Community

Rabbi Arnold Saunders addressing Manchester Mesivta last Friday 11 November 2022 (Armistice Day). Rabbi Saunders was the very first Jewish Civilian Chaplain to the Armed forces (serving for 3 years).

Rabbi Saunders speaking to Mesivta School on Armistice Day

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Katy to outline flexible working

Employment expert Katy Fridman will discuss flexible working at JW3 this month.

Around 4.3 million employees in the UK currently have employment contracts allowing for flexible working hours.

Resource, who have organised the ‘YOUR JOB, YOUR WAY’ workshop on November 23rd, specialise in finding people work from all backgrounds across the UK.

Guests will learn how to negotiate flexible working and how essential social media is in a job search. Victoria Sterman, Resource’s CEO, said: “Employees are increasingly requiring flexibility in their work, but they regularly tell us how hard it is to approach the issue with employers.”

Fridman, Founder of Flexible Working People, noted: “People should be able to have a career they love on terms that work for them. The 9-5 is fast becoming a thing of the past with businesses having seen the huge benefits of moving to a more agile workplace culture.”

Resource will be on hand to advise with CV writing, interview practice and sessions for interview technique.

Museum fun for youngsters

20th Finchley Scouts having fun at the Science Museum The 20th Finchley Scout group enjoyed a sleepover at the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. 40 children from cubs, beavers and scouts plus leaders participated.

Youngsters learnt about the solar system, examined the moon surface with 3D glasses and enjoyed a torch lit dinosaur trail. They also made dinosaur t-shirts.

Children attended an ‘Astronight’ where they decoded alien messages using ultraviolet torches. They built a structure to support an egg-shaped communication device and took part in a science experiment to shoot a water powered rocket as high as possible.

Scout leader Debra Morris was delighted museum staff said the group were well behaved.

Support AJEX marchers

AJEX is calling on the Jewish community to support the 1,000 marchers at the annual remembrance parade at The Cenotaph, Whitehall on Sunday (2pm).

Veterans and families of fallen veterans will march side by side to honour Jewish servicemen and women who fought for freedom. AJEX is connecting people across generations to ensure the legacy of remembrance lives on.

AJEX chief executive, Fiona Palmer said: “We hope to see members of the community lining the streets of Whitehall this weekend. We are extremely grateful to CST and the Police for providing a high level of security. This is the only Jewish event Whitehall is closed for so it’s a very special occasion.”

JLGB members and a contingent of Cadets from JFS will attend with other Jewish schools, scout groups and community members.

The parade will be commanded by Ron Shelley supported by Commander Daniel Weil and Operational Commander, Major Danny Yank. AJEX National Chairman, Dan Fox will host The Reviewing Officer, Major General Jon Swift. No tickets are required to be a spectator at the ceremony. Anyone attending should allow time due to security. AJEX is encouraging communities over Shabbat to have a L’chaim in honour of those who served and recite the Remembrance prayer. The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey was officially opened last Thursday. AJEX were in attendance as part of its remembrance campaign. Fox and Bloom met Camilla, Queen Consort, at the AJEX plot, which has a number of Magen David markers for Jewish men and women from the armed forces killed in action. “The entire field stands as a powerful expression of remembrance for all those who have the ultimate commitment and courage,” said AJEX member David Sherman with his grandson Fox.

Arsenal legend shares addiction struggles

Former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson visited Cockfosters & N Southgate Synagogue to be interviewed by Rabbi Meir Shindler.

The event was the first in the synagogue’s ‘Rising to the Challenge’ series where high profile personalities share extreme life challenges and how they have overcome them.

The Sky Sports pundit talked openly about his sporting career and addiction struggles with gambling, alcohol and drugs.

Merson explained how addictions were consequences of a lack of self-confidence and reaching the pinnacle of the sporting world. The impact had a devastating effect on his career and family life.

Questions ranged from recollections of how he was exposed to gambling and narcotics, to support and lack of support by clubs he served.

There were also light-hearted moments on England’s prospects in the forthcoming World Cup and insights into Merson’s domestic and international football career.

Rabbi Meir Shindler said: “The Rising to the Challenge series was devised to open the discussion of how best to deal with challenges we all face. Paul was honest and candid about his life struggles with addiction and by combining amusing

Rabbi Meir Shindler and Paul Merson

anecdotes with more emotional stories, everyone found the evening to be both entertaining and powerful. Whether you were a football fan or not, it was an eye-opening and inspiring evening.”

The series is supported by the United Synagogue’s Project Welcome Fund.

Sean Young after completing his challenge A group of 22 cyclists overcame headwinds and storms to raise £255,000 for Norwood in its latest endurance cycling challenge.

The intrepid group over five days cycled 570km along the Elephant Highway from Maun to Victoria Falls in Botswana.

New members included Trustees vice chair Ronnie Harris who completed his 27th cycling challenge for Norwood.

