors eased five-year-old Eitan Biran from an induced coma. He is now in a normal ward and “constantly improving” from chest and abdomen injuries according to reports.

The deadly crash last month killed 14 people including five Israelis. Four other couples and a five-year-old child died in the crash that shocked the nation.

Investigations revealed emergency brakes had been deactivated. According to media reports, three suspects, the cable car’s chief technician, a technical director and owner of the cable car operating company, were arrested then released due to a “ lack of evidence” last weekend.

Eitan lost his parents, Amit, 30, Tal, 26, two-year-old brother Tom and great grandparents, Itzhak, 81, and Barbara Cohen, 71, in the tragedy.

Amit’s sister Aya has been by Eitan’s bedside since he was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. His grandmother is also at the hospital, Channel 12 news reported.

According to Italian media, Eitan asked for his parents when he woke up last Thursday.

last week after the Israeli Embassy in Rome assisted in returning the bodies.

A Stresa-Mottarone cable car was travelling from Lido di Stresa piazza on Lake Maggiore to the Mottarone mountain in the Piedmont region A hospital spokesperson conwhen a cable snapped approachfirmed he was conscious and speaking the mountain top. The cabin fell ing with his aunt. “Clinically, he’s still around 20m to the ground, rolled critical condition due to thoracic and down slopes before crashing into abdominal trauma and limb fractrees. tures,” they noted.

Italy’s alpine rescue service reA technician, Gabriele Tadini, is sponded with no direct road access in under house arrest after reportedly difficult conditions. admitting disabling the brake system According to La Stampa, Eitan’s faas it was faulty. Tadini told prosether was holding his son to reduce the cutors his superiors were aware but impact of the crash, which probably they deny it. saved his life.

According to La Stampa, the judge Prime Minister Benjamin Netandid not view the suspects, who reyahu and Pope Francis called for main under criminal investigation prayers for Eitan after the tragedy. for manslaughter and negligent disPresident Sergio Mattarella exaster, a flight risk or likely to tamper pressed condolences “from the with evidence. whole of Italy”.

Tadini is reported to have said, “I The cable car had reportedly operfeel a terrible burden on my conated without incident since late April science and in front of G-d. I’m when Italy came out of lockdown. praying.” He never thought the main Reports noted it had performed PHOTO: COURTESY Eitan Biran cable would snap. runs the morning of the accident.

“It was an accident that wouldn’t overcome this pain, but these offers make But at the end of a 20-minute jourhappen even once in a million times,” he us understand there is still a lot of humanity ney, 1,491 meters above sea level, tragedy reportedly added. in this world,” he reportedly said. struck.

Mayor of Stresa, Marcella Severino, has Jewish organisations in Italy have raised The cable car service, which carries 40 told media outlets three Italian families had $50,000 for Eitan. Prize money from the passengers, opened in 1970. offered to adopt Eitan.

19th stage of the Giro d’Italia bike race will Maintenance work reportedly took place “Luckily Eitan has aunts, uncles and a be donated to the cable car victims’ families. between 2014 and 2016 when the service family that will support him and help him The Israeli victims were buried in Israel was shut.

Leeds eruv gets green light Police investigate The Jewish community of Leeds is celebrating a successful matched funding campaign for an eruv.

For more than a decade the dream of an eruv in the city has been held by community members.

Over 900 donors from across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Israel raised £157,000. A religious cross section of the Leeds community backed the project.

Whilst the ultimate goal of £200,000 was not met, construction of the eruv will begin as soon as practical.

Trustees of the foundation behind the eruv have long held the view that orthodox families looking to move from London to settle in the north of England dismiss Leeds due to a lack of an eruv.

Manchester has been the city of choice but that notion can now be challenged. Observant Jews in Leeds will soon be able to push buggies and wheelchairs, carry a tallit and siddur on a Shabbat aside from other benefits.

Leeds Eruv chairman Jonathan Straight thanked donors for making a long held vision a reality. “This is a gamechanger for the Leeds community,” he noted.

The Leeds Eruv charitable foundation was formed to manage and maintain the project. Planning permission for construction has already been attained from Leeds City Council.

“This project benefits the entire Jewish

Stamford Hill antisemitic incidents

BY SIMCHA ABIR

Jonathan Straight

PHOTO: TWITTER

Community in Leeds, observant or not,” they noted. “It builds on what we have already, schools, bakery, kosher butcher, mikvah and Shuls. It is the final piece of the jigsaw for a thriving Jewish life here.”

Globally, there over 200 eruvim, at least a dozen are in the UK, the one in Leeds is long overdue.

Poles will be situated in 52 locations around Alwoodley, Moortown, Meanwood, Lidgett Park and Chapel Allerton.

The Leeds Jewish community boasted 25,000 Jews in its heyday, today it numbers around 8,000. The infrastructure has a Jewish primary and high school, community centre, welfare and communal organisations together with many youth groups.

Police are investigating antisemitic incidents by ‘repeat offenders’ in Stamford Hill.

Jewish volunteer neighbourhood watch patrol Shomrim was called out this week when a Jewish man needed a tetanus injection after a gang reportedly set a vicious dog on him.

The attack by a gang took place on Queen Elizabeth’s Walk in Stamford Hill.

Anyone with details should contact the police on 101 quoting reference number: 4612639/21.

The latest incident follows Jewish harassment of residents in the wake of hostilities between Israel and Hamas last month.

The gang is understood to be operating on the Webb Estate involved in attacks on Jewish homes and threats against Jews.

Earlier this week the gang was sitting on a garden fence belonging to a Jewish person when they reportedly swore at the victim and her young daughter yesterday.

Shomrim noted they threatened to “blow up the house” (CAD 3728).

Two incidents also took place on Craven

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Walk in Stamford Hill at the end of May. Four youths attacked the front door of a Jewish home (CAD 7646). A day later the gang threw rocks at Jewish homes (CAD 5790 31/05/21).

These incidents follow others reported to Shomrim in the area last month.

A man dressed in camouflage gave the Nazi salute to Jewish passers-by at Manor House Station, two Jewish men were approached by a man threatening them with a large knife and Jewish residents of Clock House discovered “Hitler” daubed in a communal area in their block.

All three incidents were reported to police by Shomrim.

Campaign Against Antisemitism’s analysis of Home Office statistics illustrates over three hate crimes directed at Jews every day in England and Wales.

Jews are almost four times more likely to be targets of hate crimes than other faith groups.

Anyone with information on any of the Stamford Hill incidents should telephone the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 999 0123 quoting the relevant reference number.

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Iran will feel Mossad’s might

BY DAVID SAFFER

the United States and the elimination of the existential threat, New Mossad chief David Barnea the elimination of the existential has vowed to continue Israel’s fight threat wins out. It falls first and against Iran. foremost on you, on the political Barnea was speaking this week leadership of the State of Israel, at a handover ceremony as he sucand on you (David) Barnea, you ceeded Yossi Cohen in the post. must do everything, everything, Cohen stepped down after servto ensure that Iran doesn’t arm iting the intelligence agency for 38 self with nuclear weapons under years. any circumstances.”

Ongoing talks continue in VienNetanyahu has been vocal na to restore a 2015 JCPOA deal by about Iran’s nuclear aims and opworld powers in limiting Iran’s nuposed efforts to restart the 2015 clear program but Israel remains agreement. steadfast in its resolve against the Defence Minister Benny Gantz Iranian regime. reproached Netanyahu’s com“The agreement with world ments on Twitter. powers that is taking shape only “The United States has been and reinforces the sense of isolation will continue to be Israel’s most in which we find ourselves on this important ally in maintaining its issue,” Barnea reportedly said at a security and military superiority handover ceremony. in the region,” noted Gantz, who PHOTO: ISRAEL.GOV.IL David Barnea “The Iranian program will conis expected to stay in his post in tinue feeling Mossad’s might,” he chief until this appointment. a new coalition, said, “The Biden added. “We are well acquainted with the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in administration is a true friend of Israel.” nuclear program and its various com- what could be one of his final major adHe added, “Israel doesn’t have and ponents, we know personally the factors dresses as Israel’s leader with a new man- won’t have a better partner than the U.S. that operate in it and also the forces that date unfolding, backed Barnea regarding Even if there are disagreements, they must drive them. It has to be said loud and clear, the nuclear program, even if it conflicts its be resolved through direct dialogue beIran is working, even at this very moment, relationship with the United States. hind closed doors and not in confrontato realise its nuclear vision, under an inNetanyahu noted that he had told US tional remarks that could damage Israel’s ternational protection cloak. Under the President Joe Biden of this viewpoint. security.” protection of the agreement and without “With or without a deal, we will continue Gantz is well aware of the Iranian threat it, through lies and concealment of the to do everything in our power to prevent globally but stressed Israel’s military truth, Iran constantly advancing toward a Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” he standing in the region. weapons of mass destruction production said. “Iran is different from the other coun“Iran is a threat to regional stability and program.” tries that have nuclear weapons so allow- world peace,” he explained. “It is a country Barnea, 56, joined Mossad in 1996, and ing it is not an option.” Netanyahu added, that generates terrorism and promotes a successfully led Mossad’s Tzomet Division “If we have to choose, I hope it doesn’t hap- nuclear program that is dangerous to the from 2013-19, prior to serving as deputy pen, between friction with our great friend State of Israel, even so, Israel is the most

powerful country in the region within a 1,500km radius of Jerusalem.”

The ceremony was attended by Netanyahu, ministers, senior security officials, and senior officials.

Former Secretary of State Pompeo who is currently visiting Israel, also attended the ceremony.

Israel and the US established a joint committee to study the threat from Iran and its proxies during landmark meetings in Washington last April. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat head the committee.

Israel’s delegation, Ben-Shabbat, then Mossad head Cohen together with Maj. Gen. Tamir Heyman and Maj. Gen. Tal Kalman, held talks with Sullivan, CIA director William Burns and US Army deputy chief of staff for intelligence, Lt. Gen. Laura Potter.

The US will consult with Israel on nuclear issues going forward. And the allies agreed on the “significant threat” posed by Iran’s aggressive behaviour in the region.

US officials stressed President Biden’s “unwavering support” for Israel’s right to defend.

Bicom noted the Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington was the first time both sides had met directly to discuss Iran and the US-Israeli military/intelligence relationship under Biden’s administration.

Bicom added that Israeli political and security officials were concerned the White House administration would forgo leverage set up by former US President Donald Trump to force Iran to renegotiate a better accord if they return to the JCPOA deal.

Mardini calls for Gaza political solution

BY SIMCHA ABI The head of the Red Cross International Committee has called on Israel and the Palestinians to find a political solution and end the “cycle of violence” in Gaza.

Robert Mardini visited Gaza this week following the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Clearly impacted by the experience, he reportedly noted, “I hope this is the last time I am coming to witness yet again the results and the humanitarian impact of yet again another cycle of violence and escalation. What is really needed is political leadership on all sides to avoid that people yet again are in the line of fire because of yet again another round of escalation.”

Mardini confirmed the ICRC was ready to help both parties find a resolution.

“We have repeatedly offered our services as a neutral intermediary, so we will be renewing this offer yet again,” he noted.

In related news, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi attended talks with Egyptian

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry last Sunday.

The first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Egypt since 2008, there was guarded optimism that progress might be made with a ceasefire holding.

“We will discuss establishing a permanent ceasefire with Hamas, a mechanism for providing humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza with a pivotal role played by the international community,” Ashkenazi wrote on Twitter, Egypt invited Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority for talks in Cairo to consolidate the ceasefire.

A pre-condition for Israel to rebuild the Gaza Strip was the release of Israeli citizens held by Hamas.

“First and foremost, Israel is fully committed to returning our MIA’s held by the Hamas,” Ashkenazi noted.

Recent talks followed on from UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab meeting Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz in Jerusalem followed by

Gabi Ashkenazi

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Ramallah.

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Netanyahu also held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, came after 11 days fighting which saw 243 Palestinians killed and 1,600 injured, and 13 people in Israel with 350 people reportedly injured.

Netanyahu hailed the success of ‘Operation Guardian of the Walls’ after 4,400 rockets had been fired at Israeli cities from the Gaza Strip. The Iron Dome defence system intercepted 90% of rockets.

The IDF struck a “serious blow” to Hamas and PIJ’s rocket production capabilities, destroying dozens of facilities used

by Hamas’s military wing in its day-to-day running of the Gaza Strip. This included 10 government offices, 11 interior ministry branches and five banks, “which managed terrorist money.

The IDF also killed a number of senior Hamas and PIJ commanders. And they stopped underground raids, destroyed dozens of anti-tank guided missile teams and intercepted drone and naval attacks.

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Help save Alta by signing petition The Jewish Weekly is calling on readers to back a petition to allow a leave of appeal on Tuesday in the heartbreaking case of two-year-old Alta Fixsler who suffered a severe brain injury at birth.

A High Court judge ruled last week that life-sustaining treatment should be withdrawn in preference for palliative care in Alta’s best interests.

But Alta’s family want her to be transferred to an Israeli hospital on religious and ethical grounds.

Doctors told the court that Alta cannot breathe, eat or drink without specialist medical treatment.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, who are responsible for Alta’s care, asked Mr Justice MacDonald to rule on the case.

Lawyers representing the Trust told the court there is “no prospect” of Alta getting better.

Alta’s parents said their Jewish faith means they cannot agree to an action that leads to her death.

And Victoria Butler-Cole QC told the court that Alta’s family want her to be treated in Israel as doctors share their religious and ethical beliefs.

“Hospitals in Israel are willing to accept Alta, the risks of transfer are very low, and the costs of transporting Alta safely will be met,” she noted. “The parents implore the trust to reconsider their position.”

But Mr Justice MacDonald ruled against the family as Alta would be exposed to “further pain and discomfort” during the transfer for “no medical benefit”.

Mr Justice MacDonald said, “The parents cannot be criticised for having reached a different decision informed by the religious laws that govern their way of life. But applying the secular legal principles that I must, and according due respect to the deeply held religious convictions of the parents, I cannot agree with their assessment and am required to act accordingly.”

He concluded, “It is not in the best interests of Alta for life-sustaining medical treatment to be continued, and it is in her best interests for a palliative care regime Alta Fixsler being held by her father Avrohom with her big brother Hershy to be implemented.”

In a statement released after the ruling, options with regard to appealing. We’ll Mat Culverhouse, of Irwin Mitchell law continue to support them throughout this firm representing Alta and her family, said, difficult time.”

“Naturally, Alta’s parents are disappointed A long-awaited sibling to five-year-old with today’s decision. They are devastat- Hershy, Alta was born in December 2018. ed at the prospect of her treatment being Tragically, Alta lacked oxygen at withdrawn and are now considering their birth and despite doctors declaring she

wouldn’t survive more than several hours, she miraculously did. Alta’s parents spent day and night at her bedside. And according to the doctors, as a direct result of this love and care, Alta began gaining strength.

