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CFI calls on Rabb to shun Durban IV
Conservative Friends of Israel vice-chair Theresa Villiers MP has corresponded with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab calling on the UK not to participate in Durban IV.
The controversial 20th anniversary commemoration of the 2001 World Conference Against Racism is due to be held at the United Nations in September.
Following up on an exchange in the House of Commons, the former Cabinet member welcomed Rabb stating that the UK would not support any “partisan or political attacks on Israel” and was “crystal clear” in our condemnation of antisemitism.
Calling for a UK boycott of the event, Villiers said it was “incumbent upon the UK” to confront those who seek to espouse or endorse antisemitic views.
In 2011, former Prime Minister David Cameron boycotted the Durban III conference to mark the 10th anniversary.
The UK voted against the 31st December 2020 General Assembly resolution to convene Durban IV.
The latest intervention came as the US, Canada and Australia confirmed they will not attend the conference.
A US State Department spokesperson noted, “The United States stands with Israel and has always shared its concerns over the Durban process’s anti-Israel sentiment, use as a forum for antisemitism, and freedom of expression issues.”
A Canadian government spokesperson added that Canada was concerned that the Durban process advocates an anti-Israel sentiment and a forum for antisemitism.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison commented, “We will not associate Australia with one-sided and contentious language that singles out Israel or an event that champions such language”.
Theresa Villiers MP
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
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Marie blasts Hamas after BoD election win
BY ADAM MOSES
Re-elected Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has blasted Hamas following its rocket attacks against Israeli civilian targets.
Condemning Hamas for its “reprehensible and cynical barrage” of over 1200 rockets into civilian areas in Israel, Ms van der Zyl urged politicians and media to not inadvertently encourage Hamas by ignoring or downplaying its terrorist activities.
The Board, JLC and UJIA subsequently issued a joint statement, noting, “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the escalation of violence and the seemingly unremittent rocket fire against Israeli civilians by Hamas in Gaza. These attacks are abhorrent and, despite the protection of the Iron Dome, have sadly already caused loss of life. Israel has the right to defend its citizens and it is the responsibility of Hamas to immediately halt all rocket fire from Gaza.
“British Jews have family, friends and colleagues in Israel, and our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with all those, both Israeli and Palestinian, who are suffering.
“We are working closely together to monitor the situation and provide whatever support we can to both the people of Israel and the UK Jewish community. The city of Jerusalem and its holy sites are sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians around the world. Time and again we have seen how tensions in the Middle East play out here in the UK, affecting community cohesion and community confidence. It is vital that all those with
Marie van der Zyl public platforms in the UK use language responsibly to reduce rather than inflame tensions.”
The announcement of Ms van der Zyl’s victory over Jonathan Neumann in the Triennial President elections by 161-125 votes came amidst growing tensions in Israel coinciding with Yom Yerushalayim.
Following the announcement, she told delegates about improving plenaries, increasing deputy involvement and restoring collegiality before commenting on news from Israel.
“This is a timely reminder that we are here foremost to act for our community and that includes our concern for the welfare of the State of Israel,” Ms van der Zyl said.
Neumann received more votes than any unsuccessful Presidential candidate in the Board’s history.
“The narrowness of the margin shows there is a strong appetite for change,” he said.
Gary Mond, David Mendoza-Wolfson and Amanda Bowman were elected as Vice Presidents. Ben Crowne was elected unopposed as Treasurer.
Northern Ireland adopts IHRA definition
The Northern Ireland Assembly has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism, despite Sinn Fein’s opposition to the Democratic Unionist Party’s proposal to adopt it.
The DUP motion stressed a need to tackle the “scourge of antisemitism in every aspect of our society” and called on the Assembly to adopt the definition in full.
Sinn Fein attempted to pass an amendment to remove the reference to the definition, but retained similar wording without the examples.
A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson welcomed the decision by the Assembly to adopt the IHRA definition but regretted Sinn Fein opposed the adoption resolution.
“Its passage is a strong demonstration of solidarity with the Jewish community and a powerful expression of opposition to anti-Jewish racism, which has no place in Northern Ireland or any other part of the United Kingdom,” CAA noted. “We continue to call on local authorities, as well as universities and other public bodies, to adopt the definition and apply it in cases of antisemitism.”
In the past, Belfast City Council rejected the adoption of the definition.
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Reports of injuries concerned local leaders. In a bid for calm, council members from Lod, Acre, Haifa, Tel Aviv-Yafo and Ramla published a joint statement.
“We, Jews and Arabs, members of the councils in the mixed cities of Israel, call on the mayors involved, our partners in the city councils and the entire public to do everything in their power to enable protests by members of minority groups, avoid violence and promote dialogue,” they noted.
The worst escalation of terror attacks from Gaza in recent years came after days of tension in Jerusalem including clashes between police and rioters on the Temple Mount at the annual Jerusalem Day march.
After the wave of rockets over the Tel Aviv area on Tuesday, Netanyahu, with Defence Minister Benny Gantz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi by his side, warned Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip would “pay a very heavy price.”
Gantz said Israeli strikes were “just the beginning”.
“The terror organisations were severely hurt and they will continue to get hurt because of their reckless decision to fire at the State of Israel’s territory. We will restore quiet and security, and we will do so for the long term.”
President Reuven Rivlin said those who test Israel’s resilience would “discover a fist of steel”.
“We will not let anyone disrupt our lives, we will not bow down our heads in the face of any danger,” he noted.
‘Operation Guardians of the Wall’ has attempted to prevent rocket fire where possible, deal a major blow to Hamas’s military wing, members and infrastructure and deliver a severe blow to Hamas’s weapons development.
Amongst IDF strikes, senior Hamas leaders have been targeted and a tower block in the Rimal neighbourhood serving as headquarters for Hamas units where warnings to civilians to evacuate the building were made.
IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hidai Zilberman confirmed a large attack in the northern Gaza Strip area saw 80 planes bomb 150 targets, including 50-70 launching pits that Hamas installed in the ground. The operation neutralised three Hamas battalions’ rocket capabilities.
The Iron Dome missile defense system has intercepted over 300 rockets aimed at Israel since Monday. Of the unrelenting number of rockets fired from Gaza, hundreds fell in open fields according to the IDF, around 300 failed to clear the Gaza border.
An Egyptian delegation reportedly attempted to mediate between Israel and Gaza for a ceasefire.
Israel rejected calls; the UN Security Council was expected to meet yesterday to discuss the growing crisis.
Ben Gurion Airport was temporarily shut down due to the escalation of tensions, riots and missile attacks. A spokesperson for the Airports Authority said take-offs and landings were stopped “to allow for the country’s skies to be defended”.
Israelis sheltered in bomb shelters and protected rooms as sirens and blasts were heard across Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem. Ashkelon, Ashdod, Modiin and Beersheba.
Ra’am party leader Mansour Abbas has cancelled negotiations with anti-Netanyahu Knesset factions on a coalition deal due to the riots.
UN Middle East Peace Envoy, Tor Wennesland, said the sides were “escalating towards a full-scale war” whilst UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated grave concerns over the escalating violence.
Netanyahu called for calm in Lod, imploring residents to remain at home and allow security forces to operate. He would not hesitate imposing a curfew.