Team Jake, comprising Nick Byre, Steve Chait, Tim Isaac, Lee Joseph and father-andson duo Wayne and Jake Chodosh, highlighted the need for Norwood’s vital support across the community. Jake, 28, is non-verbal and autistic. He learned to ride the rear position on a tandem bike three years ago and has completed three cycling challenges.

Norwood supports Jake in one of their supported living services. His father, Wayne, says not only do Norwood provide Jake with support and comfort but provide valuable father-son bonding time. Jake feels like ‘one of the boys’,” he said.

The group hit its £40,000 target which will support Norwood’s service provision.

Kim El-Baz took on her fifth challenge for Norwood, alongside novice Leo Mindel.

The pair rode alongside Jake who they described as “a great young man” and raised over £7,200.

New to the challenge circuit is Simon Cope-Thompson, who is heading to a £12.500 target. Simon was moved to continue his family’s traditional support for Norwood. He was motivated by his grandparents involvement in Ravenswood Village in the 1950s.

All funds will benefit people with learning disabilities and autism, children and their families facing social, educational and mental health challenges.

Pinner poppies

Pinner United Synagogue was decorated with poppies for a special Remembrance Shabbat.

Friends of Sonya Daniels knitted poppies in her memory for the service. Sonya was introduced to poppy knitting by Ruth Simons when she was unwell and sold them for charity.

The shul was delighted that Ruth, Jackie Silverstone and Doreen Samuels and other friends participated in knitting the poppies and then decorating the shul.

Pinner also supported the multi-faith Pinner Act of Remembrance on Sunday morning.

Stan Conway, laid a wreath on behalf of Pinner Shul at the ceremony.

Rabbi Alan Garber of Shenley Synagogue, Rabbi Alan Plancey, John Hayes, Sarah Marshall and Tony Barter officiated at Shenley’s annual remembrance service last Sunday.

GIFT aid for Ukraine

GIFT continues to back urgent aid for Ukrainian Jewish community members.

Thirty organisations and donors took part in an appeal by donating tens of thousands of warm garments and electronic supplies for what is expected to be one of the harshest winters in decades.

Items were brought to drop off points and purchased online through Amazon.

Over 250 volunteers of all age groups donated time to sort and pack winter essentials at Mill Hill United Synagogue last Sunday.

Rabbi Sandor Milun, GIFT’s managing director said: “Our appreciation and gratitude go out to the entire community and all those who have helped bring in thousands of items for the Ukrainian people.”

Volunteer Talia Rowe added: “When a crisis occurs, everyone just jumps into action. We are now over nine months down the line but GIFT doesn’t let us forget. GIFT makes sure the community rallies around and keeps the kindness going.”

Ukrainian refugees, accommodated by local Jewish families, also had the opportunity to volunteer for at Mill Hill and showed heartfelt appreciation for GIFT’s work.

GIFT’s appeal in full swing

In advance of the appeal, UCL JSoc assembled care packages in socially responsible session led by GIFT’s programmes manager, Shira Joseph.

The charity is supporting the Jewish Relief Network Ukriane in partnership with the Orthodox Union, Chabad UK and United Synagogue.

GIFT volunteering opportunities: volunteer@jgift.org

Yavneh pupils raise £5K for JNF

JNF UK has received £5,000 as part of Yavneh School’s Am Echad Programme.

The DIY volunteering project was selected as a recipient of Yavneh’s Am Echad fundraising initiative. A presentation was made at the school’s year nine assembly.

The DIY programme enlists young volunteers to help with JNF UK projects, not only benefitting the recipients, but allowing those involved to engage with communities.

Activities include landscaping parks, renovating kindergartens and schools, renewing playgrounds and sports grounds, and rejuvenating community centres for youth and senior citizens.

Projects have lasting effects and teach volunteers new skills, build leadership qualities and connections between different communities who come together to achieve similar goals.

OraRuth Rother, Head of Marketing at JNF UK, thanked pupils. She said: “Before the establishment of the Jewish state, people and donations from around the world have been essential to Israel and have helped build the country we know today. Volunteers and the DIY projects are a key component in the success and future growth of communities in Israel’s peripheries. The donation will change the lives of thousands of people in Israel now, and for future generations.”

“JNF UK is such an important community charity, we are grateful for the support we receive from them,” said Spencer Lewis, Yavneh Executive Headteacher.

Yavneh College supported JNF UK as one of three school charities last year. Pupils raised £15,000 in total.

Our trained counsellors are just a text away 0786 005 8823

Remember Jteen is confidential and anonymous and is available for anyone between the ages of 11-20. We can't see your number and we won't ask for your name. Rabbinical board led by: Rabbi S.F Zimmerman (Federation Beis Din) and Rabbi S Winegarten.

AJEX ensures Jewish legacy is not forgotten

BY DAVID SAFFER

AJEX ensures the contribution of over 150,000 Jews who served and serve in the British Armed Forces is never forgotten.