There were hopes Alta may come home but complications delayed a special homecoming.

When the hospital advised removal of all forms of support, Alta’s parents demanded their daughter be allowed a chance at life with private support at home or abroad. Both were viable options however Alta’s parents were summoned to court where they received the worst news possible.

Alta’s family launched an appeal that has surpassed PHOTO: COURTESY expectations to reach £275,900 to ensure the next chapter of Alta’s life is a good chapter.

To donate to the caue go to https://charityextra.com/unmatchable To sign the petition go to http://chng.it/HPjCkXJk

Meron families call for State Commission

BY SIMCHA ABIR Families of victims of the Mount Meron Lag B’Omer stampede disaster have written to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu calling for a state commission into the tragedy.

UTJ chairman Moshe Gafni, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai have received copies.

“Unfortunately, in recent days, some are calling for an investigation that is not part of an independent state commission of inquiry,” the letter reportedly stated.

“We, the representatives of the bereaved families wish to clearly and unequivocally say, all the families together, that we are demanding an independent state commission of inquiry. We believe that only a state commission of inquiry will carry out a thorough and decisive investigation.”

Families added, “In addition, the members of the commission should understand the Chareidi lifestyles of the victims and include representatives of the bereaved families.”

The letter concluded, “We view the Meron tragedy as the civilian Yom Kippur of the state. Our goal is that this committee will prevent the next disaster and also exhaust the full extent of the law against all

The tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron

parties in the most appropriate manner.”

MKs backed a proposal by Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid to speed up the process of a State Commission earlier this week.

A number of MKs from Charedi parties, the Religious Zionist and Likud Party voted against the bill.

Religious Zionist chairman Betzalel was against the bill as it may stop future

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

gatherings at Meron. Smotrich noted other decisions against orthodox Jews by the Supreme Court.

In related news, a police investigation continues. Police have questioned 17 people regarding the tragedy which saw 45 fatalities and scores of injuries. All have been released, some conditional.

The National Economic Crime Fighting

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Unit is leading the investigation.

Materials have been collected as evidence from the Meron site. Search operations were have taken place in a number of locations.

Yesh Atid called for a governmental inquiry, Chareidi parties, Likud, right-wing parties refused to vote.

An estimated 100,000 orthodox pilgrims had been celebrating the festival at the historic site when the worst civilian disaster in the State of Israel’s history occurred.

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman announced a special investigation would scrutinise the circumstances of the tragedy including the actions of police and maintenance of the site.

Criminal liability would be referred to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who launched a Justice Ministry investigation into police conduct.

The death toll surpassed previous Israeli tragedies including the Tel Aviv central bus station, Shmuel HaNavi bus, Dizengoff bus, Coastal Road bus and Dolfinarium discotheque suicide bombings.

It also exceeded the death count following Lod Airport, Kiryat Shmona and Ma’alot massacres.

At Meron, there were nine fatalities when a roof collapsed in 1911.

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Coalition negotiations update

Nothing like a war to bring people together CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 swearing-in of the new government and give the Likud vital time to convince right wing MK’s to break off.

Yamina’s seventh MK, Amichai Chikli had already announced he would vote against the planned government. If Orbach were also to do so, the new government would be denied its wafer-thin majority.

However, while 4 of the 6 MK’s in the Arab Joint List party stated that they will also vote against the planned government, the other 2 have not yet specified how they will vote.

The Lapid-Bennett government would

include eight out of the 13 parties that passed the threshold last March: Yesh Atid (17 seats), Blue and White (8), Yisrael Beteinu (7), Labor (7), Yamina (7), New Hope (6), Meretz (6) and Ra’am (4) which reaches a total of 62 seats. But at least one Yamina MK and possibly two, will refuse to vote in favour of the new government.

In addition Meretz head Nitzan Horowitz announced he would improve LGBT rights in Israel, while the Arab Ra’am party said, it would oppose it.

A United Torah Judaism MK commented that Ra’am party head, Mansour Abbas will be the most religious person in the new government.

ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS: • Abir Karo of Yamina said that Prime Minister Netanyahu is the champion of breaking promises and the blame with not forming a right-wing government is with Netanyahu and the Religious Zionist party head, Betzalel Smotrich. He said that the government being formed will be a stable government for four and a half years and will advance reforms for business owners.

• Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked have received extra security in light of several threats made against them.

• A survey quoted by Channel 12 last week found that 61% of Yamina voters said they would not vote again for Naftali Bennett’s party in light of his alliance with centre and left wing parties. A majority of Yamina voters would also prefer a fifth

round of elections than the current government of Bennett and Lapid.

• Yamina sources accused Sa’ar and his party colleagues Ze’ev Elkin and Ze’vi Hauser of cowardice when they rejected Netanyahu’s offer of that Sa’ar serve first as prime Minister in a rotation agreement. Sa’ar stressed that he would not be part of a government led by Netanyahu.

• Shas sources said that party leader Aryeh Deri could quit the Knesset if the party ends up in the opposition. In such a scenario Deri would continue to lead the Shas party, but from outside parliament.

• Last week, Rabbi Chaim Druckman, seen as a main spiritual leader of the national-religious

Knesset members elect Herzog as President Former Labor Party leader and current Jewish Agency chairman, Isaac (Bougie) Herzog became the 11th President of the State of Israel on Wednesday after receiving 87 votes from Knesset Members in a secret plenum ballot.

His opponent, Israel Prize-winning educator, Miriam Peretz received just 27 votes, the lowest ever in a straight run-off between two candidates, despite the people preferring Peretz to Herzog by a long way, according to survey’s.

Six Knesset Members either abstained, failed to vote or spoiled their white ballot paper.

Miriam Peretz became high profile in Israel for her messages of unity, after two of her sons were killed in IDF combat. Had she been elected, she would have become Israel’s first woman president. But Peretz’s grandchildren later revealed that they were glad their grandmother lost, as

Isaac (Bougie) Herzog

PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

now they could spend more time with her.

This was the first presidential race in Israel in which none of the candidates were MK’s.

The razor-thin Right-Centre-Left-Islamist government of 61 seats was always going to be a challenge. But with several cracks now appearing before the Knesset vote of confidence has even taken place, it is becoming increasing difficult to predict the immediate future.

The next Knesset plenum session is on Monday 7 June when the current Knesset Speaker, Likud’s Yariv Levin, will formally be informed that he needs to schedule a vote on the new government. However Levin will delay the vote for as long as possible, probably a week or 10 days.

In the meantime, the Shin Bet has officially taken over the personal security for

camp, which Bennett is a part of, urged him not to join a government with Yair Lapid. Druckman said “I really appreciate and admire Naftali Bennett, but he needs to say unequivocally, I won’t form a left-wing government that will destroy a lot,” Druckman told Channel 12 news.

• Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid previously cooperated in 2013 to create their own “brotherhood” alliance, which forced Netanyahu to form a government without the Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism.

• When Binyamin Netanyahu became leader of the Likud in 1992, Naftali Bennett supported him and was appointed his Chief of Staff when he became Prime Minister for the first time in 1996.

Bennett even named his son Yonatan in 2005, after Netanyahu’s brother, the hero of the Entebbe raid.

Knesset speaker Yariv Levin opened the session on Wednesday while Knesset secretary Yardena Muller Horowitz summoned each MK in alphabetical order, after the Prime Minister was called first to cast his ballot.

Isaac Herzog is the President to follow in the footsteps of his father, Chaim Herzog, who was Israel’s sixth President serving two five-year terms from 5 May 1983 to his retirement from political life on 13 May 1993. The basic law has since changed where a President now serves 7-years and for only one term.

Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef told Herzog at the grave of his father, Ovadia Yosef z”l, that “It is a great honour for the State of Israel that its President-elect is continuing the dynasty of his grandfather, the first Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzhak Halevi Herzog, and is proudly representing the Jewish people.

“I wish that your grandfather will continue to be proud of you in Heaven throughout your presidency and that you will continue to act on behalf of the Jewish people and do Heaven’s

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Prime Minister designate Naftali Bennett who will serve two years until September 2023, when Lapid will take over, until the end of the Knesset term in November 2025.

The agreement came together after Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas threw his support behind the would-be government late on Wednesday night, after receiving confirmation from the Islamist religious council.

Ra’am is expected to receive a Deputy Minister post, which will be the first time in Israeli history that an Arab party has been part of an Israel government coalition.

Mansour Abbas is a dentist by profession and therefore is said to be experienced in filling in the holes.

• When Bennett first entered politics as an MK in 2013, Bennett’s goal was to eventually succeed Netanyahu as Prime Minister. But at the time, he never intended to oust him. Bennett was always of how much the Right respects 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.

• Yair Lapid recently wrote that, “Politics and religion are a problematic mix and we have no interest in trampling on anyone,” adding that “the issues under dispute are clear to all the sides and now is the time to look for issues on which there is agreement.”

work as you have until now.”

President-elect Herzog thanked Chief Rabbi Yosef and replied: “I certainly feel the burden on my shoulders and I expect to carry out my mission with pride and faith”.

The Jewish Agency is now searching for a new chairman and a 10-member selection committee will shortly be chosen by the Agency’s Board of Governors to choose that successor. The support of 9 of the 10 members would be needed to approve a candidate, following the confirmation of the full board.

The Knesset ended the corona virus precautions with dividers between seats gone in the committee rooms and there will no longer be limitations on the number of people in a room.

The green pass to enter the building has also been removed and the cafeteria, reserved for MK’s, staff members and journalists has now reopened, after most of the last 15 months. Masks are still required in the building though.

The new President will be sworn in when President Reuven Rivlin’s term ends on 9 July.

20 OPINION

3 JUNE 2021

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

Social media OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN I have a love/hate relationship with my smart phone. I love the fact I can see money coming into my account, that I can pay bills easily, book restaurants and buy almost anything. I hate though the power it holds over me, always demanding I look at it; have I had another text, or e-mail, is the battery charged enough and have I got a voice-message?

What I also hate is the power that it gives the user to lie, harass, stalk and intimidate, and over the last few weeks I have seen all of these things. When it comes to Israel, no lie is too outrageous, no accusation too gross. This power of course comes from social media, in all its forms. Those over 40 or so will be familiar with Facebook and probably Twitter. Instagram and Tik Tok are more likely to be the territory of the younger age group.

The popular singer Dua Lipa produced some fairly one-sided posts on Israel. I have no idea why she felt competent to comment on the conflict between Israel

and Hamas. Perhaps she didn’t, but she went ahead anyway. When challenged in an advertisement put in the New York Times

by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach she responded with a statement which ended with “I stand in solidarity with all oppressed people and reject all forms of racism”.

And there you have it. A major social media influencer claiming to be even handed whilst at the same time being anything but. There are others of course but I have picked on Ms Lipa for a number of reasons. Firstly her huge number of followers, over eight million on Twitter, secondly her anodyne response to the advertisement and thirdly and crucially, the influence that this ill-informed person has on so many people.

Social media is the modern pandora’s box. Once the tweet or Instagram post is out there, it is nigh on impossible to put it back. Once the words have been read and the pictures seen, they cannot be un-read or unseen. So when a picture appears of an injured child in Gaza which later turns out to be from Syria, it is too late. The belief that the Israelis were to blame has already been accepted and anything else is just not relevant.

There is no doubt that social media is capable of much good. There are many stories of lost pets being found and missing relatives traced. And not so good.

When Noel Clarke, the black British actor was accused of sexual harassment, social media outrage was palpable and the response swift. The third and final episode of Bulletproof was not shown on television but instead shown on BBC iPlayer available only for a limited period of time. No trial, no formal finding by any tribunal, just a series of accusations and that was enough. Off the air.

On the 16th May a convoy of cars drove through Jewish areas of North London. One of the passengers using a megaphone was shouting ‘F**k the Jews, rape their daughters’.

Whilst the support of the Government and the Metropolitan Police was most welcome, what was noticeable was the lack of support from those on social media who otherwise claim they stand firm against racism.

Many of those groups who claim to abhor anti-Semitism were nowhere to be seen.

No outpouring of people onto the streets of Golders Green or Broughton Park declaring their solidarity with the Jewish people and certainly no demands for immediate inquiries into how this conduct could have occurred. Even Dua Lipa when condemning anti-Semitism a few days later appeared to have so little contact with what was going on around her, she was wholly silent on this convoy.

I am certain, that if instead of a Jewish area, it was a black or Muslim area, and the driver and his accomplices were tattooed whites, the internet would have been lit up with indignation and outrage as well as demands for changes in the law. It was only the Jews this time, so no indignation and no outrage. It is almost as if other than the standard objection to anti-Semitism the social media community is content for Jew hatred to exist.

So what do we do in the face of a social onslaught against us, and almost silence when we are targeted both physically and in social media? We need to act. Those telling the lies need to be challenged. The great and the good on social media are not going to help us, we need to do that ourselves.

Complain vociferously to the BBC about their bias. Grumble bitterly to the likes of Dua Lipa who clearly know very little about the conflict and above all keep at it, calling out the lies told. We need to challenge these social media influencers about their facts, so they think twice before joining in a debate where they have little knowledge and less authority to comment.

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.

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Understand the particular communication and behavioural needs of SEN children.

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For an application pack or more information about these roles, please contact our school office – (0161) 705-0020 – info@aimhabonim.com Aim Habonim is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all Staff to share this commitment.

Any successful appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Outstanding 2018

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3 JUNE 2021

Letters to the Editor

Devar Torah by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP

Send in your comments to letters@thejewishweekly.com

(as told by Cllr Rabbi Arnold Saunders)

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

THE PALESTINIAN FLAG

Dear Editor As my late father used to say “what goes round comes round”.

Interestingly, none of the footballers who displayed the Palestinian flag were in successful teams in the last few weeks - Leicester City (Fofana and Choudhury) came fifth in the Premier League , Manchester United (Pogba) lost to Villa Real in the final of the Europa League and Manchester City (Mahrez) lost to Chelsea in the Champions League Final. The A-lmighty was clearly watching them and on our side!!

Am Yisroel Chai!

Jonathan Metliss

LETTERS 21

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OBSCURING COMPARISONS BETWEEN DISTANCES IN CHARITY EVENTS

Dear Editor You obscure comparisons between distances at different charity events by using a kilometres for some and miles for others (“Kisharon boosts ‘challenges’ programme”, p27, The Jewish Weekly, 27 May 2021).

You used kilometres for Maccabi Fun Run routes and International Jerusalem Marathon races but miles for walking challenges, London to Brighton Cycle Ride and Royal Parks Half Marathon.

You could have made life easier for readers by using kilometres throughout.

It would help potential participants compare distances effortlessly without conversion factors and calculations. It would also help them to choose an event that suits them best.

