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CAA slam “grossly insufficient” sentence
Arrest made over Bennett death threats
BY SIMCHA ABIR
Campaign Against Antisemitism has criticised a Liverpool magistrate for not imposing a custodial sentence on a teenager who threatened to “bomb” a synagogue”.
Liverpool Youth Court heard that the boy, who received a 12-month referral order, searched Google for his nearest synagogue and downloaded instructions for making bombs. He was pictured wearing a mask with swastikas on, making a white power salute and giving a Nazi salute.
“I am a domestic terror threat. I will bomb a synagogue,” the sixteen-yearold boy, who has autism and cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly wrote on Twitter.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, sentencing, said he had “struggled greatly” with a decision.
Goldspring handed out a non-custodial sentence in the “public interest” as a custodial punishment may jeopardise rehabilitative steps made.
CAA disagreed with the ruling stating the sentence was “grossly insufficient and must be enhanced”.
A spokesman explained, “We are seeing more and more youngsters being groomed and recruited by the far-right, which is immensely troubling. Video games are one of the most attractive mediums for extremist propagandising, and parents, teachers and the authorities ignore them at our peril. The Chief Magistrate, who even admitted that this is one of the most appalling cases in his entire career, is absolutely wrong not to impose a custodial sentence. He may, astoundingly, believe that it is not in the public interest to incarcerate someone who declared his intention to bomb a synagogue and may have sought ways to do so, but the Jewish community would beg to differ. It is not for nought that synagogues in the UK require security guards and other special safety measures.”
It is understood the boy became radicalised after playing the free online video game Fortnite.
Gerard Pitt, defending, said the boy wrote a number of antisemitic, racist and anti-LGBT posts on social media. He also promoted the “incel” subculture.
Pitt told the court the boy had a “very large library” of far-right content but had moved away from these views.
Goldspring, sentencing, said the boy had been derogatory about “every minority group that existed” and had something to say about it.
BY ADAM MOSES
Israeli police have arrested a 65-year-old woman in southern Israel on suspicion of sending death threats to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s wife and son last month.
Police have put a gag order on the investigation and release of more details.
After a letter addressed to Gilat Bennett was sent on April 26 police and Shin Bet investigated. A second letter to Bennett’s 16-year old son Yoni was received two days later.
Both letters had live bullets inside the envelopes. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett
“We must do everything to make sure that does not happen,” Bennett said at the time. “We are all human beings and can have arguments and disagreements but not bullying and threats. I am a Prime Minister and a politician but I am also a father and husband and my duty is to protect my wife and children. We must tone the discourse down.”
Defence Minister Benny Gantz called on police and security services to apprehend those responsible as it had “crossed a line”. “One bullet in a letter can become three fired from a pistol,” Gantz said. “Even in times of difficult disagreements, we must all remember our strength is in our unity.” Foreign Minister Yair Lapid noted, “We will fight the hate speech in the streets, online and everywhere. They will not scare us. Extremists will not prevail over the sane majority.” Religion Minister Matan Kahana is a member of Bennett’s Yamina party and also received a death threat by telephone. The caller hoped Arabs killed him leaving his children orphaned. Kahana recalled the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a rightwing extremist in 1995. A resident of Ashkelon was arrested last August after posting an alleged threat against Bennett following the death of IDF soldier, Barel Hadaria-Shumeli on the Gaza border during riots. Security levels are at the second highest level before the coalition was set up.
Israel ends PCR tests at Ben Gurion
BY LEAH WAXLER
Israel’s Ministry of Health has ended its Covid-19 measures by removing on-arrival PCR tests.
Under new guidelines agreed by the Ministry and Airports Authority passengers landing at Ben Gurion airport from May 20 no longer need to perform a PCR test.
Israel’s Ministry of Health’s announced the news on Twitter.
“The decision was made in light of the decline in morbidity data,” wrote the Ministry. “It was agreed that the professionals would formulate a mechanism for maintaining the suitability of the testing system at Ben Gurion Airport, in order to enable it to be operated quickly, in full or in part when necessary.”
This Tuesday also saw foreign travellers to Israel allowed to take an antigen test before boarding the plane instead of a PCR test. Any passenger who chooses the antigen option must perform the test in the 24 hours prior to departure to Israel.
The announcements are the latest developments by Israel to ease entry since relaxing measures in February.
Israel’s Minister of Tourism Yoel Ravozov tweeted his support.
Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, Israel Government Tourist office, London, commented, “As consumer confidence grows in line with restrictions easing, it was important that we made the entry process as simple as possible for travellers whilst keeping health and safety a top priority. We are hopeful that the easing of on-arrival PCR tests will help encourage tourists to put Israel on their holiday lists this year.”
Tesco workers rant at Marlow
CAA dispute Starmer Barnet comments
James Marlow
National Jewish Assembly CEO James Marlow experienced an aggressive rant at Brent Cross Tesco whilst buying a tub of houmous last Thursday.
A male Tesco worker allegedly shouted at him in a threatening manner as Marlow reached into the fridge while he was working.
CCTV shows no plastic barrier around the man and fridge but in the centre of the aisle.
Marlow tried to calm the situation but the worker and a female employee continued to shout at him.
A complaint was filed. The store general manager failed to call Marlow within 24 hours as agreed.
Marlow has since filed a report with police.
Gary Mond, NJA chairman commented, “This reinforces the need for as much action to be taken via the police, courts and where necessary getting the law changed to fight antisemitism.”
Police are investigating but have not confirmed if officers have requested a copy of the CCTV. Contact the police on 101 (Crime reference 2411374/22: CAB 3923 09-05-22)
BY ADAM MOSES
Campaign Against Antisemitism have disputed Labour leader Keir Starmer’s assertion that his party’s historic local election triumph in Barnet last week illustrates trust has returned to the Jewish community.
When Labour failed to win Barnet five years ago it was seen in Jewish quarters as a rejection of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. Labour’s success this time around was hailed by Starmer with fighting antisemtism in his party central to his comments.
Barnet, in north London, is home to the largest Jewish population in the country. Labour won 41 of the 63 seats, up 25 from 2018, Conservatives won 22 seats, down 16.
Speaking to Labour borough activists on the morning after the election success, he said, “My first words as leader of our Party, when I took over in April 2020, was that we were going to root out antisemitism from our Party, not tolerate it any more in our Party, change our Party. I said the test of that will be whether voters trust us again in places like Barnet, and they’ve done it.
“That is your hard work, that is the change we’ve collectively brought about in our Labour Party, the trust that we’re building, putting us on the road to No 10 the road to that general election. That change these last two years has been really hard for us as a party, but we’ve done it, we’ve built those solid foundations, we’ve won here in Barnet, we’ve won across London, we’re winning
Labour leader Keir Starmer
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
from coast to coast.”
Joe Glasman, CAA Head of Political and Government Investigations, was forthright in his response after the results, labelling Starmer’s suggestion that success of local Labour candidates in the heavily-Jewish borough demonstrated Labour had restored trust as “decidedly premature”.
He said, “Our latest polling has shown that 81% of the Jewish community still feels that Labour is too tolerant of antisemitism. Yesterday, the most Jewish neighbourhoods in Barnet, including Edgware, Finchley Church End, Garden Suburb, Golders Green, Hendon, Mill Hill and Totteridge, returned not a single Labour councillor. We hope that Labour will concentrate on doing the work of fighting antisemitism rather than misleadingly implying that the problem is solved.”
CAA added that Labour under Starmer was a “more promising place” regarding antisemitism than under Corbyn but “a great deal of work” was needed to be done.
Only the new ward of Whetstone saw a Labour councillor returned.
Barnet Labour leader Barry Rawlings backed his leader, describing the triumph as “historic “ as his party took control for the first time.
Labour was found by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to have engaged in unlawful discrimination and harassment of Jews.
The EHRC report followed its investigation of the Labour Party in which CAA was the complainant. Starmer called the publication of the report a “day of shame” for the Labour Party.
Hapoel basketball fans attacked in Bilbao
BY LEAH WAXLER
Israeli basketball fans were attacked by Palestinian protesters in Bilbao last Sunday.
Hapoel U-net Holon basketball fans were supporting their team outside the game’s venue ahead of the FIBA Basketball Champions League tournament third place play off game against MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Hapoel lost the match 88-68.
Israeli fans sang the national anthem when protesters waved Palestinian flags and sang anti-Israel chants.
A fight allegedly took place after protesters threw objects at the Israeli group.
A Hapoel fan reportedly said they the group was “ambushed,” was reported to have said.
He commented, “They threw chairs, glasses and bottles at us. We had families and children with us. It was a very, very scary incident.”
