1350 - 18th Jan 2024

Pa F peree ro W f t ee he k l Yey ar

Post trauma Honouring our heroes

PROUD VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY 18 January 2024

•

8 Shvat 5784

•

Issue No.1350 •

Meet the Jewish lawyer who represented the wrongly accused Page 25

Glittering JVN awards night P16

@JewishNewsUK

One hundred DUNGEON VOICES days of grief

Thousands unite for Israel in Trafalgar Square Page 9

Tunnel exhibit recreates hostages’ ordeal, page 11

Elderly hostage ‘sold’ during Gaza captivity Startling details of Ada Sagi’s 54 days in hands of Hamas

Reunited: Noam with Ada

Shocking details emerged this week about the ordeal of Israeli hostage Ada Sagi, who spent 54 days in Hamas captivity, in an interview with her London-based son, writes Jenni Frazer.

Noam Sagi revealed that his 75-yearold mother had been “sold” to another terrorist group, Islamic Jihad, and held in a civilian apartment belonging to a lawyer before finally being released.

On Monday, after the screening of a short video about Nir Oz kibbutz and the frantic text messages sent by residents

about the invading terrorists, Noam described what his mother, a teacher of Arabic and Hebrew, endured in Gaza.

He told Jewish News journalist Sandy Rashty at St John’s Wood Synagogue: “The first thing the terrorists did after they took her was throw away her glasses and put the back of a kalashnikov on her head.

“They put her on the back of a motorbike and attached the inside of her heel to the exhaust so that it burned. This was something they did to all the hostages

as a way of marking them. Ten minutes later, she was in Khan Yunis [in the south of the Gaza Strip].

“For all of her captivity, she was just 10 minutes away from home.”

Since Ada’s release she has spent a great deal of time talking to the Israeli security services “because she knows so much. She figured out what was going on and she understood it at the same time.

“When [the terrorists] listened to Al-Jazeera, she would put her ear to the door. She is very resourceful. She was

held as a human shield on the top floor of a house, together with another person.

That room was sealed.”

The house was owned by a lawyer, Noam revealed. “She was sold to Islamic Jihad, so she knew it was a business transaction so, in order to get money for her, they needed to keep her safe. They called her ‘diamond’ — and she used that to her advantage. She was the only one who came out of Gaza without traces of drugs in her blood.”

Looking back at the terrible morning Continued on page 3

2

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 18 January 2024

ISRAEL AT WAR

Woman killed and 17 injured in car-ramming and stabbing

by Jotam Confino in Israel jotam@jewishnews.co.uk

A woman was killed and 17 people wounded in car ramming and stabbing attacks in central Israel on Monday.

The two perpetrators were identified as Ahmed Zidat, 25, and Mahmoud Zidad, 44, from the town of Bani Naim near Hebron in the West Bank.

Both men were working in Israel illegally when they stabbed a woman in the city of Ra’anana and stole her car to ram people.

They proceeded to steal two other cars and ram more people across the city, leaving Edna Bluestein, 79, killed. The terrorist attack comes as Israeli security forces are on high alert across the country as well as in the West Bank, where the IDF has conducted near daily raids to arrest and kill terrorists.

Yesterday, an Israeli drone attack killed the head of a terror network in the West Bank, Abdullah Abu Shalal, near the Balata refugee camp in Nablus. Shalal was killed along with two other people as the drone struck his car.

According to Shin Bet and IDF, Shalal was planning an “imminent attack” on Israelis and that he was responsible for previous terror attacks.

Clashes between Israeli The aftermath of one of the attacks in Ra’anana, central Israel, on Monday forces and Palestinian terrorists in the West Bank attacks on Hamas, mainly rorists have been killed since 7 October, while leaving three other divisions in place. The have increased significantly in the centre and south Hamas says 24,000 Palestinians have been troops are expected to be given a resting since Hamas’ massacre of the Strip. Yesterday, the killed. The terror group does not specify how period and possibly relocated to the northern on 7 October, with Israeli border with Lebanon in anticipation of furIDF announced that two many civilians and how many terrorists. security forces arresting over Despite three months of war against ther escalation with Hezbollah. more soldiers had been killed: 2,650 Palestinians, including On Sunday, Barak Ayalon, 45, and his Master Sgt (res) Zechariah Hamas, rockets are still fired at Israel, mainly some 1,300 affiliated with Noa Argamani in a video Pesach Haber, 32, from Jeru- in the cities and villages near the Gaza mother Miri Ayalon, 76, were killed in a HezHamas. According to the Palestinian Authority, over 300 Palestinians have salem and Sgt Maj (res) Yair Katz, 34, from border. A total of 9,000 rockets have been bollah anti-tank missile attack in their home in Holon. A total of 189 soldiers have been fired from Gaza at Israel since the war began, Kfar Yuval near the border with Lebanon. been killed in those clashes.

Seven Israeli civilians and nine soldiers with Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling air As Israel marked 100 days of hostages held killed in Gaza since the ground invasion.

The killing of the two soldiers comes defence system shooting down most of them. have been killed in the more than 2,000

by Hamas in Gaza, a small breakthrough was IDF said it had detected rockets fired from Hezbollah attacks since the terror group announced by the prime minister’s office: a despite the IDF saying it had taken control deal had been reached to bring medicine to the of the northern Gaza Strip. In the south, IDF within the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, launched its assault on 8 October.

Israel has expanded its airstrikes against hostages. The humanitarian and medicine was focused its efforts in Khan Younis, a Hamas in the latest example of Hamas using civilian stronghold where the terror group’s leader infrastructure in its attacks against Israel. Hezbollah in Lebanon, hitting 750 targets and expected to arrive on Gaza yesterday.

The army also continued to locate weapons assassinating senior Hezbollah members.

At the same time, Kibbutz Be’eri announced Yahya Sinwar is believed to be hiding.

Addressing the increasing likelihood of a Defence minister Yoav Gallant told the in schools and other civilian areas. that two hostages, Yossi Sharabi and Itay Israeli forced also said they had arrested full-fledged war with Hezbollah on Israel’s Svirsky, had been “murdered” in Hamas cap- Daily Telegraph the IDF has destroyed 17 of tivity in Gaza after they appeared in another Hamas’ 24 battalions in Gaza, and the army 10 terrorist suspects hiding in a school in the northern border, IDF’s Northern Command, Maj Gen Ori Gordin, said that the army was propaganda video this week. Noa Argamani, was still hitting Hamas hard, despite much talk Nuseirat refugee camp.

The IDF also announced that it had begun “more prepared than we’ve ever been, for about Israel moving to a low-intensity phase. also appeared in a video .

According to Israeli estimates, 10,000 ter- withdrawing its 36th Division from Gaza, tonight if we have to”.

Israel continued to launch targeted

ISRAEL MUST STEP UP ON AID, CAMERON URGES Israel must recognise its responsibility for ensuring humanitarian aid gets through to the people of Gaza, the foreign secretary has said, as he highlighted the desperate plight of Palestinians in the war-torn territory.

Lord Cameron also suggested an immediate pause in the Israel-Hamas conflict, to allow in more humanitarian supplies and the release of hostages held by the terrorists, could form the basis of a lasting ceasefire.

The Cabinet minister was pressed over the

devastating Middle East conflict during his monthly question time in the House of Lords.

Former foreign secretary Lord Owen, who served as EU peace negotiator in the former Yugoslavia, said: “Would the foreign secretary consider very seriously creating a UN protection force for humanitarian relief? That was done very successfully in the winter of 1992 in a very difficult situation with no ceasefire in Bosnia (and) Herzegovina.

“Lord Cameron answered: “What would

make a difference is if Israel recognised its responsibilities for making sure that food and medicine and supplies have to be delivered to people in Gaza and if it recognised that you need the UN staff who have the visas, the equipment and the fuel to help get it round. I will certainly take away the suggestion that he makes.”

He added: “Before the conflict there were something like 500 trucks going into Gaza every day. I check the figures every single day. We are

up to about 150 trucks at the moment and that is not enough and the longer it goes on the greater the risk of people going hungry, the greater risk of disease and this humanitarian crisis getting worse. That is why I have had repeated conversations with the Israelis and set out a whole series of bottlenecks that need to be relieved.”

Lord Cameron also repeated his call for an immediate pause in hostilities. He told peers: “We want to see this immediate pause so we can get aid in and hostages out.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

3

ISRAEL AT WAR

Gaza hostage ‘held in sealed room inside lawyer’s house’ Continued from page 1 of 7 October, Noam said he was at home in London and received a message from his sister in Israel telling him on no account to try to call their mother. He had already received “loads” of messages from people who knew that he was from Nir Oz and his mother still lived there. “We just thought it was just another Code Red, but we were used to that. But the message from my sister said, no matter what, don’t call mum, for her own safety, don’t call her. That was alarming enough”.

At 9.24am Ada Sagi had spoken to her daughter and said she had seen men outside her house with kalashnikovs and RPG weapons. She had gone into the safe room — “and that was the last we heard. As the day unfolded we believed that she was in the safe room and we hoped and prayed that she was alright.”

But at midday Noam saw on social media “a report of Hamas on my mother’s front lawn. This was when my heart dropped… it was impossible that someone could remain unharmed in such a situation”.

Soon he learned of the fate of so many people on the kibbutz whom he knew intimately, of the burning and ransacking of their houses. By 6pm Israel time, he said, the army told the Sagis that they had been into

Ada Sagi before her ordeal

Noam at a press conference in the wake of 7 October, calling on the world to help free the hostages

Ada’s house and she was not there. “She was not on the dead list or the rescued list.”

It was assumed she had been captured and taken into Gaza.

Ada’s house remains one of the few on the kibbutz still standing, but Noam, who grew up there, said he couldn’t recognise it when he first visited, so bad was the destruction.

In London, he turned himself into a

whirlwind of campaigning on behalf of his mother and all the hostages.

“I don’t know what I did, it was instinct.

You do what you have to do, it’s your mum, you love her.”

Thirty members of Kibbutz Nir Oz are still in captivity. Initially, on her release, Ada Sagi spent time in a hotel, but has now relocated to Kiryat Gat with what remains

of her kibbutz community, who her son says, are broken. “When she came back, she had to realise that she had no home to go back to — that the kibbutz is gone. She actually learned that from one of the kids, because the Hamas terrorists took the kids on bikes through the kibbutz to show them the burning houses, to say, this is what we did to your community.

So she knew about the kibbutz. But she didn’t know how many of her friends had gone”.

Though Noam and his sister and brother were naturally happy that their mother had returned from Gaza, the fight is not over, he said. He would continue to campaign “until the last hostage is back with us”.

DOCS QUIT Act on ‘terror’ doc, GMC urged JEWISH BMA OVER ‘BIAS’

The General Medical Council has been urged to take action against a Harrow GP who also leads the UK branch of a soon to be banned Islamist terror group, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

Dr Abdul Wahid, who also uses the name Wahid Asif Shaida, trains newlyqualified doctors.

He is one of the leaders of Hizb utTahrir, an Islamic organisation involved in pro-Palestine protests, which has also been banned in many Arab nations, as well as in Germany and China.

In December Wahid described Hamas as a ‘resistance’ group and called 7 October terror attacks “a very welcome punch on the nose” on Piers Morgan’s Talk TV show.

On 15 January, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly moved to proscribe the group by putting an order before Parliament which would make joining the organisation illegal in the UK under terror laws.

The GP Direct website still lists Dr Wahid Shaida as “a salaried GP” at his practice since 2002. It says his “special interests lie in the field of medical education. He is a GP trainer for recently qualified doctors. He is currently the information governance and complaints lead within the practice.”

A London consultant Surgeon told Jewish News: “This GP appears to be the head of an Islamist supremacist organisation Hizb ut-Tahir in the United Kingdom

Dr Abdul Asif Shaida

that has extremist opinions regarding all those it deems ‘non-believers’. This extremist group ultimately calls for world domination and a global caliphate.

“The organisation is banned in most Arab countries. Hizb ut-Tahrir has racist and misogynistic views in addition to offensive views concerning the LGBTQ community. This particular GP on national TV justified the terrorist group Hamas atrocities and murder of 1200 on 07/10, the taking of civilian hostages and the sexual violence, including the murder of 364 innocent civilians at the Nova party massacre as ‘resistance’.

“I do not believe such an individual should be practicing medicine in the

United Kingdom. There are significant safeguarding issues concerning a GP holding such extremist opinions.”

A local GP told Jewish News: “It’s chilling as a law- abiding UK doctor to know that the leader and public face of a group that the Home Secretary seeks to ban as a terror organisation under the 2000 Terrorism Act is also a working NHS GP with a clean medical licence to practice.

A spokesperson from the General Medical Council (GMC) told Jewish News: “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised. However, we cannot confirm whether we are investigating a doctor unless they have been interim suspended or have interim conditions following a hearing of the Interim Orders Tribunal (IOT) at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

“We will investigate serious concerns that suggest patient safety or the public’s confidence in doctors may be at risk and will take action where it is necessary. If we were to receive a complaint or a selfreferral about the actions of a doctor involved in a protest or commenting on social media, we would have a legal duty to consider the issues raised. As with all complaints, we would make our decision based on the specific facts of the case, using the professional standards that apply to all doctors registered to practise in the UK.”

“Disgusted” Jewish doctors have quit the British Medical Association (BMA) in protest at a letter sent to the government urging a ceasefire without mentioning the Hamas atrocities of 7 October or hostages held in Gaza, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

Sent by Professor Philip Banfield, BMA chair of Council and Dr Latifa Patel, BMA Representative body chair and equality lead, the letter accuses Israel of disregarding “humanitarian law” and “the principles of medical neutrality”.

Expressing “grave concern about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza”, the letter blames the “Israeli blockade of Gaza” for an “inexcusable shortage of basic necessities”. It calls on the UK government to stand up “for human rights and medical neutrality during this crucial period if, for no other reason, than it is the right thing to do.”

It makes no mention of Hamas atrocities or the hostages in Gaza.

Speaking on condition of anonymity to Jewish News, a London consultant psychiatrist who has cancelled her BMA membership said: “I feel totally devastated and unsafe as a Jewish doctor working in the NHS. The BMA’s statement dated 12/1/24 is entirely unilateral and biased against Israel, and I am disgusted they couldn’t bring themselves to mention anything about 7 October, torture and kidnapping of Israelis, Hamas’s use of Gaza hospitals as military bases, and their continued rocket fire and attacks against Israeli civilians. I worry about the BMA’s stance against Israel worsening already existing antisemitism in the UK by giving a platform to hate.

A BMA spokesperson said: “There is no contradiction in raising grave concerns about a humanitarian and healthcare crisis overseas and protecting doctors in the UK from discrimi-nation and harassment. The BMA stands unequivocally against antisemitism.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 18 January 2024

"

If understanding is impossible, knowing is imperative,

because what happened could happen again.

- Primo Levi -

"

Any group that tolerates antisemitism or any hate

forfeits all moral credibility - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks -

"

4

I didn't dream that I would ever witness another

pogrom of hundreds of Jews being butchered.

- Manfred Goldberg BEM -

THE UNTHINKABLE HAS HAPPENED AGAIN 36 HOURS

www.charityextra.com/yvuk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

5

Jewish Labour Movement conference / News

Starmer: I’ll protect community from haters ‘hiding behind Palestine cause’ Sir Keir Starmer used his speech at Sunday’s Jewish Labour Movement conference to deliver a pledge to protect the community from “people who hate Jews” who “hid behind people who support the just cause of a Palestinian state”, writes Lee Harpin.

At JW3 in north-west London, he directly addressed the problem of pockets of antisemitism that have dogged pro-Palestine demos.

He told the capacity crowd: “I want to say to the Jewish community who looks upon these events, and can see hate marching side by side with calls for peace, people who hate Jews, hiding behind people who support the just cause of a Palestinian state, we see what you see.

“And we understand that to be targeted for who you are, and attacked for things beyond your control, for your children to be afraid to walk the street or go to school, is the greatest anxiety that a parent or a community can face.”

Stressing there was “no greater cause in my leadership” than preventing a return of anti-Jewish racism in his party, he added: “I’ve dragged my party away from that abyss and I will never let Britain go anywhere near it either. This country will be safe for you and your children.”

Starmer thanked JLM for its support of his efforts to turn around the party’s fortunes but warned that victory for Labour in the next gen-

Keir Starmer addresses the Jewish Labour Movement conference at JW3 on Sunday

eral election was not “a done deal”.

Turning to Israel’s war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’ 7 October attacks, Starmer said British antisemitism was not “born the day after” the atrocity but after 7 October “we can all see that it’s taking a new shape”.

He would “trust” the current government to “protect Jews”, pointing

out that “institutions like the Community Security Trust enjoy crossparty support and the prime minister has reached out during these events as well”. But he said he feared the direction the Tory Party was taking in its desperation to retain power.

“The politics of division don’t help the Jewish community,” he

said. Taking aim at Rishi Sunak and other senior Tories engaging in culture wars, he warned that it “can easily boil over”, adding: “I’m not sure the Tories can be trusted on that anymore… I don’t know if they see the consequences.”

Starmer told the conference that, if elected, his party would seek “a dif-

ferent character to our politics and we can choose respect, unity and service in everything we do. It’s a mindset.”

The same mindset was needed when approaching Israel and the Middle East, Starmer added.

“Because make no mistake, if we have the privilege to serve this country in government, we will have to fight for the two-state solution in ways we haven’t done for years. The era of lip service and complacency must end.

“The need for a sustained ceasefire is clear. The bloodshed in Gaza must stop urgently. We need a humanitarian truce now, and not as a short pause but as the first step on the road away from violence. To return all the hostages to their families. End the killing of innocent civilians. Provide full humanitarian access into Gaza, and the medicine, water, fuel and food people need – urgently – to stave of the threat of a devastating famine.”

Later, Starmer confirmed that former MP Luciana Berger would lead a mental health strategy review for the party, four years after she quit over antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

Starmer later took part in a Q&A session on stage, with barrister and Finchley and Golders Green parliamentary candidate Sarah Sackman.

Wes Streeting, Bridget Phillipson and Lord Mandelson were among the party heavyweights to speak, alongside Lord Mann and Wayne David.

BERGER DELIGHTED TO ‘Israel needs clear ‘WE MUST STAND WITH HELP ‘DELIVER CHANGE’ post-war vision’ THE WOMEN OF IRAN’ Luciana Berger has spoken semitism scandal. Berger said: of her joy at being back at the “I am delighted to be helping forefront of Labour politics. Labour deliver the change our “The Labour Party is now in country really needs.”

Berger added that 7 October a completely different place and is my home again,” she had “woken people up polititold delegates at the Jewish cally on all sides, focusing the Labour Movement confer- mind on how serious antisemence. “I’m delighted to return itism is in Britain”. She stated to a party which is now living her hope that parliament’s proposal for a British Jewish by its values.

“The turn of events under History month would “make a Keir Starmer’s leadership real difference, if it happens”.

Dame Margaret Hodge told has been remarkable. However, this is not job done yet. JLM delegates that fighting As Keir said earlier, we must Corbyn was “in an odd way” remain vigilant to ensure the worse than fighting the British Labour Party is a home for all, National Party because it was regardless of their background.” “our family and our values that Earlier, Starmer we were struggling for”. revealed Berger’s The MP will stand appointment to down at the election oversee a crossafter a 27-year career in parliament, hinting to party strategy on JLM delegates that mental health. Her she would “finally return comes five write a book” years after she about her expequit the party riences. amid its antiLuciana Berger

Leading academics have said Israel must set out a clear postwar political vision to “secure international legitimacy for its military operations”.

At a packed session on the future of Israel-Palestine during the Jewish Labour Movement’s conference, Dr Toby Greene, visiting fellow at the Middle East Centre at the LSE, and Prof Jonathan Rynhold, head of the Department of Political Studies at Bar-Ilan University, argued that Israel should declare its support for creating a Palestinian Authority-linked administration, alongside a substantial aid package from the US and Gulf states.

Rynhold said: “One of the mistakes the Americans made after successfully invading Iraq was getting rid of anyone associated with Saddam Hussein. Israel should remove the top layer of Hamas’ leadership, but maintain non-active

individuals who have been running the Gaza Strip for the past 15 to 20 years.