Yours sincerely Ronnie Cohen

Yes - you have read that heading correctly!

Let me explain!

When I was a candidate in the General Election in December 2019, I had an audience with the PM to have a chat and have an official photoshoot.

I introduced myself and told him that I was a rabbi as well as Tory councillor. I compared him to Joshua as he would be the one to lead his people into the Promised Land of Brexit.

He thanked me for the flattering comparison. He told me he remembered a ditty he learnt in school ( presumably Eton!) about Joshua and the spies ( hence the connection with this week’s Sedra) The ditty was as follows;

Joshua the son of Nun And Caleb the son of Jephunneh Were the only 2 spies allowed Into the Land of Milk and Honey

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

22 OPINION

3 JUNE 2021

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

Right wing votes to left wing governments OPINION PIECE

BY JAMES J MARLOW In 1992 Labor’s Yitzhak Rabin came to power with an overwhelming 44 seats against the Likud’s 32. Yitzhak Shamir suffered a major defeat and soon after resigned, which is when Binyamin Netanyahu won the Likud leadership contest.

Rabin built a coalition with the brand new Meretz party (12 seats) which was a merger of 3 parties (Ratz, Shinui and Mapan) and the religious Shas party (6 seats) to reach 62 in the 120 seat Knesset.

“Oslo One” was the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and the city of Jericho where a handful of Jewish families lived and were subsequently expelled under the Accords. The agreement had the support of 62 Knesset Members in the plenum and the withdrawal took place.

Then came “Oslo Two” - the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Ramallah, Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya and Nablus (aka Shechem).

Shas couldn’t bring themselves to support another significant withdrawal, especially as Palestinian nationalism was becoming more fanatical and the security situation was rapidly deteriorating.

Suicide bombers across the country were striking at least once a week in coffee shops, pizza parlours and on buses and the Rabin government, now with 56 seats, found itself short of a majority in the Knesset.

Rabin believed the only way to beat the terrorists and achieve peace was to press ahead with faster withdrawals, but he desperately needed to find an extra 5 Knesset members who would support him.

The Prime Minister observed discontent within the right-wing secular Tzomet party over party finances and its leader, Rafael Eitan refused to allow his colleagues to view the book-keeping.

Three of the 8 Tzomet MK’s promptly broke away with their own faction and Rabin naturally reached out.

Esther Solemovitz refused to support Oslo Two, but Gonen Segev couldn’t resist becoming Energy Minister and he convinced his colleague Alex Goldfarb to join the Rabin government.

In the meantime, Rabin secured support from the Arab Hadash party (3 seats) and with the two right-wing MK’s, Rabin pushed through “Oslo Two” in a vote of 61-59.

In other words Segev and Goldfarb took almost 42,000 right-wing votes and handed them over to Labor and Meretz to pass “Oslo Two”. Needless to say, the suicide

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Naftali Bennett

Naftali Bennett who describes himself as much further right than Netanyahu claimed before the election he would NOT allow Lapid to become the PM and even called upon Netanyahu not to rely on the Arabs for government support. bombing attacks hugely increased soon after.

Last week Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, released a survey that showed 61% of Yamina supporters would not vote for Yamina again if there was another election.

Now that a coalition deal has been signed, I would not be surprised if that figure had risen to around 80%.

Naftali Bennett who describes himself as much further right than Netanyahu claimed before the election he would NOT allow Lapid to become the PM and even called upon Netanyahu not to rely on the Arabs for government support.

The Gaza war broke out and Bennett withdrew from the negotiations with Lapid.

However the Yamina head returned to the table, to find a way to form a Right-Centre-Left-Islamist government if he could become Prime Minister for part of the time.

The problem being, Bennett has taken

around 250,000 right wing votes and handed them over to Lapid on the left, who is now able to form a government with Labor and Meretz.

It’s not the fact that Netanyahu could only reach 59 seats with the Yamina party, it’s that Yamina voters never imagined that Bennett would take them into a coalition with Meretz and Labor.

The coalition if it is voted into office, may well agree on passing a budget. It will certainly agree on passing a law that prevents a PM under indictment to form a government and it may also introduce a bill that a PM can only serve two terms, to prevent Netanyahu from ever returning to the political arena.

But it is unlikely to ever agree on social and economic issues, funding for learning in Kollel and Yeshiva, talks with the Palestinians under a new US proposal and never agree on settlements, Iran, Gaza or Lebanon.

The Likud will eventually hold a

THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

leadership contest and with 12 candidates lined up to run, the party could fall into a civil war, which is exactly what destroyed Labor.

This coalition may well be known for bringing down Netanyahu through “dirty tricks”, but let’s remember, under his leadership, Likud received 30 seats – that 13 more than his nearest rival.

I recall when the conservatives were in opposition after a devastating crush from New Labour led by Tony Blair in 1997, the former leader William Hague said, “I believe once Tony Blair is gone, it will be easier for the conservatives to beat Labour.

He was right.

The objective of these parties was to oust Bibi from the international stage, so everyone else now has a chance at the next election. But this is a kick in teeth way of doing it and Bennett has given up on his principles and betrayed his voters, just to become PM. James J. Marlow is a broadcast journalist previously working for ITN, EuroNews, LBC Radio, Daily Express and a number of Jewish publications. In addition, he ran a Media and Communications Training Operation and was a consultant at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.

He was also responsible for the training of Shlichim at the Jewish Agency and Bnei Akiva.

3 JUNE 2021

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Games

Bridge With Harold Schogger

GAMES 23

HEADTEACHER

‫בס׳׳ד‬

Required for January 2022

School Group 3 (L11 – L24) The Governing Body of Hasmonean Primary School is seeking an inspirational, experienced, skilled and visionary candidate who will build on the school’s many strengths as recognised by Ofsted and Pikuach, while identifying and rigorously addressing areas for improvement.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to drive academic standards within a culture of inclusive learning and spiritual development, where all pupils are nurtured and challenged, and progress and achievement are celebrated.

Dealer: North Love All

Do you have:

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(1) (2) (3) (4)

KJ86 KJ8 AJ7 742

If so, we can offer: (1) (2) (3) (4)

N s h d c

10 7 5 2 10 9 3 2 32 AJ3

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Proven success in raising standards as a senior school leader?

A commitment to ensuring high-quality teaching and learning?

Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills?

Demonstrable experience of leading and developing a vibrant team?

E

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A warm and welcoming school community, both pupils and parents A dedicated leadership team and an accomplished and supportive staff A proficient and experienced Governing Body and Local Authority A competitive salary

To download an application pack, please visit http://hasmoneanprimary.co.uk/careers/ or contact the school via admin@hasmonean-pri.barnet.sch.uk or 020 8202 7704.

Closing date for applications: 1pm on Monday 14th June 2021 We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Hasmonean Primary School, 8-10 Shirehall Lane, London, NW4 2PD

s – h A Q 7 d K Q 10 9 8 6 5 c K 8 5

W 3s End

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E

S

1c Pass

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2d 5d

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3s Pre-emptive West led the s2 and declarer was faced with the problem of making an eleventh trick to go with his ten winners in the red suits. Declarer called for the jack of spades at trick one and ruffed East’s queen of spades. All that declarer could do now was to play for the ace of clubs to be onside. When West produced the ace of clubs the defence had three tricks.

“That was unlucky,” bleated declarer “I would have made eleven tricks if West had had the queen of spades or East the ace of clubs.”

“Luck had nothing to do with it,” North replied. “The real danger on this hand was that West began with the ace of clubs. In that case East would, as here, have the ace and queen of spades. Consequently, you should avoid playing the jack or king of spades at trick one. You should play low instead of the jack at trick one.”

“Suppose you play the eight. East covers with the nine and you ruff in hand. You play a trump to dummy’s seven and lead the king of spades. East covers with the ace and again you ruff in hand. After re-entering dummy with a trump to the ace, you lead the jack of spades.

East has to cover with the queen and you ruff for the third time in your hand. Next you cash the heart suit, ending in dummy, and lead the six of spades. East has to follow with a low card and you discard a club from hand. This loser-on-loser play sees West win the trick with the ten of spades and find himself endplayed. He must either play a club, allowing you to score your king, or give you a ruff-and-discard. Either way, you make eleven tricks.”

A great opportunity to get outside, spend time with friends and family, explore the best that London has to offer and support Kisharon.

For registration fee details and sponsorship guidelines via the code below.

REGISTER TODAY KISHARON.ORG.UK/BRIDGESWALK Charity Registration No. 271519

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3 JUNE 2021

COMMUNITY 25

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Pupils join ‘Walk University Jewish Chaplaincy raises over £700,000 and still rising in charity campaign to School Week’

Proudly showing the cheque

A charity campaign by University Jewish Chaplaincy exceeded its half million-pound goal, and raised over £700,000 in just 36 hours last Sunday and Monday.

The money raised during the “Step up for Students” campaign will go toward supporting the operational costs of the organisation which supports 8,500

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university students across more than 100 universities. There are currently 17 Chaplains working in 12 regions in the UK, from Exeter to Scotland.

The campaign drew the support of students, chaplains and supporters of chaplaincy, as well as Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and the former Archbishop of

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Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

In total, a staggering 3300 people donated to the campaign.

It comes as Jewish students have been on the receiving end of antisemitic abuse online and in real life, that coincided with the recent fighting in Israel and Gaza.

Chaplains and University Jewish Chaplaincy have worked to support the Jewish students facing the abuse, equipping them with tools to combat and deal with antisemitism on campus and online. They have also been in close touch with the universities, imploring them to protect Jewish students.

“It has been heart warming to see how many people across the Jewish community have stepped up to support University Jewish Chaplaincy,” said UJC CEO Sophie Dunoff. “This comes at a time when Jewish students have felt under threat, as they often do when tensions are raised in the Middle East. Our Chaplains advocate for Jewish students, and offer them a safe space to express their anxieties during these tense times. This also comes during the pandemic when many Jewish students dealt with disruptions to their routines, bereavement and isolation. Now, more than ever, it is clear just how vital the support of Chaplains are to Jewish students.”

Riding to school

Kisharon Noe School pupils joined thousands of children across the UK in ‘Walk to School Week’.

The initiative is to reduce air pollution and congestion. The school also celebrated their regular school walkers, scooter and bike riders.

Kisharon ran road safety sessions focussing on independent travel, classes toured the local area exploring safe places to cross the roads and pupils worked on road safety language.

The pupils were rewarded a badge from Barnet for participating.

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26 COMMUNITY

3 JUNE 2021

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Ora Kutner’s sponsored GIFT’s ‘gift of giving’ course haircut raises over is a gift to hundreds of £3,500 primary school pupils

Last week, Ora Kutner chose to cut her long hair in aid of Chai and Zichron Menachem. Her selfless act has raised over £3,500 so far.

Ora has donated her hair to Zichron Menachem to make much needed wigs for children who have lost their hair during treatment.

Chai, thanked Ora for her amazing dedication and incredible fundraising!

Ora explains why she decided to raise money for charity; “To mark my Bat Mitzvah, I will be cutting my hair to raise money for charity. I have been growing my hair for over 4 years for this occasion. I will be donating my hair to Zichron Menachem to create wigs for children who have undergone chemotherapy and lost their hair, and I am also raising money for Zichron Menachem and for Chai Cancer Care. I have wanted to do this mitzvah for a very long time, and I am thrilled to finally be able to do it.

When my mum was diagnosed with cancer, it was a big shock for us all. Chai supported our family from the start and throughout my mum’s treatment, and we are thankful for all that they did for us, and I really wanted to raise money for them.”

Ora after her haircut Shalom Noam Primary School pupils excitedly holding up their GIFT’s Year 6 Giving Course booklets

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“Rabbi Zeidman has used his incontrovertible talents once again to capture the attention of our Year 6 class, and provoke them into being thoughtful and dynamic Givers.” Says Mr Kett Head of Jewish Studies at Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School.

GIFT’s Senior Educator R. Avrohom Zeidman has created and designed an incredible interactive, high energy, fun & hands-on giving course, a booklet and activities for year 6 primary school pupils, which is already being rolled out in 12 schools across London.

The course teaches a holistic approach to becoming a giver, not just helping those in need, but also giving in relationships,

how to be a good friend and have respect for others. The six sessions come with booklets, stickers and activities.

Rabbi Zeidman explains: ‘ Being a ‘giver’ is more than just giving charity, It is a mindset that affects all one’s relationships.’

“Year 6 at Beit Shvidler gets excited by just hearing the name Rabbi Zeidman! The delivery of the GIFT sessions is superb, it’s creative, engaging and accessible for all learners. It is a bi-weekly highlight! says Mr Sanders.”

GIFT’s mission is to develop a giving lifestyle through volunteering and education.

To sign up your school - contact education@jgift.org

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28 COMMUNITY

The unspoken impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict on Israeli families

REPORT BY SHARON DEWINTER Most of the UK Jewish community is in agreement when it comes to the national media coverage surrounding the recent conflict in Israel and Gaza.It has felt one-sided with the impact on Israelis often ignored or underplayed.

Working for British Emunah I have seen the trauma and pain that the rockets have caused first hand, especially on those who are already vulnerable or at-risk.

It’s why I wanted to put across the other side of the story and reached out to Norrice Lea TV (https://youtu.be/MY7sgBaBsaE) and J-TV (https://youtu.be/ MutgQ_ZL6U4). I am thankful that both gave me the opportunity to redress the balance.

Deborah Nathan, our World Emunah Director and myself explained how the staff at all our Emunah Centres continued with their jobs even during the continuous barrage of rockets sent over by Gaza.

Many of our therapists and counsellors work in the South but still managed to get into the Crisis and Intervention Centres to help those who need it most. Those that couldn’t come in, or the staff at Centres or Day Care Centres closed due to government regulations, were working from their own shelters. They were looking after their own families in their shelters whilst at the same time being on the phone with their clients, giving them tools and tactics on how to keep themselves and their children and families calm for hours on end.

The fact that Ido, a 6 year young boy, was killed from a rocket attack in his own shelter has made everybody in the area even more anxious and scared. Tami Beck, our Director of the Sarah Ronson Crisis and Intervention Centre said that there is one central theme amongst all the patients coming in or calling the centre and that is the tremendous amount of anxiety and feeling and that the people of the South have lost all hope with their situation. There is the air of hopelessness in the people she sees. The 24hr hotline in our Sarah Ronson and Crisis Intervention

3 JUNE 2021

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Centre is ringing all day every day. Emunah never says no to anybody. If someone needs our help at 3 in the morning we will be there. All residents of Sderot are now feeling completely vulnerable since the tragedy and that even in their safe rooms they are not safe. This new level of tension has added a layer of distress which is almost too much to take. This is also having a personal effect on all our therapists and counsellors.

Our Centres are receiving many new calls on a daily basis seeking therapy.

