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First interview with new Board of Deputies leader Page 4

Revealed: ‘terror plot’ against British Jews

Three men due at Old Bailey next week accused of planning Islamist gun attack

An alleged plot to carry out an Islamic State-inspired gun attack against the British Jewish community was revealed this week in court, writes Joy Falk.

Walid Saadaoui, 36, of Crankwood Road, Abram, and Amar Hussein, 50, of no fixed abode, are accused of plotting a terror attack designed to cause “multiple fatalities using automatic weapons” in north-west England, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday.

The two men had intended to target “the Jewish community in the north west of England and members of both law enforcement and military” as part of an “Isil or Daeshinspired terrorist attack”, prosecutors told the court.

Both are charged with the preparation of terrorist acts between 13 December 2023 and 9 May 2024.

Bilel Saadaoui, 35, of Fairclough Street, Hindley, also appeared before the court accused of making arrangements for Walid Saadaoui – who is his brother – after his death. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism between the same dates.

The defendants appeared separately in the dock, flanked by police o cers and wearing grey sweatshirts.

Hussein, who represented himself and had an interpreter, did not speak to confirm his name, date of birth

or address. The other two men spoke only to confirm their identities. Angelo Saponiere, defending Bilel Saadaoui, said his client was a “family man” who had not known of the alleged plans.

The men were arrested last week after Greater Manchester Police issued warrants in Bolton, Great Lever, Abram and Hindley.

District Judge Louisa Cieciora remanded all three into custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 24 May.

Greater Manchester Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said the details of the case “will be understandably distressing and likely to have a significant impact on the communities within the Greater Manchester and beyond”.

In a statement, he added: “We have been working closely with community groups to address concerns and we’ll continue to update them throughout this case.”

A Community Security Trust spokesperson said: “These are very serious allegations at a time of record antisemitic hate crime levels. We thank Greater Manchester Police and other agencies for their work on this case.”

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “Antisemitism is real and dangerous. Thank you to the police, security services and CST for all they do to protect the Jewish community.”

FACES OF THE FALLEN

A visitor takes a moment to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism on Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron. The screen displays the portraits of the more than 1,200 Israelis murdered by Hamas on 7 October. Full story, page 8

FEARLESS EDEN’S NOTE OF DEFIANCE

That Eden Golan was even able to walk onto the stage in Malmo last Saturday evening is a testament to the extraordinary strength of Israel’s inspiring Eurovision star.

As she sang the first line of her song Hurricane, “Writer of my symphony…” the booing began. Her supporters holding Israeli flags did

their best to drown out the hate with cheers but she heard it, just as she did during the semi-final when we held our breath to see if she would win qualify for the final. Beautiful and elegant in a long dress of frayed bandages, like the lyrics of the song the choice of costumes for Eden and her dancers was pointed. Gripping wrists, flaying in

the storm, this was a routine presented by the emotionally wounded for the victims of 7 October. It was for them that Eden was able to give such a powerful performance, muting the most committed haters in the stadium and slaying them with the top note of her seven-octave range which sounded like a cry for help.

Eden’s faultless delivery was recognised by more than a dozen countries, among them France, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Switzerland the UK, Italy, Luxembourg, and Portugal who all awarded Israel 12 points in the popular vote. What the juries didn’t do the people did. As a result, 20-year-old Eden came

Continued on page 14

Manchester police arrested the men, who were in court this week

You’re a vision! Eden Golan returns

EU warns Israel on Rafah

The European Union this week told Israel to abandon its military operation in Rafah or risk jeopardising its relationship with the bloc, writes Jotam Confino in Israel.

Israel should halt the operation “immediately” EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. “Should Israel continue its military operation in Rafah, it would inevitably put a heavy strain on the EU’s relationship with Israel.”

UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said that more than 450,000 Palestinian civilians were evacuated from Rafah during the past week as the Israeli military continued to target Hamas and other terrorist groups in eastern Rafah.

The Israeli Defence Forces said troops began a targeted operation on a Hamas training compound in the city, “eliminating terrorists in closequarters combat, and locating large

amounts of weapons and equipment.” The army also eliminated about 80 “terror targets including military compounds, weapons storage facilities, missile launchers, observation posts, and additional terrorist infrastructure”.

Sgt Ira Yair Gispan, 19, from Petah Tikva, was killed in fighting in southern Gaza on Tuesday.

Heavy fighting also continued in Jabaliya, in northern Gaza, where Hamas and other terrorist groups have resurfaced, battling “dozens of armed squads and eliminating a large number of terrorists”.

The IDF also released footage showing a number of armed terrorists and gunfire near UN vehicles and in the area of UNRWA’s logistics warehouse compound in eastern Rafah. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) called on the UN to investigate the incident, saying it conveyed the evidence to “senior officials in the international community”.

Jewish News contacted a representative at UNRWA for a comment, but did not receive an answer.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, lashed out at

UN following the footage of terrorists operating near UNRWA’s logistics warehouse.

“The UN, since Israel withdrew from Gaza, has essentially become a collaborator with Hamas, and more than that, has become a terrorist entity of its own,” Erdan said.

Rockets continued to be fired from Gaza at southern Israel, including at the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Several attacks were launched from within Rafah.

Northern Israel was also hit with barrages of rockets and drones throughout the week,

Israelis put hostages before Rafah attack

A poll reveals that most Israelis prefer a deal to get the hostages out over an invasion of Rafah, writes Jotam Confino.

The Israel Democracy Institute’s April 2024 Israeli Voice Index found that 62 percent of Israelis think the government should prioritise a hostage deal. However, 55 percent of Jewish Israelis with right-wing views think a military operation in Rafah should take priority.

The poll also revealed that 60 percent of Jewish Israelis across the political spectrum think this year’s Independence Day celebrations should be celebrated in a “more restrained, less prominent manner,” due to the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and 31 percent think celebrations should not take place at all.

As for government ministers attending Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) ceremonies in military cemeteries, 48 percent said they should stay away

while 42 percent said they should attend. When divided into political orientation, 82 percent of left-wing and 60 percent of centrist voters said they should not attend, while 59.5 percent on the right-wing wanted the ministers to show up.

Among Arab Israelis, 88.5 percent said a hostage deal should be first priority.

Sixty-seven percent of Israelis said the pro-Pales-

tinian protests at universities in the United States and Europe do not reflect the opinion of the majority of the public in these countries.

The April 2024 Israeli Voice Index was prepared by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute. The survey was conducted via the internet and by telephone between 1 and 6 May 2024.

killing a civilian Israeli on Tuesday.

Twenty-six Israelis (soldiers and civilians) have been killed in Hezbollah attacks since the terrorist group launched its campaign against Israel on 8 October.

Israel appeared to respond to the killing when airstrikes killed the senior Hezbollah commander Hussain Ibrahim Mekky in the area of Tyre, southern Lebanon overnight on Tuesday.

Mekky was a field commander on the southern front, responsible for the planning and execution of numerous terrorist attacks against

Israeli civilians and territory since the start of the war, according to the IDF.

Hezbollah fired 60 rockets across northern Israel in response. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel that it was facing a “historic dilemma” regarding its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. “If [Israel] halts the war, it will be a major defeat; and it will move into an abyss if it continues the military battle. The link between the supportive Lebanese front and Gaza is definitive, final and conclusive. No one will be able to unlink them.”

UK ‘CHALLENGED’ BY WAR

The UK’s Middle East minister Lord Ahmad has told a parliamentary committee Israel is leaving this country and other allies “pretty challenged” on whether it is fulfilling its obligations around humanitarian law in Gaza.

Responding to questions at a session of the foreign affairs select committee, the Conservative peer also confirmed David Cameron would be receiving new advice on whether UK arms were used

during Israeli attacks that hit British aid workers with Medical Aid for Palestinians in January and World Central Kitchen in April.

Asked if “Israel’s activities has demonstrated a commitment to respect for IHL”, Ahmad said: “What is very clear to me, the challenges are intense and immense on international humanitarian law. “I think Israel is really leaving many of its partners, including ourselves, pretty

challenged on where we are currently on the issue of international humanitarian law, and how they are fulfilling their obligations.”

MPS CALL FOR GAZA VISAS

Immigration minister Tom Pursglove has said calls for the UK to set up a Gaza family visa scheme for Palestinians to come to this country will be kept “under review” during a debate in Westminster.

Responding to a succession of speeches from MPs calling for the launch of a Ukraine-style scheme to allow Palestinians to escape the conflict in Gaza by reuniting with their families in the UK, Pursglove said decisions as to who can leave Gaza and enter

Egypt remain with the Israeli and Egyptian authorities.

He added: “The security relationship with, for example, the Ukrainian authorities is very different from the one we have with the authorities in Gaza, who are a terrorist organisation.”

Speaking to a packed Westminster Hall he added: “There is an important distinction which has to be made regarding the security co-operation we had in the context of the immediate

evacuation from Ukraine of vulnerable people via that safe and legal route; we have subsequently reintroduced the biometric checks required, but in the immediate circumstances with which we were presented, that security relationship and dynamic helped us make those changes in response to that very specific crisis.”

He added: “It is the Israeli and Egyptian governments who make decisions on who can exit Gaza and enter Egypt.”

Smoke rises following an explosion in the Gaza Strip in this scene from southern Israel

Palestinians displaced by Israel’s offensive walk by the sea at a makeshift camp in Deir al Balah

Hostage posters are on display across Israel

Lord Ahmad

Trinity College / Indecent exposure / BBC language / News

Jewish family pulls Dublin uni bursary

A financial supporter of Trinity College Dublin who cancelled his family’s bursary for disadvantaged students in protest at the university’s failure to protect Jewish students told Jewish News this week that no attempt was made by Trinity to persuade him to change his mind, writes Jenni Frazer.

Instead, Dr Ed Abrahamson said Trinity had “given in to the mob” and had capitulated to a series of demands from pro-Palestinian students, including disinvestment from Israeli companies.

An encampment on campus had blocked access to the public attraction held by the university, the Book of Kells. After negotiations between the university and the protest leaders, the encampment has now been wound up.

The Abrahamson family had sought to honour the late Maurice Abrahamson, a respected figure in Ireland and the Irish Jewish community. Dr Abrahamson said: “He was a graduate of Trinity, he was president of the Irish Jewish Representative Council, he was active in helping to set up the Israeli embassy in Ireland”.

As “it was coming up to the 10th anniversary of my father’s death”, the family decided last year to set up a bursary for disadvantaged students in Maurice Abrahamson’s name at the School of Law. Three students successfully applied and received funding. The plan was to run the scheme for 10 years. Dr Abrahamson said that when the bursary was first

announced, he had ensured that it was made clear that it was in honour of a Jewish man.

But troubling things kept concerning the family, from Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine flags flying at the student encampment to complaints by members of the 100-strong Jewish student society that they did not feel safe on campus, and that neither Trinity nor the student union was doing enough to protect them.

Dr Abrahamson wrote to the Trinity authorities, asking for a statement that Trinity was committed to the welfare of Jewish students. He sought, unsuccessfully, a meeting with the Provost, something he is still pursuing.

“Nothing happened, there

was no response,” he said. “But within a few days of the encampment being set up, Trinity issued a statement which displayed total capitulation to mob rule.” The family cancelled the bursary and made that decision public.

Dr Abrahamson said: “There was no attempt to change my mind, but I couldn’t have my father’s name associated with Trinity.” Nevertheless, he said, he had had “a huge amount of positive messages from Irish nonJews, including people who had given large bursaries and legacies — and who were cancelling them”.

In a long statement, Trinity said it was grateful to Dr Abrahamson for the bursary and regretted his decision to withdraw it.

A spokesperson said: “Through recent engagement with the Trinity Jewish Society, Trinity has offered Jewish students a safe space to meet on campus or adjacent to it, and will continue to provide any support that is needed.”

