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CAMPAIGN CONTINUES AS BIBI REFUSES TO BOW TO PRESSURE

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not buckle to pressure for a ceasefire as Israel’s conflict with Hamas passed a tenth day of rocket bombardment from the Gaza Strip.

US President Joe Biden has led calls for a de-escalation in tensions but Israeli officials claim neither the US nor European nations asserted Israel must stop its military operation.

Netanyahu welcomed Biden’s support of Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket fire but is determined to “continue the campaign” until it achieves its goal of peace and security for Israeli citizens.

Netanyahu and Biden have held a handful of calls on the conflict in the past week.

In an attempt to pressure Israel, Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan and Rashida Tlaib introduced a bill to block a $735 million weapons deal to Israel yesterday.

‘Operation Guardian of the Walls’ had gathered meticulous intelligence and the military achievements had resulted in ‘very significant achievements”.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Applying pressure: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan and Rashida Tlaib

Biden’s administration backed a proposed agreement earlier this year for Congress to ratify. The deadline to object under laws regarding foreign weapons sales is today. It is not expected to pass.

Israel’s security cabinet is expected to meet today to reassess the campaign.

Egypt according to media reports had proposed a 6am ceasefire today, but Israeli media has suggested the IDF will continue its operation for a few more days.

At times there has been a slight lull in missile attacks, but Bicom noted 4,070 rockets had been fired towards Israel from the Gaza

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Strip during hostilities. Some 540 had landed inside Gaza.

The Iron Dome defence system had intercepted 90% of rockets.

There have been 12 fatalities in Israel, including 114 people injured in explosions, seven in severe condition. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, 220 people have died, including 63 children to date. The IDF assess most were military targets including 160 Hamas and PIJ operatives.

Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, Commander of the IDF Operations Directorate, reportedly told Channel 12 News that the IDF in

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AAD calls on FA and Leicester FC to discipline players for Palestinian flag

Wesley Fofana and Hamza Choudhury holding the Palestinian flag

PHOTO: TWITTER

Action Against Discrimination has called on the Football Association and Leicester City FC to discipline Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana after they displayed the Palestinian flag during celebrations following their FA Cup final triumph against Chelsea.

Formal complaints will also be made to the BBC, BT Sport and ITV who screened the match live, the latter in news bulletins.

Similar complaints have been made to Manchester United and Manchester City following pro-Palestinian political statements made by Paul Pogba and Riyad Mahrez respectively.

AAD noted in a statement, “Sport, and

in this case football, is no place for political statements and gestures of this nature which can incite and inflame racial hatred, abuse and violence. Moeen Ali, the England and Worcestershire cricketer, was reprimanded by the ICC in July 2014 for wearing pro Palestine wristbands in the third Test Match against India which the ICC ordered him to remove.”

AAD added, “Leicester City may have won the FA Cup for the first time, but this behaviour by their players has taken the gloss off their triumph. Sport, and in this case football, must never be used as a platform for either politics or racism.”

Husam Zomlot, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, wrote to Leicester thanking Choudhury and Fofana for using a historic occasion to show solidarity with the plight of the Palestinian people.

UK Gage tweeted, “Palestinian land has regularly been confiscated by the Israeli government to create national parks, with the backing of groups like Elad. This is particularly significant because the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is funding the Zionist Settler movement whose attempts to grab Palestinian homes in Jerusalem sparked the latest massacre by Israel.”

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Neo-Nazi arrested in Florida

BY SIMCHA ABIR A man driving past a pro-Israel rally through Boca Raton and Miami last week in a van with Nazi slogans and flying a Palestinian flag during has been arrested.

Joseph Bounds, 33, of Denver, Colorado, is believed to be a member of anti-Jewish hate group, Goyim Defense League, Joseph Bounds along with other men in the van.

“Hitler was right” can be seen across the windows, above a door are the words “Holocaust never happened.” Other slogans include “Vax the Jews” and “White goy summer.”

Footage tweeted by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg of Boca Raton Synagogue went viral.

Rabbi Goldberg wrote, “We rally for peace and this van filled with hate, call for genocide and threats kept circling. Thank you to our local law enforcement for keeping us safe.

Hard to believe in the heart of Boca Raton if didn’t see it myself.”

According to the Anti-Defamation League, the group is “a loose network” of individuals connected by their virulent antisemitism”.

The neo-Nazis had been reportedly observed using markers to write the hate slogans on the van.

“To see actual Nazis gleefully writing on their presumably rented van was

just shocking,” Todd Amelung-Wilson reportedly told local media. “They seemed pretty proud of themselves. We were really shaken.”

Bounds is alleged to have stepped outside his vehicle to record his encounter with the policeman. According to a police report, an officer issued Bounds with “three PHOTO: MIAMI-DADE lawful commands to step COUNTY CORRECTIONS AND away from traffic” that he igREHABILITATION CENTRE nored. Bounds was charged with misdemeanour, resisting a police officer without violence and failure to obey a police officer.

The neo-Nazi group’s arrival in South Florida alarmed local Jewish leaders.

“It is imperative that no matter what they say you DO NOT ENGAGE them in any way, even though it may be very tempting to do so,” an online circular reportedly noted.

“The goal, our goal, is to simply ignore them and to avoid a confrontation of any kind. Be aware that various law enforcement agencies are engaged in gathering intelligence and making sure that everything stays peaceful.”

The Anti-Defamation League has reported antisemitic incidents in Florida in recent years including at Miami Beach and Florida International University.

Benjamin Michael Garcia was reportedly arrested last month for painting antisemitic messages in Coral Gables, Florida.

Antisemitic incidents in Germany German politicians have blasted antisemitic signs and chants at pro-Palestinian protests and outside synagogues.

Germany’s Central Council of Jews President, Josef Schuster, has called for protection of Jewish institutions after hate incidents in North Rhine-Westphalia cities. And police arrested 16 men after protestors set Israeli flags alight outside synagogues in Bonn and Munster. “Israel and Jews as a whole are subjected to hatred and incitement, particularly on social media,” Schuster reportedly stated. “The threat to the Jewish community is growing. We expect from the people in Germany solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community”.

Thirteen men were arrested in Munster after a group protested and burnt an Israeli flag outside a synagogue. Three men were

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arrested in Bonn for similar offences.

In Dusseldorf, vandals set alight a rubbish bag over a memorial commemorating the city’s Grand Synagogue destroyed during Kristallnacht. And in Gelsenkirchen, footage emerged of protesters waving Turkish and Palestinian Authority flags while chanting “***** Juden”.

Armin Laschet, the state’s Minister-President, stated there would be enhanced security in the region. “We will tolerate no antisemitism,” he reportedly announced.

“This antisemitic hate is a disgrace,” German Justice Minister, Christine Lambrecht, reportedly said. “Synagogues and Jewish sites should be firmly protected.”

Elsewhere, a Jewish cemetery in Berlin was daubed in green paint. And there were reports of two Jewish people being attacked.

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Burning bus and cars, immediate aftermath of the Palestinian rocket attack

rockets at Israel next month and we are forced to respond?” “We need a real solution, we want to come out of this with a sustained period of quiet. If Hamas just gets a ceasefire to recuperate, to regroup, to rest with its military machine then nothing has changed.”

Regev added, “A premature cessation of hostilities, which gives Hamas a victory, that’s not going to help anyone. If Hamas comes out of this empowered, that’s bad for Israel, that’s bad for Palestinians, that’s

th

tissues. Even then you can’t. And certainly, in a military operation, you cannot.”

UK Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely has offered Israel’s stance across the media network. And her predecessor, Mark Regev told BBC Newshour earlier this week that Israel did not want to see things end in a way that would result in further fighting in another month.

Regev, a senior advisor to Netanyahu, explained in his crisp manner, “How does that solve anything, if Hamas launches

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Among recent action, the IDF responded to four rockets launched from Lebanon yesterday.

Ashkelon, Ashdod, Be’er Sheva and Rehovot sustained direct hits in heavy rocket fire. Magen David Adom emergency service reported no injuries.

Haifa, Acre and other northern cities, meantime, had opened bomb shelters for expected rocket fire.

The IDF struck targets in the Strip including a weapons storage facility, terror infrastructure and an underground rocket launching site.

Rocket sirens were heard in border communities as the IDF bombarded a network of 15km underground attack tunnels on Tuesday night.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hadai Zilberman reportedly said strikes came from 52 planes over a 25-minute period hitting command centers, Internal Security Services offices and the Islamic Jihad headquarters. Zilberman added that at least 10 Hamas and Islamic Jihad members were killed. Over 100 Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives have been killed in the fighting.

Netanyahu has been consistent in statements that Israel is attempting to prevent future conflict with Hamas.

“We try to target those who target us, with great precision,” Netanyahu reportedly told the foreign diplomats. “As surgical an operation as it is, even in a surgical room in a hospital, you don’t have the ability to prevent collateral damage around affected

bad for peace.”

Numerous European leaders have called on Israel to end to the violence, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, following discussions with Netanyahu. Like other nations, she noted Germany’s “solidarity” with Israel.

In related news, German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass, the Czech Republic’s Jakub Kulhánek and Slovakia’s Ivan Korčok are due to arrive in Israel today to demonstrate solidarity with Israel after an invitation from Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Israel earlier this week. More foreign dignitaries are expected next week.

The diplomats will visit the site of a Hamas rocket to witness the destruction Israel has experienced. And they are expected to hold a meeting with Netanyahu.

“The foreign ministers’ visit to Israel is a demonstration of solidarity and support for Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’ rocket fire,” Ashkenazi reportedly said.

“This is further proof of the broad support and legitimacy Israel receives from foreign countries during these days of fighting. This is thanks to the diplomatic and political effort led by Israeli ambassadors around the world and the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem.”

Maas in a speech to the German parliament on Tuesday said Hamas had deliberately led to the escalation of attacks in the Middle East. He also condemned antisemitic attacks in Germany.

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21 MAY 2021

Met Police investigate office

BY DAVID SAFFER The Metropolitan Police is investigating actions of officers during antisemitic protests in central London last weekend.

Footage of a female officer embracing protesters chanting “Free, free Palestine” went viral. A number of officers were also seen at the rally shaking hands with drivers of a convoy of cars displaying Palestinian flags.

The Directorate of Professional Standards is determining what action is appropriate.

Jewish communal organisations are outraged by the incidents and the assault on Rabbi Rafi Goodwin, of Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue, outside his synagogue in Essex on Sunday. Rabbi Goodwin required hospital treatment at King George’s Hospital.

Arrests have been made in both the car convoy and Rabbi Goodwin incidents.

Police patrols have been increased in Jewish communities.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has written to Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick to act over the actions of Police officers.

Stephen Silverman, CAA Director of Investigations and Enforcement, noted, “The shameless abandonment by these officers of any pretence at impartiality can only serve to embolden those who have caused such fear amongst British Jews. Following the wide circulation of these disgraceful videos, it would be impossible for any Jewish person to trust these officers to assist them impartially.”

Silverman called for an urgent disciplinary hearing into the conduct of the officers concerned as a “clear message” that officers who engage in such behaviour have no place in the Police Service.

Confirming an investigation would take place, Chief Superintendent Roy Smith noted officers must remain impartial.

“Officers know they are not to actively participate or adopt political positions, and this is made clear in their training and in the oath that all police officers take,” he said. “This is vital to ensuring the public have confidence in our officers.”

On route to the rally, footage appeared of antisemitic chants through a sound system in a convoy of vehicles displaying Palestinian Authority flags through north London on Sunday.

Four men have been arrested on racially aggravated public order offences and bailed on suspicion of shouting “**** the Jews, rape their daughters” as they drove in a convoy through Jewish communities.

It is reported the convoy drove from Bradford, Sheffield and Leicester on the M1 motorway before heading into Hendon and Golders Green on route to the rally.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson led political support for the Jewish community.

“I stand with Britain’s Jews who should not have to endure the type of shameful racism we have seen today,” he noted in a statement.

“This was a demonstration that included antisemitic chanting and placards and culminated in violence that left several Police officers injured, and it is completely wrong for a Police officer to have expressed support for the protest in the way that she did.”

Home Secretary, Priti Patel told the Commons convoy footage was “nothing to do with Palestine or Israel”. “That was pure and simple antisemitism which sought to intimidate, harass and frighten members of the Jewish community,” she explained.

Labour leader Kier Starmer described the incident as “utterly disgusting”. He added, “There must be consequences.”

Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “The convoy and demonstrations this weekend was utterly predictable and preventable. They have been advertised for a week. Jews have had to witness the shocking reality that in 2021, people can drive through the capital of our country calling for our daughters to be raped, with nobody in sight to protect us or take action. Whilst we commend the police on tracking down suspects, they should

have been there at the time, monitoring this convoy.” Falter added, “Many hate crimes have been committed against Britain’s Jews in the past week, but there have only been half a dozen arrests. There must be an immediate police crackdown on those responsible for these acts of Jew-hatred, and an inquiry into why the Metropolitan Police Service permitted these protests to go ahead without proper measures in place to stop this criminality, in full knowledge that the appalling scenes of antisemitism that we have witnessed were likely to the point of certainty. Britain’s Jews will not wait until this persistent antisemitic incitement leads to violence. We pray that it will not take bloodshed on our streets before the authorities realise they have let this go too far. These antisemitic thugs must face the full force of the law.”

Mark Gardner, CST Chief Executive, commented, “This was a demonstration that included antisemitic chanting and placards and culminated in violence that

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left several Police officers injured, and it is completely wrong for a Police officer to have expressed support for the protest in the way that she did.” He added, “We have received numerous complaints about this and it is clearly affecting the Jewish community’s confidence in the Police at this extremely sensitive time, which is a shame because her unprofessional behaviour risks overshadowing the excellent support we have received from the Police since Sunday, with increased patrols and a number of arrests for antisemitic hate crimes that have taken place.”

Dave Rich, CST, commenting on communal security, said, “We are always assessing our security operations across the Jewish community, including schools, to ensure the appropriate levels are in place. Clearly, the ongoing rise in antisemitic incidents is very much part of our operational planning and will remain so until the situation changes.”

The rally followed another in Central London where demonstrators marched

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ers at Pro-Palestine protests from Marble Arch to the Israeli Embassy under antisemitic placards comparing Israelis to the Nazis. Diane Abbott and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the march. Corbyn failed to condemn Hamas in his remarks, observed CAA. Silverman noted those marching had no qualms being alongside far-right, Islamist and far-left extremists calling for the massacre of Jews, waving antisemitic placards and flaunting terrorist emblems.

CAA is reviewing evidence with lawyers and will speak with police when appropriate.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the religiously-aggravated assault of Rabbi Goodwin.