“If it was up to the Israeli public, this is where they would stop. However... without some kind of political horizon for the Palestinians, then what begins as conflict management will become bogged down in ongoing warfare.”

Greene said: “We need to think more in generational, progressive terms when attempting to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.”

Instead of waiting for change, we must build the groundwork, which can take decades, he said.. “We propose bringing back the only successful Palestinian leader, Salam Fayyad, the former prime minister of the Palestinian Authority.

Under Fayyad, violence against Israel decreased, the economy boomed, the rule of law grew and – importantly – he was not corrupt.”

Labour’s shadow Middle East minister, Wayne David, has called for “progressives, let alone socialists and social democrats” to “do our utmost and stand with the oppressed people, especially women in Iran”.

He highlighted to the JLM conference the example of the woman “subjected to 74 back slashes in public for refusing to wear the hijab”.

In a compelling Q&A session with the London Jewish Forum’s co-founder and Labour Friends of Israel lay chair Adrian Cohen, David said the tortured woman’s horrendous treatment was “indicative of so much which is going on – repression, the abuse, the intimidation.

“The sheer horror of the country is something which we as supporters of human rights and human decency should have no truck with.”

David told the event that

Wayne David (right) with LFI’s Adrian Cohen

Labour had been steadfast under Keir Starmer’s leadership that one of the “main instruments of internal repression” was Iran’s IRGC. The Labour fronbencher added that it was “important to recognise just what the IRGC is”. He noted MI5 was spending considerable time “thwarting neo-terrorist activity and actual intimidation of individuals”. David himself had been put on a list alongside other MPs by the organisations, after he criticised their activities.

6

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 18 January 2024

ISRAEL AT WAR

Starmer calls for ‘mindset change’ to interfaith work after 7 October

Labour leader tells Jewish News mutual support not as deep as he’d thought and existing structures not strong enough to withstand current pressures Sir Keir Starmer has called for a “mindset change” in attempts to bring Jewish, Muslim and other minority communities together in this country, writes Lee Harpin.

Speaking to Jewish News, the Labour leader conceded that deteriorating communal relations in the UK since the Hamas terrorist attack of last October have shown that existing interfaith structures have not been strong enough to “withstand the pressures” now being put on them.

After delivering what he said had been an “emotional” speech at the JW3 community centre in north-west London, he said: “There are things that can be done in terms of security, policing and hate crime, because the figures, particularly with hate crime, are going through the roof.

“But the real hard job, I think, is in segmenting, rebuilding and making much deeper interfaith work. We’ve got much more to do than I think any of us appreciated.

“But it will only happen when we have the politics of common cause.”

The Labour leader’s comments came days after Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis had called for a “new shift” in interfaith dialogue, with Jews and Muslims in the UK openly discussing “the elephant in the room” of Israel.

Starmer was deeply critical of what he claimed was the current Conservative government’s attempt to “divide” and to “create a wedge” between communities.

The MP for Holborn and St Pancras and former director of public prosecutions said his own experience of interfaith work in Camden, north London, had left him with an impression that “co-operation, understanding and mutual support was much deeper than it transpires to be”. However, the “past two or three months” had offered a very different picture of interfaith relations in the UK. “I think we have to be honest about where we are at the moment,” he said. “Which is a much worse position than I think we were in.

“I am concerned that what I thought went very deep across the country with interfaith work wasn’t as deep as I thought.

“It is not, and hasn’t been, strong enough to withstand the pressures that are now on different

communities. And it’s not just two communities.

“It’s a number of communities.

And I think that’s a lesson for me. I had thought in my own mind that those structures, those ways of working were stronger than they have turned out to be.”

In his speech, at the Jewish Labour Movement’s annual conference on Sunday, Starmer had noted that pro-Palestinian protests in the aftermath of the 7 October atrocity had become infested with a minority of activists who “hate Jews”.

He also pledged to “doubledown” on interfaith work if Labour were elected into government.

Starmer appeared to take encouragement from previous Labour efforts to tackle problems in “cities like Glasgow or Liverpool”, which he said were once “divided by religion and sectarianism”.

Starmer added that “over time” Labour had “helped bring

together towards the politics of the common good”.

He elaborated on his vision for improving the current situation, after Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks, who attended the speech by the Labour leader, raised concerns herself with him about “very damaged relations” between the Jewish community and others following the 7 October atrocity.

Marks, who has frequently welcomed Starmer and his family at Mitzvah Day events at South Hampstead Synagogue, had told him that currently “very little” resource is given to interfaith work, after she took part in a Q&A session with him at JW3.

Speaking to Jewish News backstage at the JLM event, Starmer said that if Labour “had the privilege” of being elected into government at the next election, he was not advocating rejecting the current interfaith model entirely. “We have got to

do it better,” he said. “We’ve got to double down and do even more work to ensure that it works. Not just in Camden, which is where I’ve been directly involved, but across the whole country, so that requires resolve and attention.

“It also requires a mindset change because it is very difficult to do interfaith work when you have got a government that when it sees

a problem thinks ‘How can we find a divide? How can we find a wedge?’

“I’m genuinely concerned about where the Tory Party is taking this country when they see a problem. ‘Woke, woke, woke, divide, divide, divide’.

“These are dangerous words when you are trying to bring communities together in this country.”

Starmer added: “I give you my assurance that we will, if we get the chance, try to reset this and make sure that we work together as one country, with all of our communities feeling secure and confident and able to contribute. Not just to the debate in the country, but also to the future of the country.”

He added: “That understanding, that mutual support, that tolerance that comes from interfaith work is hugely, hugely important.”

Earlier, as he spoke to a packed audience at the JLM event, Starmer had revealed he had made regular visits to JW3 with his wife Vic and their children, including using the ice-rink at the front of the Finchley Road venue, and that he was left feeling “emotional” making a speech in a year during which he is being widely credited with having turned the fortunes of Labour around.

But Starmer warned JLM members against complacency and said election victory over the Tories was “not a done deal”.

Speaking to other communal reporters, Starmer confirmed Jewish News’ exclusive of last year, which revealed that Labour had dropped a pledge for the “immediate”| recognition of the state of Palestine if the party is elected. He also said there was “no risk” that the party would return to the policy it inherited under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, which was to recognise a Palestinian state on “day one” of a Labour government.

Keir Starmer recalls coming to JW3 with his wife and children, alongside Mike Katz and barrister and Labour candidate Sarah Sackman

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

7

8

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Jewish News 18 January 2024

ISRAEL AT WAR

100 DAYS AFTER 7/10 AND WHAT THE YEARS TO COME MAY HOLD

BY RICHARD FERRER

entrust it to deserving Palestinian leaders.

Second, Netanyahu and his band of toxic bigots will need to be removed from power and replaced by Benny Gantz or Yair Lapid, leading a centrist coalition (ideally featuring the Arab Israeli Ra’am Party), that’s willing to crack down on Jewish settler violence in the West Bank.

Third – and this is key – Israel needs to adopt a more inclusive approach to its two-million-strong Arab community, recognising their loyalty and contribution. Arab-Israelis comprise 21 percent of public sector workers yet have barely six percent political representation. The assumption that if you’re not Jewish you cannot be loyal is cruel and false. They are not second-class, as slanderous “apartheid!” campaigners would have the world believe, but are often a second thought.

EDITOR JEWISH NEWS A few weeks before 7 October I had dinner in Tel Aviv with a veteran ArabIsraeli journalist who’s spent the last 40 years at his wits’ end, witnessing petulant Palestinian leaders choose self-sabotage over a state.

We spent most of our meal discussing what, at the time, felt like one of the darkest moments in Israel’s history but now, in the shadow of Hamas’ pogrom, seems like a minor quibble – Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid to usurp the Supreme Court.

By the time the pistachio baklava arrived, our conversation had switched to my seasoned companion’s Mastermind subject: why the Palestinians have spent the sharp end of a century saying “Not a snowball’s chance in Ramallah” to two states. It was a flat no in 1937 to 80 percent of the land; no in 1947; no in 1993; no in 2000; no in 2008. And, hang on a sec, let me check my notes… yup, another big fat no in 2010. With each refusal condemning their people to greater hardship.

The answer came without delay. My co-diner pointed to the restaurant ceiling and said: “Every Palestinian leader who’s been offered a state thinks, ‘I don’t want to drink tea up there with Anwar Sadat (the Egyptian president assassinated in 1981 after making peace with Israel). Only traitors give Israel an inch. Any deal must be 100 percent. Period. A Caliphate from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. It’s 100 percent or bye-bye.”

And there it was. The simple truth that the only leverage Israel has ever had with the Palestinians is to sign its own death warrant. Why every open goal, even Ehud Barak’s irresistible 97 percent offer at Camp David in 2000, (the Bullseye equivalent of winning the speedboat) ended with feet stamps instead of rubber stamps. Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas qualify for the Talk Olympics every time only to get disqualified from the walkathlon. One hundred percent or bye-bye.

If this conflict was about mere soil, Palestine, like Israel, would have celebrated its landmark 75th anniversary last year. Palestine would have blossomed into life with all the other former British territories that became sovereign after the Second World War – Jordan, Iraq, Sir Lanka, Nigeria, Sudan, Malaysia, Kenya, India Pakistan and, yes, by far the most successful of the

❝

Great shakes: The Egypt–Israel peace treaty was signed in 1979 No great shakes: The Oslo Accords in 1993 proved to be a false dawn

lot, Israel (22nd out of 189 countries in the Human Development Index. Neighbours Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria are 35th, 97th, 102nd, 112th and 150th respectively. If it didn’t have to spend six percent of its GDP on defence, Israel would be nudging Norway for top spot).

The United Nations wanted Britishmandated Ottoman Southern Syria to be two states for two people. One said, “Yes!”, the other “No way!”, and have kept saying it for almost a century, all the while forcefeeding its infants Jew hate with their mother’s milk. Death to Israel, death to America, death to Britain, death to Jews, death to Zionists. Why must it always be death, death, death?

The Stop the War Coalition and Palestine Solidary Campaign do their darndest to deceive the world into thinking Hamas is driven to kill and kidnap Jews because there isn’t peace. The reality, however, is the exact opposite – there isn’t peace because Hamas kills and kidnaps Jews.

Hamas is the horse; the conflict is the cart.

The day after my instructive dinner I visited the Kerem Crossing on Gaza’s southern border, where 9,000 trucks a month entered the Strip before 7 October and 300 trucks a month entered Israel with fruit and vegetables from Gaza bound for Israeli shops to stimulate the

‘DEATH TO ISRAEL!’ THEY CRY. ‘DEATH TO AMERICA... DEATH TO BRITAIN... DEATH TO ZIONISTS! WHY MUST IT ALWAYS BE ‘DEATH, DEATH, DEATH’?

Strip’s economy. Some 18,000 Gazans worked inside Israel before 7 October. Or at least were thought to be rather than spying, mapping roads and collecting entry codes to kindergartens and kibbutzim. I asked one Gazan what Hamas thought about him working in Israel. He simply shrugged and said, “No problem.” Who knows what reconnaissance he shared that day.

I saw the energy plants that supply power to the Gaza Strip from Israel. Shortly before I arrived Hamas bombed one of them to make its people suffer and hate Israel more.

I spoke to a former Egyptian diplomat who despaired at his country’s total disregard for Gaza – its refusal to open its borders, accept refugees or match any of Israel’s aid and investment in the Strip. The border between Israel and Gaza remained open most of the year. The border between Gaza and Egypt, further fortified in recent months, is always closed. There are also growing concerns in the UK Foreign Office about Cairo’s reluctance to provide support in countering the Houthi pirates in the Red Sea, even though the Suez Canal plays a crucial role in its economy.

Yet despite all this, and Israel’s harsh retaliation for 7 October, reasons for optimism remain. As comrade Lenin famously said: “There are decades where nothing happens and weeks where decades happen.”

The last 100 days feel like the culmination of eight decades. The snow globe, shaken so vigorously since 7 October, offers the chance of a brighter future once the landscape settles and guns fall silent.

First, the US, EU, Arab states and, yes, Israel, must promptly rebuild Gaza and

Most Arab-Israelis are proud, law-abiding citizens, with equal and more rights than any other Middle East Arabs. They are just as much part of the country as the Jewish majority and believe in the admirable things the state stands for. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found the percentage of Arab-Israelis who feel loyalty to the state shot up from 48 percent to 70 percent after 7 October.

With these numbers in mind, it might be prudent for a future Israeli coalition to revisit the section of the 2018 Nation State Law that downgraded the status of Arabic to a secondary language.

And fourth, despite Iran’s malign and growing influence, the Abraham Accords continues to represent the greatest hope for peace across the entire Middle East since 1948, with an Israel-Saudi Arabia normalisation deal still, mercifully, very much on the table.

When the snow finally settles, these baby steps could yet lead the way to a breakthrough for both sides.

More than one hundred days on from 7 October, it’s still hard to imagine a day free from darkness in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Perhaps when Israel has leadership worthy of the name and a Palestinian leader sees a guiding light in the legacy of Anwar Sadat, we might finally start to see the dawn.  Richard travelled to Israel with ELNET – The European Leadership Network

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

9

ISRAEL AT WAR

AS SOLIDARTY RIDES TAKE London rallies for Israel ...PLACE IN CITIES WORLDWIDE One hundred days after Hamas terrorists murdered hundreds of Israelis and kidnapped men, women and tiny children into Gaza, thousands of British Jews and their supporters rallied in Trafalgar Square, united by one cry: “Bring them home now”, writes Jenni Frazer.

Freezing winter temperatures did not deter those attending the central London event, organised by the 7/10 Human Chain Project with the backing of most of the leading communal organisations.

But — apart from Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely — there were few familiar community faces on the platform for the two-hour rally.

Instead, the organisers sought to show that Israel was not alone in its struggle against Hamas, bringing speakers as disparate as Ben Freeman, founder of the Modern Jewish Pride movement, Afshin Payravi, director of the Association of Iranian Human Rights and Allies, and the Reverend Hayley Ace, from the Christian Action Against Antisemitism group.

Payravi, supported by numerous attenders waving the flag of Free Iran among the sea of blue and white Israeli banners, spoke passionately of the potential for close

Thousands flocked to Trafalgar Square for Sunday’s event

relations between Israel and Iran once the current Iranian regime was overthrown. “We have a choice, a voice and a vision,” he told the crowd. That vision included the rebuilding of friendly relations with Israel and “justice and a lasting solution for the Palestinians… and a new dawn for the region”.

He called for “a new Iran and a new Middle East, based on democracy, human rights and peace” —

and reminded those present that “we are not the Islamic Republic — we are the Iranian people”.

Two politicians from the Conservative and Labour parties drew warm applause: Lord Pickles, the government’s post-Holocaust envoy and chair of the Conservative Friends of Israel in the House of Lords, and Bury South MP Christian Wakeford, who has just returned from a Labour Friends of Israel mission to Israel.

Hundreds of people cycled through London last weekend for an international solidarity bike ride to mark 100 days since 7 October.

The #RideToBringThemHomeNow initiative was held in 40 cities across the globe including London, Tel Aviv, Paris, Melbourne, Buenos Aires New York and Malaga where four times Tour de France winner Chris Froome joined the Israel- Premier Tech team cycling in support of the missing hostages.

Froome is a member of the Israel – Premier Tech team, which organised the event together with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the Israeli Cycling Federation.

The London leg – a 7km ride around Regents Park – was led by organiser Howard Kayman, and Mike Marlowe, whose son Jake was murdered on 7 October.

Addressing the 500-strong crowd, Mike Marlowe said: “Wow, what a sight..” He said: “Each and every one of us should be filled with pride. Hamas see the hostages as nothing but a bargaining tool. We see them as our everything. That is how we, the Jewish people do things – as the name of the ride says; Bring

Riders gather on Sunday

Them Home. Wake up world.”

Marlowe road with a picture of missing hostage Shlomi Ziv on his t-shirt. Shlomi, like Jake, was working as part of the security team at the Supernova nature party on 7 October. Marlowe said the bike ride was “uplifting and peaceful” and condemned the International Red Cross and United Nations for their “shameful silence.”

London riders were among tens of thousands worldwide who took to their bikes with yellow ribbons tied to the handlebars.

Aliyah: Building Dreams & Saving Tax ✓ Tax efficient investing before and after Aliyah ✓ 10 years tax free income ✓ 10 years tax free gains

✓ No inheritance tax ✓ Recieve your entire pension pot tax free ✓ Specialist portfolio management for Olim

• The leading provider of Aliyah financial planning for 20 years • Helped thousands of UK Olim • To maximise the generous tax advantages and investment opportunities, contact our specialist team.

230 Golders Green Road London NW11 9AT

With investing, your capital is at risk.

020 8202 1944 GoldersGreen@RaymondJames.com GoldersGreen.RaymondJames.UK.com

Raymond James Investment Services Ltd is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales number 3669657. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker St, London EC2Y 9LY.

10 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Looking to live or invest in Israel?!

REGISTER NOW

We’ve got you covered

FEB 4 TH | FREE TO JOIN | 30 + SESSIONS | COME & GO THROUGHOUT THE DAY! TIME

TO P I C

PRESENTER

10:00

Understand the Aliyah application process

Tami Lapid Fuehrer

10:15

Aliyah Rights and Benefits

Dov Newmark

10:30

Planning a Pilot Trip

Ovadia Sofer

10:45

Post Aliyah support and Guidence

Sid Slivko

11:00

Healthcare in Israel

Dr Tanya Cardash

11:15

Volunteering in Israel

Sunny Marshansky

11:30

Higher Education and Universities

Prof David Newman

11:45

Manage your career path in Israel

Rachel Hamer Shemesh

12:00

Learn Technical Writing & find work

FE King

12:15

Understanding Bituach Leumi

Yanina Musnikow

12:30

Insurance, from car to home to private health

Danny Newman

12:45

Managing your finances

Simon Benarroch

13:00

Transferring money - Best rates, No fees

Naomi Feltham

13:15

Banking In Israel

Jonathan Gross

13:30

Shipping - what to bring and what not to bring

Stephen Morris

13:45

An introduction to purchasing property in Israel

Simon Seitz Adv

14:00

Home-Buyers surveys of second hand homes

Robert Ferris

14:15

Architect – creating a home in Israel

Nina Anders

14:30

Interior designer

Stephanie Freud

14:45

Choosing the right Mortgage

Chaim Friedman

15:00

Taking the taxing out of tax

Mark Struel

15:15

Modiin Property

Debbie Goldfischer

15:30

Beit Shemesh & RBS Property

Ilana Fish

15:45

Services for Olim in Beit & Ramat beit Shemesh

Alisa Coleman

16:00

Carmei Gat Property

Marcia Mimran

16:15

Jerusalem Property

Ben Levene

16:30

Services for Olim in Jerusalem

Yisrael Cohn

16:45

Ashkelon Property

Motti (Mr Ashkelon)

17:00

Netanya Property

Maxine Marks

17:15

Rehovot Buying into a Project

Izzy Leizerowitz

17:30

Ra'anana Property

Yafit Gould

17:45

Tel Aviv Property

Daniel Goldstein

18:00

Services for Olim in Tel Aviv

Neta Burnstein

18:15

Zichron Yaakov Property

Merle Amrani

Webinar sponsored by: STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING

So

or

m

gf n i eth

e!

yo n r e ev

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

Voices from the Hamas tunnels

by Beatrice Sayers

It’s lunchtime on a sunny but bitterly cold day in east London.

The air carries with it a whiff of incense along with those of hot dogs and traffic fumes. A red bus pushes its way along the main road and in so doing reveals, on a side street, a poster of a Palestinian flag on a lamp post. Several turnings and a few hundred yards further along is a rubble-strewn yard. Visitors who keep walking will soon find themselves at the entrance to a hospital in Gaza.

A motorcycle parked nearby was used to abduct partygoers from the Nova festival in southern Israel during the Hamas atrocities of 7 October. And right there, easy to miss, hidden in plain sight, is the entrance to a Hamas tunnel.

