58 minute read
News
020 8203 2111
mail@theroundtree.com www.theroundtree.com 1 Sentinel Square, Brent Street NW4 2EL
03 JUNE 2021/23 SIVAN 5781
FREE
020 8203 2111
mail@theroundtree.com www.theroundtree.com 1 Sentinel Square, Brent Street NW4 2EL
CONTACT ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE TODAY
LETTINGS
INVESTMENTS
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
@TheJewishWeekly 193
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
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
BY JAMES MARLOW
As the deadline to form a government dangerously approached midnight, Yair Lapid 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
SIGN THE PETITION TO HELP SAVE ALTA’S LIFE
SEE PAGE 16 FOR THE FULL STORY
PARASHAT SHELACH LECHA
SHABBAT: London Manchester Leeds Liverpool Bournemouth Antwerp Birmingham Gateshead BEGINS ENDS 20:57 22:17 21:16 22:47 21:12 22:54 21:15 22:56 20:56 22:26 21:33 23:05 21:05 22:42 21:19 23:09
Care is at the heart of everything we do. Our experienced team is continuing to provide Chai’s big C of Care from our fl agship centre in North West London and through telephone, Skype and Zoom, bringing much needed support to all those who turn to us.
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 Hand
ה‘‘ב
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. 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. The team at LJFC, worked together to make a comprehensive plan to help the family reunite in a healthy, productive, and loving way. Through investigations, challenging circumstances, therapy, legal proceeding and more, LJFC was there holding their hand and supporting them through the process. It has been a lengthy journey and it is an ongoing struggle, but Abigail is in recovery, and Abigail and with Saul are now reunited with their children. Together as a family they face the future with the tools needed to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of each family member. 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.
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.
A soldier prays at The Great Synagogue, Frankfurt
PHOTO: RAPHAEL EHRLICH
The Jewish Weekly www.thejewishweekly.com
office@thejewishweekly.com editorial@thejewishweekly.com letters@thejewishweekly.com advertising@thejewishweekly.com London tel. 0203 906 8488
Manchester tel. 0161 804 1321 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
www.ljfc.com
DISTRIBUTED IN: UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON, MANCHESTER, LEEDS, BOURNEMOUTH, GATESHEAD, BIRMINGHAM, LIVERPOOL BELGIUM: ANTWERP
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, “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.
Making a weekly Shabbat meal for her housemates. That’s livingness for Naomi.
Naomi is passionate about her Judaism. Livingness for her is knowing that she has a home of her own where she is able to prepare a weekly Shabbat meal for her friends. Through Langdon’s supported living programme, Naomi is empowered to live independently and celebrate her Jewish identity however she chooses. We support hundreds of adults and young people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK, by helping our Members be their best, true selves every day. That’s livingness.
You can find out more about livingness and support our work at langdonuk.org or by calling 020 8951 3942
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 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.”
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).
Ursula von der Leyen
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
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 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.
Williamson stands firm reportedly said, “We do not tolerate antisemitism, racism or abusive behaviour in our hospitals.” CAA welcomed a British Medical Associon antisemitism in ation statement condemning antisemitism and racism. The BMA noted, “Antisemitism and racial discrimination harms people and harms schools BY DAVID SAFFER Education Secretary Gavin Williamson Only last week a Jewish school advised CAA that pupils hid garments that might identify them as Jewish. There were also 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 unhas called on schools to act against an- reported incidents at Brent Cross Shopping acceptable and to maintain the trust of our tisemitism and be politically impartial. Centre and in Stamford Hill. patients and colleagues, the BMA affirms Williamson’s stance comes after a There has been continued harassment on that we cannot achieve equality for some spike in antisemitism in classrooms and streets, disturbing hospital incidents target- without equality for all.” on campus following hostilities between ing Jewish patients and staff, and a major A Jewish Medical Association (UK) Israel and Hamas last month. A pletho- charity’s Instagram was hacked by anti-Is- spokesperson told CAA, “Ignoring antira of incidents involving Jewish students rael trolls have occurred. semitism as racism is unacceptable.” and teachers have resulted in forthright Norwood’s display photo was changed The JMA welcomed the BMA statement comments from the Tory minister. to a Palestinian Authority flag highlighting about tolerance and respect. JMA called “Schools should ensure that political “Free Palestine, end apartheid”. Hackers on other national organisations to adopt a expression by senior pupils is conduct- also uploaded a photo of a man