Life magazine - Sept 2023

LI FE Autumn 2023

THE DAMES

PLUS

Esther, Joan and Arlene

MUSEUM OF LONDON’S FASHION CITY

Tel Aviv

TV’S PESTON & RINDER

A personal tour and a Shtisel reunion

Save Our Stories Losing the world’s biggest magazine collection

The Golda Diary

How scriptwriter Nicholas Martin brought Dame Helen Mirren to the screen as Israel’s only female prime minister

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INSIDE

AUTUMN

Editor’s letter Bringing our readers the most compelling and original content is our priority. Presenting stories that entertain and inform is what Life is all about. My personal love of magazines has made me quite the collector, but the collection owned by James Hyman, founder of HYMAG, is world record-breaking. The magazines dating back to the 1800s that contain our collective history are currently homeless and James shares his dream of opening a print museum.

We preview Fashion City, an exhibition celebrating the Jewish contribution to global style. The Museum of London has gathered so much that will fascinate and it wants us to make sure you see it. Screenwriter Nicholas Martin would like you to see Golda and appears on the cover with its star, Dame Helen Mirren. When I first spoke to him after the success of Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep, I was surprised when he said he was thinking of Golda Meir as a possible subject for his next film. Nicholas loves Israel, but isn’t Jewish, so to embark on such a task with the dedication he details in

his diary, requires a ‘Shkoyach’ from us all.

In Tel Aviv Tales, we reveal more of what the city has to offer and we speak to Dame Esther Rantzen, who tell us so frankly about what matters most to her. Years ago, Dame Esther helped me at one of the worst times in my life and now, as she faces her own challenge, we wish her good health in the new year and for many new years to come.

It’s what we wish for all of you, and please continue to share your Life stories with us.

Shana Tova!

Editor Brigit Grant brigit@jewishnews.co.uk Art Director Diane Spender Jewish News Editor Richard Ferrer Features Editor Louisa Walters Contributors Debbie Collins Jenni Frazer Alex Galbinski Candice Krieger Nicole Lampert

Designers John Nicholls Sarah Rothberg Advertising Sales Marc Jacobs 020 8148 9701 Beverley Sanford 020 8148 9709 Yael Schlagman 020 8148 9705 sales@jewishnews.co.uk FRONT COVER Photography by David Katz

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

IT’S ALL NEW COMING TO YOU THE PEOPLE, PRODUCTIONS, PLACES TO GO, PARTIES TO PLAN AND PROPERTIES TO BUY – HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Calling Rob the Rover IT’S SO HARD TO KEEP UP WITH ROB RINDER these days – he should wear a tracker. One minute he’s baking bread at Richard Branson’s exclusive Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, the next he’s guiding guests towards ‘big game’ on a South African Reserve. So much for BBC’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby, which, as Rob says, “was ages ago” because he has been to Italy since with “absolute mensch” and “beautiful human being in every way” TV favourite Rylan Clark. Together, they followed in the footsteps of 19th century poet Lord Byron to look at “art, culture and masculinity” for the upcoming series Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour. Add to this the 15-hour days he has been doing for a documentary about prisons, the accompanying book, a second novel (the first is The Trial) and a yet-to-beannounced documentary about Edward IV’s princes in the tower, it’s a miracle he could fit in a chat. But he did and, after ‘working’ at all those amazing hotels, Rob Rinder with Rylan Clark these are the questions we had to ask...

What is the first hotel you ever stayed in?

The New Ambassador kosher hotel in Bournemouth.

Did you go to Jewish summer camp?

Yes, in 1990 to Star 90 – I went two years in a row.

What was your first trip abroad without parents?

Marbella, when I was 17.

What makes a hotel room perfect?

The list is too long. Effortless luxury without seeing the design, amenities you don’t have at home. The Yiddish expression of a great hotel room is a mechaya.

What’s the best hotel breakfast?

The buffet breakfast in every Israeli hotel has everything that makes me happy. It’s my obsession.

Are you a demanding guest?

Yes. In one hotel I stayed at, the manager wistfully said: “I don’t know you, and you seem very nice, but there just doesn’t seem to be anything we can do to make you happy.” It was so sweet of him.

What is your favourite weekend break?

A long one in Tel Aviv; a short one – impossible to answer.

Have you met a friend on holiday?

Sarah Willingham of Dragon’s Den on a fitness retreat bootcamp.

We’re still very close.

If you could see in the new year anywhere in the world, where would you be?

Wherever my best friends are.

Shira Haas as DC Maple wood

THERE’S BEEN A MURDER

How exciting – not one but two exceptional Jewish actors star in Netflix’s Bodies, a new crime drama with a twist that is more of a tumultuous torsion. Shira Haas and Jacob DS Whiteman Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Fortune-Lloyd play two of four detectives investigating the same London murder in different eras, and episode one delivers an unidentified body found in Whitechapel that will unravel a conspiracy spanning 150 years. Based on Si Spencer’s cult graphic DC novel, writer Paul Tomalin, for his screenplay, researched the evolution of forensics and changes, if any, in societal attitudes from 1890 to present day. He wanted it to be accurate and certainly nails it with the autopsies (look away) and historical periods in which the characters exist. As DS Karl Whiteman, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd plays that rare thing – a Jewish policeman in 1941– and the ensuing and sadly accurate antisemitism he experiences had the actor drawing on the struggles and alienation of his own Jewish immigrant family in London’s East End. Shtisel’s Shira (top left) completes the sleuth of investigators as DC Maplewood in 2053, and her entry in to the Whitechapel of the future leaves you desperate for the next episode. Sadly, Spencer died in 2021 before Bodies got the green light, but Tomalin’s adaptation is a posthumous tribute not to be missed.

Bodies airs on 19 October on Netflix

If you’re looking for something innovative for your bar or batmitzvah, WeJam could be the coolest thing around. The world’s first and only immersive rockstar experience, WeJam is a tech-enabled group activity guaranteed to bring out the inner Elton John or Miley Cyrus among your party guests. A cross between Guitar Hero and karaoke, WeJam gets simcha guests forming a band and playing their favourite songs – even if they’ve never picked up an instrument before. The base package at £500 includes two keytars and everything needed to get jamming, with options to add a drum kit, electric guitar, bass, microphones and synthesisers, depending on the size of your venue, budget and the number of wannabe pop stars on your list.

For details or a live demo at WeJam’s Camden studio, visit wejam.studio

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 7

SPURS’ NEW MANOR MANOR SOLOMON has had to pinch himself after escaping a war zone to start a new life in the English Premier League. The Israeli winger was a player at Shakhtar Donetsk and living in Kyiv on the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Now, life could hardly be more different after he signed for Tottenham Hotspur this season.

“I woke up to the sound of explosions and sirens,” explains Manor. “It was like being in the middle of a movie. Everyone was panicking because the war had started and we didn’t know what to do.

I knew I had to get away because it was going to get worse.”

Packing all of his belongings quickly, Manor eventually made it to the Polish border, then had to wait more than 10 hours in freezing temperatures before being ‘rescued’ and taken back home to Israel. “My heart goes out to the people who are still there,” he says. “Last year was the most difficult of my life.”

Grand Designs Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, in London, has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. After an

Manor, 24, who lists former Liverpool and Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun as one of his inspirations, helped Fulham to a 10th-place finish last season, before being snapped up by Spurs on a free transfer this summer. With Tottenham talisman Harry Kane departing before a ball had been kicked, Manor knows he has a job on his hands to get his new club back into Europe, but you get the feeling he won’t mind that kind of pressure after what he has already experienced in his young life. By Neil Silver

extensive transformation, the hotel exudes luxury and the bars and restaurants are all overseen by culinary icon Michel Roux Jr. It is the perfect place to host a wedding or private event. The Grade II listed Grand Ballroom has been beautifully designed to highlight all its classical features.

With soft hues of cream and gold, it is iconic with a hugely high ceiling and gloriously lit. The draped windows open to a terrace overlooking the Courtyard Garden, a rare treasure in London, offering an al fresco element to a simcha. langhamhotels.com

TEA, ANYONE? The demise of summer is no reason to deprive ourselves of delicious iced drinks. The SIP store, a family-run business based in South Africa, has just launched its range of syrups, iced teas and powders (SIP) in the UK. The team has spent years formulating the kosher sugar-free iced tea concentrate to create the perfect product. A carefully balanced mix of rooibos tea (that has multiple health benefits), flavourings and sweeteners means it has no aftertaste and no side effects. It is a multiuse product that can be mixed with still or sparking water, added as a mixer with a spirit or served hot. It’s also a Shabbat-friendly tea option for those who won’t use tea bags. We checked out the strawberry and peach version and they are absolutely yummy.

Available at Kosher Kingdom, Hadar and online at theSIPstore.co.uk

In the Ring If you weren’t around in 1974, or were busy doing something else, missing the infamous championship bout between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman is probably one of your biggest regrets. Yes, footage is available somewhere online, but that’s a sad kind of catchup for boxing fans who wished they had seen Rumble in the Jungle.

Now they can. Rematch, a company that recreates iconic sporting moments, will transport you to Kinshasa, Africa, for a theatrical retelling Drew Bundini Brown with Rhoda and their son

of the boxing match, complete with sounds, smell, food, music and feeling. There will be street markets, dancers press conferences and the

chance to witness the boxers’ gruelling training as they prepare for one of the greatest moments in sporting history. That’s when we meet the Jewish friend in Muhammed Ali’s corner. Drew Bundini Brown Jr was Ali’s assistant trainer, cornerman, “spiritual adviser,” and the author of some of his famous lines, including: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” The Florida-born Bundini Brown married Russian-Jewish Rhoda Palestine in 1950 and happily converted, for which he got abuse. Then the Nation of Islam abused him for having a white Jewish wife when Ali became a Muslim, but Bundini threw the punches and was proud to be a Jew. His son, Drew Brown III, a former Navy pilot, said: “Growing up, I never once thought of myself as less than anyone else. My parents, if anything, taught me that I was better. I had the black side and the Jewish side. I had the best of both worlds.” Advertising guru Trevor Beattie, who has designed the marketing, merchandising and ‘look’ for the Rumble recreation, got many of the prized items in his Ali Collection at the Bundini auction after he died in 1987. “They are incorporated into the production,” said Trevor, who will be on full-time duty as the Ali expert throughout 1974. rumbleinthejunglerematch.com Life has three pairs of tickets to give away to the Rumble in the Jungle spectacle at London’s Dock X in Canada Water.

To enter, visit jewishnews.co.uk/ rumble. Closing date 30 September.

Ts and Cs apply. For more info, see rumbleinthejunglerematch.com

8 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Rock the Dress It’s taken long enough but, at last, the folk at London Fashion Week have realised that children are the shoppers of the future. Parents will tell you they’ve already started, and they have Rebecca Rinder at Hadley Dress Collection on speed dial. That’s why the designer, in collaboration with Lux London, has a preteen showcase of sparkly clothes on the LFW runway on 17 September7. It’s a first for Rebecca, who brings a smile to the search for simcha dresses and, together with Michelle Levy of teen boutique Silhouette,, has created zappy-named brand Rock the Dress,, making affordable party dresses for girls aged eight to 16. With more than 20 years’ experience between them, they know what a young girl needs to feel amazing, right down to the shoes. These ones are by Adam Marshall.

WHERE’S WOODY? Coup de Chance, Woody Allen’s 50th movie, just got rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival, yet we’re unlikely to see it.

Wrongly-reluctant distributors and streamers did not show the controversial director’s previous two films, A Rainy Day in New York and Rifkin’s Festival, but the French did. It’s likely that Coup de Chance, which is about a rich, jealous husband, his young trophy wife and her bohemian lover, is a merci for the support he gets in France as it is in French. It was cheered by the press and, while it isn’t a comedy, it “inspired the loudest laughter I’ve heard in a cinema” according to The Forward’s A J Goldmann. Allen, aged 87, has hinted that this may be his last film, so if this is his au revoir, get the Eurostar to Paris.

Bang a Gong Put together an ex-Coronation Coronation Street star, an awardwinning actor and an iconic but sadly-deceased Jewish musician and what do you get? Bolan’s Shoes, a film written and directed by ex-Corrie actor Ian Puleston-Davies and starring Timothy Spall. Out now, the film, featuring the music of Marc Bolan’s band T. Rex, finds children in an orphanage in 1970s Liverpool who are fascinated with the band, but a journey to see them in concert changes their lives forever.

Bolan, née Mark Feld, died in 1977; his son Rolan is associate producer on the film, which is out now.

A Warm Welcome

THE PERFECT PLACE

Did you know intergenerational interaction increases resident wellbeing and improves children’s social and emotional skills? That is why Avery Healthcare’s Hampstead Court Care Home in St John’s Wood works hard to build strong community links, including with young people. Hampstead Court’s dedicated carers deliver the highest possible standards in senior living, and its memory care suites provide person-centred care for people living with the many forms of dementia. There is a varied programme of events and residents’ personal interests are considered when planning trips out in the minibus, creative workshops, exercise classes and live entertainment. Avery Healthcare won ‘best’ for nutrition, food and dining at the 2022 Care Home Awards, so there are no worries on the food front! averyhealthcare.co.uk

Location, location, location Avenue, at Henlys Corner, is a refreshingly ‘blank canvas’, giving you endless possibilities for a tailor-made event. At the heart of north London, it is perfectlyplaced to cater for the community.

Standing behind a bank of olives trees, which are a statement of Avenue’s modus operandi of promoting peace and cementing families, it offers a highlyflexible function space, with parking on site and state-of-the-art lighting and technology. Avenue has developed great

Offley Place calls itself Hertfordshire’s hidden gem and, being an exquisite Grade II-listed 17th century manor nestled in 27 acres of medieval parkland, it really is just that. This unique exclusivehire venue offers a manor house with various spaces inside and beautiful parkland for a chuppah, with views of the beautiful cedar trees. There are few more picturesque spots in which to smash the glass! The Hester Ballroom seats up to 250 guests. offleyplace.com

working relationships with kosher caterers and well-known event suppliers and is in the process of applying for a wedding licence, so you’ll soon be able to have a chuppah on-site too. avenue.uk.com

Flying High

In the years since he came back to earth after being Capital Radio’s Flying Eye, Russ Kane has enjoyed a successful career as a broadcaster, author and occasional stand-up. Now he returns to the West End for two performances only with his new stand-up show Unwise… But Not Illegal. From London to Los Angeles and the Edinburgh Fringe and back, Russ Kane returns to where it all started, The Jermyn Street Theatre. Dry, acerbic, anarchic, angry, bewildered, bothered and bemused, Russ takes you on a 90-minute journey through the sheer lunacy of life. jermynstreettheatre.co.uk

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 9

‘Said Goodbye in Words’ Life magazine pays close attention to any posthumous celebration of the life of AMY WINEHOUSE. The iconic singer would have been 40 in July and we have written about the book published by her family to mark the date. But the recent release of images that include Amy in shul for her brother’s barmitzvah (left) make us want to remember her and, in the spirit of tzedakah for Rosh Hashanah, remind readers that profits from Amy Winehouse: In Her Words go to causes supported by the Amy Winehouse Foundation, including recovery housing for women, music therapy and substance abuse education.

Gotta Have Faith

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

THE FAITH MUSEUM, which opens at Auckland Castle in County Durham in October, explores encounters, experiences and expressions of faith in Britain over 6,000 years. Interfaith leaders and academics came together to unearth items showing early evidence of various religious communities and found proof there were Jews in Britain in the 13th century. There’s a bronze Bodleian bowl from the Ashmolean Museum inscribed with the name of Joseph, son of Rabbi Yechiel, to get you started. aucklandproject.org

A sensory garden is one of the defining features of Loveday Abbey Road in St Johns Wood, providing a sense of calm and the perfect environment for socialising, reading the papers and tending to the plants for both resident and day members. It also plays host to BBQs and live music events and recently transformed into an outdoor pop-up art studio for an art workshop, led by the artist-in-residence (pictured, left). Local to vibrant cafés, Lord’s Cricket Ground and Abbey Road Studios, valuable partnerships are being made with the local community to enable social inclusion and enriching experiences. The latest collaboration with London’s American School offers intergenerational friendships that connect the members to young people, who in turn learn from them. Loveday is starting that programme with a talk on dementia for the students who will then lead weekly workshops of bespoke activities such as games, music and gardening. Enriching experiences and the very best-in-class care, so every day is lived well, is the ethos of Loveday. lovedayandco.com

Vintage-Modern Wedding Many new hotels have opened in London, so the options for

weddings in the city are limitless. Arriving in 2018, Kimpton Fitzroy London, occupies a full block in Bloomsbury, with a building originally designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll in 1898. Its elegant lateVictorian heritage works beautifully alongside the modern amenities of a contemporary hotel with warm yet refined service. It has eight naturally-lit meeting and events spaces and a Grade II-listed ballroom restored to its original splendour as part of an £85 million refurbishment. This glorious, romantic space has a private entrance, a full wall of windows and a mezzanine gallery. Best of all, many original architectural features have been retained. kimptonfitzroylondon.com

Holy Houses!