Voices from the Tunnels is a dauntingly realistic recreation in a disused warehouse of the conditions in which many of the hostages in Gaza were kept, and in which about 132 of the more than 200 taken are believed still to be held. It opened, at a location that is not being publicised, on Monday, and Jewish News was given a preview.

Put together in little more than a week, the installation is the latest of the many efforts of Orit Eyal-Fibeesh,

the London-based Israeli who set up the 7/10 Human Chain Project, which is dedicated to bringing all the hostages home. “This is an exercise in education and raising awareness,” she says. It is also part of events to mark 100 days since the hostages were taken captive.

Orit and her team aim to bring 500 or more people to visit the tunnels and are inviting academics, MPs, faith leaders and celebrities.

“Anyone who can then talk about what they have seen,” she says.

The hope is that they will use their influence to keep pushing for more hostage releases. Orit, a logistics expert who has lived in the UK for 20 years, adds: “We need to shout for the hostages and we need to ask every organisation to help us.”

In the dimly lit rooms are the voices, and faces, of the freed hostages. Maya Regev, 21, whose leg was badly injured, and her brother Itay, 18, who was also shot, are on a TV screen telling an interviewer about their surgery in captivity, without anaesthetic.

On another screen Yocheved Lipshitz, 85, recalls the spider’s web of damp tunnels where she was held. In the next room, a child mannequin seated on a mattress on the floor is 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, forced to watch a recording of the 7

October atrocities. Along a corridor, past a makeshift morgue, a terrorist in the operations room studies photos of Israeli military hardware, a prayer mat next to his table. Several rockets, Arabic labels on their side, lean against a wall.

After coming back up to ground level, the invited visitors will have the opportunity to enter a screening room and watch the 43-minute footage of the Hamas atrocities compiled by the Israel Defence Forces.

The film is now in its 19th iteration, with the IDF continually adding more footage as it comes to light.

Before they do that, at the top of the steps out of the dungeon, they will see a large image of a bottle of pills: a reminder that before the hostages were freed they were given tranquillisers by Hamas to make them appear calm and happy after the abuse and terror they had suffered.

More than three months into the Israel-Hamas war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and fears about a wider Middle East conflict are growing and are in the foreground of many people’s minds. And, more than 100 days into their captivity, 132 hostages are still being held by Hamas. Orit will not rest until they are all home, and Voices from the Tunnels turns up the volume on her campaign.

11

ISRAEL AT WAR

Scenes from the exhibition: a terrorist In the operations room has a prayer mat next to his table; rockets and a makeshift morgue

One room has a highchair. In another, Eitan Yahalomi is forced to watch videos of the 7 October atrocities. His father is still being held in Gaza

UK to ban terrorist 39 PERCENT DISCLOSE group Hizb ut-Tahrir ANTISEMITISM AT WORK belongs to or invites supThe international Islamist port for it faced consepolitical group Hizb utquences, and the group Tahrir will be banned as would be unable to operate a terrorist organisation, as it currently does,. the home secretary said Hizb ut-Tahrir has this week, as he branded it been banned in many Arab “antisemitic” and warned nations, as well as in Gerthat it “promotes and many and China. encourages terrorism”.

It recently organised James Cleverly has put rallies that took place in an order before parliaHizb ut-Tahrir in London in October London alongside proment which would make joining the organisation illegal in the UK under Palestine marches, following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. A Hizb ut-Tahrir terror laws, the Home Office said.

The proposal has to be debated and is sub- member could be seen shouting “jihad” in a ject to parliament backing but, if agreed, the video from an October march, but the Metroban would come into force on Friday and politan Police said no offences were identified.

Conservative MP Bob Blackman last month would mean “belonging to, inviting support for and displaying articles in a public place in a way called for the leader of the UK arm of the group, that arouses suspicion of membership or sup- Abdul Wahid, to be deported, saying he should have his “right to be in this country” cancelled. port for the group will be a criminal offence”.

Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “ We Cleverly said: “Hizb ut-Tahrir is an antisemitic organisation that promotes and encour- commend James Cleverly for this significant ages terrorism, including praising and cel- announcement. It is absolutely the right step, ebrating the appalling October 7 attacks.” and shows that the government is listening.

Proscribing it would ensure that anyone who The Met should take note.”

and “Jew-bags”. There Almost four in 10 Jews were also expressions of responding to a survey support for Hamas, chalhave reported experilenges to the IHRA definiencing antisemitism at tion of antisemitism and work or when doing busistatements about “Jews ness since the 7 October ruling the world”. terrorist attacks.

In some cases, the hurt Employment and busiwas compounded by delays ness support organisation or failure in management Work Avenue launched the taking action, and, in a few study after receiving a worA swastika-Star of David bag reports, the antisemitism rying number of reports of came from senior staff themselves. anti-Jewish behaviour in the workplace.

A frequent concern was that networks and It found that 39 percent of more than 500 respondents had experienced antisemitic procedures put in place to support minority groups were inactive when it comes to procomments from colleagues or clients.

Incidents came in direct conversations the tecting Jewish staff.

In positive news, 72 percent of those taking Jewish worker was part of, social media posts, internal email and blogs, overheard discus- part in the survey said they had received supsions and people being avoided because of their portive behaviour from colleagues or clients; faith. While much of the antisemitism centred some of these had experienced negativity too.

This included many instances of colleagues on the war in Israel and Gaza – including denials of what happened on 7 October – tropes around offering comfort and help, senior management arranging check-in sessions, and support money and influence were also common.

Terms reported included Jews being offered for those worried about family in Israel labelled as baby killers, supporters of genocide or marches in the UK.

12 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

ISRAEL AT WAR

Eylon Levy ‘tempted’

by UK envoy posting Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy hinted at a standingroom-only event at St John’s Wood Synagogue this week he might like to be his country’s ambassador in the UK, writes Jenni Frazer.

Crowds turned out for Levy but were disappointed that he was not present in person as he had to return early to Israel from a whistlestop visit to the UK at the weekend.

But British-born Levy, who said he was “gutted” at not being present, agreed to join a Zoom round of close questioning by Jewish News co-publisher Justin Cohen, in which he admitted he had still not had a face-to-face encounter with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the 7 October Hamas attacks.

Instead, he told how presentation of Israel’s position was hammered out in intensive briefings with a media team – “but we have a lot of wiggle room as to how to present Israel’s message”.

Described by Cohen as the holder of “one of the toughest jobs on earth”, Levy spoke frankly about his more difficult interviews, including one with Channel 4 anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy:

“Krishnan has a style of interviewing – unlike some people who will take you to 100 different topics and never allowing you to complete a thought – of hammering on the same point over and over again, even though you’ve explained it over and over again”.

At the end of that particular bruising encounter, Levy said, the journalist had had “a look on his face as if to say, well played, sir, that I had managed to hold my own in that interview ... sometimes there are interactions with the journalist behind the scenes, where they’ve put up a stiff fight, and they appreciate that you’ve held your ground under fire, even if they remain unconvinced”.

Despite being involved in the judicial reform protests against Israel’s government, Levy saw no contradiction in now becoming its spokesman, saying it was “the most obvious thing in the world” that everyone in Israel would “drop everything and rally round the flag. We as a society are in total war footing. Some people put on uniform. I put on a suit and tie and went into battle.”

Levy acknowledged that in the propaganda war, Israel was

Eylon Levy in conversation with Jewish News’ Justin Cohen

often “outmanned, outgunned and outnumbered”. But, he said, “the challenge is to remind people about 7 October” and the “sadistic psychopaths” with whom Israel was dealing.

He warned of “a narrative taking shape in the media as if the UK is trying to distance itself from Israel” and asked people to remind their MPs of the consequences if Hamas was left standing. “Help leaders and opinion-makers connect the dots between Hamas and the Houthis”, he said. “We hope that the Houthi attacks [in the Red Sea] will help the British public to connect this to Iran, and that we are being attacked by Iran’s proxies.

It’s all part of Iran’s strategy, built up over decades.”

Jews and Muslims to take ‘WAR’ IS WORD OF YEAR part in London peace march Progressive rabbis will join other faith leaders for a silent peace march this Sunday in a call for nonviolence and reconciliation.

The march, from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square and back, has been organised by British Quakers and Plum Village UK, a mindfulness charity. The open event is a response to the growing number of world conflicts, but particularly the Israel-Hamas war.

The faith groups will include Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. No flags will be carried and no slogans chanted, say the organisers, who are instead asking participants to carry white flowers “as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in cultivating a more peaceful world”.

An Interfaith event in October

Among those expected to take part are Rabbi Charley Baginsky, chief executive of Liberal Judaism; Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of the Masorti movement; and Georgina Long, of the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual group founded in Hyderabad.

Also expected are Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic adviser, Ministry of

Defence, and Rowena Loverance, Quaker and Churches Together in England chair.

Judith Baker, of Quakers in Britain, said: “We walk together because we share a deep love for creation and a common universal language of peace. We share horror at the desecration of creation that war brings.

“War is failure to love our neighbours as ourselves, failure to seek peace and pursue it, failure of dialogue and diplomacy, failure to uphold the basic principles of international law and ethical norms.

“But the possibility of peace is always with us, built on love, compassion and respect for all life. We urge everyone to join us as we work together for peace.”

‘War’ was among children’s words of the year in 2023 according to Oxford University Press (OUP).

More than 3,000 children aged six to 14 were asked for their word of the year. The top responses or themes were “climate change”, “war” and “coronation”.

In a follow-up poll of 1,000 children, the term for ecological change and global warming was chosen by 33 percent. “War” was picked by 31 percent and “coronation” by 24 percent.

Oxford children’s director Helen Freeman said: “The choice of ‘climate change’ not only demonstrates how attuned children are to the news and their environment, but the research also reveals their willingness to engage with meaningful change.

“Whether it’s understanding how children use slang phrases or what word reflects the past year, it’s imperative we continue to support children’s language development so

they have the means and vocabulary to express themselves.”

Amid war in Europe and the Middle East, 13 percent of children said the news was why they voted for “war” while 23 percent referenced the conflict in Israel and Gaza or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a reason.

Reflecting on why “climate change” was chosen, the youngsters talked to researchers about the impact of environmental threats and their concerns for the future.

They also said the phrase makes them feel “sad”, “scared” and “worried”.

Amy Meek, chief executive and co-founder of charity Kids Against Plastic, said: “We also mustn’t ignore the findings from the language research which demonstrate young people’s desire for action. Young people not only recognise that climate change is an issue, but are also seeing the importance of tackling it.”

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

13

ISRAEL AT WAR

Israeli footballer arrested in HAMAS BACKS LINEKER Turkey for hostage gesture Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel has been arrested by Turkish authorities after he made a gesture to show solidarity with the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza after scoring a goal.

Jehezkel, who plays for Antalyaspor in the best league in Turkey, scored an equaliser against Trabzonspor. After celebrating, he pointed to his wristband bearing the text “100 days. October 7”.

Turkish justice minister Yilmaz Tunc ordered an inquiry into the incident, saying: “A judicial investigation has been initiated by Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel for ‘inciting people to hatred and hostility’.”

Sagiv Jehezkel and wristband

Tunc said this was “due to his ugly gesture supporting Israel’s massacre in Gaza after scoring a goal in the Antalyaspor-Trabzonspor Super Lig match.”

The president of Antalyaspor Turkish club, Sinan Boztepe, also lashed out at the Israeli footballer, saying he “acted against the sensi-

tivities of Antalya, Antalyaspor and our country.”

The Turkish Football Federation joined in, saying: “We condemn completely [this] unacceptable behaviour of footballer Jehezkel ... and find Antalyaspor’s decision to exclude the player from its team appropriate.”

The decision by the Turkish authorities was immediately criticised in Israel, with former prime minister Naftali Bennett tweeting a photo of Jehezkel’s celebration with the caption: “This is Turkey 2024.

Shame on you, Turkish government.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Culture Ministry are working to release Jehezkel.

ends its grave violations of The former chair of the international law”. It said Football Association has this applied to “particuaccused Gary Lineker larly its apartheid rule and of “prejudice” after the the crime of genocide it is Match of the Day presenter perpetrating in Gaza.” retweeted a call for Israel The retweet has garnered to be banned from international sport. The retweet Gary Lineker widespread outrage from MPs and Jewish communal was later deleted, then later cheered by Hamas’ social media news leaders. Critics noted that Lineker was paid £1.6 million to cover the account.

The original tweet was posted World Cup in Qatar, which hosts

by The Palestinian Campaign for Hamas.

David Bernstein, former chairman the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel and urged the International of the Football Association and ManOlympic Committee, FIFA and “all chester City, was among those who regional and int’l sports bodies to criticised the presenter.

He told Jewish News: “I am take an urgent stance on Israel’s grave violations of human rights shocked and disappointed at Gary and subject it to legal account- Lineker’s prejudiced and disproportionate views. The BBC should be ability measures”.

The post also called for the sus- ashamed of their pacificity and kowpension of Israel’s inclusion “until it towing to celebrity.”

AN IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION TO BRITAIN

BY ALEX BRUMMER CITY EDITOR, THE DAILY MAIL

My summers growing up in the Brighton and Hove community were punctuated with visits by the good and great from London. Among the visitors to Hove Hebrew Congregation (recently closed) was Leonard Wolfson, brother of the late Sir Isaac Wolfson.

I knew little then of the Jewish contribution to British commerce and retail but knew from conversation around me that shares in Gussies (Great Universal Stores) – like those in Marks & Spencer – were a bit of the stock market congregants liked to own.

This month, fashion and home retailer Next was among the first of Britain’s big shopping groups to report end-of-year trading

results. Despite all the gloom about the cost of living, Lord Simon Wolfson, great nephew of Sir Isaac and son of Lord (David) Wolfson, reported for the fifth time in a row betterthan-expected profits heading toward £1bn.

The Wolfson family is part of the retail royalty which rebuilt Britain after World War II. As chairman of GUS, Simon’s father David helped to reshape an empire whose great days looked to have passed. It was split into three enterprises – luxury fashion group Burberry, credit checking firm Experian and Argos (now part of J Sainsbury).

Next, built on the legacy of Leeds tailoring firm J Hepworth and modernising the catalogue shopping and logistics DNA of GUS, came from seemingly nowhere to overhaul 140-year-old Marks & Spencer in terms of its clothing sales and profits.

A great antisemitic trope is Jews seek to control the world through a shadowy network of banks and media companies. True, some top investment/merchant banking houses –

Rothschild and Goldman Sachs, to name two – have strong Jewish roots; indeed, as Israel’s war on Hamas intensified, after 7 October, Hannah Rothschild (daughter of Lord (Jacob), was in Jerusalem for the opening of Israel’s National Library which the family trusts endowed, fulfilling a Rothschild mission of institution building in Israel.

The reality is Jewish entrepreneurial skills have made and still make an enormous contribution to Britain’s economy. There is scarcely a field of endeavour where the Jewish community has not played a part.

At Willesden cemetery in London, Shell founder Lord Bearsted (Marcus Samuel) rests among other pioneers of modern Britain including Tesco founder Sir John Cohen and GEC founder Lord Weinstock, arguably Britain’s most important 20th-century industrialist, part of whose legacy lives on through defence contractor BAE Systems.

Unilever’s commitment to continue to sell Ben & Jerry’s ice cream on the West Bank

was no accident – Unilever’s heritage in the region dates from pre-mandate Palestine and the Jewish origins of Lever Brothers on the Wirral. The first corporation in Britain to embrace computing as a tool was caterer J Lyons. A strong Jewish line runs through the family of Lord (David) Sainsbury.

Much of post-war Britain’s property development as we know it is the result of the vision of the founders of Land Securities, British Land and brilliant property man and sometime Selfridges owner Sir Charles Clore – whose daughter endowed JW3. My wife Tricia’s grandfather, an escapee from Russian pogroms, started as a tinker in the South Wales valleys and ended his life as proprietor of 39 department stores.

As a long-serving city editor, one cannot but be aware of how much British Jews have contributed, creating jobs and through their charitable works doing much good for this country, Israel and the wider community.

Their part in our island’s story is immense.

14 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

ISRAEL AT WAR

Just ‘FIVE PERCENT’ Anger over ‘racism’ of Lib Dem councillor of Arabs condemn 7/10 A shocking new poll across 16 Arab states claims that just five percent of people believe Hamas’ 7 October massacre, which left more than 1,200 people dead, was an “illegitimate operation”, writes Jotam Confino.

The poll, conducted by Arab Centre for Research In terms of media coverage and Policy Studies, asked of the Gaza war, 82 percent 8,000 men and women from Murdered Israelis wrapped in body bags of respondents claimed US media 16 Arab countries about Israel’s was biased towards Israel, while percent expressed their solidarity war with Hamas in Gaza.

A total of 67 percent of respond- with Palestinians and support for seven percent saw it as neutral.

The field work was done between ents said that Hamas’ terror attack Hamas and 23 percent expressed was a “legitimate resistance opera- solidarity with Palestinians despite December 2023 and 5 January 2024 in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, tion”, while 19 percent reported that opposing Hamas.

As for views on Israel, Arab public Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, it was a “somewhat flawed but legitiopinion was almost unanimous in Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi mate resistance operation”.

A total of 35 percent believed the rejecting recognition of Israel, at a Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and most important reason for Hamas’ rate of 89 percent, up from 84 per- the West Bank.

The surveyed communities reponslaught was the continued Israeli cent in 2022, compared to only four occupation of the Palestinian terri- percent who support its recognition. resent 95 percent of the population A total of 92 percent believe the of the Arab region and its far-flung tories”, while 24 percent attributed it mostly to “defence against Israel’s Palestinian question “concerns all regions. The sample was 500 men targeting of Al-Aqsa Mosque” and Arabs and not just the Palestinians”. and women, drawn according to eight percent viewed it as a result of A total of 77 percent named the US cluster and self-weighted sampling the “ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip”. and Israel as the biggest threat to methods to ensure equal probability The poll also revealed that 69 the region’s security and stability. of appearing.

A Liberal Democrat councillor exposed by Jewish News for questioning evidence that Hamas carried out atrocities in Israel on 7 October has sparked renewed anger after refusing to confirm he has undertaken antisemitism awareness training for linking the Jewish state to the Nazis.

Last week, Birmingham City councillor Ayoub Khan (pictured) was asked by Labour’s Lee Marsham at a meeting of the city council if he considered antisemitism awareness training “is beneath you”.

While Khan faced a second question from a Labour councillor urging him to answer the question on whether he had “taken up the antisemitism awareness offered”.

In a speech, Khan had said: “There will be some saying ‘Councillor Khan antisemite. His speech antisemitic’.

How dare you make such a remark? I will be prepared to scrutinise any government or organisation.”

Labour councillor Marsham told Jewish News: “I call on Ed Davey and Roger Harmer to stand up and take action against Cllr Khan for his refusal to undertake antisemitism awareness training. His comments are wholly unacceptable.”

In October, after Khan had said he “has a problem with the credibility” of accounts detailing the massacre carried out by Hamas, including at a kibbutz in southern Israel, a Lib Dem spokesperson claimed: “Councillor Khan has recognised that his comments were offensive. He has apologised and deleted his TikToks, and agreed to undergo antisemitism training,” the spokesperson said.

But last week the Aston ward councillor read out statistics on civilian casualties in Gaza as a result of Israel’s war on Hamas, resulting in many councillors raising objections.

A Lib Dem spokesperson said: “A complaint against Ayoub Khan is being assessed under the party’s independent complaints process.”

UNRWA staff ‘celebrated’ 7 October massacre Members of a telegram group intended for UNRWA staff in Gaza glorified and cheered on Hamas on 7 October, UN Watch has revealed.

The telegram group, which Jewish News has seen, is full of messages on 7 October, praising Hamas’ attack on Israel, with some posting pictures of terrorists in Sderot.

One member posted a picture of Israelis on the

ground with Hamas terrorists standing over them with a text saying “Oh God, your victory which you promised” while another posted a picture of a Hamas attack in Israel, saying “majestic scenes”.

Another member posted a picture of a Hamas terrorist in a tunnel, saying: “Today we attack them and not the other way around.

Israel is finished and will be destroyed with God’s help.”