Many are for new referrals and most of those are for children. Half of these are patients have been previously discharged but are now having relapses. Our Centre in Netivot now has a waiting list of over 40 people.

Sderot is a small town where everyone knows everyone. Many of the children knew Ido or his family. Everyone has been affected and both the staff and children at the Gan where Ido attended are receiving intensive help from the psychological services in Sderot.

Our Crisis and Intervention Centres are so understaffed with ever increasing waiting lists that they are now desperate to hire extra therapists.

However, the rockets may have stopped but the fire balloons are now landing in our kindgerten playgrounds and the fields in the South. Something as innocent as a balloon means the trauma, anxiety and stress is continuing.

Jewish Care charity football match at Chelsea FC

Jewish Care at Chelsea

PHOTO: YAKIR ZUR

Following Chelsea’s exciting Champions League win this weekend, two Jewish Care eleven-a-side teams met at Stamford Bridge for a friendly socially-distanced charity fundraising football match raising £14,000 for Jewish Care.

“This honestly has to be the best day of my life,” said player, Didier Levenfiche.

Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising

and Community Engagement, Adam Overlander-Kaye, added, “There was a great atmosphere and it was fantastic to welcome spectators and players.”

“I’d like to thank everyone for their generosity in raising vital funds this Bank Holiday to support our services for older people in the community and in our care homes.”

The Hershel Weiss Children and Family Centre, Higher Broughton held an under five’s Carnival afternoon last Wednesday in the car park.

Avi Lewin aged 3 enjoying the ride

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Year 3 pupils at King David Primary school have just celebrated receiving their new Chumashim.

Saskia after her haircut

Saskia Jackson felt that she had to do something and cut her hair last week to raise vital funds for British Emunah. If you or anyone you know would like to help like Saskia, please do be in touch at info@emunah.org.uk.

Help us help those who are rebuilding their lives with the help of Emunah. www.emunah.org.uk 02082036066

Pictured back row L to R: .Jacob Feuerstein, Freddie Basger, Max Laithwaite, Summer Radivan Fron row: Beri Barsky and Natalya Morrison PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

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COMMUNITY 29

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Youth Volunteers continue to make an ImpACT! Teenage volunteers at Project ImpACT have notched up more than 3,000 hours of volunteering in the past year alone! The young people from a wide range of communities have been actively supporting local charities in innovative ways, both before and during the pandemic.

Throughout the lockdown period, ImpACT teens have been writing letters to those who are isolated, sending cards to patients in hospital, putting together care packages for refugees, running virtual bingo for eldery and disabled residents in care homes and cooking and baking for food banks, homeless shelters and NHS staff and more.

The programme which went virtual in March last year, due to the pandemic, has grown in popularity. The number of teens wanting to be involved has risen rapidly across all age groups.

The virtual cooking and baking programme is particularly in demand. Each week special guest chefs lead volunteers through healthy and delicious recipes that they cook in their own homes to give away to others who are in need. The teens drop off their cooked or baked food to local food banks with personal notes attached.

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We have some attractive packages to suit all budgets.

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One highlight was a Zoom session with Chef Ottolenghi which attracted 200 teens from across the community, making a difference together.

For more information or to join, visit www.projectimpact.org.uk<http://www. projectimpact.org.uk/>

Hatzola Manchester in conjuction with Salford City Council held a 3 day vaccination event held in the Beis Yaakov Jewish High School hall

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A man receiving his first Pfizer jab

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Jewish Care announce plans to resume in-person activity Jewish Care is delighted to announce its plans to resume in-person activity and welcome its members and volunteers back to its centres, cautiously and safely. It has missed them dearly and will be very happy to be able to see them again in person.

It have taken the last few months to upgrade its offering to members by relocating some centres and activities to make full use of and provide better access to the facilities on its state-of-the-art care campuses and helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of Jewish Care so that it can continue to be there now and for future generations to come. This is in line with its long-term strategic plan which sees it focus on strengthening its hubs across East London and Essex, North London, North West London and South Hertfordshire.

Alongside a change in location for some activities and services will also be a change in hours of operation, better reflecting the times of attendance it saw at centres before the pandemic to reflect the wants and needs of the community.

Some of these changes will include the relocation of the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre in Hendon to a dedicated space at the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre, which forms part of the state-of-the-art Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus in Golders Green. This will give members better access to a wider range of activity at the centre with increased transport links, parking and a more convenient commute for those survivors living in Selig Court, also at the Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus.

Jewish Care will also be moving its Brenner Centre at Stepney Jewish Community Centre, at Raine House to operate from local synagogue halls and community buildings in the area. It remain committed to providing services in East London to all its clients who are reliant on it and are committed to doing so in a way that ensures their current and future needs are met.

Activity at the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre will also be taking place

Enjoying life at one of Jewish Care’s homes

across a number of local synagogue halls and communal buildings while we move forward with our long-term strategic plan to redevelop the existing RJCC site to house a new, modern, multi-million pound campus with a brand new community centre and a new residential care home (to replace Vi & John Rubens House in Gants Hill). It are currently seeking planning permission from the London Borough of Redbridge for this development.

Other changes include relocating some of our Connect@ centres to one of its hubs; The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, the Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus in Golders Green, and its latest Sandringham site on the border of Stanmore and Hertfordshire in order to offer a wider range of activity in an upgraded space.

Alongside these changes, Jewish Care is proud to announce the opening of the Ronson Family Community Centre at Sandringham, incorporating activity for its Edgware

and Harrow Day Centre; and the brand new Ruchi & Zalman Noé Centre for People Living with Dementia at Sandringham, incorporating the Leonard Sainer Centre for People Living with Dementia, which will no longer operate from its site in Edgware.

These new centres are set in its newest state-of-the-art campus at Sandringham, nestled in over 16 acres of beautiful woodland and are part of an exciting new offer to a growing community.

Jewish Care’s online and virtual services, programmes and events will continue alongside resuming face-to-face activity. It saw a huge uptake in these services throughout the pandemic with members of the community outside of London and overseas accessing them too. The priority is to make sure that all members can take part in programming in the most accessible way for them, and that no one misses out on activities they want to attend. To that end, it will be offering a way to access in-person events online in addition to physical events

recommencing.

Its Meals on Wheels, telephone befriending, digital engagement and social work and family carers support services are vital to so many of its members and their families and are pleased to say that they will all very much continue as they have been over the last year.

Dementia Day Centres will be the first centres to resume in-person activity and it plans to resume activity for the members of these centres in July.

Jewish Care will be working hard to make sure that all other centres will also be able to re-open shortly after. Other centres will aim to open throughout the summer across dates in July and August. Where some activities will now be taking place in synagogue halls or communal buildings, it is impractical for them to resume until after the High Holy Days in October.

The safety of our members, volunteers and staff remains a priority and it will be taking a number of precautions in line with Government guidance.

Daniel Carmel-Brown, Chief Executive, Jewish Care, said: “We are delighted to be able to share our plans for re-opening centres and resuming in-person activity. The pandemic has changed the way that many of us operate and Jewish Care is no exception. We have taken the opportunity to look at what we can do for our members that better reflects their needs now, the future needs of the community, and how we offer more choice and flexibility moving forward.

“So many of our members have shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity over the last year, and we have seen a huge uptake in our digital events and offering, but for some, this has been no substitute for the company and comfort that in-person activity can offer. As long as we are able to do so safely, we are very excited to be able to see our members, volunteers and staff back in our centres and adding to the Jewish Care family.”

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The Zionist Federation have announced that Paul Charney will resign as Chairman of the Zionist Federation. In a statement, the ZF said it was deeply saddened by the departure of Paul who has worked so hard over many years to build and develop the ZF into the strong and stable organisation it is today.

In addition the statement thanked Jonathan Turner for his contributions, following his resignation as President last month as he is making Aliyah. Other members of the Hanhalah have also indicated that they wish to step down and “we thank them for

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their service.”

Acting Chair, Richard P Woolf and Acting Vice President, Robert Festenstein, said “Israel and the Jewish Communities in the British Isles and Ireland are clearly facing many challenges and we at the ZF are determined to maintain our support for Israel in the face of ever increasing biased and dishonest reporting. “We will be working hard over the next few months to work on strategies to deal with these issues, with a view to a more detailed announcement after the summer.”

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FEATURE 31

Broughton Jewish Casssel Fox Primary School is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary The school started as a small Cheder class of 8 pupils in 1946 and today has 500 pupils on the roll.

What is most striking about this particular School is how it has stayed so true to its founding fathers principles.

Set up in the aftermath of the Holocaust, its German founders were determined to set up a School which would be built firmly on the principles of Torah Im Derech Eretz, combining excellence in both Secular and Jewish studies and at the same time, would ensure that each child’s individual needs were catered for.

When one walks around the school, these ideas and principles are not only physically on the wall displays of the school but one can feel it within its walls.

The other thing that hits you is the warmth and happiness of the children.

There are so many smiles to greet you as you walk along the corridors of this lovely school. The happiness and friendliness of the children is perhaps no surprise once one delves a little deeper into the thoughts and processes going on behind the scenes.

I had the opportunity to talk to the current Chair of Governors, Dov Black, who explains that he is only following in the footsteps of his predecessors, “I took on the role 12 years ago, I had been a pupil at the school myself and all my children have also been through the school. What was clear to me was that there was something very genuine about the school which I was determined, together with my fellow governors, to maintain. I feel that whilst the school has grown tremendously in numbers during this period as the community of Manchester has grown, we have hopefully stayed true to these principles”.

When I ask Dov to explain what he thinks is so special about Broughton Jewish, his face lights up and says “Just let me take you round the school, you will see for yourself. I always say that when education is genuine and real, just watch the kids, the classrooms, the playgrounds, the interactions between the children and staff and you will see all you need to know”.

And he’s right. There is a genuineness to the place and a real sense of warmth and happiness that radiates throughout the school from the Senior Leadership Team, headed by Rabbi Yehuda Pearlman through to all the Staff and the Children.

I also had the chance to speak to Rabbi Pearlman and again, a real enthusiasm for the values of the School comes through.

“Covid was obviously, like for all schools, a challenging period but we were determined to learn from that time and see how we can improve the education and experience of the children”, explains Rabbi Pearlman.

At this point, Rabbi Pearlman explains to me that the School has approximately 60 children per year and that they are now divided into 4 classes of approximately 15 per class. There are 4 teachers for each year group throughout the day, each year group in its own corridor with separate toilets and in the earlier years, their own separate playground and break times.

“We call it the Bubble of the Future.

Going back to the founding principles, we wanted to create a model that allows us to nurture and develop each individual child. That’s much harder in a school of 500 and so we have created this new model where there is Kodesh and Secular being learnt throughout the day by 4 dedicated year group teachers. This allows for far more cross curricula work between Kodesh and Secular subjects and means that we can cater for the emotional well-being needs of every child”.

“We look at the child as they are today in the here and now, explains Rabbi Pearlman. The approach to the children is founded on 2 ideals. We believe that the relationship between the teacher and the child is key. Developing strong attachments at this stage of their development is hugely important and so we have worked very hard on building that idea into our approach and at the same time, the curricula is designed to cater for the children’s educational and emotional needs. With this two pronged approach, we hope to allow the children to flourish in the warm environment of our school”.

One can’t but help be impressed by the school. I asked Mr Black how they are celebrating the 75th anniversary. “We are holding a Matched Funding Campaign.

We know there are so many of these campaigns going on and I guess it has replaced the old Dinners. We wanted our campaign though to focus on the children.

So there is going to be a fun day for all the children of the school on the day of the campaign and we are also engaging the children in other ways to celebrate the

75th anniversary. Whatever we do at the school, it is really important to us that it should always be child centred”.

So what are the school raising funds for. Mr Black explains that “the governors have some really exciting ideas for the future. We are focusing on 3 main capital projects. Firstly, we want to enhance the outdoor play areas of the school. With our new bubbles of the future, we are able to create separate outdoor provisions for each year group upto Year one. These new play areas will be specially designed to allow the children to develop their creativity, problem solving, independence and confidence.

We are also building a specially designed Learning Hub. This area of the school will be available for all children of the school and will be permanently manned by a member of staff who will work with children who have either self refered or been refered by a teacher and who require extra intervention. Included in this Learning Hub will be a sensory room, and therapy rooms for children to have Speech and Language Therapy, music therapy, art therapy and play therapy.

All of this of this will be designed with those founding principles at heart, every

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child matters and every child deserves to be the best they can be”.

Thirdly, explains Mr Black, “we are building a Beis Hamedrash. We felt it would be special for the children to combine all the learning that goes on with an attachment at an early age to the world of Torah and the Beis Hamedrash. The Beis Hamedrash has been carefully designed with this in mind and we are very excited to add this to the children’s wonderful experience here at Broughton Jewish”.

This Beis Hamedrash is being kindly donated in memory of one of the Schools Trustees, Rabbi Kupetz, who took a close and active involvement in the development of the school. Rabbi Kupetz is sorely missed by the two other Trustees of the school, Rabbi Avrom Jaffe and Rabbi Berel Cohen, also the Menahel of the school.

Rabbi Cohen says that whilst the school is well known for its excellent Kodesh and Secular standards, what gives him most pride is the beautiful Middos Tovos (behaviour) of the children and this is something which is remarked upon by many people within the Manchester community, including Rabbonim and also the teachers of the High schools that the children go on to.

32 FEATURE

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From the front line…

Mr Johnson must deliver. It’s about time!

BY JACQUELINE CURZON I'm getting married in the morning. Ding dong, the bells are going to chime. So goes the well known, cheery refrain from My Fair Lady.

Never mind the bluster and bluff of our PM kidding us that the nuptials were bookmarked for 2022; - it was of course all ministerial smoke and mirrors, as we discovered when the press released the story of the new Mrs Johnson and husband. It was confirmed that the bride borrowed her dress, and went barefoot in the gardens at their low-key affair, but it is not known whether Dylan or Wilf were in attendance. 'Three times a lady' is a well known song by the Commodores, Jacqueline Curzon often played at weddings. Let's hope PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY BoJo stops at three though, as membership of his ex-wives club comes at Scottish separatism, they reported that a hefty price.

20% of English people strongly opposed At least the wedding was a welcome independence. The Nationalists have distraction from the Dominic Cummings been regularly complaining that they farce, during which multiple fronts feel short changed by the central governof attack were lobbed at Johnson and ment, resulting in bickering over Brexit, his government. Now, I'm not saying road and rail transport and particularly everything was all sunshine and roses in over Scotland’s share of the national UK Downing Street, but it is so easy to have wealth. When have we ever heard the the 20/20 gift of hindsight, and as CumScottish agenda being fundamentally mings said with unusual perspicacity, he [DC] ‘should never have been in charge of about anything other than independence?