Challishing for a home in Israel?

Tivuch Shelly Real Estate has been selling properties in Israel and building Anglo-oriented communities for decades. The focus is now on owning property in Jerusalem, but if buying in the city seems a stretch, consider the more affordable areas of New Katamon and Arnona. Modi’in, located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, offers suburban tranquillity with urban amenities and top-notch educational institutions. There are also new projects in Netanya, pre-sale prices available in Ramat Beit Shemesh’s Neve Shamir project and affordable housing options in Carmei Gat. The team at Tivuch Shelly will guide you through the process, offering technical design at no extra cost. tivuchshelly.com

10 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

Financial markets are in turmoil and traditional investment avenues seem unpredictable, but long-term investment in Israeli real estate stands strong as a beacon of promise. The global economy may be on a rollercoaster, but the Israeli economy has managed to maintain an impressive degree of stability, despite a recent uptick in interest rates. Hold Real Estate in Israel has been a leader in facilitating property transactions for foreign buyers for 25 years and managing director Julian Nathan says now is the time to invest. “There is a huge shortfall of housing because of the consistent influx of individuals wanting to make Aliyah. There is also a strong cultural affinity for property ownership and the pace at which land is granted to developers struggles to match the rate of demand. With this challenge exacerbating the supply shortage, upward pressure is being exerted on property prices.” Hold specialises in representing new residential projects built by reputable developers. hold.co.il

Your Biggest Day, The Smallest Details

Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. With a history of hosting royals and aristocrats, more than 155 years later, The Langham remains a London icon where the finest events and grandest celebrations take place.

Celebrate life’s milestones in our opulent Grade II Listed Grand Ballroom, rose-filled Courtyard Garden, or elegant private dining rooms. With menus overseen by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr, and a dedicated event specialist to guide you every step of the way, we shall ensure your celebrations are managed to perfection.

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA T (44) 020 7636 1000 | tllon.weddings@langhamhotels.com langhamhotels.com/london

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BOOKS

Alex Galbinski turns the pages of new releases that promise to make you reflect The Wolf Hunt

by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen Lilach seems to have it all: a beautiful Silicon Valley home, a community of other Israeli immigrants, a happy marriage and a close relationship with her teenage son, Adam. But when a local synagogue is brutally attacked, her shy, reclusive son feels compelled to join a self-defence class taught by an Israeli ex-Special Forces officer. Then a black teenager dies at a house party and there are rumours that Adam and his new friends might have been involved.

As scrutiny begins to invade Lilach’s peaceful home and her family’s stability is threatened, will her own fears be the greatest danger of all?

Pushkin Press £16.99 (hardback)

Fair Rosaline

by Natasha Solomons Romeo Montague is handsome and charming and falls instantly in love with Rosaline Capulet. At first she is unsure of his attentions but, with her father determined she join the nunnery, Romeo offers her the chance of a different life.

But when a destitute young girl appears, claiming to be carrying his child, Rosaline starts to doubt all she’s been told. And as whispers of more girls reach her ears, what once felt like a courtship begins to feel more like a pursuit. As Rosaline recognises Romeo for the villain he truly is, his gaze turns suddenly towards Rosaline’s adored and beautiful cousin, 13-year-old Juliet.

Can Rosaline save Juliet, who falls under Romeo’s spell just as quickly as she did? This is a subversive, powerful untelling of Shakespeare’s best-known tale.

Manilla Press £14.99 (hardback)

How to Love Your Daughter by Hila Blum

A woman stands on a dark street, thousands of miles from her home in Israel, and peeks through the

windows of a home in a city in northern Holland. The two girls she sees are her granddaughters, whom she has never met, the daughters of her only daughter. This novel, translated from the Hebrew, is a psychological drama of an estranged mother and daughter and the mistakes that tore apart their family. Blum draws an intimate road map that exposes the limits of our capacity to direct and control the fate of our children. £16.99 Bloomsbury (hardback)

Study for Obedience

by Sarah Bernstein Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2023, this novel explores questions of identity, ancestral shame, exile and the impossibility of return. A woman moves from her birthplace to the remote northern country of her ancestors to be housekeeper to her recently-divorced brother. The youngest of many siblings she has, from earliest childhood, attended to their every desire with perfect obedience and the highest degree of devotion. Soon after she arrives, a series of unfortunate events occur, and she notices that the local suspicion about incomers in general seems to be directed with some intensity at her. What is clear is that she is being accused of wrongdoing, but in a language she cannot understand and so cannot address.

Granta £12.99 (hardback)

Goodbye Eastern Europe

by Jacob Mikanowski Eastern Europe is disappearing.

Not off the map, but as an idea.

In the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse, the bonds forged between 20 nations under the sway of empire of the Red Star have dissolved, calling into question what united them in the first place. From the Baltics to the Balkans, from Prague to Kyiv, Eastern Europe exudes a particular tragicomic character like no other. Goodbye Eastern Europe is

a eulogy for a world we are losing, a collection of post-Soviet states and their movable borders and shifting ideologies, a vanishing culture of polytheism and sacred groves.

OneWorld £20 (hardback)

A Guide for the Jewish Undecided

by Samuel Lebens What makes a belief or a lifestyle rational? How much evidence do you need before deciding to act on a belief? If your religious beliefs are tightly bound up with your experiences and upbringing, doesn’t that undermine their reliability? All these questions and more come to the fore in Samuel Lebens’ A Guide for the Jewish Undecided. Bringing philosophy, science and decision theory into conversation with Jewish tradition, this book makes the case that Jews today have cogent reasons to embrace Judaism and its practices and that this embrace is the most viable way in which they can answer the call for human responsibility.

Maggid Books £25.44 (hardback)

A Mother’s Courage

by Malka Levine Malka was two when the Nazis forced her family into the ghetto in Volodymyr-Volynskyi, a small city in present-day Ukraine. It was the first step in a campaign of mass murder; of the 25,000 Jews in the city in 1939, only 30 would survive. Malka’s father was shot but, before he died, he begged her mother Rivka to ‘save the children’. Rivka kept Malka and her two brothers alive as the Nazis systematically killed the ghetto inhabitants. A few people risked their lives to help: a Wehrmacht officer saved them from being shot and a Polish dressmaker gave them sanctuary. Then Rivka persuaded Mr and Mrs Yakimchuk, a Ukrainian

farmer and his wife, to hide her and the children, which they did, in a pit under their barn, even after the SS commandeered the farm. A Mother’s Courage is Malka’s chance to thank her brave mum as well as all the heroes who opened their hearts to her and her family.

Macmillan £20 (hardback)

The Marriage Box

by Corie Adjmi Casey Cohen, a Middle Eastern Jew, is 16 in New Orleans in the 1970s.

After she gets in trouble running with the ‘wrong crowd’, her parents decide to return to their roots, the Orthodox SyrianJewish community in Brooklyn. In this new and foreign world, families gather for Shabbat dinners, parties are extravagant events and the Marriage Box is a real place, a pool deck designated for teenage girls to put themselves on display for potential husbands.

Casey meets and marries Michael at 18, believing she can adjust to Syrian ways. But she begins to question her decision when Michael wants her to have a baby rather than go to college. Can Casey integrate these two opposing worlds, or will she have to leave one behind in order to find her way?

She Writes Press £12.99 (paperback)

The Guest by Emma Cline

The Long Island summer is coming to a close and Alex is no longer welcome... One misstep at a dinner

party and the older man she’s been staying with dismisses her with a ride to the train station and a ticket back to the city. With few resources but a gift for navigating the desires of others, Alex stays on the island. She drifts like a ghost through the gated driveways and sun-blasted dunes of a rarefied world, trailing destruction in her wake. The Guest – by the author of Sunday Times bestseller The Girls – captures the heat and potential danger of a summer that could go either way for a young woman teetering on the edge.

Chatto & Windus £18.99 (hardback)

Safehouse by James Adley

In 1960s England Adrienne travels the world advising governments and puts her son Daniel in boarding school, which he hates. Eleanor, a sleeper with MI5 moves to an idyllic country cottage with her Irish lover.

When a traumatised Daniel finds refuge there, he thinks he’s found his safehouse. But both Eleanor and Barrie hide deep secrets that fracture his fragile tranquillity with terrifying consequences. In this explosive thriller, we see their lives intertwine and their decisions create a web of revenge, deception and betrayal. Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain describes this as a gripping journey that will force the reader to look in the mirror and ask: “What would I have done in that situation?”

Brown Dog Books £9.99 (paperback) LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 13

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We have amazing prices on shows like Guys & Dolls, Abba Voyage, Mrs Doubtfire, Matilda, Harry Potter, Jersey Boys, The King and I, Moulin Rouge and many more.

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TELEVISION

THE

K CLUB

One former family member is a troubled Jewish businessman while another is one of the most Kris Kardashian, Ben Winston, Khloe and Kim famous antisemites in the world. The Kardashians are Christian Armenians and often wear crosses yet they are also surprisingly “Jewish-adjacent” – last season they even had their first family barmitzvah. Nicole Lampert asks how Jewish are the Kardashians?

T

he Jewish member of the family, businessman and former model Scott Disick, comes from a Jewish New York property family and has continued the family business while taking advantage of the fame he won as a key member of the K Club.

Scott (inset) was dating Kourtney Kardashian in 2007 when the family first appeared with reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. After having three children together, the pair split in 2015 mainly because of Scott’s ongoing problems with drink and drugs as well as infidelity.

Kourtney moved on – marrying musician Travis Barker last year – but Scott remains around and last year threw a lavish barmitzvah for oldest son Mason. He also wore a large Star of David necklace, seemingly in reaction to the rantings of another family member – Kim’s ex Kanye’s antisemitic threat to go ‘deaf con’ on Jewish people. “I have to represent for my Jews these days,” said Scott, about whom family matriarch Kris Jenner says: “He’s the father of my grandchildren and a special part of my family.” Having lost both his parents in

2013, Scott has told the Kardashians they are the only family he has.

THE BEST FRIENDS Shelli Azoff (known as Aunt Shelli) is one of Kris Jenner’s oldest and dearest best friends.

The wife of acclaimed music manager Irving Azoff, she and Kris met when they were 20 and Shelli, who is sometimes on the shows, once berated Kim for showing off her nipples in a photo shoot. The close bonds between the Jewish Azoffs and the K Club continue via the second generation, as Shelli’s daughter Allison Statter is one of Kim’s oldest and dearest friends.

Although she is not a show regular, shy Allison, the PR expert, is always behind the scenes. “Allison is the first person I would call if there was a huge family drama,” Kim once said of her bestie, while Allison has revealed: “We’re basically as close as you get to sisters without having blood.”

Kim paid tribute to that friendship with her KKW Beauty range ‘x Allison’ collection, and recalled in interviews how the pair got ready for prom together.

THE ‘FOODGOD’ PR MAN Jonathan Cheban was a regular on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and the PR man, born to Jewish Scott with Kourtney and their three children parents in Moldova, even had his own reality show, The Spin Crowd, and also starred in the UK Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.

Kim describes him as one of her best friends, but there were worries the pair had rowed when he went missing from her Instagram posts. But Cheban – who changed his name to Foodgod in 2019 – was seen partying with her in LA earlier this year.

Ben and the Fulwell producers including James Corden

Amy Schumer and Kim

in LA. “How am I going to tell everyone what I like and don’t like when it’s her and I curating it together?” wailed Kim. “I always need someone to confirm that this looks good.”

Danielle got her passport, but not until the next episode, by which time Kim had gained enough confidence to make her own decisions, saying: “I think Danielle not being here happened for a reason.”

Kim and Jonathan Cheban

THE LOOKALIKE STYLIST With her olive skin and long dark tresses, Israeli-American Danielle Levi not only dresses Kim Kardashian, but also looks a little like her.

Danielle has described moving from Israel to America when she was a teen as “a culture shock” and said that at high school she “felt like an outcast”, but she wanted to connect with other young people, “so I studied fashion, read magazines [and] watched music videos”.

Danielle worked for Kanye West’s fashion brand before collaborating with his now exwife Kim. Her importance as Kim’s stylist was realised when Kim had to dress herself for a meeting with Dolce & Gabbana, for whom she was curating a show. Stuck on Kim’s private plane in Milan, Danielle had left her passport Stylist Danielle Levi

THE SHOWBIZ FRIEND Comic actress Amy Schumer is surprisingly close to Kim, saying once: “Kim is a support system and I hope I’m one for her too.”

The pair met at a Met Gala event, where they exclaimed mutual admiration and swapped numbers. Amy helped Kim prepare for her appearance on Saturday Night Live.

THE PRODUCERS Gil Goldschein was one of the first producers to turn the Kardashians into reality stars, but when the family wanted more editorial control, they signed a new deal with Fulwell 73, made up of British Jews Ben Winston, Leo Pearlman, brothers Gabe and Ben Turner and their celebrity partner James Corden, who set up a meeting. Winston, the son of famed scientist Sir Robert Winston, recalled thinking afterwards: “Well, nothing will come of this, but it was fun to meet all the Kardashians on a Zoom.” A few months later, Fulwell was officially chosen by the family to make a more upmarket version of their show, which has been commissioned for three more series.

“The best type of television you can make is something people are excited to watch and that’s a big part of the work that we do,” says Ben of the company’s latest production.

• The Kardashians season 4 will be on Disney Plus from Thursday 28 September LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 15

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WHEN THEY NEED US MOST

We are there

Otto has Alagille Syndrome, a rare condition primarily affecting his heart and liver. Camp Simcha has been there for his family since shortly after his diagnosis, supporting them when they need us most.

Each year Camp Simcha helps more than 1,500 family members throughout the UK just like Otto’s, coping with over 50 serious and chronic childhood medical conditions.

Your support this Rosh Hashanah will help ensure we can continue to be there - when families need us most.

Donate online at campsimcha.org.uk/rh23 or scan the QR code Camp Simcha, Amélie House, 221 Golders Green Road, London, NW11 9DQ

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“Our Camp Simcha Family Liaison Officer, Daniella, came into our lives and has been a constant ever since… she always knows exactly what we need.”

Lee, dad to Otto who has Alagille Syndrome

INTERVIEW

Child actress Dana Heath tells Sarah Miller why she has had to learn to be strong both on and off the screen

S

he’s best known for enthralling young fans as teen superhero Mika in Nickelodeon’s Danger Force, where she overpowers villains with her supersonic voice.

But off-screen actress Dana Heath has shown she is just as mighty as her alter-ego, having overcome prejudice to fully embrace being black and Jewish, a heritage she proudly describes as “unique and cool”.

When we speak, the bubbly 17-year-old is taking a break at home in Los Angeles after filming wrapped on the third series of Danger Force earlier this year.

The family comedy show is a spinoff of another popular show, Henry Danger, with muscle-bound Captain Man (played by Cooper Barnes) and his bumbling sidekick Schwoz (Michael D Cohen) running the Swellview Academy for the Gifted, a training school for the next generation of superheroes.

Among them is the fearless Mika, also known as ShoutOut. While others have the power to conjure electricity, read minds or teleport to any desired location, it is Mika alone who has the power to be heard.

That the loudest voice belongs to a girl from a dual minority background is a gesture not lost on the young actress.

“The symbolism of it is absolutely powerful,” she beams.

“That my superpower should be my voice – that’s a big deal and good representation. Though in real life, it isn’t necessarily the superpower I would go for just because it’s extremely de-

structive and not at all subtle!”

Dana reveals she would prefer to “turn invisible or read people’s minds”, something she admits would have come in handy when, as a youngster, she felt like “the black sheep of the family” among her Ashkenazi relatives. Dana, who is Jewish through her songwriter mother Teya, and has close

Dana Heath as superhero Mika in Nickelodeon’s Danger Force

family living in Israel, says she “always felt slightly different” at family gatherings and it took her time to acknowledge her uniqueness.

She tells me: “When I hung out with that side of the family, I was the only brown person.

They were never outwardly rude about it or anything like that, but I always felt different and thought I should look different. It was only as I got older I realised there are multiple ways you can be a person and you don’t have to fit into the norm of what you see.

“Being able to represent two minorities is extremely cool.

Within the black community there aren’t necessarily a lot of Jewish people and vice versa. Being able to relate to two completely different minorities is lovely to be a part of.”