A picture of a suicide vest was accompanied by the text “Beware, Jews” while one of the administrators of the group simply said: “Let’s execute the first settler nearby.”

According to UN Watch, one of the group’s administrators is an UNRWA teacher named Waseem Ula, who has posted information on salaries from UNRWA Gaza education chief Sami Abu Kamil, but

also called to kill Israelis.

Another UNRWA teacher, Abdallah Mehjez, urged Palestinian civilians not to listen to Israel’s warnings and move out of harm’s way but instead to serve as human shields. Mehjez has previously worked for the BBC, according to his LinkedIn profile.

On 7 October, Shatha Husam Al Nawajha, also a UNRWA teacher, according to UN Watch, wrote: “They

breastfed jihad with their mothers’ milk. May Allah grant them victory.”

A UNRWA representative told Jewish News that some of the members of the group were definitely UNRWA staff, but that it was impossible to verify if all 3,000 members of the group were.

The specified purpose of the group is for its members to discuss matters such as salary and contracts.

JEWISH CRICKET CAPTAIN AXED Bowman bids for Furious leaders of the South African 1936 Olympics when Jewish athletes Jewish Board of Deputies have accused were asked not to participate in case it offended the Fuhrer”.

Cricket South Africa, (CSA) of antiProfessor Milner, national semitism in the wake of the row chair of the SAJBD, said that over David Teeger, stripped the CSA’s reasoning “made last week of his captaincy no sense” and accused of the country’s Underthem of “moving the goal19s team due to play in the posts”. Originally, she said, World Cup, which starts on CSA had claimed that a Friday. They also claimed security report had indicated undue political pressure on safety concerns about Teeger’s the CSA by the South African presence as captain. government.

David But when she and Krengel, the Fresh out of a meeting held Teeger SABJD president, asked to see this with CSA at the cricket body’s request, Karen Milner and Zev Krengel report they were first told that it was “not said that CSA’s reasons for relieving a report, but a briefing”, and then refused the Jewish teenager of his captaincy details of who from South African State were “trumped-up and bogus”. Kringel Security had provided this briefing.

CSA, said the Jewish leaders, had “catsaid: “The whole thing smells of the

egorically failed to provide credible evidence that there had been any real security threats to the upcoming Under19 World Cup tournament on account of David Teeger being captain of the SA team”.

If there had indeed been any such evidence, Professor Milner said, “CSA could, had it chosen, taken appropriate steps to deal with it, such as moving the games or providing additional security.”

The decision to remove Teeger’s captaincy had been made in the wake of supportive comments he made about the IDF at a Jewish Achievers event.

Krengel described Teeger a “a very talented young cricketer who has the support of his team.”

It is understood that Teeger still intends to take part in the World Cup games if selected to play.

Board presidency

by Lee Harpin lee@jewishnews.co.uk @lmharpin

Board of Deputies vice-president Amanda Bowman has confirmed she will run to succeed out-going president Marie van der Zyl at elections in May. Bowman, who chairs the communal organisation’s Defence and Group Relations Division, becomes the second person to put themselves forward for the

role, with Phil Rosenberg, Brondesbury Park Synagogue’s deputy, announcing his campaign last month.

Representing Hampstead synagogue since 2012, Bowman said: “Having spent the past two triennia as vice president, I am keen to continue serving our communities to the best of my ability. I fully understand the devastating impact of antisemitism and have been working hard to challenge it wherever it occurs.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

15

16 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

News / JVN heroes

89 winners line up for honours at glittering JVN awards show Below, Lifetime Achievement Award winners Ann and Bob Kirk with JVN’s Daniel Levy

More than 350 guests from the Jewish and wider community celebrated 89 charity award winners from 37 charities at the JVN (Jewish Volunteer Network) Honouring Volunteers Awards 2023 in media partnership with Jewish News, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

Israel president Isaac Herzog launched the event at the Grove Hotel at Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, with a specially recorded message from Jerusalem talking about 7 October and how volunteers bind the community together.

Introduced by community compere Nigel Rothband, every volunteer to win an award told his or her own story and each winner was individually recognised.

This year’s ceremony showcased volunteers from four award categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Young Adult Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

The event also introduced the Roy Henry z”l Special Recognition Award, presented to the CST volunteers whose role, especially since 7 October, has been crucial in keeping the community safe in the UK. The announcement received a standing ovation from the guests.

CST human resources director Leesa Mather said: “On behalf of all the CST volunteers across the UK, we were delighted to receive the Roy Henry Special Recognition Award 2023, Volunteer Team of the Year and for one of our volunteers, a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“These awards are a lovely recognition to our volunteers who tirelessly and without thanks protect the Jewish community at events, synagogues and schools throughout the year.

“We were also humbled to be in the same room as hundreds of other amazing volunteers who each in their own way do everything possible to help make a difference for our Jewish community.”

The Citron, Sivan and Sefton Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ann and Bob Kirk, volunteers at Liberal Jewish Synagogue.

Synagogue chair Benita Hart said: “The Liberal Jewish Synagogue is thrilled that

Ann and Bob Kirk, members for over 70 years, have been presented with the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jewish Volunteering Network.

“This high accolade is testament to their dedication, and warmth and love for their community.”

The Wohl Legacy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award went to Cheryl Brodie, volunteer at Liberal Jewish Synagogue.

Jewish Leadership Council chief executive officer Claudia Mendoza said: “Cheryl has been amazing at facilitating development programmes for the JLC’s Leadership division lead and the feedback that we’ve had from community members has been phenomenal.

“She has used her skill and her expertise, giving back pro bono to “The merger team’s the community at large. dedication really set an The entire community should be indebted to her example to us on the executive team, to their peers in for passing on her knowltheir own communities and I edge and training up so many more people. We are absolutely hope to their own children, as we know that young people are the lifedelighted that she has been recognised in this way.” blood of any organisation like The Investec Wealth Kisharon Langdon and the and Investment UK Outfuture of the volunteering standing Volunteer landscape”.

The Edwards Family Team of the Year Award Foundation Outstanding went to the Kisharon Young Adult Volunteer of Langdon mergers team. the Year Award went to KL chief executive Richard Franklin said: “I Abigail Saltman, a volunnominated the Kisharon teer at Jewish Care.

Langdon merger team The organisation’s director of community services, volunbecause of their incredible dedication over and above their teering, social work and normal giving of time that Top: Hertfordshire Lord Lieu- hospitality Richard Shone they put towards the merger tenant Richard Voss. Below: said: “We are so proud of Abigail for winning the of Kisharon and Langdon.

JVN CEO Nicky Goldman JVN Outstanding Young The complexities of the issues they were dealing with in such a col- Adult Volunteer Award this year.

“Abigail’s youth volunteering, her parlaborative way really stood out for me.

“I really admire their absolute bravery ticipation in Jewish Care’s MIKE Youth and commitment to a broader vision of the Programme, volunteering in our day benefit for people with learning disabilities centre services, and of course the magand autistic people and for the Jewish com- nificent fund-raising she did when she jumped out of an aeroplane to raise money munity as a whole.

Photos by Emma Ziff Photography

Thank you from the entire community! Volunteers of the year

for Jewish Care’s new Redbridge care campus, is an incredible achievement.”

JVN also premiered a new video by BBC director David Coleman, about volunteers JVN has helped place over the past year.

JVN chair and event host Daniel Levy said: “At a time of unparalleled difficulty in Israel and within our community, this was a rare moment to reflect on the positive impact of volunteering and spotlight the real heroes of our community, giving charities the opportunity to shine.”

JVN chief executive Nicky Goldman said: “It was so inspiring and humbling to hear the stories of volunteering of all the charity award winners, as well as the outstanding winners in each category.

“In the words of Rabbi Sacks, our community could not exist for a day without its volunteers, and the volunteers’ stories showed how and why this is true.

“It was wonderful to come together and honour people who give of themselves, week in week out, to do what is in their power to make the world a better place.

“Thank you to the charities for awarding their winners and to our dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, the mayors of the London borough of Barnet and Hertsmere and leaders of the British Jewish community.”

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

17

18 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JVN AWARDS HONOURING VolunteerS 2023 Mazel Tov and Thank You to all the charity winners at our JVN Awards Honouring Volunteers 2023 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Gerald Barc AJEX

Charlie Van Emden Camp Simcha

Bernard Woolf Jami

Lynn Cherkas Jnetics

Ian Aarons Maccabi GB

Melissa Collins Seed

Galina Pesin Association of Jewish Refugees

Ken Ornstein Chai Cancer Care

Geoff Wrightman Jewish Care

Sara Saunders Jewish Women’s Aid

Marilyn Pyser Nightingale Hammerson

Louise Bronstein Jewish Care

Emma Mero Kisharon Langdon

Maria Snider The Liberal Jewish Synagogue

Barbara Jacobson Norwood

Ed Shaerf GIFT

Cheryl Brodie The Jewish Leadership Council

Melodie Isaacs Kisharon Langdon

Nitzan Marinov Resource

Roy Emanuel United Synagogue

Howard Skolnick Goods for Good

Gaby Simons JLGB

Heather Shuman Maccabi GB

Kris Musikant The S&P Sephardi Community

Marilyn Scott WIZO

Phil Kelvin FEAST With Us

Donald Allen All Aboard Shops

Naomi Russell Food Bank Aid

Tanya Jacques All Aboard Shops Andrew Leyens Alyth

Andy Mihaleto The Together Plan

VOLUNTEER TEAM OF THE YEAR East Barnet Team All Aboard Shops Alyth’s Monday Club Alyth

Gift Sale Committee Chai Cancer Care

Goods for Good Community Team Goods for Good

CST Volunteers CST

HAB Volunteers Homeless Action Barnet

Alyth Synagogue NNLS Cooks Security Team Leaders FEAST With Us Alyth

Carers Family Support Jami Volunteers Jami

Belmont Community Cares Belmont Synagogue

Management Committee Food Bank Aid

Camp Simcha B’nei Mitzvah Programme Camp Simcha

GIFT Warehouse Angels GIFT

JBCS Team of Volunteer Counsellors Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service Befriending Coordinators Jewish Care

Glasgow Groups JLGB

Coffee Morning Social Nightingale Hammerson

JWA McKenzie Friends Jewish Women’s Aid

The Hall School Norwood

BIKE4KEF Fundraising Committee KefKids

Chat and Share Pop Up Café Team Pinner Synagogue

Kisharon Langdon Merger Team Kisharon Langdon JCC Maccabi Games 2023 Management Team Maccabi GB

Project ImpACT Ambassadors Project ImpACT

Archive Services Volunteer Team The Together Plan Si3 Advisers UJIA

OUTSTANDING AWARD WINNERS

Olim WIZO Committee WIZO

Yom Hashoah Manchester Volunteer Team Royal Free Charity Hospital Volunteer Family Yom Hashoah Manchester Royal Free Charity

YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTEER

Special Recognition Award CST Volunteers Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Cheryl Brodie, JLC

Chloe Nataf-Pesonen All Aboard Shops

Josh Mendelowitz Jami

Simone Silver JLGB

Adam Greensite Kisharon Langdon

Dean Wolman Norwood

Adina Rosenstein GIFT

Abigail Saltman Jewish Care

Jasmine Mahgerefteh Jnetics

Brandon Myers Maccabi GB

Matthew Buchalter UJIA

Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year Kisharon Langdon Merger Team Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer of the Year

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Ivan Sugarman AJEX

Craig Lawrence CST

Vivienne Collis Jewish Women’s Aid

Michael Scott Norwood

Anthea Berg Association of Jewish Refugees

Jeremy Rose GIFT

Janet Bloch Kisharon Langdon

Neville Kahn Norwood

Val Levy Alyth

Valerie Nead Jewish Care

Laurence Myers Maccabi GB

Miriam Rodrigues-Pereira The S&P Sephardi Community

Jo Fogel Chai Cancer Care

Helen Cohen JLGB

Judy Wiseman Nightingale Hammerson

Bob and Ann Kirk The Liberal Jewish Synagogue

Mervyn Smith UJIA

Abigail Saltman, Jewish Care

Ronnie Preston UJIA

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award

Lizzie Maisels WIZO

Ann and Bob Kirk, Liberal Jewish Synagogue

If you would like to volunteer for one of these or many other charities that we work with, visit www.jvn.org.uk Charity no. 1130719

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

19

ISRAEL AT WAR

Commons clears Israel boycot ban Plans to prevent public bodies from implementing their own boycotts against Israeli goods have cleared the Commons.

Councils and other public bodies will be unable to boycott goods or services from any country, except those exempted by ministers, under the proposed changes, which will now be scrutinised by the Lords.

Ministers will not be able to exempt Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories or the Golan Heights from the remit of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill.

MPs voted 282 to 235 to give the Bill a third reading.

Labour’s amendment calling for the Bill to be stopped in its tracks was rejected

by MPs 284 to 228.

The Government also faced opposition from its own back benches, with Conservative former cabinet minister Kit Malthouse confirming he would vote against it, claiming it would undermine the UK’s international status.

He told MPs: “That is a cause of great dismay to our allies in the Arab world, who of course we need at the moment

Communities Secretary Michael Gove

more than ever to join us in seeking peace in this dreadful conflict that is taking place in the Middle East. That we should undermine our own status as fair dealers, if you like, in that part of the world seems to be an unforced error.”

The chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Alicia Kearns, led the Tory opposition, saying: “This Bill is flawed in four key areas: it breaks with our foreign policy; undermines freedom of speech; goes against international law; and promotes an odd exceptionalism in UK primary legislation... we are at risk of breaching UN security council resolution 2334, [which] the UK was instrumental in drafting.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader said her party “completely opposes a

policy of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel”, but described the Bill as “deeply flawed”.

She added: “Explicitly equating Israel with the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Golan Heights is an unprecedented step. To my knowledge, this wording has never appeared in British statute and it undermines our country’s long-standing, consistent and cross-party support for a two-state solution.

The focus on ensuring Israel cannot be targeted is aimed at combatting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which opponents have claimed is divisive and antisemitic.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove said the Bill was “a targeted and proportionate approach to dealing with a unique evil” and would prevent public bodies “taking decisions which conflict with UK government foreign policy”.

He added: “There is a clear intention ... to deal specifically with the BDS campaign and the [its] attempt to use local government and other intermediate institutions and their legitimacy to undermine the UK Government’s foreign policy.”

RACISM ‘SKYROCKETS’ Antisemitism in the United States has “skyrocketed” in the three months since Hamas’ 7 October invasion of Israel, according to data tallied by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

There were 3,283 antisemitic incidents in the US between 7 October and 7 January, according to the ADL’s report — including 60 physical assaults. It also counted 553 incidents of vandalism and 1,353 incidents of harassment.

The total number of incidents during the past

A swastika scrawled on a park wall in Wellsville, NY

three months is more than four times the number that occurred during the same period last year.

The figure is higher than the total the group has recorded over any full calendar year aside from 2022.

SKEPTA ART UPSETS

somebody up” is slang Grime star Skepta has for hyping them up promised to be “more by being supportive mindful going foror complimentary ward” as he removed but the imagery artwork for an was interpreted as upcoming single an evocation of Holothat was criticised for evoking the Holocaust.

Withdrawn caust victims who were killed in Nazi The artwork for image concentration camps. his single Gas Me Up In a statement on X/for(Diligent) featured people in matching coats with shaved merly Twitter, the musician heads, with the words “gas me said he was inspired by skinup” tattooed on the head of head and football culture, adding it was “definitely not one of them.

The expression to “gas our plan” to cause offence.

Working with the

Added protection to your business, office or premises - install Security Window Film

since 2006

We supply & install a range of high quality Security Window Films

Benefits of installing our Security Window Film: • Improve Security • Vandal Protection • Protection from Break-ins • Reduced Risk of Injury • Strengthen Glass • Clear, Reflective, Frosted, Tinted • Improve Energy Efficiency

“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.

We install nationwide, call us on 03300 881 051 to discuss your requirements and book a free site survey 18a Beech St, Barnsley S70 4HT | T: 03300 881 051 | E: enquiries@sureguard.co.uk | www.sureguard.co.uk

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

SCAN TO DONATE NOW

T: 020 8736 1250 E: info@worldjewishrelief.org

worldjewishrelief.org/winter

20 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

News / HMD / JTeen talk / Soul fitness

Holocaust Centre North to hold special 79th anniversary event A Holocaust centre in the north of England will mark the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and annual Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January).

Holocaust Centre North will hold an evening of commemoration at its base at the University of Huddersfield on 23 January from 6.30pm.

Open to the public and free to attend, this annual event is dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and brings together survivors, their families, community groups, local schools, the University of Huddersfield and Holocaust Centre North’s team and volunteers to collectively remember the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust and others who suffered under Nazi persecution.

Introduced and led by centre director Alessandro Bucci, supported by the University of Huddersfield deputy vice -chancellor, Tim Thornton, the evening will feature readings, performances and presentations given by a range of speakers directly or indirectly affected by the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Refugees and artists from 6 million+ will dramatise a poem on the Holocaust Memorial Day theme of

the Fragility of Freedom, written collectively by participants from Ukraine, Sudan, Kurdish Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and those who have Jewish heritage.

A video created by students of Benton Park School will also be shown – reflecting on their own recent interaction with Holocaust Centre North and their studies on Holocaust History.

The event will host Dieudonne Manirakiza, who will share his experiences of working in Rwanda after the genocide in 1994, where he brought together victims and perpetrators to encourage reconciliation. Manirakiza joins the event to mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide.

The evening will culminate in the traditional lighting of the six remembrance candles. This will be done by survivors Trude Silman, Martin Kapel and Liesel Carter alongside Mayor of Kirklees Cahal Burke and a representative of the University of Huddersfield’s Jewish Society.

Frank Griffiths, honorary life president of the Holocaust Survivors Friendship Association, will deliver some closing words.

Hannah Randall, head of learning

600 attend JTeen talk on emotional health More than 600 guests attended a talk on preventing emotional problems in children and teens hosted

by JTeen, which runs a confidential helpline for young people, writes Michelle Rosenberg.

Introduced by therapist and JTeen chief executive officer Yaakov Barr, the event welcomed world-renowned Rabbi YY Jacobson of New York, who discussed the vital role parents play in fostering emotional well-being.

It was one of several parent events hosted by JTeen in the past year, and plans are already under way for more.

Rabbi Saul Kelly and Yaakov Barr

It followed celebrations the previous week marking the organisation’s third anniversary, bringing together volunteers, therapists, supervisors, informal educators and trustees to celebrate the significant milestone.

Since its inception, JTeen’s anonymous support line has been a lifeline for more than a thousand teens, offering crucial support during challenging times.

As well as being on the frontline supporting teenagers struggling with mental health challenges, JTeen has emerged as an organisation driving change in Jewish teen mental health.

By aiding teens in crisis while actively establishing its prevention programmes, its role is crucial for a healthy Jewish community of the future.

Over recent months its significance has become especially apparent with a significant increase in teens and community leaders seeking support and guidance to navigate the repercussions of the conflict in Israel and the rise of antisemitism in the UK. With an ever-growing demand for its supportline, teen ‘resilience’ workshops and teacher awareness training across the UK, JTeen is now gearing up for its inaugural charity fundraising campaign on 21 and 22 January.

at Holocaust Centre North, said: “At a time of increasing antisemitism and growing Holocaust denial, coupled with the reality that in the next few years there will no longer be first-hand witnesses to the Holocaust alive to tell their stories, it is more important than ever that we shed a spotlight on the risks of baseless hatred in society and that we all come together regardless of our backgrounds and faiths to reflect, to remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, ensuring they are never forgotten.”

Tickets to the commemoration event at Holocaust Centre North on 23 January are free but must be booked here in advance. Donations are welcome.

Three survivors will take part in the commemoration on 23 January

PERFECTIONISM CAN BLIND US TO OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

BY RABBI DOV COWAN

SOUL FITNESS RABBI I was recently asked to give a lunchtime learning session to a group of teenagers at one of London’s most prestigious private schools.

Knowing that most would be coming for the sushi and not the source sheets, I nevertheless decided to share a teaching from the Torah that I felt would resonate, in the hope of providing some profound meaning together with providing some decent tuna maki.