Essex Police said it believed two people stepped in front of Rabbi Goodwin’s vehicle and spoke in a derogatory way about his religion before damaging his car. When Rabbi Goodwin confronted them, he was attacked with an unknown object requiring hospital treatment.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper commented, “At this time we do not believe this incident is related to events taking place overseas or incidents which have taken place elsewhere in the country.”

A CAA spokesperson said, “This is a time when there is considerable fear within the

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Jewish community over the outpouring of Jew-hatred of the past week. This attack deepened that alarm, so we would particularly like to praise Essex Police for its swift response, resulting in these arrests. We will follow the case closely.”

Communities Minister Robert Jenrick addressed MPs in the Commons on Monday.

Jenrick told MPs, “A lot of young, British Jews are discovering for the first time that their friends don’t understand antisemitism, can’t recognise it and don’t care that they are spreading it. They are not responsible for the actions of a Government thousands of miles away but are made to feel as if they are. Seeing their friends post social media content that glorifies Hamas, an illegal terrorist organisation, an organisation whose charter calls for every Jew in the world to be killed.”

Jenrick added, “Every time the virus of antisemitism re-enters our society it masks itself as social justice, selling itself as speaking truth to power. This Government is taking robust action to root it out.”

Information on Rabbi Goodwin’s attack should be forwarded to Loughton CID 101 quoting crime reference 42/92174/21.

Witnesses to antisemitic incidents should contact investigations@antisemitism.org

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CAA mobilise volunteers over antisemitism spike

BY DAVID SAFFER Campaign Against Antisemitism is mobilising volunteers following a spike in antisemitism in Jewish communities across the UK. The escalation of incidents follows recent hostilities in Israel with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Incidents have occurred on streets, social media and in media coverage.

CAA have heard disturbing accounts of Jewish schoolchildren being pressured by peers to “pick a side” in the conflict. CAA have published a short resource “What to do about antisemitism at school” for children and parents, which helps identify antisemitism using the International Definition of Antisemitism and provides pointers on how to act when incidents arise.

“Reports of antisemitism directed at Jewish schoolchildren and teachers are harrowing,” noted a CAA spokesperson.

“Teachers, colleagues, headteachers and governors have an obligation to step in to prevent abuse and punish perpetrators when it arises. There must be no place for racism in schools. We have produced a resource for pupils and parents who encounter antisemitism at school, and we urge victims to contact us for assistance.”

According to CAA a growing number of British Jews reported incidents including praise for Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust.

On social media, abhorrent hashtags trending includes #HitlerWasRight, #HitlerTheGreat and #Holocaust_was_right.

CAA note hashtags were accompanied by explanations. One tweet noted, “Our modern history is always biased. The great

Hitler was right about these Zionists”.

Twitter users have also begun to spread a false Hitler quote, claiming he said, “I would have killed all the Jews of the world but I kept some to show the world why I killed them.”

Gideon Falter, CAA Chief Executive, voiced concern about the current trend.

“We fear we may see a recurrence of the record-breaking spike in antisemitism that we witnessed in 2014, when we first established CAA due to the failure of the criminal

justice system to enforce the law against anti-Jewish racists,” he explained. “We are already seeing social media and our streets rife with antisemitic motifs, including comparisons of Israel and the Nazis, in breach of the International Definition of Antisemitism. Antisemitism will persist unless we take all legal action available against its purveyors. In anticipation of a spike in antisemitism, we are mobilising volunteers to help monitor and report antisemitic incidents and to provide assistance to victims.”

21 MAY 2021 Falter added, “We continue to call on the Government to proscribe in its entirety Hamas, an antisemitic genocidal terrorist organisation that aspires to the destruction of Jews worldwide.”

Proscription, Falter believes, is supported by over 90% of British Jews and will send a message of zero-tolerance of anti-Jewish hatred.”

Like CAA, Community Security Trust has reported a huge increase in antisemitic incidents since the start of the confrontations.

CST noted altercations outside synagogues, verbal abuse directed at Jewish people from cars driving through Jewish areas of London and Manchester and social media posts. Hate messages have also been sent to Jewish student societies at UK universities.

CAA referenced protesters in Manchester targeting a housing complex for Charedi Jews, attempts by protesters to enter Chelsea football stadium before burning an Israeli flag outside the ground, and last week outside Downing Street, demonstrators displaying banners comparing Israel to Nazi Germany.

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

All three incidents were reported by Jewish volunteer neighbourhood watch patrol Stamford Hill Shomrim.

There have also been reports of Jewish people being verbally abused in Golders Green with shouts of “Free Palestine” at them as they walked in the street.

Footage of protests and incident have been circulating online.

Pupils, parents or teachers concerned about antisemitism at school email contact@ antisemitism.org.

To volunteer contact www.antisemitism. org/volunteer or e-mail contact@antisemitism.org

Libeskind to rebuild Tree of Life centre in Pittsburgh

BY ADAM MOSES Daniel Libeskind is lead architect in the rebuilding of the Tree of Life Community Centre in Pittsburgh.

The centre suffered the worst antisemitic atrocity in American history in October 2018.

Eleven worshipers died when white supremacist gunman Robert Bowers attacked Shabbat morning services at the centre in the city’s Squirrel Hill neighbourhood.

Libeskind’s portfolio of work includes rebuilding the World Trade Centre Master Plan in New York along with Jewish museums in Europe, Israel and United States.

‘Through the Lens of Faith’ is installed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland.

The son of Holocaust survivors from Poland, Libeskind noted, “It is with a great sense of urgency and meaning that I join the Tree of Life to create a new centre in

Pittsburgh,” Libeskind said. “Our team is committed to creating a powerful and memorable space.”

Libeskind is internationally acclaimed for his work in architecture and urban design.

Born in Lodz, Poland, in 1946, Libeskind immigrated to the United States as a teenager and with his family, settled in the Bronx. He received the American-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship and performed as a musical virtuoso, before studying architecture.

Graduating in architecture at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1970 and gaining a postgraduate degree in the history and theory of architecture from the School of Comparative Studies at Essex University, in 1989, Libeskind won an international competition to build the Jewish Museum in Berlin.

A series of museum commissions followed including the Felix Nussbaum

Haus, Osnabrück, Imperial War Museum North, Manchester, Denver Art Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, Danish Jewish Museum, Copenhagen, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto and Military History Museum, Dresden.

In 2003, Studio Libeskind buildt the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.

Arriving in New York, Studio Libeskind took on global commercial ventures including in Bern, Las Vegas, Dusseldorf, Warsaw, Toronto, Manila and Sao Paulo.

Principal Design Architect for Studio Libeskind, Libeskind speaks on the art of architecture in universities and professional events.

Libeskind lives in New York with his wife and business partner, Nina Libeskind.

Among many accolades, the Jewish Museum Berlin won the 2010 Buber-Rosenzweig Medal, 1999 German Architecture Prize and 1998 Art forum International award.

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The World Trade Centre Master Plan won the 2018 CTBUH Urban Habitat Award, 2012 AIA National Service Medal and 2004 Best of New York Award.

The National Holocaust Monument in Ottowa won the 2019 IESNYC Award of Merit, 2018 Grands Prix du Design and 2017 Ontario Concrete Awards.

On October 27 2018, Bowers, armed with an assault rifle and handguns, entered the Pittsburgh centre and opened fire, killing 11 congregants and wounded six other people, four were police officers.

When surrendering, Bowers told an officer that he “wanted all Jews to die”.

Joyce Fienberg, 75, Richard Gottfried, 65, Rose Mallinger, 97, Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, Cecil, 59 and David Rosenthal, 54, Bernice, 84 and Sylvan Simon, 86, Daniel Stein, 71, Melvin Wax, 88 and Irving Younger, 69 died in the antisemitic attack .

Bowers is currently on trial facing 63 criminal charges related to the massacre.

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21 MAY 2021

Hamas attack on Israel New Aberdeen Tory lead is attack on Jewish Holocaust denial posts on State says ICJP

BY ADAM MOSES

BY ADAM MOSES Members of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians blasted Hamas’ attack on Israel at World Jewish Congress’ latest Plenary Assembly.

The ICJP had gathered to discuss legal strategies to combat antisemitism and advance human rights.

But for numerous delegates the focus was on the Israel’s right to defend itself as Hamas fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities.

US Rep. Ted Deutch, North American ICJP co-chair, called on the ICJP to speak out forcefully for Israel.

“Right now, at this very moment, Israelis, our Israeli colleagues, the Israeli people, are under siege by Hamas terrorists launching rockets with the sole purpose of killing as many civilians as they can, and we, Jewish parliamentarians, cannot afford to be silent,” he noted. “We must say unequivocally that there is no place on earth where a terror group firing hundreds of rockets on innocent civilians should be defended or its actions justified, not if human rights matter to us.”

Deutch added. “The attack on Israel is an attack on the Jewish state, and attacks on our people are something that all of us here understand uniquely and are tasked with speaking out on forcefully.”

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz said that no nation should be subject to the “barrage of rocket fire” or “assault” as Israel was experiencing.

“I’m extremely concerned by those who purposely demonise Israel’s conduct while ignoring Israel’s right to self-defence including its obligation to protect all of its citizens,” she said.

Wasserman-Schultz added. “While Israel is in such a vulnerable state, we must be more vigilant than ever because unfortunately, opposition to Israel’s actions too often spurs antisemitism with the US and around the world. It’s an unfair criticism over and over again when nations around the world whose actual atrocities are ignored, yet every action taken by Israel is disproportionately reacted to. It’s unacceptable.”

Waldo Wolff, Latin American ICJP cochair, commented, “We have to defend our right to express ourselves and defend the right of Israel to exist. In these times, we can recognise who are our true friends.”

Global antisemitism was a key topic on the agenda.

ICJP chair, US Sen. Jacky Rosen, told delegates that no issue threatens Jewish communities around the world more than antisemitism and violent extremism.

“Across the globe from the US to Europe to the Middle East, antisemitism is on the rise, it’s on the streets, it’s online, it’s in political parties, and it’s even on college campuses,” Rosen noted. “This is something that we must come together to confront head-on.”

Deutch, commented, “The forces of

Ted Deutch

PHOTO: TWITTER

racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, terrorism and Holocaust denial are growing threats to peace and stability, not only to the Jewish community but starting with the Jewish community. It affects every Jewish community, all of us, because we are one Jewish community.” He added, “We have to fight antisemitic attacks wherever they occur. We must come to the defence of every Jew, every Jewish community facing hatred and violence.”

Anthony Housefather, North American ICJP co-chair, called for an international task force to combat online hate whilst Baroness Gillian Merron, European ICJP co- chair, said it was “absolutely crucial” Jewish parliamentarians across the world speak up for the Jewish communities.

“The issues that we bring are ones that I believe are about freedom, about dignity and decency,” she noted.

Vivian Teitelbaum, Brussels Capital Region, raised issues in Belgium including a lack of political will to fight antisemitism, denial of the growth of antisemitism and its existence.

The WJC Plenary Assembly takes place every four years bringing together delegates from over 100 countries. The Assembly elects WJC leadership and sets policy.

Delegates gathered mid-April and will hold discussions s affecting Jewish communities until the end of May. The ICJP is a global network of Jewish legislators, government ministers and elected officials.

The forum promotes dialogue between Jewish parliamentarians to support democracy, human rights, rule of law, and to combat racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, terrorism, and Holocaust denial.

The ICJP also strives for Middle East peace.

WJC President, Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder, commented, “We live in an era of conspiracy myths, rising antisemitism and xenophobia, and a disturbing recurrence of Holocaust denial online and offline,” he noted. “The ICJP has a powerful role to play in countering these troubling, dangerous phenomena.”

Conservative councillor Ryan Houghton has pulled out of being the new leader of the Aberdeen Conservatives less than a week after taking up the position.

Campaign Against Ryan Houghton Antisemitism has welcomed the decision.

Houghton eight years ago, under a username, reportedly wrote on a martial arts forum there was “no credible evidence to suggest the Holocaust did not happen” but revealed he found some events “fabricated” and “exaggerated in some cases”.

Houghton also praised “interesting” research of antisemitic Holocaust-denier David Irving. He later posted that he was “not defending” Irving’s views.

Houghton apologised, noting in a statement that he was a member of the Holocaust Education Trust, had visited Auschwitz-Birkenau and had “never held antisemitic or intolerant views.”

CAA had a clear message for the Tory politician.

“Denying the scope of the Holocaust is a

breach of the International Definition of Antisemitism,” noted a CAA spokesperson. “It is clear that someone with a record of doing so is not an appropriate leader for the Aberdeen Conservative Party. Mr Houghton’s withdrawal is the right decision, if the local Jewish community and the general public are to have confidence in the Party.”

When Houghton was suspended over antisemitic comments only to be reinstated, CAA criticised the decision.

“It is appalling that a politician who has previously minimised the impact of the Holocaust, a genocide which killed six million Jews, has been promoted to leader of the Aberdeen Conservatives,” commented a CAA spokesperson. “This is not what zero tolerance looks like.”

Aside from the Houghton episode, CAA lamented mixed results across all political parties relating to the Jewish community and antisemitism in this month’s local elections.

In England, Tory candidate Darran Davies, who used an antisemitic “Jew Boy” slur online before apologising, won his Hillingdon Council seat and former MP Labour Ruth George was successful in Whaley Bridge ward, Derbyshire County Council.

CAA has an outstanding complaint against George, and another former Labour

Stoliner Shavuot tragedy

BY SIMCHA ABIR Rabbi Mordechai Binyamin Rubinstein and teenager Meir Gloiberman died when a temporary stand collapsed at Stoliner Synagogue in the West Bank settlement of Givat Ze’ev near Jerusalem just before Shavuot on Sunday night.

Magen David Adom and United Hatzolah volunteers rushed to the scene. First responders confirmed two victims and treated over 180 people injured in the tragedy.

A number of worshippers are in critical condition. Among them is 16-year-old who had a life-saving neurosurgical operation and is ventilated in an intensive care unit at Hadassah Hospital.

Helicopters and IDF forces helped evacuate casualties to hospitals.

Investigation results will soon be announced.

Rabbi Rubinstein, 23, from Beitar Illit, is survived by his wife and baby, Meir studied at Karlin Talmud Torah in Beitar and had celebrated his bar mitzvah on the last day of Pesach.

Both funerals took place after Yom Tov in Givat Ze’ev.

Givat Ze’ev Regional Council Head Yossi Avrahami reportedly warned about safety standards. “The council appealed to all relevant authorities and alerted on this issue,” he noted. “We closed (the venue) with signs saying that the site here is dangerous and from the council’s point of view, it was not

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The event at the Stoliner Synagogue in Givat Ze’ev

PHOTO: YOUTUBE

possible to enter and hold the event here”.

Avrahami added, “Police said they were not liable for the event. We’ve got it written down.”