There have been times when Dana has not felt as accepted by everyone, but she is remarkably resilient and says: “It’s no longer something that affects me. The other side of the coin is that some people just don’t like the fact I’m black and Jewish – but I can’t really change that,” she says philosophically. “It’s not something I’m in control of and truthfully I wouldn’t even if I could.

“There have been times where either people didn’t believe I was Jewish or thought I had converted. You see microaggressions where no one’s outwardly rude or racist, but generally people know to be polite about these things.”

Dana comes across as a young woman who is com-

Dana Heath

fortable with who she is, a trait that has served her well in pursuing acting from a very young age. She laughs as she recalls “harassing my mom” to take her to auditions, even though it placed a small burden on her mother, who at that time was working full-time and raising Dana as a single parent.

But the youngster, who started off in musical theatre, showed enough promise that they eventually upped sticks from her native Miami and moved to LA when Dana was nine, so she could pursue acting professionally. Soon after arriving in California, she landed her debut on animated series WellieWishers, before moving to Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy.

It wasn’t long after that she received the call for Danger Force, with the cast becoming “like family” and the set turning into both her workplace and school for the past three years.

Dana splits her day between reading scripts, shooting scenes and having lessons – though the best part is always getting to do stunts, she reveals. As a kickass superhero, she has learnt how to throw punches and spin in the air, but the

most useful skill has been learning how to “fall correctly”.

“I didn’t realise how much of a klutz I was until I did this show,” she laughs, while showing off her love of Yiddishisms.

“I was falling over a lot at the beginning, but then I was taught how to fall in the right way so I don’t end up with a twisted ankle. I didn’t realise how great that was until I fell and realised I wasn’t hurt at all” The dynamic teenager is hoping Nickelodeon will soon announce a fourth series of her beloved Danger Force and is eyeing up the prospect of doing a college degree and has indulged her inherited passion for music with the recent release of her single, Got You. Music is, she says “something that ties me and my mom together” but, for now at least, acting remains her first passion.

“I would love to sing, but only as something I do once in a while,” she says. “For me acting will and has to work out.”

And given her super confidence and super drive, we are sure we have not seen the last of this teen superhero just yet.  Danger Force Season 3 is available to watch now on Nickelodeon LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 19

PROMOTED CONTENT

Events by Knight

d n a t i m a e r d u o “Y I’ll create it ”

HE’S GOT PASSION, CREATIVITY, nearly 25 years of experience and a very large black book – Kwame Knight is your go-to impresario when it comes to party planning. “You dream it and I’ll create it,” is Kwame Knight’s mantra.

From conception to completion, he and his team at Events by Knight will design, plan and organise your function exactly the way you want it. If anyone knows how to make a spectacular bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah party it’s Kwame so we asked him some key questions

What do you think makes a function great?

There are many factors that go into making a great function such as: • the venue • the location • the event design and production • the entertainment • the catering • the event management • you and your guests All of these have to come together seamlessly to ensure you have a successful function, so it is always good to have a professional event planning company aid in the process to keep your stress levels down.

What’s been the highlight of your year?

Producing a futurist-themed bar mitzvah at One Marylebone where we totally transformed the space. It was spectacular. When hiring a dry hire venue such as One Marylebone you have total control of design, styling and decoration. This makes your bar mitzvah unique – truly a one-of-akind celebration. As an event producer working alongside our clients to bring their dreams into reality this is our greatest joy.

When the audience is a mixed age group, how do you keep the balance right?

We ensure that we find out as much about the family as possible before their event. We then incorporate all that we have learned into their function enabling them to have the event that suits them.

What has been the most requested song?

It was released in 2016 and is still the most requested song we get: We Found Love by Rihanna and Calvin Harris. It is a classic dance-floor filler.

What is hot right now in terms of activities eg photo booth, glitter artists etc?

DJ Live, which is a combination of a DJ and live band, gives you the best of both worlds. It’s engaging, interactive and fully entertaining. It keeps guests immersed during dinner and up on the dance floor. It always creates a magical atmosphere from start to finish.

If a bar mitzvah boy or bat mitzvah girl doesn’t want to make a big entrance, what do you recommend?

Everyone is different - some may be shy and not want the spotlight on them while others revel in doing a big entrance. We advise not to put pressure on the decision. This is their big moment and it should be done in a way that makes them feel relaxed. We have had many big entrances and we have had many with no entrances at all and both ways work. There is no wrong or right way to do your bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah event. eventsbyknight.co.uk info@eventsbyknight.co.uk 020 3130 4040

INTERVIEW

Crash, bang, wallop I The man who brought down Northern Rock reveals all in his new novel. By Jenni Frazer t’s sometimes said that if you want something done, ask a busy person.

Such a one is ITN’s singular political editor, Robert Peston, who is opening the High Holy Day season with a flourish. Not only does he have a non-fiction book coming out later this year, but the second in his fictional trilogy starring his possible alter ego, Gil Peck, is out now. And, together with long-time business journalist Steph McGovern, Peston is launching a podcast, to be known as The Rest is Money, part of the wildly successful Gary Lineker Goalhanger stable – including The Rest is Politics and The Rest is History.

All of this is in addition to Peston’s regular workload, including his eponymous must-see Wednesday night politics programme on ITV. So it’s not surprising that in order for us to talk at all, Peston has had to break into a holiday in Corfu; and, laughing, he admits that he’s not quite sure how he managed to write The Crash, the follow-up novel to 2021’s The Whistleblower. That first book was written during lockdown when Peston, like everyone else, was unable to travel as much as usual and so had previously unanticipated downtime in which to write.

For The Crash, offering an unrivalled insider’s eye on the global financial meltdown of 2008, Peston substitutes the fictional NewGate bank for the real thing, the collapse of Northern Rock, which caused an unprecedented run on its bank branches.

Peston’s clear explanations, and scoops as to what was happening at the time, gripped Britain.

To read The Crash is to get a new insight into the murkiness of the financial world.

With a wink, Peston has one of his characters tell his fictional hero, Gil Peck, that he should

explain the complex financial situation as though he were talking to his grandma. All I can say is that Peston’s grandma must have been a very wise woman.

This massive onslaught of work – two books and the podcast launch as well as his regular job – has led to “a completely mad and frenetic time” for Peston. His “Jewish New Year resolution”, he says, is that “next year I’m not taking on any big projects, I’m just going to concentrate on family and the people I love”.

The year 2008 ought not to seem so far away in time, but in The Crash, Peston sites the reader firmly in a different world – one where Peck is massively dependent on his BlackBerry phones, when iPhones were barely a dent in the market. And Peston is keen, too, to offer a guide to the thinking man’s wardrobe, with talk of Duchamp ties, Charvet shirts, a black Lacroix jacket “with an intricately embroidered floral lining” and Paul Smith suits. Many of these garments are ruined during Peck’s adventures.

Peston says: “I was so totally immersed in the world of the financial crash that it felt like escapism to go back to it. I lived and breathed it at the time.” He has spoken before about “the growth of amorality in public life” and the lack of accountability by politicians.

Without providing spoilers, it’s fair to say that in The Crash, Peston delivers rough justice to some of the political voices we first met in The Whistleblower. Since the planned third book in his trilogy will bring us up to date and include the Corbyn years, I can’t wait to see how he wields his fictional sword.

It was in fact thanks to the Jewish News’ Justin Cohen that Peston was introduced to the people who run the Goalhanger podcast operation. They had originally been toying with the idea of a podcast on identity in 21st century Britain, but during a meeting with Goalhanger’s co-founder, Tony Pastor

(alongside football pundit Gary Lineker), the idea for an economics and business podcast emerged.

When it came to someone he could work with, Steph McGovern’s name came up, as the consumer and business journalist had also been Peston’s producer on the BBC when he was reporting on the 2008 financial crash. “We’ve stayed close friends. She was very excited”.

Giving a name to the podcast was easy in Peston’s mind. “I felt very strongly it should be The Rest is Money because money is

“

I was so totally immersed in the world of the financial crash that it felt like escapism to go back to it

”

something everyone can relate to – and it allows us to talk about anything in the broad space of finance and business. We’ll start by talking about three or four different issues that really matter to people, such as the cost of living, the battle against inflation. Then there’ll be other business stories – for example, I’m completely obsessed with artificial intelligence at the moment and what effect that is going to have on people’s jobs.”

Despite assumptions, perhaps, Peston is fiercely Jewish, once a kibbutz volunteer – and his curiosity about Jewish identity seeps into his novels about Peck. In this second book, even more than the first, Peston’s own upbringing as the son of a couple raised in an observant Jewish home, who had virtually abandoned observance in favour of assimilation in wider British society, is clearly examined. He says: “I grew up in a household

where my father [the Labour life peer Baron Maurice Peston] was militantly atheist. He became this arch-rationalist at the London School of Economics and decided all religion was hocus-pocus. Although there were all these behavioural things that he never shook off – he could never bring himself to eat bacon or pork sausages, for example. The only thing he would cook for himself was cholesterol on a plate (this turns out to be worsht and eggs)”.

His mother, says Peston, “was a terrific Jewish cook and baker, who made the best chicken soup I’ve ever eaten in my entire life, the best latkes... she was more agnostic, but he was militantly anti-religion. And they were also desperately assimilating, going up in the world. That was our nuclear family, but then if you met any of my aunts, uncles, cousins – they were all committed to the faith.

“So it was a bit like growing up with a split identity. There were all these emigré characters: my mother’s grandfather was still alive when I was young, and he was an eccentric old man who shuffled around and spoke Yiddish all the time. So I had this very confusing experience of our own family, and then being surrounded by people who were not that far from the shtetl.”

Because of such mixed messages, he says, the adolescent Peston “devoured” books by Isaac Bashevis Singer or “almost every Jewish author on the planet”. So Jewish identity, for him, is “a big part of who I am, but working out exactly what that is has always intrigued me”.

He has a final, gnomic message summing up his feelings about Yom Kippur: “Guilt follows me around like a stray dog, though I can never name the dog or the guilt. Atoning is liberation for me – and the dog.” The Crash, by Robert Peston is published by Zaffre on 14 September, priced £16.99; The Rest is Money podcast launches this month

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 21

Strictly

FLAMENCO Debbie Collins twirls in to the surprisingly Jewish dance with Dame Arlene Phillips and her new star

W

e may not shy away from foot stomping but, unlike the hora, flamenco isn’t an obviously Jewish dance. Dame Arlene Phillips and Karen Ruimy will tell you that it is and they are bringing back House of Flamenka, a decadent fusion of flamenco and contemporary dance, to the Sadlers Wells Theatre.

The dancers, both Jewish, know that the Inquisition in 1478 was not as efficient as history suggests at evicting Spain’s Jews and the many who remained and ‘converted’ to Catholicism still made an impact on flamenco rhythms as they derive from our religious songs. “The dance actually has deep roots in Jewish tradition,” says Karen, who grew up in Morocco with “super-traditional Sephardi parents.

“We left in 1972 due to political tension and emigrated to Paris where my siblings were going to university. I’d been dancing from a young age, but just for fun, and each summer went to Marbella to study flamenco. By my 20s, I was performing in small Parisian restaurants, but not telling my parents. I worked really hard and got my MBA and a successful career in banking, but I wasn’t happy.”

Cue the staccato clickclacking of heels. “In my late 20s, I had this huge awakening, quit my job and became a spiritual writer, then a guide and healer.

It came very naturally to me. My parents didn’t want me to give up the high-powered career, but could see how much happier I was.”

Karen was happier still when she created a show in Paris with her Spanish teacher and 20 years of dance followed.

“When I put the music on, it’s about

22 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

connecting to a higher energy, and being on stage is totally a sacred moment where I’m not myself – I’m in another world, like in meditation.”

It was Karen’s teacher who connected her with Arlene. Karen says: “I freaked out when we met as she’s a very cool lady, but we clicked and the show was formed.”

“Meeting Karen was a joy,” concurs Arlene. “She was a woman after my own heart: driven, adventurous, generous and spiritual – she lives life to the full. And yes, we both love to gossip, maybe due to our Jewish backgrounds and Friday night chats.”

Arlene and Karen connected over their love of flamenco

Karen is currently in rehearsals from changes by the Dame.

9am to 7pm each day, “and Arlene is there “I knew the show needed reworking – every step of the way,” she says, which some new music, clarifying the story – and adds to the pressure of being the star turn.

I was ready to make [them].”

“I don’t want to disappoint Arlene. She With a cast of flamenco dancers from pushes you and, because she isn’t ‘from’ Spain and contemporary dancers from the flamenco, she’s more subjective.”

UK, rehearsals were slowed down by the As a judge on Strictly Come Dancing need for a language interpreter. “And each group had to learn a style which they had and So You Think You Can Dance?, not been trained in,” adds Arlene. being subjective is second nature to the More UK, European and US dates are choreographer and director of West planned, so Karen will be on the road, but End and Broadway musicals, among she and her husband regularly flit from them Matador, based on the bullfighter their Belgravia home to Marrakesh, while El Cordobés. she moves between her various jobs as a “I studied basic flamenco but never performed it,” says Arlene who, at 80, turns spiritual teacher and managing her lifestyle brand Kalmar. How she fits in flamenco back time when she twirls. “When I was dancing no one knows. asked to do the staging for Matador in ’91, “Most people don’t believe me when I I jumped at the chance. It was brilliantly tell them I am one [a flamenco dancer], but choreographed by Rafael Aguilar and, I am happiest on the stage,” she says as she ever since, I’d wanted to create a show returns to rehearsals to click heels. based around flamenco dancers but with a twist. Actually, two weeks House of Flamenka returns to the after the birth of my daughter Peacock Theatre 17 – 28 October 2023.

Abi, who is now 32, I was in daily sadlerswells.com classes with Rafael and loved it!”

Karen keeps up her Jewish traditions. “I make Shabbat, celebrate the holidays. My husband is more religious and attends Marble Arch Synagogue, whereas I am more spiritual.”

This spirituality extends to flamenco which, she says, is a “devotion”, adding: “You have to feel it and connect with the audience.”

House of Flamenka first ran in 2022 and opens again with Arlene and Karen co-created House of Flamenka

Charity Reg No 802559.

Leon and his son, Michael, taking part in Rosh Hashanah celebrations at The Sam Beckman Centre for people living with dementia.

For Leon, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree When Leon was diagnosed with dementia, Michael went from being a full-time son to a full-time carer. He moved in with his dad and quickly turned to the Jewish Care Direct helpline.

Michael was referred to our Family Carers Team who provide him with ongoing guidance, whilst Leon attends our dementia day centre, giving his son the respite he needs.

Leon had always been a caring father and now the roles are reversed. As they say, the apple never falls far from the tree.

Jewish Care is supporting Leon, Michael and the hundreds of families in our community who are living with dementia. Please show your support this Rosh Hashanah.

To make a donation, please call 020 8922 2600, visit jewishcare.org/roshhashanah or scan here

Thank you.

6846 Jewish Care RH 2023 (JN FP) v1.indd 1

07/09/2023 15:04

KAREN RUIMY

Holborn

PRESENTS

sadlerswells.com

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ARLENE PHILLIPS

A WORLD OF PURE DECADENCE AND FANTASY A SHOW THAT CONSTANTLY DAZZLES LOVE LONDON LOVE CULTURE

Sadler’s Wells West End

17 – 28 October 2023

INTERVIEW

PRINT HAVING COMPILED THE WORLD’S BIGGEST MAGAZINE COLLECTION, JAMES HYMAN WANTS TO SAVE IT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

BY BRIGIT GRANT

L

“

ook at this. Just look at this!”

Balancing precariously at the top of a ladder, James Hyman lurches forward, waving a copy of Omni, a little-known American sci-fi magazine that stopped publishing in 1995.

“This issue is from 1983, just look at the coverline,” gushes James as he reads aloud the tag. “It’s incredible how computers are becoming as sophisticated as humans. Forty year-old content predicting the age we are living in. I find this stuff all the time. And every magazine, irrespective of whether it is Vogue, Playboy, The Sunday Times or New Scientist. reveals moments in history that present the future.”

James Hyman is a magazine fiend. He has tens of thousands of them – and his archive, HYMAG, has been officially confirmed as the largest collection in the Guinness World Records. But that was back in 2012, when he had 53,012 magazines and was suitably chuffed to be recognised. Now, as he points out, “it’s probably one of the only Guinness records, apart from growing your nails, that you beat every day, because I kept on acquiring them”.