The response I received was overwhelmingly positive, and proved to me just how much we need to talk to our adolescents (and ourselves) about how to deal with the pox of perfectionism that is rife in their classrooms and online platforms. I taught them the lesson of the moon.

It’s a lesson that emanates from this week’s parsha, Bo, where the Jewish people receive their first mitzvah, and it is not an intuitive one. The first commandment was that of Rosh Chodesh: “Hachodesh hazeh lachem rosh chodashim” – This month shall be for you the head of all the months”(Exodus Ch 12, verse 1 ).

More specifically, the mitzvah was to have a way of measuring time structured upon the lunar orbit of earth. Instead of a calendar based on the sun, the moon was now to become our indicator of when a new month would begin and end. This mitzvah would seem to be, at first

glance, something of an anticlimax.

Yet, in the land of Egypt, where the sun itself was worshiped, this commandment goes far beyond the necessity to track time. By having a calendar based on the moon, Hashem was telling us that the default position for experiencing life was not the perfectly constant golden sun, but, rather, the everchanging lunar signal in the sky that waxes and grows to full completion before waning to near invisibility, and then repeats this process on a monthly basis for all time.

The message of the moon is that life’s ups and downs, highs and lows, are not a sign of instability but rather, a normal experience. As much as this might seem obvious, the reality is that the consistent desire to achieve perfection has caused us to see the dynamic swings of life as a sign of negativity causing untold anxiety and low self-esteem among those who might be going through difficult times in life.

According to psychologists, perfectionism can blind us to our achievements while enforcing impeccable and often impossible standards upon ourselves. Trying (and failing) to meet these expectations can be destructive and perfectionism can make one vulnerable to anxiety, depression and severe mental health disorders.

By contrast, our first mitzvah broadcasts to the world that we do not believe in unchanging perfectionism as an ideal. Rather, we prefer to focus on harmony; balancing out the stressful and challenging days with the knowledge and hope that for every low there is

a high. Similarly, we are invited to remind ourselves, in our moments of success and achievement, that there is no space for arrogance or haughtiness since the vulnerability of life will ensure we never stay on this pedestal forever. This applies not only to our individual lives but to our National identity as a whole.

This Shabbat, communities throughout the country will be joining together for JAMI’s Mental Health Awareness Shabbat. Against the backdrop of a period of time that has appeared so dark and distressing over the past three months, this message of the moon is a beacon of light and hope for us all.

It reminds us that whatever struggles we may be having, whether on a personal or communal level, we always have the waxing moon in the sky to remind us that the darkness is not permanent.

As expected, the sushi went down very well at the school, and as I left the building, the sixth former who had organised the event called after me to say just how much the boys had appreciated this message of embracing the vicissitudes of life as a perfect antidote to its stresses and strains. So try it. Take a look up at the moon and practise saying: “This too shall pass. We will see better days.”  Dov Cowan is an integrative therapist specialising in logotherapy, outdoor therapy, IFS and mindfulness. The creator of Soul Fitness Meditations, he is also a rabbi and senior lecturer at the JLE. To find out more visit abovethemaze.co.uk

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

Get online, get informed, the Jewish Care way Now you can be part of our digital community, anywhere, anytime • Professional information and advice • Live and pre-recorded streaming entertainment • Singalongs and friendships • Service information • Exercise and wellness activities • Become a volunteer and get involved

All and more on-tap at

jewishcare.org Charity Reg. No. 802559

“ For the first time in years I am experiencing a new way of living.

I do everything that suits me, with an air of new found confidence.

I have met lots of people from different backgrounds – the communal spaces are often bustling with people always willing to have a chat and a cup of tea.”

Lynn, Resident at Belle Vue

Stylish one and two bedroom apartments, designed to inspire your creativity.

With breathtaking views from the heart of Hampstead and an exclusive range of boutique services.

Rent from £3,250 | Buy from £705,000 Exclusively for those enjoying life over sixty.

Discover a new lease of life 0207 980 8724 bellevue@lifestory.group pegasushomes.co.uk/bellevue Rowland Hill Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2AQ

21

22 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

News / Kitchener Camp

How ‘Kindertransport 2’ saved thousands of lives The 85th anniversary of Kitchener Camp this weekend recalls the story of a remarkable wartime rescue project for Europe’s Jews, writes Jenni Frazer leave without his wife and child, but the officials persuaded him they would look after us and he must leave.”

Siggy escaped capture by a hair’sbreadth: “The SS came for him and he hid in the back bedroom of the flat where we lived. My mother told them he had just gone out for a walk and they believed her. He was very lucky.”

Siggy knew about the Kitchener camp because he had been working on visa applications. He made his way via Poland to Berlin where there was a branch office for Kitchener, and eventually arrived in Britain. He had a qualification in textile engineering, but that was not much use in the rough and ready conditions of the camp.

Instead, says his son, Siggy worked as a navvy, helping to re-tar the roads inside the camp. By the time Margaret and Danny arrived, there were areas set aside for women and children, but Siggy “thought the conditions were so poor that he managed to borrow money to put me and my Danny standing in front of the Quaker Meetinghouse mother up in a bed Manchester – he was able to come to Britain because and breakfast place.” of the sponsorship by the Quakers Danny Herman has no memories of experience was running JLB summer rescue by helping to the camp, but was camps for teenagers. Kitchener was secure the site and later told that on the wholly different, a sanctuary for directing the men in boat coming over displaced German Jews arriving in the necessary tasks from Hamburg “I Britain mostly without wives or fami- to renovate it. This, lost my teddy bear he said, was “helping lies, often speaking only basic English. overboard”. He was Kitchener opened in January men to help them“inconsolable”.

1939 and ran until May 1940. selves,”, but also Once war began Accounts of how many found safety offered new skill sets in September 1939, there vary widely. Yad Vashem says to the previously Danny with his parents Gretchen and Siggy in Koenigsberg 1937 the end was in sight 15,000 passed through, while those unskilled to help the for Kitchener, though it continued to before moving on to foster families. associated with the camp archives, refugees when they left the camp.

Danny Herman, who now lives shelter hundreds of Jewish men and Phineas May’s lively diary, now now housed at the Wiener Holocaust Library, speak of around 4,000, the housed in the Wiener Holocaust in Manchester and was awarded the a few women and children until May bed capacity of the renovated facility. Library, together with the camp’s BEM in this year’s New Year Honours 1940. Then, says Neil Martin, things Numbers are difficult to establish newspaper which he edited, offers a for services to Holocaust education, changed.

“After the Nazi invasions of Holbecause people arrived and left almost fascinating picture of Kitchener, which spent his fourth birthday, 15 Sepcontinuously. Among those who left, featured a hospital, a post office, tember 1939, in Kitchener. His father, land, Belgium and France in May several hundred joined the British had its own orchestra and football Siggy, then 34, had arrived in July that 1940, public opinion toward the camp Army Pioneer Corps, others emigrated team and even a 1,000-seat cinema year from Koenigsberg, now Kalinin- soured. Government fears about Nazi built with money donated by Odeon grad, while Daniel arrived on 2 Sep- spies meant all male refugees (now to Australia, Canada and America. termed ‘enemy aliens’) not involved Much of the complex story of the cinema tycoon Oscar Deutsch. Even tembe with his mother Margaret.

Herman recalls: “My father had in the military or not emigrated were camp has been assembled at the ini- the then archbishop of Canterbury, his business, wholesale hosiery, taken interned. After just 16 months, the tiative of Dr Clare Weissenberg, who Cosmo Lang, came to visit.

The two May brothers and Ernest from him and instead was working camp was disbanded and closed.” edited the Kitchener Camp Project The “extraordinary humanity and in tribute to her father, Werner, who Joseph were honoured posthumously in the Zionist offices in Koenigsberg, by the British government in 2022 as helping Jews to fill in their visa appli- resilience” of the JLB leaders provided arrived in Britain on 6 June 1939. refuge to thousands of Jewish men cations to leave Germany.

In 2014, another Clare, Clare British Heroes of the Holocaust.

“One day he was visited by officials in one of history’s darkest periods.

Neil Martin, chief executive of Ungerson, wrote a well-received book: Four Thousand Lives: The Rescue of today’s JLGB, notes the Kindertrans- from the Zionist offices who had heard Nothing remains of the Kitchener German Jewish Men to Britain in 1939. port rescue was taking place in parallel that my father was on a list of Jews due camp today, but its story, now marked Another JLB leader, Ernest Joseph, to the Kitchener project, with some to be deported the next day to a con- in the 85th anniversary of its opening, an architect, was also involved in the Kinder staying briefly in Sandwich centration camp. He said he couldn’t recalls a remarkable endeavour.

Photo by Karen Herman Wright

N

ovember 1938 is infamous in Jewish history.

More familiarly known as Kristallnacht, or Night of Breaking Glass, it was tragically more than one night (November 9-11) and involved not just rampaging Nazi destruction of Jewish property in Germany and Austria but also the round-up and arrest of hundreds of Jews who were sent to concentration camps Sachsenhausen, Dachau and Buchenwald.

But the events of November 1938 had an unanticipated result, as Jews in Germany and Britain mobilised to find a way of rescuing the men. In a unique operation, it was the Jewish Lads’ Brigade, known as JLGB, which ran what became known as the Kitchener Camp in Sandwich, Kent.

This weekend, 20 January, marks 85 years since Kitchener opened on the site of a former World War I army barracks. There were four such derelict camps, but in the end only Kitchener was used.

Britain’s Central British Fund (CBF), predecessor of World Jewish Relief, negotiated on several fronts: with the leaders of German Jewry and the Nazi authorities, to get the men out; and with Britain’s Home Office for visas to allow them in.

It was a race against time. The Home Office eventually agreed to the establishment of Kitchener as long as CBF assumed financial responsibility for the men and it did not become a permanent residence.

Almost all the Jewish refugees were allowed in with the object of moving them on as soon as circumstances allowed, but the outbreak of war in September 1939 changed things.

First, however, Kitchener had to be made habitable. By the end of 1938, Britain granted the first of 100 entry visas for Jews who had skills as bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, to come and renovate the camp. Master craftsmen from the ORT school in Berlin were among this first group.

Brothers Jonas and Phineas May ran the camp. Both were in their early 30s, Jonas the former secretary of the Jewish Lads’ Brigade and Phineas working at the United Synagogue. Jonas was named director of Kitchener, Phineas “sports and recreation officer”, although the pair operated as co-directors.

Their appointment was the more remarkable given their only previous

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

‫ סטנדרט בינלאומי‬.‫יחס אישי‬ Individual approach.

International standard.

23

24 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

This was a thorough

Take Care of Your Mental Wellbeing This Winter

ly vital course.

“Four days after the course, I was with so mebody who had a panic att ack, and using this kn owledge I was able to support them through it.”

Course Dates

JAN

Wed 10th @ 8pm

Wed 24th @ 10am

(90 mins)

(3 hours)

FEB

Wed 7th @ 10am

Mon 19th @ 8pm

(90 mins)

(90 mins)

Hundreds of people have joined one of our FREE professional 90 minute or 3-hour Zoom training sessions. Places are limited so book now from a choice of Top-Line or In-Depth Introduction to adult mental health and learn how best to care for your own and others’ mental wellbeing.

Book now at projectlily.org.uk Project Lily, 52 Portland Place, London W1B 1NH

Honorary Patron: Lady Elaine Sacks

020 3627 2422 • training@projectlily.org.uk

Trustees: David Coffer, Rabbi Danny Kirsch & Lisa Radford

Reg. Charity No. 1171723

Book one of our FREE CPD Accredited Training dates now

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

25

Jewish News meets... Paul Harris

Paul Harris versus the Post Office

Alex Galbinski speaks to a lawyer who represented wrongly convicted postmasters whose stories are again in the spotlight after the airing of a popular television drama One of the lawyers who was involved in the cases of four sub-postmasters whose fraud convictions were quashed has called it “obscene” that it took a televised drama to spur on ministers and the Post Office to speed up their compensation.

Paul Harris, a senior partner at London firm Edward Fail, Bradshaw & Waterson, represented four of the 39 subpostmasters who were cleared by the Court of Appeal in 2021 after having been prosecuted by the Post Office for fraud, theft and false accounting. The case has been called the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history.

The scandal was dramatised by ITV in a series screened this month: Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Alan Bates was a Post Office worker who led a group of 555 sub-postmasters in launching legal action in 2017.

The criminal defence solicitor told Jewish News: “I’m really pleased about the effect that [the series] had, but it is slightly obscene that this is what it took for the government to take action when all of the material in the drama was in the public domain.”

He believes the Post Office is most at fault, saying: “They have made apologies, but it is all so late so perhaps [they should] acknowledge they are not fit to bring private prosecutions.”

The Criminal Cases Review Commission, which investigates alleged miscarriages of justice, had referred the cases of 42 former postmasters to the Appeal Court following a landmark case at the High Court in 2019.

In 1999, the Post Office introduced Horizon, an accounting system developed by Fujitsu, to record transactions and stocktaking. But, almost immediately, sub-postmasters and other staff complained about problems with shortfalls in their branches. Rather than looking into their concerns, between 2000 and 2014 the Post Office prosecuted 736 sub-postmasters.

Some people challenged the Horizon evidence but were convicted and jailed. As the evidence was presumed by the court to be reliable, others pleaded guilty (some were advised to do so to avoid prison). Having been threatened with dismissal, many used their own money or borrowed heavily to plug the shortfalls, which ran into thousands of pounds. Some went bankrupt. Marriages broke down. People suffered ill health; some died with their convictions extant. At least one sub-postmaster killed himself.

“For the Post Office, this was about maintaining their brand and reputation at the cost in real terms of many people’s lives, the rights of the individual, the voice of the many individuals was just not heard,” Harris says. Speaking at the time of the Court of Appeal’s ruling, Harris

A scene from the ITV dramatisation

said he felt justice would be completed when all of the sub-postmasters were properly compensated for the damage done to their lives.

This has still not happened in many cases.

“The sub-postmasters all worked at the centre of their community where everybody knew their name. Their reputations were entirely destroyed and it was totally unnecessary,” he says. “It didn’t just destroy the individuals, it destroyed their families as well, so the human cost was absolutely massive.”

On the subject of the TV drama, Harris explains that none of its material was news.

“It had been widely reported in a newspapers and, of course, there is both the damning civil judgment in 2019 and the damning Court of Appeal judgment in 2021. But now the government has suddenly deemed this urgent enough to take steps to expedite the appeal process.

“They are passing legislation so all postmasters convicted following Post Office prosecutions... will have their convictions removed and be entitled to compensation.”

The Post Office pursued prosecutions for years, spending huge sums on legal fees, despite sub-postmasters’ many calls to its helpline about the Horizon software, which Harris says the corporation “knew was flawed pretty much from the get-go”.

The Post Office spent £32 million trying to deny fault in Horizon and, as of 1 December 2023, £138m has been paid to 2,700 claimants across three schemes.

After the 2021 verdict, Paula Vennells, its chief executive from 2012 to 2019 and an ordained priest, resigned from her church duties and from her two non-executive retailer roles. Since the drama, she has said she will return her CBE. “She should have done it sooner,” says Harris, “but at least she has seen sense... the public outcry left her with no choice.”

Harris says he has not seen anything like this case in 30 years as a criminal defence lawyer. “The judgment was very damning by the Court of Appeal. It’s nothing Criminal short of evil what hapdefence pened to these people. lawyer Their lives were taken Paul Harris away from them.”

Former Post Office workers celebrate victory outside the Court of Appeal in April 2021

Get LIFE magazine delivered FREE to your door!

REGISTER AT www.jewishnews.co.uk/life and start receiving the magazine for free if you live in the UK.

26 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Editorial comment and letters

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send us your comments PO Box 815, Edgware, HA8 4SX | letters@jewishnews.co.uk

THIS ISN’T ACADEMIC

OBSCENE COMMENT

Professor Colin Shindler is right to support calls for a Jewish History Month (Jewish News, 10 January 2024). But I disagree with his suggestion that Hebrew or Jewish Studies departments in UK universities are the right path to resource such an initiative.

Although there, are of course, honourable exceptions such as Prof Shindler himself, most such departments in the UK, as in the US, are dominated by academics with a strongly anti-Zionist – if not worse – mindset on Israel and Judaism.

At my own institution, it has been Hebrew and Jewish Studies staff who have led the campaign against the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The community should do nothing to fund, support or promote these departments and their work.

We have other organisations, such as London School of Jewish Studies, which would be much better suited to organising and promoting a Jewish History Month in schools, working in conjunction with academics such as Prof Shindler who could support such work.

Dr Joseph Mintz, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Humza Yousaf is employed to look after the affairs of Scotland and not spout vitriolic and wholly untrue views about Israel.

At the SNP Party Conference, he stated without any mandate that Scotland would welcome Palestinian refugees. Given the acute housing shortage in Britain, I would like to understand where he intends to house them. Perhaps he is thinking of creating another Jabalia refugee camp in the Highlands.

Yousaf’s views are well understood. For his parat, he should understand clearly that Hamas has interwoven a gang of thugs with the Gaza population to safeguard its own interests and exploit any opportunity for self-aggrandisement.

Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has no respect for human life: neither Israelis, nor Gazans nor anyone else. He only trades in death.

He has also made an obscene comment, that Israel’s actions are “tantamount to ethnic cleansing”.

Perhaps Yousaf should offer a positive proposal for peace instead of stirring up further discontent. This latest remark typifies an ignorant mentality.

Mr S Weinberg, By email

I’m not Jewish and write to express my wholehearted support for the idea of introducing a Jewish History Month in the UK. As a nation that prides itself on its rich cultural diversity and commitment to equality, it is imperative we take the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and heritage of all of our communities.

A Jewish History Month would provide an invaluable platform

to educate and inform the public about the role Jewish people have played throughout British history.

From arts and sciences to business and politics, Jews have made lasting contributions. By dedicating a month to learning about this history, we can foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the Jewish community’s culture, traditions, and struggles.

Eva Caulker, By email

The introduction of a British Jewish History Month (BJHM) could well prove to be a watershed for our community. It will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase so much Jewish achievement over hundreds of years in the UK. The phenomenal depth of examples of these contributions by Jews in so many different walks of life will make the choices of what to include – and not to include – exceptionally challenging and I do not envy those who will have to make those decisions.

One aspect of the development of a BJHM worthy of comment is whether it might, at least to some extent, help us in the fight against antisemitism in Britain.

One of the accusations levelled

by Jew-haters has been that we have an agenda that runs counter to the interests of the country where we live. This is of course utter claptrap: we don’t have an agenda at all because, as Jews, barring fighting Jew-hatred and supporting our communities, we have no common goals, just as non-Jews do not.

A BJHM will demonstrate the substantial number of achievements and developments, across vast swathes of national activity, that the Jewish community has brought to society in this country, so directly countering the claims of those who hate us. I wish the new project every success.

Gary Mond, chairman, National Jewish Assembly

Your article about Jewish History Month was interesting but perhaps needed a little editing. Sadly, there is no evidence of Jews in Roman Britain, although it

seems impossible to think there were none. Perhaps one day archaeologists will find a town with two shuls.

Simon Goulden, By email

THIS WEEKEND'S SHABBAT TIMES...

Shabbat comes in Friday night 4.12pm

Support your Jewish community. Support your Jewish News Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community.

Unlike other Jewish media, we do not charge for content. That won’t change. Because we are charity-owned and free, we rely on advertising to cover our costs. This vital lifeline, which has dropped in recent years, has fallen further due to coronavirus.

Today we’re asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.

For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.

Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.

You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.

100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity.

Support Jewish News by visiting our donor page at jewishnews.co.uk

27 May 2020

Shabbat goes out Saturday night 5.20pm

BRITAIN’S BLIND SPO T •

16 Sivan 5781

•

Issue No.1212

•

@JewishNews

UK

We’ve never been racism, so why so focused on fighting the deafenin g silence as antisemitism spirals out of control?