Fire and Rescue Commissioner Dedi Simchi said the event did not receive authorisation. Jerusalem District Police Commander Doron Turgeman noted that police provided a detailed letter defining conditions for the event to take place. Arrests over negligence may be forthcoming.

The tragedy came two weeks after the Mount Meron stampede were 45 people died.

Prayers are being said for Shmuel Meir ben Zelda, Dov Tzvi ben Liba, Yaakov ben Gittel, Yehoshua ben Devorah, Shlomo ben Alta Chana, Meshulam ben Chana, YomTov Simcha ben Chaya Yehudis, Tzvi Akiva ben Riza Gittel and Eliyahu ben Miriam.

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der leaves post following on a public forum MP, Lisa Forbes, who missed out in the Fletton and Woodston ward in Peterborough.

Former Liberal Democrat MP David Ward was expelled over comments about Jews, the Holocaust and Israel. Ward, who ran as an Independent in the Bolton and Undercliffe ward in Bradford, lost.

Antisemitism reports emerged regarding Banbury’s Labour candidates.

Cllr Clair Bell lost in Calthorpe North, Cllr Wajdan Majeed failed in Calthorpe South and Cllr Cassi Perri lost in Banbury Town Centre.

Labour Party Councillor Ross Willmott was unsuccessful as Leicester and Rutland’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

He has previously shared antisemitic Facebook posts The Green Party’s Ian Middleton was elected in the Oxfordshire ward of Kidlington South but Andrew Carey-Fuller was not elected in Lewisham’s New Cross ward.

London Real Party candidate Brian Rose, who interviewed antisemitic hate preacher, David Icke, in a podcast failed in his campaign for Mayor of London.

In Scotland, SNP candidates Stephanie Callaghan retained her seat in Uddingston and Bellshill, Lanarkshire. But Colm Merrick and Suzanne McLaughlin failed in

Glasgow wards. Past antisemitic comments on social media by the trio emerged during the race.

Derek Jackson, meantime, failed to win for the Liberal Party after arriving at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena performing a Nazi salute, claiming his actions were satire. He was later escorted out by police.

In Wales, representing Plaid Cymru, Leanne Wood, Carrie Harper and Sahar AlFaifi all failed to make the Welsh Assembly.

Joe Glasman, CAA Head of Political Investigations, said, “Not only are some of these results troubling, but the very fact that some of these controversial candidates were endorsed by their parties to stand for office in the first place is deeply disappointing. We have publicised the records of many of these figures in the past, in many instances submitting formal complaints directly to their parties. Yet here they are again, representing their parties on local election ballots.

“No political party should have allowed these candidates to stand for office, particularly after the EHRC made clear that its recommendations applied not just to Labour but to all parties. These elections have shown how much more there is to do to combat antisemitism in public life.”

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GPhC accept ‘Al Quds Day’ leader’s comments were antisemitic

BY ADAM MOSES The General Pharmaceutical Council has finally accepted comments made by Nazim Ali, leader of the annual Al Quds Day rally in 2027, were antisemitic.

The GPhC have also confirmed it will not contest an appeal brought by the Professional Standards Authority on behalf of Campaign Against Antisemitism over a previous decision to only issue Ali a formal warning.

CAA have welcomed the outcome after a protracted case.

Stephen Silverman, CAA Director of Investigations and Enforcement, noted, “We commend the GPhC for recognising that the original ruling by its Fitness to Practise panel was badly flawed and for taking the necessary steps to correct it.”

Silverman said it was “absolutely right” to recognise Ali’s comments were antisemitic and the GPhC decision and sanction were inadequate and wrong.

“The road to justice in this case has proved long and winding, but we are again heading in the right direction,” he noted. “It is important that we are unrelenting in pursuit of such cases.”

Nazim Ali

PHOTO: CAA

The GPhC panel found Ali, a pharmacist, brought the pharmaceutical profession into disrepute following a two-week hearing but did not find Ali had been antisemitic so issued the basic warning.

Following the ruling, CAA approached the PSA, which oversees GPhC disciplinary rulings, to appeal the decision in the High Court as it did not protect the public due to being “irrational and perverse”.

CAA, in particular, asked PSA to review GPhC’s ruling that Ali’s statements were not antisemitic, including by attempting to distinguish between “antisemitism” and “antisemitic”. CAA further argued that the ruling misapplied the law.

The High Court could have quashed the GPhC panel’s decision. Ali can defend the PSA decision in the High Court.

Ali reportedly shouted over a public address system, “Some of the biggest corporations who are supporting the Conservative Party are Zionists.

They are responsible for the murder of the people in Grenfell…”

CAA made its initial complaint to the GPhC over Ali in 2017 when he led the pro-Hezbollah ‘Al Quds Day’ parade four days after the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Heading the parade, surrounded by the flags of Hizballah, Ali reportedly shouted over a public address system, “Some of the biggest corporations who are supporting the Conservative Party are Zionists. They are responsible for the murder of the people in Grenfell, in those towers in Grenfell. The Zionist supporters of the Tory Party. Free, Free, Palestine.”

Later he told marchers, “[be] Careful of those Rabbis who belong to the Board of Deputies, who have got blood on their hands, who agree with the killing of British soldiers. Do not allow them in your centres.”

The events were filmed by CAA members Demonstration and Event Monitoring Unit.

CAA had previously sought a criminal prosecution of Ali. When the Crown Prosecution Service refused to prosecute him, they launched a private prosecution which CPS used its statutory powers to take over and discontinue, protecting Ali from prosecution.

Dowden blasts “vile” vandalism of mezuzahs in Borehamwood

BY ADAM MOSES Secretary of State Oliver Dowden has blasted the malicious vandalism of mezuzahs of two neighbours’ homes in Borehamwood and described the racially-motivated crimes as “vile”.

Metropolitan Police are investigating the incidents on the Farriers Way estate.

The hate crimes in the largest Jewish community in the UK came within 24 hours of antisemitic incidents in central London.

One mezuzah was ripped from the doorframe while next door the mezuzah was “maliciously” removed and the parchment trodden into the ground according to victims.

The families are reportedly “petrified”. Extra patrols are now in place in Hertsmere.

Dowden is local Hertsmere MP and aware how “deeply worried and vulnerable Jewish residents were feeling. He called for “robust action” to be taken.

Four men were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences. Police confirmed the men have been

released on bail pending further enquiries. can feed into the wider intelligence picThe two homes are the sole Jewish fami- ture across the UK. The victims are underlies in the section of the road. standably shaken by what has happened Hertsmere Police have atand we will be putting them in touch with tempted to reassure the a specially trained hate crime officer neighbourhood. in case they want extra support.”

“I would like to make it Rabbi Alex Chapper, senior clear to the local Jewish Rabbi of Borehamwood & Elstree community that we will Synagogue is appalled that Jewish not tolerate antisemhomes have been targeted. itism,” they noted in a “I’ve been in contact with the statement. “Please be relocal police and we’ll be working assured that thorough entogether to enable an appropriate quiries are being carried response to support and reassure out to find those responsithe Jewish community,” he reportble and get justice. We have edly said. “If I can offer any assiscurrently got extra patrols in tance to anyone affected by this, place across Hertsmere, please please do be in touch.” don’t be afraid to approach One shocked victim us with any concerns discovered the when you see us mezuzah on out and about. I the floor browould also like ken.

The to reassure you parchment that we have had been reported these taken out, incidents censcrunched PHOTO: CAA Oliver Dowden trally so that it up and

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then trodden into the mud. “It had been deliberately sabotaged,” she reportedly said. “That’s what really upset me, the maliciousness of the act.”

Her neighbour backed the malicious intent. “You don’t want to believe it’s a hate crime, but that’s exactly what it is,” they reportedly said.

A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said, “This is a heinous antisemitic crime that targets Jewish houses on their doorsteps and is designed to signal to Jewish families that they are unsafe even in their own homes. It is particularly terrifying at a time of skyrocketing antisemitism on our streets.” They added, “We are grateful to the Hertsmere Police for their strong stance and support for the local community, which broadcasts the message that the authorities stand with local Jewish residents against such attacks.

The criminals behind this vandalism must be caught and face the full force of the law.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101, quoting reference numbers 41/36556/21 and 41/36605/21.

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CST stands against anti-Jewish hate Community Security Trust is at the heart of protecting Jewish communities across the UK. The Jewish Weekly has decided to publish its latest blog this week as it sums up what British Jews are facing on a daily basis.

CST BLOG, 19TH MAY 2021 The rise in antisemitism in this country since last weekend, fuelled by antisemitic reactions to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, is utterly predictable and completely disgraceful. CST is working non-stop, in partnership with the police, to protect our community from this wave of hatred, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that our Jewish community can continue to live a safe, confident life as British Jews.

In the eleven days from the escalation in violence in Israel and Gaza on Saturday 8 May until yesterday afternoon, CST recorded 116 antisemitic incidents; compared to just 19 antisemitic incidents in the eleven days prior to 8 May. This is a fivefold increase in antisemitic incidents, and it is almost certainly an undercount, because some antisemitic incidents will be reported late to CST, or have not yet been processed and verified; and of course many antisemitic incidents will never be reported at all.

CST put on an extensive security operation across the Jewish community during the weekend and over the festival of Shavuot, and we want to thank all our CST volunteers and everyone else who took part in security at synagogues and other locations to help protect our community. CST’s 24/7 National Security Control Centre has extra staffing to ensure it can respond to all the calls we are receiving from across the Jewish community. Our research team is constantly monitoring for threats to the Jewish community and antisemitic activity which we are passing to the police where appropriate. We have kept our partners in government and opposition parties fully informed of the rise in

antisemitism and our work to tackle it, and we appreciate the support expressed in Parliament and from politicians of all parties.

We have coordinated our security operation closely with the police who have also carried out extra patrols, and we are grateful to them for the extra resources that they have committed to protect and reassure the Jewish community. We have also been in touch with the Crown Prosecution Service to stress the importance of antisemitic hate crimes being prosecuted wherever possible. We are pleased that some of the more high-profile antisemitic hate crimes that have occurred have resulted in arrests. We hope there will be further arrests and prosecutions to ensure there is a cost to those people who seek to attack, threaten and harass our community.

Some of the reported antisemitic incidents have attracted widespread publicity because of their truly appalling nature, including the vile antisemitic and misogynistic abuse in Finchley Road, north London, on Sunday, and the horrific assault of a Rabbi in Chigwell, Essex. Many others, though, have gone unnoticed outside the Jewish community.

These include: Several incidents of individuals shouting “Free Palestine” with abusive or threatening language or gestures at random Jewish people, who are selected for abuse because they are Jewish In one case, a man stopped Jewish secondary school students in London and threatened to punch them if they did not say they supported Palestine, he then said “Tell your ******* mum and dad they are murderers and killing babies”.

“Free Palestine” graffiti was daubed next door to a synagogue in central London.

An act of criminal damage targeted a synagogue in London.

Extensive antisemitic content on social media platforms, and sent directly to Jewish students and schoolchildren via direct messages An antisemitic email was sent to senior Jewish communal leaders that linked to a story about Israel, and then said, “YOU ****** JEW ***** CONCENTRATION CAMPS WERE TOO GOOD FOR YOU HE SHOULD HAVE GASSED ALL OF YOU MONEY GRABBING Y** ********”.

There is a particular problem of cars, either individually or in convoys, driving through Jewish neighbourhoods, waving

Palestinian flags and shouting slogans in a way that is clearly intended to intimidate local Jewish communities. This came to national attention on Sunday due to the disgusting abuse shouted by some of the participants in London, but it is a phenomenon that has been going on all week, particularly in north Manchester and north London.

This is an attempt to import the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into the United Kingdom, not by expressing support for Palestinians or Israelis (which anyone is entitled to do), but by singling out Jews and treating them as a participant in the conflict. It must stop.

On top of these reported incidents is the sheer deluge of hate on social media, the intimidation of Jewish schoolchildren and students who are singled out and pressured to declare their position on the conflict or justify Israel’s existence, and the broader atmosphere generated by large, angry anti-Israel protests that treat Israel as a unique evil in the world. This is a pattern the UK Jewish community has seen too many times before, you can read about how we explained it during the last large escalation in fighting in Gaza in July and August in 2014. We shouldn’t have to explain it any more. The level of anger and hate that is directed at Israel always spills over into antisemitism at times like this and yet the people stoking this anger, online and on the streets, never take responsibility for this particular consequence.

CST’s primary purpose is to protect our Jewish community, especially at times like this when it is so necessary. British Jews deserve to live without fear, able to live their Jewish lives however they choose in safety and confidence. That is why CST is here and this is what we will continue to do.

Over half UK universities adopt IHRA

BY ADAM MOSES Over half of all universities in the United Kingdom have adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism.

The University of Westminster are the latest establishment to take up the mantle. The milestone illustrates efforts made to ensure antisemitism is understood and tackled on campus.

Campaign Against Antisemitism’s researchers announced the news this week.

Widespread adoption shows universities in Britain yet to adopt the IHRA working definition will become “increasingly isolated”, noted CAA. They added, “Just this week, as antisemitism online, on our streets and on campuses has skyrocketed, the Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has reiterated his and the Education Secretary’s calls on universities to adopt the Definition.”

The announcement came in a week when the National Union of Students apologised for a statement “in solidarity with Jewish students” in which it blamed antisemitism in Britain on Israel.

But, CAA note, adoption of the IHRA working definition is not enough as shown by the University of Bristol, which adopted the Definition, but has yet to discipline Prof.

David Miller.

“Most recently, Prof. Miller asserted that “Zionism is racism” and declared that his objective is “to end Zionism as a functioning ideology of the world”’, CAA reportedly explained. “Most egregiously, he suggested that Jewish students, by virtue of being Zionist, “encourage Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism”.”

CAA added, “Adoption of the Definition remains a powerfully symbolic act of solidarity with Jewish students, as well as a vital tool in the fight against antisemitism on

campus. It is no coincidence that UCL has become ground zero for the campaign by academics against the Definition and has also seen death threats against Jewish students.”

Binyomin Gilbert, CAA Programme Manager, commented, “At a time of skyrocketing antisemitism online and on campuses, including death threats against Jewish students, that half of British universities have adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism offers some much-needed good news. This major milestone is the result of tireless work by politicians, Jewish students, Jewish community organisations, local activists and ourselves.

“Adopting the Definition is an institution’s first step in proving that it stands with its Jewish students. We applaud the half of British universities in the UK that have so far adopted the Definition, and call on the rest to follow suit. Those universities which are lagging must delay no longer and act now to

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pledge their commitment to stamping out antisemitism on their campus and show that they take the welfare of their Jewish students seriously. We support Government plans to impose penalties on those that fail to address hate against Jewish students.”

He continued, “Our real-time monitoring on our website of adoption of the Definition by universities, as well as of reported antisemitic incidents, is a valuable resource for Jewish students, faculty and the community. As Jewish students suffer horrendous antisemitism on campus, there is no better time for Britain’s universities to show their students and the wider public where they stand.”

CAA monitors the adoption of the antisemitism definition by universities.

Students concerned about antisemitism on campus should contact CAA 0330 822 0321 or e-mail campus@antisemitism.org

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Coalition negotiations update

Nothing like a war to bring people together ELECTION FOR PRESIDENT

BY JAMES MARLOW The dramatic unfolding events we have witnessed in the past (almost) two weeks, has completely shifted public opinion and maybe even the political structure. Thanks to Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the other Islamist organisations in the Gaza Strip, along with various breakaway Fatah factions in the Palestinian autonomous areas, the overwhelming majority of Israelis, finally unite.

Just when you thought nothing could bridge the huge political diversity between pro-Netanyahu supporters and the “bloc for change”, more than 3500 rockets rained down on Tel Aviv and across the south. Last week the Knesset was evacuated for the first time in history, as rockets were fired into Israel’s capital.

This was the catalyst for the IDF to finally

Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin this week turned down a request by former MK and Presidential candidate, Michael Bar Zohar, to postpone the 2nd June election by one week, due to the ongoing military conflict.

respond to Gaza with a strong iron fist. Along with precision targeting of wanted terrorist and buildings, Hamas and its allies were stunned at the response. They miscalculated the Israeli political mood, thinking Israel

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz together had one objective – to protect the lives of the citizens of Israel did not have the stomach for such a conflict at this time.

But Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz together had one objective – to protect the lives of the citizens of Israel against an evil regime that has a single purpose – to destroy the Jewish State and everything in it.

Reports have been denied by both the Likud and Blue and White negotiating teams that the two parties, are in coalition discussions. But of course they would say that.

Netanyahu would have no problem if Gantz remained as Defence Minister in a new government led by himself. But it’s difficult to ascertain at this time, whether Benny Gantz and other coalition leaders, would simply focus on getting on with their governmental duties and allow the court to take care of Netanyahu’s legal challenges.

For now, Yair Lapid has until 2 June to form a government. But Mansour Abbas and his Islamist Ra’am Party have pulled out of negotiations until at least, quiet has been restored and Naftali Bennett says, he cannot form a government with left-wing parties.

That of course may change and we await the political mood in the coming days.

In the meantime, New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar has denied reports he is considering a Prime Ministerial rotation agreement with Netanyahu.

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Michael Bar Zohar

PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

However on Wednesday, Bar Zohar dropped out of the race and endorsed the Jewish Agency chairman, Isaac Herzog. The former head of the Labor party is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father, Chaim Herzog, who was Israel’s sixth President serving two five-year terms from 5 May 1983 to his retirement from political life on 13 May 1993. (The basic law has since changed where a President serves seven-years, but for only one term).

In addition to Bar Zohar, former Likud MK Yehuda Glick also announced he was not running for President after working so hard for the last few months drumming up support. But as the close of nominations approached, Glick decided, he had no chance of winning and pulled out.

Others candidates who have officially announced they are running are former Labor cabinet minister Shimon Sheetrit, solar energy pioneer, Yosef Abramowitz and Israel prize winning educator, Miriam Peretz. Singer Yehoram Gaon was also seriously considering to join the race, but his name did not appear on the list of candidates.

The deadline to submit nomination papers containing at least 10 endorsement signatures from Knesset Members was Wednesday 19 May. Herzog informed the Jewish Agency Board of Governors chairman, Michael Siegal, that he would take a leave of absence from his post until the election.

If Herzog is elected President, and he is the favourite to win, a 10-member selection committee would be chosen by the Agency’s Board of Governors to choose a successor. The support of 9 of the 10 members would be needed to approve a candidate, following the confirmation of the full board.

The secret vote will take place in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday 2 June and only the 120 Knesset Members are eligible to vote. President Reuven Rivlin’s seven-year term ends on July 9.

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IDF surgical targeting improves OPINION PIECE

BY JAMES J MARLOW Operation “Guardian of Walls” may just be the most precise targeted and accurate precision bombing campaign, ever facilitated by any military, anywhere, in the history of conflict and war.

In the last ten days, more than 4100 rockets and mortars have been launched toward Israel from the Gaza Strip by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other groups.

In response, the IDF have targeted more than 1000 sites across the Strip with complex surgical operations and this precision targeting, has stunned army generals and defence establishments around the world.

Many of the strikes in Gaza were buildings used either as terrorist command centres or homes to Hamas and Islamic Jihad commandos. Israel also went after aerial defence compounds, a large number of Hamas multi-barrel rocket launchers, underground steel bunkers and tunnels in the heart of Gaza’s civilian districts.

Most of them are embedded in

residential areas, across the street from schools and down the road from hospitals. Huge arsenals of weaponry is stored within these civilian populated areas and right under the noses of the UNRWA. In retaliation for the bombardment of Israel cities and towns, Israel could have killed thousands when targeting the rocket launches and command centres in buildings. But because the IDF does so much to prevent innocent deaths, despite

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the risks to its own population centres, Palestinian civilian deaths have been kept relatively low.

Of course every Palestinian child killed is tragic. But despite what news networks constantly report, including Britain’s own BBC, the Israel does NOT target children.

This week I was present at two IDF briefings where we saw footage of rockets being fired from well inside Gaza territory toward Israel, but falling in Gaza.

The NGO “Defence for Children” based in the Gaza Strip announced in a tweet on 11 May that a number of rockets fell short of their target.

The tweet read, “In a second incident around 6:05 p.m. a homemade rocket fired by a Palestinian armed group, fell short and killed two children”. In a brave move, the tweet went on to describe the exact place the rocket fell, however it was deleted three days later, after it was quoted several times on various news networks, including by my good-self.

Lucky I managed to take a screen shot of the tweet, but based on previous experience, I would say, the NGO was visited by Hamas officers who “politely” persuaded Defence for Children, to remove the tweet immediately.

Gaza is ruled by a terrorist organization that limits press coverage. Moreover, Hamas controls the government bodies that supply basic information, such as the Ministry of Health and does not hesitate to falsify data when it serves its purposes.

But assuming the Hamas Ministry of Health figures are correct, at the time of going to press, 227 Palestinians had been killed of which 64 are children.

The IDF confirmed that in some cases, they regretfully did kill children. But this occurred when a building next to the building they targeted, partly exploded due to the arsenal of weapons being stored inside.

On the Israeli side, at least 12 have been killed by Gaza rockets. Two were Israeli Arabs murdered in Lod. Two were Tai workers on the Gaza border and one was an Indian carer in Tel Aviv.

We all know Hamas deliberately targets

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civilian population centres throughout Israel with rockets and other weapons.

Hamas uses its own population as human shields, firing rockets from within civilian spaces in Gaza and hiding its leaders and military facilities. This is effectively a double war crime: not only do they indiscriminately fire rockets at Israeli civilians, but they do so from areas densely populated with Palestinian civilians.

But yet Israel is the side who is constantly criticised by world opinion for defending itself. This is unjust and more importantly, it does enormous damage to world democracies who have to fight this type of evil, because it encourages the terrorists. It gives them support and the self-confidence to keep shooting, once they know the media is behind them. In the words of Prime Minister Netanyahu, “It is the height of hypocrisy”.

This had nothing to do with Sheikh Jarrah or the Al Aqsa in Jerusalem. In fact Israel did everything it could to de-escalate the tension around Jerusalem. First the government asked the court to postpone the proceedings surrounding the Sheikh Jarrah decision, something that has never been done before in Israel’s history.

Second, it re-routed the Jerusalem day parade, which has taken place every year for more than half a century. Third, the Temple Mount was closed to Jews in favour of allowing the 85,000 Muslims worshippers during Ramadan.

In addition, Israeli police removed the barriers that were set up at the Damascus gate, which were to control the large crowds heading to the Mosque.

But Hamas were furious with PA President Mahmoud Abbas for cancelling Palestinian elections. They expected a huge win and would have gained considerable power in the Palestinian territories.

So they used Jerusalem Day celebrations and the court proceedings around Sheikh Jarrah, to incite violence in pursuit of their political goals.

It is not true to say that Jerusalem Arabs could not vote in the election. The Municipality confirmed that several thousand could cast their ballots, but there was a dispute over around 600 Palestinians.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad had no plans at this time for a full military confrontation with Israel. They erroneously miscalculated Israel’s stomach to retaliate and they have been dealt a severe blow.

Hamas will declare victory when this latest round of fighting is finally over – they always do. But news media and world governments have a responsibility to make it clear, that the terrorists lost and that they must not be allowed to rearm.

James Marlow is a broadcast commentator and communications trainer Facebook: James Jeremy Marlow Twitter: @James_J_Marlow

21 MAY 2021

17

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WE ARE RECRUITING Kisharon is an award-winning learning disability charity. Through our education, employment and social opportunities, we are passionate about supporting each person to lead a fulfilling life with a valued role in the community.

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You’ll receive – the support and experience of working in a great team, employee benefits and the reward of contributing to a truly worthwhile cause.

You’ll need – previous experience of fundraising events and challenges, creativity, excellent organisational and communication skills, and lots of energy and enthusiasm.

You’ll receive – the support and experience of working in a great team, employee benefits and the reward of contributing to a truly worthwhile cause.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Jessica Levy on 020 3209 1163, or for general enquiries contact Donna Deena Jacobs, HR Administrator on 020 3209 1182.

For details about this role, including benefits, job description and an application form please visit www.kisharon.org.uk/about-us/current-vacancies CLOSING DATE: 13TH JUNE 2021 Kisharon expects all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

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Afternoon (12-3.30) with immediate effect The successful candidates: • Be knowledgeable about Education, with a particular interest in Special Education.

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CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS morning & afternoon staff with immediate effect.

The successful candidates will; • Understand the particular communication and behavioural needs of SEN children.

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• Work well as part of a team • Be efficient, hard working and able to use their own initiative.

• Be Passionate about working with special needs children and maximising their potential.

The school offers a warm and caring environment - full curriculum and support provided A qualification will be an advantage, but a willingness to work towards one will also be considered.

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

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18 OPINION

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OPINION

21 MAY 2021

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

Extremism and antisemitism must be drowned out OPINION PIECE

BY LORD ERIC PICKLES I watched in horror this week as protests over the recent Israel-Gaza violence descended into a UK-wide hatefest, with Jewish people targeted in the streets and mezuzot desecrated. It is truly appalling that Jews in this country feared for their safety as they celebrated Shavuot.

The Jew-hating, women-despising thugs who threatened murder and sexual violence on our streets brought great shame to our nation. It was a source of personal sadness that many of the car convoys came from my native city of Bradford, a city with a proud record of cross-communal cooperation.

It didn’t take long for the thin veneer between anti-Zionism and antisemitism to be exposed.

At a rally in London where speakers included former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, banners with antisemitic slogans invoking the Holocaust were freely flown.

In sight of the platform where Mr Corbyn spoke, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Bin Zayed, was

depicted as a devil with horns for making peace with Israel. The antisemitic imagery applied to the caricature was unmistakeable.

As the Home Secretary and Communities Secretary have said, the toughest possible action should be taken against those responsible for antisemitic behaviour.

One-sided content blaming Israel for the suffering of the Palestinian people has proliferated online; no doubt emboldening antisemites to take to the streets.

Yet the unavoidable fact is that Hamas is responsible for all casualties in this conflict. By using civilians as human shields and misfiring rockets, it is clear that Hamas places its genocidal aim of destroying Israel above the protection of Palestinian life.

Of over 4,000 rockets fired towards Israel

from Gaza, approximately 610 have fallen short and killed Palestinians.

While Hamas militants can escape to the underground ‘Metro’ tunnel network, Gazan civilians have nowhere to hide. There can be no moral equivalence between Hamas’s actions, which target civilians, and Israel’s precise targeting of Hamas facilities and extensive efforts to avoid civilian casualties.

As my good friend Lord Polak rightly said in the House of Lords this week, the shocking and disturbing scenes of recent days do not represent the views of the vast majority of Muslims living in the UK, nor do the murderous acts of Hamas, indiscriminately firing deadly rockets at civilian areas in Israel, represent the views or interests of the majority of the Palestinian people.

The importance of promoting peaceful coexistence and community cohesion cannot be understated, both in Israel and closer to home.

We simply cannot allow these moderate voices to be drowned out by extremists.

I was deeply heartened to hear that Ashdod hospital’s Arab doctors and nurses took on extra shifts to enable their Jewish colleagues to take time off for Shavuot, just as Jewish medical staff did last week to ensure the Arab workforce could spend Eid with their families.

The importance of promoting peaceful coexistence and community cohesion cannot be understated, both in Israel and closer to home.

Our overseas aid must support efforts bringing Israelis and Palestinians together, and measures combining strict policing and strong social cohesion are vital in removing fear from our streets and protecting our Jewish community..

Lord Pickles was appointed Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues in September 2015, replacing Sir Andrew Burns. Lord Pickles works closely with the wide range of Holocaust academics, survivors and educational and social organisations in the UK. He CoChairs the United Kingdom’s Holocaust Memorial Foundation.

He was made a Life Peer in 2018.

From the editor’s desk Knock on effect of Israel at war This week we have seen shocking violence against Jews here in the UK as well as around the world. Antisemitism made national headlines this week when some terrorist supporters from Bradford drove down to London via Manchester causing distress and panic with their actions. TV and media showed the awful footage where they called on people to do unspeakable things to Jewish mothers and daughters.

In Chigwell, Rabbi Rafi Goodwin was badly beaten up and hospitalised. In Hendon, a woman in her car was rammed by Palestinian activists in a petrifying incident on Parson Street. The same such incident happened in Manchester to a car on Upper Park Road, where Palestinian sympathisers tried to smash the windows. Mezuzot were ripped off doors in Borehamwood and a middle eastern-looking man came up up to me on the streets of central London yesterday and asked menacingly, if I was Jewish. In another incident, six men jumped out of a car brandishing a gun at a Jew in Manchester last night.

