42 minute read
News
Three arrested after Italian cable car tragedy
BY DAVID SAFFER
Three people face manslaughter and negligence charges following the Italian Alps cable car disaster in Stresa that killed 14 people including five Israelis last Sunday.
Only five-year-old Eitan Biran survived the terrifying crash. Doctors at Turin’s Regina Margherita hospital are easing him from an induced coma.
Tragically, Eitan’s parents, Amit, 30, Tal, 26, and two-year-old brother Tom, and Tal’s grandparents, Yitzhak, 81, and Barbara Cohen, 71, did not survive. Amit’s sister Aya is by Eitan’s bedside.
The deadly crash is being investigated and cost the lives of four other couples and a five-year-old child.
The victims were on a Stresa-Mottarone cable car from Lido di Stresa piazza on Lake Maggiore to the Mottarone mountain in the Piedmont region when a cable snapped approaching the mountain top. The cabin fell around 20m to the ground, rolled down slopes before crashing into trees.
Italy’s alpine rescue service responded with no direct road access in difficult conditions.
News outlets identified the suspects as the cable car service owner, a company director and chief of operations.
Verbania province public prosecutor Olimpia Bossi, according to AFP, told a press conference the brake was tampered with in a “conscious act” and intimated the cabin was unsafe before the tragedy to avoid service disruption. Bossi added the suspects did not expect the cable to malfunction.
There are reports a clamp was put on the brake a few weeks ago as a temporary fix but was in place when the horrific crash occurred. A “radical” repair would have probably shut the service. According to Bossi, the stop-gap measure was in “full knowledge” of company owners.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis called for prayers for Eitan after the tragedy.
There are reports Eitan is breathing unassisted. And a MIR shows no brain or spinal cord damage but there were fractures sustained in the fatal crash. Doctors described a “most delicate phase” in a brief update yesterday in Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper.
According to La Stampa, it is thought Eitan’s father was holding his elder son to reduce the impact of the crash, which probably saved his life.
The Israeli Embassy in Rome has assisted in returning the bodies to Israel today.
Tal’s father and brother immediately flew to Italy. A rabbinical service was held at Castelli Hospital in Verbania near the crash site before the bodies were flown to Israel.
Israeli diplomat, Eitan Avraham, told reporters he accompanied the family at the hospital. “I couldn’t leave them alone,” he reportedly said. “I went in, I cried, we broke down. It was very difficult.”
The cable car had reportedly operated without incident since late April when Italy came out of lockdown, and reports noted it had performed runs the morning of the accident. But at the end of a 20-minute journey, 1,491 meters above sea level, tragedy struck.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi described the crash as a “tragic accident”. “I express the condolences of the whole government to the families of the victims,” he said in a statement.
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella expressed condolences to the families and communities in mourning “from the whole of Italy”.
Infrastructure Minister Enrico Giovannini announced an inquiry into the incident. “We are devastated, in pain,” Marcella Severino, Stresa’s mayor told broadcaster RAI.
Rabbi Shmuel Chizkiya, of the local Chabad confirmed to Reshet Bet that Amit was studying medicine and worked at the school, community centre and synagogue.
“Everyone loved him, he always had a smile on his face,” he reportedly said. “It’s a terrible tragedy. Everyone is in shock.”
Aya Biran, Amit’s sister, who lives in Italy, told Italian media she found out about the tragedy on Whatsapp. Amit and Tal lived in Pavia in northern Italy.
The cable car service, which carries 40 passengers, opened in 1970.
Maintenance work reportedly took place between 2014 and 2016 when the service was shut.
Amit Biran, z’l, Tal Peleg-Biran, z’l, Tom Biran, z’l, and Eitan Biran
PHOTO: COURTESY
Your 1% can help end Jewish poverty
A little from a lot of people can make unimaginable changes.
Leaving World Jewish Relief a gift in your Will of just 1% of your estate could end Jewish poverty and bring hope to the world’s poorest Jews. To find out how or for more information on leaving a gift in your Will please contact Richard Budden on 020 8736 1250 or go to worldjewishrelief.org/will
The Jewish Weekly www.thejewishweekly.com
office@thejewishweekly.com editorial@thejewishweekly.com letters@thejewishweekly.com advertising@thejewishweekly.com London tel. 0203 906 8488
Manchester tel. 0161 804 1321 WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK
02 News 14 Opinion 19 Letters 20 Obituary 22 Bridge 24 Community 28 Features 32 Cookery 34 Travel 36 Judaism 42 Kids 44 Youth 46 Sport
DISTRIBUTED IN: UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON, MANCHESTER, LEEDS, BOURNEMOUTH, GATESHEAD, BIRMINGHAM, LIVERPOOL BELGIUM: ANTWERP
will always reserve the right to defend itself against a regime committed to our destruction, committed to getting the weapons of mass destruction for that end.”
Netanyahu called for an expansion to normalisation between Israel and the Arab and the Muslim world to deepen peace treaties in place.
Netanyahu and Blinken also discussed humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including the return of MIAs and civilians and building economic growth for Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) with international cooperation.