Until recently the archive was stacked, piled and catalogued on to more than 3,000 feet of shelving inside a former cannon foundry in Woolwich. The historic space was a fitting resting place for such print beauties as the first edition of Tatler (1901) Kate Moss’s first cover (The Face 1990) and a copy of John O London’s Weekly from 1938 with a front-page story about the future of the Jews. To single out one or two from the multitude runs the risk of insulting James’ efforts as a collector, for the archive is a labour of love and an invitation to see, smell and touch them is a privilege for anyone who truly loves magazines.

Raised in St John’s Wood, James was a pupil at St Paul’s and soon moved on from collecting The Beano, The Dandy and Mad as a kid, to Rolling Stone,

Empire and Smash Hits as a teenager, all of which he never threw away.

He intended to study Latin at Manchester, but a summer job in MTV Europe’s press office proved too enjoyable to give up. So he stayed and did a media and film degree at London’s Guildhall University on the side to keep his parents happy (securing a first BA Hons).

Post-degree, he became a broadcaster, TV and film music supervisor, then a DJ on XFM for seven years, but his penchant for periodicals constantly proved an asset when he was a script writer preparing research for bigname interviews.

“I had to constantly write these soundbites for presenters and, rather than have them saying something banal about Madonna or ask David Bowie or George Michael about their favourite colour, I gathered solid information from four-page features in Rolling Stone or NME and fished out the good quotes,” says James, who worked on a ‘buy a mag for work and one for me’ principle, inevitably keeping them both.

“I was looking at NMEs in the archive only the other day and the detail of the interviews and features… well, they’re diaries documenting the period. There’s so much meat, it’s like the Midrash.”

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 25

INTERVIEW An odd comparison, but not for James who, since losing his photographer father Basil three years ago, has become more observant. This life change has also reignited his appreciation for the other part of his collection – the library of more than six million press cuttings that he inherited from German archivist Edda Tasiemka who, together with her husband Hans, provided essential research for London’s journalists for many years.

Edda who died in 2019, was 95 and still working when she gifted the archive to James, after Robert Maxwell and Eddie Shah had offered her millions to buy it. James loved her and admired her so much; he includes her in his “thanks to Hashem”.

James’ parents and the various friends he lived with were less appreciative of his ever-burgeoning magazine collection, which took a toll on all their floorboards – “they cracked” – eventually forcing him to put everything in storage in the early 90s. And there it remained until 2011, when he was introduced to curator Tory Turk, who had worked for Somerset House, The V&A and such, and she helped him to first catalogue his vast CD collection and then start on the 300 crates of magazines.

“I hadn’t seen them for 25 years, so I was terrified they might have been water-damaged or bug-infested, but amazingly, only one crate was slightly affected.”

It took a year to archive the magazines, during which time they moved premises, but wherever James landed there was a demand for HYMAG’s services.

“The Guinness record also attracted an investor who saw the commercial value in the rich content,” he explains. “And that is ultimately what this is all about – content.

What I have is an untapped valuable resource. Hundreds of stylists, designers, writers, broadcasters, universities, law firms and media agencies contact us for their projects.”

James cites a few, among them such specific requests as the ad agency looking for a celeb casually wearing Fred Perry. “Because the archive isn’t fully digitised, Tory and I had to go through every single NME from the 60s to the present day, praying there would be someone on the cover wearing Fred Perry, and lo and behold, that someone was Blur’s Damon Albarn looking casual at James initially intended to study Latin but later did a media and film degree Glastonbury in 1997!”

James and Tory also found rare requested 90s adverts for Nike from various publications, an obscure image of The Beatles for a film about them and a crime case that was only documented in GQ. “There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ request, as we discovered when a student needed our help for her dissertation on architecture featured in Playboy!

The ‘bachelor pad’ was coined by the mag apparently.”

The myth about Google having all the answers accounts for HYMAG’s many requests from people willing to pay the hourly rate for access and assistance.

But instead of expanding due to demand, HYMAG has left the building. The Royal Arsenal complex in Woolwich is no longer home; in fact, the collection is homeless and James’ mantra for HYMAG is ‘physical, digital, spiritual’ 26 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

back in crates. “Storage costs are astronomical and, with so many enquiries, we need a lot more staff,” admits James, who has added his company to his prayers.

“I know I’m blessed with two children and an understanding wife, but I can’t give up on this because I know if we could continue to digitise it, scale up and make it available to more people, it would become a utility like the British Library, but far more accessible.

“We have already begun the process, securing exclusive digital rights to such style bibles as The Face and i-D. The knowledge potential in the age of AI [and] ChatGPT is phenomenal.”

A museum dedicated to magazines that are also available physically is James’ dream, and one that will benefit school and university students who will learn from history.

“Did you know there is scientific proof that you learn more reading a newspaper, magazine or book than staring at a screen?” he says. “Not that one is better than the other as they go hand in hand. They are symbiotic.

My mantra for HYMAG is ‘physical, digital, spiritual.’”

Smiling and tentatively optimistic about HYMAG’s future, he climbs the ladder to empty another shelf. “Look at this,” he shouts picking up a 1991 copy of Vanity Fair with Streisand on the cover. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

‘Discover, Trust, Protect and Preserve’ are the words on HYMAG’s business card and they don’t need explaining to anyone who loves magazines and understands how we need to save published history to inform our future.

Visit HYMAG.com for more details

This page: Just some of the magazines in James Hyman’s collection, which is the largest in the world. It is currently homeless and only partially digitised but James is keen for it to be located in a museum and continue being an asset to students, brands and others

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 27

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INTERVIEW

Joan Collins

She’s a national treasure who has glittered on screens big and small He was originally dead set against it because he knew how rapacious and since 1951. Turning 90 in May was just another milestone for Dame unscrupulous show business and show business people were! He told me that if Joan Collins, who is embarking on a national tour in October with I didn’t get into RADA, I would become her one-woman show, Behind The Shoulder Pads. With a theatrical his secretary and find a good husband Jewish father and two Jewish husbands as part of her history, it was and settle down. But I got into RADA so never had to be a secretary, although I did fitting to invite the Dynasty diva for a chat before hitting the road find a good husband and settled down.

Will touring again take you back to those early days of acting and RADA? I’ve toured so much that those early days as assistant, assistant stage manager, prop master and understudying every role down to the maid seem distant! But I fondly remember them, cadging props from stores, sharing digs with my fellow thesps and drinking gin from the bottle.

Do you have a favourite town on your tour?

Brighton holds a special place for me as my grandmother and all my aunts lived there and I visited often as a child.

Will the audience be asking questions and is anything off-limits?

We don’t like to make rules, but decorum does apply. There are just some things a lady shouldn’t have to answer!

Your mother Elsa was a dance teacher and your father Joe a talent agent. Was 30 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

show business inevitable?

I suppose it was. We would go to the movies at least once a week and I remember being entranced by all the stars of the Golden Age. Gene Kelly and Judy Garland made me tap my toes in Pal Joey, Danny Kaye made me laugh until I cried in The Court Jester and even Bambi mesmerised me. Who knew I would meet them all just a decade later? Except for Bambi, of course.

Your father Joe was Jewish. What did he teach you about Judaism ?

I’m afraid my father was a lapsed Jew. He never imbued any religious belief in me, but I think my values of hard work, self-reliance and joy in adversity are firmly planted in my Jewish roots.

Joe was a talent manager for Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and, at one point, even The Beatles. Did he help you with your career?

Do you think having a Jewish dad played a part in you choosing Jewish husbands Anthony Newley and Ronald Kass?

Perhaps – I hadn’t thought about it at the time. I just thought they were a good match and I loved them very much.

Joan as a child with her late father, Joe

Anthony was an extraordinary talent; do you see any of that in your children with him – Tara, 59, and Alexander, 57?

Indeed, I do! Alexander is a talented painter and Tara a gifted writer and poet. But I’d like to think that the talent perhaps came from both sides.

You had your daughter Katyana, now 51, with husband Ronald Kass and although you were divorced, you were very kind and generous to him when he was dying, Are those traits instilled by your parents?

My friends tell me I’m a generous and kind person in general. My mother was

Joan with her third husband, Ron Kass

You have four grandchildren; how would they describe you and what do you love about being a grandma?

My eldest once said she was astounded by my energy and that I’d probably outlive her!

There’s a great chapter in my new book about my grandchildren.

What do you remember about your own grandparents?

My Grandma Hettie taught me how to do the splits. She used to keep a scrapbook of all my reviews, including the first one when I was three in a play called Why the Fairies Cried, which said: “Joan Collins makes a very believable fairy.” She was a wonderful, larger-than-life character.

You were so close to your sister, Jackie.

What coping mechanisms did you rely on when you lost her?

I have come to accept her passing and learned how to live with it.

Did losing her bring you closer to your brother Bill?

Bill and I have always been close but, yes, I think we feel how precious our bond is even more keenly.

In such a long and successful career you have worked with so many directors, actors and producers, but what can you share about Darryl Zanuck, who signed you to 20th Century Fox? He cornered me in a hallway one day and growled through his clenched cigar: “You haven’t had anyone ‘til you had me, babe!

I’m the biggest and the best and I can go all night!” I wriggled free and hid in the wardrobe department.

Paul Newman in Rally Round the Flag, Boys! – was he the most handsome man you ever saw?

I loved Paul and he was extremely handsome. He and I, and his wife Joanne Woodward, became very good friends and they lobbied for me to be in their movie, Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys! They were the only ones in the business, aside from Jackie, who have helped me along my career.

When I lived in New York while Tony [Anthony Newley] was on Broadway, we’d go up to his country house and he would fire up the barbecue and made the most amazing dressings. He said: “One of these days I’m going to bottle them!” The last time we saw each other I asked how he was and he said: “Still got a pulse!”

You played Queen Esther in Esther and The King, which is the story of Purim. Did you know much about Jewish holidays?

As I said, I’ve never been deeply religious, although I’m proud of my Jewish roots and I feel I am spiritual. However, my daughter Tara is steeped in Judaism and always

reminds me of the various holidays.

You have appeared in films and TV shows in so many countries. Where was your happy place for work?

Working is my happy place, no matter where I am. Granted, there are locations that have been gruelling, like the swamps of Florida during Empire of the Ants.

Do you watch many films or much TV now and has there been a favourite show or movie in recent years?

I’ve absolutely loved The White Lotus, The Offer, Ray Donovan and Homeland. I am a movie and TV junkie.

You’ve supported charities for many years and support several foster children in India. Do they write to you and what are you most proud of as a philanthropist?

I’ve been working with Shooting Star Chase for over 30 years. The children, and their families, are amazing. How to face insurmountable obstacles with such cheer, with such determination to be happy, is humbling. I was always involved with children’s charities because my youngest daughter had a dreadful accident when she was eight. She was seriously brain damaged and wasn’t expected to live. If she did live, she wasn’t expected to walk or talk again. It took many years but, luckily, we had the resources to be able to rehabilitate her. She is a miracle.

But many of these families do not have the resources I had and this is where the charity steps in. I admire the staff so much because they work tirelessly with limited resources. Are you aware that the NHS spends limitless resources saving these children who would otherwise probably die, then hands them over to the parents and says “Shooting Star hospice will help you”, but the hospice gets little to no funding from the government to support these families?

It’s disgraceful.

What do you most dislike about the 21st century?

Intolerance dressed up as tolerance.

What is the most valuable life lesson you have learnt?

Don’t miss anything that won’t miss you.

Which beauty product do you never leave home without?

Lipstick!

What is your most precious possession?

My health.

Dame Joan Collins will be in St Albans on 9 October. For tickets visit: amickproductions.co.uk/ dame-joan-collins From top: Joan with her ex-husband Anthony Newley and their children; Joan with Anthony and LIFE Jackie jewishnews.co.uk 31 and Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward; Joan with her sister and brother Bill; Joan with Paul and Joanne in the film Rally ’Round the Flag, Boys!

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INTERVIEW

The Book of

The campaigner, philanthropist and television legend shares her life lessons and memories of Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton

D

ame Esther Rantzen needs no introduction. A celebrity who has been on the small screen since 1973, her most recent appearances on frivolous shows such as Celebs Go Dating, or the more essential Watchdog-like Esther Rantzen’s House Trap, were all made as she maintained her duties as patron/vice president of 55 charities, among them her own Childline, for which she was a volunteer counsellor on the helpline.

But it was as producer and presenter on That’s Life! that Esther became the mainstay of consumer journalism and a touchstone for the British public when things needed fixing. It was only when I needed something fixing that I realised Esther was not just the face of the BBC magazine show, but genuinely committed

Esther Rantzen filming That’s Life! in 1976

to finding solutions and giving a voice to the aggrieved.

Our paths crossed years ago, when I was a journalist in Hampstead, where she lived with her late husband Desmond Wilcox. Always charming and forgiving of bothersome local reporters, it was Esther to whom I turned for help when my father drowned in a rip current in Israel on 6 October1989. There was no interest from other media outlets for my concern for beach safety, and although buffers and more lifeguards have been introduced in Herzliya since, at the time only Esther listened, then featured the story on That’s Life!

What her actions meant to my late mother was summed up in her letter of thanks, but the TV presenter remains a personal hero and I cried when she

Esther Rantzen is made a dame by the Princess Royal in 2015

announced in May that she had stage 4 lung cancer. But Dame Esther remains resolute and, while undergoing treatment wrote a book, Older & Bolder: My A-Z of surviving almost everything.

The title is self-explanatory, but she agreed to talk about the book, her interests and the new film her own hero.

What was the story selection process for That’s Life!?

There were two possible reasons [for story inclusion]. Either the story was so serious we had to report it and sometimes, as in your case, it was a matter of life and death.

Or it was far less serious, a faulty washing machine for instance, but affected many people. Either way, we depended on the courage of people like you, who told us what had happened in their lives and allowed us to tell their stories in order to protect others. Thanks to them, and because of very big viewing audiences we were able, literally, to save lives. Yours was a very serious, very important story, so thank you.

Is fixing things for others instinctive for you?

Making a difference is addictive. Most television programmes entertain, some enlighten, some warn, but the irresistible aspect of working on That’s Life! was that viewers let us know whether we were making a difference to their lives. I first experienced this when I was a researcher

34 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

Esther Rantzen with her husband, Desmond Wilcox, and their children in 1982

for Bernard Braden on Braden’s Week.

That consumer programme gave me a taste for finding solutions to protect people in the future. And it meant as a journalist I was not only asking questions but trying to find answers.

Who is your oldest friend and what sustains that friendship?

My sister Scilla is my best friend and has, of course, been there all my life. No matter how complex or tricky, she is always there with wisdom and good advice. I also have other close friends whom I turn to for advice, comfort and laughter.

Is there a gift from your late husband that has particular significance?

Our garden in the New Forest. It gives

Nicholas Winton on That’s Life! reunited with Vera Gissing

Esther set up Childline, a helpline for children, in 1986

me constant pleasure and is filled with memories of our life together.

What do you most cherish about being a mother and grandmother?

The fun of it. Hearing children laugh is irresistible, hence the joy of playing games such as drawing consequences. And treasure hunts. And story-telling. And the unexpected cuddle. Nothing can be nicer or more precious.

What matters most now about your faith?

I recognise how much I owe to being Jewish. The closeness of my family, the priority of education, the culture we share as Jews are the basis of so many of my values. And I have found that it’s very important to be a member of a minority, and to recognise how much the tolerant majority has given me, in terms of opportunities and experiences. We Jews need to pass on the same tolerance and opportunities to other minorities, don’t we? I have an observant daughter and she constantly keeps me in touch with the High Holy Days, but I have become agnostic myself over the years.

Do you watch the news?

Constantly. Much of it so depressing I’m grateful for any tiny rays of light relief in the bulletins. So although it’s unfair, I enjoyed recent headlines about scandalous alleged thefts from the British Museum.

Appalling as their incompetence was, at least it didn’t result in warfare – except between museum staff. But overriding everything else in the news are the twin dangers of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and climate change. Optimism is difficult but hope is necessary.

What are your favourite programmes?

Anything involving antiques (ever hopeful I might find something in my attic of value, hasn’t happened yet), love quizzes, some documentaries and anything I can find about Australian Border Security. The things people try to smuggle in! Constantly mind-boggling.

As someone who has always campaigned, do you think enough is being done now?

We had viewing audiences of 15-20 million, which meant we could change attitudes and provide useful information. Reaching such large audiences is harder these days, although not, it seems, for influencers.

We need to be constantly alert to the dangers affecting young people. And organisations are not nearly accountable enough to their clients and customers.

When we launched Childline, I was warned by an American psychiatrist: “On day one, an organisation aims to serve its clients.

From day two, its main aim is to protect itself.” And isolated older people run the risk of being even more isolated by the digital switchover. We need to be advised and guided by humans, not just by robots in call centres. When we launched The Silver Line helpline, one of our first callers told us: “When I get off the phone I feel like I’ve joined the human race.” An older person should never feel they are not a valued member of the human race. We all have our place.

