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Jewish News 2 March 2017
Editorial comment and letters ISSUE NO.
VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS
992
Inspiring times for Jewish education The Jewish Schools Awards, organised by this newspaper and Partnerships for Jewish Schools, inevitably shines the brightest spotlight on the winners. But, at its heart, this now annual event is a celebration, not a competition – a celebration of the exemplary standards set by academically excellent schools, scoring consistently high exam marks that surpass the national average time and again. This remarkable quality of choice is due in no small measure to just one man – Benjamin Perl – the recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award, who has been the driving force behind the establishment of no fewer than 20 Jewish schools. We have honoured our worthy winners’ achievements in detail elsewhere in this week’s issue, but each merits repeat mention here: Miriam Saffer from The Independent Jewish Day School; Joanna Moses from JCoSS; Pnina Ravid from Akiva School; Sivan Simons from JFS; Madeleine Bendell from North West London Jewish Day School; Simon Bull from Hasmonean High School for Boys; Alex Kingston from Wolfson Hillel Jewish Primary School and Elaine Robinson from JCoSS. Our message to the irrepressible Mr Perl and the caring, dedicated teachers at Jewish schools up and down the country is clear: thanks for all you do to shape the next generation. In your hands we assuredly place our future.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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A REMEDY FOR THE SEAT PROBLEM You report the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance suggesting that “strictly Orthodox Jewish men who refuse to sit next to female passengers on public transport might be required to pay a premium” (Jewish News, 16 February). This followed the allegation that easyJet staff were forced to call the police over passenger behaviour after a flight from Tel Aviv. If true, I join the condemna-
tion. Although JOFA claims to “find no reason in terms of Jewish law or Jewish values for separate seating on planes, buses or any other setting”, it is clearly a problem for some men and, where possible, their foibles should be accommodated. Since it is possible, for
Sketches & kvetches
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Printed in England: West Ferry Printers Limited Published by: The Jewish News & Media Group. www.thejngroup. com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of advertising without prior permission in writing from the editor. Registered as a newspaper by Royal Mail. The Jewish News reserves the right to make any alterations necessary to conform to the style and standards of The Jewish News and does not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all – although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers. Further it does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy Member of in the publication of an advertisement. Signatures of both parties involved are sometimes required in the case of Audit Bureau some announcements. An order for an advertisement shall amount to an acceptance of the above conditions. Hotels, products and restaurants which are not supervised are marked with an [N]. The Jewish News reserves the right to edit of Circulations letters for size and content without prior consent. Submission of letters is no guarantee of publication.
‘It’s the wrong leader... again!’
example, to book seats with extra leg room, it should not be beyond the airlines’ capabilities to give passengers the option of choosing to sit next to persons of the same gender as themselves. I wonder what JOFA’s attitude would be to a woman victim of past sexual abuse uncomfortable sitting next to men and requesting to be moved? Martin D. Stern Salford
THESE PASSENGERS SHOULD START THEIR OWN AIRLINE AND LEAVE US ALL IN PEACE How disappointing to read about “Charedim causing chaos” on a flight from Israel. It brings to the fore an issue all too familiar for those who fly the route regularly. Such unsavoury incidents should be dealt with by firm action by the airlines. Anyone, Charedi or not, causing trouble should be reprimanded and told if the actions are repeated the airline will refuse to let them fly. Also, subject to obvious commercial considerations, airlines should consider laying on flights for strictly Orthodox men only or mixed flights with specific seats for men and women. Provision could be made for davening to take
place at required times without interfering with the cabin crew’s work and only Glatt kosher food would be served. If this does not “get off the ground” or such services are full, these men must behave in a manner that allows the staff to do their duties as appropriate (and required by law), and for all passengers to be able to travel safely, comfortably and, as far as possible, hassle-free. Failing that, they can start their own airline to serve their needs and leave everyone else to fly in peace.
Mike Haan By email
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