As to a “formal peace” with the Palestinians, Netanyahu noted, “I think President Biden was absolutely correct when he said you’re not going to get peace until Israel is recognised as an independent Jewish state, and that is the key”. He concluded, “Thank you and the president for your strong statements against antisemitism masquerading as anti-Zionism, but it’s antisemitism. You took a bold position, a clear position, and we appreciate it. I think all decent people everywhere appreciate that stance.”
Blinken confirmed the Biden administration supported Israel’s right to defend itself against rockets fired from Gaza but there were challenges starting with the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The US, Blinken added, was consulting with Israel about a return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal despite Netanyahu’s reservations.
Blinken held discussions with Defence Minister Benny Gantz, President Reuven Rivlin before meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and visiting Egypt and Jordan.
Prior to Blinken’s arrival, Netanyahu stressed at a Mossad ceremony that Israel would not allow the US to stand in the way of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He reportedly said, “With or without an agreement, we will do everything to prevent Iran from arming itself with a nuclear weapon because that affects our very existence.”
Blinken was greeted by Foreign Minister Gaby Ashkenazi and Israel’s Ambassador to the US Gilad Erdan on his arrival.
Following the ceasefire last Thursday, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, calm has returned to the region but Israel is on high alert after 11 days fighting saw 243 Palestinians killed and 1,600 injured, and 13 people in Israel with 350 people reportedly injured.
Netanyahu hailed the success of ‘Operation Guardian of the Walls’ after some 4,400 rockets had been fired at Israeli cities from the Gaza Strip. The Iron Dome defence system intercepted 90% of rockets.
According to Bicom, the IDF stated it had destroyed 230 ground-to-ground rocket launchers and 70 multi-barrelled rocket launches and struck a “serious blow” to
Hamas and PIJ’s rocket production capabilities. The IDF also destroyed dozens of facilities used by Hamas’s military wing in its day-to-day running of the Gaza Strip. This included 10 government offices, 11 interior ministry branches and five banks, “which managed terrorist money,” the IDF said.
The IDF killed a number of senior Hamas and PIJ commanders, they had also stopped underground raids, destroyed dozens of anti-tank guided missile teams and intercepted drone and naval attacks.
“Israel didn’t initiate this conflict,” Netanyahu noted. “We were attacked in an unprovoked manner by the Hamas terrorist organisation that fired four thousand rockets into our capital and into our cities. No country will sit aside when it’s attacked in such a criminal fashion. Israel is no different.
“But we did do something different. We were fighting terrorists who are hiding among civilians in one of the most densely populated places on earth. They were firing rockets on our civilians while using their civilians as human shields. We did everything in our power to prevent civilian casualties, unnecessary casualties of non-combatants, while trying to attack the combatants who are trying to murder our citizens. We regret every loss of life, but I can tell you categorically, there is no army in the world that acts in a more moral fashion than the army of Israel.”
Israel’s leader added, “We achieved our
goals”, he concluded, “The public doesn’t know everything” about Israel’s gains in the operation “and neither does Hamas.”
Netanyahu warned Hamas terrorists against more attacks on Israel. “If Hamas thinks we will tolerate a drizzle of rockets, it is wrong,” he noted.
Defence Minister Benny Gantz, commented, “The military action is over. Now is the time for political action.” Gantz also warned Hamas about breaching the ceasefire.
The United Arab Emirates offered to help maintain the cessation in violence. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan made the comments to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The United Nations Security Council called for “ full adherence” to the ceasefire and stressed humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded by stating it was “very unfortunate” the Security Council “ignored” the launching of over 4,000 rockets at Israeli civilians from populated areas in Gaza.
“If we come out of this operation with an extended period of peace and quiet, that’s good for Israel’s civilians and that’s good for Palestinians in Gaza too,” Mark Regev, senior adviser to Netanyahu reportedly said.
Israel’s security cabinet backed the truce following a three-hour debate. But a number of Israeli politicians criticised the move.
New Hope Party Gideon Saar warned it would “seriously harm Israeli deterrence” against Hamas and militant groups. Saar added that with the best intelligence and air force in the world, Netanyahu got from Hamas a “ceasefire with no conditions’”.
Avigdor Lieberman, Yisrael Beytenu Party, told Israeli media Netanyahu “nurtured Hamas and enabled it to get to where it is today”. Opposition leader Yair Lapid tweeted that the military succeeded in its tasks but the government had failed.
Globally there was relief and praise for the ceasefire from leaders.
Biden noted, “I believe the Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and to enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted, “All sides must work to make the ceasefire durable,” adding, “The UK continues to support efforts to bring about peace.”
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder mourned the loss of Jews and Arabs but stood resolutely by Israel and appreciated world leaders recognising Israel’s right to defend itself.
Lauder condemned antisemitic attacks in the wake of the conflict, anti-Israel demonstrators targeting synagogues and Jewish community centres, and blaming Jews globally for the violence. Lauder also called on governments and authorities to protect Jewish communities and institutions.
He also appealed to social media organisations to erase posts promoting violence against Jews.
Jewish composer and shul choir win award
Composer Benjamin Till and New West End Synagogue’s resident choir Mosaic Voices have scooped the UK’s prestigious broadcast awards for religious content.
The Sandford St Martin Trustees accolade is for Psalm 23, Mizmor L’David, a musical video composed, directed and performed by Till during the first lockdown last year.
The piece, supported by the United Synagogue and West End shul, involved hundreds of people from US communities submitting images of life during lockdown.