The police were reportedly slow according to reports.
Hapoel Holon Chairman Eitan Lanciano called on Foreign Minister Yair Lapid for support.
“For several days now, Israeli fans who have come to a sporting event have been suffering from anti-Semitism by pro-Palestinian elements in Bilbao,” he said.
Lanciano added, “Every meeting with Israelis devolves into expletives accompanied by flying objects.”
MK Yuli Edelstein commented, “I am appalled by the manifestations of violence suffered by Hapoel Holon fans from the gangs of Palestinian terrorists in Bilbao. It is only appropriate for the Spanish government and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to take action on the issue.”
60,000 tickets sold for Meron
BY DAVID SAFFER
Over 60,000 tickets have been sold to orthodox pilgrims wishing to visit to Meron on Lag B’Omer next week (May 18-19).
Numbers have been strictly limited. An estimated 100,000 orthodox pilgrims were celebrating the festival at the historic resting place of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai last year when the worst civilian disaster in the State of Israel’s history occurred.
During the ceremony, tragedy unfolded in a narrow tunnel, 45 pilgrims died, 100 were injured.
“There were those who called not to hold an event this year,” said Meron project manager Tzviki Tessler said. “But we thought otherwise. There’s a large public for whom it’s important. At the same time, we won’t be able to satisfy everyone’s wishes.”
Tickets sold out within hours of becoming available. Availability was for visitors traveling by public transportation, in private shuttles and private cars.
Arrival at the Meron site is limited to buses and designated shuttles.
Ticket holders can only stay for a limited period of time in accordance with the type of ticket.
No stalls or food distribution will be allowed at the site on Lag B’omer. Food distribution will be permitted at the entrance to the Meron moshav. No tents will be allowed around the tzion.
Celebrating Lag B’Omer in Meron, 2018
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Planning for the event has been extensive after the tragedy 12 months ago.
There will be one hadlakah over Lag B’Omer lit by the Boyaner Rebbe. Last year there were 20 hadlakos at Meron.
At the end of Lag B’Omer a memorial ceremony and siyum Mishnayos is scheduled to take place for those that died in accordance with Chareidi kahal customs.
The Israeli government has approved a compensation plan for victims of the stampede.
Each family of the 45 fatalities has received NIS 500,000 ($158,000).
The payment will help families struggling financially and may be deducted from a future legal settlement decided by the state commission of inquiry. The panel’s chairperson, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Miriam Naor, died suddenly earlier this year.
Israel’s Land Enforcement Authority has overseen a number of demolitions of structures and facilities at the site due to safety fears including bleachers, hadlaka platforms, passages and bridges.
The government was warned of a disaster by former State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss in 2008.
Following a report, the government in 2009 tasked the Government Companies Authority at the Finance Ministry to form a body to maintain area. But a State Comptroller’s Report published by Lindestrauss in 2011 said the government made minor repairs.
In 2013, then finance minister Yair Lapid placed responsibility on the Ministry for Religious Affairs.
But public safety questions again emerged in 2017 and a year later.
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.
An information hotline has been set up.
Special Meron maps show entrance and exit routes by vehicle and foot, the hadlaka site, entrance for Kohanim, men’s and women’s sections, and parking.
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ADL creates research arm
BY LEAH WAXLER
The Anti-Defamation League has created a new research arm.
The ADL Centre for Antisemitism Research will develop investigations through an applied research network. New initiatives will measure, test and identify the fight against antisemitism.
The centre will be led by ADL Vice President Matt Williams, whom recently served as founding director of the Centre for Communal Research at the Orthodox Union.
Williams previously served as managing director of the Berman Jewish Policy Archive.
ADL has studied antisemitism in society through surveys examining antisemitic attitudes, historical tropes and counting incidents for decades. It will build on this research by applying the latest scholarly techniques and research into modern-day antisemitism.
“Antisemitism has remarkable staying power, we cannot fight this unique hatred effectively without understanding its underpinnings and modern variants,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Our new centre seeks to apply best-in-class research and scholarship to deepen our understanding of both the root causes of antisemitism and the most effective tools to combat it, whether it manifests as world domination conspiracies, Holocaust denial or anti-Zionism.”