• Hospital probes ‘cutth

• Driver with Israel roat gesture’ to Jewish patient attacked in Golders Green • Crucifixion banneri flataghuge pro-Palesti • BBC journalist’s #Hitle nian demo • Nearly 300 antisemitic rwasright tweet revealed

ANTI-JEWISH

RACISM – THE

incidents in under

MADNESS SPREAD

‘It’s okay not to be okay’ BOO KVE DRI

S: Pages 2,

3 weeks

3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

8, 20, 22 &

DONATE ONLINE

EE

AT ORTUK.O Alternatively, RG/BOOKS to donate via text Text 8ORT to donate £8 or 16ORT to donate £16 to 70085

Help ORT UK raise £50,000 children’s FR books to gift 7,000 across the globe

Journey’s end Fredd ie’s Covid

cancels Israel tours for second summer Page 10

VOICE 22 April 2021

•

OF TH E COM M

10 Iyar 5781

•

Issue No.1207

23 1105254

complex dynamics of historical victimhood and contemporary geopolitical narratives, questioning the motivations and implications behind such dramatic reversals in roles.

Given the accusations at The Hague, Jewish students suing Harvard for antisemitism, Jews being called genocidal, public schools in New York City changing history by removing Israel from their map at a school in Brooklyn, I think a voice like David’s needs to be heard.

He is left of centre, but warning for more than 20 years that things would backfire for Jews and antisemitism and hate would come from the left and right and from nations around the world.

Warren H Cohn, By email

Charity number

In his insightful work, Woke Antisemitism, author David Bernstein explores the paradoxical shift in the perception of Jews, traditionally seen as oppressed, now being cast as oppressors in modern discourses.

This theme is particularly evident in the recent hearing brought by South Africa against Israel at The Hague.

Bernstein points out the irony in this “judicial theatre”, where Israel, historically a victim of heinous crimes and terrorism, is now portrayed as the aggressor.

Furthermore, he highlights the hypocrisy of South Africa, a nation with its own checkered past, in levelling these accusations.

Bernstein’s analysis sheds light on the

HISTORY WORTH HONOURING

century!

UK registered

Hate comes from both sides

Beloved survivor’s 100th birthday P31

Sedra: Bo

THE JACOB FOUNDATION Jewish News is owned by The Jacob Foundation, a registered UK charity promoting

UNITY

Time to en the divide d •

@JewishNews

UK

Landmark revie racism in the w of Jewish community calls for:

Jewish community and between British Jews and wider society. Jewish News promotes these

• End to racial

at communal profiling events • Synagogues ‘welcoming to create committees’ • Word ‘Shvart understood zer’ to be as a racial slur • Sephardi, Mizrah songs in Ashken i and Yemenite azi • Schools to increas synagogues e focus on colonialism and black history • ...and Facebo ok group Jewish Britain is named and shamed Jewish News

aims by delivering dependable and balanced

LIFE FULL REPORT

cohesion and common ground across the UK

& EXPERT

ANALYSIS

ON PAGES

Commission chair Stephen authored the Bush Board of Deputies report

6, 7 &September 26 2021 • ISSUE NO.6

Magazine

news reporting and analysis and celebrating the achievements of its vibrant and varied readership.

Through the Jacob Foundation, Jewish News acts as a reliable and independent advocate for British Jews and a crucial communication vehicle for other communal charities.

DRESSING

Inside Julia’s

WITH HAART

unorthodox wardrob: e

YIZKOR – Living

with loss

New Beginnings

Pink Rabbit

turns 50

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

27

Editorial comment and letters

‘I’m looking for 20,000 rockets in return for 1 percent of the blame’

H A M P S T E A D

C O U R T

C A R E

H O M E

Live Safe & Well Hampstead Court Care Home in St John’s Wood offers a safe and supportive environment where residents can flourish, make new friends, remain part of their local community and live a life of possibility.

• Residential, dementia and respite care • Spacious, beautifully decorated bedrooms • Highly trained staff teams • Stimulating schedule of daily activities and entertainment • Restaurant-quality dining catering for all tastes and dietary requirements

020 8031 9486 | averyhealthcare.co.uk

48 Boundary Road | St John’s Wood | NW8 0HJ

28 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

NOW MORE THAN EVER ISRAEL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Leave a gift in your Will to JNF UK to support Israel for life

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING EXECUTORSHIP

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

PASTORAL CARE

WILL SERVICES

Mountcliff House, 154 Brent Street, London NW4 2BF

020 8732 6101 • ENQUIRIES@KKL.ORG.UK • WWW.KKL.ORG.UK KKL Executor and Trustee Company Ltd (a Company registered in England No. 453042) is a subsidiary of JNF Charitable Trust (Charity No. 225910) and a registered Trust Corporation (authorised capital £250,000).

Jewish Heritage Tours INVITE you to our 2024 trips:ISLE OF MAN – 11th March – 4 days dealing with German Jews wartime internment GREECE – Pesach trip – Call for details GEORGIA – 12th May – 10 days travelling from Batumi Via Gori to Tbilisi KRAKOW - 26th June – Jewish Culture festival & Mountain trip add on BERLIN & HAMBURG – 9th August – 5 night trip SPAIN – 13th Sept – Almeria – Granada Ubeda Lorca & Mojacar over 8 days IZMIR – Chanukah trip immersing ourselves in Sephardi festival Contact Marcel for further details: Tel: 07712290520, Email: marcel.manson@westendtravel.co.uk West End Travel, 4-6 Canfield Place, London, NW6 3BT Tel: 0207 644 1500 Email: info@westendtravel.co.uk Websitew: www.westendtravel.co.uk

29

30 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

URGENT CALL TO ACTION Join us at this critical time as we come together to support our community in times of crisis. As we embark on this journey of compassion, resilience, and unity, your presence and participation are a vital part of our collective strength.

Yad Sarah is at the forefront of social welfare services in Israel. We are urgently evacuating hundreds of Israel’s elderly, Infirm and disabled trapped in their homes in areas of extreme danger now from the north as well as those close to the war in the south. We have opened additional branches in the safe locations in order to care for these extremely vulnerable people. Almost every hospital throughout Israel has a Yad Sarah branch and they have asked us to dramatically increase availability of medical and mobility equipment.

Thank you for standing with Yad Sarah in our commitment to providing essential services during emergencies and times of conflict. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the safety and well-being of those who depend on us.

Please help us to help those in the most desperate need by being as generous as you are able.

THOUSANDS OF ISRAEL’S MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE ARE RELYING ON US

DONATE TODAY CALL - 020 3397 3363 | ONLINE - WWW.YADSARAH.ORG.UK/DONATION | SCAN HERE

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

31

Inside A look

Israel volunteering Baghdad play in Highgate

Samantha Spiro as Liza Epstein in the BBC drama Ridley Road

Samantha Spiro tells Sarah Miller why she values her role in One Life and her next one at the Marylebone Theatre

lives in north London, is married to actor Mark Leadbetter, with whom she has two daughters. Over a video call she describes The Most Precious of Goods: “It’s very much like a fairy tale that takes place in the woods in 1942. There’s a woodcutter’s wife who wants to have a baby, but the gods don’t give her the luck of having a child.”

However, that all changes when a baby is carefully placed into the snow by a man on a train passing through the woods.

“We see events through her eyes and she’s a real sort of innocent. She doesn’t understand the significance of the train that’s going through the woods taking people, ope for humanity,” says Samantha before then seeing there’s an empty train Spiro, smiling broadly, when coming back.” asked to sum up her two latest As the audience will surmise, the act of roles – one as the TV presenter placing the baby into the snow has been Esther Rantzen, the other as the storyundertaken in the hope that the child’s life teller of a moving Holocaust play. will be saved – a realisation that Spiro says “We can always do with that, but it feels is “harrowing and extremely moving, but I like we really need it at the moment.” think also ultimately uplifting and hopeful Spiro can currently be seen in the film about humanity”.

One Life, the stunning biopic about the That Grumberg would base a fable against British official Sir Nicholas Winton (brilthe setting of the Holocaust is unsurprising liantly played by Sir Anthony Hopkins), who rescued 669 mostly Jewish children given that the 84-year-old is “precious goods” himself, having from Czechoslovakia before the Second World War. The film been born just two months was at number two in the before the outbreak of the UK box office listings for Second World War. Familast week. lies in southern France Winton’s efforts, for sheltered the young child which he would become from harm, helping him to survive. known as the ‘British Schindler’, were largely As an appendix to his unknown until 1988, when novella reveals, Grumberg’s grandfather and Ranzten revealed all during father both died at Ausan emotionally charged epichwitz. Only two of the 778 sode of her BBC1 show That’s Life.

Spiro as Esther Rantzen people taken on the same train in One Life Having wrapped on that as his grandfather and six of project, Spiro, 55, was asked to the 1,000 in his father’s convoy survived the war. step in for Allan Corduner, who is recovering While Spiro’s direct family were not from pneumonia, in the stage version of The impacted by the Holocaust – both sides Most Precious of Goods, which runs at the having settled in England during the late Marylebone Theatre from 22 January to 3 February.

1880s – she sees it as “a happy coincidence” that the two projects are out at the same Directed and translated by Nicholas time and values her roles in The Most Kent from the novella by the prolific French Precious of Goods and One Life for “the author Jean-Claude Grumberg, the play is resonance they have now”. described by Spiro as a “beautifully told” story based on the events of the Holocaust.

Spiro adds: “The fact that I’m involved in The cellist Gemma Rosefield adds to the all of that is a bit of a coincidence, but one I’m happy to be a part of because we atmosphere with her performance of a live constantly need reminding. score.

“And it’s also rather a good way for Spiro, who was born in Mill Hill and still

H

the next generation to be told what happened in the Holocaust.”

Speaking of generations, Spiro recalls how both the cast and the crew of One Life found themselves profoundly moved while filming the scenes portraying Winton appearing on the broadcast of That’s Life.

In the real version of events, Rantzen unveiled just how extensive Winton’s efforts had been in saving children’s lives.

In the programme, Rantzen addressed the adults watching in the studio: “Can I just ask, is there anyone in the audience tonight who owes their life to Nicholas Winton? If so, could you stand up please?”

Several whole rows of audience members stood up, resulting in a visibly emotional Winton wiping away tears from his eyes.

For the film version, Spiro reveals, the descendants of those saved by Winton – who died in 2015 – were invited to participate in the special scene.

“I can’t watch the original without crying,” Spiro admits – “and now watching it in a film, I forgot that I was in the scene and just bawled my eyes out all over again. Because it is just

unbelievable and instead of using supporting artists in the audience, everybody in that auditorium was a descendant of one of the children whom Nicholas Winton saved.

“They flew in from all around the world - there was a family from Argentina and another one from South Africa. Everybody had been invited and it was an incredible reunion for all of them, as well as extremely moving for the rest of us.

“When I ask that question – ‘Does anybody in the audience owe their life to Nicholas Winton?’ – well yes, they all did. It was quite a thing to be there.”

Equally special was acting alongside Hopkins, 86, who she describes as “very kind and a genius actor” and having “just this extraordinary energy for a man of any age, but especially one in his eighties”.

There was also a poignancy for Spiro in playing Ranzten, having had fond memories of watching That’s Life with her family in her younger years.

“I wanted to try and get as close to Esther as possible – though I’m nothing like her,” she recalls. “She’s really tall, very slim, statuesque and blonde. But after watching old episodes again, I hopefully got fairly close without it being a caricature. I just wanted to bring an essence of Esther really.”

Spiro previously starred in Sex Education and Ridley Road alongside appearances in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones, Thrones but she admits to feeling most at home on stage.

“My career has always been theatreheavy. In more recent years, it’s shifted to being more TV and film and I’m delighted that has taken over, but I’ve really, really missed theatre. That is where my heart is,” she says, adding that she has not treaded the boards properly since before the first lockdown in 2020.

Happily for Spiro, who has twice won an Olivier award, it was announced this week that she will be returning for the next Royal Shakespeare Company season under its new artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey.  The Most Precious of Goods is at the Marylebone Theatre from 22 January to 3 February Samantha mostpreciousgoods.

Spiro com

32 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JN LIFE

‘They are us and we are them’ Naomi Frankel joins a volunteer programme to help the war effort in Israel

‘D

on’t worry about the thorns,” says Roeii, a farmer in Moshav Bnei Dror, as I prick myself reaching for an orange. “We Israelis deal with thorns all the time, but nu, we carry on.”

This poignant statement set the tone for a meaningful twoweeks. Taglit (Birthright) is a rite of passage for young Jews, but I had never been on one. At 31 I thought my time had passed to take part in one of these trips, however, when I saw the special Onwards Israel volunteer programme advertised for Brits aged 18-40 to help rebuild the economy, I knew I had to join.

My friend Shira and I joined a group of 15. Led by our energetic madricha Sophie, we embraced early starts and a packed itinerary with snacks, initiative and good cheer. Our volunteering included essential agricultural work because, owing to the war, migrant workers from Thailand and the Philippines have returned home and Palestinian labourers are unable to work in Israel.

As the days passed, a surge of nationalistic pride enveloped us, akin to following in the footsteps of the Zionists of old – clambering up leafy trees in to pick heaps of succulent oranges in the sunshine, amidst banter and music. We also assisted organisation Pitchon Lev, contributing to logistics and packing food for soldiers and families. The satisfaction of feeding 652

Burnt-out cars from 7 October masscre at the Tel Aviv Expo

The group of 15 sets out en route to pick oranges

Naomi (left) and Shira in Israel

people and witnessing them collect the goods was gratifying.

The Spot Hostel near Tel Aviv port, our home for two weeks, was vibrant and welcoming, with hipster vibes and an eclectic young crowd.

Our group seamlessly integrated with Israelis staying there, who revealed that they often spot Quentin Tarentino in the lobby.

Eliav, 24, who joined us for Shabbat lunch, shared that he’s a survivor of the Nova massacre and had come here for the last month to rest and recuperate. He luckily managed to escape in his car as soon as he heard the sirens but sadly lost a friend who was killed by a grenade thrown into the shelter by the Hamas terrorists.

Hearing stories like this first-hand from survivors was particularly impactful, as was the temporary Nova exhibition our group visited at the Tel Aviv Expo.

Featuring items from victims of the massacre as well as relics from the festival itself such as portaloos riddled with bullets, the sombre atmosphere was amplified by the low background music that was played at the festival on that fateful day. We all agreed it was akin to an eerie ‘living Auschwitz’ memorial, with all the shoes of the victims similarly lined up.

Today’s Tel Aviv is quiet, and everywhere we went we were surrounded by the faces of the hostages and signs urging their return. We gained an updated perspective on Israeli society and culture through a graffiti tour led by local Dada Strauss. Together we explored the colourful streets of Florentine (aka Tel Aviv’s Shoreditch), where we marvelled at

Packing food for soldiers and families

the magnificent wall art, a project of Free Our Kids IL that has been created for each child hostage in Gaza (wallsofhope.net). Dada explained that the artists had been in close contact with the families to make the art as personal as possible.

Dada revealed that “people in Tel Aviv are not so left-wing anymore – we are more central now”. Nothing was as representative of this as a chance meeting during the tour itself, when we happened upon Israeli artist John

Kiss, who had drawn a mural called The Peace Kids depicting Handala, a Palestinian and Srulik, an Israeli with their arms wrapped around each other, looking at the horizon.

He says that to him this had initially represented “optimism, hope and peace”, however, since 7 October “I had painted the exact same mural but this time the Palestinian has a bloody knife stabbed in the Israeli back he is hugging.” I voiced that this echoed my personal feelings towards the conflict and

The Peace Kids, a mural by street artist John Kiss

scepticism about the possibility of peace with those who actively seek our genocide.

Many Arab Israelis are part of the fabric of Israeli society, like Riyad, our friendly Arab Israeli driver from the city of Taiba, who joined us picking oranges. A journalist and social, political and media activist, Riyad now drives buses for the war effort, including accompanying soldiers into Gaza. In a candid chat, he relayed to us that “every time I heard about these young soldiers dying my heart broke. I loved them and they loved me.”

His relatives and friends also volunteer towards the war effort.

“October 7 affected everyone in Israel – it’s a war against all of us.

But Palestinians see us as Jews and Jews see us as terrorists. This is something very difficult for us to deal with,” he said.

Still, hope in continued co-existence was very much seen and felt throughout our stay. We toured the orange factory in Bnei Dror and witnessed Arabs and Jews working together in harmony. Our local bakery, Abulafiah, run almost exclusively by Arab workers, was the go-to for our 6am daily coffee and sambusak pastries. On our last day, they sent freshly-baked cakes for our flight home, along with a message of love and thanks for volunteering and helping Israel.

This appreciation was echoed

by Roeii and Forte, the manager of the orange grove. Roeii teared up when we said goodbye, telling us that his Arab Israeli workers were surprised and touched that Jews came from abroad to help.

“It’s a shared fight,” said Shira.

“They are us and we are them.”

• Birthright is running trips until April. Visit: birthrightisrael.com/volunteer-in-israel

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

33

Four ways to get involved Mental Health Shabbat

1

19-20 January 2024 Jami Mental Health Shabbat provides an ideal opportunity for the entire community to come together and raise awareness of mental illness and distress.

“Jami has changed my life forever. They helped me through many years of darkness.”

Host a Shabbat meal

2

Come along to our community day at Head Room café

3

Make use of our toolkit filled with everything from sermons to youth activities

Visit jamiuk.org/jmhs to find out more Jami_MHAS24_9Jan_JN Life Magazine 165mmHx260mmW_AW2.indd 1

4

JamiPeople jami_uk #JMHS24

JAMIMentalHealth Jami UK Registered charity no. 1003345.

10/01/2024 10:26

A LIFELINE TO FAMILIES HERE FOR ALL JEWISH FAMILIES WITH A SERIOUSLY ILL CHILD Camp Simcha provides practical, therapeutic and emotional support to Jewish families coping with serious childhood illness.

We are there for families throughout the UK, coping with over 50 chronic, life-changing or life-threatening childhood medical conditions, as well as serious accidents.

If you or a family you know needs Camp Simcha, please get in touch. 020 8202 9297 • 0161 341 0589 office@campsimcha.org.uk • www.campsimcha.org.uk CampSimchaUK

Join our Challah Make

Charity Registered No. 1180646

34 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Who We Are: Since its founding in 2004, Masa has served more than 200,000 young professionals from over 60 countries, and its network continues to grow. Make this year stand out and see where your Masa can take you.

What We Do: Masa Israel Journey is more

than just a physical journey to Israel. It’s an opportunity to explore oneself in new surroundings while gaining a transformative experience.

Masa offers life-changing, long-term opportunities, 2-10 months for fellows between the ages of 16 - 40 in Israel, that allows fellows to shape their own futures.

Masa fosters an environment where fellows are encouraged to strive towards their personal and professional destinations both during and after their programme in Israel.

For more information visit www.masaisrael.org masa@ujia.org Registered charity in England and Wales No. 1060078

18 January 2024 Jewish News 35

www.jewishnews.co.uk

JN LIFE

Land of our mother writes history, and whether true reconcilia- issues. But it does tell, almost allegorically, the Dina Ibrahim describes the stage adaptation of who story of an Iraq that many people will not have tion is ever possible.

The Mother of Kamal was written (and pro- known existed. Prior to 1935, the different ethfor this run) well before the current nicities and religions that made up Baghdad had her father’s biographical novel, a saga of a Jewish grammed Israel-Palestine humanitarian crisis, and was coexisted without significant conflict, though not written with today’s events in mind. It sold by the 1940s things had begun to shift. As Umfamily, beginning in the slums of Baghdad in 1948 out its short run at Camden Fringe last summer. Kamal and her sons struggle to navigate rising

I

t was as my father and I sat reminiscing at the kitchen table of my uncle’s Toronto apartment in August 2012 that my uncle began to tell us a story that has stayed with me. He and my father were the younger of eight children from a working-class Jewish family from Baghdad born between 1932 and 1943. This was a period of seismic changes in Iraqi, Middle Eastern and global politics, which I have captured in my newly extended play, The Mother of Kamal.

They would observe, both concerned and captivated, the risky (and fateful) political activism and communism of their older teenage siblings in this febrile period. It was my father’s desire to safeguard these stories in a semi-fictionalised novel – honouring his mother in the eponymous character of UmKamal (‘mother of Kamal’ in Arabic) – that set us on our journey from Israel to America and Canada, piecing together the vivid accounts of the surviving siblings.