Trinity has announced details of its divestment from Israeli companies as part of its resolution in getting the encampment removed, adding: “This process is expected to be completed by June.

“On review, Trinity can confirm that its supplier list currently contains just one Israeli company which will remain until March 2025 for contractual reasons.”

The task force, Trinity says, “will also review Trinity’s student exchanges with Israel”. Recommendations from a task force “will be brought to the relevant principal committees of the university”. Meanwhile, it has identified places for eight Palestinian scholars and has waived all fees for them, adding: “We are committed to doing more and indicated this to the Palestinian authorities, via the ambassador earlier this year.”

The university added: “We are in solidarity with the students in our horror at what is happening in Gaza. We abhor and condemn all violence and war, including the atrocities of 7 October, the taking of hostages and the continuing ferocious and disproportionate onslaught in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the dehumanisation of its people is obscene.”

BBC pushed on Hamas

David Cameron has called on the BBC to finally refer to Hamas as terrorists as the broadcaster continues to call them “militants”, writes Lee Harpin.

The foreign secretary was asked in an interview with the corporation about the Hamas propaganda video showing the 51-year-old British-Israeli hostage Nadav Popplewell in a dire condition.

‘Like everyone else, I watched the video on Twitter/X last night, put out by Hamas of Nadav answering a question as to who he was. And I watched that video and you just think what callous people they are to do that, to play with the family’s emotions in that way.

“I met Nadav’s family, his sister, and I know the heartbreak they’ve been going through for over 200 days, and when you see what Hamas are prepared to do, you just realise the terrible, dreadful,

inhuman people, frankly, that we are dealing with,” Cameron said. The foreign secretary added that “this would be a month” for the BBC “to ask itself again, ‘Should we describe these people as terrorists? They are terrorists.

“If you kidnap grandmothers, if you kidnap babies, if you rape people, if you shoot children in front of their parents –what more do they need to do for the BBC to say, ‘Look, these are terrorists.’ They really are,” he added.

The BBC has been under criticism since 7 October for refusing to refer to Hamas as terrorists. After complaints, it said: “Terrorism is a loaded word, which people use about an outfit they disapprove of morally. It’s simply not the BBC’s job to tell people who to support and who to condemn – who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.”

MAN JAILED FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE

A 28-year-old man has been convicted for a string of indecent exposure and sexual assaults against Jewish women and girls in Stamford Hill.

Police compiled hours of CCTV footage and pieced together Mohammed Amin’s movements by tracking his GPS through his bike hire accounts.

With guidance from private Jewish safety patrol group Shomrim, specialist Met officers provided support to the victims throughout the investigation.

Mohammed Amin, of Sparsholt Road, N19, appeared at the Old Bailey on 10 May, where he was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison. He was jailed after committing four sexual offences against four victims over a three-month period in 2021. The youngest victim was 12.

Detective Constable Patrick Godin, who led the investigation said: “Today’s sentence demonstrates how seriously we take incidents of this nature. Our local team are committed to pursuing predators who threaten the safety of women and girls in their own neighbourhood.

“We did everything we could to take this perverse individual off the streets of Stamford Hill and were supported throughout by the local Shomrim. I’d like to thank the Shomrim for their continued help during this case – they were able to use their knowledge of the area to help us quickly identify Amin and provided vital guidance and advice.

“It’s important that we work with partners and listen to community concerns. It’s our job and duty to act on any information and make Londoners as safe as they can be.”

Amin had previously been found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court on 19 March of sexual assault on a female, causing a child aged 13-15 to look at an image of sexual activity, exposure and attempted exposure.

Palestine flags hang from windows of Trinity College

Religious Israelis burn their own flag

Ultra-Orthodox Jews living in Israel who are opposed to Jewish sovereignty in the Holy Land in the absence of the messiah burn the national flag on Yom Ha’Atzmaut during a protest in the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Mea Shearim

Mohammed Amin

‘I’m not frightened by range of views on diffi cult issues’

Incoming Board of Deputies president discusses female leadership roles, interfaith and the potential of a JLC merger with Lee Harpin

Last weekend, a youthful 38-year-old clinched the presidency of the centuries-old Board of Deputies, marking a potentially transformative era in British Jewish communal life.

Yet, despite the fresh face at the helm, the Board’s top brass is now entirely devoid of diversity, with all its honorary o cers seasoned men.

Has the Board, under its youngest leader, inadvertently taken two steps back? Phil Rosenberg begs to di er.

Under his leadership, the Board will, he promises, loudly and proudly echo every corner of the community.

In a wide-ranging interview he told Jewish News of his hope of becoming a “unifying figure” to the community in this country, while also becoming a leader who, in the aftermath of 7 October, can “build bridges outside”.

Declaring himself a “proud Zionist” but “not frightened” by the range of views on di cult issues, including Israel, Rosenberg said: “I’m not scared to speak to people on my right or on my left, because I often find, genuinely, you learn something from people, if you listen.”

But the confident and energetic former pupil of City of London School, who went on to study Hebrew, Arabic and Spanish at Oxford, is only too ready to accept that his election victory also exposed issues that had led many to question the very future of Britain’s oldest communal organisation, founded in 1760.

A photograph on social media of Rosenberg alongside newly elected honorary o cers – senior vicepresident Adrian Cohen, vice-presidents Andrew Gilbert and Jeremy Michaelson and treasurer Ben Crowne – confirmed the absence of females on the top team.

“We have a brilliant, brilliant team,” Rosenberg says. “But we need to fix the gender issue. It is one of my top priorities and I’ve had all the initial conversations.”

Rosenberg’s nearest rival in a lengthy election contest, that improved in quality as it progressed, was Amanda Bowman, one of the most senior female faces at the Board. Rosenberg had pledged to appoint an independent chair to improve the running of the Board’s plenary sessions, previously led by his predecessor Marie van der Zyl herself. It would be no surprise if Bowman

were to be o ered a senior role in the weeks ahead as part of a plan to improve female representation.

Rosenberg has nothing but praise for the work done by van der Zyl over the previous six years as president.

“Marie has given her all for the Board, and for the community throughout di cult times,” he says. “You can boil it down to the four Cs: Corbyn, coronavirus, conflict and coronation. She took on all of those challenges and did a very good job of it.”

But it is clear Rosenberg, as he said throughout his campaign, now plans to attempt to remove some of the barriers that still prevent many in the community from involving themselves with the Board. “We need everyone in the community to feel like the Board has a space for them, and that everybody can contribute,” he reiterates.

the inclusion is already “fantastic”, says Rosenberg, who cites

Which is not to say considerable progress was made under van der Zyl’s leadership. Some of the inclusion across the Board is already “fantastic”, says Rosenberg, who cites the work done by LGBT+ deputies, along with the racial inclusivity report delivered by Stephen Bush, with a review of this to be published in days.

But in terms of bringing younger people into the Board he also speaks of his manifesto pledge to improve childcare facilities at Board meetings to make them more accessible to women and men with young children.

There are also the fundamental challenges impacting on the entire community, particularly in the aftermath of 7 October, and with antisemitism rising at an alarming rate, both in the UK and across the globe.

Asked how the Board will represent the entire community, he says:

“I studied Hebrew and Arabic at university, I’ve worked for 20 years in Muslim/Jewish dialogue and in Israel/Palestinian dialogue. On Eid I exchanged messages with all the Abraham Accords ambassadors. I

have personthose embassies. This is

have personally good and warm relations with a number of those embassies. This is genuinely who I am.”

Significant for the Board is its future working relationship with the Jewish Leadership Council, its main rival organisation.

with great love, that was a mistake on their part.

“I don’t know what signal they were trying to send. The signal that came across to me and to others was there was politics being played here, and this may not have been their intention, at a time when we needed unity.”

is equally forthright that he would be happy to sit down

Later, Rosenberg is equally forthright that he would be happy to sit down with those organisations within the Jewish community now openly questioning their support for a Jewish state, and for Zionism.

Accepting that a group such as Na’amod has support from people still committed and connected to the community, Rosenberg adds: “I would just say, be careful not to be inadvertently taking on the paradigm of those who will always hate us. It’s not because of this particular Israeli government, which we do all have views on. It is because ultimately they are not going to like us whatever we are.”

Rosenberg then stresses that “the sharpest rise in antisemitism after October 7, I believe, was in the first few days afterwards, before Israel had responded. That tells you something. It’s not because Israel was strong. It’s because Israel was weak and people thought they could pick on Jews.”

Rosenberg says he has yet to have the chance to read an ambitious report published by the JLC two months ago, which set out a blueprint on how the UK Jewish community should operate in the aftermath of the 7 October attack.

Rosenberg says: “I have to be honest, I haven’t yet read it [the document Forge The Future]. It’s high on my reading list. I will definitely read it. One of my first phone calls was with Keith Black, who I like and have good interaction with.”

But he then argues: “Obviously in my view the two organisations [the Board and the JLC] should merge because there is a level of duplication and unnecessary competition.”

However, any potential merger would have to be “subject to democratic control, “because that is really important, the Board’s democratic legitimacy is one the community’s strongest things. But if there’s interest let’s discuss it. If there’s not, fine, we’ll work together and co-ordinate.”

Asked about the radical plan to stop the Board president being an automatic trustee of the JLC, and for the Board to cease to be a JLC member, Rosenberg says: “I think,

Rosenberg, who grew up with a family who were active at Barnet United Synagogue, completed an internship at the Foreign O ce, briefly worked at the Minister of Defence, but for most of his working career, served as the director of public a airs at the Board. He rejects suggestions that it will be tough continuing to pursue his current career path, with the public relations and lobbying firm Fleetwood Strategy, while devoting time and resources to the unpaid role as Board president.

As deputy for Brondesbury Park Synagogue, he praises the help he received from “the most amazing community ”. Rosenberg also pays tribute to his wife Frances, who was alongside him at JW3 last Sunday when the election results were announced. He describes her as his “absolute rock”, adding: “I love her more than I can ever say.”

 An extended version of this interview is available to read on our website

Phil Rosenberg and, inset, with Claudia Mendoza of the Jewish Leadership Council

Kinder receive ovation at 85th anniversary concert

Kindertransport refugees have attended an emotional commemorative concert to mark the 85th anniversary of their arrival in Britain, writes Dan Hardoon.

Milena Grenfell-Baines – now Lady Grenfell-Baines – was among those at the event, organised by the Association of Jewish Refugees.

She still has the leather-bound autograph book her grandfather gave her the night she boarded the Kindertransport. The message he wrote told her to be “a faithful daughter of the country you’re leaving and of your parents and grandfather who love you very much”.

Grenfell-Baines left Prague on 31 July 1939 aged nine with her sister, aged three. Most of her family were killed by the Nazis but her parents managed to escape to England, where the family were eventually reunited.

She discovered only 40 years later exactly how she survived the war. She was one of the 669 children saved by Sir Nicholas Winton on a train that left Prague days before the Nazis invaded, a story recently

depicted in the film One Life starring Sir Anthony Hopkins.

The concert in London’s Wigmore Hall was part of a series of events commemorating the 10,000 predominantly-Jewish children from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia given refuge in Britain in 1938-39.

Several surviving kinder, among them Lord (Alf) Dubs and Bronia Snow BEM, attended the gathering

and received a standing ovation from a 500-strong audience as they were hailed as “national treasures”.

Winton’s son Nick and grandson Laurence were also present. Nick told Jewish News: “There are sadly not many [kinder] left but it’s lovely to see the ones who are still active and engaged. Sadly, the threat goes on. We’re seeing almost a carbon copy of what happened in Czecho-

slovakia in 1939 happening today in Ukraine and there are other countries where people are desperate to be rescued.”

The concert was hosted by actor Tom Conti, who portrayed refugee Albert Einstein in the Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer

Speaking about his conversations with survivors, Conti said: “One is

just over-awed by their courage. The tragedy of the kids who got out and never saw their mums and dads again is unspeakably awful.”