The centre will carry out research on interdependent tracks by sponsoring fellowships, empirical research, publications and workshops. It will also build an evidence base to identify which interventions against antisemitism work most effectively. The centre will offer grants to programs, organisations and researchers. It will also set up forums, collective development and assess the efficacy of interventions. “We are trying to get at a deeper understanding of the causes, manifestations and evolution of antisemitism,” said Williams. “Our research will be laser focused on getting to these root causes of antisemitism and identifying which interventions are the most effective for combating it.”
ADL acknowledges individual, corporate and foundation support.
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12 MAY 2022 Israel set for “new war on terror”
BY DAVID SAFFER
Israel is embarking on a new ‘war on terror’ in the wake of 19 Israelis being murdered in six terror attacks in recent weeks.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Sunday his government is setting up a “national guard” to fight terrorism at his weekly cabinet meeting.
The National Security Council and Public Security Ministry will present a proposal this month.
The latest deadly incident saw three Israelis killed in an axe attack in Elad last Thursday on Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Security forces arrested Palestinian terrorists As’sad al-Rafai, 19, and Emad Subhi Abu Shqeir, 20, suspected of murdering Yonatan Havakuk, Boaz Gol, and Oren Ben Yiftah of Lod, following a 60-hour manhunt.
Both assailants are from Rumana near Jenin in the West Bank, they were found in a wooded area outside Elad. According to police, the axe used in the attack was recovered.
The latest atrocity saw four people also wounded in the axe and knife attack.
“We said that we would apprehend the terrorists and we have done so,” said Bennett, who commended the ISA, Israel Police and IDF for the successful operation.
“Capturing the murderers is not enough. We are at the start of a new stage in the war on terrorism. Those who incite cannot rest easy. The supreme mission of the Government of Israel is to restore personal security to the citizens of Israel.” Bennett added, “The highest-priority task for the Israeli government is to restore personal security to the citizens of Israel.”
Regarding the establishment of a national guard, Bennett added, “The urgent need to strengthen the personal security of the citizens of Israel was born a year ago during the events of Operation Guardians of the Walls, mainly in the mixed cities, and it is more urgent than ever in the current wave of terrorism. Time and time again, we see the difference between incidents in which there was a responsible armed civilian in the area and those in which there was not. The need is great, especially in the ultra-orthodox cities, in which fewer people carry weapons. We are taking action.
“The plan will be based on Border Police units, along with the mobilisation of trained units of volunteers and reservists, who together will be defined as a national guard. They will be activated in emergencies and disturbances, and in routine times as well, as necessary.”
Bennett clarified that there was no political consideration regarding the ‘war on terrorism’.
“All decisions regarding the Temple Mount in Jerusalem will be made by the Government of Israel, which is sovereign in the city, without any extraneous considerations whatsoever,” he explained. “We certainly reject any foreign involvement in the decisions of the Government of Israel. Israel will continue to respect worshippers of all faiths in Jerusalem. This is what we have done and this is what we will do.”
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai praised
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reacts at a cabinet meeting
PHOTO: HAIM ZACH (GPO)
security forces.
He stated, “Every terrorist must know that Israel’s reach is long and we will find anyone who will harm the citizens of the Jewish State. We are determined to continue fighting terror, and I thank all the security personnel who went through sleepless nights in order to capture the terrorists.”
Hundreds of mourners attended the funerals of Havakuk, 44, and Boaz Gol, 49.
Havakuk was buried in Yarkon Cemetery in Petah Tikva, Gol was laid to rest in Jerusalem’s Har HaMenuchot Cemetery. Ben Yiftah was buried in Lod.
Father of five Havakuk happened to pass at the scene of the attack and fought off an attacker before being killed. His six-yearold escaped from the scene. Gol also had five children and was a car mechanic. He was traveling to a Torah lesson when killed. Yiftach, a shuttle driver, died in his car, he had six children. Israeli leaders attended the funerals.
Global reaction was swift following the Elad attack.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “We vehemently condemn the terrorist attack in Elad, Israel, which killed at least three and wounded many others. This was a horrific attack targeting innocent men and women, and was particularly heinous coming as Israel celebrated its Independence Day. Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those killed, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery. We remain in close contact with our Israeli friends and partners and stand firmly with them in the face of this attack.”
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder released a statement.
“Terror has struck at the heart of Israeli society yet again,” he said. “This latest attack, which comes on the heels of Yom Ha’atzmaut is a stark reminder that even in times of joy the people of Israel can never afford to drop their guard.” He added, “To those looking on from around the world, don’t allow yourselves to accept this as the price for residing in the world’s only Jewish State. No one should be forced to live in fear that danger lurks around the corner. I call on the international community and all Arab leaders to condemn this horrific act of violence and the hate that inspires it in the strongest possible terms.”