Declaring a state of emergency, the first time the government had used emergency measures over an Arab community since 1966, he noted in a statement, “We must return our authority to the city with an iron fist. If necessary we will enforce a lockdown on the city and on other locations.”
Lod’s 77,000 population includes 47,000 Jewish Israelis and 23,000 Arab Israelis.
“Lod is burning,” a police spokesman reportedly said on Tuesday. “The riots continued all night and Arab youths were determined to hurl stones and set fires.”
Jewish residents in Lod reported rioters hurling rocks at windows at residential homes in the city.
“All of Israel should know, this is a complete loss of control,” Lod Mayor Yair Revivo reportedly said. “Civil war has erupted in Lod.”
Police forces were also deployed in Haifa, Acre and a number of Arab towns.
Following the fatal Hamas attack in Rishon LeZion, Moshe Gomru, Commander, Central District ZAKA, who was at the scene noted, “This was a two-story building that received a direct hit at the front of the building. When I arrived, there was a large commotion. MDA paramedics were forced to pronounce her dead at the scene.”
Motti Bukchin, ZAKA spokesperson, added, “This is the third fatal scene that ZAKA volunteers have handled during this round of missile attacks. In the morning, ZAKA volunteers in Ashkelon treated two women who were killed in separate incidents by direct hits and in the evening, a third woman who was killed by a direct hit. This is a very difficult scene to witness, dozens of ZAKA volunteers are working now to honour the dead, by ensuring that all human remains are removed from the scene.”
The IDF targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad weapon production sites in Gaza inside civilian areas.
“The IDF is taking every precaution to avoid harm to civilians and their property but will continue to operate in Gaza as long as is necessary,” the IDF reportedly said.
Netanyahu said on a visit to Wolfson Medical Center in Holon yesterday that targeted killings of Hamas officials was just “the beginning”.
“We will have a security cabinet meeting later, there are serious developments,” he reportedly said. “We will respond with increasing force to attacks from Gaza.”
Israel conducted attacks inside Gaza throughout Tuesday. And an IDF spokesperson stated that 480 launches had been detected from Gaza on Monday with over 200 rockets intercepted.
Netanyahu addressed the nation after the wave of rockets on Tuesday.
“We are in the midst of a campaign,” he said. “The IDF has made hundreds of attacks against Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza. We have targeted commanders. We have hit very many quality targets. The conclusion of the meeting is to further increase the force and pace of the attacks.” He added, “Hamas will receive blows here that it did not expect. I know that this also entails patience and a certain sacrifice on your part, citizens of Israel.”
Rockets fired from Gaza across Israel
PHOTO: YWN
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Netanyahu called on Israelis to “strictly follow” the directives of IDF Home Front Command as it will save lives.
He continued, “We still have a way to go and we will do so together with responsibility and full backing for the attacks that the IDF is making and will make.”
Netanyahu called on leaders of the Arab public to condemn disturbances and help restore quiet.
“We have given instructions that police units be reinforced with additional Border Police battalions, We will reinforce them as necessary in order to maintain law and order in the State of Israel,” he said.
With rocket fire unceasing, schools and workplaces without a bomb shelter remained closed on Tuesday in communities within 40km of the Gaza border. Universities and colleges suspended on-campus learning, classes went remote by Zoom.
Public bomb shelters were opened in the Tel Aviv area as Israel prepared for missiles. Limits were placed on gatherings of over 10 people outdoors and 50 indoors.
Municipalities in Rishon Lezion, Bat-Yam and Holon, Rehovot and Ness Ziona also shut schools.
The missile defense system has been effective as Hamas targeted Jerusalem.
Gantz sanctioned the deployment of 5,000 reservist soldiers to the Southern Command, Home Front Command and Operations Directorate. The IDF also deployed anti-drone measures in the south.
Throughout the week, the IDF and Netanyahu attended press briefings.
Brig. Gen. Hidai Zilberman told reporters that the IDF had attacked 130 terror targets including tunnels near the border fence and Hamas’ intelligence command in the southern part of the Strip overnight on Monday.
“We also hit rocket production sites, weapons depots, military posts and an Islamic Jihad training facility,” he reportedly added. “We will increase the level of attacks in the coming hours. We will not stop until we make a substantial impact on the Hamas terror group’s infrastructure.”
Netanyahu warned after the Jerusalem attack that terrorist groups in Gaza had “crossed a red line.”
“Israel will respond with great force. Those who attack us will pay a heavy price,” he reportedly said.
“The current confrontation could last for some time. We do not want an escalation, but those who do chose to escalate will feel our might.”
Gantz added, “Hamas bears the sole responsibility, and its senior officials will be responsible and pay the price for their aggression.”
“The offensive operations are expected to continue until we achieve the objectives that we have set,” he added. “We have approved various offensive activities that will severely harm Hamas and the other terrorist organisations and ensure Israel’s security and the return of long-term calm.”
The IDF described the attack as a “very serious incident” that will not pass unanswered.
“Hamas will pay a price for its conduct and we will respond severely,” an IDF spokesman noted.
“Hamas will understand this after we have taken action in the Strip. One option is to carry out a widespread operation. We have prepared an extensive and well-ordered plan and we will not hesitate to implement it.”
The IDF added, “This is an unacceptable attack on the State of Israel. Even now, we are bolstering our forces for a defense mission by the Gaza Division. We have prepared for an extensive range of scenarios, reinforced our air defense and deployed forces to put out fires.”
During this week, US State Department spokesman Ned Price condemned the repeated rocket attacks as an “unacceptable escalation” in the “strongest terms”.
Price added that Washington recognised Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens, but did not comment on specifics of Israel’s “retaliatory strikes”.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for rocket attacks on Israel to “stop now” and Israel and the Palestinians “ should take steps to “de-escalate the situation”.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki noted “serious concern” on the attacks.
The European Union condemned Palestinian rocket attacks into Israel and called on all sides for a de-escalation to prevent more civilian casualties.
“The firing of rockets from Gaza against civilian populations in Israel is totally unacceptable and feeds escalatory dynamics,” they noted in a statement.
EU Ambassador to Israel, Emanuele Giaufret, said he was “extremely concerned” by the violence whilst Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK condemned the rocket launches at Jerusalem and other locations within Israel.
“The ongoing violence in Jerusalem and Gaza must stop. We need an immediate de-escalation on all sides, and end to targeting of civilian populations”, Raab reportedly said.
World Jewish Congress President, Ronald S. Lauder, in the wake of unrest in Jerusalem deplored the escalation of violence on Israel.
“Hamas has time and again demonstrated its wanton disregard for human life and its unwillingness to accept the existence of a Jewish State in any borders at all,” he noted. “Under these circumstances, Israel has no choice but to respond with the force necessary to protects its citizens and put a stop to this threat.”
Reacting to the barrage of rockets aimed at Tel Aviv and central Israel, Lauder declared, “It is utterly unthinkable that the population of Israel should be held hostage to the murderous whims of a terrorist regime. No country in the world could be expected to tolerate such a brazen and bloody assault. It is the responsibility of every government to protect its citizens and we call on the international community to stand resolutely with Israel in its attempts to restore stability and safety and to put an end to this outrageous situation.”