The Jewish community will be out in numbers for the annual remembrance parade at The Cenotaph, Whitehall in London on Sunday. CST and the Met Police will be providing security.

Aside from the parade AJEX combats antisemitism through education, provides welfare for Jewish veterans and their families and works closely with the Armed Forces Jewish community.

But Remembrance Sunday is arguably the biggest event of the year for the community.

“After the major religious festivals, it is probably fair to say that it is,” says Fiona. “Especially with all the engagement with ‘remembrance’ itself in the weeks before. It is a really busy time for us at AJEX.”

She added: “The role of AJEX is to ensure that the Jewish community and wider British society are educated about the centuries of Jewish service to crown and country. Remembrance reflects that contribution.”

How many people are actively involved in AJEX?

“Over 1.500 people were at the parade last year and we hope that the number this year will be similar,” said Fiona. “Through the year we have many active volunteers and are recruiting new ones as many of our veterans get older. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to help us especially with fundraising and in the office.”

AJEX has changed down the decades. Fiona explained: “The great cohorts of World War II veterans and national servicemen and women sadly diminish every year. But the families of these men and women, sons and daughters, great and great-great grandchildren, are as committed to AJEX’s role as any veterans. As are those who currently serve, from cadets to generals. The demographic may change but AJEX’s centrality to British Jewish life does not. We remember and honour the thousands from our community who have served and show our commitment to the society around us.”

Fiona explained the challenges that AJEX faces.

“Like all organisations, we have felt the economic squeeze of recent years so finding new ways to fundraise and new sources of funding is always important,” she said. “As a Jewish organisation, the rise in antisemitism is of course a major concern too. One of the most spiteful slurs levelled at the Jewish community by antisemites is the accusation of dual loyalty or plain disloyalty to Britain. AJEX stands as a stark and effective reminder of the lie in such bigotry.”

The Queen Consort visits the AJEX and Jewish Brigade plots at the opening of The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey

Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely AJEX’s Brian Bloom and Dan Fox Fiona Palmer, AJEX, Chief Executive and Deborah Field, AJEX Campaign manager

AJEX Annual Parade

AJEX continues to be inspired by individual stories of Jewish military endeavour. This year marks a number of significant anniversaries. Jack Nissenthall is a hero of the Dieppe Raid in 1942. His bravery and ingenuity helped pave the way to D-Day. Eighty years ago, Tommy Gould won one of three Jewish World War Two Victoria Crosses, he personally manhandled a lodged depth charge from his submarine. David Newman won the Military Medal for courage defending a tiny British outpost during the Battle of El Alamein.

It is also 40 years since the Falklands War, in which Britain’s second youngest casualty, Jewish paratrooper Jason Burt, 17, bravely attended to a wounded comrade at the start of the Battle of Mount Longdon. Burt was later caught by machine gun fire 200 yards further in the advance.

“There are stories of so many amazing men and women who lived ordinary lives and stepped up to protect our way of life and our freedom,” observed Fiona. “I am also inspired by my grandfather Will Polikoff who came down from Southend every year to march in the AJEX Parade.”

AJEX offers grants and financial aid to support the welfare needs of veterans and their families.

There is also outreach to vulnerable or isolated veterans through phone calls and visits, educational resources and displays on Jewish military history and AJEX’s contribution, school visits, speaker programmes and attendance at military events with AJEX standards flying the flag for British Jewish military service.

Regarding the future, with less of the older generation able to taking part, Fiona is upbeat.

She said: “The Baton of Remembrance will pass on to new generations and include young and old, whether they have served or not. The appetite in the community for understanding more and more about Jewish soldiers, sailors and aviators, past and present, remains undiminished. Jewish cadet numbers are growing as are the numbers of Jews joining the regular and reserve forces.

“No military association, whether Jewish or of any other affiliation, can replace the ‘greatest generation’. But such service continues and will always require support and recognition.

“The annual parade and ceremony will continue to honour those who have served giving new generations from the community inspiration and pride. Our work will continue all year round, reaffirming our commitment to remembrance, welfare, education and combatting antisemitism.”

Jews have served the British Armed Forces for centuries, numbers were first recorded in the late 1800s.

Of six million men who served in World War I, 50,000 were Jewish. After the war, many met up in ex-service clubs and in 1921 a group of Jewish veterans laid the first wreath at the Cenotaph.

In 1929, with the rise in antisemitism and fascism in Europe, Jewish veterans grew concerned. A meeting in the East End of London saw the formation of the Jewish Ex-servicemen’s Legion.

The following year, they organised the first annual Remembrance Parade at Whitehall.

To avoid confusion with the British Legion (now the Royal British Legion) the organisation changed its name to the Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and women in 1936.

Following World War II, when over 70,000 Jews served in the British Armed Forces, the work of AJEX continued in earnest.

The need to provide support to the veteran community and ensure a robust British counter to antisemitism was more important. Active education programmes were launched, alongside welfare networks and the annual parade. This work continues today.