Images were woven into a musical film documenting the experience of Britain’s Jewish community.
The jury were moved by the music video both on the beauty of the music and eloquence of the presentation. The jury noted, “We were inspired and imagine that the many members of the communities you involved in the project must have felt inspired, fortified and uplifted too.”
The awards recognise the best UK broadcasting exploring religion, ethics or spirituality. Recent winners include Joan Bakewell, Stormzy and Neil MacGregor. Comic Matt Lucas will present the award next month. The event, normally held at Lambeth Palace, will take place online.
Till, a BAFTA-nominated Composer-in-Residence of Mosaic Voices, is working on a new arrangement for inclusion on the group’s new album due out early 2022.
“It was a genuine honour to make this film,” he said. “The early days of the pandemic were extremely frightening for the Jewish community.”
Rabbi Dr Moshe Freedman of New West End suggested Till compose the Psalm 23 setting as the words may prove comforting to those grieving, lonely or confused.
“I was particularly moved by the photographic responses from the community, a wonderful blend of wit and poignance which really summed up the perplexing and otherworldly experience of that first lockdown,” Till added.
Richard Verber, US, said the choir found novel ways to bring joy to the community.
Rabbi replaces vandalised mezuzot
BY SIMCHA ABIR
Rabbi Alex Chapper of Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue has replaced mezuzot vandalised on the homes of two families in racially motivated crimes last week.
One household’s scroll and mezuzah casing were destroyed, another household’s mezuzah was reported missing.
Martine Stone has been “heartened” by support of the Jewish community and thanked Rabbi Chapper for his incredible “pastoral support” despite not knowing her neighbour nor herself.
Rabbi Alex Chapper reportedly said, “Having seen how distressed the families were when their mezuzot were vandalised, I was delighted to be able to provide them with a replacement and put it up for them.”
Secretary of State Oliver Dowden blasted the “malicious vandalism” and described the racially-motivated crimes as “vile”.
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences. Police confirmed the men have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The two homes are the sole Jewish families in the section of the road.
Hertsmere Police attempted to reassure the neighbourhood. “We will not tolerate antisemitism,” they noted in a statement. “We have currently got extra patrols in place across Hertsmere, please don’t be afraid to approach us with any concerns when you see us out and about.”
The hate crimes came within 24 hours of antisemitic incidents in central London in the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict. One mezuzah was ripped from the doorframe, the other was “maliciously” removed and the parchment trodden into the ground.
Dowden, local Hertsmere MP, is aware how vulnerable Jewish residents feel and has called for “robust action” to be taken.
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.”
Rabbi Alex Chapper replaces a vandalised mezuzah in Borehamwood
European Beth Din aligns with Israeli Chief Rabbinate
BY SIMCHA ABIR
it is not uncommon for people either to The European Beth Din make Aliyah or to (EBD) has enlarged its move from Israel to rabbinical court in rec- Europe. It is therefore ognition of the Israeli extremely important Chief Rabbinate. that our communities
The EBD is an affili- recognise each other ate of the Conference to make halachic proof European Rabbis cesses as straight for(CER) and will provide ward as possible. We service to European have worked with the countries without a ju- Israeli Chief Rabbinate ridical structure. for many years, and we
The decision is sig- are sure that this alignnificant for Gerut (con- Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu ment will make the versions) and Gittin processes even easier.” (divorce) as it ends the need for a long CER Dayanim include Dayan Raphael recognition and certification procedure, Evers (Germany), Dayan Menachem Gelparticularly difficult for immigrants, who ley (UK), Dayan Yaakov Hotoveli (Austria), change a place of residence. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt (Russia),
Following a virtual meeting of the CER Dayan Moshe Lebel (Russia), Dayan ReuStanding Committee, the decision was en- ven Ohana (France), Dayan Yehia Teboul dorsed by leading Rabbis across Europe. (France) and Dayan Eliezer Wolff (The Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu (UK) heads up Netherlands). the EBD. The EBD is based in Basel, Switzerland,
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, CER serving communities across Europe. president, said, “This is the Jewish vari- Established over 15 years ago, the Euant of ‘The Hague Convention’. We are all ropean Beth Din was an initiative of Chief aware that Europe’s Jewish communities Rabbi Lord Jakobovits whilst president of have a close relationship with Israel, and the Conference of European Rabbis.
Bibi slams Iran in solidarity Euro meetings
Benjamin Netanyahu
PHOTO: SHUTTRSTOCK
BY ADAM MOSES
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass, Czech Republic’s Jakub Kulhanek and Slovakia’s Ivan Korcok in a series of solidarity meetings at the Kirya in Tel Aviv.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi set up the high-profile diplomatic talks that took place hours before Israel agreed to a ceasefire following 11 days retaliatory airstrikes against Hamas.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias had already visited Israel, more foreign dignitaries are expected this week including US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Netanyahu held “productive” talks with Maas and showed him an Iranian UAV downed in the Beit Shean area.
Netanyahu thanked Mass on behalf of the government and Israeli people for Germany’s “unwavering position” of support for Israel’s right of self-defense. And he pulled no punches in who to blame for the barrage of 4,000 plus rockets aimed at Israeli citizens.
“While we’re fighting on various fronts, the true backer of much of this aggression is Iran,” Netanyahu said. “Iran not only supports completely the Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and gives them all the finance, they also give weapons to Hamas as well as to Hezbollah and they provide the scaffolding on which these organizations really work.”
Netanyahu added that during hostilities, Iran sent an armed drone from Iraq or from Syria.
“Iranian forces launched an armed drone, which our forces intercepted on the border between Israel and Jordan,” he explained. “That I think says everything on the true patron of terror in the Middle East and in the world, Iran.”
Maas told Netanyahu that he had come to express “Germany’s full solidarity” with Israel.
“Germany condemns the aggression of Hamas, which is responsible for the escalation, and that Israel had the right to defend itself,” he noted.
Netanyahu went on to meet Kulhanek and Korcok.
Showing both the UAV, he commented, “The support for Hamas and Islamic Jihad comes from Iran. If you take away Iranian support, both of them would collapse in two weeks. Iran not only supports these various terrorist proxies, it actually engages itself in armed attacks against Israel. And here’s proof.”
At the start of his meeting with Kulhanek, Netanyahu said, “We have no better friends in Europe and we appreciate the support, the expression of support, the flying of the Israeli flag over a government building, positions that are expressed by both President Zeman and Prime Minister Babis and so many of the Czech people. We’re very, very grateful.”
Netanyahu noted the special solidarity between the Czech and Jewish people at historic crossroads.
At his meeting with Korcok, Netanyahu welcomed the solidarity expressed by the Slovak government.
Korcok, in turn, told Netanyahu that Israel had no choice but to defend its citizens against Hamas.
Returning to the downed Iranian drone, Netanyahu concluded, “There is a patron of all this terrorism that supports Hamas, supports Islamic Jihad in Gaza, supports Hezbollah and seeks to attack Israel. And that is Iran.”
“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.”
National Security Council head Meir Ben Shabbat, German Ambassador to Israel D. Susanne Wasum-Rainer and Israeli Ambassador to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff attended the meetings.
Chabad-Lubavitch “rise above” antisemitism
BY SIMCHA ABIR
Chabad-Lubavitch Utah has refused to be cowed by antisemitism.
Police are investigating a swastika etched into the front door window at the Chabad Community Center Synagogue in Sugarhouse earlier this month.
Rabbi Avremi Zippel, program director, at the synagogue, posted photos of the hate graffiti to his Twitter and Instagram accounts, noting, “We will not cower in fear.”
“As much as we’d like to believe this shouldn’t be happening in 2021, it’s become a very natural part of our discourse,” Zippel wrote.
“A swastika is not a political statement,” he added. “A swastika is an image of hate. A swastika represents one thing and one thing only and that is death to the Jews. Swastikas in 2021 are not something we expect to deal with.”
Noting the swastika symbol was “hateful, despicable and cowardly in every sense of the words”, Rabbi Zippel added that the congregation would be okay but were “shaken up”.
“We will rise above hatred,” continued Rabbi Zippel. “We will never give it the space and the attention that it demands and that it wants. We will live to fight another day and bring light to a world that so much needs it.”
Police are viewing video footage of the crime which took place in the early hours of a morning.
The incident came in the midst of Israel retaliating to Hamas bombarding border communities prior to a ceasefire coming into force brokered by Egypt.
“We realise that we’re in a time of raised global tensions and there’s a lot of passionate opinions on both sides and the Israeli-Palestinian issue is a very, very complex one and we understand that being in the Jewish community,” Rabbi Zippel reportedly noted.
Chabad’s local leader confirmed his congregation are to replace the glass. Until that point, he has called for an artist to change the swastika into a symbol of peace.
Zippel, meanwhile, valued support from local and national leaders.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall described the vandalism an “act of hatred and intimidation”.
“I stand with Utah’s Jewish community,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson tweeted. “Hate and bigotry have no place in our community.”
Mayor of Salt Lake County, Jenny Wilson, blasted the vandalism and stood by Utah’s Jewish community. “Hate and bigotry have no place in our community,” he tweeted.
Former Presidential candidate and Utah Senator, Mitt Romney lambasted the suspects of the crime.
“Those who commit acts of vandalism against Jews or their places of worship in Salt Lake City or anywhere else only disgrace their own souls,” he said.
Romney recalled how America’s first president, George Washington, historically welcomed those seeking religious liberty who settled in Newport, Rhode Island, back in 1790.
“By extending his hand of fellowship to a Rabbi and synagogue, our first president marked the way to be taken by all Americans,” tweeted Romney.
Romney’s comment regarding Washington was a timely reminder of US Jewish history.
The clause in the US First Amendment notes, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”.
Newport’s Hebrew Congregation, Kahal Kadosh Yeshuat Israel, now the Touro Synagogue, annually reads Washington’s letter in a public ceremony.
The document came about after Moses Seixas, warden of Yeshuat Israel, wrote to Washington on behalf of the congregation in July 1790, as he was due to visit the city the following month on a goodwill tour following the adoption of the American Constitution in 1787.
Newport reportedly numbered just 500 Jews. Seixas described them as the “children of the Stock of Abraham” and the congregation was delighted that “the G-d of Israel, who had protected King David, had also protected General Washington”.