Perhaps they forget that the Kingdom anything.’ On that count, I'm sure the PM of Great Britain was established in 1707 will certainly agree. when James VI of Scotland became Sir Kevin Collins, the government King of England, subsequently making a education recovery commissioner, has decree that the title of King would refer drawn up a plan to provide all children with an extra 100 hours of education each thereafter to the joint Kingdoms of Great Brittaine. Boris Johnson is now trying year from 2022. The additional hours to impress upon us a new term 'Global would average out to an extra 30 mins in Britain,' whatever that is. But the Uniteach school day, bringing class time for ed Kingdom is a title that requires no students to a minimum 35 hour week. introduction, no explanation or apology, In a document leaked to The Times, the whereas a new-fangled descriptor of our proposals also included a suggestion country would need all sorts of explathat an extra year of sixth form could be nations. If all continues to go badly in available for those struggling to complete Scottish negotiations, Global England studies in the conventional 2 year winmay be all that is left. dow. However, the estimated £15 billion Following the debacle of last week's cost of all this is giving the Chancellor air piracy, a meeting between Lukashenpause for thought, especially as it would ko and Putin saw the former hand a create financial ramifications for teachbriefcase to Putin, saying it contained ers, whose contracts would need to be changed to reflect additional hours. Gavin some documents to 'show you, so that you understand what really happened.'

Williamson has confirmed that disadvanMaybe it was just a little thank you gift taged children will get tutoring to catch up, but stopped short of pledging a longer for borrowing some KGB agents or for sending up the MiG? European countries school day. have since banned the air carrier Belavia According to a survey English voters are not prepared to provide more funding Belarusian Airlines from entering their airspace, following a fierce row over the for Scotland as a price for keeping the recent hijacking. The principal purpose of UK together. 25% were in favour of giving the meeting at the Black Sea resort of Sochi more funding, but 35% were opposed to was to secure the backing of Russia against any further financial incentives to prethe Western nations who have issued serve the Union. The Barnett formula is sanctions and flight bans. Lukashenko said very unpopular with English voters, as it the information in the case would indicate allocates proportionally more generous 'what kind of people they are', referring to monies to Scotland. On the matter of

Protasevich and his partner. Dominic Raab, the Foreign secretary intended to give Putin a slap on the wrist when they met at a Nato summit earlier this week, although Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister, said more troops would be sent to the Russian West, in response to what (he claimed) was a growing Nato threat. This 'threat' likely referred to Nato operatives running drills for thousands of troops, dozens of aircraft and warships across the Atlantic. Nikolai Patrushev, chairman of the National Security Council indicated Russia could use force in response to 'hostile actions.' At the end of the day, Britain is great at rhetoric and hot air, but to a die-hard Soviet, actions speak louder than whispered sweet nothings, and Putin has shown he is fearless.

Stsiapan Latypau (41), an activist, tried to committ suicide when attending court in Minsk - he attended with obvious signs of a beating. A 17 year-old died by suicide the previous week, and an opposition politician also died in mysterious circumstances. Andrei Pivovarov (39), a prominent Kremlin critic, was forcibly removed from a plane in St Petersburg, headed for Warsaw. It's an indictment on a security state when a person is so terrified of their captors, and prison conditions so bad, they would prefer to end it all. We have no current news on Navalny.

Murders and attacks have happened aplenty on UK soil without meaningful consequences; think of Litvinenko (polonium) and Skripal (novichok). If anything the perpetrators often come out looking more terrifying and 'untouchable…'

Maybe we are just too polite and conservative!? Any political weakness will always be exploited, and Lukashenko has proven that. Regardless, the EU has now publicly pledged to provide Belarus with €3 billion in grants and loans, as soon as the country 'changes course and transitions' to democracy, implying Lukashenko's potential resignation. I don’t think that's going to happen any time, ever.

In the medical press, a patient died after she was dropped off an operating table during surgery. Jeanette Shields (70), was receiving treatment in Cumberland Infirmary for gallstones. Her husband told the BBC that his wife had broken her hip after leaving her bed to visit the bathroom, after getting no response to her buzzer.

Two days later she underwent surgery to repair this, after which he was then called by the hospital to say, 'the surgery had been successful, but unfortunately they dropped her off the table after surgery…'

He said his wife had a big bump on the back of her head and just deteriorated.

Mrs Shields died 6 weeks later on May 21st. Her husband was initially told there would not be a post mortem but North

Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said 'an investigation was underway,' and a spokesman said the outcome will also 'determine any further action they may need to take.' In a separate story, two young men in Aberdeen decided to remove a sofa from their flat, via a window. The two men had checked the coast was clear before dropping the sofa 5 metres to the ground, but unfortunately it hit Edita Butkeveiciute (31), causing her severe injury. She spoke for them in court, and after sentencing said, 'they know it was a stupid thing to do, and they have to live with that.' The men were spared jail, but ordered to pay compensation totalling £15,000, and each given 150 hours community service.

Zolgensma is not a drug we are familiar with, but it has recently been approved as an NHS medicine for a condition called SMA {Spinal Muscle Atrophy}.

Zolgensma, a gene therapy drug which has shown effectiveness in babies born with Type 1 SMA, comes in at a ticket price of £1.8 million per shot. Arthur Morgan (5 months), has just been treated with this at Evelina Children's Hospital, and Dr Elizabeth Wraige, consultant at Evelina, said 'this revolutionary treatment will bring new hope to families.' Some children treated with it have reached 5 years old. Now I am well aware that PCTs will frequently refuse to authorise specific proprietary drugs, instead forcing the public to accept cheaper - and sometimes less effective - generic equivalents.

It's all about cost saving…. As with IVF treatments amongst individual PCTs, exactly how they choose to disburse their budgets seems to be anybody's guess. Still in the news is the ongoing saga of the GPs. Matthew Trotter, FRCS, writes [Telegraph 31 May]...’there may be a role for virtual appointments, but by removing the ability to see a doctor, one is removing a central tenet of good medical practice. The effects will be seen when complications, mortality and litigation become apparent.' There, you have it from the doctor's mouth.

Death rates from covid reached zero this week, out of a daily figure of 1,500, but we must still do our bit to encourage vaccination uptake. Dr Sue Pavord, who leads an expert haematology panel advising the government, has said that people are at extended risk of clots from the AZ jab.

There have been 332 cases of vaccine induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia in the UK. Just as a side comment, I mentioned many months ago I had the AstraZeneca vaccine, and as I've now developed another lung embolism, so I will not willingly have a repeat dose of AZ. Let’s see how that goes!

Love Jacqueline x

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STEINSFOODS gourmet & natural foods

34 COOKERY

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Red Pepper Potato Tortilla This is a classic Spanish dish that is similar to an omelette, but it is made with thinly sliced potatoes and onions and other store cupboard ingredients.

I like to add some chopped red pepper for both colour and flavour. To ease the task of chopping the potatoes, slicing them in a magimix speeds up the preparation. It is parev and also suitable for Passover so keep the recipe for next year.

Perfect for a packed school lunch, easy to slice and to carry in a lunch box!

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

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves: 6 Ingredients 450g baby new potatoes –peeled and thinly sliced 1 Spanish onion – peeled 1 red pepper- cored and roughly chopped 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 eggs Salt and freshly ground black pepper Garnish: Sprigs of flat leaf parsley Method - For the Base 1) Slice the onion into rings.

2) Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil into a 20cm/ 8 inch heavy based frying pan.

3) Add the sliced potatoes, onions and red pepper and cook over a low heat for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are just tender.

4) Remove from the heat.

5) In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together. Season well. Add the cooked potatoes, onions and red pepper.

The Taste of Spain

BY DENISE PHILLIPS Unfortunately Spain is on the ‘amber list’ of destinations in Europe for travelling so I thought I would bring the taste and flavours of Spain to your kitchen. However, when you can visit do take a trip to Cordoba where there is an amazing 14th Century Synagogue, one of the three remaining in Spain and near the square there is a monument to the Jewish philosopher Maimonides.

The two basic ingredients of Spanish food are olive oil and garlic and like many countries the cuisine is very regional reflecting the climate and farming conditions. Spaniards enjoy a lot of fish as Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, plenty of cheese made from sheep, cow and goat’s milk, eggs, chicken, lamb, pulses - in particular lentils, beans and chickpeas and nuts especially hazelnuts.

Paprika especially smoked paprika is a Spanish speciality and saffron, fresh herbs such as oregano, rosemary, thyme are found in most recipes.

The most popular Spanish dishes include paella, patatas bravas (roasted potatoes in paprika), gazpacho (cold tomato

& garlic soup), tortilla -omelettes, tapas snacks either hot or cold and churros, a deep-fried dough normally dipped into chocolate or cinnamon sugar.

One of my all-time favourite dishes – Red Paella. Authentic Paella is made with Valencia rice and seafood such as prawns, which is an obvious problem for Jews keeping kosher. So I have adapted this traditional Spanish dish to produce a kosher version that has all the flavours of the classic: it is made with red mullet, red tomatoes, red peppers and red snapper.

Another great recipe is my red pepper potato tortilla. Use as part of a tapas, lunch or dinner, hot, cold or warm.

Definitely a great recipe for Shabbat lunch during the summer.

One of Spain’s most famous desserts is crème Catalan which is like crème brulee.

Egg yolks, cream or milk and sugar are made into a thick custard infused with cinnamon, orange and lemon zest and topped with a caramelised sugary crust which you crack with a spoon. Easy to make and must be made in advance so a good recipe for Shabbat.

As they say in Spain ‘ buen provecho’, enjoy your meal!

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6) Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the frying pan. Pour in the potato mixture. Cook gently for 5-8 minutes until the mixture is almost set.

7) Place a large plate upside over the pan, invert the tortilla on to the plate and then slide it back into the pan.

8) Cook for a final 2-3 minutes until the underside is golden brown.

9) Slide out of the pan onto a chopping board and cut into wedges.

To serve the stylish way: Serve warm garnished with sprigs of parsley.

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com GET REFUSERS & THEIR FAMILIES

Dear Rabbi Is it right to put pressure on family members of a “get refuser”?

Shlomo Dear Shlomo When a marriage is sadly over, for whatever the reason, then all protocol must be followed to terminate the relationship so that both parties can move on with their lives. When one party seeks to exploit Halacha in order to deny the other the ability to move forward, that, in my book, is categorical abuse of the highest order and completely unacceptable. There are some who have held out for years, even as they carried on with their own lives, just out of spite.

That is sheer maliciousness and indicative of a controlling abuser.

Frankly it only proves why the divorce was necessary in the first instance.

I recently joined as rabbinic liaison to “Gett Out” an organisation that works closely with women who are being abused in this sort of way. I did so out of a sense of conviction because I have seen first-hand, too much of this exploitation.

Every possible means of “arm twisting” within the confines of Halacha ought to be utilised to ensure that the divorce can be finalised. If that means sanctions in the community then so be it. If that can include naming and shaming, so be it. Frankly, no one can exert the right sort of pressure on the get refuser more so than immediate family - and all too often they are also complicit in the ‘crime’. To that

end, any and every pressure point should be pressed on until it hurts if that can help to achieve the objective.

KEEPING UP WITH THE COHENS

Dear Rabbi As a former Brit, having recently moved to the USA, I am an avid reader of your weekly column.

I have an interesting question.

Following all the chaos of Covid and lockdown my Shul here decided to do a fundraising appeal to help those who lost jobs or who need the extra help etc. It was done very publicly. Basically, the Rabbi spoke about the need on Shabbat, launched the appeal, and people started calling out how much they were donating.

Money is no shortage for me but I was completely caught off guard at this very public display. Can you imagine that happening in the UK? Everyone just discretely folds their card (on Shabbat) or fills it out during the week. But no one has any idea of what the other is giving. I wonder if there is a Halachic concern about this process and whether it could possibly be deemed as public shaming.

Gerard Dear Gerard I moved in the opposite direction – from the USA to the UK – many years ago. So I have witnessed both means of fundraising and appeal. It is true that the distinction between the UK and the North American model is that here people offer “blind pledges” whereas at your end it is more of a bidding war.

To be sure, there is a basic

Pirkei Avot

principle as per the verse (Shoftim 7:17): “From me you shall see and so you shall do,” which implies that sometimes it is necessary to set a public example so that others will see and will follow.

I remember many years ago when my father z”l in Toronto made an appeal from the pulpit for much needed funds for his Shul. It was the only time he ever made any appeal and in doing so he announced a rather large sum he was donating along with my mother. That set the bar as it would have been considered inappropriate for anyone to give less than the Rabbi. Mission accomplished.

In the UK, appeals are made and people will/might send in their donations thereafter. I’ve heard many a fund raiser here bemoan the “prim and proper” British approach rather than the far more effective tactic across the pond. Ultimately, if people like to “keep up with the Cohens” when it comes to making simchos, houses, cars and what not, why not also when it comes to giving tzedaka.

SHOULD I CONFESS?

Dear Rabbi I am a married Jewish man affiliated to the United Synagogue.

Some time ago I was unfaithful with a non-Jewish single woman. It is long over and we are no longer in contact. I love my wife however I am racked with guilt.

My wife has no idea and my life continues in happiness apart from this burning guilt. Should I keep this secret forever? How do I atone for this sin?

Anonymous

For Refuah Shalema for Eitan Moshe Ben Tal

‫ ׁ ֶש ַא ָּתה‬,ֹ‫ ֶּתן לוֹ ִמ ּׁ ֶשלּ ו‬,‫ַר ִ ּבי ֶאלְ ָעזָ ר ִא ׁיש ַ ּב ְר ּתוֹ ָתא אוֹ ֵמר‬ )‫ וְ כֵ ן ְ ּב ָדוִ ד הוּא אוֹ ֵמר (דברי הימים א כט‬.ֹ‫וְ ׁ ֶש ּ ְל ָך ׁ ֶשלּ ו‬ ‫ ַה ְמ ַה ּ ֵל ְך‬,‫ ַר ִ ּבי ׁ ִש ְמעוֹ ן אוֹ ֵמר‬.‫ִּכי ִמ ְּמ ָך ַהכּ ֹל ו ִּמ ָ ּי ְד ָך נָ ַתנּ ּו לָ ְך‬ ‫ ַמה ָּנ ֶאה ִאילָ ן‬,‫ ו ַּמ ְפ ִסיק ִמ ִּמ ׁ ְשנָ תוֹ וְ אוֹ ֵמר‬,‫ַ ּבדֶּ ֶר ְך וְ ׁשוֹ נֶ ה‬ ‫ ַמ ֲעלֶ ה ָעלָ יו ַה ָּכתוּב ְּכ ִאלּ ּו ִמ ְת ַח ֵ ּיב‬,‫זֶ ה ו ַּמה ָּנ ֶאה נִ יר זֶ ה‬ : ֹ‫ְ ּבנַ ְפ ׁשו‬ Rabbi Elazar of Bartotha said: give to Him of that which is His, for you and that which is yours is His; and thus it says with regards to David: “for everything comes from You, and from Your own hand have we given you” (I Chronicles

29:14). Rabbi Jacob said: if one is studying while walking on the road and interrupts his study and says, “how fine is this tree!” [or] “how fine is this newly ploughed field!” scripture accounts it to him as if he was mortally guilty.