Bicom noted that by the level of damage caused in Israel, Hamas had deployed new technology in rockets. Some were fired at a lower trajectory to avoid the missile defence system. More powerful explosives had been also deployed, potentially with Iranian technology support.
The violence began with Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces on the Temple Mount, at Damascus Gate and Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood shortly after prayers at the Western Wall marked the start of Jerusalem Day.
Rocket sirens blared across Jerusalem as Jewish marchers participating in the Jerusalem Day flag parade ran for cover. Rocket fire was met with cheers by Palestinians at Damascus Gate.
Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) coordinator, in a statement, noted that “rocket fire and continued launching of arson balloons” from Gaza was a “violation of Israeli sovereignty”.
Netanyahu was at a cabinet meeting to mark Jerusalem Day, he noted, “We are currently witnessing violent disturbances in Jerusalem under the influence of agitators. We will not allow any extremist element to undermine the quiet in Jerusalem. We will uphold law and order, vigorously and responsibly. We will continue to guard freedom of worship for all faiths but we will not allow violent disturbances.”
Regarding Jerusalem Day, Netanyahu said it had been the capital of the Jewish people for thousands of years. The annual parade was rerouted on Monday after the IDF and Shin Bet warned Police of potential issues.
Tensions in Jerusalem have risen since the start of Ramadan when Palestinian rioters and Israel Police clashed and rose after Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas announced last month that the Palestinian elections planned for the summer would be postponed. Recently, there has also been ‘Tik Tok attacks” where Arabs have posted attacks on ultra-Orthodox Jews. The delayed eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah also caused protests.
Iron Dome strikes Hamas rockets above Tel Aviv
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Fireworks set fire to a tree on the Temple Mount
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Israeli motorist attacked in his car by rioters
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Tzipi stands firm for Israel on BBC Newsnight
BY DAVID SAFFER
Tzipi Hotovely stood firm under a barrage of critical questions from BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis regarding the escalation in riots and rocket attacks between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza on Monday night.
Asked how ashamed she was of the Israeli government, Hotovely hit back hard at Maitlis, “I’m ashamed of the fact that you are not presenting the right picture.”
She explained, “Israel was under attack today, our capital city was fired with rockets, and as a matter of fact, the Israeli parliament for the first time in history, was evacuated. Think about it, we are five minutes away from Westminster, how you would feel if London was under rocket attack. Would you sit silently and not respond and not protect your people?”
Ignoring Maitlis interruptions against Israel, Hotovely persevered, “Dominic Rabb said very clearly that he condemns the fact that rockets were fired on Israel from Hamas. This is a total provocation of a terror organisation. This terror organisation doesn’t care about settlements, this terror organisation cares about only one thing, it wants to replace the State of Israel and to erase it from the map of the Middle East.”
Maitlis moved on to note Israel’s military, policing and political power over Gaza and Palestinian children being amongst fatalities in the latest hostilities.
“We want to protect children from both sides, if you check Israel’s record for all those years, we always protected human rights.” Hotovely noted, adding, “Children in Israel were receiving rockets on their heads, to their schools and their kintergartens. We had that in the past and today. Our IDF are defending those children. They are not targeting children, they are targeting Hamas targets. And as you know, Hamas is using those children as human shields. This is the reality on the ground. This is a cruel terror organisation using the children and women in the Gaza Strip in order to achieve political aims.”
Pressing the point, Maitlis asked, “Why don’t you step up and recognise, when you are firing, children get killed? Why were you firing into a mosque? “We are firing at targets of a cruel terror organisation, radical Islamists are trying to kill our children,” Hotovely responded.
With Maitlis’ questioning became more abrasive regarding settlements and riots at al-Asqe mosque, Hotovely stayed calm, pointing out Palestinian provocations against Israelis, questioning Palestinian representative responses in media interviews and pointing out that Arabs and Jews live together.
“It is the duty of every country to protect its own people,” Hotovely reiterated.
Turning to Jerusalem Day, Hotovely said that Israel was celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem.
She explained, “Under Israeli sovereignty, we always had freedom of worship, but look at what they are doing, they are abusing the holy sight and committing crimes of violence against innocent Israelis.”
Maitlis concluded on Hotovely’s viewpoint on a two-state solution.
Israel’s emissary noted. “I believe in peace, I still do.” She added, “I don’t believe in failed solutions. I believe in practical, pragmatic solutions. And I really think you should have asked a Palestinian representative how come they refuse to negotiate with Israel for years since Barack Obama was American president. How come they refuse to sit and have a direct negotiation when our friends in the Gulf are coming and making normalisation (deals) with Israel? How come they are the only Arab people that refuse to recognise to have a Jewish state? During the Abraham Accords when they were assigned we had this hope that things may get better and I still believe with the right leadership we will go there. But it takes leadership that doesn’t incite and definitely doesn’t send rockets on civilians?”
This is not the first time Hotovely has clashed with Maitlis on Newsnight.
Only last month, Israel’s emissary hit back at Maitlis in discussions about Israel’s vaccine programme, two-state solution and opposition to her appointment in the UK as a “religious right winger”.
Tzipi Hotovely interviewed by Emily Maitlis on Newsnight
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
LDFI tribute to Davies
Liberal Democrats Friends of Israel vicechair Jonathan Davies has passed away (May 4th).
The 59-year-old had been battling illness for a year.
Paying tribute to Davies on its website, LDFI spoke movingly about the long-time LDFI Vice-Chairman and Treasurer.
“On a local level, Jonathan was a phenomenal activist in the London Borough of Barnet,” they noted. “He represented Childs Hill as a councillor from 1994-1998, stood for Parliament in Finchley and Golders Green on three occasions and was appointed the ward’s election agent in the very high profile 2019 election, as well as being elected as Chair of the English Party of the Liberal Democrats in 2010.”
LDFI noted Jonathan’s talents, dedication and calming influence which spanned decades, his devotion to countless hours to campaigning for and supporting the Party.
Liberal to his core, LDFI recalled Jonathan being incredibly proud of his Judaism and as a devout Zionist his love for Israel.
Jonathan was a longstanding Deputy on the Board of Deputies.
“His contribution to the Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel, and his local Jewish community, is immeasurable,” noted LDFI. “Jonathan was the organiser-in-chief, he made sure LDFI ran like clockwork, meticulous to the core and always ensuring that every detail was as it should be.”
They added, At our Honorary Executive Committee meetings, often warmly hosted at Jonathan’s home, the team would sometimes struggle to recall something, and within an instant Jonathan would be remind us of the event, the date, the person, the election or the Jewish festival. This was a first-rate mind at work.”
LDFI concluded, “We will miss his insight, his warmth and his companionship, especially on our memorable delegations to the Middle East, Israel and the West Bank. We will miss his contributions, his presence, his valuable input and his tremendous and unstinting commitment.”
An Oxford graduate and former Partner and Head of the Financial Services team at a large City law firm, Jonathan is survived by his brother Neil, and sister-in law Suzanne.
Queen’s Speech legislation on BDS
The Queen’s Speech included an announcement that the Government’s legislative agenda will include a new law banning public bodies from joining in with the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign on the grounds that it “may legitimise antisemitism”.