World Jewry lived under the rule of “monarchs, potentates, and despots”, Seixas noted, but as American citizens, Newport Jewry had “invaluable rights as free citizens”.
Washington’s response on August 17, 1790, has gone down in US Jewish history.
The letter is a foundation of American religious liberty and separation of church and the state.
Washington wrote, “…the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection, should demean themselves as good citizens.”
Washington in his conclusion adds, “May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
The American Jewish Historical Society offers an archive online of American Jewish History.
Swastika etched into the front door PHOTO: TWITTER
Technion has bright ideas to improve solar energy
Across the world, there is a growing acceptance that more needs to be done to fight climate change. In 2016, the Paris Agreement committed signatory countries to reducing their emissions to decrease the rate at which the planet’s temperature is rising. The most significant way of achieving this is by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, but these are not always as effective as staples such as coal and oil. New research by Israeli scientists, however, might be about to revolutionise one of the key renewable energy sources – solar.
Solar power is one of the most wellknown sources of renewable energy, with solar panels converting the light rays emitted by the sun into another form of power such as electricity. The potential for solar power to replace fossil fuels is significant – some sources estimate that the amount of sunlight that hits the Earth in just an hour and a half is enough to cover our global energy consumption for an entire year.
Israeli scientists have therefore taken the lead in increasing the efficiency of solar panels. Professor Avner Rothschild, who works at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, has lead researchers from his university working in partnership with Ben Gurion University and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.
Between the three universities, they have developed a breakthrough in understanding semiconductors - a key component of how one form of solar panels work. Solar panels either use photovoltaic cells or photoelectrochemical cells. The latter can only generate energy during the day and require external batteries to store energy during the night.
Photovoltaic cells don’t require these batteries but use semiconductors instead. These semiconductors enable light energy to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, which are then stored as a separate fuel source for later. The most common material used as a semiconductor – hematite – is not as efficient as it could be though, leading to a loss of energy.
The scientists, led by Professor Rothschild from the Technion, have now developed a new technique for testing the efficiency of hematite and other semiconductor materials. This will in turn allow for the creation of more effective solar panels.
This breakthrough is only the latest success story to emerge from Technion – the Israel Institute of Technology. Since 1912, the academic institution has been at the forefront of spearheading Israel’s scientific endeavours. Israel today is the country with the highest percentage of scientists and engineers – and the majority of them studied at the Technion, home to three of Israel’s five science Nobel Laureates.
Alan Aziz, CEO of Technion UK, commented: “Reducing our use of fossil fuels is the single most important challenge our planet faces, and the answer has to be using the free energy that is all around us. Improving solar panels is just another bright idea to emerge from Technion scientists.”
Dame Maureen Lipman has quit Equity over Dame and Equity President Beattie described Israel’s “disproportionate actions” in the policing of Jerusalem and toward Gaza, as its position on Israel. “particularly horrifying”. The actors’ union called on members to support pro-Palestine protests against Israel. An equity member for over 50 years, TV Maureen “We stand in solidarity with Palestinians taking industrial action, and workers around the world taking action in support personalities and Jewish organisations are among many backers of Dame Maureen for her stance. She told The Daily Telegraph, “I’m going quits Equity of them,” they noted, adding, “Members are also encouraged to join the COVID-safe protest organised by Trade Unions for Palestine this Saturday, which Council affiliatto resign and I’m also going to ask for my £1,000-a-year membership fees to be given back to me, and I’m going to send it to a over Israel ed to this week.” “Equity has lost the confidence of many of its Jewish members, resulting in a number charity for the victims on both sides. of resignations including Maureen Lipman “I didn’t join a political union. I joined a union to protect its members. You don’t dictate to artists what they believe in, and don’t stance who had been a member for 50 years,” Ms van de Zyl said. “Most of the British Jewish community have family and friends livincite them to join a mob. How dare they de- ing in Israel, and Jewish Equity members mand sanctions? Where is Maureen Beattie cannot sign up to the biased view of the on the Uyghurs, Rohingyas, the Sudanese, Israel-Hamas conflict that has been foisted the Yemenites?” upon them by Equity, that failed to con-
The Coronation Street and West End star, demn the terrorist group Hamas against famed for her BT adverts as Jewish grand- whose rockets Israel was defending all its mother Beattie back in the 1980s, added citizens. No one should feel they have to that Equity had become “stacked full of Cor- Dame Maureen Lipman PHOTO: JAY BROOKS choose between their commitment to trade bynistas” and the issue of Israel had become unionism and loyalty to friends, family and an “obsession”. stoke up religious hate.” Joly added, “This is to your Jewish members. How can we feel community.”