Any thoughts about wokeism?

I’m broadly in favour of wokishness.

The recent appalling example set by the Spanish Football Association shows how far we have come from that oldfashioned sexist arrogance I had to learn to navigate when I was young. It wasn’t great, and the world definitely needed to change. But it’s crazy to push the pendulum too far, and try to outlaw crucial words and concepts such as ‘mother’ and ‘breastfeeding’.

Come on, guys (and girls), have a bit of common sense. Vive la différence.

What is the most important reason to buy your book?

Enjoyment. I’m sure us oldies welcome the chance to say what we think – I remember

some of my best street interviews were with people over the age of 60, who knew what they thought and why they thought it. I include some of my most outstanding memories in my very lucky life, for instance, things I discovered about Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth, both of whom I have had the privilege of meeting. I also have some well-honed views about health, food, loneliness and child-rearing among many other topics, which you may or may not agree with, but are fun to discuss. But then my generation has always enjoyed discussing all kinds of stuff without being “cancelled” for it.

You played a very important role in the life of Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton when you reunited him with some of the 669 adults he had rescued as children from the Nazis on That’s Life! in 1988. The upcoming biopic One Life recreates that moment.

Have you seen the film?

The feature film is extremely moving.

The stories of the children he saved, and the vision and courage of their families, is extraordinary. Alongside the achievements of Nicky and his team in rescuing the children, I was especially glad to see how wonderful his mother’s work was in persuading the Home Office to let the children in.

Actor Sam Spiro portrays you in the film. Is it accurate?

I watched her with my daughter. And I have to admit, sorry Sam, she made me guffaw. It is slightly strange to see oneself as others see you.

How did you feel during the actual reunion?

It was the only occasion when I had to stop the recording. I was in tears, as was the whole audience. Such an inspirational moment. All our team felt privileged to be in the studio.

And it was the start of a friendship with Nicky that meant so much to me.

Anthony Hopkins as Nicolas Winton in the That’s Life! reunion scene

Helena Bonham Carter as Nicholas Winton’s mother, Barbara

Did Sir Nicholas say anything to you that you still treasure?

Over the years I learned so much from him. He never talked about ‘the Holocaust’, because he said that, tragically, there have been other holocausts, for example, the massacre in Rwanda. He believed the crucial lessons were the ones humanity must learn from history. And he was always hopeful that solutions could be found if you are determined enough. He said: “I have a motto that if something isn’t blatantly impossible, then there must be a way of doing it.” He also told me that on his 90th birthday he had decided not to turn down an invitation to do anything for the first time, hence he went up in a microlight piloted by the daughter of one of the children he had saved, which he found very draughty up his trouser legs.

Esther spoke to Brigit Grant

• Older and Bolder: My A-Z of surviving almost everything is published by Ebury, priced £16.99 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 35

36 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

INTERVIEW

NAS

HAVE WE GOT

FOR YOU!

The ‘One Minute with...’ internet star talks to Nicole Lampert about breaking up, starting up and his Twitter bet for peace in the Middle East

N

useir Yassin, the Palestinian Israeli who is known by his 60 million social media fans on Nas Daily, is used to sharing all aspects of his life publicly.

So when he split up with fellow Israeli Alyne Tamir – his Jewish and Mormon girlfriend of six years – earlier this year, he didn’t hesitate to make a film about it with her detailing both their sadness and what went wrong (basically he is too obsessed with his work).

It’s heartbreaking – both of them are in tears. And it is also weirdly slick. It is his most popular video this year, with more than 50 million views and that is perhaps no surprise.

While the celebrities of yesteryear do ever more to hide their private lives, there is a generation of content producers like Nuseir and Alyne (her account is Dear Alyne) whose success relies on them being totally open with their community.

“I have come to learn that every time I share something personal about my life, people really want to watch,” says 31-year-old Nas. “But it is net positive; I have not seen any downsides of sharing my private life yet. I share everything – from my relationships to my financial status (he revealed he was worth $5million or £4m in February) to how much I make per post, to what I spend. I share everything.

“I don’t get people’s fear of sharing secrets. It’s not a big deal. I think the more transparent we are, the less exploitation we get. And I know so many people were inspired by that video – whether they started or ended a relationship because of it. I think more people should share more private stuff. But having said that, making that video was probably the hardest one I have made emotionally. It is the one where I shed the most tears.”

It is just seven years since Nuseir, who was born in the town of Arraba to an Arab Muslim family, started posting his one-minute videos on social media. A Harvard graduate – he received a scholarship after detailing his struggle to achieve his dreams as an Arab in Israel – he was working as a software developer when he decided to explore the world and to document it with a video every day for 1,000 days.

At first, no one took much notice; but then a post about travelling cheaply in Thailand went viral. When his 1,000 days were up, he’d visited 64 countries and amassed millions of followers and – just as importantly – found a way to make vlogging (video blogging) not just financially viable but also a success. Today, he doesn’t just post his own videos but has a large company that teaches people around the world how to emulate his success. And at the heart of it is a bright man with a mission.

When we chat over Zoom (with him first requesting

that I answer his questions about me before he answers mine about him) he is sporting his famous T-shirt design – showing that he’s lived approximately 40 per cent of his life. It epitomises this man who is fascinated by his fellow humans and wants to make a difference in the 60 percent of his life he has left; he wants to bring people together. And his heritage – as what he calls a Palestinian Israeli who has seen the pain of the conflict from both sides – means that he is only all too aware of how important peace is.

His most controversial videos have been about his homeland. As an Arab, he’s seen discrimination and death, and as an Israeli he’s seen the same. One video shows him describing how a Palestinian friend lost a cousin and an Israeli friend lost a brother in the conflict. His messages are about peace and his hopes for a two-state solution – but he has found himself the target for saying so, with media company Al Jazeera calling him an Israeli spy and propagandist.

“The most controversial thing about me is where I am from,” he says. “If you say the word Israel in the UK, nothing bad will happen, but I have maybe 5 million people in Egypt following me and simply for saying the word Israel I automatically become a traitor. And that applies to 30 other countries around the world. I’ve got this global fan base that has diverse opinions about Israel – but the majority of them hate it. But it is also where I am from.

“That was difficult to come to terms with. It took me three years to feel comfortable saying ‘I am from Israel whether you f*cking like it or not, this is where I am from’. People wanted me to say I’m from Palestine, but I never lived a day in modern Palestine; it felt like people wanted to change my identity. So my Israel and Palestine videos are the most controversial, but they are also the most important to me because they’re my way of fighting back against both sides.”

Because he is Israeli – despite being an Arab and a Muslim – he has also been the target of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which purports to be a pro-Palestinian organisation. “They’ve made three or four statements about me in the past few years, but I love it because every time they mention me, I get more attention,” he grins. “They were furious when we ran a conference in Israel followed by one in Dubai.

“BDS is a 2010 phenomenon – they have zero power. If you look at their social media, you can see they get almost no engagement. They are irrelevant. But the sad thing is they hurt Palestinians most of all. The number of Palestinians who have been denied opportunities, jobs, money, progress because of this fear of BDS is insane.” His vision is something

very different. It is about kindness not attacks – it is about reaching a hand across a bridge. “I get all sorts of amazing messages – maybe 20 or so saying ‘you made me not kill myself’ and that is insane,” he says. “I get emails from parents saying I inspired their kids, or from adults who said I inspired them to travel or look at the Israel-Palestine conflict in a different way.

“A lot of the current media focuses on what is bad in the world – they are all there for a bomb explosion in Africa but never go back when things are going well. So I try to balance that. It’s harder to get people to care about something that is not scary or imminent. I don’t want to be all kumbaya with all this talk about peace – but I want to share things that excite me.”

He is positive about the future for his homeland – in June he even offered a $100,000 bet on Twitter that there would be peace between Israel and Palestine by 2030.

“Economics will force us to have peace,” he says. “With Saudi Arabia investing $100 billion in a city on the Red Sea that’s 50kms away from Israel, it is going to want peace.

There are billions of dollars on the line and that is how peace will come through.”

He has been living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the past couple of years and seen first-hand the very real difference the Abraham Accords have made. “I was in the UAE before the peace deal in secret and now I am here and I have created 100 jobs in this country,” he says.

“Nothing is more beautiful than peace. I met the Israeli ambassador here the other week and it is like everybody is in love with everybody. It’s hard to believe.

“The GCC [the Gulf country trade bloc] is different from north Africa and the Levant – the GCC people are primarily interested in stability and that is why I live here. I think this is where the future is going to be. The future was in London and in America, but now I think it is going to be a combination of GCC, China, Singapore and India.”

He has built an incredibly successful start-up but insists his motivation is altruism. And I believe him – because his biggest talent has always been being authentically himself; bouncy, excitable, bright, interested.

“I think we’re on this planet to leave it a little better than the way we found it,” he says. “If I can bridge a gap between Jews and Arabs or Israel and the rest of the Middle East by just one percent then I am good.

“Media can be incredibly powerful – it can lift populations and crush them – and I want to be part of a positive moment. It is a big responsibility but I wouldn’t trade it for a billion dollars.”

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 37

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Travel case used by a child arriving in London on the Kindertransport

FASHION

1954 Marks and Spencer bra

Fitting a dress at Shoreditch College

We Built

N O I H S FA CITY The two-tone Oxford man’s shoe

A NEW EXHIBITION OPENING IN OCTOBER WILL SHOW HOW JEWISH LONDONERS SHAPED GLOBAL STYLE

W Wedding dress made by Neymar

Hat designed

by Otto Lucas

Rahvis evening gown (1952)

hen the Museum of London called for fashion items by Jewish designers, the community heard it. Suddenly, everyone was searching their attics and deep wardrobes to find that old Alexon coat or the Neymar wedding dress bubbe wore, and what about that M&S bra? For hoarders and savvy collectors, the shout-out was a gift, and so is the resulting exhibition, Fashion City, which tells the story of London’s Jewish fashion-makers and their contribution to the city.

A vast number of Jewish people and businesses made the capital the focal point for global fashion for years and this is reflected in the exhibition content, carefully selected by the museum’s curator, Dr Lucie Whitmore.

“I wanted to do justice to everyone involved,” says Dr Whitmore, who was astounded by the reaction. Exhibition objects had already been identified ahead of the Fashion City call-out, but there were key pieces we hoped to find to compliment them and, though none were located, the response to the call-out was exciting and revealing.”

There was no holding back the hundreds who contacted the museum directly to share the stories of their own fashion careers and those of family members who were fashion designers, tailors, dressmakers, high street brand creators, couturiers, milliners, lingerie designers, furriers, knitwear and crochet designers, coatmakers, shoemakers, embroiderers, feather manufacturers and fashion lecturers.

Set beside this extraordinary list of Jewish fashion makers past and present, the lone

voice of a collector might have struggled to be heard, but it was and the men’s dress by Michael Fish, which is similar to the one worn by David Bowie on The Man Who Sold the World album is included in the Mr Fish boutique section of the exhibition.

Born in Wood Green in 1940, Michael apprenticed in shirt-making and, by the early 1960s, was designing shirts at Turnbull & Asser. Credited for bringing on the ‘peacock revolution’ – a reaction against the dull conservatism of men’s dress – by the mid 60s he had his own boutique, Mr Fish, in Mayfair and became a fashion icon for such sought-after celebrities as Peter Sellers, Lord Snowdon, Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger.

Mr Fish closed in the mid-70s when the trend setter, who launched the kipper tie, left for New York; his return as a greeter at the fashionable Embassy Club in Bond Street was unexpected. He was beloved, but elusive, and the story of Michael Fish is one of so many that shows the Jewish contribution to London fashion and is underlined by the fact that the label was purchased by David Mason and the Mr Fish flamboyance lives on.

Dr Whitmore reflects: “Collating this exhibition, and the individual stories of responders, has deepened our understanding of the skills, creativity and insight Jewish people have brought to London’s fashion industry.”

And although the exhibition does not include items outside the museum’s specified request, staff have created a ‘Tribute Wall’ and opened a book in which families and friends can honour and celebrate their loved ones by naming the contribution they made to fashion in London. museumoflondon.org.uk

Michael Fish outside The Mr Fish Boutique, London

Mr Fish in his boutique

Brown tweed coat

by Alexon

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 39 Bellville Sassoon coat, worn by Princess Diana

Dressmaking student at Shoreditch College

Moss overcoat or Chesterfield of heavy dark blue wool serge

Schneiders Garment Factory

FASHION

N O I H FAS ERS GONE? N IG S E D H IS W E J THE WHERE HAVE ALL L TELL YOU IL W L E K N A R F I M NAO

C

alvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg.

These were the names that dominated catwalks in the 70s, 80s and 90s and they were all Jewish. Too many others to list – Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Farhi, Sonia Rykiel, Joseph Ettedgui… were household names, with many of us owning a shirt, jacket or knickers brandishing one of these labels. You still can, but times have changed. Donna Karan’s 1992 cut-out shoulder dress is collectible vintage; replica Ralph polo shirts are available on market stalls around the globe and naming a Jewish fashion designer of note is a struggle.

But they do exist. And, just because their monikers aren’t familiar, it doesn’t mean their clothes aren’t sought after. On the contrary, every fashionista on Insta wants a Teddy Fresh, and those with nous still crave Zac Posen. And there are others….

Marta Goldschmied Marta Goldschmied is the daughter of Adriano, founder of Diesel. When your dad leaves an indelible mark on the world of denim, it makes sense to follow in his footsteps and her own denim venture is the brand MADE GOLD. Adriano was born to an Ashkenazi Jewish family in Trieste, Italy, where he is affectionately known as the 40 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

“Godfather of denim” and his visionary influence went beyond Diesel, as he played a pivotal role in creating Replay, Gap and other labels. Marta’s contribution to her father’s esteemed legacy is her sexy, sophisticated, grungy denim streetwear.

Zac Posen A name that commands immediate recognition, Zac is a Jewish New Yorker whose interest in fashion design started when he was a child stealing yarmulkes from his grandparents’ synagogue to make ballgowns for dolls. Best known for his glamorous evening gowns and cocktail dresses, he parted ways with his brand in 2019, but he continues to flourish, with a pre-autumn 2023 campaign showcasing timeless dress silhouettes. In the Covid lockdown, he started designing “custom couture wedding stuff”.

Yigal Azrouël An avid surfer, born and raised in Israel of French-Moroccan descent, Yigal draws his inspiration from his travels, nature and New York, his current hometown.

Using high-quality one-of-a-kind fabrics to drape structured, ultra-feminine, modern silhouettes, he is all about the craftsmanship, sourcing furs and embellishments to create gowns for the likes of Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and even Madonna.

Stacey Bendet Inspired by her father’s textile import business, Stacey Bendet (Eisner), the fashion designer and founder of Alice Zac Posen + Olivia, transformed slim-cut jeans into trousers that create the illusion of elongated legs and a lean silhouette. Designer Lisa Kline noticed her concept and sparked Stacey’s collection.

Barneys New York placed an order and fashion developer Andrew Rosen offered to finance the venture.

In 2023, Alice + Olivia is adored by Hollywood celebrities, including Kourtney Kardashian, and has boutiques in more than 30 cities and 38 stores worldwide, offering ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, tech accessories and handbags.

Stacey Bendet

Tara Jarmon Paris-based Canadian fashion designer Tara launched her clothing line more than 20 years ago with husband David Jarmon. A ready-towear line seamlessly blending fashion-forward designs with the quintessential Parisian allure of ‘je ne sais quoi’, there are now 23 Tara Jarmon

Hila Klein

free-standing boutiques and 80 store-instore locations throughout Europe and Asia. In 2018, Tara launched Mirae with daughter Camille – “a brand with great designs but just done differently using luxurious fabrics at a reasonable cost”.

Collections such as ‘Once Upon a Dream’ and ‘Dancing Doll’ are named to entice.

Hila Klein Underwhelmed by the lack of bright and expressive clothing in streetwear, IsraeliAmerican designer Hila Klein was inspired to create ‘Teddy Fresh’ in 2017. The Californiabased company creates unisex clothing by collaborating with artists and cartoon brands, including SpongeBob Squarepants, Looney Tunes, and Rick and Morty, as well as with singer Elton John.

Worn by style-savvy celebs such as Billie Eilish, Teddy Fresh T-shirts, hoodies and jackets are inspired by the ’90s pastel and colour-block patterns.

Hila got her start as a popular YouTube personality, co hosting channels @H3podcast and @EthanandHila with her husband and, combined, they have more than three million followers.