According to the Government’s official documentation, the purpose of the legislation is to “deliver the manifesto commitment to stop public bodies from imposing their own approach or views about international relations, through preventing boycott, divestment or sanctions campaigns against foreign countries.”
The document also acknowledges the long-standing connections between the BDS movement and antisemitism, stating that “unofficial boycotts have been associated with antisemitism in the United Kingdom including kosher food being removed from supermarket shelves, Jewish films being banned from a film festival and a student union holding a vote on blocking the formation of a Jewish student society.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism note BDS supporters routinely engage the International Definition of Antisemitsm.
Biden and Mossad chief meet at White House
BY SIMCHA ABIR
US President Joe Biden has met Mossad head Yossi Cohen at the White House for talks about Iran.
Cohen is the first top Israeli official to hold talks with Biden since his inauguration.
During the Washington visit, Cohen also met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, senior CIA members and American intelligence agencies.
Cohen’s meeting came in the midst of JCPOA 2015 nuclear deal talks in Vienna between world powers. Former US President Donald Trump left the accord in 2018. A deal is anticipated but Israel is wary.
“We’ve seen willingness of all sides, including the Iranians, to talk seriously about sanctions relief restrictions and a pathway back into the JCPOA,” US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said. “But it is still uncertain as to whether this will culminate in a deal in Vienna.”
British, French and German diplomats said critical matters remained before an agreement can be reached.
Officials are hopeful a resolution may be in place later this month when Iran’s agreement with the UN International Atomic Energy Agency on inspections of nuclear sites ends.
Israel and the US agreed to establish a joint committee to study the threat from Iran before the Washington meetings last month.
Sullivan and Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat met. Maj. Gen. Tamir Heyman and Maj. Gen. Tal Kalman also held talks with CIA director William Burns and US Army deputy chief of staff for intelligence, Lt. Gen. Laura Potter.
Israeli delegations visited Washington to discuss Iran and the US-Israeli military/intelligence relationship. US officials stressed Biden’s “unwavering support” for Israel’s right to defend itself, but Israeli leaders have expressed reservations.
In related news, top Biden administration officials from the National Security Council and State Department have held meetings in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Amman and Cairo to boost “political, economic, cultural and security ties” with Gulf partners.
European intelligence agencies, meantime, have issued reports in recent weeks illustrating Iranian attempts to obtain technology for its nuclear weapons programme last year.
Netherland’s General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) outlined multiple acquisition attempts by Iran to obtain knowledge and materials but had been able to “frustrate” efforts.
Sweden’s Security Service issued a report that Tehran had attempted to acquire Swedish technology whilst Iran had conducted “industrial espionage” against the Swedish hi-tech industry.
The Bavarian state intelligence agency in Germany also noted Iranian efforts to expand its “conventional arsenal” through the “production or modernisation” of weapons of mass destruction.
All reports refute Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s comments regarding nuclear weapons.
Yossi Cohen
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA President Biden
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
CAA provides OULC antisemitism training
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BY SIMCHA ABIR
Campaign Against Antisemitism has welcomed Oxford University Labour Club (OULC) requesting an online training session to help fight antisemitism.
The event, CAA note, was well received especially with OULC’s contribution to antisemitism in the Labour Party.
CAA offer antisemitism training to university groups, regulators, police forces and other organisations.
Binyomin Gilbert, CAA Programme Manager, noted, “This new generation of OULC members clearly grasps the importance of fighting antisemitism and has shown a commitment to restoring the reputation of the club. We are proud to have contributed to that noble effort.”
Gilbert has encouraged other university societies and public bodies to arrange antisemitism training and become allies in the fight against the “world’s oldest hatred”.
In 2016, CAA recalled, the OULC was investigated by Labour following allegations of antisemitism levelled by the club’s co-chair, Alex Chalmers, who resigned in protest against antisemitic conduct. The investigation was ultimately dropped in January 2017.
Among issues, students reportedly testified that OULC members called Auschwitz a “cash cow”, Jews were called “Zios” and Jewish members were asked to renounce Israel publicly before speaking.
All breach the International Definition of Antisemitism.
CAA noted that Labour students were sent to investigate but “findings were suppressed”.
Baroness Royall undertook an investigation into alleged OULC antisemitism and in the Party but, CAA note, only the executive summary of the report was published, providing a “misleadingly positive account” of the problem.
The Royall report was eventually leaked but not officially published in full. It was rolled into the Shami Chakrabarti inquiry, a “whitewash report”, CAA note, that introduced a “system of secrecy” into the Party’s disciplinary process.
As for the OULC, all accused students were cleared without censure.
CAA commented, “While the club’s past cannot be undone, it is extremely encouraging to see its current members’ commitment to fighting antisemitism. In the description for the online event, the organisers wrote that the training was “mandatory for all committee members but strongly encouraged for other members, especially for those interested in running for OULC committee positions in future.”’
Five years ago, Chalmers resigned after the club voted to embrace Israel Apartheid Week. Students concerned about antisemitism on campus or wish to arrange antisemitism training for a university society should call CAA on 0330 822 0321 or e-mail campus@ antismitism.uk
Disabled IDF veterans deal
BY SIMCHA ABIR
Israeli MKs have backed a Defence Ministry proposal to reform the rehabilitation care for IDF veterans wounded in action.
Weeks of protests culminated in hundreds of disabled veterans demonstrating outside the Knesset and blocking major routes into Jerusalem due to the state’s inaction over the issue.
Concerns were highlighted by Itzik Saidyan who set himself alight before Israel’s Memorial Day at the Defence Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department in Petah Tikva due to his disability ranking.
The 26-year-old, who served in the 2014 Gaza War and suffered from severe PTSD, warned he would harm himself. Sheba Medical Centre officials have described his condition as very serious with his life was in “imminent danger”.
A budgetary dispute halted the progress of the “One Soul” NIS 300 million ($92 million) proposal for rehabilitation of veterans and especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Media reports noted that the Defence Ministry will immediately put in place help for veterans suffering from PTSD. Vocational training, support groups, alternative treatments and a dedicated call centre will be available for veterans and family members. A Rehabilitation Department will comprise 60 people. The IDF will also provide aid to soldiers in service.
“After many efforts, we reached an agreement between the Prime Minister’s Office and Defence and finance ministries, together with the IDF Disabled Veterans Organisation, for reforming the Rehabilitation Department,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said.
“Wounded IDF veterans are important and dear to us and an immediate and fundamental reform is needed to ensure the help that they deserve.”
Netanyahu vowed to approve the reform as soon as practical.
“I have approved thousands of operations, attack plans and reforms in the IDF and Defence establishment and yet this is one of the most important and most moral efforts I have led, and I will continue to lead the implementation of this reform and provide the proper care for IDF veterans,” Defence Minister Benny Gantz reportedly said in a statement.
IDF Disabled Veterans Organisation head Idan Kleinman reportedly noted, “We are beginning to correct a years-long injustice, from which many disabled veterans and their families suffered in sacrificing their bodies and souls for the country’s Defence.”
The cabinet is expected to pass the plan.
Within hours of the demonstration last week Finance Minister Israel Katz met with the disabled group to push the issue forward.
Saidyan’s sister, Leah, Itzik, told reporters that her brother had got to breaking point over the ‘One Soul’ issues.
“Itzik’s protest was not about money nor for disability percentages, but receiving rehabilitation,” she explained. “It is right and proper that every fighter who was wounded or injured, physically or mentally, will receive the best treatment. We will not stop protesting until the reform is fully implemented,” Kliman, told Channel 12.
Rehabilitation issues have been ongoing with criticism from veteran groups over a complicated system establishing whether injuries were caused by or during military service. The process can take years resulting in an applicant not receiving assistance. This is exasperating for veterans with PTSD.
Itamar Graf, Rehabilitation Dept interim head, claims 10,700 have requested disabled status. “The service provided to disabled IDF veterans is not good,” Graf reportedly noted. “The IDF is closely linked to bereaved families, widows and orphans. We must act with a similar attitude towards (the wounded)”.
Netanyahu and Gantz disagreed over a NIS 350 million ($108 million) proposal.
Netanyahu’s Office blamed the Defence Ministry over funding the program in 2021 and 2022.
Ben-Gurion declaration 73 years ago
Tomorrow is the 73rd anniversary of Jewish Agency chairman David Ben-Gurion’s famous Israel’s Declaration of Independence speech in what is now known as Independence Hall in Tel-Aviv.
The ceremony just before Shabbat on 14 May 1948 was held on the day that the British Mandate over Palestine was officially terminated in accordance with UN resolution 181 calling for the division of land into a Jewish state and an Arab one.
Ben-Gurion, standing, promised equal protection under law for “its citizens, without distinction of race, creed, or sex,” a “guarantee (of) full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture,” and safeguarding of religious sites.
The declaration offered peace and unity to all of the neighbouring states and invited them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the “common good of all”. The last sentence of the declaration refers to “the rock of Israel”.
Within 11 minutes the United States had become the first country to recognise a provisional Jewish government as the de facto authority of a Jewish state.
Global antisemitism is ‘hot topic’ at WJC assembly
BY ADAM MOSES
Global antisemitism was the ‘hot topic’ during a ‘special envoy’ meeting at World Jewish Congress’ 16th Plenary Assembly.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder called for “education, education, education” to combat the rise in antisemitism.
The Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) gathering included representatives from Jewish communities in 45 countries. Amongst delegates were 22 special envoys from different countries and seven international organisations.
The assembly paid respect to the 45 victims of the Mount Meron Lag BaOmer tragedy in Israel.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder addressed the rise in antisemitism.
“Why is it happening now?” he asked. “In 1945, when people saw the pictures of bodies and what the Nazis did to the Jewish people, nobody wanted to be associated with antisemitism. We thought this virus was finally gone, and for two and a half generations, it was. We are now three generations away, and people do not remember what happened, we are not taught in schools what happened, and therefore it’s a blind spot for many people.”
Lauder added, “There’s no way to combat antisemitism except through education, education, education, and governments working together to fight it. Also, a great deal of antisemitism comes through the internet, we must do everything we can to stop this hate from reaching so many young people.”
SECCA co-chair, Katharina von Schnurbein, overviewed the European Commission’s strategy to combat antisemitism which would focus on policies and legislation whilst co-chair, Julius Meinl outlined work to track conspiracy theories against Jews related to COVID-19.
“We have been building close working relations with many of the internet giants to develop guidelines, policies and tools to fight this phenomenon,” Meini commented. She added, “We have been monitoring all the darkest corners of the web and social networks to identify hubs of antisemitic activity and report them to social media companies.”
Meini praised Germany and France for adopting laws to curb online hate speech and called on other European countries to adopt similar legislation. He also highlighted efforts to counter the glorification of Nazi collaborators, educate diplomats and policy officials on countering antisemitism.
Daniel Holtgen, Council of Europe’s Special Representative on Antisemitism, called for improvements to bigotry online. “Freedom of expression is one of our most important fundamental human rights, but there are limits when hate and crimes begin,” he explained.
Luisa Ragher, European External Action Service, added, “We will ensure that ‘never again’ is passed. On other continents, Mary Kluk, Africa & Australia Jewish Congress Chair, explained that the past decade had seen South Africa defend its relationship with Israel, while Prof. Marcos Peckel, Latin American Jewish Congress commissioner, stated that you could not underestimate the possibility of antisemitism would “appear, rise and become a threat”.
“Make the laws before we need them, not after,” Peckel noted.
Antisemitism remained a serious presence in Australia. The past year had seen over 330 antisemitic incidents including abuse of students in junior public schools, the emergence of neo-Nazi organisations and erosion in elected officials’ support of Israel.
In America, Kara McDonald, US State Department Bureau of Democracy, emphasised the administration’s commitment to fighting antisemitism.
“We must confront the chilling reality that Jewish communities around the world increasingly live in fear for their safety, and recognise that too often, antisemitic attacks are met with impunity,” she noted. “We must always answer crimes of hate with justice and counter lies with facts.” She added, “As President Biden has said, each of us must remain vigilant and speak out against the resurgent tide of antisem itism and other forms of bigotry and intolerance here at home and around the world.”
Irwin Cotler, representing Canadian interests, discussed an escalation of antisemitism tied to support for Israel and conspiracy theories.
“Antisemitism is not only the oldest, most enduring, most toxic and most lethal of hatreds, a paradigm of hate as the Holocaust is a paradigm of radical evil, but it is the canary in the mineshaft of global evil today, a threat to our common humanity,” he explained, adding, “In order to combat antisemitism we must be able to recognise it, identify it and define it.”
Lord Eric Pickles, UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues, said that COVID-19 had shown antisemitism was “alive, kicking and adaptable”.
Lord Pickles spoke about how Jewish people had been “blamed” for the spread of the pandemic and been accused of profiting from vaccine sales. He also expressed “shock” at “age-old antisemitic tropes” against Jewish owners of football clubs involved in the European Super League.
Describing the reluctance of some UK, Europe and US universities to adopt the IHRA definition as “extraordinary”, it was “even more extraordinary”, Lord Pickles noted that the IHRA is seen by some as an “attack on academic freedom”.
Lord Pickes called on “great educational institutions” to lead the charge on antisemitism.
Theo Bertram, TikTok’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy for Europe, praised the social media platform’s partnership with WJC to protect users from “hateful and antisemitic content” whilst also educating on the Holocaust and Jewish history.
Bertram explained that TikTok bans Holocaust content that advances conspiracy theories related to COVID-19, fascist ideologies and those that serve as a proxy to spread antisemitism.
TikTok employs a combination of technologies to remove extremist content.
“The vast majority of content is removed before anyone has seen it and mostly before anyone has even flagged it,” Bertram noted, “Our goal is to eliminate hate on TikTok. We are very pleased to be working with the WJC task force to achieve this goal.”
Bertram also discussed a partnership with WJC to improve mechanisms to rid the platform of antisemitic content. “Platforms like ours have a critical role to play in educating people,” he said. “We’re fully committed and humbled to work with the WJC.”
Indoor masks to go but no date set
BY SIMCHA ABIR
Israel’s Health Ministry is set to discuss removing measures to wear masks indoors as the easing of COVID-19 restrictions continues. The mandate to wear face masks outdoors ended last month.
Coronavirus czar Prof. Nachman Ash accepts an announcement will come but no date has been suggested.
“While I can say (an end to the mandate on masks indoors) is on the way, I still cannot specify timeframes,” Ash reportedly said.
COVID-19 cases are down and Israel’s vaccine campaign has been praised globally but the situation regarding masks will take into account the downturn in vaccination rates and 12-15-year-olds not yet being inoculated. “The vaccination of children is sensitive and complex, but I remain calm as we have excellent professionals who can make the right decision,” Ash reportedly said. “I believe that the vaccines are safe and effective even among children, but this is a professional issue.”
Ash added. “Vaccinating children is important in order to prevent serious illness. Even if long-term side effects do occur, it is still safer than being sick.”
Last week saw the ending of restrictions regarding food and drink.
“We need to see that this move did not lead to an increase in infection,” Ash explained. “We also want to see the effects of the Lag BaOmer celebrations as well,” he added.
Ash continued, “We are also still not sure about infection rates among people who are vaccinated. The more data we get, the easier we will be able to make the decision.”
Ash voiced caution over a drop in people receiving a vaccine. “We have reached five million (fully) inoculated, which while a significant number, I think is not enough, I want more but people are now coming to get vaccinated slowly,” he reportedly said.
As for variants, he added, “That will prove somewhat impervious to the vaccine spreading in Israel.”
Ash reiterated Health Ministry advice for essential travel abroad and travel warnings to Ukraine, Ethiopia, Brazil, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey due to infection rates.
“We have essentially banned trips to these countries,” he reportedly said. “Those returning from these countries, whether they have previously recovered from COVID or have been vaccinated against it, will have to enter isolation upon their return.”
Health Ministry illustrates patients in critical condition at 84, 50 are on ventilators. The national death toll is 6,376.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, is the latest high-profile figure to praise Israel’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking on Channel 13 News last week, he reportedly noted, “I think the history of Israel, because of the political circumstances that surround you in the region, you know what it means to stick together as a single unit. Otherwise, you would not have survived as well as you survived.”
IDF arrest yeshiva student killer
BY DAVID SAFFER
Israel Defence Forces have arrested the suspected killer of yeshiva student Yehuda Guetta after a three-day manhunt.
Guetta, 19, of Kiryat Moshe, Jerusalem, passed away at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva from injuries sustained in a drive-by terror attack at Tapuach Junction in the West Bank last week.
Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of the teenager, who is survived by his parents and six siblings, last Thursday. Jonathan Pollard was among speakers during the service.
Two other students travelling to study at Hesder Itamar Yeshivah, also 19, were also injured in the terror attack. Bania Peretz, of Beit She’an, remains in serious condition. His father, Zohar, has asked for Israelis to say Tehillim for his son.
Amichai Hala was released from the hospital after treatment for light injuries.
Muntasir Shalabi, 44, from West Bank town Turmus Aya was named as the main suspect and eventually tracked to a building in Silwad near Ramallah. He has been interrogated by Shin Bet.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised security forces for swiftly capturing the Shalabi.
“I commend the Shin Bet, the IDF and the police for their swift and determined action that led to the capture of the despicable terrorist who murdered (Yehuda) Guetta and wounded (Bania) Peretz,” he said. “Israel’s long arm reaches anyone who harms our citizens.”
Media reports have not linked Shalabi to a terror group but he reportedly backs Hamas and had called for terrorist attacks in the West Bank. Prior to his arrest his wife, Sanaa, and son, Ahmad, were arrested and questioned at the Shin Bet.
According to eyewitness, a suspected vehicle stopped near a bus station. At the time of the shooting, six people were at the scene. The terrorists fled toward Ramallah. Security forces immediately launched a manhunt.
Hala reportedly told media outlets about the attack, “We were talking to some guys at the bus station and suddenly I heard a loud noise and gun shots. We quickly lay down on the floor. I was with my back to the terrorists and only after I lay down did I realise they shot at us and fled towards Nablus.”
Hala added that it was a “miracle” he was only lightly hurt.
“Very quickly they started evacuating the wounded and then I saw that I was hurt by a bullet in the back,” he noted. “It was only when I was on the floor that I realised it was a terror attack. If I was standing a millimetre to the right or to the left, my situation would have been different.”
IDF forces entered Silwad near Ramallah to set up checkpoints.
President Reuven Rivlin extended condolences to Guetta’s family after his death was announced.
“I’m sending a courageous hug, strength, and prayers,” Rivlin said. “Oh, the pain and sorrow for the light that has been taken by a miscreant.”
Netanyahu noted, “These are difficult moments for the Guetta family and the entire nation of Israel shares in your sorrow.”
Following the attack, Netanyahu vowed to make a strong response. He said, “We will not allow terrorism to raise its head and we will strike our enemies with force.”
Defense Minister Benny Gantz confirmed the IDF was on high alert. “We will catch the terrorists and settle the score with them,” he said.
“The IDF is doing everything necessary to protect our citizens and ensure stability during a volatile and challenging period,” Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi reportedly added.
Israeli security forces, the IDF and Shin Bet apprehended a number of suspects during the manhunt.
Shalabi returned to the Palestinian territories in 2020 having lived in the United States for a number of years according to media reports.
Palestinian security forces discovered an abandoned car, set alight by the suspected militants.
The IDF are unable to examine the burntout vehicle.
In the aftermath of the attack, violence increased as Israeli settlers reportedly carried out revenge attacks against Palestinians.
Muntasir Shalabi
Arsenal footballer removes Israel from map
Mohamed ELNeny
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
BY JAMES MARLOW
Egyptian born Mohamed ELNeny, who plays midfield for the North London club Arsenal, this week tweeted two pictures which suggested Israel should be destroyed.
Two of the three images, showed the outline of a map of Israel on a black background, with a waving Palestinian flag and the Dome of the Rock mosque inside, hinting that Israel should be removed in its entirety.
The pictures are very similar to those seen in Palestinian school text books in the West Bank and funded by the European Union and other nations. In response to Elneny’s tweet, Arsenal FC were contacted and asked whether they knew the club had a fairly large Jewish support base?
An Arsenal spokesperson replied, “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms. That said we are speaking with Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post. “As a Club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
Earlier this month, this writer boycotted social media for four days in solidarity with the Premiership and Football Leagues, Rugby Union and Rugby League and the Cricket Board of England and Wales, to pressure companies to do more against the growing racism, anti-Semitism and anonymous hatred online.
But 28 year-old Mohamed ELNeny, must realise that the rules of racism and anti-Semitism, apply to the footballer as well as to the fans.
ELNeny’s tweet
Resistance fighter “Tolka” Arad was IDF hero and award-winning scholar
BY DAVID SAFFER
to Israel’s 73rd Birthday’ online celebration last month. Glowing tributes have been made “I witnessed the Holocaust and to Holocaust survivor, resistance saw how we were helpless so for fighter, Israel Defence Forces hero me the most important thing was and former Yad Vashem chairman to establish a Jewish State that Dr Yitzhak “Tolka” Arad following would be independent,” Arad rehis death. called. “We are one people with
A historian and award-winning one history and should strive for author, Arad’s funeral took place one future.” last Friday. Arad joined the Palmach and
Born Icchak Rudnicki (he would became a member of the Harel adopt the surname Arad) in Swie- Brigade in 1947, which fought in ciany, Poland in November 1926, the battle for Jerusalem during Arad served Yad Vashem from Israel’s War of Independence. He 1972-93 and remained involved decided to remain in the IDF as throughout an astonishing life. he understood “it would not be
Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, Yad the last war”. Vashem Council chairman, de- Arad became a Company Comscribed Arad as a “noble man, par- mander in the 7th Brigade, deputisan Jew, honest and upright” from ty commander of a battalion and the Warsaw ghetto to Yad Vashem. later battalion commander. His
“In this framework he worked last army appointment was Chief hard to commemorate the Holo- Education Officer prior to being caust and established the Valley of Yad Vashem chairman for over the Communities,” Lau noted. two decades.