Political activist and actress Tracy-Ann truly disgusting.” safe in this union? I have gone from being Jonathan Metliss, Action Against AntiOberman alongside comic Dom Joly were The Daily Telegraph quoted an agent stat- the proud chair of the Brighton and Sussex semitism, applauded Dame Maureen Lipamong numerous stars to come out and ing an “atmosphere of fear” among Jewish Equity General Branch to a very ashamed man for a brave decision to quit Equity over lambast the union after a rally had anti-Se- Equity members whilst an actor told the chair”. its pro-Palestinian position. “She has conmitic banners. Ms Oberman, tweeted, ‘If paper Equity had ridden “roughshod over a Former Sun editor, Kelvin MacKenzie, sistently adopted a strong pro-Israel stance you went on a DEMO that held these ban- very complex issue”. meantime, tweeted congratulations to and has always been vocal in her condemners then you have to ask what you’re stand- “All sanctions do is alienate its Jewish Dame Maureen for her position on Equity. nation of antisemitism, wherever it occurs,” ing for.” She added, “How are UK Jewish members and single us out,” they added. Board of Deputies President Marie van he noted. “She is to be admired and praised”. performers & friends meant to feel safe?” And actor Murray Hecht resigned as chair der Zyl blasted Equity for an “unbalanced” Dame Maureen has stood firm and this
Sanjeev Bhaskar, The Kumars at No42 star, of the general branch of Brighton and Sus- statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict. story is far from finished. The ramifications HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1 noted, “Appalling banner solely designed to sex Equity. He told the union, “Please listen Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming are set to continue.
Aliyah Investment & Tax Planning for UK Olim
✓ 10 years tax free income ✓ No tax on pension income ✓ No inheritance tax ✓ Specialist investment management for Olim
• The leading provider of Aliyah investment services for over 15 years • Unrivalled expertise advising UK Olim • Considering Aliyah? Contact our specialist team who will be pleased to share their knowledge and experience with you
020 8202 1944
RJUKGoldersGreen@RaymondJames.com www.goldersgreen.raymondjames.uk.com 843 Finchley Road, London, NW11 8NA
Simon Benarroch FCSI
Chartered Wealth Manager
Golders Green
Tzipi hails pro-Israel rally a“moment of unity”
BY DAVID SAFFER
Israeli UK Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely has described a pro-Israel rally in central London on Sunday as a “moment of unity”.
Some 1,500 people attended the event near the Israel Embassy in the midst of a host of antisemitism demonstrations around the world following a truce between Israel and Hamas.
The UK, America and Europe witnessed appalling protests including in London, Manchester and Cardiff just 24 hours earlier. A spike in antisemitic attacks has taken place due to the conflict.
Over 4,000 rockets were launched by Hamas at Israeli civilians from populated areas in Gaza.
Commenting on the 11-days of hostilities in Israel, Ambassador Hotovely told The Jewish Weekly, “We need to defend Israel’s right for self-defence. All around Europe more and more governments support Israel. Millions of people sat in shelters including my own family. I know in the British media it seems the other side is being more vocal but the British government supports Israel’s right for self-defence and this is what matters.”
She added, “We have international support. America, Britain and friends in Europe support Israel. It is clear that a radical Jihadi terror organisation does not want anything but to eliminate Israel from the Middle East map. We are a democratic country that wants to live in peace. We were asked about the force used but the basic case is that Israel protected its citizens because of a rocket attack. This message is easy to deliver.”
Israel’s emissary added that Britain and the US recognised Hamas as a terror organisation.
She noted, “The charter of Hamas says Israel does not have a right to exist. And the kind of antisemitism we see today on the streets of London is based on this same ideology - Jews don’t have a right to exist, a Jewish state doesn’t have a right to exist.”
Ambassador Hotovely said that the ugly face of antisemitism was shocking, especially in Europe.
“We know where antisemitism can lead, the darkest chapter in the history of the Jewish people,” she explained. “Every person should be shocked, including people who are not Jewish. It’s not just a Jewish issue, so, I was very happy to see Prime Minister Boris Johnson meet leaders of the Jewish community and make a very clear statement.”
Israel’s emissary has been vocal across media platforms defending Israel and is aware of the strength of feeling from Jewish communities towards Israel.
“I knew how much the British community are proud Zionists,” she noted. “I didn’t expect or want to experience wartime in Israel when I arrived here but I’m happy to see how much the community has expressed its support. I feel the support and will deliver our message. But after this military operation, it’s time to meet the people in actual meetings as lockdown will be over soon.”
She added, “The UK Jewish community is so impressive. I know you have been through a difficult time, many people have families in Israel, you feel the pain and I feel complete solidarity. We are one people. Many activists defend Israel’s right to self-defence. The support means so much to the Israeli people.”
Ambassador Hotovely concluded, “Israel is still on the same page. We want to deepen the relationship with Arab countries we signed Abraham Accords with and make sure Iranians won’t have nuclear weapons. Our challenges have not changed because of the military operation. Something that has changed is coexistence inside Israel which is a concern for many Israelis and the government. The Hamas ideology has influenced the Arab-Israeli street. This is the next step, to make sure general goals are accomplished but also to work on a unity of co-existence inside Israel.”
The recent hostilities though have dealt Hamas a severe blow to its military capabilities.
“We hope this will weaken Hamas,” noted Ambassador Hotovely.
Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl, JLC chairman Jonathan Goldstein and ZF chairman Paul Charney spoke at the rally.
“This was an important moment for Jews from all parts of the community to come together to show our support for the State of Israel which has been subjected to a storm of rockets launched by Hamas,” said Ms van der Zyl. “It was also an opportunity to display our resolve against the sickening antisemitism we have witnessed in recent weeks. We all hope against hope that one day the rockets will cease for good and there will be lasting peace.”
Charney told Sky News that the gathering was standing up for Israel’s “undeniable right to defend itself”.