The music, with pieces by Beethoven, Haydn and Novák, and performed by the Leonore Piano Trio was chosen to represent the countries from which the refugees came.

AJR chief executive Michael Newman explained: “These are pieces of music people would have been listening to in their homes. They may have attended concerts with their families and so it’s quite evocative and symbolic of that.”

He added: “We’re honouring the people that made it possible. The families of the kinder who sent their children away to the unknown and the kinder who are still with us and their families.”

Newman estimated that about 100 kinder are still alive in the UK and many are involved in school visits and oral-history projects. As Lady Grenfell-Baines says: “Soon this will all be history. We’re still around to tell the tale.”

TIKVA RISES TO EXTREME CHALLENGES

The Jewish charity that rescues children from neglect and abuse in Odesa, Ukraine, this week celebrated another year of extraordinary achievement as it deals with two wars threatening its work in two years.

Tikva, founded by the city’s chief rabbi, Shlomo Baksht, relocated the 4,500 people in its care in Odesa to Romania following Russia’s invasion in Ukraine in February 2022.

After a year in Neptun, on the Black Sea, it needed to relocate, and moved to the outskirts of Bucharest, from which it now continues its services. Tikva provides education, opportuni-

ties, love and life-long care for 250 orphaned youngsters as well as helping 660 displaced community members. It is also caring for Israelis affected by the 7 October attacks.

At a fundraising dinner on Monday one of those youngsters, 23-year-old Yuliia Roiter, spoke of the ‘Tikva family’ that saved her.

As she addressed the 270 guests, who included Sarah, Duchess of York, her voice broke as she said related how she was taken to a state orphanage as a baby after being rejected by her mother, who had turned to prostitution. A few years later she was rescued

It was last February that I was diagnosed with high risk Neuroblastoma.

The diagnosis was a real shock as I had no symptoms apart from a tummy ache.

I knew about Chai because they’d helped us when my grandpa was unwell, so it felt really good to know that they would be able to help us all again.

For Dad it was counselling, for Mum it was therapeutic massage and for me and my siblings, a combination of talking, music, art and play therapy.

Thank you Chai.

Ari, 13

To fi nd out more about Chai’s specialised services, please call our freephone helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit chaicancercare.org or scan the QR code

by Tikva. “I arrived as a toddler and grew up in a warm and loving home,” she said with gratitude. “I love my teachers and they love me.” Roiter is at the moment finishing her studies to qualify as a teacher herself.

The Duchess of York spoke about her visit to Tikva in Bucharest a few weeks ago. She first visited in 2013. Tears for those receiving support were followed immediately by peals of laughter as Israeli-American standup Modi leapt on to the stage to perform for the guests.

The Tikva UK dinner raised £1.4m for the charity’s work.

It felt really good that Chai was there for me and all my family

The audience at the anniversary concert and, above, former kind Lady (Milena) Grenfell-Baines

The Duchess of York (left), Yuliia Roiter and Arabella Spiro at Tikva’s dinner on Monday

Photo: Blake Ezra Photography

MKs booed on Memorial Day...

Israeli ministers were heckled while mourners ended up in a fight in one instance as tensions boiled over at military ceremonies across the country this week, writes Jotam Confino.

This year’s Memorial Day is considered unprecedented in Israel’s history due to 7 October and the ongoing war in Gaza. Discussions about the attendance by certain ministers at ceremonies began weeks ago, with mourners calling on them to stay away.

At the Ashdod military cemetery ceremony, families shouted “Get out of

here, criminal. Trash, you haven’t been in the army for a minute,” at national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which caused others to shout back at them.

“Shame on you traitorous leftists,” one person yelled back. The verbal fighting ended up getting physical inside the cemetery and continued outside, with police having to intervene.

“Say Kaddish for Israel! Look what has happened to us. Why disturb us? F*** o . Look what you’ve come to,” another man yelled, according to Times of Israel

More than 500 people gathered in Hampstead Garden Suburb United Synagogue (HGSS) on Monday to commemorate Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

Finance minister Betzalel Smotrich was also confronted by upset families when he arrived at the military cemetery in Ofakim.

“Minister Smotrich should do everything to bring them back. Save those who live, that’s the duty,” said Einav, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker. She added: “All of Kibbutz Nir Oz is still hostage. Bring back the living, after all, neither I nor you, God forbid, can know from whom the soul will be given.”

Both Smotrich and BenGvir have threatened to toppling prime minister Net-

The ceremony took on extra significance following the appalling events of 7 October, as teenagers from HGSS youth lit memorial candles in memory of those who fell in defence of the State of Israel and the yishuv prior to 1948 and in memory of the victims of terror.

anyahu if Israel agrees to a ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas, an option that has

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: “Yom Hazikaron is always an exceptionally di cult day for all of us. This year our pain is particularly deep and our sorrow, enormous. In addition to remembering those who have fallen since the War of Independence and thereafter, this year we recall all those murdered on 7 October together with the soldiers who have fallen in defence of the State of Israel in the past seven months.

“On the festival of Chanukah, we

causing great anger among families of hostages.

Housing minister Yitzhak

have a custom in Israel to say ‘Nes gadol haya po’ – ‘a great miracle happened here’ and in the diaspora we say ‘Nes gadol haya sham’ – ‘a great miracle happened there’. But actually right now there is no there and here – we’re all part of one global family in sorrow for our losses.

“And in the same way Yom Hazikaron gives way to Yom Ha’atzmaut, so may Hashem bless us to take us from sorrow to happiness and to give us peace and security in the future.”

Goldknopf was heckled by protesters shouting “shame” as he was speaking in Rehovot’s military cemetery.

Netanyahu spoke at the main Memorial Day event at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl military cemetery as some attendees left in protest.

“We are determined to win the fight, we have collected and will collect a heavy price from the enemy for its criminal actions,” Netanyahu said. He added: “We will realise the goals of victory – and at the centre of them is the return of all our hostages – but the price we pay is very heavy.”

From left: Knesset speaker Amir Ohana, Benjamin Netanyahu, President Herzog and his wife, IDF chief Herzl Halevi

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis

‘War criminals’ rabbi’s apology

A community rabbi working at New North London Synagogue is under internal investigation for branding Israeli politicians “war criminals”, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

As first reported by Jewish News, in ‘Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat‘, part of an alternative Haggadah supplement, Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov, who asks to be referenced using they/them pronouns, dismissed those who will “lift up their matzah and wax poetic about the Israelites’ rush to escape Egypt”.

Rabbi Haft Yom-Tov added that the “same politicians who have manufactured a famine in Gaza, leading millions to the brink of starvation, will declare: ‘Let all who are hungry come and eat.’”

In correspondence shared with Jewish News, a note from the council and co-chair of New North London Synagogue (NNLS) states: “Following the publication of an online Haggadah supplement written by Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov and subsequent feedback and media coverage, NNLS is currently undertaking an

internal investigation.”

It adds: “We know that emotions are running high. We aim as council to support our whole NNLS community.”

Louise Froggett, co-chief executive officer at New North London Synagogue, told Jewish News: “The synagogue is following its rules and procedures for these types of situations, including taking independent legal advice, with a view to agreeing an outcome as quickly as possible. Although we understand the desire for more information, we must not prejudice that process.”

Jewish News has also seen the letter written by Rabbi Lara shared within the NNLS community, in which they apologise for using the term “war criminals”.

They write: “I deeply appreciate everyone who trusted me, and the rest of the NNLS team, enough to share your thoughts. I regret that my piece didn’t reflect the deep love and concern that I feel for all Israelis, and particularly for the hostages and their families.

“I also apologise for using the term “war criminals”. I recognise that through my words I’ve caused pain to many members of our community and damaged our relationship. I missed the mark and I’m sorry. I still have

much to learn as a new rabbi and I’m grateful to everyone who has offered me guidance and advice as I navigate my new role.”

They adds: “I’ve taken your guidance to heart and am continuing to reflect on the impact of my words so that I don’t make similar mistakes in the future. Going forward, I plan to work with my fellow rabbis throughout my writing process and seek the mentorship of trusted lay leaders so that I can continue to learn and grow in my role. I pray that we will soon see lasting peace, safety for all, and an end to this heart-wrenching war.”

A concerned member of NNLS, which boasts a membership of more than 3,000, contacted Jewish News to allege that Rabbi Yom-Tov was an activist involved with the BDS movement.

A paper from Bar Ilan University, naming Rabbi Lara, entitled ‘American Jews and their Israel problem’, refers to North Carolina city council voting to ban city police ‘military-style’ training with any foreign entities and to ban police exchanges of any sort with Israel. One of the activists involved in the vote is ‘Lara Haft’.

KENNEL CLUB IN DOGHOUSE OVER ‘JERUSALEM’

A dog breeder in the UK trying to register a puppy with the Kennel Club was told the chosen name had been rejected because “Jerusalem [is] unsuitable at this time due to the conflict in the Middle East,” writes Beatrice Sayers

The breeder’s choice of name, Jam and Jerusalem, is the title of a British sitcom as well as an affectionate reference to the Women’s Institute in England and Wales, known for the making of jam and the singing of the hymn Jerusalem

Leo Barnett, of Pinner, owner of a Kennel Club-registered labrador, drew attention to a post on Facebook about the name, saying: “Who

is that name going to offend was the big question for me. The person who made that decision is clearly not educated enough to make it.”

Contacted by Jewish News, the Kennel Club said the contractor who looked at the application had made a mistake and the decision had been reversed. It also confirmed the contractor was based in the UK.

Checks on names supplied by breeders are done partly to “ensure they cause no offence”, the institution said in a statement.

It added: “The Kennel Club would like to apologise for the misjudg-

ment made in this instance and for any offence caused – this was entirely down to human error in understanding and interpreting which words are permitted.”

The Kennel Club was founded in 1873 and has offices in Mayfair, central London.

Its statement continued: “There is absolutely no prohibition against the use of any place name.

“Our only rules relate to the use of a place in combination with another word or phrase that could then be interpreted as offensive. We will review our training to support the

processes that we have in place, to avoid this happening in the future.”

People who saw the post made comparisons with an incident earlier this year when staff at a private company working with the Home Office were suspended after a birth certificate sent in for registration was returned with the word “Israel” scribbled out.

With the much-disputed city’s name out of the doghouse as far as the Kennel Club is concerned, it is hoped the puppy now officially registered as Jam and Jerusalem will have a long and peaceful life.

Immanuel’s Michael Lewis wins coveted shortlisting King honours Norwood with his royal patronage

The assistant head of Jewish education at the UK’s only mainstream Jewish independent school for four-to-18-year-olds has won a coveted place on the TES shortlist for Subject Lead of the Year (Secondary), writes Michelle Rosenberg.

Michael Lewis, who has taught at Immanuel College since 2016, was chosen from a national field of educators across both state and independent sectors.

The college is the only Jewish school to be shortlisted in any of the 21 TES Awards categories.

The TES School Awards is a prestigious programme which celebrates the best of education across the UK, with a shortlist compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and experts. The schools and teachers they choose showcase the best of education across the sector within 21 award categories, covering all areas of school education.

excellence and share it widely so we can ensure the fantastic work happening in education is properly recognised.”

An Immanuel College sixth-former said of Lewis: “During the time Mr Lewis was my teacher I had been through many hardships. I felt very lost and I did not really know who to speak to or what to do with myself. Mr Lewis could sense this and became so much more than just an ordinary teacher, he was someone who I could speak to and to give me advice or to even just have someone to listen to me.”

TES Magazine editor Jon Severs said: “The standard was so high this year despite the challenges schools face. It is critical we celebrate

Immanuel headmaster Dr Millan Sachania said: “The kind of optimistic, indefatigable, skilled and totally individualised teaching TES recognises this year in Michael Lewis is the essence of Immanuel College. We are so proud of him as well as the pupils’ achievements he has inspired and nurtured.” Chair of governors Daniel Levy added: “Michael Lewis embodies the chesed (kindness) and kavvanah (sincere feeling) that makes Immanuel College such a special place.”