In this weeks Mishnah, we learn about the importance of giving tzedakah. However whilst it is usually translated as charity, the technical translation is justice or righteousness.

As Hashem gives us money to bestow upon someone else, it is a requirement and basic justice to give charity, as Hashem only gave you the money in the first place to forward on

Dear Anon Your religious affiliation here is not what is important (although you’re going to have every United Synagogue woman looking to her husband after this wondering, “was it you?”).

What is important is the fact that you feel a compelling sense of remorse and that is more than 90% of the atonement. I maintain that you do not need to tell your wife what happened. While it might take the burden off your conscience and make you feel better, it’ll impose one mammoth load on your relationship and quite possibly ruin your wife’s life. True, honesty is the best policy, but sometimes, what someone doesn’t know won’t hurt them. Only you can be the true judge and jury to consider

the consequences of your confession. Just don’t do it out of selfishness, because you need to appease your conscience. Either way, you do need to address this on a personal level and consider what led you down that path because it is obviously indicative of something wrong within your relationship.

So where to from here? Undertake an extra mitzvah, give some extra tzedakah and leave the rest till Yom Kippur. More than anything, work extra hard at your marriage and however good a husband you think you are, be even better. Beyond that, and most importantly, stop thinking about it. For as long as it occupies your mind, you will be consumed by it – and that has all sorts of deleterious consequences.

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

Perek 3: Mishna 7

to one less fortunate. Of course we must live and make sure we pay our own bills first but we must do more to make charity a proper part of our life. In the Torah the word ‘ venasnu’ can be written backwards as well to teach us that what we give to others will ultimately come back to ourselves in our heavenly bank account.

This Mishnah doesn’t even mention money, rather it talks about giving from yourself. We can give our time, our brains and our energy to many things if we simply put in a bit of effort. By using the individual qualities that Hashem gives us, we can all make the world a better place.

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Torah from Israel

Shelach Lecha: Seeing Life Steady and Whole

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN We would think that Torah is so vast that no one individual mitzvah can symbolize all the 613 “components”. Surprisingly, the Torah designates one mitzvah as an icon for the entire system of commandments. The mitzvah of tzizit activates our imagination and attunes us to entire system of mitzvoth.

Somehow, a glance at the tzizit, evokes the entire range of mitzvoth. The mitzvah of tzizit is the only commandment described as a “memory-trigger” for all other commandments.

Most are familiar with Rashi’s well-known explanation for this “trigger mechanism”.

The gematria or numerical equivalent of the word tzizit (600) combined with the number of strings and knots of the tzizit (13) computes to a grand total of 613. This “tzizit calculus” assures that a quick glimpse upon tzizit stokes a fuller awareness of all the 613 mitzvoth of the Torah.

The gemara in Menachot suggests a very different “trigger mechanism” for tzizit.

The blue dye of the tzizit strings sparks our imagination and enables sustained mitzvah adherence. The blue tchelet dye is very similar to color of the ocean, the sky and the earth’s atmosphere. Browsing these strings and appreciating their color, draws our hearts upward toward Heaven and toward the presence of G-d. The color lures our imagination heavenly toward a more profound awareness of G-d and greater mitzvah adherence. Tzizit serve as a gateway to Heaven.

However, the blue tchelet doesn’t merely fasten us to Heaven. In the process, we ponder the vastness of the ocean, the expanse of the sky and the mystique of the upper atmosphere. All these elements emit a blueish hue. The blue strings of tzizit bridge our imagination to the vastness of our world, and meditating upon this immensity braces our religious commitment. The immensity of our universe provides “proportion” to our own lives and this proportion steadies our overall religious experience. The ocean and the sky are larger than “human experience” and when we ponder them, we see our own lives from a different and broader perspective. For example, when we return home on an airplane flight, we look down, from 10,000 feet up, upon the buildings, roads and cars which form our daily reality.

Seeing our lives from a different vantage point forces us to reimagine ourselves and our experiences. Proportion in life provides perspective; perspective anchors healthy and balanced religious life.

Every religious letdown is a product of the contraction of our imagination and the ensuing loss of perspective. If we only understood the unfortunate consequences

of our flawed decisions, we would certainly choose more wisely. Instead, we shrink into the “here and now” and think only about the “moment” and our immediate needs, rather than larger and broader consequences.

Every sin is a tragic “barter” of eternity for current and fleeting needs. It is a ludicrous trade, a folly caused by loss of perspective.

Sin and failure are products of small-mindedness; sadly, sin makes us even smaller.

Restoring proportion between our small lives and the larger reality within which we live, between a shrunken present and a vast eternity, can avert this sad exchange. Tzizit is a “proportion restorer” – drawing our imagination to G-d- but also to the scale of the ocean and the breadth of the sky. If our imaginations soar, we are less likely to fall victim to the narrowness of sin.

The Mussar movement was founded

by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter in the early 19th century. Aware of a rapidly changing modern world, he stressed the importance of developing moral character. No longer could it be assumed that pious behavior would evolve naturally from persistent Torah study; piety must be independently cultivated. One of the pupils of Rebbi Yisrael, Rav Simcha Zeisel Broide, established a yeshiva upon the cornerstones of the mussar teachings.

Annually, in his Yeshiva, as Yom Kippur approached, a group of mussar devotees would voluntarily adopt joint practices to generate a heightened religious tone. In 1880 the talmidim dedicated themselves toward daily “pondering of eternity”. Contemplating eternity would generate religious discipline. They understood the value of proportion.

It is ironic that as our world rapidly expands, in many ways, it becomes smaller, more narrower and with less self-perspective. Perspective demands seeing ourselves “in light” of something different and something larger than our current experiences. Our world has itself become too large and it is becoming more challenging to cast our experiences and ideas within anything larger than our already too-large reality. The more we have the more difficult it becomes to imagine what we don’t have. Ironically, the world around us is large but perspective about that world has shriveled. As our experiences become more complete and our reality more cohesive, it is more difficult to stream our own “space” through the perspective of something different or beyond our world. The universe has expanded but we have diminished.

Healthy proportion in life doesn’t only deter the tragedy of sin. When we face adversity or hardship, proportion helps us avoid panic or excess anxiety. The spies of parshat Shelach can be excused for their honest reporting- as depressing as their

Healthy proportion in life doesn’t only deter the tragedy of sin. When we face adversity or hardship, proportion helps us avoid panic or excess anxiety. intel may have been. However, their gloomy panic and their cowardly dread wrecked Jewish history. Proportion provides a larger view, it allows emotional equanimity, and it prevents the overreaction which panic incites.

Additionally, proportion counterbalances unhealthy social pressures. Social trends exert a heavy influence upon our decisions and behavior. Trends come and go but sometimes they feel fixed and unchangeable, and we sheepishly succumb to them. Proportion helps us contextualize these seemingly powerful forces: not every society behaved this way or thought this way. Social conventions shouldn’t define us, and we should assemble our lives based upon eternal or absolute values and not upon fashions or fads. Without proportion, society is becoming extremely vulnerable to trendiness and social conformity.

Furthermore, proportion encourages intellectual honesty. Our passion convinces us that our views and perspectives are superior.

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We become so attached to those views that we can’t imagine different perspectives. We often speak foolishly about the “logic” of the “righteousness” of our personal approaches while deriding other perspectives. Proportion reminds us of our true size and of the unknowability of the larger parts of our world and of course of G-d Himself. Standing in front of that abyss we tend to speak more humbly and with less overconfidence.

My Rebbe, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l quoted Matthew Arnold, the 19th century British author who spoke of seeing life “steady and seeing life whole”. We are at our religious and personal best when we “see life whole”. The blue strings of our tzizit assure that we “see it whole”.

Rabbi Moshe Taragin is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.

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JUDAISM 39

Weekly Dvar Torah F RO M E R E TZ Y I S R A EL

A Few Blind, Frightened Zionists

BY RABBI BEN-TZION SPITZ “There’s none so blind as they that won’t see” – Jonathan Swift.

Moses sends twelve men, twelve princes, representatives of each of the tribes of Israel to spy out the land of Canaan.

He charges them with bringing a report regarding the land. Though Moses had G-d’s promise that the land was good and would be easily conquered, there’s a clear logic to sending a reconnaissance mission, to start to translate the divine promise into mortal implementation.

Infamously, ten of the twelve spies return with a negative, frightening report, scaring the nation, leading to mass anxiety, despair, and ultimately, G-d’s punishment of forty years of wandering in the desert, where all of the army-age men would die out.

A number of commentators analyze the event, to highlight the contrast of the

power of faith versus the destructiveness of disbelief: The Sfat Emet discusses the dangers of only believing what our eyes can see. The spies lost faith in G-d and let the vision of their eyes deceive them. Reality is so much more than only what our sense of sight provides. There is a deeper, perhaps even more meaningful reality beyond the surface of what our senses tell us.

The Baal Haturim explores the ultimate meaningless in G-d’s perspective as to the number of combatants on either side. G-d can easily cause the more massive, numerous, powerful army to be destroyed, and allow the outmanned, outgunned, weaker force to be victorious. He gives the example of how two people, Jonathan son of King Saul, together with his arms bearer, routed an entire Midianite army.

G-d has no qualm to save with many or with few.

Both the Netziv and Hizkuni focus on

the destructive power of disbelief and fear. A lack of faith in G-d creates fear.

Fear is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Once the tentacles of fear grab hold of your heart, once you’ve allowed G-d’s presence out of your mind, it is nigh insurmountable to overcome one’s adversaries and challenges.

Finally, Sforno explains, that Israel’s despair of conquering the land, despite G-d’s promise, despite the fact that these were the same people that months earlier had witnessed the astounding miracles of the Exodus, of The Parting of the Sea, of G-d’s Revelation at Sinai – despite all of that they disbelieved G-d’s power – was nothing less than a desecration of G-d’s Name – perhaps one of the ultimate affronts to G-d. That is the reason the entire generation deserved to die in the desert and not see G-d’s promise fulfilled.

In contrast, it is said that every act of supporting Israel, loving it, and those that

have the merit to ascend to the land are corrections for the enormous sin of the spies. It demonstrates the opposite of the desecration of G-d’s name – it is a consecration of His name. If we can overcome the deception of our mere senses, if we can see beyond the brute logic of numbers, military, political or financial might, if we can strengthen our faith in G-d and deny fear a foothold in our hearts, we can then hope to overcome the various failings of the spies and their sin, remedy that national tragedy and consecrate G-d’s name.

May we always have the opportunity to consecrate G-d’s name each in our own way – and may we take advantage of those opportunities.

Rabbi Ben-Tzion Spitz is the former Chief Rabbi of Uruguay. He is also the author of many books on a range of Torah themes, and is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers

The Sin of The Spies According to the Ramban: “Be Happy”!

BY GAVRIEL COHN Sefer Bamidbar opens detailing the regal, almost military formation the Jewish People were to take in their desert journey, marching after the Divine Cloud of Glory and to the call of trumpets. Yet, in striking contrast to this portrayal of national order and perfect sequence, our last two Torah portions of Bahalosecha and Shelach Lecha, then turns to the fractured personal affairs of the People, telling of the series of complaints and rebellions the people had, rallying against Moshe and against Hashem.

Their sense of frustration began from their departure from Mount Sinai, as the Ramban describes: “When they [the Jewish People] distanced themselves from Mount Sinai, which was almost like a permanent encampment… [they] found themselves in the vast terrifying wilderness. They made themselves uncomfortable. They said, “What will we do, how will we live in this wilderness? What will we eat and drink?

How can we handle this oppression?

When will we leave [this wilderness]?...

They were speaking from the bitterness of their souls like people who are in pain do.

And this was wicked in the eyes of G-d, for they should have followed Him with joy and good spirit from all of the good that G-d had bestowed upon them. Instead,

they were like people being forced, like people in pain, like people who were annoyed at their poor situation… [Later] they were annoyed that they lacked enjoyable things in the wilderness…”

The nation was stricken with fear and self-pity in the face of real hardships. Yet, as the Ramban explains, they still should have been joyful and confident, happy in the knowledge that G-d was guiding them, that they stood supported and not alone.

Later in the desert journey, as the Ramban further charts, Moshe decided to allow spies to be sent for reconnaissance, to be able to scout out the most vulnerable positions for their conquest of the Land. He further allowed (and G-d agreed) to dispatch them in order to relay to the people a first-hand account of how plentiful the Land was, a glowing report to boost their spirits: “It is well-known that Egypt is not very far from Hebron, only a seven-day walking distance, and the Land of Canaan reaches on its border near Egypt… [However,] Israel in the land of Egypt were slaves performing hard labour, neither knowing nor understanding [whether the Land of Canaan was good]. Therefore, Moshe wanted the [spies] to tell them all about the Land, to gladden them with its virtues… So that they may tell the People, who would rejoice and renew their strength to go up there happily.

Therefore, he told them: “And you shall be strong and take from the fruit of the Land,” in order that they see in their own eyes the praise of the Land.”

Yet their morale was not lifted. Instead, the spies themselves despaired, dreading having to enter the Land, even fabricating a negative report (according to the Ramban).

The people continued to wallow in self-pity and fear, frightened of suffering a terrible defeat at the hands of a superior enemy.

They wept and complained, then they arose in an attempted rebellion to overthrow the leadership of Moshe and return to Egypt, the very House of their Slavery.

Their persistent fear and sense of suffering is understandable. They were, as many have explained, ex-slaves. Their sense of vulnerability was further compounded by their terror of being in a desolate wilderness with no steady food-supply (see Rashbam in several places in Sefer Shemos). Yet, they should have appreciated that G-d would enable them to succeed and so should have adopted a more optimistic (and truthful) outlook. As our concluding Torah portion itself instruct us: “You should not explore after your eyes and after your hearts that lead you astray [in doubt and fear]… I am the Lord your G-d Who took you out of Egypt.”

One cannot help but recognise certain parallels to the politics of our times; messages, at least, that we can learn

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from. That our society is oppressive or discriminatory (“that the Land devours its dwellers… there we saw the giants… we were like grasshoppers in their eyes”).

Certainly, there are still prejudices that certain groups face and obstacles that need to be overcome. Such was also the case with the Jewish People in the desert, who still had to bear the harsh conditions of the desert and to then launch an assault on the Land. Yet, we should not be embittered with self-pity, and a sense of victimhood, and so attempt, like our Biblical ancestors of old, to overthrow the norms of living and return to the House of Slavery. Instead, we all are enjoined to march onward with joy in our step; happy both at our blessed situation today, and at the steady progress still being made. As the Rambam rules, “There is no greatness or honour other than celebrating before G-d, as the verse [II Samuel 6:16] states: “King David was dancing wildly and whistling before G-d.” (Rambam, Hilchot Shofar, Sukkah ve’Lulav, 8:15).

Gavriel Cohn is currently an informal educator at Immanuel College, Bushey.

He has written a number of Torah articles for various publications and can teach Kodesh for all ages. For any questions or comments please get in touch! gavcohn@ gmail.com.

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A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

Defaming Sticks and Stones RABBI BEN GOODMAN At the end of the silent Amidah, in contrast to its nineteen communally composed brochos, our Sages instituted a series of personal supplications, all related to our spiritual well-being. Although one would expect these supplications to begin with the plea, “Open my heart to Your Torah and enable my soul to pursue Your Mitzvos,” they open instead with the plea, “Guard my mouth from evil and my lips from speaking deceit.” The message is clear: loshon horo- evil speech- is spiritually deadly, and if you cannot control what comes out of your mouth, your Torah and Mitzvos are worthless.

We tend to classify the prohibition of loshon horo as a Bein Adam l’Chaveiro type of transgression, i.e. one that impairs man’s relationship with man. However, we find in this week’s Parsha a different type of loshon horo, one that fosters bitter feelings towards “sticks and stones,” and which has no relevance to interpersonal relationships.

After an intense forty-day tour of Eretz Yisroel, the ten spies returned and discredited the Promised Land in the eyes of Bnei Yisroel. The Talmud in Masechta Eirchin (15a) refers to the spies’ denunciation of

Eretz Yisroel as loshon horo against “sticks and stones,” and ascertains from their slander the devastating effects of speaking loshon horo about another person: “If one who defames sticks and stones is treated so harshly, then all the more so one who defames his friend will be treated harshly.”

Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried (1804-1886), author of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, expounds upon this curious principle. He explains that speaking loshon horo about inanimate objects is in fact a Bein Adam l’Makom transgression, i.e., one that impairs man’s relationship with Hashem. When a person degrades “sticks and stones,” he degrades the creation and handiwork of Hashem. When the spies besmirched Eretz Yisroel, they effectively labeled Hashem’s most treasured and prized land-creation as faulty.

Rabbi Ganzfried explains that this Bein Adam l’Makom type of loshon horo applies when speaking badly about all aspects of

creation- including man himself. Therefore, when someone speaks loshon horo about another person, not only does he shame and disgrace that person, but he also shames and disgraces the handiwork of Hashem. His loshon horo simultaneously impairs his relationship with man and his relationship with Hashem.

Accordingly, we can understand the Gemara’s a fortiori reasoning. “If one who defames sticks and stones is treated harshly,”- i.e., if one who speaks the Bein Adam l’Makom type of loshon horo is treated harshly- “then one who defames his friend” – i.e. speaks the Bein Adam l’Makom and the Bein Adam l’Chaveiro type of loshon horo- “will all the more so be treated harshly.”

Although controlling what comes out of our mouths is extremely difficult, if we are interested in climbing spiritually, we have no other choice than to take charge of what we say. Unfortunately, speaking out against

When the spies besmirched Eretz Yisroel, they effectively labeled Hashem’s most treasured and prized land-creation as faulty.

Eretz Yisroel was not a one-time event.

Despite the mayhem that has befallen certain parts of the world over the last year, awakening a desire within many Jews to move to Eretz Yisroel, there are still those passionately dissuading their followers from making the move. May Hashem grant us the strength to overcome our personal biases, and may we merit to see the return of all Klal Yisroel to the place they belong: Eretz Yisroel.

A project of My Dvar Torah, Torah Bite is your resource for a short, dynamic, and meaningful Dvar Torah to share at the Shabbos table. Originally from London, Rabbi Ben Goodman has spent 20 years in Jerusalem, teaching and inspiring students from all backgrounds and from all over the world. He is the director of My Dvar Torah, providing tailor-made Divrei Torah for all occasions. www.mydvartorah.com.

He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat The third area where Bitachon is needed is in matters regarding one’s wife, children, and other friends and relatives. This means that sometimes a person is surrounded by any or all of the aforementioned and sometimes one is found alone, without much family or many friends.

If one is alone they can then trust in Hashem and tell themselves that the fact that they have little company is for their benefit for they can then focus more on G-d and recognise that their soul and indeed everyone’s soul is merely a “stranger” in this fleeting world and that after even the most popular person in the world passes on, they no longer are considered a native of the world.

A lonely person can comfort themselves by focusing on the time and efforts saved by not needing to care for the never-ending demands of having a family. They therefore enjoy more peace and quiet in this world. If they are on a higher spiritual level, they can comfort themselves by saying that they can spend more time on spiritual pursuits when they do not have company. (Obviously, for one’s well-being it may be recommended to seek out appropriate company if one experiences online; the author is suggesting a positive perspective in cases where one’s loneliness seems unavoidable. Likewise the

author is not coming to negate the enormous Mitzvah of having a family and caring for friends!)

Earlier pious people would run to the mountains in order to serve Hashem in solitude without distractions. Likewise the prophets of Israel would disengage from society in order to have the peace of mind to receive prophecy.

The author concludes this section with a story of a righteous man who visited a faraway land and noticed some strange conducts there such a uniform worn by all and that there were no women or children to be seen. In addition they had placed their burial place right outside their home. The townspeople explained their unusual conduct by saying that they dressed in a uniform manner so as not to distinguish between the rich and the poor. Their families were settled in a nearby village where they could live life normally. These men were thereby able to focus on completely spiritual endeavours. As for the graves next to the house, this was to serve as a constant reminder of the temporary nature of one’s so journ in this world. The righteous man was very impressed and blessed them.

Obviously the above story is not likely to serve as practical advice for today’s world, but there are certainly worthy lessons to be learned from it!

An object which would usually be Muktzah due to its uselessness, if its owner designated it for a permissible purpose prior to Shabbat, even if they designated it mentally without expressing so verbally, it becomes permissible to move on Shabbat. However, if they only decided so on Shabbat itself, it would not be permissible to move.

Sand which is on a sea shore or near to a building site, for example, is Muktzah.

On the other hand, if one set aside sand as a toy for children by placing it in a sand box, then a child may play with it on Shabbat. Care must be taken however, not to add water to the sand as thereby (the child) will transgress the prohibition of “Lash” which means to “knead”.

If a button becomes detached from an item of clothing (not by hand, as that is forbidden, but it fell off ), then although strictly speaking it is not Muktzah, it is preferable to be stringent and not move it.

A regular watch which no longer works, either due to its battery losing power or

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due to it needing winding up, should ideally be treated as Muktzah. However, if one would wear it as an ornament (for example a gold watch) notwithstanding its uselessness in time-telling, then it is not Muktzah.

One who is walking in a street and their (plain) watch stops working, it depends on whether or not they are in an area enclosed by an Eruv. If they are within an Eruv, they should remove the watch from their hand. If they fear it will be stolen they can keep it on their wrist and deposit it in a safe place. If they are in an area not enclosed by an Eruv, then they should not take it off and place it on the floor, rather, they should take it to their house and put it there (as there are opinions which hold that a broken watch is not Muktzah).

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Shelach Lecha

Sidra Summary

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEMIDBAR 13:1-20

G-d tells Moshe to send spies into Cana’an (later the Land of Israel), one from each tribe. The names of the spies are listed. One of them is Hoshea, whose name is changed

by Moshe to Yehoshua (Joshua). Moshe instructs the spies to enter the Land from the south, look at its landscape and assess the strength of its inhabitants.

Point to Consider: Why did Moshe specifically instruct them to enter from the south? (see Rashi to 13:17)

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 13:21-14:7

The spies enter the Land. They travel to the valley of Eshkol, where they cut a vine

“It shall be that when you shall eat of the bread of the Land, you shall set aside a portion for G-d” (Bemidbar 15:19)

with a cluster of grapes which they carry on poles, as well as figs and pomegranates.

After 40 days in the Land, the spies return to share their report and show the people the fruit. Their report begins positively, but then warns of the powerful nations living in the Land and the strength of their fortified cities. Calev, one of the spies, tries to reassure the people that they will nevertheless conquer the Land. The other spies, except Yehoshua, contradict him, claiming that it is a land “that devours its inhabitants and that all the people are giants”. The people cry all night in response to this report and announce that they would seek a new leader who would take them back to Egypt.

Moshe and Aharon despair at the people’s reaction to the spies’ report. Yehoshua and Calev tear their clothes in a sign of mourning, and declare the Land to be “very, very good”.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 14:8-25

Yehoshua and Calev declare that G-d will ensure the Israelites’ conquest of the Land as long as they do not rebel against Him, but the people threaten to stone them to death. G-d laments the nation’s lack of faith and threatens to destroy them in a plague.

Moshe pleads for forgiveness on their behalf, stressing that other nations may claim

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that it was beyond G-d’s power to bring Israel into the Land. G-d relents, but with a qualification – all those who angered Him will not enter the Land (see next aliya).

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 14:26-15:7

G-d decrees that men currently over the age of 20 will die in the desert over the next 40 years. The spies die in a plague, except Yehoshua and Calev. Moshe tells the nation about the 40-year decree and they mourn.

A group of people then try to enter the Land, despite Moshe’s attempts to dissuade them. They are brutally massacred by the Amalekites and Cana’anites.

G-d tells Moshe to instruct the nation that when they bring animal offerings, these should be accompanied by a meal offering (mincha) and a wine libation (nesech).

idols (Rashi).

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 15:8-16

The haftarah relates that just before the Israelites enter the Land, Yehoshua sends two spies. They go to Jericho and are hidden by a lady called Rachav, but their hiding place is revealed and she helps them escape. Rachav asks them to promise that when the Land is conquered, she and her family will be spared; the spies agree. The spies bring a favourable report back to Yehoshua.

The mitzvah to bring a meal offering and a wine libation extends to all offerings and to all members of the nation.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 15:17-26

When making bread from grain grown in the Land of Israel, one has to take a tithe from the dough (challah). The Torah specifies the offerings that need to be brought if the whole nation accidentally worships

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7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 15:27-31

The offering brought if an individual accidentally worships idols is detailed, followed by the punishments for intentional idolatry and blasphemy. A man is found desecrating Shabbat in the desert. G-d instructs Moshe to put him to death. G-d tells Moshe to teach the nation about the mitzvah of tzitzit (this passage is the third paragraph of the Shema.

HAFTARAH

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Shelach Lecha

Shelach Lecha Word Search

This week we read all about the spies sent by the Jewish people to check out the land of Israel. Unfortunately, they did not do what was expected of them and came back giving a terrible report of how mighty the people were and how impossible it would be to conquer them. The Jewish people were frightened by the report and cried demanding to go back to Egypt.

Hashem punished the spies and the generation of Jews between 20 and 60 were not allowed to enter the land.

We must be careful how we speak of the Promised Land and we should always trust Hashem!

In the Sidra we also learn of the Mitzvah of Challah, separating dough and giving it to the Kohen.

Finally, we read of the Mitzvah of Tzitzit which men and boys wear proudly each day.

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the duck shape on the right?

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CALEV • CANAAN • ESHKOL • GRAPES • PLAGUE • REPORT • SPIES • YEHOSHUA

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Shelach Lecha

In a nutshell One of the best-known stories of the Torah, is taught regarding the spies. The Jewish people clamoured that they wanted to send spies to see the most efficient way of conquering the land of Cana’an. Moshe got approval from Hashem and sent a representative of each tribe. He named Hoshea as Yehoshua, praying that he be saved from falling for the (eventually) evil intentions of the spies.

The other righteous one among them was Kalev. Moshe gave the spies guidance as to what to look out for.

Anyway, the spies left, touring the land over 40 days and came across some scenes which frightened them, such as giants. To display how unusually large and strong the nations were, the spies brought back gigantic fruit, such as grapes, figs and pomegranates.

They came back from their tour of the land and told the Jewish people – yes, it is a land flowing with milk and honey, BUT the inhabitants of this land are too strong even for Hashem! The Jewish people were devastated and cried and demanded to return to Egypt! Yehoshua

and Kalev tried to convince the people otherwise, but their words fell on deaf ears.

Hashem was angry with the nation and decreed that the entire generation will die in the Midbar – all those between the ages of 20 and 60 would not enter the promised land.

The spies also died an unusual death – besides obviously for Kalev and Yehoshua.

Some of the Jewish people tried to travel on to the Promised Land, but Moshe warned them that their attempts will not succeed as they go against the will of Hashem.

We are taught the special Mitzvah of Challa, a dough offering, which is separated when preparing a certain large quantity of dough. This was to be given to the Kohanim. We are also taught some of the laws surrounding Korbaot and what happens if a Mitzvah was neglected by the community.

A man was found gathering wood in the Midbar on

Word Wheel

Use this area to write the words you have found.

v

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.

Shabbat and in view of his public desecration of Shabbat and being warned against doing so, he was put to death.

Some say that he had good intentions and may have been named, Tzelaphchad, whose daughters’ request we read about in a couple of weeks’ time.

At the end of the Parsha, Hashem gives Moshe a unique Mitzvah for men – to wear Tzitzit on four cornered garments. These serve to remind us of the Mitzvot of Hashem, and we must ensure that they are Kosher before we put them on! We are also told not to stray after our eyes and hearts – a mistake that was unfortunately made by the spies and paid off until today! For, Hashem said, “You cried for nothing – I will give you something to cry about for generations”. The night that the Jewish people cried over their lack of ability to conquer the land, was the night of Tisha Be’av which was the date of the destruction of both Batei Mikdash.

How we yearn to see these rebuilt speedily and in our time!

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! gap gas par pas rag rap

sag sap spa agar asps aura

gaps gasp pars pass raga rags

raps rasp saga sags saps spar

spas agars auras gasps gauss grasp

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grass paras ragas rasps sagas spars

sugar supra grasps sugars asparagus

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Q. What’s the best thing about Switzerland?

A. I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.

Did you hear about the actor who fell through the floorboards?

He was just going through a stage.

Q. Why don’t scientists trust atoms?

A. Because they make up everything.

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. You bury me when I’m alive and dig me up when I die. What am I?

3. I have a head and a tail that will never meet. Having too many of me is always a treat. What am I?

Q. Where are average things manufactured?

A. The satisfactory.

2. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?

3) A coin 1. A plant

2) A candle

1. Come up for air 2. Step father 3. A short in the dark

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4. Little by little 5. Once bitten twice shy 6. A tall order

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Roman’s Chelsea are ‘Kings of Europe’

Sixteen-goal Lions rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea are basking in the glory of winning the UEFA Champions League.