My uncle was the conscience of the family, given to quiet observation and spontaneous tears.

He told us that while he was at the Jewish Frank Iny School in Baghdad, anyone who was from a single-parent family or came top of their class went for free. His best friend came from a family without a father, and he also always came top of the class. My uncle always came second, and it was a constant torment to his ambitious

but poor family that this friend had monopolised all of the free schooling!

Suddenly, mid-story, my uncle broke down sobbing, unable to continue. We offered to leave, but his wife, a warm, funny, intelligent Jewish woman from Brazil, insisted we continue. “He’s never spoken about this before…” she whispered encouragingly. It turned out that this brilliant friend had eventually emigrated to Israel but languished in a series of undistinguished jobs, never achieving the brilliant career his youth had promised. The apprehension of this for my uncle was too much, and he cried – for his friend, but also for the role of fate, contingency and injustice in his own life, and everyone’s.

At the heart of my play are these themes of fate and implacable chance, of paths diverging in unknowable ways and eventually having to be reconciled. In its pivotal moment, it is 1948 and Um-Kamal sees her two teenage sons suddenly arrested by the feared and loathed Secret Police.

The younger brother is sentenced to eight years, but the older, Kamal, is inexplicably released.

Rumour and intrigue ensue, and Um-Kamal, who is played by me, is reluctantly drawn into the underground activity of the Communist Party to save her sons and her fragmenting family. Over the next 40 years, conflicting personal histories and narratives emerge, as the family migrates against a backdrop of epochal historical events, and they finally face a reckoning with what really happened that night in the cells, and the questions of who defines truth,

Retrospectively, parallels with the current conflict are unavoidable.

Many Jewish people now are struggling to process what is taking place. As they strive to find words to do justice to their feelings, face growing antisemitism and grieve for the people killed and kidnapped by Hamas, they also feel enormous sorrow and concern for the huge price still being paid by Palestinian civilians. The fact that it is possible to feel both things at once – to be devastated for the Jewish people and the Palestinian civilians who have been killed, injured or lost loved ones, and who face antiJewish or anti-Muslim prejudice – is a hallmark of being human, and yet in the current climate has become difficult to communicate. If there is one thing I’d like people to take from the play it is that shared humanity and the surmountable nature of perceived difference.

This is a delicate matter. The play was not written to suggest easy solutions to complex

Rehearsals for The Mother of Kamal

oppression, it is the diverse community around them which comes together to oppose the threats of fascist mobs and arbitrary bureaucratic injustices. And when government thugs looking for trouble come, it is their Muslim friends who shield Um-Kamal and her family.

This extended version of the play blends traditional narrative drama with elements drawn from epic, physical, immersive and ensemble theatre, with beautiful lyrical passages of performance that merge with acutely observed vignettes of social satire and interpersonal relations. We’re pleased to have a diverse cast and crew, including Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian heritage members. This is important when the global narrative is so divisive, and it means that the play has evolved without recourse to comfortable ideological certainties.

This has produced, I hope, a powerful, poignant, yet humorous and satirical telling of a family’s struggle for justice and truth amid exile and cynical, politicised intolerance and division – which sadly still resonates.

In some ways the telling of the story in the current climate has become a story in itself.

And the story continues as family from around the world come to see the play – and my uncle, touched by seeing the first run last August, characteristically did cry. Many things change, but some things touchingly stay the same.  The Mother of Kamal is at Upstairs at The Gatehouse in Highgate, 19-28 January: upstairsathegatehouse.com

36 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Business / Beam

candicekrieger@googlemail.com

‘BEAM ME UP, STEPHANY!’ COMPANIES CAN JOIN MISSION TO HELP HOMELESS Alex Stephany’s tech-for-good platform has helped more than 3,000 people into work and housing since its launch, writes Candice Krieger

A

lex Stephany has high hopes this year for his award-winning techfor-good startup Beam.

The unique crowdfunding platform supports homeless people and refugees into stable jobs and homes.

Named by LinkedIn as one of the UK’s top 15 startups, Beam has partnered with dozens of homeless charities and more than 50 boroughs, which refer people to the platform. Their individual profiles are listed on the website, where people can read their stories and donate to fund their most pressing needs, from employment training and work clothes to a deposit for a homeless family to move into a safe and stable home.

Beam has supported more than 3,000 people into jobs and homes since it launched in 2017.

And now, Stephany has opened up the platform to businesses as he continues on his mission to

Alex (inset) meets King Charles

tackle the UK’s growing homelessness problem. He hopes to raise £5m by the end of this year and have over 1,000 UK companies on board, funding homeless people as well as refugees, notably from Ukraine, through the platform.

“It sounds crazy but we are making it really easy for businesses to do good,” Stephany, 42, tells Jewish News. “I saw first-hand running my

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A TIMELY DISCUSSION ON

EXPLORING WAYS TO SHIFT YOUR LEGAL CAREER TO ISRAEL Tuesday, January 30, 2024 DLA Piper London Office 160 Aldersgate Street, London 9:00 - Breakfast and networking 10:00-12:00 - Program and panel discussion

Scan here to register: Please reach out to zisse.mueller@us.dlapiper.com with any questions

Meet senior representatives from top Israeli law firms Hear from in-house counsel of Israel-connected companies Network with lawyers from foreign law firms with an Israel practice Optional 1:1 meetings

With Candice Krieger

Fast forward and Beam has won 40 awards.

It was named one of Wired’s top 10 startups and one of the 20 hottest British startups by the Evening Standard. A lawyer turned serial entrepreneur and author (of The Business of Sharing, published by MacMillan), Stephany has also given a TED talk and was named social entrepreneur of the year in 2002.

Beam has grown to a team of more than 130, hiring senior leaders from globally leading tech players such as the UK’s most valuable tech company, Arm Holdings, and US payment giant Stripe.

Charities and fundraising organisations are facing a double whammy at the moment. Inflation means that demand for services is rising, and those services are getting more expensive to run. So the need for donations is increasingly important.

Stephany says: “The pressure that the cost of living has placed on working and middle-class charity givers, plus the increased demand for our service, required us to think about how we can plug the gap and move quickly into this B2B space.”

The number of businesses contributing to Beam rose by almost 80 per cent during 2023.

Among them are global private equity firm Permira, via the Permira Foundation, and leading homewares brand Mustard Made, co-founded by entrepreneur sisters Jessica and Rebecca Stern.

Stephany, who went to Haberdashers’ Boys’ School and has a first class degree in English from Oxford University, says he was “probably always destined to be an entrepreneur. I’m pretty unemployable. I got made redundant and then fired from two jobs, as a lawyer at Clifford Chance and then as a management consultant, but it was lucky I was so bad at them. If I would have only been pretty bad, I may have wasted another few years there.”

He adds: “There’s a huge taboo about get-

previous company (JustPark) how hard it can be for businesses and busy employees to make a measurable difference month in, month out.

“Every company that wants to do more in this CSR (corporate social responsibility) space can now set up a social impact programme in under 10 minutes. If we crack it, the hope is that lots of companies will talk about what they are doing and others will see it, leading to a snowball effect.

This would enable us to help tens of thousands of homeless people and refugees in the UK each year.”

Stephany, who presented the company to Rishi Sunak last year, plans to tap into the desire of companies to ‘do good’ and the growing pressure placed on them to evidence their socially minded credentials.

“Over the past couple of years, the number of people who need our service has ballooned. The number of people using our crowdfunding platform has risen from around 10 people at any one time in 2019, to around 250 at any one time today.

“So I began to think about new sources of capital. Companies need to prove their CSR credentials to employees and regulators so we needed to find a way to make it really easy for them to do good.” ting fired. Of course, it can be horrific, but Beam enables individuals as well as businesses quite often it can be the start of something to donate and support a homeless person into positive and propels you towards the next employment. Using a slider on the site, compathing. A lot of people tread water in jobs nies can allocate a £50 donation to each person that aren’t a good fit for them.” they want to help. An algorithm allocates each Stephany believes it is easier than ever to donation to the live campaigns that are slowest start a company today. “You can do it in an funding on the platform, ensuring donations are hour by opening websites using Shopify, or equitably distributed among Beam users. selling clothes on Vinted. There are so many Each month, employees are notified about the outlets for it. And you don’t need to quit people their company has backed. They can share your job to do that. Indulge your curiosity ready-made social media posts celebrating the when it comes to a particular thing.” good the company is doing, as well as send mesHis advice to budding entrepreneurs sages of encouragement to the people themselves. reading this? “Find a problem that really Beam ensures that beneficiaries have a working gets under your skin. If you’re not really smartphone to speak to their Beam caseworker committed to solving that problem, then and read the messages that employees send them. you won’t have the energy to spend years Stephany was inspired to set up Beam while on working on it. You need to be obsessed with his commute to work. the problem, rather than the solution, as “I used to walk past the same homeless man your solution will be wrong at first.” at Archway station and would buy him cof beam.org/companies fees and thermal socks. We got to know each other. But weeks went by and the man didn’t appear. I got worried and when he resurfaced he looked truly terrible. He told me he had a heart attack.”

Stephany began to think about what could have made a meaningful difference to this man’s life. “Didn’t he actually need the skills, confidence and support to get into work and provide for himself? Sure, that would cost more than a coffee. But then I thought: ‘What if everyone chipped in?’”

Beam helps individuals as well as businesses to do good

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

37

Orthodox Judaism

MAKING SENSE OF THE SEDRA In our thought-provoking series, rabbis and educators relate the week’s parsha to the way we live today

BY LAURIE MAURER

PROJECTS EXECUTIVE, US EDUCATION

Best way to fill an empty room is with light There is a famous old story of a wealthy businessman with three sons. He wanted to hand over his business to one of them and decided to test them to determine who was the most suitable for this task. Each son was taken to an empty room and asked to fill it as best he could.

The first son donned his hard hat and filled the room with soil, using bulldozers and shovels, packing the space from floor to ceiling. The second gathered all the old papers and files from the

company archives, piling the room high. The third son, waiting until darkness fell, simply brought a candle and a box of matches. With the flick of a match the room was instantly filled with light. Guess which son got the job?

This week’s parasha, Bo, contains the plague of darkness. Our world can be a very dark place at times.

The modern world has seen many people try to fill voids with material possessions, akin to filling a room with items. This has not necessarily made us happy though. The relative material wealth of our society has not solved all of our physical, spiritual and emotional problems, By contrast, Shabbat shows us that Torah, Jewish law and spirituality, connection to God and to our fellow people are, like a candle,

Need Cash Fast?

Sell your gold and coins today!

GOLD PRICES AT RECORD HIGH!!!

Receive the best prices for your unwanted gold today! Call Jonathan 020 8446 8538

9 ct per gram - £18.65 14 ct per gram - £29.09 18 ct per gram - £37.29 21 ct per gram - £43.51 22 ct per gram - £45.55

what bring light into the world. We are told, for example, that if one does not have enough money for both kiddush wine and Shabbat candles, Shabbat candles take precedence. Similarly, if one does not have enough money for Chanukah candles and Shabbat candles, one should choose Shabbat candles.

This is because in both cases, Shabbat candles symbolise shalom bayit, a peaceful home, filled as much as possible with light from which we benefit.

The Talmud, the main work of Jewish law and ethics, tells us that in the merit of righteous Jewish women, we were redeemed from Egypt. Those women would, despite enduring horrific, crushing labour, come home from a day’s work, bathe and anoint themselves in order to

What brings light is not our money but how we share it with others

remain radiant for their families.

In the darkness of slavery, they brought light.

What brings light to the world is not our money, but how we share it

with others. It is not our houses, but how we welcome others in. Our kind words and our smiles. An individual is a spark. Together we can light up the world.

Can’t choose the diamond ring you are looking for?

Come and see us in our North London showroom for the best engagement ring selection.

We wish to purchase any Diamond and Gold Jewellery

We can create the design of your dreams ...and at a wholesale price!

We can supply any certificated GIA or HRD diamond of your choice.

24 ct per gram - £49.72 Platinum 950 per gram - £19.86

Personal and Confidential Customer Service Price Offered Instantly Same Day Payment

Silver 925ag per gram - £0.41 Half Sovereigns - £182.19 Full Sovereigns - £364.37

A free valuation from our in house gemmologist and gold experts on anything you may wish to sell.

If you are thinking of selling, the price of diamonds has never been higher! In any shape, size, clarity or colour.

Krugerrands - £1,546.41 We also purchase sterling silver candlesticks and any other sterling tableware

www.howcashforgold.co.uk

@jewellerycave

WE PAY MORE than all our competitors.

Try us, and you will not be disappointed!

Jewellery Cave Ltd, 48b Hendon Lane London N3 1TT • T: 020 8446 8538 • E: jonathan@jewellerycave.co.uk • www.jewellerycave.co.uk Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (anytime) Saturday 9am to 1pm (by appointment)

38 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Progressive Judaism

LEAP OF FAITH

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

BY RABBI SYLVIA ROTHSCHILD RABBI AT LEV CHADASH, MILAN

Destroying a life destroys a world Judaism teaches the value of every human life is infinite. The Mishnaic statement, “Whoever destroys a single life is considered to have destroyed a world. Whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved a world,” has become a popular text for activists everywhere – most recently heard in the film depicting the work of Sir Nicholas Winton.

This statement is found in tractate Sanhedrin, in the context of judicial procedures, to remind witnesses that their testimony could cause the death of the defendant. It is an anticapital punishment device.

Derived from the idea that the first human was the progenitor of all human beings, this shared ancestry is developed immediately afterwards.

We are told that the first human was created alone so as to maintain peace among peoples, none of whom could claim a more ancient or noble bloodline. This makes a controversy about our statement all the more interesting.

The Mishnah was redacted by the second century CE, but the earliest surviving written texts we have are medieval. Some of these have an added word, miYisrael, implying that the text refers only to Jewish lives. Scholars debate which is the earliest version, but I am convinced that it is the universalist text that is the earliest formulation. Besides extant ancient texts without the qualifier, Rashi’s commentary, and even the Quranic version (which

retains a universal meaning), it is the context of maintaining equity and equality among people with a single shared root that is so powerful for me. Instead of valuing ‘our own’ more, it teaches that we have a common humanity that overrides any particular identity.

The film One Life rightly gives Winton great credit for saving nearly 700 children and their future descendants – entire worlds indeed.

But I cannot help feeling that in the glow of this telling we gloss over the many worlds that are lost.

Winton himself keenly felt the loss of the final train carrying 251 children, which was stopped from leaving on the day war was declared.

Records of the Council for German Jewry meeting the prime minister show Jewish leaders desperately trying to save Jews already endangered in Germany. Keen not to embarrass the British government,

One Life focuses on the lives saved rather than on those that were lost

they limited their request to saving children, took all financial responsibility, and assured that most would emigrate. The result was the Kindertransport, which separated families whose descendants were physically safe but often psychologically traumatised.

It is heartbreaking to read how

political and economic imperatives trumped human life then. And nothing has changed.

Saving one human life saves a potential world, but we should never forget that destroying one human life destroys a potential world.

And the responsibility for that destruction weighs on us all.

Selling items of value has never been simpler.

Whether you’re clearing a home, moving, remodelling, I will get the best prices for any items of value you’re looking to sell.

I am a independent broker acting solely on your behalf • I sell through many different auction houses, high-end dealers, collectors and private clients • Having been in business for over 10 years looking after many, many clients you will always receive my personal discreet one-to-one service (references available) • There is no cost or obligation meeting with me at your home or storage facility • Probate valuations carried out • Based in St Johns Wood, clients in the UK and Europe

Perry Field | 07802 157500 | E: perryfield@hotmail.com (Independent renowned antiques expert BBC’s Dealing with Dickinson, Antiques Master and ITV’s Storage Hoarders.)

www.jewishnews.co.uk

18 January 2024 Jewish News

Ask our

Professional advice from our panel / Ask Our Experts

Our trusty team of advisers answers your questions about everything from law and finance to dating and dentistry.

This week: Buying property in Israel, sheltered accommodation and the perils of online insurance ILAN RUBINSTEIN ISRAEL PROPERTY AND MORTGAGE BROKER

I.L.A.N ESTATES AND INVESTMENTS

Dear Ian Is now a good time to buy in Israel?

Martin Dear Martin During the first nine months of 2023 property prices in Israel dropped 2 percent, primarily due to continued high interest rates, a pool of available homes and uncertainty over judicial reforms. The full impact of events since Oct 7 will emerge over the coming months. The immediate consequences of the war has seen a reduction in foreign workers, a shift in demand from the periphery towards the centre and the unleashing of unbridled vicious

LISA WIMBOURNE CHARITY EXECUTIVE

JEWISH BLIND & DISABLED Dear Lisa I’m considering moving into sheltered accommodation, as my eyesight is deteriorating due to macular degeneration. However, I’m not sure if I can afford this. Is sheltered housing as pricey as a care home? I receive a state pension and don’t really have any savings.

Thank you.

Gary

Dear Gary Moving into sheltered housing may not be as expensive as you think, and it will cost less than housing with additional care.

At Jewish Blind & Disabled, we don’t offer any care services.

The offering is very different in both nature and price from a care home or other housing with care options. What we do offer is 24/7 support from onsite house managers so there is always someone to hand, in the daytime should you need them and during night in an emergency. Some of our tenants arrange their own care either via the local authority or privately.

Our apartments are affordable for all. 80% of our tenants receive housing benefit, which pays for all or part of their rent and the service charge. The

39

antisemitism globally. According to a recent J-Post poll of British Jewry, nearly 50 percent a re considering emigrating.

Additionally, with last week’s interest rate cut of the prime lending base rate to 4.75 percent p.a, and possible further rate reductions coming over the coming months, local buyers may also get off the fence. Accordingly, we may soon see renewed price increases.

Currently, there are some private sellers & developers showing flexibility on price and keen to do a deal today rather than wait. Along with a relatively favourable exchange rate, now could indeed be opportune time to plunge!

In addition to helping our clients in the purchase of new or existing homes & investments, we also provide in-house mortgage consultation for foreign residents or olim.

other 20% of our tenants have the means to pay for the rent themselves. We strive to keep our rents affordable for everyone, including our tenants in work.

Our monthly rents, including the service charges which cover the 24/7 support range from £980 to £1550 for a one-bedroom apartment, and around from £1,075 £1,175 for a two-bedroom apartment.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, we’re able to keep our rents at a reasonable level and we’ll always be there to help someone if they’re in urgent need. Email us on info@jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611 to find out more.

TREVOR GEE PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST

PATIENT HEALTH Dear Trevor I recently bought health insurance online, (buyer’s remorse here) and the insurance company are refusing to meet my wife’s claim.

She is still in discomfort.

Please can you help or advise us.

Malcolm Dear Malcolm I am sorry to hear about

MOVING TO ISRAEL? We are still shipping full containers and part loads to most areas of Israel. £8.35/g 9ct £12.98/g 14ct T: +44 (0) 20 8832 2222 £16.70g 18ct £8.35/g 9ct £19.48/g 21ct £12.98/g 14ct £16.70g 18ct £20.41/g 22ct £19.48/g 21ct £22.26/g 24ct £20.41/g 22ct £18.65 £8.35/g 9 ct 9ct £22.26/g £29.09 £12.98/g 14 ct £22.50/g 14ct Platinum24ct £22.50/g Platinum £37.29 £16.70g 18 ct 18ct £0.25/g £0.25/g Silver Silver £19.48/g £43.51 21 ct 21ct £81.16 Half Sovereigns £20.41/g £45.55 22ct 22 ct Half Sovereigns £160.48 Full Sovereigns£81.16 £49.72 £22.26/g 24ct 24 ct 1oz Krugerands £690.85 £19.06 £160.48 Platinum 950 £22.50/g Platinum Full Sovereigns £0.41 £0.25/g Silver 925 Silver £690.85 1oz Krugerands Half Sovereigns £81.16 Half Sovereigns £182.19 Full Sovereigns £160.48 Full Sovereigns £364.37 Krugerrands £690.85 1oz Krugerands £1546.41 48B Hendon Lane, Finchley, N3 1TT

CONTACT US FROM 8AM - 10PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 48B Hendon Lane, Finchley, N3 1TT

48B Hendon Lane, Finchley, N3 1TT

your wife’s current condition and hope that she receives treatment quickly.