One of the Jewish community’s most prominent charities has announced King Charles as its royal patron, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

The news for Norwood, the organisation supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, continues its rich tradition of royal patronage which began with the Duke of Sussex Prince Augustus Frederick in 1815.

Most recently, Queen Elizabeth II upheld the precedent of four former sovereigns including her father King George VI of becoming royal patron of the charity previously known as The Jews’ Hospital and Orphan Asylum.

The Queen herself referred to her family’s historic connection to the charity in her correspondence, visits and words of encouragement with Norwood throughout her reign.

The charity’s chief executive officer Naomi Dickson said: “I am delighted and honoured that His Majesty has conferred his Patronage on Norwood. This is a sign of the respect in which he holds the charity, and of the importance of the vital service we provide to the community.

“We are very much looking forward, with excitement, to working with our new Royal Patron over the years to come.”

Meanwhile, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT);World Jewish Relief, the Jewish community’s humanitarian agency, and The Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB) have all announced the King will remain their patron.

HMDT chief executive Olivia MarksWoldman, recognised in the 2020 Queen’s birthday honours, told Jewish News the trust was “delighted and immensely grateful” that the king had agreed to remain patron, a position he has held since 2015 when he took on the role from Queen Elizabeth.

Investigation: Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov

Jam and Jerusalem was ‘unsuitable’

Michael Lewis

King Charles – continuing tradition

A Holocaust memorial in Paris was vandalised with blood-red hands this week, sparking condemnation from the city’s mayor and the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

The memorial honours some 3,900 people who helped save Jews during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II.

The gra ti, apparently a reference to Gaza, was condemned by Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, who said a complaint had been filed with the Paris prosecutor.

“No cause can justify such degradations that dirty the memory of the victims of the Shoah and of the Righteous who saved Jews at risk to their lives,” she said.

The HET also condemned the attack, saying: “We are shocked and saddened to see the antisemitic vandalism of the Shoah memorial in Paris with blood-red hands on the Wall of the Righteous.

“This is a disgraceful act of hate, ignorance and disrespect. It is an abuse of the memory of the six million Jewish victims and also the righteous, who risked everything to save Jewish lives.”

Bambie Thug says ‘f***

Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry Bambie Thug says life is “forever changed” after this year’s event.

The performer, 31, who came sixth – behind Israel’s entry – posted a video on Instagram with a filter projecting the Palestinian flag on one cheek, saying: “Thank you guys for all of your support throughout this process. I love you beyond and my life is forever changed and it’s because of your love and support, and yeah slay, lots of love.

“I just want to say we are what Eurovision is, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) is not what the Eurovision is, f*** the EBU, I don’t even care anymore. F*** them.”

The 68th edition of the annual

song contest, in Malmo, Sweden, was won by Swiss contestant Nemo with his song The Code, after a week filled with controversy.

Throughout the competition Bambie had urged people to ‘crown the witch’, but when Nemo was named the winner on Saturday

The Holocaust educational centre in west Yorkshire has appointed two new artistic residencies for 2024.

Writer Tom Hastings and translator Rey Conquer complete the line up for Holocaust Centre North’s innovative Memorial Gestures programme, based at the University of Huddersfield. They join visual artists Maud Haya-Baviera, Irina Razumovskaya, Ariane Schick and Matt Smith to create brand new work inspired by the ccentre’s archives and in response to its themes and collections around

HOW 3000 YEARS OF JEWISH CIVILISATION IN THE ARAB WORLD VANISHED OVERNIGHT

night, Bambie was shown on screen hugging the Swiss singer in the green room in congratulations and Thug then put a crown on Nemo’s head, which Nemo wore on stage to receive the winner’s trophy and then perform again.

Thug and Nemo, who both describe themselves as non-binary and ask other people to refer to them using they/them pronouns, are believed to have formed a firm friendship during the event. In the build-up to the finale, Thug also accused the Israeli broadcaster Kan of breaking the rules. The EBU has been contacted for comment.

 Editorial comment, page 14  Josh Glancy, page 17

Holocaust remembrance and history. Alongside the artists, Hastings and Conquer will be immersed in the centre’s artefacts and accounts and respond to and translate them through their individual creative and artistic practices.

A fundraising dinner to mark the 90th anniversary of the Wiener Holocaust Library has raised more than £400,000.

The evening welcomed supporters, cultural figures, politicians and philanthropists to the Wallace Collection, near the first headquarters of the library, which was founded after a wartime escape from Amsterdam by Dr Alfred Wiener just before the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

The funds raised will go towards preserving the library’s unique collection – the world’s oldest cache of evidence of the Holocaust and the history of antisemitism.

Speaking at the dinner, the grandson of the Library’s founder, Lord Daniel Finkelstein described the institution as a “vital resource for humanity”.

He thanked the champions of the collection who had kept it together over the last 90 years, adding that “the Library tells the truth, and the truth won’t tell itself. [The Library] is here to help us at this profoundly dangerous moment in human a airs.

Lyn Julius author of the critically acclaimed book Uprooted will talk on the uprooting of almost a million Jews from the Arab and Muslim world and why the Hamas massacre of October 7th makes the story of the ethnic cleansing of the MENA Jews more relevant than ever

She will explain how the 7 October Hamas massacre has to be seen in the context of decades of antisemitism in the Muslim world. All Guests will receive A Signed COMPLIMENTARY COPY

LAST FEW PLACES AVAILABLE

Scan here to visit our website

Lyn Julius will present her book UPROOTED: How 3,000 years of Jewish civilisation in the Arab world vanished overnight’ (Vallentine Mitchell).

20th May 2024, 7:30 PM MAIDA VALE VENUE FOR COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS PLEASE EMAIL MICHAEL MARKS AT michael@yadsarah.org.uk - light refreshments - no ticket price but there will be an appeal at the event

Lyn Julius

The British-born daughter of Iraqi - Jewish refugees, Lyn Julius is a journalist, speaker, blogger and founder of Harif, the U.K. association of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa. Her work has appeared in JNS News, Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Jewish Chronicle, Fathom, The Article, The Guardian,

Bambie Thug in performance

It’s never too late to tackle addiction

If you or someone you know is having issues with drugs or alcohol, there are lots of ways to access free and confidential advice and support from local experts

Drug and alcohol problems can affect anyone, with many people keeping it a secret, adding pressure to holding down a job and juggling family life. This can have a serious impact on the people around you, including those you love.

Whether you’ve become dependent on drugs and alcohol, or just find it difficult to control your use, it can be difficult to acknowledge and talk about what is happening.

But it’s important to remember that effective, confidential, and non-judgemental help is available for anyone who feels they, or anyone they know, struggles with alcohol or drugs. Support is also available for families affected by a loved one’s alcohol and drug use.

The government is investing additional funding to improve the capacity and quality of treatment. This means that there will be more help available in your local area so you can get the help you need quicker and the help you receive will be better, including from better-trained staff who can spend longer with each person.

“You’ve got to do it for yourself, or nothing is going to change”

*Aleena (name changed for privacy), 37, has lived through some challenging times. Her father was killed in a road accident when she was 11 years old, triggering her to go “off the rails” as she went into a spiral of drug and alcohol use.

When she became pregnant in late 2020, she reached a crisis point and approached her local drug and alcohol treatment provider for support.

“When I was pregnant, I thought enough is enough, and became determined to change my ways and surroundings.

The penny had dropped,” says *Aleena.

“I was a mess when I walked into drug and alcohol support services and now, I’m more confident and have my self-esteem back. I don’t have cravings and I’ve got the willpower to carry on.

“The talking support groups are intense, but they have got

to be intense to work. It opens your eyes to a lot of stuffespecially what you thought was normality.

“I told my life story over six months, from childhood to now. You’re encouraged to open up to your key worker and once it is off your chest, you can put it in a box and forget about it.

“I can’t thank my service provider enough. My key workers took the time to sit down with me and make me feel a lot better about myself. They are like my family and have been excellent with me and my little girl.

“You’ve got to do it for yourself, or nothing is going to change. Even if you’re proud. I didn't want to ask for help, but you need it. Grab it with both hands and give it a go. Then stay calm and keep focused and busy. If you’re bored, your mind starts wandering. You need a routine and structure.”

With a fresh start, *Aleena is now raising her daughter and continues to rebuild her life. She is also still in touch with her local treatment service, who continue to offer support.

HOW TO FIND HELP

You can find details of treatment services on your local authority’s website. FRANK also has a directory of adult and young people’s alcohol and drug treatment services at talktofrank.com/help

● If you are worried about a friend or family member and they are happy for you to do so, contact FRANK, or the local drug and alcohol service on their behalf. You, or the person you are worried for can call FRANK anytime on 0300 123 6600 for confidential advice and information.

● You can talk to your GP, who can then refer you to services, but if you are not comfortable doing that you can approach your local drug and alcohol treatment service yourself without a referral or a friend or family member can, contact the local service on your behalf.

Remember that expert help is out there. Treatment is available for anyone who is dependent on drugs or alcohol. Staff in the local service will talk you through all of your personal treatment options and agree on a plan with you.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ALONGSIDE

TREATMENT

There are also lots of groups within the community of people in recovery that offer support, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and UK SMART Recovery - and, for families and friends, Al-Anon and Families Anonymous.

These self-helps groups can provide a vital source of support, alongside the help provided by the local treatment service.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS

Eden’s fearless note of defiance

Continued from page 1

fifth in the contest, but what a miserable time she had. Bullied by other contestants from the moment she arrived in the Swedish city, they kept their distance, complained about her presence to whoever gave them airtime and made Eden a pariah at what should have been a party. Forced to stay in her room as the angry mob grew in size, boosted by a guest appearance from climate activist Greta Thunberg wearing a keffiyeh.

Had it not been made clear why Dutch contestant Joost Klein was kicked out of the contest (he threatened a member of the production crew), Eden and Israel would have been blamed for his exit too. No doubt pro-Palestine protestors in the Netherlands are sticking with that story as truth no longer gets in the way of greenlighting more gaslighting of Israel.

The finale did not go well for Eurovision’s boss Martin Österdahl, who was also booed because of Joost’s exclusion or Israel’s inclusion or the voting itself, which some wise ass on X proclaimed to be the work of Mossad.

Finding Nemo – Switzerland’s pink-skirted non-binary entrant – to be the winner in no way deprived Eden of victory. That she was able to perform like a pro despite the bullying and ostracising only made us love her more, but understandably she broke down in tears when she landed back home.

“It was a great honour to be there and that I had the opportunity to represent our country, especially in these times,” said Eden. “My song gave a voice to those that need to be returned home.”

There was only one real winner at Eurovision.

Sales Manager Marc Jacobs 020 8148 9701

marc@jewishnews.co.uk

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Appeasing the haters

My anxieties about pro-Palestinian marches and antisemitism in the UK fell away last Thursday during a meeting with assistant commissioner of police Matt Twist.

The meeting, called by MP Mike Freer for shul representatives to meet Mr Twist to arrange direct contact with the Met and pass on concerns, was excellent. It made us realise the quality and support Mike Freer has given us in face of threats by Islamists which have forced him to stand down at the next election.

I say “threats from Islamists” but Board of Deputies president and notional leader of the community Marie van der Zyl, who was also there, said I was wrong to say 250,000 Jews in our country are under threat from four million Muslims and that there was no ‘war’ between Jews and Muslims here.

You only have to see on TV and in the media how tough things are to wonder what world these people are living in. I was reduced to speaking about people of unknown affiliation

WE NEED UNITY MORE THAN EVER

Edward Misrahi’s column (9 May) about Israel and the diaspora was significant and apt in these troubled times.

