32 minute read
News
2 NEWS 5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION SPONSORED BY
3 MARCH 2022 Mazal tov to The Jewish Weekly!
BY HE MRS TZIPI HOTOVELY
On the fifth anniversary of the publication of The Jewish Weekly, I would like to extend my congratulations to all who are involved in ensuring that the newspaper continues to thrive – mazal tov! The newspaper is a key institution within the Jewish community in the UK and so it is a real pleasure to be able to celebrate this important milestone.
I am very grateful for the continued support that The Jewish Weekly gives to the State of Israel, providing its readers with key reports and information on the reality from within Israel. From reporting on the growing successes emanating from the historic Abraham Accords to writing about the impressive growth of Israel’s tech industry, and from discussing British tourism to Israel to reporting on my successful visit to the University of Cambridge, The Jewish Weekly has covered many key stories on a wide range of issues. The paper is a true friend of Israel and I very much look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength over the next five years, and beyond.
During my time in the UK, I have continually been impressed by the strength of Britain’s Jewish community and the vibrancy of Jewish life here. Whether that be the diverse landscape of UK shuls, the many Jewish charities seeking to improve the lives of Jews in the UK and others around the world, or indeed our Jewish schools that provide an impressive level of education to our children, these are rightly all sources of pride for the community.
The connection with the young generation is of great importance to me and I very much enjoy getting to meet university students and primary school children alike. Through meeting young Jewish people around the UK, I am often inspired by their deep curiosity and I very much hope that many will take the opportunity to travel to Israel in the near future, particularly after two years of being unable to do so. Yet, whilst speaking of the many positives of Jewish life in the UK, we must also mention antisemitism, which represents a real challenge. According to the recent 2021 annual report on antisemitism by the Community Security Trust, we have seen a 34% rise in antisemitic incidents in 2021 when compared to the previous year. This is incredibly worrying and shows the need for us to continue to be vocal in fighting against antisemitism within our society. I am pleased to say that our partners in the UK government are similarly worried about the rise in antisemitism and are committed to combating it.
The images and reports that we have seen coming out of Ukraine in recent days are truly devastating and we hope and pray for peace. As Foreign Minister Lapid stated this week, “Israel will be part of the international effort to assist the people of Ukraine. We have a moral, historical, and ethical obligation to be part of this effort”. I am also proud to say that Israel has donated 100 tons worth of emergency aid in a shipment to Ukraine. The shipment contained thousands of coats, blankets, sleeping bags, medical supplies, tents, and water purification equipment – in order to support the Ukrainian people at this time. Additionally, it has been heartwarming to see the various humanitarian initiatives launched by organisations and individuals from the UK’s Jewish community.
As we recognise the achievements of The Jewish Weekly on reaching the milestone of its fifth anniversary, once again, I wish the paper and its readers mazal tov and I look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries of this important publication over the coming years.
HE Mrs Tzipi Hotovely is the 18th Ambassador of Israel to the Court of St James’s, and the first woman to be appointed to the position.
Avigdor Hirsch Torah Temimah Primary School We’re recruiting!
We have the following exciting opportunity to become part of this kind, caring and welcoming school.
✔ Class Teacher: QTS/QTLS, Main/Upper Pay Range (Inner London).
Competitive salary and leadership opportunities for the right candidate, including the allocation of TLR points.
If you want to be part of a very warm, welcoming, family-friendly, high-achieving and supportive school, with children who are motivated and eager to learn, and where professional development is built in – well, that’s us! We offer attractive working conditions, a terrific staff team, Inner London salaries, good location & travel connections, and easy parking. Ofsted say we’re ‘Good’ – parents and colleagues say we’re “fantastic!”
Please contact us to discuss any position or to ask for an application pack. Call the school office on 020 8450 4377.
Applications will be processed as received.