Batsheva Hay Self-described as “a womenswear brand selling dresses, tops, skirts and pants [trousers] with a Victorian and Prairie sensibility”, Batsheva is Laura Ashley’s grown-up glamorous sister and she has always been a fan of the British designer.

Featured in Vogue and adored by Celine

Dion, Lena Dunham and Courtney Love, the designer was raised in a secular Jewish household in Queens but, now married and more observant, her more modest silhouettes fit in with her new-found lifestyle. As she told The Jerusalem Post: Post “I often wore vintage dresses that were appropriate for a Shabbat dinner at the rabbi’s house. It made me feel cool to show up in traditional settings wearing something kind of quirky and interesting.”

In 2021, a highlyanticipated collaboration between Batsheva and Laura Ashley, described as ‘fabulous and whimsical’, united their unique aesthetics.

Maya Bash

Maya Bash Maya Bash is an avantgarde designer of high-end fashion, which she deconstructs.

Defying conventions Batsheva Hay

and reshaping the contours of garments, her colour palette is subdued earthy tones in harmony with the use of organic fabrics.

“The clothes you wear should reflect the freedom to be true to yourself, regardless of the situation or context,” says Maya.

“Once you find clothing that embodies the

right style and fit, you can effortlessly express yourself. It feels liberating and empowering.”

Her ground-breaking brand has garnered acclaim in Berlin, Japan, Moscow, and New York and, in her hometown of Tel Aviv, where she has a boutique, she is hailed as one of the most innovative and forwardthinking Israeli designers.

House of Lancry House of Lancry, founded

by Hannah Sufrin, a Chabad Lubavitch mother with a background in interior design and a passion for modest fashion, has become a thriving enterprise.

With concept stores in Hendon and New York, and a strong online presence, it is a go-to destination for elegant and modest fashion.

With more than 30,000 followers on Instagram, House of Lancry has garnered attention beyond the community and been featured in publications and sites such as Harpers Bazaar and Net A Porter.

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 41

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INTERVIEW

The

Effect

Brandon Baum’s virtual videos have clocked up more than eight billion views. He tells Candice Krieger how he does it

W

hen Brandon Baum left his job working for a well-known film company to become a YouTuber everyone thought he was mad. Fast forward a few years and it would appear that Brandon, or Brandon B as he is widely known, made the right call.

The online star has racked up 13.5 million followers (probably more by the time you’ve finished this article) and is taking the virtual world by storm. for me. No teacher inspired or motivated me, Brandon B’s imaginative VFX (visual effects) but what I loved, and where I was doing all my videos have had more than seven billion learning, was YouTube.” views across his social media platforms in By the time Brandon, who had aspirations the past three years, one of which is about of being a film director, left Yavneh to go to reach one billion views on YouTube alone, to a creative film school in Elstree, he had making it the third-most watched YouTube already taught himself most of the course via short in the world.

YouTube.

Talented and affable, he also runs After completing work experience at Steve production company Studio B, which creates Kemsley’s Sassy Films, Brandon joined the viral videos for some of the world’s biggest company full-time as a runner in 2016. “I brands, including Pixar, Sky, Netflix, Adidas, became king tea and coffee maker while Universal and a number of Premier League absorbing as much information as I could.” footballers, as well as the likes of Jake After three years, he worked his way up to Gyllenhaal, Sam Ryder, Tyson Fury and KSI. Launched in 2022, Studio B currently operates in-house camera operator.

“Then I quit and started working in with a team of nearly 20 people, which YouTube. That makes sense now, but then, includes his mum Samantha – the company’s if you said you wanted to be an influencer or staff liaison and finance manager. Not bad YouTuber as a career, you were a loser.” for a self-taught 24-year-old who, by his own Brandon started working with a variety admission, didn’t get on well at school. of content creators, including some of He recalls: “I remember stealing my the biggest names in the country, such as brother’s iPod aged 12. It was one of the first Woody and Kleiny. Then Covid struck and models to have a video and I downloaded they couldn’t meet up to create videos, so this app that allowed you to create VFX videos Brandon decided to take that opportunity to on it. They were probably as terrible as VFX create content on his own socials. videos could be, but I showed them to my His video shorts are loaded with eyefriends and family who told me they thought they were really cool and that really motivated catching special effects – he has jumped across buildings as Spiderman (159.7m me to make bigger, better and cooler content. views), produced the world’s longest tape “I started to teach myself how to use [Adobe] After Effects, and got addicted to learning. I spent Some of Brandon B’s Viral Videos every weekend and weekday after school learning how to get Ice Cream Statue 885.6 million views better.” $1,000 Firework 300 million views Brandon was a student at World’s Longest Tape Measure 274.5 million views Yavneh College at the time, but says he was “so clocked out”, Spider-Man 159.7 million views explaining: “Education just wasn’t

Brandon Baum, right, and in the studio creating a video, left

measure (274.5m views), set off a ‘$1,000 firework’ (300m views) and created a giant ice cream from a statue (885+m views). The latter – YouTube’s third most popular video short of all time, features Brandon drop the top of his ice cream on the floor and replace it by turning a statue into ice cream. He even manages to magic Nelson’s Column into a chocolate flake. See it to believe it.

By the time lockdown ended, Brandon had amassed one million followers. And a platform on which to build his business.

As for social platforms, he doesn’t believe one will dominate. “We are seeing that platform diversification is a good thing; you know what you go to Instagram or to TikTok for. Platforms are trying to make the entire 360 on them because they don’t want you going to a competitor site, but that’s not how consumers are behaving,” he says.

But he thinks copycat platforms will rise.

“We’ve seen Meta copy X [formerly Twitter] with Threads and that’s proof of concept for taking an existing user base [from their Instagram] and converting them into a new platform. Every platform will start doing copycats. It’s too dangerous not to.”

A growing number of people are using online platforms to learn new skills. “So much of what I learn is from YouTube,” he says. “I love watching Top Ten Fact videos and VOX explainer series. Teachers in classrooms with pencils and paper never connected with me, but watching YouTube videos – that really hits the spot.”

Acknowledging the darker side of social media, he says: “To survive in the next digital

era of where we are going you need to be adapting and understanding where socials are and what’s going on with trends, but you can’t replace experiencing things in real life. A majority of our time should be in the real world, seeing people. Socials should be filling the gaps. In the evenings I love to switch off and go into fuzzy brain mode and watch YouTube videos.”

While much of Brandon’s time is spent in the virtual world, he himself remains extremely down to earth.

“Yes, I’m obsessed about this space and love what I do but I don’t think people should be under the illusion that it’s an easy job. You’re working seven days a week, grinding every second. For a long time, you won’t make any money. If you actually want to succeed, every penny you make has to go back into the business, which is what I do here (Studio B). But I love it and I wouldn’t change it for the world.””  www.studiob.net LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 43

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THE DIARY

Going for

GOLDA It took seven years for scriptwriter Nicholas Martin to bring to the screen the epic story of Israel’s only female prime minister and the Yom Kippur War. This is his diary

9 Jan 2016 Shepperton Studios

2 April 2016 Tel Aviv

Final pick-up day on Florence Foster Jenkins. We wrap in the late afternoon gloom. For three years I’ve given this movie my every waking hour. Thought of nothing else.

And that’s the problem. When I heard Florence sing for the first time, it hit me like a lightning bolt. I knew her story would make a great movie. But I’ve not had that feeling in years. Florence has consumed every ounce of me. I am exhausted and out of ideas.

But I’ve made a movie with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant – you’d think offers would be pouring in, that I’d be sitting pretty. There is a bit of a buzz; I’ve had meetings in LA and London, been sent a few books to adapt. But no one is offering any cash. What everyone wants is a spec script. Ideally, with a big star attached. That’s how I got Florence going. The window of opportunity is closing fast.

For some time, I’d been getting increasingly irritated by any conversations about Israel.

That sliver of land ignites a fury like no other. It causes intelligent people to lose their minds. I know they’re talking nonsense but not sure why – so I buy some books and start to read. It’s not long before the name of Golda Meir appears. Vague childhood memories of Golda on the telly begin to flicker. I remember the craggy face in black and white, those shoes, the fags; above all, a tension. Are my memories of Golda from the Yom Kippur War? I would have been 10 at the time. I think they are.

On a warm spring afternoon, I sip mint tea with Shaul Rahabi, Golda’s grandson. I found him through vague Facebook connections.

I tell Shaul about Florence Foster Jenkins, the movie I wrote about a delusional woman who gave the worst concert of all time at Carnegie Hall.

He wonders if I see parallels. Florence and Golda, a woman who escaped the pogroms, founded a nation, raised enough money to equip an army and led her country to victory.

“I do. They both stuck to their guns and fought for their dreams. That’s what movies are about.”

You’d think Israelis would love Golda.

She created the social security system, built houses and forged a lasting peace deal with Egypt. But they don’t. When the Egyptians and Syrians launched a surprise attack in October 1973, Israel was slow to mobilise its reserve army. More than 2,000 young Israelis were killed and Golda is blamed for every last one of them.

Shaul finds this excruciating and wants his grandmother’s reputation restored.

“If you tell the truth about Golda, I will help you with your script”. I agree to this.

“Why is Golda blamed for the surprise?”

I wonder.

“It’s complicated,” he sighs. “You’d better talk to Hagai”.

March 2016 Great Marlborough Street, Soho I walk with Michael Kuhn, the producer of Florence Foster Jenkins, and a living legend.

“Just to let you know I’m writing a script about Golda Meir,” I tell him. He sighs. “Why are you telling me

Photography by David Katz

this?” One of Michael’s favourite expressions is: “From your lips to God’s ears”. I am expecting this, but instead he pauses before saying: “I met her, you know. When I was 17. It must have been in ’67.

I was washing dishes in the kibbutz canteen when I looked around and saw this little old lady standing beside me holding a tea towel.

Afterwards, someone told me it was Golda Meir.” He thinks for a moment and then asks: “What’s the story?”

THE DIARY 18 July 2016 Tel Aviv Hagai Tsoref meets me in a café on Balfour Street.

He’s unassuming and modest – an old school kibbutznik. Only later do I learn he’s also one of the world’s two leading historians of the Yom Kippur War and head of the Israeli national archives.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve asked Uri BarJoseph to come along,” he tells me. Uri is the other world authority.

They take it in turns to explain the build-up to the war. How a series of intelligence failures led Israel perilously close to defeat. Every few minutes they break into a heated argument and switch to Hebrew.

I nod along, but I’m entirely lost. They keep using the phrase “the special means” – is this code for the nuclear weapon? “The existence of the ‘special means’ has only just been declassified. That’s why Golda was judged unfairly.”

That night Uri sends his paper, The ‘Special Means of Collection’: The missing link in the ‘surprise’ of the Yom Kippur War. It reads like a thriller. Israel’s reserve army needed warning of any attack to mobilise – 72 hours at a minimum. Military intelligence had the solution. They placed bugs on the phone lines between the Egyptian front line on the Suez and military HQ in Cairo. When the signal for war was given, Israelis would hear it live. The bugs were powered by batteries – and, to preserve their life, the system would only be switched on during times of tension. And therein lay the catastrophe. After crushing the Arabs in the Six-Day War in ’67, the military leadership did not believe they would dare attack again. Despite the build-up of more than a million soldiers on its borders, Eli Zeira, the head of military intelligence, chose not to turn the listening system on. When Golda asked him what he’d heard on the system, he replied: “Nothing.” Good stuff.

20 July 2016 A friend suggests I meet film producer Eitan Evan.

We have lunch in a fish restaurant on the Jaffa dock.

He’s charming but, again, the low centre of gravity. He has his Golda stories. “I was a commando in the navy.

We’d sail the boat from Haifa to Syria or Egypt, swim ashore and carry out attacks. One day before the war, we were checking equipment when a big car pulled up on the dock. Golda stepped out with a flask of soup and sandwiches she’d made. She wanted to wish us luck.

She waved as we left.”

Eitan orders fish. I order seafood, but he frowns a little. “When the war started there was nothing for my guys to do, so we decided to try rescuing some kids trapped in forts on the Suez Canal. We set off at night in Jeeps, but were ambushed by the Egyptians.

We fought all night until we’d killed them. When the sun came up, we could see bodies everywhere being eaten by crabs. I’ve never eaten seafood since.”

I change my order to fish.

Spring 2017 There is just too much information to digest: a hundred biographies of Golda, countless memoires, histories and documentaries. I create a spreadsheet. Along the top each day and hour, down the side the key locations: Tel Aviv, Damascus, Egypt – and Washington. The latter column grows.

48 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

Uri Bar Joseph

Hagai Tsoref

Gold Meir in 1969

I begin to realise the significance of [former US Secretary of State] Henry Kissinger in it all. We get hold of his declassified cables and minutes. They paint an extraordinary story. He wanted Israel to win “but with a bloody nose” as Golda put it. The journalist Edward Sheehan summed it up thus: “When Kissinger looked at a map of the Middle East, he only saw America and the Soviet Union.” He hoped the US remaining neutral would curry favour with the Egyptians and Syrians and they’d abandon the Soviets.

Persuading him otherwise took all of Golda’s charm and cunning.

We read cables sent by Kissinger and a memo. He can’t understand why the Israelis were surprised as he was certain they had a spy at the Egyptian high table.

They did. His name was Ashraf Marwan and he was Abdel Nasser’s son-in-law, but Kissinger didn’t know that Eli Zeira, Israel’s head of military intelligence, considered Marwan a double agent and trashed his warnings of war.

Liev Schreiber as Henry Kissinger with director Guy Nattiv

25 April } 8 May 2017 Tel Aviv

David Ivry

Liev Schreiber

Gideon Meir with Nicholas

I have a rough story outline but need more colour and detail. I rent a room off Allenby Street.

Over 10 days I have 30 meetings. I try to track down anyone who was in the command bunker, known as ‘The Pit’, during the war. I meet Uzi Eilam, who headed the Israel Defence Forces’ research department.

“Golda would sit there in ‘The Pit’ smoking and drinking coffee. She never moved or spoke. We were all frightened of her – but she gave us hope,“ he says.

David Ivry agrees to meet. Second in command of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) during the war, he now heads Boeing, Israel. Though 80, he’s a busy man and can only spare 45 minutes at the crack of dawn. He runs through the story of the war and the dreadful toll it took on the IAF. On his office walls hang photos of young pilots standing by jets. He points out the dead: “Killed on the Golan … hit by a SAM (surface-to-air missile).”

I meet with Gideon Meir, Golda’s grandson, an accomplished harpsichordist. For years after the war, he suffered abuse in public by people who blamed Golda for the war. “If Golda had been a man, she would not have been treated so badly,” he says.

He loved his grandmother and is desperate to rescue her reputation. He has a collection of her clothes and the chunky, inexpensive jewellery she favoured.

“I am the greatest living authority on the complex engineering required to support that bosom,” he laughs.

Golda was staying with Gideon’s family when the war began. He remembers her returning to their house after three days to change her clothes. She had just seen photos of thousands of graves that Sadat had dug.

Zvi Zamir

Shaul Rahabi as a boy

He was prepared to lose “a million men” to regain the Sinai. It shocked Golda. “The situation is bad, Gidi,” she told him, but “sorg nicht,” worry not. As we leave, Gidi offers a final thought: “Helen Mirren should play my grandmother. She’s the only one who can do it.”

Jerusalem More interviews: Avigdor Kahalani, the tank commander who held off a thousand Syrian tanks at the ‘Valley of Tears’ on the Golan Heights; Motti [Mordechai] Rachamim, Golda’s Kurdish bodyguard and fearless hostage rescuer. All have details I’ll work into the script; the script that at some point I’ll have to start writing.

1 May 2017 Shaul (Rahabi) invites me to the Independence Day service at Kibbutz Revivim. As we arrive, a crowd gathers at the cemetery. Soldiers fire a salute then the crowd sings The Hatikvah, Israel’s plangent national anthem. I am moved. After, we place stones on the graves of Shaul’s parents. He points out an elderly man standing nearby: “That’s Topol,” he says. He then shows me the tiny room where Golda lived out her last years.

On the drive back to Tel Aviv, I run ideas for the script past him. He nods a few words of encouragement then says: “Would you like to meet Zvika?” He is referring to Zvi Zamir, the former head of Mossad – the man who warned Golda of war and saved Israel.

3 May 2017 I ring the buzzer outside a modest apartment building in the centre of Tel Aviv. Zamir lets me in. He’s recovering from shingles and in a dressing gown. I’ve been told not to stay too long. “Let us drink a glass of vodka,” he says.

It’s only 10am, but I think it best to agree. He is 93 and painfully slim. His autobiography is entitled Eyes Wide Open. And those eyes, they burn.