What is also lacking is the vision to capture our youngsters to teach them about the significance of Israel. Although there are Israel tours organised through schools or youth movements, what is needed is a whole programme that regularly engages children but also to encourage parents to take an active interest and participate. All it needs is a bit of creativity and lateral thinking. This is more important than ever when we see young Jews joining protests against Israel. We need to get them on Israel’s side.

What is also alarming and what is often seen on our TV and heard on the radio is Israelis denigrating the Israeli government. This does not help us in the diaspora nor Israel itself and only gives succour to our enemies. Whatever we think of the present Israeli government, we need more than ever to stay united in the public domain, whatever we feel privately.

Daphne Bland, NW11

EUROVISION TORRENT OF ABUSE

Notwithstanding the significant swathes of unexpected support for Israel’s Eden Golan in many countries, and the unparalleled bravery, love and respect in her Eurovision performance, what struck me was the sheer torrent of abuse by her fellow performers, broadcasters, assembled journalists and juries.

One participating national broadcaster interrupted its own coverage with criticism of Israel’s “human rights violations” and “genocide”. A voting jury member admitted to bias against Israel, in flagrant breach of EBU rules for juries that songs should be judged only on merit. A semi-final press conference with participants yawning and pretending to sleep. A journalist’s loaded question that asked Golan whether her presence caused a risk to everyone’s safety (did the tens of thousands actually responsible for that risk have no personal agency or autonomy for themselves?). Objections to Golan staying in an adjacent hotel room. Crying foul

for an “urgent” matter of some mild opposition on commentary from the Israeli broadcaster Kan. This wasn’t just a principled opposition to a country’s participation. It was a visceral bodily response, virtually an allergic reaction, to the personal presence of a 20-year-old musician who assumes no responsibility for the actions of her country. And all in the name of a commitment to universal liberal values – only in a universe that won’t include Israel. Those maxims are encapsulated in the EBU’s rules, yet paradoxically it was in the name of those values that Golan’s peers flouted them. At least the boycotters refused to reconcile their beliefs with participation in the competition and its rules. But for those wanting it both ways – to compete under this year’s slogan of United By Music while being anything but – it is clear that far from being about Israel, it was always, and only, about them.

Naji Tilley,

Hendon

who were marching through London against ‘people unknown’.

With people like this leading us and so appeasing those who hate us by denying they hate us, what chance for my family, children and grandchildren for the future? Thank goodness we have an Israel prepared to fight.

I was impressed by (non-Jewish) Mike Freer and Theresa Villiers, who spoke up for Jewish concerns while our Jewish leaders don’t seem able to call a spade a spade.

I was happy with the efforts Matt Twist was putting in to keep us safe and I understood the difficulties the police force face. They could do more but I’d give them an 8/10. We’ll sorely miss Mike when he goes and must get behind Theresa in the forthcoming election lest we lose another strong friend.

Otherwise we’ll be fighting Iran’s nukes and ‘unknown marchers’ carrying lumps of wood and baseball bats with peashooters (if at all).

Adrian Korsner, Whetstone

STALKED BY CHAREDI

Further to my letter in Jewish News last week about the state of education among the UK Charedi community, I have been stalked and harassed by members of the same Charedi community and their advocates on Facebook. If perhaps these eloquent individuals would make more effort to give their children the same level of education in the English language from which they have clearly benefited, as opposed to spending time harassing strangers on social media, the campaigning work of people such as Eve Sacks and others would no longer be seen as being so essential.

Benjamin Black, NW5

BELIEF AND IDENTITY

After reading Ann Cohen’s letter of 9 May, I am left wondering whether she thinks that those Jews who do not believe in the Divine are not Jewish.

Answers on a postcard, please.

Joe Millis, South London

THE AUTHORITY ON JUDAISM? REALLY?

Regular correspondent Ann Cohen of Golders Green appears to be a self-styled defender of the faith for Jewish ultraOrthodoxy and the supreme authority on what true Judaism means. How fortunate Jewish News has a correspondent who has resolved, for certain, concepts with which our greatest religious and secular authorities have grappled for millennia. Just to establish her credentials, can she assure us she knows all 613 mitzvot and keeps every one of them?

She asserts belief in God is built into being a Jew. Does that mean Jews professing atheism loses their identities? Do those who change their minds become Jewish again? She further asserts secular education is “mostly unneeded for Charedim”. She is clearly articulate in English and probably numerate, so by which criteria should she have been given a secular education while most Charedim don’t qualify? Herbert Goldberg, By email

Opinion

Labour’s plan to bring peace to the Middle East

MICHAEL RUBIN LABOUR FRIENDS OF ISRAEL

Amid the horror in Israel and Gaza over the past seven months, there have been few causes for optimism.

While President Biden’s credible and constructive plan for the future is much needed, any new diplomatic e ort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is inevitably treated with caution given the failure of previous peace processes over three decades.

As LFI (Labour Friends of Israel) outlines in a new paper by John Lyndon, it is therefore crucial to learn from what has worked successfully elsewhere.

The key lesson from Northern Ireland, Colombia and South Africa is a need to build a broader, deeper process which places grassroots, civic society peace-building at the core of a strategy for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

In each instance, it had a vital impact on both the attitudes and political context which are the oxygen that real peace processes

depend upon; proved critical for societal resilience; transformed the political incentives within conflicted societies, creating constituencies – and indeed leaders – who support peace and reconciliation; developed many of the ideas leaders ultimately borrowed and presented as their own; and helped to create a counterweight to the spoilers that exist in every conflict.

Jonathan Powell, the UK’s chief negotiator, has rightly labelled the International Fund for Ireland “the great unsung” of the Good Friday Agreement. Established during the darkest days of the Troubles in the mid1980s – over a decade before the 1998 agreement – the IFI began its work at a moment that elicited similar levels of pessimism and despair to those seen in Israel and Palestine.

With $1.5bn in direct funding and $2.4bn overall, a haul combining multiple donations from the US, the EU, UK and the Commonwealth, the IFI mounted a sustained, longterm e ort to build relationships, economic development, interdependencies and trust between unionists and nationalists.

Funding more than 6,000 peace-building

projects, the IFI transformed the civic landscape. Participation in these programmes eventually became a rite of passage for young Catholics and Protestants.

The Oslo Accords, at a roughly similar time, were, like the Good Friday Agreement, essentially an interim agreement. But, unlike in Northern Ireland, Oslo appeared from nowhere, with no civic preparation or grassroots capacity ready to sustain it.

And while there is a network of peacebuilding projects encompassing tech, the environment, health and young people in Israel-Palestine, they have nowhere near the funding expended in Northern Ireland. In the case of the latter, this translated into more than $44 per person per year, compared with around $3 in Israel-Palestine.

Despite lack of funding and scale, rigorous academic studies show peace-building projects in Israel-Palestine work: chipping away at participants’ negative attitudes and bolstering those, such as trust and a willingness to work with “the other side”, needed to underpin a successful political process.

Inspired by the IFI, and pioneered by the

Alliance for Middle East Peace, there is a huge opportunity to create an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, bolstered by the success of the bipartisan 2020 US Middle East Partnership for Peace Act which is investing $250m in peace-building work.

Under Keir Starmer, who has endorsed an International Fund, a Labour government could make civil society its priority and position the UK as leading voice, convener and architect for it in the region, placing this agenda at the core of a wider diplomatic process alongside its closest allies.

On taking o ce, a Labour government could take a leading role in bringing together allies to establish a mechanism to pool and coordinate the combined strengths, resources and legitimacy of a collaborative e ort, with an inaugural meeting within the first 100 days of Labour taking o ce to set up an informal working group later to be formalised into something more permanent.

Such a vision and ambition would be a worthy and fitting heir to the last Labour government’s early and pivotal e orts in Northern Ireland.

Our destiny to hold on in this mysterious ride

JOSH GLANCY

Ididn’t cry on October 7th. I didn’t cry on October 8th either. Nor on any of the more than 200 days that followed. I felt horror, anguish and dread, but often I felt numb too. It took Eden Golan to make me cry. And not in a Bambie Thug kind of way. The first time I saw Eden perform Hurricane, Israel’s Eurovision entry, something snapped.

Partly it was just the haunting power of the song, which had murder and kidnap and rape woven into its every syllable, even as the lyrics had been stripped of any direct reference to the cataclysm in question. There was also something heartrending about seeing a 20-year-old girl sing with grace and courage under extraordinary pressure.

More than that, however, what pierced my emotional armour was a sense of the crushing weight of Jewish history being carried on Eden Golan’s shoulders.

Why couldn’t she just be another young pop singer camping it up for her country at Eurovision? Why must so many of our sons and daughters risk their lives to sustain the existence of their homeland?

Why always us? I’ve wondered this so many times since October 7th.

In Britain, during the endless rows over antisemitism that defined the Corbyn years, I often thought how nice it would be for Jews to be out of the headlines for a while. Why couldn’t we be more like, I don’t know, Sikhs, or Buddhists - there are as many Buddhists in Britain as Jews, but you really wouldn’t know it from reading the papers.

After Corbyn lost, my dearest wish was that we could all stop talking about Jews for a while. But here we are a few years later and our own strange little identity is plastered all over media and social media daily, as though it’s a public good, to be argued over like green energy or immigration. Even if you’re an optimist about Jewish life in Britain, as I still am, it really is draining to observe this rolling debate about just how much and in precisely what way millions of people hate you.

And yet, was it not ever thus? Isn’t this really just the resumption of normal historical service? Much has been said in the aftermath of October 7th about the end of the Jewish “holiday from history”. The argument goes that, among the many things shattered that day was the comfortable equilibrium of diasporic life that has endured these past 50 years or so. A half century in which Israel’s existence was, broadly speaking, secure. In which antisemitism was not, for most people, a daily concern. And in which we diaspora Jews were able to enjoy our protected status as the people that survived the Holocaust, while also benefiting from the knowledge that our ultimate security was no longer in the hands of our fickle neighbours, but a nucleararmed pocket superpower in the Middle East. That was all rather nice, wasn’t it? And

yet, while the long term e ects of October 7th remain to be seen, it seems likely that this illusory equilibrium was also snatched away by Hamas. That it’s gone and will not return any time soon. Regardless of our feelings towards it, Israel has dragged the rest of us out of the eddy and back into the rapids.

We now reside once more in a world where pogroms happen in broad daylight and are celebrated. Where baying crowds fill European squares bearing slogans of hate. Where people are compiling lists of Jews and seeking to evict them from public life. Of course the circumstances today differ somewhat, as does the moral calculus: the Jews in Israel are not pure victims, they wield a far sharper power, meaning Palestinians bear the brunt of this conflict’s awful losses. But the outcomes for Jews feel eerily familiar.

Not all Jewish history has been like this of course, but it’s hard not to feel something akin to what Friedrich Nietzsche called “eternal recurrence”, that somehow every pain and sorrow felt by our ancestors will also punctuate our lives and the lives of our grandchildren. That battling antisemitism is truly a Sisyphean task. It’s there in Vehi Sheamda of course, arguably our central creed: in every generation, they rise up to destroy us.

And yet it is another Nietzschean idea that has been on my mind since watching Eden Golan. The concept of “amor fati”, a love of one’s fate. The sense that it is not our destiny as sentient beings to simply be happy, but also to feel pain again and again. And only accepting that inevitability makes the human condition comprehensible or even bearable.

All the more so for the Jewish condition. Because we know that, for reasons too numerous to recount here, when the world sneezes, the Jews usually catch a cold. That to be Jewish means to be hated and to be loved, but rarely ignored. To be singled out and also to single yourself out. To feel the

blessing of belonging and the curse of being trapped in a moth-like tribe that cannot resist a flame. To live with jeopardy and intensity and the motors of identity revving away ceaselessly inside us. A people chosen to find itself at the apex of history, again and again and again. “Dancing in the storm, holding on in this mysterious ride,” as Eden sang. This is our beautiful, terrible destiny and if we wish to maintain our sanity along the way then we must love it, even as it makes us cry.