Regarding a disproportionate number of Palestinians who died, Charney took issue, noting, “Disproportionate is the amount of rockets Hamas are directing at civilians in Israel.” He added, “Israel only targets the rocket launches and Hamas militants. It does not target anything else. It’s unfortunate that Hamas has to use schools and hospitals to launch its campaign and create those as military targets. Get rid of Hamas, get rid of the problem.”
The Zionist Federation event with Community Security Trust passed off largely without trouble.
However, Campaign Against Antisemitism have been monitoring demonstrations and filed a complaint to the Directorate of Professional Standards after police in footage appeared to ignore antisemitic threats among demonstrators attempting to counter-protest at the end of the Kensington rally.
The Met Police has launched an internal investigation, footage shows protesters shouting,“We’ll find some Jews. We want the Zionists. We want their blood”.
A police spokesperson said, “The Met are aware of this footage and officers from the Met’s Public Order Crime Team are making enquiries.”
Anyone with information should contact the Met on 101 or by Tweeting @MetCC
A CAA spokesperson however accused the Met Police of failing to intervene.
“Britain’s Jews need to be proactively protected by the police at this dangerous time,” they noted.
CAA recorded threats as “criminal”.
A Metropolitan police spokesperson said the demonstration concluded without incident. However former English Defence League leader Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson) was spotted in the crowd.
A Board of Deputies spokesperson noted, “Far-right extremist organisations like the English Defence League are not welcome at our community’s events. Their message of hate and division must be confronted and defeated. We utterly reject their bigotry.”
A day earlier, demonstrators in London flew flags of antisemitic terror groups whilst speakers addressed protestors with inflammatory messages.
Placards praised Hamas as “freedom fighters” and claimed Israel is committing a Holocaust.
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Richard Burgon were among speakers.
“For two weeks, Britain’s Jews have been threatened with rape and murder, with a synagogue vandalised and a rabbi hospitalised,” noted a CAA spokesperson. “Now, our traumatised community has again had to endure politicians and activists addressing yet another antisemitism-infested rally.”
CAA added, “None of the speakers had words of regret for the abuse and violence
Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely at a pro-Israel rally in central London
Tzipi hails pro-Israel rally a“moment of unity”
An anti-Israel protestor tries to make a point
PHOTO: J METLISS
that has been incited against Britain’s Jews under cover of the ‘Free Palestine’ slogan, there was only inflammatory rhetoric and posturing.”
Agudath Israel of America , meantime, have condemned attacks against Jews in New York City, Los Angeles and other major US cities.
“It’s absolutely disgusting and unacceptable,” NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio reportedly told WNYC radio.
Govenor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement, “New York is the vibrant and dynamic home for people from around the world. Those of all faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities must be able to walk the streets safely and free from harassment and violence.”
The Anti-Defamation League welcomed arrests of suspects in Los Angeles.
“The diligent efforts by LAPD and other law enforcement agencies sends a clear message that hate crimes targeting the safety of any group of individuals will not be tolerated,” Jeffrey Abrams, ADL, said in a statement.
The ADL have released data illustrating an increase in online and everyday incidents of antisemitism in the US as violence between Israel and Hamas escalated.
“We are tracking acts of harassment, vandalism and violence as well as a torrent of online abuse,” noted ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “It’s happening around the world, from London to Los Angeles, from France to Florida, in big cities like New York and in small towns, and across every social media platform.”
An analysis of Twitter showed over 17,000 tweets used variations of “Hitler was right”.
“To those who choose to indulge in ageold antisemitic tropes, exaggerated claims and inflammatory rhetoric, it has consequences, attacks in real life on real people targeted for no other reason than they are Jewish,” Greenblatt said. “This is antisemitism, plain and simple.”
“ADL remains steadfast in its commitment to fight antisemitism and hate with every ounce of energy we have,” Greenblatt continued. “We call on leaders throughout our country to speak out against antisemitism and stand alongside the Jewish community.”
The ADL received 193 reports of possible antisemitic incidence in the week after the conflict began, up from 131 the previous week.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in central London
PHOTO: J METLISS
Coalition negotiations update
BY JAMES MARLOW
BIG DAY NEXT WEDNESDAY
Now that the Gaza conflict has concluded, at least for now, we return to the political rhetoric, the name calling and would you believe, the news networks are releasing fresh polls, as if election fever is once again in the air.
Yair Lapid has until next Wednesday to form a government or his mandate to attain 61 seats expires. Lapid could ask the President for an extension of two weeks, which is permitted under Israeli law. However Reuven Rivlin is only likely to grant such a request if the Yesh Atid leader can prove he is very close to cobbling together a functioning coalition.
But the simple arithmetic is not there and even Lapid acknowledged on Monday, “It would be a difficult task given the parliamentary math.”
In addition, the secret ballot for the two Presidential candidates, will take place in the Knesset plenum next Wednesday. Jewish Agency chairman, Isaac Herzog and Israel prize winning educator, Miriam Peretz will be seated while the 120 Knesset Members will vote. President Reuven Rivlin’s seven-year term ends on 9 July.