The issue about not getting free advice from an intermediary like ourselves is that the websites do not properly explain about the underwriting of private health policies and what each means.

You see, there are different ways that the private health insurer assesses the risk to themselves, so they will accept a claim when it’s genuine.

What I mean by that is that with a new policy, the insurer will want to know that a condition was not pre-existing, even by a day.

However, depending on different circumstances, in many cases, the insurer will accept preexisting conditions.

But buying online it’s very difficult to give any correct

advice. So, I can’t advise you what went wrong here, as I do not know the underwriting on this policy and also the dates of your wife’s symptoms and date the policy started. My general advice is don’t wait to dig a well until you are thirsty! If I can help you argue the claim, I will happily do so, (there are no charges for our advice) so please do call.

Remember, your capital is at risk.

Exeter Insurance Health & Financial Fears research found that 20 percent felt it was important to buy health insurance when they were ill or following an illness.

With 74 percent of people surveyed saying they’re concerned about accessing NHS treatment.

Patient Health Ltd, free advice, no charges, putting people first.

40 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Ask our experts / Professional advice from our panel

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

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

TREVOR GEE Qualifications: • Managing director, consultant specialists in affordable family health insurance • Advising on maximising cover, lower premiums, pre-existing conditions • Excellent knowledge of health insurers, cover levels and hospital lists • LLB solicitors finals • Member of Chartered Insurance Institute

JACOB BERNSTEIN Qualifications: • A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: • Mortgage, protection and general insurance intermediaries; • Lenders, credit brokers, debt counsellors and debt managers; • Alternative Investment Fund managers; • E-Money, payment services, PISP, AISP and grant-making charities.

PATIENT HEALTH 020 3146 3444/5/6 www.patienthealth.co.uk trevor.gee@patienthealth.co.uk

RICHDALE CONSULTANTS LTD 020 7781 8019 www.richdale.co.uk jacob@richdale.co.uk

ISRAEL PROPERTY & MORTGAGE BROKER

HUMAN RESOURCES / EMPLOYMENT LAW

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DONNA OBSTFELD Qualifications: • FCIPD Chartered HR Professional • 25 years in HR and business management.

• Mediator, business coach, trainer, author and speaker • Supporting businesses and charities with the hiring, managing, inspiring and firing of their staff

ILAN RUBINSTEIN Qualifications: • UK born, licenced Israel estate agent in Israel since 2001 • Ilan assists in buying, financing & re-sale of new & existing property in Israel.

• Helps level the playing field opposite vendors, developers & even the bank • Attentive to your needs, saving you time, hassle & money

JOE OZER Qualifications: • Executive director for the United Kingdom at DCI (Intl) Ltd • Worked in finance for more than 20 years • Specialists in distribution and promotion of Israel Bonds

DOHR LTD 020 8088 8958 www.dohr.co.uk donna@dohr.co.uk

I.L.A.N. ESTATES & INVESTMENTS “Bringing Jews Home” UK: 0203-807-0878 ISRAEL: +972-504-910-604 www.ilanrealestate.com nadlan@hotmail.com

DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FOR ISRAEL 020 3936 2712 www.israelbondsintl.com joe.ozer@israelbondsintl.com

JEWELLER

ACCOUNTANT

GOAL ATTAINMENT SPECIALIST

ADAM SHELLEY Qualifications: • FCCA chartered certified accountant • Accounting, taxation and business advisory services • Entrepreneurial business specialist including start-up businesses • Specialises in charities; personal tax returns • Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation Volunteer of the Year JVN award

JONATHAN WILLIAMS Qualifications: • Jewellery manufacturer since 1980s • Expert in the manufacture and supply of diamond jewellery, wedding rings and general jewellery • Specialist in supply of diamonds to the public at trade prices

DR BEN LEVY Qualifications: • Doctor of psychology with 15 years’ experience in education and corporate sectors • Uses robust, evidence-based methods to help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be • Works with clients individually to maximise success

SOBELL RHODES LLP 020 8429 8800 www.sobellrhodes.co.uk a.shelley@sobellrhodes.co.uk

JEWELLERY CAVE LTD 020 8446 8538 www.jewellerycave.co.uk jonathan@jewellerycave.co.uk

MAKE IT HAPPEN 07779 619 597 www.makeit-happen.co.uk ben@makeit-happen.co.uk

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR OF LEGACIES

CHARITY EXECUTIVE

LISA WIMBORNE Qualifications: Able to draw on the charity’s 50 years of experience in enabling people with physical disabilities or impaired vision to live independently, including: • The provision of specialist accommodation with 24/7 on-site support • Knowledge of the innovations that empower people and the benefits available • Understanding of the impact of a disability diagnosis

CAROLYN ADDLEMAN Qualifications: Lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in will drafting and trust and estate administration. Last 14 years at KKL Executor and Trustee Company In close contact with clients to ensure all legal and pastoral needs are cared for Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners

SUE CIPIN OBE Qualifications: • 24 years+ hands-on experience, leading JDA in significant growth and development.

• Understanding of the impact of deafness on people, including children, at all stages • Extensive services for people affected by hearing loss/tinnitus • Technology room with expert advice on and facilities to try out the latest equipment.

• Hearing aid advice, support and maintenance

JEWISH BLIND & DISABLED 020 8371 6611 www.jbd.org Lisa@jbd.org

KKL EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE COMPANY 020 8732 6101 www.kkl.org.uk enquiries@kkl.org.uk

JEWISH DEAF ASSOCIATION 020 8446 0502 www.jdeaf.org.uk mail@jdeaf.org.uk

CAREER ADVISER

• • •

REMOVALS MANAGING DIRECTOR

PRINCIPAL, PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

LESLEY TRENNER Qualifications: • Provides free professional one-to-one advice at Resource to help unemployed into work • Offers mock interviews and workshops to maximise job prospects • Expert in corporate management holding director level marketing, commercial and general management roles

STEPHEN MORRIS Qualifications: • Managing director of Stephen Morris Shipping Ltd • 45 years’ experience in shipping household and personal effects • Chosen mover for four royal families and three UK prime ministers • Offering proven quality specialist advice for moving anyone across the world or round the corner

LOUISE LEACH Qualifications: • Professional choreographer qualified in dance, drama and Zumba (ZIN, ISTD & LAMDA), gaining an honours degree at Birmingham University • Former contestant on ITV’s Popstars, reaching bootcamp with Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw and Kym Marsh • Set up Dancing with Louise 19 years ago

RESOURCE 020 8346 4000 www.resource-centre.org office@resource-centre.org

STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING LTD 020 8832 2222 www.shipsms.co.uk stephen@shipsms.co.uk

DANCING WITH LOUISE 075 0621 7833 www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk Info@dancingwithlouise.com

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

ADULTS & KIDS | MEN & WOMEN

SELF-DEFENCE & MARTIAL ARTS

41

We are hiring!

Headteacher Salary: Outer London L11-14 + SEN point Due to the successful merger of Kisharon Langdon and the promotion of our current Headteacher, the Trustees are seeking a highly motivated and talented leader to work alongside them and the Director of Education to continue the schools success.

• Experienced senior leader with a passion for SEND • Ability to demonstrate the principles and practice of effective teaching and learning • A consistent and continuous focus on pupils’ progress and achievement

EYFS Teacher Salary: Outer London MPS/ UPS + SEN point • Knowledge of the EYFS curriculum and the importance of supporting children to learn through play • Experience of planning high quality learning opportunities • Commitment to innovation and development

WHATSAPP 0204 599 8309 WWW.THEWAREHOUSE-WELLNESS.CO.UK INFO@THEWAREHOUSE_WELLNESS.CO.UK HENDON, NW4 9HG

Occupational Therapist Salary: Outer London NHS Band 6 • Membership of the Health & Care Professional Council • 2 full years working as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist • Knowledge of SEND and the principles of safeguarding vulnerable students

Apply now at kisharonschool.org.uk/our-school/staff-vacancies Closing date: Friday 9th February 12pm

An incredible career opportunity for a

Rabbi or Rabbinic Couple Competitive salary including a family house

Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue (BES) is looking to recruit an outstanding candidate for a senior-level Rabbi or Rabbinic Couple position leading BES@Yavneh.

We are seeking a dynamic, charismatic and inspirational Rabbi or Rabbinic Couple with a passion to lead, grow and develop BES@Yavneh whilst supporting communal life across the whole BES community.

Applicants will be caring, innovative and hard-working with a love of community. They will immerse themselves in the heart of the community and engage all members with warmth, compassion and enthusiasm and cater to their pastoral, spiritual and educational needs.

BES is a unique community operating across two sites, BES@Croxdale and BES@Yavneh. This unrivalled position offers the right candidate autonomy over BES@Yavneh whilst enjoying the rich benefits of being part of the leadership and Rabbinic team across the wider BES community of 4,000 members.

Emeritus Rabbi A Plancey MBE Senior Rabbi A & Rebbetzin E Chapper Community Rabbi Y Finn www.borehamwoodshul.org

Over the past three years, BES has undertaken the ground breaking Reimagining Shul project leading to its current vision of shul community built around relational Judaism, small groups and meaningful connections. We are looking for candidates who are inspired by this and want to build on this vision with us.

This exceptional role offers huge opportunity to grow BES@Yavneh as part of BES and to make a lasting contribution to a community which embraces new ideas.

For an informal confidential conversation about the position please contact Josh Moont at chair@borehamwoodshul.org

Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday, 18 February 2024.

To view the job description and apply for this position, please visit www.theus.org.uk/jobs

The United Synagogue is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and an enhanced DBS will be required.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

rabbinic_ad_JewishNews_jan24.indd 1

15/01/2024 16:58

42 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

Business Services Directory ANTIQUES

HOUSE CLEARANCE

Top prices paid Antique – Reproduction – Retro Furniture (any condition)

Epstein, Archie Shine, Hille, G Plan, etc.

Dining Suites, Lounges Suites, Bookcases, Desks, Cabinets, Mirrors, Lights, etc.

Dave & Eve House Clearance Friendly Family Company established for 30 years

MARYLEBONE ANTIQUES - 8 CHURCH STREET NW8 8ED

07866 614 744 (ANYTIME) 0207 723 7415 (SHOP) closed Sunday & Monday STUART SHUSTER - e-mail - info@maryleboneantiques.co.uk

MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT US BEFORE SELLING

WANTED Furs, Jewellery, Old Costume Jewellery, Watches, Silver, Designer Bags, anything vintage.

We clear houses, flats, sheds, garages etc.

No job too big or too small!

Rubbish cleared as part of a full clearance.

We have a waste licence.

We buy items including furniture bric a brac.

ADVERTISE IN THE UK’S BIGGEST JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR LESS THAN

For a free quote please phone Dave on 07913405315 any time.

£24 A WEEK

CHARITY & WELFARE

ARE YOU BEREAVED? Confidential Bereavement Counselling for adults and children individually.

Support Groups available. We offer in person, online and telephone counselling.

Contact Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service in confidence.

0208 951 3881 enquiries@jbcs.org.uk | www.jbcs.org.uk

COMPUTER

WESTLON HOUSING ASSOCIATION Sheltered Accommodation We have an open waiting list in our friendly and comfortable warden assisted sheltered housing schemes in Ealing, East Finchley and Hendon. We provide 24-hour warden support, seven days a week; a residents’ lounge and kitchen, laundry, a sunny patio and garden.

Email Sales today at sales@jewishnews.co.uk

For further details and application forms, please contact Westlon Housing Association on 020 8201 8484 or email: johnsilverman@btconnect.com

BRIDGE

HOUSE FOR SALE

Harold Schogger

Afternoon Free Taster Monday 15th January 2024 Afternoon Beginners Course Starts Monday 22nd January 2024 Afternoon Intermediates Course Starts Tuesday 23rd January 2024

Guaranteed success Phone 0208 905 3877 for more details www.haroldschogger.com

STONEMASON

HOUSE SALE 4 Bed House for sale, Hendon, NW4 £1,100,000 Contact Clive 07970510656 Private sale LAW MENTOR

UTILITIES

Are you happy paying big household bills?

LAW MENTOR WouldCircle” you likesolicitor to pay less?

Former “Magic

The specialist masons in creating bespoke Granite and Marble Memorials for all Cemeteries.

Clayhall Showroom 14 Claybury Broadway Ilford. IG5 0LQ T: 0208 551 6866

offers help with:Find out how

Edgware Showroom 41 Manor Park Crescent Edgware. HA8 7LY T: 0208 381 1525

CVs and personal statements call Jeff on 07958 959 822 • interviews and assessment days • coping with stress and workload LEGACY- LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR MEMORYLegacy Classified advert v1.qxp_Legacy 16/06/2021 Page 1 • promotion and new10:57 opportunities Gary Green ad 84 x 40mm JM Group v2.indd 1 18/03/2019 12:50:51 ©•

Email : info@garygreenmemorials.co.uk

www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk

LAW MENTOR Former “Magic Circle” solicitor offers help with: • • • •

CVs and personal statements interviews and assessment days coping with stress and workload promotion and new opportunities

For more information contact Tom lawmentor@btinternet.com / 07590 057097

For more information contact Tom

Leave the legacy of independence to people like Joel.

PLease remember us in your wiLL.

eNABLeD visit www.Jbd.org or caLL 020 8371 6611

WEB DESIGN

01277 352560

House clearances Single items to complete homes

CLOTHING

Registered Charity No. 259480

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR lawmentor@btinternet.com / 07590 057097 COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL. Call our Legacy Team on 020 8922 2840 for more information or email legacyteam@jcare.org Charity Reg No. 802559

Chancellors House, Brampton Lane, London, NW4 4AB Tel: 020 8903 8746 | Mobile: 079 3172 2153 www.bfiwd.org | email: info@bfiwd.org

18 January 2024 Jewish News

www.jewishnews.co.uk

43

Fun, games and prizes

THE JEWISH NEWS CROSSWORD 1

2

4

3

8 9

10

11

12

14

13

15

18 21

20

19

22

24

23

3 5 1 4 6 8

DOWN 1 Valuable furniture timber (8) 2 Tips (5) 3 Burnt ___, artists’ pigment (5) 4 Secret planner (7) 5 Indistinct shapeless form (4) 6 Female leaders (10) 8 Bored with life (5-5) 12 ___ Brooks, comedy film director (3) 13 Church seat (3) 14 Shrink (8) 15 Went red (7) 18 ___ Millican, Geordie comedienne (5) 19 Blows up (tyres) (5) 21 Join (4)

17

16

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

10 Strictly forbidden (5) 11 Common metal (4) 13 Drawing implement (6) 15 A smaller number of (5) 16 High school in Grease (6) 17 Be aware of (4) 20 Small mountains (5) 22 Tanks for fish or water plants (7) 23 ___ Lansbury, Murder, She Wrote actress (6) 24 Faddy (eater) (5)

5

7

6

SUDOKU

ACROSS 6 Native of New Zealand (5) 7 Gently (6) 9 Surgery room (7)

CODEWORD 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.

M N B O D H P F H S R

20

Y A N E O A O E W U A

18

G C R E C K A T

I

D K

3

R L

J

E A

I

H Y T

I

L

18

26

13

17

17

H T G U O

V L H G N C M S A

R E K C A R C E R

I

F

T D

I

N S D E E S S L

T B

J

A L A P E N O R

16

20

22

8

18 15

16

18

20

18 1

11

A

16

21

13

6

22

8

23

18

20

25

22

3

16

18

20

18

5

11

12

9

13

6

6

3

16

21

16

R

20

6

20

18

8

16

10

20

6

16

3

25

16

25

5 4

24

2 4

20

17

12

11 13

12

16

16

5

11 25

8

2

See next issue for puzzle solutions.

JALAPENO

SEEDS

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

CHILLI

GREEN

KRAKATOA

SPICY

1

2

3

4

5

COBRA

HEATWAVE

MEDUSA

VOLCANO

14

15

16

17

18

Last issue’s solutions Crossword ACROSS: 8 Exacted 9 Evoke 10 Pecan 11 Epithet 12 A piece of cake 16 Conglomerate 20 Protein 23 Cures 24 Curio 25 Vertigo.

DOWN:1 Seeps 2 Saucepan 3 At once 4 Idle 5 Belief 6 Loch 7 Jetties 13 Elm 14 Asteroid 15 Ice pick 17 Lie low 18 Recurs 19 Aston 21 Ogre 22 Nave.

Sudoku 9 2 7 3 1 8 4 5 6 6 4 2 1 9 3 7 8 5 5 6 4 8 3 9 2 7 1

8 5 4 2 7 6 1 3 9 7 1 5 6 4 8 3 9 2 9 2 7 4 6 1 5 8 3

R

8

9

10

11

12

13

21

22

23

24

25

26

Suguru 1 3 6 5 4 9 8 7 2 9 8 3 7 2 5 4 6 1 3 1 8 2 5 7 6 9 4

2 3 2 1 4 5 4 1 4 3 2 1 3 2 5 1 4 5 4 1 3 2 3 1 3 5 4 1 4 2 1 2 3 2 3 1

4

P

17

8 16

5

FIRECRACKER

20

5

9

CHEYENNE

19

3

25

RED

A

4

1

18

HOT

7

4

1

13

COOKING

6

2

22

APACHE

P

2 9 5 3 9 4 6 7 4 2

6

11 8

13

13

7

16

26 2

11

4

18

6

6 18

16 3

9

12

20

3

20 16

2

2

20

18

11

E V S A S I

8

19 12

16

25

N

20

22

E O E P W E L N T M T I

18

6 7 9 7 1 2 5 2 3 7

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 to do with chillies 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.

14

8

SUGURU

WORDSEARCH E O C C O B R A U A K

5

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd - www.puzzler.com

Wordsearch 2 1 4 1 2 1 4 3 2 3 5 3 1 5 1 4 1 2 3 2 3 2 5 4 1 5 4 1 3 2 3 2 3 2 5 1

E R U T L U C I R G A

A D H F K T A P I R S

S U N C E K C O C O I N T B E E U O V J P Z B N Y E R A O O M A C I R G C B S S J A G U

Codeword I O N C D L D N A L A M E T Y F R C H A B E L O I R I E L V Z H B I I C A E C L T C N I O T P O S B A R S M E

TWE AK T MADAM H J I RON Y I A I N E R T F T O T EM N C SOU T H T B GE T S V R DODO Q T R EMO L O I P UMA R T W I S H A ROS E T T E C F L E E E E L OOK O X Z E BRA P I R E T RO E F A T A L M R OP E RA I T S P A SM N ROC K S F A K J BWG C H I L D N 18/01 YO T VMS UR EQX P Z

44 Jewish News 18 January 2024

www.jewishnews.co.uk

’S TOP TIPS

FOR STAYING SAFE CST’s 24-hour security operation enables Jewish life to thrive in the UK. We also have some simple steps you can take to help with your personal safety, wherever you are.

Plan to walk in well-lit areas, even if it adds a few minutes onto your journey.

Let people know where you are going.

Check in when you arrive at and leave your location.

Make sure you can hear what is happening around you.

If you want to wear headphones in public, keep the volume low.

Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Don’t look down at your phone whilst walking.

If something seems wrong, act on it. If you feel like you are being followed, walk into the nearest shop or crowded area and ask for help.

Your voice is your best weapon.

If you feel threatened, shout loudly and confidently to attract attention.

Sign up for a CST self-defence class today CST runs regular self-defence classes throughout the year.

Email training@cst.org.uk to find out more or to request a class in your area.

Report suspicitivity & antisemitism

SCAN TO REPORT

IN AN EMERGENCY National Emergency Number (24-hr) 0800 032 3263 In a non-emergency London 020 8457 9999 | Manchester 0161 792 6666

Registered charity in England and Wales (1042391) and Scotland (SC043612)

CST Advert 2024 - Jewish News full page.indd 2

16/01/2024 09:59