Arad and Lau recently met at A renowned historian of World the IDF General Staff forum at Yad War Two and the Holocaust, Arad Vashem for Holocaust Remem- Dr Yitzhak “Tolka” Arad PHOTO: MARTIN SCHOELLER was a lecturer at Tel Aviv Univerbrance. “I had the great pleasure of sity, and a visiting professor at seeing a 95-year-old Jew speak fluently, Lauder concluded, “He devoted his life Yeshiva University in New York. with a clear mind,” recalled Lau. “It is sad to the remembrance of the Shoah and He was awarded a doctorate by Poland’s that such figures are leaving the world.” left behind a prodigious body of scholar- Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, in
Ronen Plot, acting Yad Vashem chair- ship on the destruction of Jews on Soviet 1993. man, noted, “It is the nature of the world territory and on Jewish resistance to the Arad received Yad Vashem’s annual Buthat a day comes and a person leaves us, Nazis.” chman Memorial Prize for his book, ‘The but this fact does not ease the sadness Arad in his youth belonged to a Zionist History of the Holocaust: Soviet Union when a hero like (Yitzhak) Arad leaves us.” youth movement and attended Hebrew and the Annexed Territories’ in 2004. Plot added, “He belongs to a disappear- schools. At the outbreak of World War Arad’s 2009 book, ‘The Holocaust in the ing generation, a generation of survivors, Two, he lived with his family in Warsaw. Soviet Union’ scooped the National Jewpartisans, IDF fighters, memorial fighters. Arad’s parents perished in the Holo- ish Book Award. Every farewell to a Holocaust survivor is caust but, just a teenager, he escaped into Other works included ‘The Partisan: a reminder that now the work of remem- a local forest where he would set up an From the Valley of Death to Mount Zion brance rests on our shoulders even more.” underground group that stole weapons (1979); Ghetto in Flames: The struggle
Avner Shalev, former Yad Vashem chair- from Nazi warehouses. and destruction of the Jews in Vilna in the man, noted that Arad reflected many his- In February, 1943, Arad joined the par- Holocaust (1980); In the Shadow of the torical aspects that the Jewish people en- tisans, fighting the Nazis and collabora- Red Banner (2010) and The Operation Redured from life in Poland to fighting with tors in the Narocz Forest, Belarus and in inhard Camps: Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka the partisans, immigrating to Israel and Lithuania. His efforts brought the highest (2018). fighting in the War of Independence. partisan award. In 2020, Arad participated in a joint pho-
“Through his work at Yad Vashem and “I fought the Nazi Germans and their tography venture between Yad Vashem his words, Tolka personified the force of Lithuanian collaborators who were the and top photographer Martin Schoeller life and power of memory, which was also murderers of my family and my people,” entitled Survivors: Faces of Life after the reflected in his private life and the fate of he once said. Holocaust. his people,” Shalev noted. “The way he be- On December 15, 1945, Arad’s life took Arad noted of the initiative, “What haved, and the person he was, are an ex- a new turn when he boarded the small, happened in the past could potentially ample of the generation that believed and illegal ship ‘Hannah Senesh’ ship bound happen again, to any people, at any time. continues to believe in the development from departed Genoa, Italy which landed Be very clear about this. Do not count of the State of Israel and its influence.” on the beach of Nahariya later that month. yourselves among the murderers, and
Ronald S. Lauder, president of World “All the time, in the ghetto and with the may you never find yourselves among the Jewish Congress said Arad’s long and partisans, my dream was one, when the victims.” fruitful life symbolised the “miraculous war was finished and if I survived, I will “Tolka” Arad is survived by three journey from the darkness of the Holo- reach the land of Israel,” he told The In- children, 11 grandchildren and 13 caust to Jewish national rebirth”. ternational March of the Living’s ‘Salute great-grandchildren.
Liberal Party candidate performs Nazi salute.
Liberal Party candidate Derek Jackson attended the election count at Emirates Arena wearing sunglasses, a black suit and yellow star whilst performing a Nazi salute. Jackson was running for Glasgow’s PHOTO: TWITTER Southside seat and accompanied by campaigners dressed identically performing the salute. Each had red hearts drawn onto the palms of their hands, when performing the Nazi salute, claimed it was a “love salute.”
Questioned about the stars, Party representatives stated they were “sheriff badges.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism noted that after being called a racist by a member of the crowd, Jackson “grew agitated”.
He reportedly said, “Are you all so stupid, you think we’ve come here to promote fascism and racism and Nazism. Really? We are here to campaign against the SNP’s fascist hate speech laws which criminalise you expressing your thoughts in your home.”
Jackson and his supporters were escorted from the arena by police after addressing the audience.
ZAKA volunteers return to Mount Meron for counselling
BY ADAM MOSES
ZAKA search and rescue volunteers have returned to the site of the Lag B’Omer stampede disaster at Mount Meron for counselling and emotional support.
A week after the tragedy that saw 45 people lose their lives, including 10 children, in what is Israel’s biggest civilian disaster, dozens of ZAKA volunteers and paramedics attended a memorial service in honour of those lost.
Counselling was led by psychologists and mental health professionals to deal with the trauma witnessed.
ZAKA Northern District Commander, Rabbi Anshel Friedman, ZAKA Chief Officer, Zohar Dvir, ZAKA CEO, Dubi Weissenster and ZAKA Special Units Commander, Chaim Weingarten, participated.
ZAKA volunteers were presented with 45 emergency medical kits named in memory of the victims.
Dvir, who previously served as Commander of the Northern District in the Israel Police, had been in charge of the Lag BaOmer events at the historic site for three years.
“Then I prayed that we would be able to get through the event without any disasters,” he reportedly recalled. “This year, as Chief Officer with ZAKA, I was with you on the ground, I watched you from up close, saw how you worked, like angels, with such sensitivity despite the horrific scenes, alongside the emergency and rescue forces.”
Weissenster, reportedly added, “This was a very difficult disaster, nothing could have prepared us. I wish to commend the volunteers for their hard work and dedication in such a complex event. Once again, you have proved yourselves as you treated the dead and cared for the families with such sensitivity. It is essential that all volunteers undergo this debriefing, led by professionals, because no one can say after such a traumatic event ‘it didn’t affect me’.”
At the end of the event, volunteers linking arms in song and prayer.
The ensuing days has seen more tragic stories emerge of those lost and the frantic actions of families to contact missing family members and friends.
Whilst numerous financial appeals of support are ongoing Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced that a major inquiry into the disaster including investigations by Israel Police and its the Justice Ministry’s Police Internal Investigations Department.