holding a similar model. ed sensitively, avoiding disruption for PA flag with a caption “From the river to A CAA spokesperson confirmed, “We other pupils and staff,” he said. “It is the sea, Palestine will be free”. Another was continue to hear of incidents targeting Jews unacceptable to allow some pupils to captioned, “Palestine will be free. Free free in schools and hospitals and now, just as create an atmosphere of intimidation or Palestine.” cowardly, the hacking of the social media fear for other students and teachers.” A Norwood spokesperson confirmed account of a Jewish charity for children Williamson added, “School leaders the recent issue, commenting, “As a British with learning disabilities. Notwithstanding and staff have a responsibility to ensure charity, our duty is to support vulnerable the relative quiet in Israel, we urge the Jewthat they act appropriately, particularly members of the British Jewish community ish community and its institutions here in in the political views they express.” and, as such, we condemn as abhorrent all the UK to remain vigilant.” The Education Secretary confirmed hate crimes. Norwood stands for inclusivity CAA, in the midst of rocket attacks on schools should not work with organi- regardless of our differences.” Israel, met with Johnson and cabinet minsations not recognising Israel’s right to Norwood endorsed Prime Minister Boris isters regarding increased antisemitism in exist. And he reminded headteachers Johnson’s recent statement that there is no communities. of “legal duties regarding political place for antisemitism in British society. Williamson wrote to the Office for Stuimpartiality”. The charity has control of its Insta- dents regarding the adoption of the InterPupils must also be offered a gram account again but it was a worrying national Definition of Antisemtism last “balanced presentation of oppos- development. February following a letter to the sector in ing views” when political issues The Royal Free Hospital, meantime, in- October 2020. surface. vestigated two incidents regarding patients Gideon Falter, CAA CEO, welcomed “Schools should not present awaiting a blood test. One has since been Williamson’s insistence that universities materials in a politically biased withhdraen. should report and take action against anor one-sided way and should al- The Trust does not tolerate racist or an- tisemitic incidents. “Jewish life on campus ways avoid working with organ- tisemitic behaviour from anybody on our must be protected from anti-Jewish hatred isations that promote antise- premises. They added in a statement, “We on campus, be it from academics or stumitic or discriminatory views,” would urge anybody who experiences rac- dents,” he noted. Williamson explained. ist or antisemitic abuse in any of our hos- CAA has published a resource “What to Campaign Against Antisem- pitals to report it immediately to a member do about antisemitism at school” for chilitism applauded the cabinet of our security team or to the patient advice dren and parents who encounter anti-Jewminister for raising awareness and liaison service.” ish hate. on antisemitism in schools A Jewish neonatal intensive care nurse but whilst a ceasefire has held was shaken after antisemitic abuse at Royal in Israel, hate crimes in the London Hospital. United Kingdom persist. A Barts Health NHS Trust spokesperson Email contact@antisemitism.org or telephone CAA 0330 822 0321 with antisemtic concerns.
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 to see Belfast city councillors voting to expel ambassadors and curtailing dialogue, rather than taking steps aimed at helping to resolve 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.
Councillor Fiona Ferguson
PHOTO: TWITTER
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.”
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.
HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1
Aliyah Investment & Tax Planning for UK Olim
✓ 10 years tax free income ✓ No tax on pension income ✓ No inheritance tax ✓ Specialist investment management for Olim
• The leading provider of Aliyah investment services for over 15 years • Unrivalled expertise advising UK Olim • Considering Aliyah? Contact our specialist team who will be pleased to share their knowledge and experience with you
020 8202 1944
RJUKGoldersGreen@RaymondJames.com www.goldersgreen.raymondjames.uk.com 843 Finchley Road, London, NW11 8NA
Simon Benarroch FCSI
Chartered Wealth Manager
Golders Green
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.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed he was conscious and speaking with his aunt. “Clinically, he’s still critical condition due to thoracic and abdominal trauma and limb fractures,” they noted.
A technician, Gabriele Tadini, is under house arrest after reportedly admitting disabling the brake system as it was faulty. Tadini told prosecutors his superiors were aware but they deny it.
According to La Stampa, the judge did not view the suspects, who remain under criminal investigation for manslaughter and negligent disaster, a flight risk or likely to tamper with evidence.
Tadini is reported to have said, “I feel a terrible burden on my conscience and in front of G-d. I’m praying.” He never thought the main cable would snap.
“It was an accident that wouldn’t happen even once in a million times,” he reportedly added.
Mayor of Stresa, Marcella Severino, has told media outlets three Italian families had offered to adopt Eitan.