Around the world too, horrific images and videos have surfaced. A Jewish man in Lod died this week, after succumbing

Palestinian flags. to injuries when an Arab mob set upon him. A man Showing solidarity in the in Toronto is seen being midst of a war is redoubtably taking sides and is beaten up by an angry crowd, and in LA, a crowd no different to previous asked some Jews at a players and managers who restaurant who was Jewish. have been fined for their Two people said they were actions, such as Pep Guardiola who was charged for and were promptly beaten up. wearing a yellow ribbon in When tens of thousands solidarity with the Catalan independence movement. of people pack London shouting “Free Free PalesThe FA responded to tine”, with a police officer letters this week telling us PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL. Pro Palestinians in Piccadilly Gardens Manchester joining in, as Israeli flags that a player wearing an are burned and vicious internationally recognised threats are screamed from atop traffic lights communal bodies to stand up more than flag is not an issue. and statues, one wonders how long it will If it was their national flag, they could ever before publicly and come out with cortake for Britain to turn into France and have an answer, but Manchester Utd’s Paul rect information about what really goes on become a dangerous place for Jews to live. in the Middle East. It worked with Corbyn at Pogba is from France, not from Gaza. For Shopping Centres in Manchester also had the election, why have they gone so publicly all Pogba’s self-importance, he has not crowds of angry protesters screaming about quiet now? See page 27 for this Sunday’s just won the league and had gornisht to Gaza, as they walked menacingly through celebrate at the end of the Fulham game, Israel Rally, led by the Zionist Federation. like a pack of wolves.

Perhaps the rally can also go to the BBC and so draping the Palestinian flag around Thanks to a weak government who allow Sky News headquarters, as well as the Israeli him is clearly a political stance, as well as these dangerous rallies to go ahead, and a swipe at his Jewish owners. The actions Embassy. who allow incorrect, and biased media to of these players and the silence of the FA will no doubt lead to more people getting egg on Jew haters with their vicious attacks on Jews, it is no wonder Palestinian and angry on behalf of the Palestinians and terrorist sympathisers feel energised to making our streets even more dangerous Jewish football fans were horrified this whip up crowds into a frenzy. Jews are for British Jewry. When it comes to racism, week to see famous players from Manches- it really is time one and for all for football now scared to go about normal day to day activities, and perhaps it’s time for our great ter United and Leicester City draped in to kick it out.

Football disgrace

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22 COMMUNITY

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21 MAY 2021

Kisharon celebrate Yavneh High Pupils ‘GIFT’ their gratitude Shavuot All Kisharon services had fun learning and preparing for Shavuot. Tuffkid Nursery set up a florist’s where the children could buy and sell flowers. In other activities, they set to work making cheese scones, listened to stories about the festival, learned about milky foods and counted the Omer each day. Children at Kisharon Noé School tried their hand at using a quill and ink, as a sofer would in the preparation of a Sefer Torah, mezuzah or tefillin in a Tzivos Hashem workshop and all the pupils made cheesecake.

People that attend Kisharon Day Opportunities and the Kisharon College took part in a Zoom cheesecake baking lesson followed by an explanation of the Shavuot story by Rabbi Neuman, part of an all-day programme on the festival. All activities were enjoyed by all.

Kisharon College makes Cheesecake for Shavout

Year 8 Yavneh Girls High School Manchester made NHS gratitude packs to show their appreciation to hospital staff as part of a 4 week course on gratitude and appreciation, run by GIFT Manchester staff Sophie Woolfstein and Aliza Noe. The gratitude packs will be distributed at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

The course will be rolled out across

Children at Kisharon Noé School took part in a Tzivos Hashem Shavout workshop using a quill and ink, as a sofer would in the preparation of a Sefer Torah

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To get involved in volunteering or to book GIFT education sessions at your school contact north@jgift.org for the Manchester office or info@jgift.org for London.

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21 MAY 2021

Shavuot at Jewish Care Marion Carr and Malcolm Marks are amongst the residents at Jewish Care enjoying letters and cheesecake from Ernst & Young (EY) employees this Shavuot.

EY staff sent kind thoughts and generously made a donation to Jewish Care for Shavuot teas and celebrations across the organisation’s residential care homes where residents are celebrating the festival of Shavuot, which was very much enjoyed and appreciated by all.

Partner at EY, Mark Persoff wrote to residents: “We are delighted for EY to partner with Jewish Care to bring goodness to you all this Shavuot.”

Meanwhile, Jewish Care volunteers delivered cheesecake and gift packages to hundreds of members of Jewish Care community centres for Shavuot and volunteer hosts of Jewish Care’s Supportive

Communities Tea parties, baked and delivered delicious cheesecake for Shavuot to tea party guests who are older people living in the community, currently meeting regularly on Zoom. Sixty young people also baked delicious cheesecake with Project Impact to send to frontline staff at Jewish Care who were so appreciative.

“Jewish Care is so grateful for the generous support and kind letters from EY this Shavuot helping to spread sweetness to our care home residents and also to our volunteers who are delivering Shavuot packages to our community centre members and baking for Supportive Communities Tea Parties members. We’d also like to thank the young people at Project Impact for baking cheesecake for Jewish Care frontline workers and showing them how much they are appreciated.”

The Fed leads tripartite project to tackle loneliness in the community

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Bury Council’s Tackling Loneliness and Social Isolation Fund has confirmed an award of £13,000 to support a communal menu promoting wellbeing across all age groups.

With the shared objective of ensuring that members of the Greater Manchester Jewish and local community remain healthy, independent, and connected to their community and one another, three local Jewish organisations - The Fed, Manchester Maccabi and The Nicky run by Manchester |Jewish Community Care (MJCC) – collaborated in securing the Council funding.

This will support a range of projects designed to reduce loneliness and promote positive mental wellbeing. These include The Fed’s ‘Walk and Talk’ group initiated during lockdown to allow people to socialise outdoors as well as its twice weekly ‘Mums and Tots’ group and monthly ‘Coffee Stops’ for older isolated people.

Also on the menu are Maccabi’s outdoor exercise class and ‘Mindfulness and Meditation’ sessions as well as activities for older people held at The Nicky day centre which also provides hot meals and bathing facilities. The programme will run for 12 months.

The Fed’s bid-writer Lucy Edwards said, “A key element of The Fed’s organisational strategy is to champion and actively seek opportunities to work in close partnership with other communal organisations. Such collaboration results in optimal use of valuable community resources, cuts waste and duplication and encourages the sharing of ideas and good practice. And

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our community members are the beneficiaries of this joined-up approach. Taking the leading on this bid propels this aim forward.

It was a delight to work with my counterparts in Maccabi and MJCC. We’ve learned even more about each other and can offer a wider spectrum of support for the community than would be possible individually.

We are seeing more and more grant-giving organisations requesting evidence of joint-working which we believe is a very positive and can open up many more possibilities. The Fed looks forward to future opportunities to lead on partnerships of this nature with other organisations within the Jewish or local community.

For the community this award is great news meaning that whether you’re a tiny tot or an older person who needs help with bathing, there’ll be an option on the menu for you.”

Endorsing Lucy’s message Mark Adlestone, OBE DL, Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region. added “The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) is delighted that The Fed, Maccabi and MJCC have joined forces to obtain much needed funds. This will enable them to work together to care for vulnerable and isolated members of our community. We envisage working with all organisations across our diverse community to ensure this collaborative approach is replicated elsewhere so we do not waste valuable resources”.

21 MAY 2021

COMMUNITY 25

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With only 25 members allowed back per day the ‘Nicky’, Nicky Alliance centre reopened last Wednesday morning.

At the reopening of the’Nicky’ after 15 months

Satmar community member Avrohom Yitzchok Walter who is now Salford’s only Lib-Dem Councillor

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Norwood launches first-ever referralfree Multidisciplinary Advice Clinic Norwood announced the launch of a pilot programme for parents anxious about their child’s development and unsure about how to access appropriate support, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Multidisciplinary Advice Clinic will serve as an entry-point for parents seeking holistic support for their children but unsure of what specific support is available and appropriate for their child’s care. Norwood’s first-ever non-referral based holistic programme of its kind, the free service will run as a pilot on Tuesday 25th May and is made possible thanks to Norwood’s status as a charity. Norwood hopes that not only will the clinic make support more accessible for stressed parents in need, but also that it will help demystify the world of educational/occupational support, which is often a minefield, as well as providing an entry point and specific advice on how and where to access appropriate longerterm support, where required.

The free 20-minute sessions with a choice of a Norwood-designated Specialist Teacher, Occupational Therapist or Speech & Language Therapist is aimed at any Jewish child attending a mainstream school who has any form of additional educational needs or other barriers to learning. This may be indicated by the child’s slow progress or regression in their academic ability, behavioural issues, reading and writing/numeracy issues, poor self-esteem/self perception as a learner and a reluctance to attend school or disengagement from learning.

To discuss their specific needs and book one of the limited availability slots, parents can contact the Norwood team on: 07395 852051; sue.leonard@norwood.org. uk (Teaching and OT enquiries) 07395 852049; andrea.reid@norwood.org. uk (SLT enquiries)

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26 FEATURE

21 MAY 2021

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From the front line…

Ready, Steady, but don’t Go.

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Well Shavuot is over, and so is my foray with cheesecake. Too much of anything is not good for you, but if you were perhaps feeling a tad unwell from calorific excess (or anything else) during yomtov, it would have been a futile gesture to call your GP. Hot on the headlines, they are receiving an absolute hammering over difficulties in patient access. The number one complaint seems to be consistent: you phone on the nose at 8am, only to find you are number 30 in the queue. Now patience is certainly a virtue, so please be patient [haha, pun intended]. 40 minutes later you finally reach the front of the queue, and of course there are no appointments left for today.

Try again tomorrow. Aargh. Our surgery used to allow patients to queue and come into the reception area promptly at 8am, so if you were desperate or determined, you would start queuing at 7.30 and when the doors opened, you would definitely get an appointment. Sadly, we were then sold some nonsense about queuing being ‘dangerous,’ and it was promptly torpedoed. These days the only options are phoning or going online, but both generally have the same disappointing result. Now my surgery is currently 25 paces from my front door, and recently I was a good girl and phoned, like I was supposed to. {This was the middle of the day.} After one hour and fifteen minutes of waiting (!!) I walked to the building, where an angry mob was congregating, each with the same complaint: we can’t get through on the phone.

What is this idiotic practice of making patients stand in the car park, in the rain or the cold, speaking through an intercom?

But look on the bright side, at least the staff are warm and dry, and they’re presumably not ill. Now in the good old days of outside queuing one might be fortunate to catch the eye of aforesaid staff through the window, but they’ve wised up to this trick, and now the blinds are constantly shut, so you don’t even know if they’re there! Oh how I yearn for my 7.30 start to the day, because now one can’t be seen for love nor money. Worse, one is frequently triaged on the phone by a member of admin, with no medical background. My husband - an infrequent user of the service - was told he was ‘fine,’ despite being nothing of the sort, and will likely have to see a private GP instead. Recent cases resonate strongly, like that of student Toby Hudson (19), who rang his GP 25 times, only to be told he would need to wait 48 hours. He then died from sepsis from glandular fever. At the inquest no one from the surgery even recalled taking the call from him. Last week we were told we would be subjected to ‘total triage,’ and given virtual appointments as a default, only for Matt Hancock to do a 360 after a massive national outcry

Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

over the current difficulties in access. He now tells us we can insist on face-to-face appointments and doctors must respect patient preference. Hmm. Let’s see how that pans out. Open access is sheer fantasy if your GP is averse to opening his doors.

A medical item relating to blood pressure caught my attention: apparently the risk of heart attacks doubles in middle aged women (that’s me), with even slightly raised numbers. Women whose BP was elevated in their 40s were twice as likely to have a heart attack in the following decade.

Now my normally low numbers, and bradycardia (slow heart rate) have taken a big jump since contracting covid, and even though this was now 4 months ago, I have some long covid issues, including erratic temperatures, exhaustion, fast pulse and extremely high BP. Medication is only prescribed when numbers reach 140/90, so my accidental finding of 150/105 readings was a matter of concern. True to form, I was asked to take several readings myself and report back to the surgery. My sky high numbers had by then reached 160/110 and despite being given a low dose medication, my numbers are still not back to normal, with no follow-up. Dr Ester Kringeland, the author of the study said, ‘.. those with other risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders or a family history of high blood pressure need intense monitoring.‘ Haha, Indeed!

Whilst our covid death rates are dropping to zero, there always remains the risk of a new variant raising its ugly head.

We have already had a few (Kent, South African variants), and now India is the latest in the equation. [India has unfortunately seen bodies of covid victims being disposed of in rivers, due to financial and social reasons. Such cases are not then recorded as covid deaths.] Unbelievably the emergence of these variants frequently coincides with our imminent steps to freedom. Sage is once again warning us that hospitals will be ‘overwhelmed,’ but this should in fact generate caution, not abandonment of our return to normality.

The Kafka-esque existence forced upon us has stolen our normal life. Should we be locked down again, despite our massive vaccination programme, it would be a step too far, especially as the flare-up of the new variant in Bolton is most prevalent in the vaccine refuseniks. This is not just divisive but unjust. Covid passports have been confirmed, which may be just the ticket for vaccination, if you fancy a foreign holiday. However, a wet blanket has been thrown over summer by Lord Bethell, who insists it’s still too dangerous to travel.

What’s the point of a green list, if it doesn’t permit travel? In terms of passports, I don't think state surveillance will end there.

Were you aware, for example, that the state behavioural unit [SPI-B] admits to ‘ethically questionable’ use of fear tactics to encourage our lockdown compliance? Or that technology companies are developing software which can scan your face as you enter pubs and restaurants to check your vaccination status? Big Brother is here, perhaps for good, and we have unwittingly acquiesced to it. The Government has been empowered to micromanage our every movement and hug, and it is worrying that if the cycle of dependence on the state is not broken, they may continue forever in the same vein.

Elsewhere in the world, a jury in the US has awarded $75 million to two black, intellectually disabled half-brothers, who were wrongly convicted of murder.

Henry McCollum and Leon Brown were awarded $31 million each, $1 million for each year they spent in prison, and the jury also awarded them $13 million in punitive damages. Their lawyers said they were teenagers with low IQs when police coerced them into admitting their guilt. Both were sentenced to death, but were released in 2014 when DNA pointed instead to a convicted murderer. No price is too much for being incarcerated from a teenager until your 50s, by which point you are institutionalised.

Israel is once again in the news, with retaliatory air strikes at Hamas. Whilst there has been much news and comment in this paper, I can simply add that it is grossly unfair of the BBC and main broadsheets to continue to show bias in their reporting. If indeed Israel has just wiped out 60 miles of the ‘Metro’ tunnels used to mobilise combatants, transport fuel, food, weapons and launch attacks against Israel, that is understandable and just. An Al-Jazeera broadcast in 2015 showed these tunnels under construction, with militants digging by hand and by machine, with their leaders extolling their strategic value. Unfortunately it is unlikely either side will back down, one through a need for self preservation and the other through a desire to wipe Israel off the face of the map. Iran - the new found friend to Scotland - is reputedly

funding this terrorism, and over the past week pro-Palestinian protests were seen in London, Manchester and Glasgow. In London protesters compared Israel to Nazi Germany, and chanted ‘Kill the Jews.’ Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, condemned these abhorrent demonstrations as ‘racist’ and claimed social media was ‘awash with antisemitism.’ In Chigwell, Essex, Rabbi Rafi Goodwin was attacked by two men, and required treatment in hospital. Police said they would be charged with GBH with intent, but that the incident was not linked to the wider protests. Boris Johnson said he ‘stood with Britain’s Jews, who should not have to endure the shameful racism we have seen.’ I say you know who your friends are when the chips are down.

“Ladies and Gentlemen.” It’s a salutation very much under threat in the gender fluid climate of today. Robert Jenrick, the Communities Secretary, plans however to amend building regulations to ensure separate Ladies and Gents facilities are installed in new buildings. Buildings with unisex toilets face having to install partitions to ensure privacy. The changes will apply to offices, shops, entertainment venues and publicly funded buildings such as schools and hospitals. Jenrick said the move was in response to concerns over women’s security, dignity and safety. In another report LNER ran into trouble over its announcements, when a customer complained that ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ excluded those who identified as non binary. Thanks to this intervention by one passenger (of perhaps 300), we might in future be addressed as He, She and It, or possibly just the inclusive YOU. Now this next bit is specifically for women; I’m sure you’ve been industrious in looking after your feminine health, attending the brutal mammograms and unpleasant smear tests during your passage of womanhood. Imagine my surprise to read that smear tests should no longer refer to ‘women’ as it discourages trans men from accessing cancer screenings. Trans men who are registered as ‘female’ are automatically sent invitations for screening. Those registered as ‘male’ need firstly to request an appointment with their GP. Between this and recent guidance from the Royal College of Midwives not to refer to pregnant women as ‘women,’ I think we’re definitely losing the plot.

Cambridge University has caused a bit of a buzz with their latest views on diet. Encouraging us to save the planet by reducing or eliminating wheat and rice, they suggest instead we substitute them with larvae and flies. {no kidding } Now I’m not sure that’s going to go down well. Regardless of their advice, I’m still looking forward to my chicken soup and challah on Friday night.

Love Jacqueline x

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com WORDS TO INSPIRE Dear Rabbi Time for some inspiration again please. We feel like we are all under attack for what’s going on in Israel.

Shulie Dear Shulie The question is asked in the Talmud, why was the mountain upon which we received the Torah called Sinai? The answer is because the word sounds like Sinah which means hatred and misham yarda sina l’Yisroel.

That’s when hatred against Jews came into the world.

Maimonides explains: When we received the Torah we were imbued with a great moral Ambassadorship. Yes, we are different and that difference is reflected in the Jewish mind and heart; the Jewish home, family and community. Some non-Jews acknowledge this and admire it. Many were and are authentic Philo-Semites, cherishing and celebrating the Jew and his Jewishness.

But there are others – alas too many others, that are inflamed by this uniqueness of the Jew – this “light unto the nations.”

Hitler didn’t just hate us just because we were different. To put it in his words: “We must destroy the tyrannical G-d of the Jews and His life denying Ten Commandments.”

Fast-forward till today when of course the buzzword is no longer Jew. The post Holocaust era has delineated that taboo to remain in place alongside other extreme forms of racial slur. So in its place we have Israel, Zionist.

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Because hating Jews is no longer politically correct. Hating Israel and Israelis is the correct way to hate Jews today.

Let’s be clear: Of course it is possible to criticise Israel without being Antisemitic. Israelis do it all the time, in perfect freedom, exclusively, I hasten to stress, among Middle Eastern countries. And while for some you can separate the two, for the overwhelming majority the lines have become fundamentally blurred and the reality speaks for itself. When a Jewish Rabbi in London is beaten because of what’s going on in Israel; when a swastika is daubed on a Shul door in Nottingham because of what’s going on in Israel; when students in Birmingham are harassed because of what’s going on in Israel; – then it is nothing to do with Israel or with Zionism or with the so-called occupation and it has everything to do with the Jew and Judaism and antisemitism.

Why does Israel get such “special attention” when it is in fact the only democracy in the region, constantly attacked in an arbitrary manner when its Arab neighbours, like Syria, massacre their own without any protest, boycott or condemnation?

Here we have the two standards with which the world measures morality. The UN, the academic world, the liberal voices concerned with human rights, the European politicians, are suddenly silent in the presence of other atrocities; yet when Israel is involved in something contentious it is condemned immediately for trying to survive and not allowing its enemies to

Pirkei Avot Rabbi Nechunya son of Hakoneh taught: one who accepts upon themselves the yoke of Torah has the yoke of “derech eretz” removed from him. One who throws off the yoke of Torah has the yoke of government and derech eretz thrust upon him. This means if a person makes a genuine effort for Torah and Mitzvot, Hashem will arrange that their circumstances, be it financial or otherwise, will be eased so that they do not need to

destroy it.

That these are double standards speaks for itself. Mainstream culture is finding cover for the age-old hatred of Jews.

They’ve figured it out. So long as the attack is battered and flash fried in a light coat of anti-Israel sentiment, and as long as you pretend you are fighting for “human rights,” the rise of antisemitism is socially acceptable.

Newsflash: If you’ve stayed silent about the horrific crimes against the Muslim Uighurs in China but now only condemning Israel for what’s happening between them and the Palestinians, it probably has less to do with “human rights” and more to do with Antisemitism.

Newsflash: If you drive through the streets of London crying Free Palestine while simultaneously calling for the attack and worse on Jews, then you hate Jews a lot more than you could care about Palestinians.

Newsflash: if you think random Islamic murder in Paris is terrorism and random Islamic murder in London is terrorism but random Islamic murder in Tel Aviv is not – then you’re an Anti-Semite!

Have you ever wondered: Why did G-d insist on giving the Ten Commandments carved on simple stone? Why not on something more valuable or ornamental like the many precious materials used in the Tabernacle or subsequent Temples?

The stock answer is simply because stone doesn’t rot, it doesn’t tarnish, it doesn’t wear – it is permanent and that is the reality of Judaism and our commitment to Jewish values as well.

However there is an altogether cryptic explanation offered: The suggestion is that when Moses battled Amalek we are told he sat on a stone. It was that same stone that was now used for Ten Commandments. The question is: Torah is all about peace.

Amalek is an ugly battle. How does one lend itself to the other?

The answer is that Amalek epitomises the essence of Antisemitism. It is an irrational hatred that exists for as long as the Jew exists. Just as Hamas hatred exists for as long as Israel exists. How do you negotiate with that? How do you hope to make peace with that! Hence the Torah instructs regarding Amalek an obligation to eradicate it. It must be tackled at all costs.

The Jew was, is and always will be committed wholeheartedly to peace. But the Tablets were made from stone – the very stone that Moses sat on the battle Amalek in order to remind you and me that there is no room for bleeding heart liberalism. There is no room for pacifism. There is no sand in which to bury your head or ivory tower to climb and pontificate from. You have to recognise the truth for what it is.

We have tell the world: With every ugly protest you hold condemning Israel while simultaneously attacking Jews, we stand that much straighter. With every Antisemitic, ignorant, malign hash-tag you tweet, we wave our banner of pride that much higher. With every prevarication you bring to the United Nations, hoping that maybe Israel will disappear when denounced on a political platform, we are reminded once more how fortunate we are to be Jewish. With every odious demonstration; every violent aspersion; every savage attack; with every lie

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pursue those other endeavours as much. However, if one willingly does not engage in Torah as much as they can, they will find that even the very limited time they set aside for learning, is “removed” from them and it will feels as if they have even less time for spiritual pursuits.

This is similar to the teaching of our sages, that the words were “charut” on the luchot. Charut can also be read in Hebrew as “Chei-

rut” freedom for only one who engages properly in Torah can hope to be freed from other matters that consume a person’s time Similarly, our sages taught that when Jewish people fulfil the will of Hashem, He arranges that they need to engage in working the ground etc less. The bottom line is: Show Hashem you care very much about Torah and He will enable you to learn more of it and give you less inconveniences!

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fabricated and every abuse, we are that much prouder that we belong to a religion, to a nation, to a belief system, where our optimism replaces pessimism and our faith exceeds our fears.

So I don’t care what they say on CNN or BBC or the New York Times. As Jews we are not afraid to be different. It’s better to be a hero walking alone in one direction, than with a crowd going in the wrong direction. They might indiscriminately fire rockets at us aiming to kill our brothers and sisters; they might pitifully attack us on the streets or our campuses – and we shed a tear, and we cry, but they will never ever break our spirit – not then and not now. We must put the message out there to the world – a message of pride, of dignity, a message that declares loud and clear: Am Yisroel Chai – We, G-d’s chosen people have, are and will live on forever more.

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JUDAISM 29

The Dignity Of Man

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Jews don’t count people. Instead the Torah creates a system of tabulating the population without actually counting human beings. This indirect counting scheme is delineated in parshat Ki Tisa: each citizen donates a half-shekel to the mikdash. Calculating the final sum of shekels (and dividing by half), provides an accurate population figure, without physically counting heads. Warning against the actual counting of people, the Torah sternly cautions: “when you count the Jewish people [insure] that each delivers a half-shekel to avoid a catastrophic plague”.

The Torah indicates dire consequences for counting human beings; sadly, Dovid Hamelech, mistakenly counted actual people without employing an “intermediary” half-shekel. This miscue unleashed a plague which claimed the lives of 70,000 people.

Jews avoid counting people for several reasons – some of those reasons based upon mystical concerns. One of the more apparent dangers of counting people is the risk of depersonalizing individual identity. Each human being is born autonomous and different. Unlike any other creature, Man enjoys individual identity and the capacity for personal decisions.

Equipped with freedom of choice and individual personality, we actively craft our world, our relationships, and our identity.

We stand alone in this universe with the capacity to personally shape our life. By respecting individualism, we respect the Divine image, which G-d implanted in each human being. Appreciating the complexity of the human condition and respecting the dignity of each individual is a “religious calling”- to revere Man as the pinnacle of G-d’s creation. Counting humans and lumping them into larger populations imperils human individuality.

Generally, when people are collected into larger groups, personal identity dwindles; when we become a “number” we forget that we have a name. The Nazis tattooed us with numbers in a vicious attempt to eradicate personal identity. Directly counting human beings can have similar, though less diabolical, effects.

For this reason, when conducting a census, we don’t count people but, instead, we collect coins which, in turn are counted. The half-shekel underscores that each person possesses “value” and independence, and that this “worth” can’t be muddled by ‘grouping’. Providing monetary value reinforces personal worth and counters the depersonalization of human

identity.

The modern world is obsessed with counting human beings-directly or indirectly- and our individuality is quickly fading. The science of statistics is crucial is predicting and navigating our future.

Without this ability we remain vulnerable to the whims of uncertainty. Fortunately, when we employ statistical tools, we can attempt to predict trends, plan our future and steady our world. More and more, however, “Statistics” convinces us that we are merely a “statistic”, faceless numbers inhabiting a predetermined “graph of life” governed by statistical probability. It is becoming more difficult to assert personal destiny rather than sheepishly succumbing to cultural and societal trends. Additionally, our individualism is also challenged by the dynamic of “group think”.

We surrender personal evaluation for the security of collective opinion. The internet has created a global forum for sharing information but also for encouraging “group think”. We consume content, in part, not based on personal interest but based on the level of interest this information has generated amongst others. We are drawn to viral content simply because it seems to be popular amongst millions. Additionally, social media helps us craft comfortable echo chambers which “pad” our exposure and relieve us of the burden of confronting different ideas. Without exposure to different ideas our own identity often remains shallow and formulaic. The internet enables the sharing of information but, sadly, forces us into “shared” opinion and the abdication of personal identity.

A world which doesn’t cultivate individual identity disregards human dignity.

Man possesses Divine dignity precisely because he is empowered to choose his own fate and to craft his own identity.

Ignoring the dignity of Man yields a dangerous society. Respecting human dignity less, we are more prone to manipulate other human beings. If we fail to appreciate human dignity we tend to “objectify” others, treating one another more “ instrumentally” – as objects to be manipulated for our own interest rather than Divine images deserving of the same dignity we crave for ourselves. The Torah was aware of the dangers of depersonalizing human identity and mandated a counting method to avoid the loss of dignity. In the modern circus of group think, statistics, echo chambers, objectification of others and “identity politics”, we constantly face the challenge of respecting human dignity. We no longer donate half-shekel, but we must continually underscore human worth.

Man possesses Divine dignity precisely because he is empowered to choose his own fate and to craft his own identity.

Yet, despite the significance and symbolism of the half shekel, this “process” is omitted in parshat Naso in the Torah’s description of the census of the Levi’im.

For some reason, this census is different and the Levi’im are shielded from the dangers inherent in a standard population census. For some reason, the dignity of a Levi, will not be endangered by actual counting and the Torah doesn’t stress the half–shekel method. When describing the counting of Levi’im the Torah doesn’t issue the ominous warning surrounding physical counting of people. It is unclear if the Levi’im were actually counted with a half-shekel, but either way the Torah’s doesn’t record the half-shekel requirement for counting the Levi’im.

Unlike the rest of the population, the Levi’im weren’t just counted as “numbers”.

They are being tallied so that they can be assigned tasks in the mishkan. Some will port the mishkan from encampment to encampment while others will guard the entry gates of the mishkan; still others will be musically trained to accompany

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sacrifices with song. They will commit to lives of duty and of sacred mission.

They will join a community of meaning and of common purpose. Their lives won’t be self-serving and won’t be driven by self-interest. Duty and mission will provide them with enduring dignity. They can be counted by head without concern that they will be dehumanized or reduced to statistics.

Every human possesses individual identity and innate dignity endowed by G-d. When humans employ their personal freedom to commit to a “life larger than themselves” their dignity augments. Duty, mission and service to others crowns the Levi’im with a dignity and nobility which isn’t threatened by counting them directly.

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

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Weekly Dvar Torah F RO M ERETZ Y I S RAEL

Why Do We Go To Extremes?

BY RABBANIT SALLY MAYER Parshat Naso describes the option to become a nazir, prohibiting oneself from drinking wine (and even eating grapes!), cutting one’s hair and participating in the funeral even of the closest relatives. Two of these restrictions parallel those of the Kohanim, taken to the extreme – while a regular Kohen may attend the funeral of his close relatives, a nazir may not, similar to the Kohen Gadol. A regular Kohen may not drink wine when serving in the mishkan but may generally enjoy wine and certainly grapes. The restriction from cutting hair, however, does not parallel the Kohanim; in fact Kohanim must be well-groomed. What is the nazir trying to accomplish? Moreover, does the Torah consider this choice positive or negative?

The Sages of the Talmud debate this very question (Taanit 11a). Rabbi Elazar praises the nazir for seeking more holiness in his life, emulating the Kohanim

and even going further. Rabbi Elazar HaKapar, on the other hand, argues that the nazir sins when he deprives himself of wine, and understands the chatat (sin-offering) that he brings as atonement for that sin. What is behind this debate?

Rabbi Elazar, arguing that the nazir is holy, believes that in striving to reach a higher level of holiness, taking on elements of kehunah, even temporarily, is spiritually valuable. We may not be able to be kohanim gedolim, but perhaps experiencing that for a month will help us adjust our priorities more to the spiritual than to the mundane matters which so often consume our time and resources.

Perhaps the growing of one’s hair is a way of cutting off from the physical, expressing that it doesn’t matter what others think when they look at us, and focusing our attention inward. If we could keep it forever, we would, but we do need to go back to regular life, hopefully inspired by the experience.

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Rabbi Elazar HaKapar says absolutely not – extremes are something we can tolerate as a temporary outlet, but that is not the ideal at all. While the Torah recognizes that instinct and creates a place for it, by requiring a sin-offering the Torah communicates that this is not the way things ought to be. Use that time to straighten out your priorities, says the Torah, but truly the ideal is not to need that extreme state; rather, we should live in the world and serve Hashem while still connected to our families and to the physical world.

Which approach should we follow?

Perhaps the end of the parsha can offer an answer. The Torah dedicates many verses to describing the offering that each tribe’s Nasi (prince) brought to the mishkan. But they are all the same! Why not describe the first one and then say that each Nasi brought the same as the one before?

Perhaps the Torah is hinting that the real ideal is to find personal meaning in our

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everyday life of mitzvot, even when we are doing the same service as the person next to us. While it is natural to seek change and novelty, the ideal is to find the newness from within. We can look at our tefilah anew every day even as we say the same words, focusing on what is needed today in our families, our communities, and the world. We observe Shabbat each week, and each time appreciate the spiritual nature of the day in a different way. Chessed can be novel as we look for new opportunities to reach out to those in need, emotionally or physically. Finding personal inspiration even as we observe the same mitzvot is the challenge and opportunity of a Torah lifestyle.

Rabbanit Sally Mayer serves as Rosh Midrasha at Ohr Torah Stone’s Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem. She is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).

21 MAY 2021

Naso

Sidra Summary

“May G-d bless you and safeguard you. May G-d illuminate His countenance for you and be gracious to you. May G-d lift His countenance to you and grant you peace” (Bemidbar 6:24-26)

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 5:1-10

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEMIDBAR 4:21-37

Last week’s sidrah concluded with the detailing of the particular role of the descendants of Kehat, one of Levi’s three sons, in taking down, transporting and re-assembling parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Torah now details the same for the descendants of Levi’s other two sons, Gershon and Merari. A census is taken of each of these three families, counting men aged 30 to 50. The family of Kehat numbers 2,750.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 4:38-49

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The family of Gershon numbers 2,630. The family of Merari numbers 3,200.

offering not have oil poured on it or frankincense put over it? (see Rashi to 5:15)

The narrative switches back to the day that the Mishkan (Tabernacle) began to function (Rosh Chodesh Nissan), as first discussed in parashat Shemini (Rashi).

God tells Moshe to instruct the people to maintain the spiritual purity of the main camp, in which the Mishkan was situated, by sending away anyone who is ritually impure. The nation complies.

A person who steals and then takes an oath denying the crime, before eventually admitting to the theft, must bring an offering and add a fifth to the amount stolen when paying back the victim.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 5:11-6:27

A married woman who secludes herself in a suspicious fashion with another man, and is warned by her husband not to seclude herself again but ignores the warning, is known as a Sotah. She brings a barley offering to the Temple, where a Kohen gives her water to drink. This miraculously proves her innocence or guilt.

If she is guilty, the waters cause her (and the adulterer) to die. If she is innocent, the water will cause her to become more fertile than before (Rashi).

Point to Consider: Why does the Sotah’s

A person can decide to take a vow to become a Nazir and abstain from wine and other produce of the vine.

A Nazir is also prohibited from having a haircut and from coming into contact with a dead person, including a close relative.

The Torah details the procedure if a Nazir mistakenly comes into contact with a dead person in the middle of the Nazarite term.

At the end of the Nazarite term (whose length can vary), the Nazir shaves his hair, brings unleavened bread offerings and three animal offerings. Aharon and his sons are commanded to bless the nation with the priestly blessing (birkat kohanim).

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 7:1-41

On Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the leaders of all of the tribes bring gifts of six wagons and twelve oxen to help the Levi’im transport the Mishkan. These leaders also take turns to bring voluntary offerings, which are sacrificed on the first 12 days of the Mishkan’s functioning. The leader of the tribe of Yehuda gives a silver bowl and a silver basin filled with fine flour and oil for a meal offering; a gold ladle filled with incense; a bull, a ram and a sheep

as elevation offerings (olah); a goat as a sin offering (chatat) and two cattle, five rams, five goats and five sheep as peace offerings (shelamim). The Torah lists the identical offerings of the other 11 leaders, starting with Yisachar, Zevulun, Reuven and Shimon.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 7:42-71

The offerings of the leaders of Gad, Ephraim, Menashe, Binyamin and Dan are listed.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 7:72-89

The offerings of the leaders of Asher and Naftali are detailed. The total value of all the items offered is given at the end of the sidrah.

HAFTARAH

An angel of G-d appears to the wife of Manoach and tells her that she will bear a son who will be a Nazir and will help save Israel from the Pelishtim (Philistines). She names him Shimshon (Samson).

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A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

Donning the Crown of Torah RABBI GOODMAN Since Divine logic and human logic rarely, if ever, see eye to eye, a Dvar Torah not only serves as a transmission of Torah, but also as a means of measuring one’s connection to the spiritual world. If a Dvar Torah fails to jolt you in some way, there is a good chance you have failed to grasp its significance (assuming, of course, that the Dvar Torah is indeed authentic.)

Consider, for example, an insight of the Kli Yakar (1550-1619) into this week’s Parsha. The Midrash calls attention to Hashem’s instruction to Moshe to count the Bnei Kehas- the descendants of Kehasbefore counting the Bnei Gershon- the descendants of Gershon. The first-born always takes precedence over the younger siblings, and since Gershon was the first-born, his descendants should have been counted first. The Midrash answers that since the Bnei Kehas bore the sacred responsibility of carrying the Aron HaKodesh- the holy ark- Hashem, in honor of the Aron HaKodesh, instructed Moshe to count them first.

Dissatisfied with the Midrash’s explanation, the Kli Yakar asks, if the first-born always take precedence, why did Hashem

not appoint the Bnei Gershon to carry the Aron HaKodesh instead of the Bnei Kehas?

The Kli Yakar answers that had the Bnei Gershon carried the Aron HaKodesh, any subsequent preferential treatment they would have received as a result would have been attributed to Gershon’s first-born status, and not to the fact that they were carrying the Aron HaKodesh. This, in turn, would have undermined Hashem’s intended message He wished to convey, namely, the importance of learning Torah and the honor its bearers deserve.

The Kli Yakar then continues to expound upon the uniqueness of the Keser Torahthe crown of Torah. He says that unlike the Keser Malchus and Keser Kehunah- the crowns of kingship and priesthood- the Keser Torah is not a hereditary title. Donning the crown of Torah, namely, devoting oneself to the study of Torah, either by learning it or enabling it to be learned, is the

right of every Jewish person, regardless of their ancestry, upbringing, and social status.

Now, has the Kli Yakar’s insight into the Keser Torah- namely its accessibility to alljolted you? Has the realization that Torah learning is your birthright stirred you? You might consider it a “nice idea” or even an “important lesson,” but not a mind-blowing, earth-shattering, revelation of mega proportions.

However, it is precisely that. The Kli Yakar’s insight into the Keser Torah is a mind-blowing, earth-shattering, revelation of mega proportions. The problem, however, is that we cannot feel it. Sadly, our unremitting exposure to the physical world desensitizes our hearts to the spiritual realm. Although they are fundamental components of our existence, Hashem, our Neshama, and the World to Come are far from our practical, day-to-day experience.

As our lifeline to eternity, the Torah is

Sadly, our unremitting exposure to the physical world desensitizes our hearts to the spiritual realm.

priceless, and in His infinite kindness, Hashem has granted every single one of us the opportunity to don its everlasting crown. May Hashem help us internalize these truths, and in turn revamp our commitment to learning Torah, so that the sweetness and joy of Torah fill the year ahead.

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

He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat We discussed the three mistakes that a benefactor sometimes makes. The opposite approach is to recognise that one is to earn money in a “Kosher” way, support those who are dependent on the benefactor and not demand their gratitude.

In the world we live in there are those who strive to earn wealth for the simple reason that they think this will bring them fame and prestige. They therefore never stop trying to earn more money, because (they imagine) the wealthier they will be the more respect they will get. These efforts stem from a lack of recognition of what brings about true honour in this world and in the next world.

Oftentimes, the respect accorded to the wealthy is merely a means of benefitting from their wealth.

Which leads the author to explain how flattery towards rich people itself is a mistake. A person who realises that it is not the wealthy who decide who shall benefit from their wealth; G-d has already decided who should be a recipient of the money. If people would only realise that their time

would be better spent engaging in the service of G-d and applying the correct means of earning money, they would not spend so much time considering how best to befriend the wealthy simply for the sake of gaining from their wealth.

Sometimes people attain wealth from one source or another and they think, “Oh how lucky I am that my efforts led me to this wealth. Imagine I had not worked until midnight – how would I have had the money to cover that bill!”. This is comparable to one who is walking in a desert with a parched mouth and comes across bitter water, so, with no choice, drinks it and is relieved.

Two minutes later they come across a fresh spring of water and are then full of regret for quenching their thirst with the bitter water. Excessive effort to earn a living may be compared to bitter water. If a person would truly trust Hashem, they would appreciate that He can bring about their livelihood without their extreme efforts (which often come at the cost of other more worthy endeavours).

The next stringent category of Muktzah is known as “Muktzah Machamat Gufo”.

This means an item which is not a utensil, nor do they serve as food for humans or animals.

Common examples of these are a stone or grain of sand. Peels, pips and bones of foods which are not edible or even if they were suitable for an animal, but there are no animals in the immediate vicinity, are all examples of this severe category of Muktzah. However, if one finds such items in one’s mouth, they can be removed and placed on a plate.

If there are food remains on the bones or peels of the food item, even if one does not personally intend on eating them, they are not Muktzah. Food which has become spoiled and is not suitable for human or animal consumption, is Muktzah and may not be moved.

Certain types of food peels or bones are at times suitable for consumption, in which case they do not become Muktzah, even if one has discarded them on

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Shabbat. If, however, they were thrown away prior to the onset of Shabbat they remain Muktzah and may not be moved.

On the other hand, if one threw out a perfectly edible food item – even if they do so prior to the onset of Shabbat, they do not become Muktzah.

Chametz on Pesach is Muktzah. Foods which are forbidden for general consumption such as Terumah and the part of dough separated as “Challah” are Muktzah. Similarly food which is forbidden to eat on Shabbat but will be permissible immediately after Shabbat, for example, an egg laid on Shabbat or fruit which falls from a tree on Shabbat (or may have fallen from a tree on Shabbat), or which were plucked by a non-Jew on Shabbat, are all Muktzah even though they eventually will be permissible to eat.

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Naso

Naso Word Search

Parshat Naso is the longest Sidra of the Torah. It begins with the instructions and jobs given to the family of Gershon in the tribe of Levi in terms of the transportation of the Mishkan. We also learn of the special Mitzvah of one who decides to become a Nazir. This person – man or woman – must ensure to not drink any wine or grape product nor can they go near someone who has departed from the world. At the end of their time as a Nazir, they bring a Korban to Hashem, for in some ways, staying away from permissible pleasure is not always a good thing to do.

The Parsha ends with the Korbanot, the offerings which the princes of the tribes brought in honour of the induction of the Mishkan. One prince of a tribe did not manage to bring an offering, but, in the coming week, we are taught about the special replacement and consolation the Hashem offered to Aaron, the Kohen Gadol, the prince of the tribe of Levi.

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BLESSING • COUNT • NAZIR • NISSAN • OATH • PURITY • SHAVE • SOTAH

Tangram Challenge!

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

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‫יע ת ִּת ְש ְׁמ ֶט נָ ה‬ ִ ‫וְ ַה ְש ִׁב‬

Can you survive a year with zero income?

The farmer can’t. By abandoning his livelihood, he gives up his means for survival. He can’t afford the lease on his land. He can’t pay the grocery bills.

He can’t support his family. Without our help, he won’t make it through the year.

They go above their nature.

Let’s give above ours.

Partner with a farmer today: Partner with a farmer today: Keren Hashviis UK | 0333-800-6868 888.675.6694 | kerenhashviis.org office@kerenhashviis.org.uk partners@kerenhashviis.org

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Naso

In a nutshell This week we read the longest Sidra of the Torah – with 176 Pesukim there is plenty to learn!

The sidra opens with the continuation of the counting of the tribe of Levi and discusses what the role of the families of Gershon and Merari will be in transporting the Mishkan. Gershon’s family carried the curtains and coverings whereas Merari carried the beams and pillars.

The totals for the families are: Kehat: 2750, Gershon 2630 and Merari 3200.

The Mishkan was now ready and therefore certain types of impurity was not allowed in the camp. Therefore, people like a Metzorah were sent out of the camp until they became pure once again. The Torah also details the laws of a person who stole from a convert. If the convert died without anyone to inherit them, then the money would need to be returned to the Kohanim. Added to this a person needed to confess their sin, from which we learn the concept of “Vidui” which we are familiar with from Yom Kippur.

A woman who is not loyal to her husband would be punished in the Beit Hamikdash. The public ceremony taught all those who saw it, how important it is to not behave irresponsibly. This type of behaviour would often come as a result of consuming wine. This leads on to the next Parsha – that of the Nazir – a person, male or female, who commits to not drinking wine and living an elevated life – for a minimum of thirty days. They may not cut their hair as well, nor may they become ritually impure by touching the dead. At the end of the period of being a Nazir, he or she must bring special Korbanot to the Beit Hamikdash. In some ways, restricting oneself from permissible pleasures is sometimes frowned upon.

The Sidra then continues with the blessings given by the Kohanim. Today, we only hear these from the Kohanim on Yom Tov (in most communities) but in Eretz Yisrael it is a part of the daily service. (Many parents bless their children with these verses each Friday night too.)

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“Yevarechecha Hashem Veyishmerecha – May

Word Wheel

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.

Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

Hashem bless you and protect you.

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Ya’er Hashem Panav Elecha Vechuneka” – My Hashem shine His face to you and grant you favor.

3. Yisa Hashem Panav Elecha Ve’yasem lecha Shalom – May Hashem favour you and give you peace”.

All blessings in the world are worth pretty much nothing unless they are accompanied by peace. We pray for peace in Israel and around the world.

The final part of the Sidra discusses the inauguration gifts brought by the Prinjces of the tribes. Each day, another Prince (called a “Nassi”) would bring a unique offering – unique in intention but identical to their fellow princes of other tribes. All tribes besides one brought up a gift. Aaron the Kohen did not, and he felt very left out. No worries, though, Hashem granted him a special replacement for this and, for generations to come, Aharon and his descendants would light the Menorah in the Mishkan or Beit Hamikdash, reminding the world that the Divine Presence rests among the chosen nation!

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! its sat sea set sis sit

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sits sues suet suit teas ties

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casuists sauciest suitcase suitcases

21 MAY 2021

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Q. What is the oldest tree?

A: The Elder!

Q: Why did the can crusher quit his job?

A: Because it was soda pressing.

Q: Can February march?

A: No, but April may.

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. If you drop a yellow hat in the Red Sea, what does it become?

3. What is the difference between the North Pole and the South Pole?

Q. How much room is needed for fungi to grow?

A. As mushroom as possible!

2. Sarah is outside a shop.

She can’t read the signs but she knows she needs to go in to make a purchase.

What shop is it?

3) All the difference in the world.

1. Wet

2) An optician

1. My number is up 2. Middle age spread 3. Tip of the iceberg

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4. Happy hour 5. Sunny side up 6. Seeing double

34 SPORT 38 SPORT

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Champions League spots up for grabs in Premier climax

Sixteen-goal Lions rout Scrabble in Cup

BY DAVID SAFFER

Chelsea, Liverpool and Leicester City are in contention for the final Champions League spots in the last round of Premier League fixtures on Sunday (4pm).

Champions Manchester City and runners up Manchester United have secured places.

Tuchel’s Blues, who lost to BYThomas DAVID SAFFER Leicester City the FA Cup final, bounced back to defeat scored the Foxes 2-1 atasStamford Reiss Mogilner six goals Maccabi Bridge on Tuesday night.

They Acontrol London Lions thumped Scrabble in the their Euro destiny taking on Pep second round of the before Cyril Anekstein Cup. Guardiola’s side in this season’s The Premier League side racked Champiup a 16-0 ons League finale in Portugal at theKenley end of win with Daniel Green and Michael the month. both bagging a hat-trick. Ed Brafman, DawinHassanali at AstoncompletVilla in vidShould Dinkin,Chelsea and Adam three are guaranteed ed the days rout inthey a mismatch of a tie. a third place finish.

Lions could have scored in the opening Liverpool, winning 4-0opened at Burnley minute of theafter clash but soon the last night, hold four-goal advantage over scoring and led a9-0 by half time.

Leicester and face AnThe Division OneCrystal team,Palace thoughat outfield. Leicester classed, battledhost awayTottenham to the end.Hotspur.

If Jurgen matchatthe Lions bossKlopp’s was lostside for words fullFoxes time result,was incredibly afterfrom beinghisoffteam the pace such the display who for weeks, they will again in the gave every respect to compete the opposition.

Champions League.

“I’m not really sure there’s anything to Leicester, alas, would miss out for atosecsay, we are happy to make it through the ond successive having to next round of theseason, cup,” heinstead commented. settle for the Europa But Hendon United SportsLeague ran outagain.

3-1 victors they have the huge going against League One satisfaction outfit North of London into the tournament on the back of winRaiders. ning FA Cup forled theearly firstin time their Thethe Premier side the in second history. players, half only However, for Raiders two to equalise butHamza struck Choudhury andtoWesley crittwo late goals book Fofana, a place drew in round icism forthe displaying a Palestinian flag durthree of competition. ingHendon the celebrations. now turn their attentions to the Action Discrimination hasAmade league asAgainst they travel to Oakwood for a formal the Football crucial complaints top of the to table clash onAssociaSunday tion, Leicester, the BBC, BT Sport and ITV (10am). who screened theteam match live, the in Daniel Kristall’s stunned thelatter league news bulletins. leaders last month when they won 2-0, a West would Ham, Tottenham, Everton Arvictory move them to withinand a point senal battlewith for two further Europa League of Hendon a match in hand. places.

Elsewhere in the latest round of fixtures, Antonio Rudiger andGalaxy Jorginho struck 10-man North London made it a the goals in hugeinwin for Chelsea three-way titlea race the only Division over One Leicester who updefeating a tense finish withB.a clash of the dayset after Oakwood Kelechi Iheanacho The on result not Jamie Murray sawgoal. red early butdid Galaxy diminish thegoals heartbreak of losing rallied with from Josh Cohena second and Jasuccessive Cup an final at Wembley but cob Leigh toFA record important 2-1 away showed the character in the squad. win.

Tuchel told Sky Sports,Jewish “It’s still in Aour Galaxy head Redbridge Care in hands. need huge perforthe tableWe by just oneanother point after 10 matches, mance (at Aston Villa).” third place Fairlop FC are five points beBrendan Rodgers BBC Sport, “We hind with two games told in hand. have get the points on Sunday then Rafito Bloom scored for Oakwood. see are. If we don’t get ininthea “Itwhere was awefantastic performance

Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers are chasing Champions League places

Champions League it has still been a great season.”

Liverpool eased to a win at Burnley.

Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored all-important goals after a tough season as defending Premier champions.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports, “Nothing is decided yet but we improved 16-goal Maccabi London Lions “We have to make our position.”

He added, sure we recover quickly. We have a thin squad in some We have to wrap must-win game,positions. ” commented Galaxy playthem in cotton er-manager Lukewool.

Lewis.I can’t wait for the 10,000 fansback at Anfield.”

“We sat and allowed Oakwood the Thegiven highlight other midweek games ball, the of one-man advantage and saw Brighton 2-0counter deficit against looked to hit overturn them onathe attack 10-man champions Manchester City for a with pace. superb win.came down the right-hand “Both3-2 goals Ilkay Gundogan early Joao side.

Leigh crossedstruck the first onebefore into Cohen Cancelo sent off forhome a foulhimself. on Danny to finish, was before slotting Up Welbeck.

City to first we go. ” doubled the lead with a brilliant Phil Foden Leandro The Division Twogoal titleonly raceforalso took Trossard and Adam level the a twist with league Webster leaders to Herstwood scores before DantoBurn slid home winVale going down a 2-1 defeat atthe Temple ner on 76 minutes.

Fortune.

Guardiola “Eleven Faithfold B told have BBC playedSport, a game more against against than Vale11but movedBrighton level withisa tough, 5-3 win11 at against 10 is difficult.”

North London Raiders Masters.

Manchester Unitedtwice and for Fulham shared Jacob Kalms struck Fortune who the spoils in a 1-1 drawscorer at Old Trafford. scored through leading James MilEdinson lobbed letwith hisCavani 17th goal of thehome season.from distance only for to equalise 14 The result wasJoe all Bryan the more remarkable minutes from time. as Temple were down to 11 players with West Ham have alldislocating but qualified for the ‘keeper Ben Rebuck a shoulder Europa League in the warm up. after coming from behind to“Th defeat WestaBrom 2-1 at the is was fantastic winHawthorns. given the

Thomas Soucek, Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio hit the goals to delight Hammers fans.

David Moyes’ side only have to avoid defeat against Southampton at home to ratify their place.

Villa came from a goal down to triumph 2-1 at Tottenham and potentially dash their Europa League prospects. Their fate will be sealed at Leicester.

Pre-match chat on whether sharpshooter Harry Kane is to move on in the summer was briefly forgotten when Steven Bergwijn opened the scoring early on only for a Sergio Reguilon and Ollie Watkins strike to seal the points before half time.

Tottenham caretaker boss Ryan Mason told Sky Sports, “We have to pick ourselves up and go again.” Regarding Kane, he added, “I will speak about the game all day long but not about individuals.”

Everton are in with a shout of European football after ”Richarlison noddedFortune home circumstances, said delighted the goal against Wolves at Goodison bossonly Simon Linden.

Park. have toofplay Manchester “WeBut hadthey a number players out, ReCity. buck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked Toffees boss the Carlo Ancelotti toldBen BBCa any more from players.

We wish Sport, is unpredictable but we are still speedy“It recovery. in“It thewas fight.”

He added.

“We performance, don’t have a a proper old school lot possibility I know but with90the small we of battled and defended for the minutes possibility we chances. will do our best.” and took our Experience proved scored It’s twoa stoppage timewegoals toArsenal be the winner. big win, one will to defeat Crystal and stay”in enjoy and we hopePalace to build3-1 on it in 2019. the up. marks Nicolas50Pepe, HeEuropa added,shake “This win yearswith as a afootball brace,club and and Gabriel Martinelli struck the will be one Nigel Kyte and goals. everyone associated with the club from day

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Christian Benteke levelled for Palace on the hour after Pepe had opened the scoring in the first half.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson, commenting on his final game managing his boyhood club, told BBC Sport, “From being on the terraces at the age of five and finish managing team at age of 73, it’s something of a fairytale or like Roy of the Rovers. It’s SAFFER been a privilege.” He added, PHOTO: “In DAVID a year or so I might say tonight was the standout moment. A guard of honour, people cheering you throughout and the reception at the end. Not all managers have experienced that in their life. It was a nice feeling. I’m sure that will mean more to me than the odd game or good performance I remember.”

Leeds United guaranteed a top-10 finish in their first top flight season since 2004/05 with a clinical 2-0 triumph at Southampton. Patrick Bamford bagged his 16th league goal one will enjoy. ” of the season while Tyler Roberts slotted in his first Premier goal in Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to stoppage time forfollowing a deserved wish Rebuck well hisvictory. injury.

Newcastle United’s Joe Willcock struck “First and most importantly, everyone at for sixth consecutive game to claim the Valeawould like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper spoils Sheffield United front of a quickagainst recovery, we hope to seeinhim back delighted Geordie at Stas James Park. on the football pitchfans as soon possible, ” he Manchester City will lift the Premier said. trophy fans after their clash against As forbefore the defeat, Emanuel commented, Everton in the final how fixtures.

“It doesn’t matter big a squad you Fulham Unitedfor host Newhave, you and can Sheffield never account unavailcastle Burnley respectively.

West Brom abilityand or injury.

Only five of today’s team travel Arsenal wel-a playedtoinLeeds. our recent win and overWolves FC Team, come and Manchester United. lack ofBrighton togetherness and poor individual

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

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SPORT 39

O’s join three-way Premier title race

Redbridge go close against Scrabble

BY DAVID SAFFER Oakwood have joined Maccabi London FC and HMH in the Premier Division title race.

Maccabi lead the way but only five points separate the leading sides in a fascinating three-way battle.

The O’s won a double header against Fairlop FC to move onto the tails of the top-two.

Alex Lee, James Gold and John Levy edged Oakwood to a 3-2 victory in the opening encounter before easing to 4-0 win. Levy, Sam Sutton, Ben Peppi and Brad Wine scored in the return clash.

O’s boss Lewis Blitz, commented, “We were hanging on in the first game but managed to grind out a result. Fairlop came into the second game with impetus, but our determination was top notch.”

Faithfold White led Maccabi at half time with a Yoav Kestenbaum goal before Max Kyte’s side eased to a 5-1 win. Kyte, Charlie Dryer, Charlie Kasler, Rafi Rees and Adam Arnold scored the goals.

“We couldn’t put our opportunities away in the first half but in the second half were more clinical,” noted Kyte. “Once the first went in, our nerves settled.”

Oscar Wagner bagged a brace as HMH overturned a 2-1 half time deficit to win 4-2 against the defending champions. Jake Norton and Adam Abadi also scored in an important win.

Reiss Mogilner, Billy Lee and Ollie Shields struck second half goals as Jewdinese defeated North London Galaxy 3-1.

‘Nese boss Darren Lawrence commented, “After a poor first half, brilliant goals saw us cruise to victory.”

The Division One title race is also a tight affair with five teams in the mix. Six points

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

separate Club de Chigwell and fifth-place Borussia Barnet.

Pacesetters CdC edged past Mill Hill Dons 2-1 with a Stanley Offord brace late on. CdC’s Joshua Dobias boss commented, “The result is all that matters, credit to the boys who dug deep to get the win.”

Jonny May scored for Dons as his side went toe to toe with the top of the table side. “Conceding at the death was a real blow, it was not what we deserved after the way we had performed,” noted Dons manager Brandon Hamme.

London Bears are two points adrift of top spot after defeating Faithfold Green 2-1 courtesy of a Zacki Doumou double including a last minute penalty.

“It could have been at 5-1, we had chance after chance and had to score eventually,” said player boss James Harpin.

Hertswood Vale overcame Borussia Barnet by the same score to remain in third place, FC Team consolidated fourth with a 9-2 rout against Paris Saint Jewmain.

Louis Relevy, Joey Bleetman scored PSJ’s consolation goals.

PSJ’s Elio Elia commented, “The team didn’t turn up at all. Had our second half performance been from the start it might have been a more even affair. We let ourselves down, it was a big reality check for some of the boys.”

Brook Farm Rovers won a double header against Temple Fortune.

Josh Silverman, Joe Gourgey and Adam Ellis secured a 3-2 Rovers win in the first match. Gourgey, Dan Cohen and Sam Georgevic then sealed a 3-1 triumph with late goals.

Fortune boss Michael Goldberg felt Rovers deserved the first win but the second clash was closer as Fortune led, then missed a penalty, before conceding with

Redbridge pressure Scrabble from a corner

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

Scrabble and Redbridge battle for the ball

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

the last kick of the first half. Fortune then hit a post, missed an open goal then conceded two late goals.

Division Two leaders Stoke Salmon stay top after a 2-1 victory against Straw Hat Pirates.

The visitors led at the break before Stoke turned the game around with goals from Nick Barnett and Harry Goldsmith for the win.

Ollie Miracco bagged a hat-trick as NWL Azzurri returned to form with a 5-0 win at FC East London Bees. Ben Rosen and Ben Feldman completed the win.

“Incredible team performance and fantastic bounce back after last week’s disappointment versus Hampstead Ducks. The lads showed real spirit, determination and passion to prove their quality,” said Azzuri

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manager Spencer Saffer.

Redbridge Jewish Care took the points from a trip to Scrabble.

Gifting the hosts an early goal, RJC then dominated. Sam Cormack, with a brace, and Jimmy Castle scored the goals. “It was a much-needed win,” noted David Castle.

“Ben Nathan ran the second half, Scrabble couldn’t deal with us going forward.”

Hampstead eased to a 3-0 win over West Hendon Wallabies after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the last double header fixture of the weekend.

Ducks boss Jacob Summerfield, said, “We dominated the second game. The boys deserved four points.” Hendon’s Gad Harari noted, “The second game we struggled defensively but I’m proud of the shift the boys put in.”

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