Investigators will probe junior and senior officers from the Northern District about their actions during Lag B’Omer celebrations.
It is understood that Mandelblit delayed his announcement in case the government set up a commission of inquiry.
“The two teams will work in a collaborative and coordinated manner for the purpose of investigating the incident, while ensuring certain checks and balances are maintained in order to keep the investigative independence of each body,” Mandelblt reportedly said, adding that Deputy State Prosecutor Shlomo Lemberger will assist investigations.
“Any question that arises regarding the joint activity will be brought to the decision of senior professionals in the State Attorney’s Office,” added Mandelblit. “It is difficult to overstate the severity of the disaster that occurred on Mount Meron, and therefore everything possible must be done to discover the truth through an effective and efficient investigation.”
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai has informed Mandelblit he is calling for a state commission of inquiry into the disaster. Mandelblit has no objection to the committee in a transitional government.
Coalition negotiations update Unrest throws Change Bloc into disarray
BY JAMES MARLOW
In a rare show of public Centre-Right political unity, Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett and Gideon Sa’ar, fully back Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military response against Gaza, in the wake of hundreds of rockets fired into Israel.
For the first time in history, the Knesset was evacuated as sirens went off in the capital on Monday. At least 6 rockets were fired toward Jerusalem, two to Beit Shemesh and more than 600 across the South of Israel. In addition Hamas claimed it fired 130 rockets into Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
Knesset Members and staff, along with reporters and security personnel, ran to safe shelters on Monday where some journalists, sitting crouched in tight spaces next to MK’s, took selfies to post on social media.
We were told last week and again on Sunday that a new Left-Centre-Right-Arab government, led by Yair Lapid, would be in place by Tuesday and on Sunday, it was postponed to Thursday.
However following the announcement that the main party leaders would give their full support to an offensive against Gaza, the Islamist Ra’am party, pressed the pause button on their political negotiations.
Without the 4 seats of Ra’am, the “bloc for change” consisting of Yesh Atid, Blue and White, Yamina, Yisrael Beitenu, Labor, New Hope and Meretz can only reach 57 seats. Netanyahu managed 59 seats.
Ra’am head, Mansour Abbas was expected to vote in favour of the government this week and would have been part of the new coalition, but not serve as a cabinet minister.
However Abbas made it very clear that he would not re-engage in political negotiations until the security situation had settled down.
Bearing in mind that Lapid has just over two weeks to go before his mandate to form a new government expires, a lot now depends on how far the Islamist groups in Gaza, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and others, wish to take this latest round of fighting.
The so-called change bloc of parties, aiming to replace Binyamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister were reported to have made significant progress in ironing out the last kinks in the dividing up of ministries, before this latest “setback”.
Earlier Meretz head Nitzan Horowitz said, “The government that will be created will know how to deal with the unrest in Jerusalem, because it will come from a place of partnership”, he told his faction at a party meeting.
But Horowitz still questioned matters of settlements and refused to say whether he would compromise and drop his demand for the Education portfolio in the new government.
Lapid planned to give Avigdor Liberman the Finance Ministry, much to the disappointment of Bennett and Saar. Liberman’s stance on religion, such as civil unions, relaxed Shabbat laws and the change of requirements governing kosher supervision, would make it almost impossible for religious parties to join the coalition at a later date.
In addition, Liberman demanded secular education for all chareidi schools and full chareidi enlistment into the army.
Labor’s Merav Michaeli insisted on becoming Justice or Education Minister which Bennett and Saar were totally opposed to, due to her left-wing views. But the Labor party could have been offered the chairmanship of key Knesset committees as a compromise.
New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar was going to take the Justice Ministry, while the Interior or Public Security portfolios were offered to Yamina’s number 2, Ayelet Shaked.
All this now seems irrelevant as the LeftCentre-Right-Arab coalition appears to have fallen apart before it even got off the launching pad.
Ra’am head Mansour Abbas negotiated with Netanyahu last month. But due to Bezalel Smotrich’s objection of relying on the Islamist Party, even as support from outside the government, the Religious Zionist leader vetoed the coalition and Netanyahu failed to obtain a majority.
Smotrich actually described Ra’am as a “terror-supporting”, faction because of its affiliation to the Muslim Brotherhood and whose charter calls Zionism, racist. But both Netanyahu, Lapid, Bennett and Sa’ar were prepared to accept the 4 seat party, to reach a Knesset majority.
Before the election, Bennett called on Netanyahu whilst live on Channel 20 News, to pledge not to form a government reliant on Ra’am, which he himself vowed not to enter into a rotation deal with Yair Lapid. But words and promises made during an election campaign are one thing and policies and plans after the election, are something very different. Especially when all party leaders in Israel begin the dreaded “horse trading” agreements.
As it stands right now, Israel is heading to its fifth election. Unless of course the current conflict will knock some sense into the parties that refuse to sit in a government with Netanyahu.
DECEIT IN THE RELIGIOUS CAMP
Before the outbreak of the conflict with Gaza, Channel 11 reported that a crack was beginning to form in the chareidi bloc, after Deputy Minister, Meir Porush and MK Yisrael Eichler of United Torah Judaism, called on the Prime Minister to step aside.
Their proposal was for Netanyahu to vacate the premiership for a year and a half and allow a right wing government to be formed, in order to avert a left wing government or a fifth election. The two UTJ MK’s suggested that Netanyahu should appoint a capable Knesset Member from the right bloc, able to unite the 65 rightwing MKs and become Prime Minister for the first year and a half, in an alternating premiership arrangement.
It seems the resulting unfolding events from a much higher power, disagreed with the two Orthodox MK’s and decreed something else.
BRING ON THE NEXT KNESSET ELECTION
Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin announced on Monday that the vote for the next President of Israel will be held on Wednesday 2 June. Candidates who are still interested in running for the post, must submit their nomination papers by Wednesday 19 May, two weeks before the Knesset vote.
Each nomination paper has to contain at least 10 endorsement signatures from Members of Knesset in order for a candidate to be eligible to run in the secret Knesset ballot vote.
Candidates include, former Labor party leader and current Jewish Agency Chairman, Yitzhak Herzog, former Cabinet Minister Shimon Sheetrit, former Labor MK Michael Bar-Zohar, former Likud MK Yehuda Glick, Solar Energy Pioneer Yosef Abramowitz and possibly the Israel prize winning educator Miriam Peretz.
Yitzhak Herzog is the son of Israel’s sixth president, Chaim Herzog and Peretz is an educator and activist. She became a prominent public figure after losing two soldier sons in battles in Lebanon and Gaza.
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s name has also been raised as a possible candidate, but he made it very clear on several occasions, he had no interest in the Presidency.
Former Minister and Labor party leader, Amir Peretz, announced last week, he was ending his campaign and departing the political sphere after decades as a lawmaker.
Peretz saw his popularity in Labor plummet after he joined the unity government last year, formed by Netanyahu and Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz. Peretz had vowed repeatedly during the preceding election campaign that he would not sit in a Netanyahu government and even shaved his moustache on live television so viewers could “read his lips” when he repeated the declaration.
Those eligible to vote are the 120 Knesset Members and the vote will take place just over a month before President Reuven Rivlin’s seven-year term elapses on July 9.