“Luckily Eitan has aunts, uncles and a family that will support him and help him overcome this pain, but these offers make us understand there is still a lot of humanity in this world,” he reportedly said.
Jewish organisations in Italy have raised $50,000 for Eitan. Prize money from the 19th stage of the Giro d’Italia bike race will be donated to the cable car victims’ families.
The Israeli victims were buried in Israel 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 when a cable snapped approaching the mountain top. The cabin fell around 20m to the ground, rolled down slopes before crashing into trees. Italy’s alpine rescue service responded with no direct road access in difficult conditions. According to La Stampa, Eitan’s father was holding his son to reduce the impact of the crash, which probably saved his life. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis called for prayers for Eitan after the tragedy. President Sergio Mattarella expressed condolences “from the whole of Italy”. The cable car had reportedly operated without incident since late April when Italy came out of lockdown. Reports noted it had performed runs the morning of the accident. But at the end of a 20-minute journey, 1,491 meters above sea level, tragedy struck.
The cable car service, which carries 40 passengers, opened in 1970.
Maintenance work reportedly took place between 2014 and 2016 when the service was shut.
Eitan Biran PHOTO: COURTESY
Leeds eruv gets green light Police investigate The Jewish community of Leeds is celebrating a successful matched funding camStamford Hill antisemitic paign for an eruv. For more than a decade the dream of an eruv in the city has been held by communi- incidents ty members.
Over 900 donors from across the United BY SIMCHA ABIR Walk in Stamford Hill at the end of May. Kingdom, United States, Canada and Israel Four youths attacked the front door of a raised £157,000. A religious cross section of Police are investigating antisemitic inci- Jewish home (CAD 7646). A day later the the Leeds community backed the project. dents by ‘repeat offenders’ in Stamford gang threw rocks at Jewish homes (CAD
Whilst the ultimate goal of £200,000 was Hill. 5790 31/05/21). not met, construction of the eruv will begin Jewish volunteer neighbourhood watch These incidents follow others reported as soon as practical. patrol Shomrim was called out this week to Shomrim in the area last month.
Trustees of the foundation behind the when a Jewish man needed a tetanus in- A man dressed in camouflage gave the eruv have long held the view that orthodox jection after a gang reportedly set a vicious Nazi salute to Jewish passers-by at Manor families looking to move from London to Jonathan Straight PHOTO: TWITTER dog on him. House Station, two Jewish men were apsettle in the north of England dismiss Leeds The attack by a gang took place on Queen proached by a man threatening them with due to a lack of an eruv. Community in Leeds, observant or not,” Elizabeth’s Walk in Stamford Hill. a large knife and Jewish residents of Clock
Manchester has been the city of choice they noted. “It builds on what we have al- Anyone with details should contact the House discovered “Hitler” daubed in a but that notion can now be challenged. Ob- ready, schools, bakery, kosher butcher, police on 101 quoting reference number: communal area in their block. servant Jews in Leeds will soon be able to mikvah and Shuls. It is the final piece of the 4612639/21. All three incidents were reported to popush buggies and wheelchairs, carry a tallit jigsaw for a thriving Jewish life here.” The latest incident follows Jewish har- lice by Shomrim. and siddur on a Shabbat aside from other Globally, there over 200 eruvim, at least assment of residents in the wake of hostili- Campaign Against Antisemitism’s analbenefits. a dozen are in the UK, the one in Leeds is ties between Israel and Hamas last month. ysis of Home Office statistics illustrates
Leeds Eruv chairman Jonathan Straight long overdue. The gang is understood to be operating over three hate crimes directed at Jews thanked donors for making a long held vi- Poles will be situated in 52 locations on the Webb Estate involved in attacks on every day in England and Wales. sion a reality. “This is a gamechanger for the around Alwoodley, Moortown, Meanwood, Jewish homes and threats against Jews. Jews are almost four times more likely to Leeds community,” he noted. Lidgett Park and Chapel Allerton. Earlier this week the gang was sitting be targets of hate crimes than other faith
The Leeds Eruv charitable foundation The Leeds Jewish community boasted on a garden fence belonging to a Jewish groups. was formed to manage and maintain the 25,000 Jews in its heyday, today it numbers person when they reportedly swore at the Anyone with information on any of the project. Planning permission for construc- around 8,000. The infrastructure has a Jew- victim and her young daughter yesterday. Stamford Hill incidents should telephone tion has already been attained from Leeds ish primary and high school, community Shomrim noted they threatened to the police on 101 or Stamford Hill ShomCity Council. centre, welfare and communal organisa- “blow up the house” (CAD 3728). rim on 0300 999 0123 quoting the relevant
“This project benefits the entire Jewish tions together with many youth groups. Two incidents also took place on Craven reference number.