Torah Temimah is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to references and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Parkside, Dollis Hill, London NW2 6RJ Tel.: 020 8450 4377 email: admin@torahtemimah.brent.sch.uk מנהל: Rabbi E Klyne MA (Ed) שליט"א Headteacher: Mr M Coleman BEd (Hons), QTS, NASENCO
£2m raised for Ukraine
CharityExtra has raised over £2 million for victims of the ongoing war in Ukraine in just 48 hours.
The online crowdfunding platform has hosted two campaigns for the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine and Tikva, a charity that supports homeless children in Ukraine.
Donations will deliver packages of emergency food supplies and essential needs, as well as to protect children who are either vulnerable or the victims of the conflict.
The campaigns launched on Sunday morning and have exceeded targets with the vast majority of donations originating from the UK.
The result reflects the generosity of the public and effectiveness of crowdfunding in times of crisis. “The world has been gripped by the tragic events taking place in Ukraine,” said Yitzi Bude, founder, CharityExtra. “The harrowing footage and images coming out of the country show just how much the Ukrainian people need our help. It was a no-brainer for us to help in the best way we could and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible reaction from the public. We are all humans and it is deplorable that such events can still take place in the 21st century. We must do all we can to help.” To donate: www.charityextra.com/ ukraine or www.charityextra.com/ tikvaemergencyappeal
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 16 Letters 18 Opinion 21 Games 22 Community 32 Features 34 Expert Advice 36 Travel 38 Judaism 48 Family Fun 51 Cookery 52 Sport
DISTRIBUTED IN: UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON, MANCHESTER, LEEDS, BOURNEMOUTH, GATESHEAD, BIRMINGHAM, LIVERPOOL BELGIUM: ANTWERP
Remembrance Centre vehemently condemned the deadly attack on the vicinity of the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial site.
In a statement they called on the international community to safeguard civilian lives and historical sites due to their “irreplaceable value” for research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust.
“Rather than being subjected to blatant violence, sacred sites like Babyn Yar must be protected,” Yad Vashem noted, adding, “The security and wellbeing of civilians must be universally and absolutely respected. We continue to follow with grave concern the outrageous acts of aggression being perpetrated against civilian targets in Ukraine.”
Yad Vashem chairman, Natan Sharansky, a former refusenik, was born in Ukraine.
He said in a statement, “Putin seeks to distort and manipulate the Holocaust to justify an illegal invasion of a sovereign democratic country is utterly abhorrent. It is symbolic that he starts attacking Kyiv by bombing the site of the Babyn Yar, the biggest of Nazi massacres.”
The leadership of the Babyn Yar memorial blasted Putin’s use of language related to the Holocaust and planned to submit war crimes committed by Russian forces to the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
“We are deeply outraged that the aggressor country has used genocidal rhetoric to justify its shameful actions,” noted a statement. “Russia has vulgarly instrumentalised anti-Nazi rhetoric and is trying to take on the role of a fighter against Nazism.”
The statement added, “We remind the Russian leadership that Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mariupol and other Ukrainian cities were last subjected to massive bombing by Nazi Germany during World War II, now they are burning under the blows of Putin’s army, under the false and outrageous narrative of “denazifying” Ukraine and its people.”
The US Holocaust Memorial Museum were outraged at the damage inflicted. “It is sacred ground,” they tweeted, while the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust was “horrified” to hear about the missile strike.
The Board of Deputies and JLC wrote in a joint statement, “There is a reason that Ukraine’s President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, amidst the tragedy of Ukrainians fighting and dying for their country, have all seen fit to comment on this particular attack. Babyn Yar was where the Nazis murdered Jews in the tens of thousands. Vladimir Putin falsely claimed that the Ukrainian Government are Nazis. Now his forces have bombarded a site commemorating an infamous Nazi atrocity. And five more deaths have been recorded at Babyn Yar. We pray for the Ukrainian people, who are facing death, destruction and displacement. We hope our Government will continue to do everything it can to help Ukraine defend itself and prevent any further loss of life.”
As Ukrainian forces continue to battle Russian forces global leaders announced severe sanctions against Russia including banning Russian airlines from its airspace.
Financially, the value of the Ruble has plummeted whilst global companies including Apple, Google, Ford and Exxon Mobil have acted.
Israel has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine through Poland, Interior Minister
Ayelet Shaked has allowed all refugees from Ukraine to enter Israel. Aid includes 17 tons of medical equipment and medicine, water purification systems, winter tents, blankets, sleeping bags and winter clothing. The Israeli consul in Romania helped some 100 Jewish children from an orphanage in Zhytomyr cross the border into Romania. At a UN General Assembly emergency meeting Israel’s Deputy Ambassador Noa Furman condemned Russia calling it to stop the attack and respect the sovereignty of Ukraine” “Given our deep ties with both sides, we are willing to contribute to the diplomatic effort if so requested and have been trying to do so in the last couple of weeks,” she said. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has spoken with Putin and offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. Bennett has also spoken with Zelensky, who asked him to reach out to Putin on his behalf. Bennett told his weekly cabinet The Holocaust memorial at Babyn Yar, Ukraine PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK meeting, “We pray for the wellbeing of the citizens of Ukraine and we hope that further bloodshed will be avoided.” He added, “We are acting in a measured and responsible manner.” Israel has large communities of Ukrainians and Russians. In 1991, around a million people immigrated to Israel from the former USSR, including hundreds of thousands from Russia and Ukraine.
Jews carry Holocaust memory Bennett tells Scholz at Yad Vashem
BY DAVID SAFFER
Every Jew carries the memory of the Holocaust with them Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Yad Vashem yesterday at the start of a state visit.
Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan accompanied the leaders on a tour of the world famous remembrance centre.
Bennett officially welcomed Scholz at the end of the visit and noted its importance.
“The first stop on your visit to Israel is the most important,” he said. “The Holocaust, the systematic annihilation of Jews, is the wound that forms the basis of ties between Germany and Israel. From this wound we have built significant and steadfast relations.
“Mr. Chancellor, even today, 80 years after the war, there is no Jew who does not carry within him the memory of his six million brothers and sisters, men, women and children. who perished in the camps. Even today, in a strong and prosperous state, a state of warmth and happiness, in each one of us, even several generations later, there is deep sadness that does not disappear.”
Bennett thanked Scholz for his commitment to the memory of the Holocaust and Jewish people.
The leaders visited the Hall of Remembrance and following the ceremony toured the Children’s Museum and visited Janusz Korczak Square.
During a joint press conference Bennett
Left to right: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan
PHOTO: KOBI GIDEON (GPO)
said that Israel-Germany relations had come a long way since the days of former leaders Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.
“They are more steadfast than ever,” noted Bennett, who announced the creation of a new strategic cooperation between the State of Israel and Germany. “This will be in the format of a bi-annual dialogue on security and diplomatic matters. This is a significant upgrade in our relations.”
Regarding hostilities in Ukraine, Bennett said both had a responsibility as leaders to help stop the bloodshed and bring what was occurring from the battlefield to the negotiating table quickly.
“To my regret, we in Israel have experience with wars,” he said. “Their price is great as we have already seen. Unfortunately, it could get much worse.
“The State of Israel stands alongside the people of Ukraine. We have sent considerable humanitarian assistance and are determined to continue and even do more.”
Bennett also said that both were charged with making sure Iran has “neither nuclear weapons nor the possibility of attaining them” on their watch as leaders.
“We are closely monitoring the talks in Vienna including the possibility that an agreement will be signed that allows Iran to install centrifuges on a broad scale within a few years,” he noted. “This possibility is unacceptable to us.”
Bennett added, “Israel will know how to defend itself and ensure both its security and its future. We also expect our friends in the world not to countenance a massive installation of centrifuges in another twoand-a-half years, and to already prepare for the day after.”
Bennett also spoke about his coalition of eight parties compared to Germany’s three in government.
“We have learned that many parties is not necessarily a bad thing,” he said. “It expresses a broad range of various opinions, of different people. Our test as a democracy is to know how to work together with different people with different views.”
Bennett added, “The world that we have known is changing. The challenges are great. We must join hands and work together to meet them.”
Scholz also attended a meeting with Speaker of the Knesset Mickey Levy during a packed schedule.
6 NEWS 5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION SPONSORED BY
3 MARCH 2022 Humanitarian crisis deepens says Odessa Chief Rabbi
BY DAVID SAFFER
The Chief Rabbi of Odessa, Rabbi Avraham Wolff, has warned of an imminent humanitarian crisis.
Fundraising campaigns have been set up globally for the 350,000 strong Jewish community of Ukraine who are short of food, medical supplies and transportation. The situation is worsening daily with advancing Russian forces despatched by President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine has a rich Jewish heritage with many orthodox communities including in Odessa, Uman to Kyiv and Lviv.
Rabbi Wolff addressed the Knesset’s Constitution and Law Committee on Monday warning of a humanitarian crisis in up to 10 days. Absorption Minister Pnina Tamno-Shata participated in the meeting.
“The situation in Ukraine is very bad, some cities are worse off than others,” Rabbi Wolff explained.
“Kyiv and Kharkiv are under fire and surrounded by the Russian army. Chabad shluchim there are in bomb shelters since Friday.” He added, “There’s no need to wait for a disaster when food and medication run out. This is the time to operate Israir to bring Israelis home and those who want to make aliyah.”
Rabbi Wolff noted that a Chabad nursing home had 50 Holocaust survivors, 120 orphans were in Chabad institutions along with 140 students.
“I already see now from the pace the food is running out that soon we won’t be able to send food to the 8,000 Jewish adults and children in Odessa,” he stressed.
“I speak in the names of 32 large cities in Ukraine served by 180 Chabad shlichim. A humanitarian crisis is going to occur, not today but in 7-10 days.”
Rabbi Wolff continued, “Now is the time. There are small children who will starve if we don’t wake up in time.”
He concluded “It isn’t only Chabad in Ukraine, it’s also Chabad in Moldova. Everyone is working together. Time is running out.”
The Chesed Fund is raising funds but a central campaign on a war-front is not possible due to the variety of needs and geographical distances between major cities.
Campaign organisers are helping various communities.
Rabbi Mordechai Shlomo and Rebbetzin Sara Bald noted that bombs are “raining down” in Lviv with refugees fleeing in their thousands looking for food, shelter and security.
“Our Shul is packed with multitudes of families begging for assistance, housing, nourishment and warm clothing,” they appealed. “Lviv is situated on the western side of Ukraine, making our city the destination of all communities on the run. We need to prepare thousands of portions of food around
Rabbi Avraham Wolff
the clock, pay security guards, and provide shelter and heat.”
Equipment, medical assistance, food and rental apartments are required.
The Jewish community in Chernowitz under the leadership of Rabbi Menachem and Rebettzin Penina Glisnshtain has reached out for urgent help.
“Many have already fallen and perished,” they said. “The Jewish community is a small, close-knit where doors are always open to welcome every Jew. The situation has changed drastically, members of our community are in mortal danger. We are on the front lines, minutes away from the battlefield, we must evacuate urgently before, chas veshalom, disaster strikes.”
Chabad Rabbi in Kyiv, Rabbi Moshe Azman, spoke about the rockets, tanks, planes and gunfire. “We’re in the middle of a war,” he told media outlets. “We’re trying to save Jews from Kyiv, where they’re shooting anyone on the streets. It’s not simple to get out because it’s dangerous on the roads. It usually takes a half-hour to get here from the center of Kyiv but it now takes several hours.”
Rabbi Peretz Krohn is running a campaign to save lives in Uman.
“The Jewish community is afraid for their lives,’ he said. “There is a huge panic in the kehillah. People want to get out as soon as possible. Buses are not running, but local citizens with private cars can rescue us and take us to the border to escape Ukraine. Women and children, entire families, we are waiting for the intense bombing to stop and then the cars will start leaving the city.”
Hatzalah Ukraine provides humanitarian and medical assistance to the Cherkasy region and victims of war regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
The plan is to evacuate people to the border of Poland located in Lviv some 900km from Uman.
Emergency medicines, lifesaving equipment, transportations, police escort convoys, food, water and thermal blankets is being organised.
A satellite communication system including phones and Internet in case of network shutdown.
United Hatzalah’s Ukraine branch serves Uman, Odessa, and Kyiv.
United Hatzalah’s Eli Beer, president and founder said, “We support the Ukrainian people and the Jewish communities throughout Ukraine and we are praying for their well-being. In response to the urgent need we are sending medical equipment and volunteers from Israel to help those still in Ukraine and those fleeing the country.”
Chabad’s Ukraine Jewish Releif Fund has been established to help provide assistance to Jewish communities in Ukraine impacted by the war.
For today’s Jewish communities these are worrying times. Ukraine boasts synagogues, mikvahs, kosher restaurants, Jewish schools, yeshivahs and social services.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymr Zelensky, after winning the election in 2019 famously held a meeting with the country’s six leading Rabbonim on May 6 in Kiev.
Chabad emissaries Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki of Dnipro, Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz of Kharkov, Rabbi Wolff of Odessa, Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm of Zhitmor and Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski of Donetsk attended. Rabbi Moshe Asman of Brodsky synagogue in Kiev was also present.
Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries have been mainstays since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Some 35 cities throughout Ukraine are led by Chabad emissary families who reach out to smaller cities, towns and villages organising Jewish holiday programs throughout the year. Chabad maintains Jewish orphanages in Zhitomir, a Jewish university in Odessa and the largest Jewish center in the world in Dnipro.
Ukraine has been home to hundreds of thousands of Jews in towns and cities for centuries.
Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement and Rabbi Schneur Zalman, founder of the Chabad movement, are amongst dozens of Chassidic masters including Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev who draw thousands of pilgrims to Ukraine annually to pay respect.
Jews globally have ancestors that fled Ukraine in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Rabbi Zalman’s seventh-generation successor, was born in 1902 in Nikolayev, Ukraine, where his grandfather served as rabbi.
The Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson was appointed Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (Dnipro today) where he led the Jewish community for over three decades.
The Holocaust took a mighty toll. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum prior to Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, Ukraine was home to the “largest Jewish population in Europe”. Historians believe 1.5m Jews were killed during the Shoah including in Babyn Yar outside Kiev where around 33,000 were murdered.
www.blog.thechesedfund.com/ukraine/ www.chabad.org/special/campaigns/ ukraine/donate.htm
8 NEWS
5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION SPONSORED BY Herzog hails Greek visit and appeals to Israelis in Ukraine aid
BY ADAM MOSES
President Isaac Herzog has hailed a state visit to Greece.
But Israel’s leader could not ignore war raging in Ukraine during the landmark trip and appealed to Israelis citizens to return.
After landing in Athens, Herzog laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier prior to visiting the Presidential Mansion for a diplomatic meeting with Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
Herzog was welcomed by Sakellaropoulou at the Presidential Mansion. During a ceremony, Herzog reviewed the Greek honour guard.
Herzog addressed developments in Ukraine at the first opportunity.
“Madam President, this is undoubtedly a historic moment, and a very complicated one,” he said.