The Blues overcame the odds to lift the giant trophy by defeating favourites Manchester City with a masterclass performance in Porto.

Manager Tomas Tuchel got his tactics spot on to deliver the Blues second Euro crown.

BY DAVID SAFFER The result was a bitter blow for City’s manager Pep Guardiola. theasclubs’ doReiss Mogilner scoredFor sixall goals Maccabi mestic success this competition is the London Lions thumped Scrabble A inmost the craved. And Guardiola wasAnekstein heavily criticised second round of the Cyril Cup. forThhis team selection, going for aup gung ho e Premier League side racked a 16-0 attack against theMichael best defence win with Danielarguably Green and Kenley around.

Gaurdiola’s gamble to play Rodboth bagging a hat-trick.

Ednot Brafman, Dari orDinkin, Fernandinho backfired.

An unbalanced vid and Adam Hassanali completteam and dynamism ed thelacked rout influency a mismatch of a tie. as Chelsea moved alongside BrianinCloughs’ NotLions could have scored the opening tinghamof Forest to third on opened the all-time minute the clash butspot soon the list of British winners. scoring and led 9-0 by half time.

Indeed, ChelseaOne are fast becoming Th e Division team, thoughEurooutpean giants withaway six wins in seven classed, battled to the end. finals.

Five decades ago, they theatEuropean Lions boss was lost forlifted words full time Cup Winners Overfrom a quarter of centusuch was theCup. display his team who ry later, Gianfranco scored the winner gave every respect toZola the opposition. against Stuttgart the 1998 final.

A decade “I’m not reallyinsure there’s anything to on they losthappy to Manchester say, we are to make itUnited throughintotheir the first tilt at the in a shootnext round ofChampions the cup,” heLeague commented. out but fourUnited years later made amends when Hendon Sports ran out 3-1 victors Didier Drogba the line penalty against LeagueledOne outfiint another North London shoot-out under interim Roberto Di Matteo.

Raiders.

Frank Lampardside wasled skipper night, his The Premier early that in the second services dispensed with this half onlywere for Raiders to equalise butseason, struck but he guided to thea2021 competition. two late goalsthem to book place in round Theof most recent decade has brought Euthree the competition. ropa Leaguenow success 2013attentions and 2019 under Hendon turnin their to the RaphaelasBenitez and Maurizio Sarri A respecleague they travel to Oakwood for a tively. And sees the as crucial top aofnew thedecade table clash on Blues Sunday Champions of Europe.

(10am).

And who wouldteam predict against third Daniel Kristall’s stunned thealeague Champions in they the Abramovich leaders last League month title when won 2-0, a era. victory would move them to within a point Manchester United, with a trio of triof Only Hendon with a match in hand. umphs, and Liverpool’s sixround titles are axtures, target.

Elsewhere in the latest of fi And evenNorth if Chelsea fail Galaxy to reachmade that holy 10-man London it a grail, Abramovich’s haul silverware rethree-way title race in theof only DivisionisOne markable byday anyafter standards. clash of the defeating Oakwood B. So, can Chelsea three-time Jamie Murray saw redbecome early on but Galaxy winners? rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and JaAbramovich will aim it and if2-1 expectacob Leigh to record an for important away tions appear out of reach a new boss will be win. installed. the clubsJewish two Champions Galaxy After head all, Redbridge Care A in League have come mid-season the tabletitles by just one pointafter aftera 10 matches, reshuffle! third place Fairlop FC are five points beForwith now,two Tuchel, who hind games insigned hand. an 18-month contract last January, willOakwood. lead the side into Rafi Bloom scored for the“It2021/22 the trophy. Tuchel was a defence fantasticof performance in a

met Abramovich for the first time in person on the pitch in Portugal.

He told the Chelsea website, “Now is the time to celebrate for some days and to enjoy it and let it sink in. This is the time now for one or two weeks to talk about it and reflect on it. But then surprisingly it does not do a lot to you, and I think that’s good because nobody wants to rest. I don’t want to rest. I want the next one. I want the next success and I want the next title and I want the next process on the same level of quality of consistency.”

As for City, this is probably just a blip in their trajectory as a European powerhouse.

And they will be among the favourites next season to land the ‘big one’. City are expected to lead the chase to sign Tottenham Hotspur sharpshooter Harry Kane and the England forward could prove to be the missing link to European glory.

Bayern, PSG, Real Madrid et all will strengthen. So will City but Chelsea are also be in the mix.

Regarding the final, Chelsea had the better opportunities.

Timo Werner missed a couple before 16-goal Maccabi London Lions Kai Havertz l a t c h e d onto Mason must-win game,” commented Galaxy playMount’s pass er-manager Luke Lewis. to“We slotsat inback the and allowed Oakwood the all-important ball, given the one-man advantage and goal that intocounter Blues attack looked to catapults hit them him on the history. with pace.England internationals Mason and Ben “Both Mount goals came downChilwell the right-hand enjoyed terrific side.

Leigh crossedgames, the firstAntonio one into Cohen Rudiger thehome defence to finish, marshalled before slotting himself. Up butfirst N’Golo was ‘man of the to we go.Kante ” match’ as he nullified City’srace potent The Division Two title also took Andleague what aleaders haul of Herstwood silastrikeforce. twist with verware French internationVale goingthe down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple al has with Champions League, Fortune.

World Cup, Premier Faithfold B have League, played Europa a game more League and Cup winners’ medthan Vale butFAmoved level with a 5-3 win at als tucked awayRaiders in recent seasons.

North London Masters.

City’s Kalms Kevin struck De Bruyne, who Jacob twice for Fortune who departed injured afterscorer an James Milscored through leading hour, Raheem Phil letwith his 17thSterling, goal of the season.

Foden and Riyad Mahrez The result was all the more remarkable andTemple Sergio were Aguero’s lateto 11 players with as down appearance faileddislocating to ‘keeper Ben all Rebuck a shoulder Chelsea skipper Cesar find a clinical moment in the warm up.

Azpilicueta to“Th strike. is was a fantastic win given the

Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea has two Champions League crowns PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

A disconsolate Guardiola told reporters after that he made the best selection to win the game.

The spoils ultimately, and deservedly, belonged to Chelsea, who completed a hat-trick of wins over City in Tuchal’s short reign.

Mount told BT Sport, “It’s such a special occasion.

I can’t put it into words. It’s impossible. I’ve played in two finals for Chelsea and we lost them both. It’s all I’ve dreamt of, winning a trophy with Chelsea.”

He delighted added, “ToFortune go all circumstances,” said boss Simon Linden. the way in the ChampionsofLeague, played “We had a number playersweout, Retough teams.

At buck got injured, so Isome couldn’t have asked this moment time,a any more from the players.

We wishinBen we’re the best team speedy recovery. in theperformance, world. You “It was a proper old school can’t take90that away we battled and defended for the minutes us.” and took our chances. from Experience proved to be the winner. It’s a bigChelsea win, one skipper we will Cesaron itAzpilicueta enjoy and we hope to build in 2019.” the50club He added, “This wintold marks yearswebas a site, “There are a lot football club and will be one Nigel Kyte and PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK of the emotions going everyone associated with club from day

through my mind. It has been a tough season but we ended it in the best way possible.

I want to mention the whole group. Only a few of us were lucky to be on the pitch but the preparation from the group, everybody, the staff, was amazing and it made a difference. This win was from the whole group.

The preparation was amazing as was the energy in the dressing room. I know how it can be to be left out of the team when we have so much competition in the squad but they gave everything for the team.”

Noting the performance of N’Gole, he said, “He does everything, with the energy he brings. I don’t know how many ball recoveries he had in this game but he drives the ball forward, he covers so much ground.”

Azpilicueta added, “After winning the World Cup and winning the Champions League, he is so humble and I am so happy for him.

He is a massive part of this team.”

Raw facts are rarely wrong but the balance of power has shifted in English football.

No English team has won more major honours than Chelsea since Abramovich arrived at Stamford Bridge in June 2003. The club historically had won a First Division title, FA Cup on three occasions, League Cup and UEFA European Cup Winners Cup twice and UEFA Super Cup. Under Abramovich, the Blues have scooped 17 trophies including the UEFA Champions League (2012, 2021), UEFA EuPHOTO: DAVID SAFFER ropa League (2013, 2019), Premier League (2005, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2017), FA Cup (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018) and League Cup (2005, 2007, 2015).

When you consider they have also won the FA Youth Cup on seven occasions since 2010, his tenure has been astonishing.

The same time period has seen Manchester United and Manchester City win 13 trophies apiece. But it is the past decade where the tide has turned. City lead the way on 12 trophies, Chelsea 10, Arsenal 6, Liverpool 5 and United on only four.

Manchester one will enjoy.” City, with three Premier League crowns in four seasonswas are the team Vale boss Jacob Emanuel quick to to beat domestically.

Liverpool will battle wish Rebuck well following his injury. away at and the top United’s halcyon days “First mostbut importantly, everyone at under Sir Alex areFortune in the annals of Vale would likeFerguson to wish the ‘keeper Can Ole ayesteryear. quick recovery, weGunnar hope toSolksjaer see him bring back back glory days, their Europa on thethe football pitchjudging as soonby as possible, ” he League disaster last month, the jury is out. said.

Blue with City and ChelAs foris the colour defeat,now Emanuel commented, sea doesn’t taking onmatter all-comers.

“It how big a squad you Chelsea’s billionaire owner hasn’t been to have, you can never account for unavailStamford due to political ability or Bridge injury. since Only 2018 five of today’s team tensionsinbetween the UK Russia but thea played our recent winand over FC Team, bandwagon rolls on. and poor individual lack of togetherness

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

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Premier title race heads for exciting climax

BY DAVID SAFFER Three teams can lift the Premier League title this season.

HMH, Maccabi London FC and Oakwood are in with a shot with three games remaining. The teams are separated by two points and crunch games take place in the final weeks of the campaign.

HMH head Maccabi on goal difference but Oakwood play both sides so can pip both to the crown should they triumph.

Maccabi host Oakwood at Rowley Lane in a key clash on Sunday.

Maccabi go into the match on the back of a 3-1 win at North London Galaxy.

The visitors came from behind to secure a crucial win after Galaxy took the lead through Ethan Kessel, who cut in from the left to fire into top right corner.

Maccabi struggled to create opportunities, but that changed when Ben Kohler came off the bench and with his first touch nodded home an unstoppable header.

Charlie Kasler fired home a free kick into the top corner before another substitute, Charlie Dryer, sealed the win with a delightful finish.

Oakwood thumped Jewdinese 11-0 with Ben Peppi and Felix Shalom both bagging hat-tricks.

Daniel Seligman, with a brace, Jake Kelly, Jake Feinstein and Josh Cuby all hit the target to improve the O’s goal difference which may prove significant.

O’s boss Lewis Blitz commented, “It’s another important three points in the bag,” he said. “We’ve got a huge week ahead in the league and cup so our focus is straight onto that now.”

Defending champions Hendon United Sports all but sealed fourth place with Fairlop forfeiting the match.

North London Raiders routed Faithfold White 8-1 who remain in the relegation spots.

Division One is also set up for an exciting finish with both Hertswood Vale and

midway through the first half and as both sides looked to settle for a draw, Adam Morrow powered home a curling 25-yard strike.

Vale’s Jacob Emmanuel commented, “I’d be unfair to say we deserved the win.

It was a brilliant game with both sides having excellent spells, and to be honest a draw very much looked the most likely result, and a deserved one for both teams.”

The Bears came through a titanic clash against Mill Hill Dons with a 95th minute winner from Josh Burns to secure an un-

Division One is also set up for an exciting finish with both Hertswood Vale and London Bears continuing a great run of form.

London Bears continuing a great run of form.

Vale lead the way by two points but Bears have a match in hand that will prove pivotal. The two teams meet this month in what could well be the title decider.

Vale edged a crucial ‘six-pointer’ against Club de Chigwell 3-1 to possibly dash the Essex team’s title aspirations.

Vale took the lead through Josh Gorb who seized on a mistake to rifle home his seventh goal of the season, in off a post.

Both sides had chances, with CdC guilty of missing a number, whilst Joe Cohen had a superb strike saved. The hosts equalised

likely win.

Dons had the best of the game with Bears player-boss-keeper James Harpin making a number of saves to deny the hosts. He commented, “Wins like these are so important in title races, we now know that if we win our games, the title is ours.”

Dons manager Brandon Hamme said, “There are so many positives to take forward. Week by week we are improving, we continue this way and the results will come.”

Paris Saint Jewmain picked up a 4-0 win against bottom club Temple Fortune who have yet to pick up a point after 15 games.

Mikey Elia notched a hat-trick and Nathan Sonn hit the target.

Both sides struggled to make an impact until PSJ eventually found a breakthrough before half time with a header from Elia.

PSJ took control eased to the win after the break. Elia missed a penalty but grabbed his third goal before full time.

Borussia Barnet and Faithfold Green claimed a win apiece in a double header.

Faithfold ran out 4-1 winners in the first encounter, Barnet gained revenge with a 2-0 win in the return.

The Division Two title should be decided in the next two weeks when pacesetters Stoke Salmon and NWL Azzurri finally meet.

The two sides have run away with the league this season and are 14 points clear.

Stoke have a game in hand so are favourites to land the title but Azzurri tuned up for the game with a 10-1 win against Hampstead Ducks.

Sharpshooter Zak Jackson hit five goals, Brandon Wolmark bagged a brace, Josh Sarna, Zak Bookatz and Danny Miracco also hit the target.

“A fantastic all-round performance, we dominated and responded perfectly to the disappointment last time out against the Ducks,” commented Josh Saffer.

Sam Leader, 2, Ben Mandell, Ricky Lawrence, Eli Leader and Adam Hilsenrat all hit the target as Straw Hat Pirates eased to a 5-1 win against SPEC.

MJSL update Haroldeans cruised into a third cup final when they thumped Jewventus 15-1 in the Tony Cohen Cup semifinals and now face Broughton Park Rangers in the final at Styal FC on June 16.

The Merseysiders led 7-0 at half time.

Adam Shiffman scored five, Marley Rubins bagged a hat-trick, Daniel Lloyd-Ellenberg and Max Barnett a brace. Louie Barnett, Jack Bookey and Jared Clein completed the scoring.

In the league, Maccabi Maccabi 3rd eased to a 5-1 victory against Reich. Will Feldman hit two goals, Sam Gordon, Jason Hamburger and Louis Rawlings also found the target.

Haroldeans however have all but wrapped up the MJSL title. Only a bizarre set of results can deny them. The Liverpool-based team head Manchester by three points and hold a 36-goal difference.

Haroldeans are into the cup semi-finals

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Reich on the attack

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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Maccabi player on his knees after scoring

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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