Iran will feel Mossad’s might
BY DAVID SAFFER
the United States and the elim- powerful country in the region within a ination of the existential threat, 1,500km radius of Jerusalem.” New Mossad chief David Barnea the elimination of the existential The ceremony was attended by Netanhas vowed to continue Israel’s fight threat wins out. It falls first and yahu, ministers, senior security officials, against Iran. foremost on you, on the political and senior officials.
Barnea was speaking this week leadership of the State of Israel, Former Secretary of State Pompeo who at a handover ceremony as he suc- and on you (David) Barnea, you is currently visiting Israel, also attended ceeded Yossi Cohen in the post. must do everything, everything, the ceremony.
Cohen stepped down after serv- to ensure that Iran doesn’t arm it- Israel and the US established a joint ing the intelligence agency for 38 self with nuclear weapons under committee to study the threat from Iran years. any circumstances.” and its proxies during landmark meetings
Ongoing talks continue in Vien- Netanyahu has been vocal in Washington last April. US National Sena to restore a 2015 JCPOA deal by about Iran’s nuclear aims and op- curity Adviser Jake Sullivan and Israeli world powers in limiting Iran’s nu- posed efforts to restart the 2015 counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat head the clear program but Israel remains agreement. committee. steadfast in its resolve against the Defence Minister Benny Gantz Israel’s delegation, Ben-Shabbat, then Iranian regime. reproached Netanyahu’s com- Mossad head Cohen together with Maj.
“The agreement with world ments on Twitter. Gen. Tamir Heyman and Maj. Gen. Tal powers that is taking shape only “The United States has been and Kalman, held talks with Sullivan, CIA direinforces the sense of isolation will continue to be Israel’s most rector William Burns and US Army deputy in which we find ourselves on this important ally in maintaining its chief of staff for intelligence, Lt. Gen. Lauissue,” Barnea reportedly said at a security and military superiority ra Potter. handover ceremony. “The Iranian program will conDavid Barnea PHOTO: ISRAEL.GOV.IL in the region,” noted Gantz, who is expected to stay in his post in The US will consult with Israel on nuclear issues going forward. And the allies tinue feeling Mossad’s might,” he chief until this appointment. a new coalition, said, “The Biden agreed on the “significant threat” posed by added. “We are well acquainted with the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in administration is a true friend of Israel.” Iran’s aggressive behaviour in the region. nuclear program and its various com- what could be one of his final major ad- He added, “Israel doesn’t have and US officials stressed President Biden’s 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. “unwavering support” for Israel’s right to that operate in it and also the forces that date unfolding, backed Barnea regarding Even if there are disagreements, they must defend. drive them. It has to be said loud and clear, the nuclear program, even if it conflicts its be resolved through direct dialogue be- Bicom noted the Israeli delegation’s visit Iran is working, even at this very moment, relationship with the United States. hind closed doors and not in confronta- to Washington was the first time both sides to realise its nuclear vision, under an in- Netanyahu noted that he had told US tional remarks that could damage Israel’s had met directly to discuss Iran and the ternational protection cloak. Under the President Joe Biden of this viewpoint. security.” US-Israeli military/intelligence relationprotection of the agreement and without “With or without a deal, we will continue Gantz is well aware of the Iranian threat ship under Biden’s administration. it, through lies and concealment of the to do everything in our power to prevent globally but stressed Israel’s military Bicom added that Israeli political and truth, Iran constantly advancing toward a Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” he standing in the region. security officials were concerned the weapons of mass destruction production said. “Iran is different from the other coun- “Iran is a threat to regional stability and White House administration would forgo program.” tries that have nuclear weapons so allow- world peace,” he explained. “It is a country leverage set up by former US President
Barnea, 56, joined Mossad in 1996, and ing it is not an option.” Netanyahu added, that generates terrorism and promotes a Donald Trump to force Iran to renegotiate successfully led Mossad’s Tzomet Division “If we have to choose, I hope it doesn’t hap- nuclear program that is dangerous to the a better accord if they return to the JCPOA from 2013-19, prior to serving as deputy pen, between friction with our great friend State of Israel, even so, Israel is the most 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 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Ramallah.
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.
Gabi Ashkenazi
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
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
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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. • 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.”
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 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. 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 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.
Isaac (Bougie) Herzog
PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA