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, stated, “A brutal terrorist attack struck the Israeli city of Elad. A truly horrific crime. May Jewish people be able to go about their everyday lives in only safety and security.”
Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, condemned the attack and said it was “deplorable” that Hamas and others glorify and encourage attacks as it undermines a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.
“Appalled by another terror attack in Israel, targeting innocent people as they celebrate their Independence Day,” British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted.
UK Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan, tweeted, “The UK stands with Israel against terrorism.”
“This kind of cowardly violence will never win!” EU Ambassador to Israel Dimiter Tzantchev wrote.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas blasted the attack.
“The killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians only leads to a further deterioration of the situation at a time when we all strive to achieve stability and prevent escalation,” he said. Abbas added, “The cycle of violence confirms that permanent, comprehensive and just peace is the shortest and sound way to provide security and stability for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and the peoples of the region.”
Following the Elad killings Bennett met with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Defence Minister Benny Gantz, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and heads of Israel’s security and intelligence agencies.
Terror-related incidents subsequently took place after Elad including a Border Policeman wounded after a stabbing incident at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. The attacker was killed. A Palestinian teenage Hamas member armed with a knife was shot and killed in Tekoa.
In related news, the closure imposed on the West Bank last week has been lifted, except in Roumana as Elad investigations continue. The Erez crossing in the Gaza Strip remains closed.
Israel Police is also launching an operation to deal with Palestinians who enter Israel illegally.
A privately funded Israeli space company has signed a historic the $100m international agreement with the United Arab Emirates to fly to the Moon.
The SpaceIL Beresheet 2 mission is among various proposed space missions and follows the historic Abraham Accords signed in 2020 to bolster relations between the nations.
The mission follows Israel’s initial Beresheet attempt to reach the moon in 2019. The spacecraft crash landed.
“This is the first scientific-technological project to create a common history for the two peoples, the flags of Israel and the Emirates on the moon”, a SpaceIL statement said. “It is about creating a model for cooperation between the two peoples in many aspects, technological, scientific and educational, which will deepen the connection between the countries and serve as inspiration for further cooperation between Israel and all Arab countries.”
“SpaceIL has committed itself to promoting science and science education at the regional and global levels while also contributing to the processes of normalisation and regional peace through collaborations with peace-loving and space-seeking countries,” Beresheet CEO Shimon Sarid added at the signing ceremony. We are pleased to cooperate with the UAE Space Agency, hand in hand with the (Israeli) Ministry of Science and Israel Space Agency.”
It is anticipated the mission could break several outer-space records including a double moon landing in one mission and launch of the smallest aircraft. The plan is to keep one of the orbiters in Space for five years as a platform for educational activities, enabling scientific research to continue.
One project will see university students from Israel and the UAE determine the time of the New Moon using mission data. The lunar calendar governs Jewish and Muslim
Israel and UAE $100m moon shot in 2024
dates and major holidays. Both the Israel and UAE Space Agency plan to publish joint research to use the mission’s data to examine phenomena related to the growing global climate crisis. The Israeli Institute of Technology continues to be at the forefront of groundbreaking HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1 solutions to protect the planet.
Lufthansa apology
Lufthansa has apologised after orthodox passengers were not allowed to board a flight from Frankfurt to Budapest due to mask violations last week.
The incident on May 4th reportedly took place when the group hoped to visit the resting place of Reb Shayale in Kerestir. According to witnesses, one or two passengers refused to follow measures. An argument with crew followed.
The German airline in a statement regrets the “circumstances” to exclude passengers from LH 1334 flight. The airline is reviewing the facts.
“We regret that the large group was denied boarding rather than limiting it to the non-compliant guests,” noted the airline. “We apologise to all the passengers unable to travel on this flight, not only for the inconvenience, but also for the offense caused and personal impact.”
“Lufthansa and its employees stand behind the goal of connecting people and cultures worldwide,” the airline added. “Diversity and equal opportunity are core values for our company and our corporate culture. What transpired is not consistent with Lufthansa’s policies or values. We have zero tolerance for racism, antisemitism and discrimination of any type.”
The airline has not confirmed if employees responsible for antisemitism displayed in targeting Jewish passengers were sacked.
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