I ask him about Marwan, the Egyptian spy who tipped him off the day before the invasion. “We treated him like a prince. Each time we met, I gave him an attaché case filled with money and he’d pretend he was doing it for the cash. I went along with it, but I knew it wasn’t true. He was doing it out of bitterness; he wasn’t taken seriously in Egypt. Working for Mossad was his revenge.

I knew I could trust his bitterness.”

He recalls the shocking moment Marwan broke the news that war was imminent and sent a coded message back to Tel Aviv.

Nearly 50 years later, his anger with Eli Zeira, the head of military intelligence, still smoulders. “There was no logical explanation for his actions,” he states.

I ask him about Golda’s leadership during the war. He thinks then offers a clenched fist: “Golda was strong.

Like a rock. That’s all you need to know.”

8 May 2017 I’m packing to leave when I get a message that Avner Shalev, director of Yad Vashem, has agreed to meet me.

He served under David (Dado) Elazar, IDF’s chief of staff during the war, and confirms much of what I know.

But he then reveals some gold. The moment when the message came via the Americans that the Egyptians LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 49

THE DIARY David (Dado) Elazar with Golda Meir

wanted to meet at Kilometre 101 to talk at dawn. The moment when General Mohamed Abdel Ghani el-Gamasy, the man who’d masterminded the Egyptian attack, gave Dado a letter from Sadat.

“He told me to get Golda on the phone – Sadat was willing to recognise Israel.”

Winter 2018

Golda and Anwar Sadat

I have a first draft of the script. I send it to Michael Kuhn, then have a meeting, which lasts five minutes. “What’s the story?” is his only note. He’s right. At 125 pages I’ve thrown it all in. I have another go and begin sweating out the fat. In a few weeks it’s down to 105 pages.

Short of money, I have sold the script to Ted Hope at Amazon studios. He loves it and we discuss the next step. Michael knows Fred Specktor, the veteran CAA (Creative Artists Agency) agent who represents Helen Mirren. Fred recommends the script to Helen. Within two weeks she has read it and agreed to play Golda. Ted wants to make a big war movie on a budget of $50m (£40m). Then, nothing happens.

agent, who rattles the tin with international distributors and raises enough money to make the film on a modest budget. $50m is now $13m. I write out the tank battles as we’ll be shooting the whole movie in an abandoned primary school in Neasden, NW10.

November 2021 Helen arrives at the ‘studio’ for the first time. She is charming, down to earth and bubbles with energy. “I am so excited,” she keeps repeating, and I sense she means it. Karen Hartley Thomas, our make-up artist, begins experimenting and Helen tries on the costumes made by Sinéad Kidao who has leant on Gideon Meir’s knowledge.

A few days later I see the first version of our Golda. Helen sits behind a desk in full make-up and costume.

She smokes, fidgets, worries and frowns as she works her way into the role. The effect is mesmerising. Before my eyes a character is emerging. I am overwhelmed with relief. Come what may, Helen’s performance will be world-class.

21 December 2021 We wrap at 9pm but, because of Covid, there is no party, no hugs or kisses. I get the bus to Neasden station.

I arrive home too exhausted to sleep. The shoot has been a colossal strain.

12 July 2023 Over the years, I’ve become good friends with Golda’s grandsons Shaul, Gideon and Daniel. The night before Golda opens the Jerusalem Film Festival, we meet for supper in Abu Ghosh, an Arab town just outside of Jerusalem. Hagai and his wife are there, but Uri (BarJoseph) has a lecture to give. I make a little speech thanking them all. I wish Zvi Zamir could be with us, but he is now 98 and has succumbed to dementia. We drink toasts to him and to Golda. The film is already causing a rethink of Golda’s reputation.

13 July 2023 Jerusalem

We sit and wait for a green light from Amazon.

It never comes. No studio wants to let go of a Helen Mirren project – they just don’t want to make it.

Jan 2020 Helen meets Guy Nattiv, an Israeli director. She is happy with him. Maybe we can get going now?

May 2020 Nicholas Martin, Guy Nattiv, Helen Mirren and Lior Ashkenazi, who plays David ‘Dado’ Elazar

50 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

Everything falls apart. Ted leaves Amazon. “Now we’re screwed,” sighs Michael, who never wanted to deal with a studio. Amazon releases the project and we begin hunting for money. We turn to Hugo Grumbar, a brilliant UK sales

In the Sultan’s Pool, a crowd of 6,000 has gathered for the Israeli premiere of Golda. President Isaac Herzog takes his seat to angry chants of “democracy!” but when Helen appears, looking magnificent, all that is forgotten.

She receives a prize and the movie begins. Helen and the president slip away to a dinner hosted by the Belgian ambassador. I’m invited and I’ve seen the movie a dozen times already, but how can I leave? I’ve worked the past seven years for this audience above all others, for all those, both Arabs and Jews, who lost their lives in the Yom Kippur War. For Golda, the woman who has got me through some terrible times. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. So, I stay.

The huge crowd is silent, with a bit of laughter now and again. But as the story reaches its climax, Golda tears a strip off Henry Kissinger as she recounts the pogroms that drove her family from Russia.

“I am not that little girl hiding in the cellar,” she spits.

Suddenly, the audience erupts in cheers and applause.

A shiver runs down my spine. I turn around and see an elderly couple in tears. That is enough.

• Golda is in UK cinemas from 6 October

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TEL AVIV TALES BRIGIT GRANT SHARES A SUMMER WITH THE CITY, ITS PEOPLE AND THE SHTISEL BROTHERS In The Beginning On landing at Ben Gurion, entry to the country can be swift and painless or a lengthy balagan. How this goes is governed by the other passengers so, if more than 20 on your flight are told to sit down before the seat belt signs go off, they are ‘first at the buffet table’ types who will beat you to the baggage hall.

Of course, everyone is thinking “yalla, yalla” at airports, but leave Ben Gurion too fast and you miss one of Tel Aviv’s finest pieces of art.

The Menorat Hashalom (pictured, left) just beyond the exit was created and gifted by Salvador Dalí to mark Israel’s 50th anniversary and came with a card from the artist saying: “You Jewish people, the chosen ones, sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for your determination to maintain traditions, for the joy you celebrate and sanctify your festivities, I created this ‘Menorah’.

While you pray with your unshakable faith for the glory of your ancestors and the triumph of truth, I want to see in the

radiance of these clear and joyful lights, a great tribute to your people.” The seven-foot gold Dalí sculpture is symbolic of your trip to a city brimming with culture. And that’s where it started for me...

First Night….

The Vera, an industrial chic boutique hotel is cleverly squeezed into Lilienblum Street. Next-door construction is underway for a Six Senses hotel, but The Vera has nothing to fear. Owned by Danny Tamari and designed by Yaron Tal, it’s a little gem with staff you would drink with, so it’s handy to see a free-flowing wine dispenser in the lobby. For guests. Ahead of our arrival, Olga, front of house manager, reserved a table at LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 55

ISRAEL

Santa Katarina, a popular haunt because its chef is Tomer Agay. Adjacent to the not-so-great Great Synagogue, it’s a Middle Eastern café, somewhat overpriced and no match for chef Asa Schwartz’s breakfast at The Vera. We returned for another after checking out, but the choice of bread, cheeses and fruit juices (nectarine and cardamom) deserved an encore. The hotel’s rooms are small but tasteful, the beds are comfy and the four-storey staircase etched with brazen lines by Charles Bukowski is smart (above). A communal lobby and two large roof terraces are good for meeting other guests, and I spoke to Londoner Judith Blechner, who had come to see her new grandchild and booked in for a month. That’s 30 breakfasts, Judith! theverahotel.com

Art’s Everywhere Renowned for its Bauhaus architecture and bold graffiti, art is in most Tel Aviv alleys and doorways. It was the air con that tempted us through a gallery door but, once inside, canvasses of Swarovski crystals embedded on screws dazzled. Russian-born artist Zygo (pictured, right) is Orthodox and has the patience of a saint as he manually fastens the screws onto the canvas, one of which had 5,000. “I love the crystals because they play with light and colour,” he says and Swarovski 56 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

likes his work. “To look at them together inspires me to know it is possible to have big dreams.” One big dream is Zygo’s proposal for The Clothespin Tower in Dubai (pictured, right). Already a familiar name there, his clothespin statues – an expression of the divine love of two halved souls – have sold and a developer has chosen them as the template for a building. The peg with one bent leg –“an expression of happiness” – will overshadow other towers once it’s built, but Zygo doesn’t know when. For now, his more modest sized work is available at saatchiart.com/zygo or at his galleries.

Remember When….

Neve Tzedek, the Hebrew word for ‘abode of justice’ appeared when Jaffa got too overcrowded in 1883. A jeweller named Aharon Chelouche pitched up first and,

much like Marbella this summer, 50 other families followed. The low-rise Art Nouveaustyle houses soon attracted upcoming artists and writers and does still – if they have a trust fund, as properties are Hampstead prices. I struggled to grasp the size of Neve Tzedek as there’s no boundary, but our next hotel, The Elkonin, has the postcode. It was opened in 1913, also on Lilienblum, and the owners of Tel Aviv’s oldest hotel, Malka and Menachem Elkonin, welcomed Albert Einstein and local David Ben-Gurion. Now Franco-Israeli Dominique Romano is the boss, and his fascination with its rich heritage explains the sympathetic restoration.

Somehow, designer Adriana Schor managed to meld the original stairwells, floors and paintings into her French Rivera theme and we got the best room (in the middle of the building), though there’s a view to rival the one from the balcony at the rooftop pool.

A pool is rare in this part of town and The

Elkonin, Tel Aviv

Elkonin has a gym and a Clarins spa. Talk is centred on its restaurant L’Epoque, the first Robuchon in Tel Aviv, which honours the late French chef Joël Robuchon. Awarded the title of ‘Chef of the Century’ in 1989, his mashed potato was legendary they say, and my husband confirmed as he ate it all. For more history when you stay, speak to guest relations manager Alexandre Assedo. elkonintelaviv.com

back together sent me leaping round the room, but I held my breath until Sasson was in the lobby of The Elkonin.

Just back from the Jerusalem Film festival for the premiere of his movie My Daughter.

My Love, only days before he was in the US shooting final scenes for Apple TV’s Tehran.

“There was a week to go, but the actors’ strike stopped production,” he says. “So I can’t talk about it, but couldn’t anyway, as Tehran is a secret. But where’s Dovele?”

Dov Glickman was on his way after rehearsals for the stage production of cult Israeli TV show, Zehu Ze! A founder member of the irreverent series in 1978, which ran for ten years, he and the now significantly older cast were about to tour. When he arrives an hour late, he is exhausted.

“I’m doing 18-hour days and singing,” he says, and hugs me. Heads turn in the lobby, for Dov, who is famous in his hometown, but, without the bushy beard and peyot, only his eyes say Shulem.

He hugs Sasson, thrilled to see his screen brother as, despite both actors living in Tel Aviv, they’re too busy to meet. The same goes for Dikla when she rolls up, as she hasn’t seen them either. Committed to making a series about the life of Benjamin Netanyahu based on Ben Caspit’s biography, the diminutive producer has the American co-production on pause because of the writers’ strike.

“Bibi’s family stories are so interesting, really they are,” says Dikla to the intrigued actors for they, like so many creatives in Israel, attend the anti-government protests.

“Yesterday they took my photo at the protest outside the American Embassy,” adds Dov. “I told the photographer, ‘Go on, take my picture, I don’t care.’”

The actors and producer are worried about Israel’s future. “An increase in censorship, changes to the laws, the rights of Arab citizens – all these dangers are more tangible,” says Sasson. “It’s not imagination or fear or paranoia. It can happen.”

As we talk, Dov naturally slips into family patriarch mode, chairing such topics as the

The Shtisel Stars The last time we saw Shulem Shtisel, he was drinking soda with his brother Nuchem and son Akiva in the final episode of season entitled Where Does Everybody Suddenly Go? And that’s what we all want to know.

It was never going to be easy to accept that our favourite Charedi family had left the Jerusalem building for good and the weeping of die-hard fans went unnoticed at Netflix. But I was in Israel.

To leave without reuniting all or at least a few of the Shtisel clan was not an option.

Heartthrob Akiva wasn’t hard to find. There were posters of Michael Aloni at every bus stop in town as he’s the star of Lior Chefetz’s Yom Kippur War film, The Stronghold (top, right). Soon to be seen in the series We Were the Lucky Ones and now attached to Ori Elon’s drama about Theodor Herzl, along with Neta Riskin, aka his Shtisel sister Giti, I realised there would be no response to emails. Giti’s spouse, Lippe Weiss, replied with Zohar Strauss writing: “Hope you are well. I am in the middle of shooting a new series for Keshet 12. Let’s talk at the end of next week and try to find a way to meet.”

Sadly we didn’t but, after many texts and missed calls, Shtisel’s producer Dikla Barkai set a date, as did Sasson Gabai and Dov Glickman. Just the thought of bringing Shulem and Nuchem (pictured, below right)

Dov Glickman and Sasson Gabai

impact of artificial intelligence on actors and Sasson’s new film by Eitan Green. “If Sasson says it’s fine, that means he is great in it,” confirms Dov and we move on to the success of Shira Haas, who is playing Sabra in Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World. “She loved doing Marvel,” says Dikla, who is close to the star who played Shtisel’s Ruchami. “I don’t like Marvel,” says Dov emphatically. “I prefer James Bond. My favourite is Doc Martin. I am jealous of the cast who get to be in that beautiful Cornwall.”

Dov continues: “I have a wonderful idea LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 57

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for a TV show about an Israeli man of my age who relocates to England. Somewhere beautiful like the house swap my wife and I did.”

Among the Shtisel cast, Dov was the keenest to travel. “He had idea for an episode about the sudden disappearance of Akiva, forcing Shulem to search the world for him,” recalls Dikla. Dov picks up the story. “He thinks Akiva is in London with the widow Elisheva, but he’s wrong, so keeps looking,” he says. “And never finds him, so you stay on location,” jokes Sasson.

“I like to be abroad,” Dov explains. “And now it’s more urgent because of what’s happening in Israel. But I don’t want the obligations of being a tourist. I want to live like a citizen. Jews have always gone from place to place – that’s our story, and travelling elongates time, so you live for thousands of years.” Everyone laughs at his philosophising, but he stops at the mention of Kugel, the spin-off prequel to Shtisel to be

filmed in New York and Georgia, the former Soviet republic.

Written by Yehonatan Indursky and set around the life of Nuchem and his daughter Libbi (Hadas Yaron) the promised eight-part series does not have a role for Rabbi Shulem.

“So you’re on location in New York?” repeats Dov, eyes glazing. “For outdoor locations and just a few days,” Dikla reassures him. “The writing is wonderful and we hope to start filming this year or early next.”

“I’ve received three episodes, but not read them yet,” says Sasson. “It’s exciting, but there’s also pressure because Shtisel was so popular.”

“So it will be like Shtisel, but different,” says Dov, throwing an arm around Sasson.

“He’s my brother.”

When Sasson’s wife, Dafna, arrives, we go up to The Elkonin rooftop bar for the view and to look up at the stars, but they are standing next to me (pictured, left). Shtisel reunited. Job done.

Where Next?

Airbnb has served us well over the years, but our apartment in Shuk HaCarmel was the first to be described as “sunny” without having windows. The second flat entry by the fire escape had light, a balcony and nightly demolition work on the road, but we were within stretching distance of seedless watermelon, so we stayed awhile. Living within the shuk meant we were up, down and across it each day buying fruit, more fruit, hamsa trinkets, replicas of the Spurs player

Manor Solomon’s shirt and oven-hot challah on Friday. Also on Fridays is another market – a colourfest of craft – on King George.

Puppets, posters and biblical lithographs and the sellers love to explain. So I let them, while the husband walked on.

In Allenby, we ate Hummus at Hummus HaCarmel at the synagogue-turnedcafé, danced while a Yemeni DJ made malawach sandwiches and devoured Phil Rosenthal’s champion eggplant sabich on Tchernikhovski Street. The shuk is so big it was still next to us when we moved from the shabby shack to a spacious stylish studio on salubrious Shenken Street. This is where Israel’s cognoscenti have coffee, look fabulous and shop vintage at designer prices.

The boutiques are inviting and some are affordable, like Marock, where FrenchJewish jeweller Charlène Amsellem lets you browse with no pressure to buy, so you do.

On personality alone, Yoav Glass deserves to sell his knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert) and there’s a bench by his shop, Knafeh Sheinkin, to eat it. Everyone in Israel has a story about their ancestry making aliyah or, in Yoav’s case, the opening of his Arabic bakery with a partner from the West Bank. “You only hear about conflict between Arabs and Jews, but we have a partnership that stands on the principles of peace and love,” he says. There’s a reason his cakes are so sweet.