Mark Twain described us best in

Concerning the Jews, his famous 1899 essay about how the Jewish people persist even as the empires that seek to destroy them rise and fall. The Jew today, he wrote, “is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind”. Our fate has made us this way. Our fate is to exist in the eye of history’s hurricane. I wouldn’t change it, even if I could.

 Josh Glancy is News Review editor at the Sunday Times

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Eden Golan arriving on stage at the start of last weekend’s Eurovision grand final

Struggling to hear the TV? Missing out on family phone chats? Hearing just not what it used to be?

Politics aside, Jews need Israel to sustain them

DR JONATHAN BOYD EXEC DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH POLICY RESEARCH

From kosher food products to Jewish music, art, literature and television, from life-changing Jewish educational experiences to sifrei kodesh and numerous items of Judaica, Israel suffuses Jewish life in the diaspora, and Jewish communities around the world would be immeasurably poorer without it.

The transition from the solemnity of Yom Hazikaron to the joy of Yom Ha’Atzmaut is always hard. It was designed to be so. Israel’s first government wanted people to feel the dissonance between the wonder of Israel’s existence and the price Jews paid for it.

Israel’s independence was achieved only through tremendous sacrifice and loss of life, so Israel’s Independence Day had to be preceded directly by Israel Memorial Day – a public acknowledgement and commemoration of those who gave their lives to establish the State in the first place.

But this year, the tension between the two days feels greater than ever. In many respects, every day since 7 October has felt like Yom Hazikaron – the pain remains as potent as it

RACHEL

did seven months ago. One Israeli educator captured the national mood perfectly: “We’re not su ering from PTSD because we’re not post-trauma yet. We’re still in the middle of it,” she said. How does one celebrate when so many are still dying and being held captive?

For me, the tone over both days this year was far more reflective than usual. The lives lost feel closer than ever, more visceral, more personal. But the appreciation for what Israel is – what it has given to Jews everywhere, what role it plays in Jewish life, how critical it is to the future of the Jewish people – has also come into ever sharper focus following the horrors of 7 October and the subsequent war.

Here’s the thing: At JPR, we monitor closely how Jewish populations worldwide are changing – most fundamentally, whether they are growing or declining, and why.

And when I look at the global demographic data on Jews, Israel is one of the very few anomalies. Its Jewish population is growing – not so much because of immigration, but because of fertility, and that’s not just because of high birthrates among Haredi Jews; it’s because all Israelis, even the most secular, have more children than their equivalents in the Western world.

Israeli women have about three children each on average. By contrast, total fertility rates across Europe and the West are all below

HOW DOES ONE CELEBRATE WHEN SO MANY ARE STILL DYING OR HELD CAPTIVE?

replacement level – they range from 1.2 in Ukraine and Italy through 1.6 in the UK to 1.9 in France and Iceland.

While Western Jewish rates tend to be higher than the average in each country, most Jewish populations are still declining thanks to the combined forces of low fertility, ageing and assimilation. Without Israel, the global Jewish population would likely be in freefall, save perhaps for the Charedi sector – I say “perhaps” because the absence of Israeli industry, creativity and religiosity would further exacerbate this demographic collapse.

The events of 7 October, the following war in Gaza and the dramatic rise in antisemitism we have witnessed, have shaken many Jews worldwide to their core.

For some, the loss of Palestinian Arab life at the hands of the IDF has been too much to bear, and they struggle deeply to reconcile their understanding of what Jewishness is

with images of death that litter their screens. For others, the heinous attack of 7 October and the callous and cynical way in which the enemies of Israel have worked to demonise it only reinforces their resolve to use whatever means possible to defend the country.

For still others, the past seven months have thrown up numerous moral, psychological and social challenges, creating a daily mix of thoughts and emotions that are disconcerting, distressing and destabilising.

But whatever position Jews take on the war – and we’ll learn much more in our forthcoming Jewish Current A airs survey –we’d do well to have taken a moment this Yom Ha’Atzmaut to appreciate just how significant a role the State of Israel has played in Jewish life for the past 76 years.

In many respects, it is impossible to measure – very fortunately, we do not have the counterfactual of a contemporary world without a Jewish State to do so.

But whatever political positions Jews worldwide take, and irrespective of whether they realise it or not, they need Israel to help sustain Jewish life today.

Israeli leaders would do well to ponder on this, too – they hold something profoundly precious in their hands, and how they manage it will have profound implications for the future of Jews everywhere.

Eden was dehumanised by the ugly sound of hate

BLAIN CAMPAIGN MANAGER, WE BELIEVE IN ISRAEL

Eden Golan, the Israeli singer who did her nation proud by finishing fifth in last weekend's Eurovision Song Contest, is a person.

Mazal Tazazo and Millet Ben Haim, who visited the UK parliament last week as survivors of the Nova music festival, are people.

The women raped, tortured, kidnapped, murdered, are all individual people.

Their families who have lost loved ones, or are desperately clinging on to hope that their children/brothers/sisters/parents will be returned, are all people.

At some point since 7 October, and one can argue on 7 October, groups of people stopped seeing Israelis and Jews as individual people, but rather a group of people separate from humanity, who deserved to be attacked.

People are su ering on both sides of the

border, and Jews are su ering worldwide with a staggering rise in antisemitism.

When one stops seeing people as individuals, there is no hope for humanity and peace. People excuse their acts of racism and violence through dehumanisation, which is dangerous and destructive.

Eden Golan is 20-years-old. A young woman with dreams and aspirations like all of us. At the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden – where contestants are not meant to take themselves seriously (it is, after all, meant to be one great party of freedom and self-expression)

– Golan’s security team took things very seriously. She was met with countless protests and was told to stay in her hotel room as a security measure, missing fan events that fellow contenders attended without fear.

She was taken by police convoy with a helicopter overhead to the semi-finals and final, where she was booed on stage, with the Greek contestant even faking sleep when Golan spoke at a press conference. The Finnish performer who came second last year was forced to make a statement after a video appeared of him dancing with her backstage.

These protests were not an attack against Israel but against Eden Golan, and as such they were racist. Would you find it acceptable for people to protest against your daughter when she is singing, for people to deny

the sexual abuse and torture she endured, for people to call for Israel to put down its weapons without calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza or for Hamas to disarm?

None of it is acceptable. These protests have become violent and nasty, dehumanising a whole nation, a whole religion.

Peace can come about only when people co-exist, when people are able to see each individual person, who in turn makes up a nation.

Attacking Golan will not bring about a ceasefire or a future two-state solution. The only thing it achieves is stoking more hostility.

Maybe if people start seeing her as a 20-year-old person and hostages as people with families, friends and hobbies, then maybe we may just accomplish a better future. Dehumanising only reveals the perpetrator's inhumanity. PEACE CAN COME ABOUT ONLY WHEN PEOPLE CO-EXIST AND CAN SEE EACH INDIVIDUAL

Eden Golan returns

Scene & Be Seen / Community

1

BUSHY REMEMBERS

More than 200 people gathered at Bushey United Synagogue for an evening of tribute and remembrance to Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. The service included prayers for the return of our hostages. The community heard messages from Bushey Olim who are serving in the IDF and from the families of the two hostages the community has adopted: the daughter of Chaim Peri and the brother of Elkhana Bohbot. Keynote speakers were Paul Charney, CEO of Technion UK and Rabbi Leo Dee, who spoke live from Israel.

2

JFS ATHLETES SHINE

JFS pupils showcased their talent at this year’s Brent Athletics event. Joely Phillips (Year 7) won the 1500m final, Sam Gilbery-Phillips won the high jump and Maya Weisberger won the shot put. Mathilda Cowan won the 300m final, Gideon Kramer (Year 8) the 100m and Alfie Cohen the 1,500m. Team Cohen, Binun, Kramer, and Bentley won gold in the 4x100m relay, Annabel Banyard (Year 9) made an exceptional run in the 300m final, and Eden Baron’s powerful shot put earned her second place.

3YOM HASHOAH

Members of Kisharon Langdon came together at Maccabi House for a Yom Hashoah commemoration, filled with poems and short stories, some of which were personal family anecdotes. The event showcased the charities’ commitment to person-centered programmes and highlighted the teamwork between the Kisharon Langdon Jewish Living and Community Services departments.

4

LSJS COMMEMORATES

The London School of Jewish Studies marked Yom Hashoah with an event featuring Anita Peleg, daughter of the late Holocaust survivor and acclaimed sculptor Naomi Blake. Anita told how her mother was born Zisel Dum, in Mukacevo, Czechoslovakia, and deported to Auschwitz with her family. After the war she boarded a ship to Mandatory Palestine, where she joined the Palmach but was shot in the neck by a British soldier. While in hospital she began carving small figurines, and sculpture became her passion and her gift.

5JNETICS EMPOWERMENT

Some 156 women attended Jnetics Ladies Night at The Sorting Office, Temple Fortune, to champion the life-saving efforts of the charity, led by CEO Nicole Gordo. The evening featured a dinner and panel including Dr Angela George and Sami Webber, a BRCA activist who lost her mother to ovarian cancer.

6LIGHTING THE WAY

The chief executive of Jewish schools’ network PaJeS, Rabbi David Meyer met Prime Minister Netanyahu during his time in Israel as a torchbearer for this year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremony. Rabbi Meyer described the challenges facing Jews outside Israel. One of two diaspora Jews chosen for the torch-bearing honour this year, he was joined by Deborah Silverstein, a member of Chicago’s Jewish City Council.

Jewish News’ Big Event!

Hundreds of families planning a simcha flocked to Jewish News ’ Big Event last Sunday at Elstree’s Hilton Doubletree. The Big Event, now in its 18th year, is a celebration of simcha planning – whether it’s a wedding, barmitzvah or batmitzvah, with a variety of vendors offering inspiration to anyone planning a party. Exhibitors included Smile Events, Maples Flowers, Patnick Productions, Stephen Barry Magic, Oy Vey Invitations, Kellmatt, Pop Fusion, The Plan, The Selfie Roamer, Gary Schiffman Magic and Cherished Events. Thank you to sponsors, WA Carr, Itzik Caterers and the band Matzoh Boys.

“I just wanted to thank you and your team for arranging this event. We found the footfall more than adequate but, most importantly, we found the quality of enquiries excellent. I hope you all enjoyed the food!”

“The wedding, bar & batmitzvah fair was an amazing day for me! Great atmosphere, many promising connections and lots of guests had caricatures. It’s always a pleasure to have a stall at the Big Event!”

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“I really enjoyed the event and felt it was a great way to meet new people and connect with other businesses. I also feel it will greatly help me to build my business.”

Adina Levy

“We had such a joyous time performing at Jewish News’ Big Event – it was great to meet so many happy people planning their simchas, and to chat with other industry suppliers too.”

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The children left behind

Fauda actor Yaakov Zada Daniel tells Francine Wolfisz why he relates to the children whose parents were killed by the Hamas attacks of 7 October

There were so many unspeakable tragedies on 7 October but Fauda star Yaakov Zada Daniel was especially heartbroken for the children orphaned on what Israelis call Black Saturday.

Like them, the 44-year-old Israeli actor lost his parents at a young age. He was largely raised in an orphanage in southern Israel.

Aged three, he was taken with his sisters to SOS Children’s Village in Neradim, close to the Negev desert. Today he has nothing but love and praise for the place he called home for 15 years of his childhood.

from London, David served as an RAF pilot during the Second World War before becoming a teacher, moving to Israel and devoting the rest of his years to supporting underprivileged children. When he died in 2012, aged 89, he was buried close to Neradim.

“David is one of the people who shaped my life,” reveals Yaakov, whose father died when he was 13, just before his barmitzvah. It was also at Neradim that Yaakov began to develop a taste for acting, which he went on to study in Tel Aviv.

“Because of Neradim, I became who I am today,” he says.