IF LAPID CAN FORM A GOVERNMENT…
Zandberg will be Environmental Protection Minister and Issawi Frej Regional Cooperation Minister. Some analysts noted that Meretz’s number 3 Yair Golan was not on the list of proposed cabinet posts as a nod to YamThe coalition agreement between Yesh ina leader Naftali Bennett, without whom Atid and Blue and White have been ful- Lapid will not be able to form a coalition. ly agreed, as has But to reach the the deal with Yesh required majority, Atid and Yisrael Beteinu. This is not the time to Lapid must include all of the left and
Avigdor Liber- say, “I will never sit centre parties along man will become Finance Minister with Netanyahu”. Let with right-wing factions of Yamina and the party will also receive the the court decide his and New Hope and at least one of the Negev and Galilee Development Min- legal matters and Arab parties. All the parties istry and a third, unnamed cabinet create a functioning state they are doing everything possible post. Crucially, Yisrael Beteinu was government. to avoid a fifth election, but they said handed the pow- that after the first erful chairmanship election in April of the Knesset Finance Committee, which 2019. However we are hearing the same wields sweeping powers over the state rhetoric between party leaders now as we budget. heard before the latest round of rockets
The deal with Meretz gives the party 3 into Israel. Ministries. Party leader Nitzan Horowitz is slated to become Health Minister, Tamar BENNETT ATTACKS BIBI
Be Fruitful FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
HIGH QUALITY FRUIT AND VEG
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR ORDER ON WHATSAPP
FRESH PRODUCE STOCKED EVERYDAY!
Monday – Friday NEXT DAY DELIVERY 6:30 – 18:30GAURANTEED! Sunday 6:30 – 16:30 SAME DAY DELIVERY FOR ORDERS PLACED BEFORE 12PM
DELIVERY LOCATIONS
EDGWARE. STAMORE, HENDON, HATCH END, PINNER, GOLDERS DAVID ZAX GREEN, BUSHEY, RADLET, TOTTRIDGE, BOREHAMWOOD, FINCHLEY, MILL HILL
17 Glengall Road Edgware HA8 8TB Tel: 0208 958 1388/0208 958 5053 Whatsapp: +44776 711 4444 Web: www.andrewsbefruitful.co.uk Naftali Bennett sharply criticised Netanyahu for his handling of the campaign against Hamas. Writing on Facebook, he said “I do not remember such a period of weakness, lack of functioning and national embarrassment. Apparently, there’s nothing to be surprised about. The writing was on the wall.”
The attack also included Netanyahu’s handling of the Covid crisis, the tragedy at Meron, the internal strife between Israeli Arabs and Jews and his political appointments.
“Netanyahu appoints mediocre people, who in turn appoint mediocre people. A crooked decision making process dictated by personal and political considerations. And all this while creating a smokescreen of cult of personality for a leader, whereby anyone who dares to criticize him is severely attacked.”
Not to be outdone by Bennett, Yair Lapid also jumped in on the publicity opportunity, by saying that the Prime Minister did “a terrible job” on the response to Hamas in Gaza, although he praised the IDF.
But both failed to mention Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who of course Lapid and Bennett need, in order to have a chance of forming a “change” government.
Bennett backed out of coalition talks with Lapid two weeks ago as the fighting with Hamas was underway, but reports earlier this week suggested he was meeting with the Yesh Atid leader again.
However it is widely believed that Bennett is simply urging both Gideon Sa’ar and Benny Gantz’s parties to join with Netanyahu to avoid a fifth election, as both sides clearly do not have a majority without the Arabs. FINALLY…
After two and a half years of four elections, no budget, the State of Israel under attack and politicians playing it safe by living from poll survey to poll survey, we all appear to be in denial that this is a time of emergency.
Sections of the public have become addicted to the left-right-secular-religious sectoral approach. They fail to notice who out there is the real enemy. It’s not Bibi Netanyahu who has strong support in the country and his Likud party beat its nearest rival by 13 seats. The enemy is Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Iran and right now, world opinion.
This is not the time to say, “I will never sit with Netanyahu”. Let the court decide his legal matters and create a functioning government.
As Bennett concluded on his Facebook page, “Whoever drags the country to a fifth election, to more poison and hatred, to another year of state dysfunction, to a huge waste of money - plays into the hands of those who do not want what is good for us.”
ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS:
• Jewish Agency Chairman, Isaac Herzog has taken a leave of absence from his post until after the election. If Herzog is elected President, a 10-member selection committee, chosen by the Agency’s Board of Governors, will 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.
• Five Presidential candidates, former Labor cabinet minister Shimon Sheetrit, solar energy pioneer, Yosef Abramowitz, singer
Yehoram Gaon and former Likud MK Yehuda
Glick and Michael Bar Zohar, all failed to collect a minimum of at least 10 endorsement signatures from Knesset Members by the deadline last Wednesday 19 May.
• The secret ballot for President 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 9 July.
• At his own faction meeting, Gideon Sa’ar who heads New Hope reiterated his vow not to join a coalition under Netanyahu. “I say again, we will not sit in a government under
Netanyahu,” he said.
• Meanwhile the polls showed a rise in support for Yesh Atid, Blue and White and the Religious Zionists. Those parties that fell in the polls are Likud by 1 seat, Shas,
UTJ, Yamina, Yisrael Beteinu, Joint List and
Meretz. Labor and New Hope remained the same and Ra’am failed to cross the line.
The overall result – another stalemate and a sixth election.