“Like you, I too feel great sorrow and concern about a humanitarian tragedy and, G-d forbid, injury to innocent civilians. Like many around the world I pray for peace to
President Isaac Herzog meets President Katerina Sakellaropoulou return between Russia and Ukraine. Israel, as our government has communicated, supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity.” He added, “I call on all Israeli citizens situated in Ukraine to return to Israel immediately, through the land crossings at the moment. We are of course concerned for the fate of the Jewish community in Ukraine, and we shall offer every possible humanitarian cooperation to the Government of Ukraine in partnership with and together with other partners.” Herzog addressed bilateral relations between Israel and Greece. “This visit was planned as an expression of the friendship and bold partnership between our countries, a strategic partnership, certainly in the Mediterranean,” he said. “This partnership is rooted chiefly in our shared values, our shared interests, our friendship, and our great proximity.” Herzog invited the President to Israel to see how PHOTO: KOBI GIDEON (GPO) strong Greek culture is. “All nations in this region of the Mediterranean must work together, certainly in the face of common challenges, such as the climate crisis,” he said. “I am sure that our conversations on this matter will be very important. My visit is taking place to produce additional results for the excellent relations between our states, in terms of culture, history, values and especially on the human level.”
Herzog concluded, “I hope the whole world will know better days.”
3 MARCH 2022
Thousands compete in Tel Aviv marathon
The Tel Aviv Marathon Thousands of runners from over 40 different countries completed the Samsung Tel Aviv Marathon last Friday.
Vincent Kipsang Rono won the men’s race in a time of 2 hours 12 minutes and 55 seconds, Mantamar Bikaya claimed the women’s event in 2 hours 53 minutes and 1 second.
The landmark marathon, the first in Israel to be licensed by the World Athletics Association, is one of the only ones that includes 10 kilometers of beaches.
Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, said, “We were thrilled to host the marathon in its familiar road route,” he said.
The starting point of the marathon was Rokach Boulevard. Along the route, runners passed scenic routes including Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv port, Ganei Yehoshua Park, Dizengoff Street, Rabin Square, Hayarkon Street, Ibn Gabirol Street, Old Jaffa and Jaffa Port. The marathon ended at the Ganei Yehoshua parking lot where a special finale included music.
Tel Aviv-Yafo had the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Kapaim.
10 NEWS 5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION SPONSORED BY
3 MARCH 2022 British Jews wary of displaying visible Jewish signs
BY ADAM MOSES
A record number of British Jews do not want to display visible signs of their Jewish identity due to antisemitism according to Campaign Against Antisemitism’s latest Antisemitism Barometer.
Amongst disturbing analysis of those polled over 80% felt “intimidated as a Jew” while over 90% believe antisemitism on campuses and on social media needs urgent action.
Also, a majority of Jews do not believe the police or courts do enough to protect them and over 80% feel Labour is still too tolerant regarding racism against Jews
The survey conducted with King’s College London includes a YouGov poll of the British public’s views toward Jews and a CAA poll of the Jewish community. Both revealed worrying antisemitic trends.
Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism called on authorities to restore confidence of British Jews and appealed for all universities to adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism.
“It is not just the perpetrators who are faulted by the Jewish community, but also those tasked with protecting us,” said Falter. “A majority of the Jewish community now does not trust the police, CPS and courts to protect them. If the next commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and Director of Public Prosecutions wish to restore the
confidence of British Jews in their institutions, they should urgently adopt the recommendations set out in our report.” He added, “Jewish life on campus is thriving, but there is no excuse for Jewish students or faculty to be forced to think twice about their educational or professional trajectory because of concerns over antisemitism. As our polling demonstrates for the first time, there is a clear consensus that British Jews are alarmed by antisemitism in universities. Given the strength of sentiment, it is vital that a minority of universities stop refusing to adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism, and that all institutions actually apply the Definition when allegations of racism toward Jews arise.” A spokesperson for UJS said: “These statistics are not to be taken lightly. It is critical that institutions work with their students and the national student voice of UJS to take proactive measures to educate their communities on antisemitism.” The YouGov poll illustrated that 57% of British adults do not harbour antisemitic views. However, there is a troubling normalisation of antisemitism as 43% affirmed at least one antisemitic statement. Over half agreed with only one or two statements. The poll showed that 11% of adults HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1 acknowledged four or more statements whilst the most popular statement saw 24% agree that “Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews”.
A separate poll of British Jews by CAA and Jewish community partners showed antisemitism on British streets and campuses, online, in workplaces, schools and hospitals and other institutions had left a mark.
British Jews are less optimistic about a future in the UK with a record 46% declined to display visible signs of their Jewish identity due to antisemitism.
Antisemitism during the conflict between Hamas and Israel impacted British Jews. Almost 80% disclosed that demonstrations during the conflict left them feeling “intimidated as a Jew”. British Jews’ confidence in the criminal justice system has also dipped. For the first time, a majority of British Jews do not believe the police or the courts do enough to protect them. And over 80% feel Labour is too tolerant of racism against Jews whilst a majority of British Jews believe the Green Party is too tolerant of antisemitism. Also, in the first poll on the subject, over 90% British Jews believe antisemitism in universities (92%) and on social media (96%) is a problem and needs urgent action.
Commenting on the analysis, CAA’s Falter noted, “Britain cannot be content when almost half of a long-established minority community avoids disclosing identifying signs in public, or when a broad majority considers one of the two major political parties to be too tolerant of racism. It is not too late to make the right changes in politics, at universities, online and to criminal justice, but our recommendations are increasingly urgent.”
Dr Daniel Allington of King’s College London worked with CAA on the survey with fieldwork carried out by YouGov. The poll of the British public’s views towards Jews utilised the 12-question Generalised Antisemitism Scale.
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
StandWithUs UK outrage over graffiti
The graffiti at Manchester University
PHOTO: STANDWITHUS
StandWithUs UK is outraged by graffiti on a stone wall at Manchester University.
Jewish students have expressed feelings of being threatened and unsafe on campus.
The graffiti read: ‘ISRAEL=APARTHEID,’ ‘ISRAEL R KILLERS.’
StandWithUs has called upon the university to address the vandalism with the seriousness it deserves and assure the perpetrators are held accountable guided by the IHRA Definition as adopted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
“We ask Manchester University to reaffirm the right of Jewish students to safety and security regardless of race, religion, nationality or ethnicity,” they noted.
Genesis delivers $10m aid
BY LILLY JOSEPH
Genesis Philanthropy Group is delivering $10 million in emergency assistance to Jews impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.
The emergency aid package announced Monday will be distributed in two phases.
An immediate $5 million funding has been committed to supporting urgent needs related to the current crisis.
Jewish Agency for Israel will support evacuation efforts and enhance security for Jewish organisations. Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine will provide seed funding for a campaign to distribute 30,000 packages of non-perishable foodstuffs across Ukraine. Joint Distribution Committee is supporting work with vulnerable Jewish populations across Ukraine.
Regional and local Jewish community organisations are also operating homes for the elderly, orphanages and other critical communal infrastructure in Ukraine.
An additional $5 million will be deployed to support humanitarian aid needs as the situation develops.
“As we watch with great distress the scenes coming from Ukraine, we see it as our duty to help Jews in danger, as we have done in other times and places,” said Gennady Gazin, Chairman of the Board of Genesis Philanthropy Group. “As someone born in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, I am especially pained by this suffering. I hope that peace will return and the Ukrainian Jewish community will be able to withstand these hardships and thrive again.”
“The current crisis in Ukraine has led to a dramatic increase in humanitarian needs,” added Mark Sisisky, President of the American JDC. Sisisky noted that Genesis and its founders had a visionary commitment to strengthen Jewish communities in Ukraine and around the world.
“Our teams on the ground, part of our vast presence in Ukraine and around the former Soviet Union, will be able to do so much good with this generous support,” he continued. “We’re providing food, medicine and other emergency aid in Ukraine and also partnering with Jewish communities in surrounding countries to welcome Jews crossing the borders.”
“In these grave times, as we pray for peace and calm, we are witnessing yet again the power of Jewish unity in the spirit of Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh La-Zeh,” commented Rabbi Raphael Rutman of Ukraine’s Federation of Jewish Communities. “It is with this in mind that we are proud to join forces with GPG to bring food to those who are in desperate need today and will be in need tomorrow.”
Bennett praise for Mossad
BY ADAM MOSES
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett praised the strength of Mossad at its ‘Advanced Technologies and Innovation’ event this week.
With hostilities worsening in Ukraine due to Russian hostility in the region Bennett spoke about Israel’s strength as a nation.
“The State of Israel is stronger, in terms of power, than all its enemies, but even that is not enough, it needs to widen this gap much further.” he told delegates including Mossad Director David Barnea and National Security Adviser.
“A state, especially a democratic state in an era that challenges democracies, also needs other dimensions of strength. It needs inner strength, cohesion and unity of purpose, it needs mental strength, its citizens will not break from psychological warfare, and it needs the ability to defend itself by means that are not just brute force, by quiet, sophisticated means, I would say even elegant. And for that we have the Mossad.
“Mossad is one of the only brands where the gap between image and reality is not large, it is even the other way around. In the Mossad the reality is even greater than the image, Mossad’s reputation is already strong and powerful. Your pursuit of excellence and innovation, to challenge the heights of sophistication and human ability, which we see even today, is simply inspiring.”
Naftali Bennett
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Turning his attention to the challenges in Ukraine, Bennett noted, that the world order is undergoing a “huge upheaval”.
“From the beginning, the State of Israel has taken a measured and responsible approach, which allows us not only to protect our interests, but also to be useful. To be a reliable player, one of the few that can communicate directly with both parties, and assist as required. Indeed help, quietly.”
Israel’s leader spoke about three planes full of humanitarian aid that had been sent and more will follow.
Israel will provide humanitarian assistance on the ground and facilitate immigration of Jews.
Bennett also took the opportunity to note that Israel was closely following talks in Vienna regarding the Iranian nuclear threat.
Mapping out a ‘sense of direction’ he noted, “The sun will not set on Israel’s security and the well-being of its citizens. The (JCPOA) agreement does not bind us, and the date, two and a half years from now, which allows Iran to assemble countless centrifuges, certainly does not bind us.
“One day, we will have to ask ourselves how it came to be, that the State of Israel, with all the talk and tremendous resources allocated to the issue in the last decade, finds itself in a situation where Iran’s nuclear capabilities are so advanced. But this is not the time to talk about the inheritance we have received, this is the time to act so that the situation will be different. As far as I am concerned, you, together with the IDF, of course, are the address. The mission is on you.
Despite worrying times on various fronts Bennett was optimistic that the State of Israel as on a “straight path and ascending”.
He said, “In every dimension, the last year is a year of leaps and bounds, in economic growth, security, political stability and our determination to unite Israeli society, calm the discourse and find unification and not division. Therein lies our true resilience, there lies our strength. And we will need it.”
Man faces jail over ‘Get’ case
A man has pleaded guilty to ‘controlling or coercive behaviour’ after failing to grant his wife a ‘Get’.
Judge Martin Beddoe warned Alan Moher, 57, from Salford, of a possible custodial sentence in a landmark case. Sentencing is on April 1.
Caroline Moher brought a private prosecution regarding her former husband’s behaviour between January 2016 and January 2020.
The couple, who have three children, separated in 2016 and divorced in the Family Court. But Moher, 57, who owns a property company, would not give his wife a ‘Get’.
The charge states Moher ‘used or threatened her with violence causing her to fear for her own personal safety on two or more occasions; exercised unreasonable financial control, including by obstructing any financial settlements ordered by the Family Court; agreed to a civil divorce but prevented her from obtaining a Get (Jewish religious divorce) enabling her to remarry in accordance with Jewish law and practice’.
Moher was due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court on Monday but changed his plea to guilty.
Judge Beddoe granted Moher bail on conditions he does not contact Ms Moher, who lives in London.