When we meet, Yaakov, who plays Eli in the Netflix show, has just arrived in the UK for the first time ahead of a fundraising dinner for Jewish Child’s Day. SOS Youth Village is one of 130 projects supported by the charity, which each year helps more than 25,000 Jewish children in need around the world.

“When I was two years old my mother died and my father couldn’t raise us alone,” Yaakov tells me.

“Neradim had just been built and so we were among the very first children who came there. Actually, my first memory is of entering the village with my three sisters.

“When I think of it now, I know it as the place that was my home. The children there were my brothers and sisters. They were all my family.”

Yaakov recalls how there were separate apartments in the orphanage, each housing up to eight children. Some had lost a parent, while others came to Neradim “because of not good reasons”, including drug addiction, domestic violence or social deprivation.

“Neradim saved me and saved a lot of children,” he recalls.

The youngsters were looked after by a ‘house mother’, who helped to provide “all the confidence, emotional and physical support and anything else we needed”, he says.

Yaakov recalls their house was the place that other children from across the village would come and hang out at because their ‘mother’ Lilianna was a film fan and had a big movie collection. “We were like the cinema of the village,” he grins, “and children would come to play video games and cook together with us too.”

Yaakov also found huge emotional support in his English teacher, David Dattner, a man he describes as his role model and “an angel”. Originally

“Every holiday, every bar or batmitzvah, we put on a show and I found that I loved performing. I loved to be on the stage. This gave me the confidence to believe I could be an actor.”

Thoughts of making it were put on hold, however, until Yaakov had first completed his compulsory military service – and as it turns out, the experience would provide him with the authenticity needed to land a starring role in Fauda

Yaakov served with the Shayetet 13, an elite unit of Israel’s navy, before being transferred to the undercover Duvdevan counter-terrorism unit during the Second Intifada, in 2000.

A look

Lihi Lapid on Gaza and her new novel Security startup

“I was placed in the West Bank and yeah, it was very intensive service,” he recalls solemnly.

Yaakov doesn’t elaborate further, but years later when he saw the audition script for Eli he felt it resonated with him and said: “This is me.”

He adds: “At the end of the audition I mentioned that I was in Duvdevan and they [Fauda co-creators Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, who had also served in the unit] looked at me and said thank you. The rest is history.”

Since debuting in 2016, the action-packed show has become a global phenomenon with millions across the world tuning in for the past four series.

He enthuses: “No one knew it was going to be such a hit. We are up to 900 million views on Netflix, which is amazing, it’s insane. But to think we had become stars? No, we couldn’t believe it.”

Earlier this year, Idan Amedi, who plays undercover officer Sagi in the show, was seriously injured while fighting as a reservist in Gaza and is now recovering at home. Yaakov and the rest of the cast have kept in close contact with Amedi, who he regards “like my brother”.

He tells me: “We visit him, we talk with him. We understand he is going to be strong and get past this and we are giving him time to be with his family to recover. We were very shocked when we heard he was injured, but we’re very optimistic about this.”

Yaakov is all too aware of the very

real danger soldiers are facing in Israel at the moment.

He knows a few of the more than 600 soldiers who have been killed since 7 October, including one from his old unit. “I think every Israeli knows at least someone,” he says.

Even Neradim has felt the ripples. Sigal Itah, 27, who was raised at the orphanage and became a drama teacher at the village, was tragically murdered at the Nova music festival.

For Yaakov and the rest of the Fauda crew, there’s an acknowledgment that the enormity of real-life events cannot be ignored: writers who had been working on series five “threw away all their scripts” after 7 October to pen new storylines.

“This is such an historical event that has happened in Israel that we cannot close our eyes and pretend it never happened.

“We cannot overlook this traumatic event. So, I think the new series will include this in some way.”

Until filming resumes, Yaakov is pouring his energy into helping Neradim and children affected by the tragic events.

“The only advice I can give them is that life continues on and right now these children need our help. They are young and didn’t know the world when they found someone killing their parents in front of them. It’s a traumatic situation. Neradim and places like it will feel the waves to come.”

• To find out more about Jewish Child’s Day, visit jcd. uk.com

Yaakov with his role model David

Yaakov on his recent trip to London for the Jewish Child’s Day dinner

Yaakov Zada Daniel as Eli in Fauda. He recalls ‘intensive’ service in the IDF

Lady Lihi

Author and columnist Lihi Lapid – whose husband was once Israel’s prime minister – comes into her own with a fascinating new novel, writes Jenni Frazer

On the face of it, Lihi Lapid leads a charmed life. There is her physical beauty, her success as an author and columnist, and – as a result of marrying the former TV star Yair Lapid, who was briefly Israeli prime minister and now leads the Opposition in the Knesset – she is now one half of the hottest couple in Israeli society.

And yet… Lihi Lapid has an absorbing and untypical back story. She started life in the desert town of Arad, which she wryly jokes is known primarily as the pitstop for bathroom breaks and a quick co ee for those on their way to Masada. Her parents moved the family to Ramat Hasharon, in the centre of the country, when Lipi was 11. And there she was catapulted into a “bourgeois” school where classmates’ parents were “CEOs, pilots or generals. My parents had a store.” In fact her mother still runs it, selling Judaica.

So she knows very well what it is like to be an outsider and to live on the periphery of cool Tel Aviv, the focus of Israel’s cultural life. During her army service, when she worked as a photojournalist, she fell in love with Yair Lapid, who already had a failed marriage behind him, and a child. Yair also had a high public profile: his parents were the novelist Shulamit Lapid and the journalist turned politician Yosef (Tommy) Lapid.

That’s a daunting family for anyone to take on. But Lihi was determined to make her marriage work, both publicly and privately. She began writing a column with a pointed feminist slant for the newspaper Yediot Ahronot , and published a collection

of those columns entitled I Can’t Always Be Wonderful . She wrote a well-received book, part memoir and part fiction, Women of Valour ; and now she has written a fascinating novel, On Her Own , published in the UK this month.

On Her Own (which was titled Strangers when it was first published in Hebrew in 2022) is (mainly) the story of two women: one, Nina, an 18-year-old from just such a desert town as Lihi’s own birthplace, and the other the aging Carmela, who lives in extensive squalor in a Tel Aviv apartment. Nina is the daughter of a single mother, the Russian immigrant Irina, and, like all daughters, says Lihi, “believes she knows better than her mother”. Nina gets involved with the repellent criminal Johnny Shmueli and sees something she shouldn’t. When she ends up in the badly lit stairwell of Carmela’s apartment building, Carmela initially mistakes the teenager for her own granddaughter, Dana.

Nina quickly realises that the mistake is the result of Carmela’s growing dementia – but buys into the error anyway, as a way of hiding from Johnny Shmueli while she works out what to do next. In reality Dana lives in America, and is the daughter of Carmela’s surviving son, Itamar, and his wife Na’ama.

The timespan of the book runs from Pesach to Israel’s Yom Hazikaron, or Memorial Day, the focus for Carmela to mourn her son Uri, who died in combat 30 years previously. Lihi had just returned from a morning of political services and commemorations on Yom Hazikaron when we spoke – and

clearly this was a Memorial Day like no other for her and thousands of Israelis.

Her book, for which she is currently working on a TV miniseries script, is being launched in Britain and America against the febrile background of the 7 October war. Lihi has been front and centre in her support for the hostage families, desperately seeking morsels of news about those held captive by Hamas.

“Yesterday was my birthday,” she says. “I went to the sea with some friends. And I said, you know, if we walk along the shore for a few hours, we will get to Gaza. It is so close, and they — the hostages — are so close.”

Most of all she is agonising about the young women held captive in Gaza. She recalls a conversation with a mother of a hostage, when the Israelis had been held for three months. Lihi did not at first realise the significance of this, until the mother said “after three months, they can’t carry out an abortion”. So this is yet one more of the unspoken traumas in Israeli society, the knowledge that many of the young women hostages are likely to have been raped and become pregnant by their captors.

“I am very disappointed by world bodies such as the Red Cross and United Nations Women,” says Lihi. “When there was the case of Malala (Yousafzai), who was shot by the Taliban because she wanted an education, we [in Israel] were all for her. But for our women?” She says she had believed that “women’s rights were above politics”, but there is a clear sense that is no longer the case.

Lihi and Yair have a son and a daughter; Yael, their daughter, has autism and is non-verbal. As a result of her daughter’s

condition, Lihi became involved with the charity Shekel, which works with people with profound disabilities. In the immediate aftermath of 7 October, Shekel, where Lapid is now president, opened its day care centres and did its best to offer some kind of alternative stability to those who had been evacuated from their homes in the north and south of Israel.

Israeli society was, and is, “devastated” by 7 October, she says. “I like to compare us to David and Goliath. We in Israel think of ourselves as tiny David, but the world seems to think of us as the ugly giant, Goliath.” She expresses fear for what the Hamas attacks have done to Israel’s chances of making peace with its Arab neighbours, noting that “it will take time for Israel to trust again”.

The title of her book could almost be said to reflect Israel’s position right now.

 On Her Own, by Lihi Lapid and translated by Sondra Silverston, is published by HarperVia, a division of HarperCollins, at £15.97

Lihi Lapid voting with her husband Yair, now leader of the Opposition in the Knesset

condition, Lihi became involved with the

Lihi Lapid

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CYBER-SECURITY FOR OUR SUPER-SMART WORLD

An Israeli startup provides software solutions for threats posed by devices connected to home and business wifi, finds Candice Krieger

rom smart speakers and TVs to doorbells and thermostats, our homes have never been so connected. We are living in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT) where everyday devices exchange data with each other over a wired or wireless network.

FThink smart watches, Amazon Alexas, intelligent heating, remote controlled appliances – the list goes on - but with increased connectivity comes increased risks. Millions of smart devices connected to private wifi, often without adequate security, means that home networks are left vulnerable to cyber-attack.

Working hard in the background to protect the hundreds of millions of devices in homes and businesses across the world is cyber-security expert Sivan Rauscher, a former officer in Israel’s elite 8200 Military Intelligence Cyber Unit.

Rauscher is the founder of SAM Seamless Network, an Israeli startup that protects all smart devices that are connected to a network by delivering a software solu tion that runs as a service on top of the router.

SAM secures approximately seven million unmanaged networks and half a billion connected devices globally at any one time. Tens of thousands of them are in the UK. Clients across the globe include the telecom and network providers Verizon, Orange, Telenet and Bezeq and, at the time of writing, SAM is also engaged with other leading operators in the UK, Netherlands and Central and South America.

22 connected devices and in Europe around 15. We are seeing about 12 attacks per day per house from ransomware to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service).

“When you have so many connected devices on the same network, going through the same router, it’s easy to jump between the devices. The more connected devices you have, the larger the threat of a security breach.”

The use of smart devices has exploded – in part accelerated by the pandemic. According to reports, the number of IoT devices worldwide is forecast to almost double from 15.1bn in 2020 to more than 29bn in 2030, and the market for internetconnected devices will be worth more than $4tn within a decade, experts say.

Sivan tells Jewish News: “In the United States, an average household has around

“You can’t do anything today without wifi. We want to protect the average person as they have so many connected devices.

“We [the company] have a duty and feel the weight on our shoulders to make sure we have the best security to offer people across the globe. We always have to be two steps ahead.”

Last year, the European Union negotiators agreed on a new cybersecurity law to secure the IoT). The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is Europe’s attempt to stop insecure digital devices — increasingly taking over homes and workplaces — from unleashing cyber threats, and last month the UK implemented groundbreaking legislation mandating minimum-security standards for internet-connected smart devices.

While Sivan says this recent regulation marks a big step forward, she addds: “It’s essential to acknowledge persistent challenges. Over time, consumers may neglect to apply software updates to their gadgets, if and when those updates become available.

“This challenge is compounded by the persistent issue of sluggish discovery-to-patching processes by firmware vendors, leaving devices exposed to evolving threats. Additionally, devices purchased

use of smart devices has accelerated, in part

online, particularly from global marketplaces like AliExpress, may not adhere to existing regulations, exposing consumers to potential vulnerabilities.

SAM’s solution addresses these challenges by providing continuous protection against such threats directly from the gateway, ensuring users’ digital well-being.”

Sivan co-founded SAM six years ago. She had previously worked at Comsec Global overseeing product management and in high level strategic consulting in both Israel and Europe. Prior to Comsec, she served as Chief of Staff of the Cyber Division of the ISNU, managing and planning cyber security operations.

The company’s soft ware, which works remotely, can be applied to any system and works automatically through the user’s router or service provided by the internet provider. SAM identifies all the devices someone has on their network and protects them.

SAM, which has offices in Tel Aviv and New York, has grown to a team of 80. Sivan acknowledges that she is one in a minority of women in what she says is “an absolutely male-

dominated sector. I have made sure that half our management team are female. It’s important for me to ‘walk the walk’.”

Cyber has been a hero of the Israeli tech sector, which has faced a difficult 12 months. “We are a small country and from being in the army we all know a lot about national security and getting the upper hand on the enemy. A lot of people are on the right track for cyber from studying computer science, which is why Israel is investing a lot in this area and poaching young talent.”

SAM Seamless Network has several high-profile investors including BlackBerry, which co-led the Series B round with ADT Security Corporation, Verizon Ventures, Intel Capital, Night Dragon, Target Global, Ericsson and Blumberg Capital. The company is about to close a $20m fundraising round, led by top global investment platform OurCrowd. “This will help us to unleash our data in new markets and regions,” Sivan says.

How worried should we be about Alexa? “It’s all about sensitive data, such as your bank account number, so if it’s listening and you’re loudspeaking this data, then yes it’s a risk, but a low one as not many of us speak our confidentials out loud. We should be more worried about someone hijacking Alexa to then jump into computers and other devices.”

She adds: “The IoT market is growing exponentially and we have to keep innovating, making sure that we have not left anything out.”

securingsam.com

Sivan Rauscher

Hive thermostat

Amazon Echo Show

The

becasue of the Covid pandemic

Smart kettle by Weekett

MAKING SENSE OF THE SEDRA

BY RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, TAL

Education equals empowerment

In the journey of education, the words of parents, teachers and mentors hold huge power. How we respond to a child’s setbacks can shape their confidence and self-esteem for years to come. Parshat Emor, in the book of Leviticus, o ers timeless wisdom on the importance of encouragement and nurturing in the process of education. It contains a wealth of commandments and teachings relevant to Jewish life. Among these, a sizeable portion is devoted to the responsibilities of the kohanim (priests), guidelines for the observance of festivals, and laws pertaining to purity and impurity

Embedded in these commandments is the concept of chinuch (education), which is highlighted by the renowned medieval

commentator Rashi. He focuses on the verse instructing Moses to speak to the priests: “Say to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them,” (21:1). Why does the verse have “say to the priests” as well as “say to them”?

Rashi explains the verse to mean that elders are instructed to warn the younger generation. This understanding highlights the responsibility of the older generation to guide and teach the younger generation, ensuring that they understand and uphold the commandments

The Ohr Hachaim, another commentator, suggests that the use of emor (speak) implies elevation, indicating that education should uplift and instil pride in its recipients. Consider a scenario where a child faces disappointment despite his or her hard work. A traditional response might be admonishment, warning of the consequences of insu cient studying. “You need to study hard, or you will get bad marks again,” we might say, inadvertently discouraging the child.

An alternative approach acknowledges the child’s e ort and potential: “I know you tried hard. I believe that you can do better next time.” This choice between discouragement and encouragement can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

The parsha’s emphasis on the identity of the kohanim provides a poignant lesson in education. Imagine a child who is a kohen, a descendant of Aaron, the high priest. Playing football near a cemetery, the ball goes over and the rabbi’s son and the kohen’s son go to retrieve it. When the kohen’s child is stopped, he asks why he can’t go. The father responds by a rming his son’s identity: “You are kohen.” Here lies the essence of Jewish education: teaching a child his or her identity and worth.

The secret of e ective education lies in showing children that they are children of God, the King of the world. By instilling a sense of

pride in their heritage and identity, children can navigate challenges with confidence, knowing they come from a lineage of greatness.

This deeper understanding sheds light on Rashi’s phrase: to warn the elders to shine with pleasure in performing God’s commandments. The adults’ enthusiasm and pride in their heritage serve as the best example for the younger generation, guiding them to embrace their identity and fulfil their potential.

In the realm of education, encouragement and empowerment are paramount. Instead of instilling fear, we should uplift and inspire. Emor teaches us that our words and actions have the power to shape the confidence and self-esteem of the next generation.

“I just hope to survive the winter”

Hanna’s home was destroyed by a bomb. This winter, temperatures will reach -20°C in Ukraine. She needs your help.

Will you repair Hanna’s home and keep her warm this winter?

We must show young learners that they are children of God

LEAP OF FAITH

BY RABBI MIRIAM BERGER FINCHLEY REFORM SYNAGOGUE

Is there a dress code for shul?

Some years ago a family who were very involved with my synagogue came rushing in late one Friday evening. They had been at a wedding, and their kids had insisted on going home to get changed before coming to the service. Their children exclaimed: “It would have been embarrassing coming to shul so smart.”

I realised then what a di erent relationship they had to their synagogue clothes compared with when I was growing up, when the need to wear the Jewish

equivalent of one’s ‘Sunday best’ was a given.

Such formal attire brought austerity and formality. If you want people to feel relaxed, they need to be able to dress in a manner that perpetuates such a feeling.

During our first online lockdown service in March 2020, as we all greeted each other on Zoom, one member exclaimed: “I can’t possibly feel like I’m at synagogue because Lesley is not wearing her hat.”

For decades Lesley has been coming to Finchley Reform Synagouge wearing a hat that was perfectly coordinated with her outfit. She grew up in a community where women would always wear a hat to synagogue, so for her, she’s not dressed for

shul without one. And so even during a pandemic online service, we weren’t ready for her to break a habit of a lifetime.

You may be pleased to know that she could just pop upstairs to get her hat. And so, while the world was being turned upside down, we found the constants in our shul-going uniforms.

Some members of the community put Shabbat on a pedestal when it comes to how to dress. They wouldn’t turn up to greet the King in shorts, so whatever the weather they will insist on being suited and booted as they might at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

Others are together unwrapping the gift that is Shabbat: a time to rest, to be

A stimulating series where progressive rabbis consider how to navigate Judaism in the face of 21st-century issues

together, and to celebrate the blessings of life.

You wouldn’t go to a picnic in a suit, but perhaps the floaty summer dress says that we may be praying indoors but we are bringing the warmth and sunshine into this space because it puts all of us in a better mood when the weather remembers it’s summer.

The clothes you wear give everyone a message about what synagogue means to you. Do you greet Shabbat with the formality of a shirt and tie or the gratitude for Shabbat rest?

As the temperatures rise let’s not judge others’ choices but welcome and enjoy their expressions of how they are playing their part in creating the Shabbat that suits them.

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Some come to shul in the equivalent of their ‘Sunday best’

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Do you have a question for a member of our team? Email: editorial@jewishnews.co.uk

HUMAN RESOURCES / EMPLOYMENT LAW

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PRINCIPAL, PERFORMING ARTS

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WORDSEARCH CROSSWORD

with brass bands

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD

11 Female rabbit (3)

12 Morally proper (7)

Pencil sketches (8)

Stone particles (4)

13 Blue Shoes, Presley song (5)

14 Culinary pulveriser (6)

16 Plus (2,4)

19 Farmland units (5)

21 Make more secure (7)

23 Try to win the affection of (3)

24 Sudden thrust (5)

25 Take away (7)

26 Tending flocks (11) DOWN

2 Dog’s restraining chain (5)

3 Appendix to a will (7)

4 Wax light with a wick (6)

SUDOKU

SUDOKU

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Cut and thrust (9)

Fight, conflict (4)

Partitions (8)

Create an advantage out of (4,2,7)

Roadside pull-in (3-2)

Guided along (7)

People possessing something (6)

Tossed out (5,4)

Incendiary crime (5)

Rear of a ship (3)

5 ___ basket, wickerwork carrycot (5)

6 Bishop’s area (7)

7 Signal to take action (4-2,4)

10 Of clothes, reaching the middle of the leg (4-6)

15 Squash (7)

17 With vision (7)

1 Deliverer of letters (7)

5 Having a sharp taste (5)

18 Heavy uninteresting food (6)

20 Lottery (5)

9 Examining your own thoughts (13)

all be found in the forwards or backwards, in a horizontal, direction, but always in a straight, unbroken line.

Oratorio by Vivaldi (6)

Bungle, blunder (4,2)

Large and somewhat pretentious (9)

___ poker, spiky plant (3-3)

SUGURU

Emotional shock (6)

Royal man or boy (6)

Faults (5)

22 Practise for a feat of endurance (5)

Collar, seize (3)

CODEWORD

SUGURU

Each cell in an outlined block must contain a digit: a two-cell block contains the digits 1 and 2, a three-cell block contains the digits 1, 2 and 3; and so on. The same digit must not appear in neighbouring cells, not even diagonally.

Each cell in an outlined block must contain a digit: a two-cell block contains the digits 1 and 2 a three-cell block contains the digits 1 2 and 3; and so on. The same digit must not appear in neighbouring cells not even diagonally.

The listed words related to sheep can all be found in the grid. Words may run either forwards or backwards in a horizontal vertical or diagonal direction but always in a straight unbroken line.

In this finished crossword, every letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. All you have to do is crack the code and fill in the grid. Replacing the decoded numbers with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.

In this finished crossword every letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. All you have to do is crack the code and fill in the grid. Replacing the decoded numbers with their letters in the grid will help you to guess the identity of other letters.

RG RN SW HR OF U ATA EC EE L FET

FC MD ER AI NS T

SH

for puzzle solutions.

Sudoku Suguru

Sudoku

Suguru Wordsearch Codeword

Wordsearch Codeword

A £10,000 EVENT PACKAGE at DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree with production by WA Carr & Son

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE MEDIA QUARTER, the stylish, film-themed DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree has 135 bedrooms (including two junior suites) and three large event spaces, making it the perfect venue to host your barmitzvah, batmitzvah, special birthday, special anniversary or wedding.

The Dupont Suite is a beautifully lit space with high ceilings and caters for up to 220 guests seated with a dancefloor or 250 guests with casual seating. Together with the Dupont Suite, the hotel offers the Gate Suite, which is ideal for reception drinks, food stations, a games area or a wedding ceremony.

The event spaces are a blank canvas – and this is where production comes in. WA Carr & Son is a leading provider of production and hire equipment. Completing and supplying over 1,000 events a year, from bar/bat mitzvahs to weddings and everything inbetween, it offers a huge range of items available for hire and full event planning packages.

THE PRIZE COMPRISES:

• Dry hire of the Dupont Suite and the Gate Suite

• Access to DoubleTree Elstree’s external catering kitchen

• Banqueting tables, banqueting chairs, and black & white dancefloor (maximum size and configuration 18ft)

• Dedicated DoubleTree event coordinator for planning

• Complimentary standard guest bedroom for night of function

PLUS planning and production services from WA Carr & Son including:

• Up to 150 chairs

• A stage suitable for a band, DJ or wedding ceremony measuring up to 5 meters by 3 meters

• A backdrop in white or black, with a length of up to 9 meters

• Venue uplighting consisting of 16 lights

• 6 poseur tables

• 12 bar stools

• Delivery, collection, installation, and set down services

• Up to 3 meters of bar in black or white

• A back bar

• 2 x 50-inch TV screens

• Choice of evening entertainment limited to air hockey table hire or Neuron Race