ISREAL

ISRAEL

Gordon Beach

flavour, the unfathomable way they make a salad so delicious is on another level.

In Tev Aviv, choosing where to eat is the singular task of the day, so best warm up for it in Carmel Market on nuts, dates and a smoothie from juice bar Shenken 7, whose citrus fruit has been waking people up for 30 years, then eat breakfast at the Yom Tov Café. I kept a note of places harder to find in the dark, so got back to carnivore delight M25 and Olà-Olà, a kosher a la mode dairy restaurant reinventing pasta and salads.

The root salad at Herzl 16 is just carrots, cabbage, beetroot and sprouts in yuzu vinaigrette, but if it were available

What A Beach Banana, Frishman, Bograshov, Trumpeldor, Jerusalem, Tel Baruch, Mezizim Hilton... just some, but not all, of the beaches in Tel Aviv, with their own identity and clientele. The Dogs Beach was my top pick, but that’s for the Pet page, but for sunbathing beside physically-perfect Israelis, head to beach bars pumping music on Friday/Saturday afternoon.

The Gordon is a very good beach, away from the crowd, so the Gordon Beach is the hotel at which to stay and it is newlyrenovated by the Fattal chain, which has given it South Beach sparkle.

Draping the hotel with the allure of 1930s Miami suits the property, as Tel Aviv has so much deco, so the neon candy stripes and bathing beauty murals are on point.

There is also a South Beach mood at the pool, which overlooks the boardwalk and where food is served, not to mention a long list of cocktails that keep younger guests engaged.

Pink, the subtle shade, is the colour of the corridors leading to rooms with deco

60 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

furnishings and the lounge bar honours the period with statues and feathers. There is a gym, a spa and all of Tel Aviv just a walk away, so stepping back in time has never felt so now. fattal.co.il

Book A Table... Or Not Discard all the good things you’ve heard about Israeli food because when you get there it’s even better. The freshness, the Herzl 16

in London I’d have it every day. Herzl 16 is a hub for cool people; it features bands and has a New Orleans’ French Quarter palm courtyard.

Kilometrage, on the other hand, is inside Browns Hotel, but the menu – broiled asparagus in lavender butter with parmesan crumble – is unforgettable.

Tortellini in salted caramel butter, another tastebud tingler from chef Idan Bushari whose signature dish – seabass fillet, spinach tortellini on a bed of cream cheese and tahini – made him the winner of the reality show, The Next Chef of Israel and his prize was the restaurant. The Raananaborn gourmand known as Pompey (grater in Hebrew) has a movie-worthy backstory and the name Kilometrage symbolises his journey. Working in a New York kitchen, the stress and isolation made Pompey turn to drugs and he returned to Israel an addict, but was then rescued by chef Assaf Granit.

Then came the TV win. “I went a long way, and I learned,” says Pompey, who now helps youth at risk by bringing them into his restaurant. “You have to go through things, make changes and get to a better place, but that’s not the end of the road.” herzl16.co.il

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From The Heart

Cake By The Ocean The moment dodging scooters and beach tannoys gets too much – that’s when you need a Dan. The Dan Tel Aviv and Dan Panorama are elder statesmen among the newbie properties, as the group’s history goes back to 1947 when Yekutiel and Shmuel Federmann opened their small guest house. Dan Tel Aviv has an air of grandeur and a trusted reputation that suits visiting dignitaries, the well-travelled and rock stars, including Sir Paul McCartney, who played piano in the lower atrium.

From the comfort of the relaxed King David Executive lounge, I watched 50 darting bat and ballers by the sea while eating cheesecake. It may be Israel’s most prolific desert but, in my opinion, the Dan serves the best, so another reason to stay in the grand hotel. At the Dan Panorama in Haifa, I had cheesecake for breakfast, but had to sample the rolls, eggs and salmon to reach it.

Visiting Technion had brought me to the city of hills and, from our comfortable room on the 19th floor, the view was stunning. A vista of twinkling lights on the sea at night, by day became part of the Bahai Gardens and the 1,500 steps without having to climb them. Back at the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv, I ate cheesecake facing the port of Jaffa in another elegant business lounge. The hotel has 476 rooms and head of guest relations Michal showed me the spa, the gym and pool, the city’s biggest. Enjoyably empty for the number of guests, we stayed until late afternoon as I clicked with Michal, who is praised in reviews and allegedly makes great cheesecake. Of course I got her number. danhotels.com

It was our daughter going on FZY’s Israel Tour that brought us to Tel Aviv. While she travelled the country, we received weekly photo updates. For every moaning call we received – “Why did we have to climb a rock to see where 960 Jews killed themselves?” (Masada) – more were more positive. Her visit to Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) made such an impression she insisted on taking us there.

The taxi ride to Holon is no distance from Tel Aviv, but it’s a million miles from the life we take for granted because of what happens there. In the Legacy Heritage Children’s Home, a group of children played in the garden. When they saw our daughter, they ran to her and remained by her side (right). This is where the children live before and after the life-saving heart procedures they receive in Israel, and there’s room for up to 60, as well as mothers, nurses and medical interns, who come from across the world to study then take home the expertise.

At a table in the sunny room, doctors Lise Mumporeze and Gerard Misago from

Rwanda are working with doctors Musa Kalembe Lwara and Zachias Moonde Muulu from Zambia. Sponsored by foundations in Canada, Australia and anonymous donors, there were also two paediatric doctors from the West Bank. Dr Muulu, a paediatric cardiologist, is keen to expand his knowledge and the available care in Rwanda. “There are lots of children with heart problems, but not enough doctors,” he says. “We have only three in the country.”

“That’s why we are training,” laughs Dr Mumporeze, who was confused by the British reaction to her country hosting the UK’s immigrants. “I know more needs to be done with Rwanda’s human resources, but regarding safety, security and life in general, it is a good place to be.”

Asked how they feel about Israel, the doctors all agreed with Dr Muulu. “It feels like home,” he said, which is how it seemed for the mothers preparing meals for their children in the communal kitchen.

“They buy ingredients to prepare dishes their children eat at home. It’s a home away from home,” explains public relations deputy director Tamar Shapira, as the children gather for lunch. Some are just

babes in arms awaiting surgery; others have scars down their chests and lift their tops to proudly show them.

In countries where paediatric care is nonexistent, parents who travel with offspring are anxious, but settle in time as they know what’s at stake. For the young ones who come alone – and many do – there is love from demonstrative staff and volunteers.

A whiteboard has the names and countries of the children currently being treated and among them are the West Bank and Gaza. Tamar mentions that a child of a Hamas leader has been treated at SACH, just another of the 6,600 children from 69 countries whose lives have been saved in Holon.

In the taxi back to Tel Aviv, an antigovernment protest slows traffic. There had been many since we arrived in Israel, as well as endless talks with those on both sides.

But we had just witnessed another side to Israel. A side that has saved the lives of more than 6,600 children from 69 countries and benefited 150 healthcare professionals who, since training at SACH, created centres of excellence in their home countries.

It’s a lot to think about in a country with so much happening and so much to enjoy, particularly in Tel Aviv. The side of Israel that is full of heart is the one I want to remember. saveachildsheart.org

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 63

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ISRAEL STORIES

A legacy of invention

Founded before the state of Israel, the Institute still shines, writes Technion UK’s CEO Alan Aziz

W

hen it comes to the Technion – and the endless, life-changing inventions that continue to come from it – the fact it predates the state of Israel is often lost. At a cursory glance, this may not even strike you as all that significant. But without this academic behemoth – formerly known as the Technikum – at the helm of what was to become the country we know and love today, the state would probably not exist.

For that reason, it is prudent to start at the very beginning when detailing the legacy of this institution.

Because, while no one could have predicted quite the impact it would have on Israel’s social, economic, intellectual and scientific advancement, the potential was all there, ready to burst from the first cornerstones laid on Mount Carmel more than a decade before its doors opened in 1924.

We’re not talking just the wealth of graduates, researchers, professors and students to have sprung from these doors either; the country was literally built, brick by brick, by its graduates – engineers, architects and scientists – who played a critical role in developing the infrastructure of the country and establishing its crucial high-tech industries.

To borrow a term coined by The New York Times in 2013, the Technion is “Israel’s hard drive” – a term all the more apt given that the USB is one of the most talked-about inventions hailing from the institution. Because without the institution itself – viewed as the nation’s backbone – the state would probably have never been voted for in the first place. Thus, its

66 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

role is two-fold, in both conception Of course, Israel’s moniker of and realisation. “start-up nation” is also a testament In 2013, Yossi Vardi, who has to the pioneering technologies first founded or helped to build more than established by the Technion in com60 companies in Israel, told The New puter science, electrical engineering, York Times: “There is a Technion semiconductors and fibre optics graduate behind practically that appeared during the every highway, desalination 1980s and have continued to plant, new missile technoloexplode exponentially ever gy and start-up company in since. The stats are remarkathe country.” ble and speak for themselves: Yossi Vardi some 70 percent of Israel’s Vardi personally has five degrees from the Technion, which in founders and managers of high-tech 1952 was asked by the Israeli governindustries are Technion graduates, ment to establish testing centres in which goes towards explaining how different fields to support the develIsrael is now home to the greatest opment of the country’s infrastrucconcentration of high-tech start-ups ture – a framework for research and anywhere outside of Silicon Valley. development that is still going strong But perhaps more impressive is the more than 70 years later. legacy the Technion continues to leave This – the Technion Research and in helping Israel shine as a beacon of Development Foundation (TRDF) – coexistence and diversity – unarguably and its technology transfer arm, T3, is the thing upon which it is most judged responsible for investing in entrepreby the rest of the world. Today, with neurs, patents and start-ups coming more than 15,000 students, 17 faculout of the university. ties (and one academic department) For the Technion is – and always and 60 research centres, it’s a far cry has been – an absolute powerhouse from the first graduating class of 1929 of science, engineering and medi– 17 students comprising 10 engineers cine, its graduates responsible for and seven architects. ground-breaking and life-changing But it’s more than just numbers; it’s inventions that continue to dominate an institution that prides itself on a stuheadlines, such as the Iron Dome – a dent body that is 20 percent Arab, has mobile, all-weather air defence system a worldwide network of friends that’s that has intercepted thousands of expanded to encompass 21 countries, rockets since 2015 – and the PillCam, was one of the first in the Middle East a tiny, wireless, capsule-encased to open its doors to students from camera the size of a jelly bean and developing nations in Africa and Asia, small enough to be swallowed, that and has expanded globally across hundreds of UK hospitals use today. both the US and China.

Regarding accolades, it doesn’t Because when it comes to leaving get much higher than a Nobel Prize, a legacy that really means something, and the Technion faculty received the Technion – and Israel – has only Israel’s first in science. Of the five Israel ever been interested in one that helps has received since, four went to the world in its entirety, a true example the university. of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Brigit Grant visited the institute White, cool and silent. Technion’s welcome centre is just that on a hot July day in Haifa. But the stillness belies the activity that happens there every day.

Front of house some past achievements are in glass cases in what looks like a gift shop, and they are gifts – for people who take Azilect to treat early-stage Parkinson’s, use the breath test to diagnose cancer or the non-invasive ultrasound to destroy tumours.

And the science keeps coming – “limitless data” and “quantum shift” are all explained by current student and our enthusiastic guide Eliza Kabalkin.

Born in Ukraine, the 24-year-old has just finished her second year in information system engineering at the Data and Decisions Sciences faculty.

Unsure about what she will do post-graduating, she has already been noted as one to watch by the Eliza executive and is not the least bit inKabalkin timidated by the Nobel prize-winners who have gone before.

Staking one’s claim is the ethos of the Institute and Eliza says students learn how to work in a team and make a good first impression outside of academia at T-hub in the Mehoudar Center for Inventors. This is where ideas for start-ups are presented to investors and Eliza cites the glue gun researchers developed to replace pins and stitches as an example. The Argo ReWalk is on display. The robotic suit enables paraplegics to walk is now available to buy.

It’s hard not to get emotional in the presence of brilliance, some of it spotlit in the presentation area in the Technion theatre.

The virtual show’s narrative reminds us that the Holocaust stole so many who might have developed cures at the Institute, which was ranked 78th on the list of the world’s top 100 universities in August. For those who benefit from its inventions it Argo Rewalk ranks at number one.

Tishrei 5784 / September 2023

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FOOD

Habiba’s Deli

Balady

Balady

Kosher revolution

Louisa Walters keeps it tasteful with lots of new restaurant openings Beit Café

A

s I tuck into unquestionably the best falafel in the UK at Baladyt in JW3, I can’t help but consider the cliche that kosher restaurants are a bit like buses – none for ages and then a whole load come at once. And not only in London.

For in Brighton, where the BJNC (Brighton and Hove Jewish Community) is revitalising Jewish life, Novellino Restaurant and Deli is keeping the community fed with vibrant flavours, and a salt beef sandwich that’s potentially worth the journey alone.

Back in the capital, JW3 is the fifth branch for the Balady group, following openings in Temple Fortune, Barnet, Camden and Leather Lane. Cauliflower shawarma and shakshuka take

Novellino

centre stage on a menu that also features a wide range of hummus dishes – hummus with babaganoush, hummus sabich, hummus with falafel and so on.

Thia is not just falafel – this is Balady falafel, and it’s what owner Oz and the team became famous for when they opened the first teeny unit in Temple Fortune in 2019, which Giles Coren proudly declared “unquestionably the best

Mazal ever”. The crisp shell breaks open to reveal a beautiful emerald green herby interior – unparalleled. In Temple Fortune and Barnet there are meat dishes too.

Camden’s newly-developed Hawley Wharf is home to many exciting new places, and none more so than Middle Eastern street food restaurant Mazal, which has Israeli owners the helm. Chef Aviv Baum earned his stripes at the famed

Darna Herbert Samuel in Tel Aviv, and dishes out his expertise in the form of shawarma, arayes, sabich, lamb kebabs and steak, and there is also falafel, hummus, cauliflower and sabich. And desserts – malabi is kind of a must in these places, no?

Darna started out as a pop-up and is now here to stay in Golders Green, with terrific Israeli-style charcoal-grilled meaty skewers and salads.

Habiba’s Deli in Temple Fortune is another paradise for meat lovers, with huge tuck-in platters of short ribs, brisket and duck breast pastrami and fries, corn and onion rings on the side.

Beit Café in Golders Green is a pretty milky café straight out of Tel Aviv, but actually inspired by the food Emi Shamir used to enjoy on the kibbutz where she grew up.

Here, she serves a range of Israeli breakfasts with tempting names

Head Room such as The Yemenite, The Shuk, The Too Much and – tempting for me – The Sweet Tooth. There are also sandwiches, salads, soups and delicious pastries.

Not strictly new, but it is newlyexpanded (to twice its original size) and it does have lots of new dishes, so Head Room in Golders Green is definitely one to return to for a great shakshuka, crispy cauliflower – which comes with tomato salad and rocket – and creamy mushroom pasta with spinach, red onion and cream. There are salads and excellent coffee.

Portoberry on Brent Street is all about healthy organic smoothies,

juices, shots and froyo, plus salads, breakfast and build-your-own poke bowls. You can choose from a range of breads and toast it yourself in your table-top toaster, a cute activity I have always enjoyed at Ottolenghi.

Most exciting of all, Portoberry has recently started serving the world’s first kosher bubble tea.

Portoberry LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 71

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A fishy story Are you British or Jewish?

Fish and chips has the same identity crisis.

Louisa Walters explains

M

y parents had a Saturday night ritual: Strictly, X Factor, fish and chips. This put them on a par with the late Queen, who reputedly enjoyed the same supper when holidaying at Balmoral. There the similarity ended – HRH would send a footman to the nearby town of Ballater to procure it, while my dad had to trek out in the dark himself to collect a takeaway from Frydays in Mill Hill East, widely reported to be the best fish and chip shop in north west London*.

The queues out the door as the Yom Kippur fast goes out each year are legendary (mostly pre-orders).

Fish and chips is considered to be a quintessential British dish, but it found its way here with Sephardic Jewish migrants from Spain and Portugal in the mid-1800s. Matthew Plowright at the Migration Museum in Lewisham says: “Food serves as a powerful conduit for cultural exchange.

Understanding the origins of our favourite dishes deepens our appreciation for the journeys and stories behind them.”

Many believe the first fish and chip shop was opened

by Joseph Malin (who was in fact Ashkenazi) in Cleveland Street in London’s East End in 1860. Fried fish was largely associated with the Jewish community in Britain for most of the 1800s – an association that at the time went hand-inhand with antisemitism. Many people complained about the ‘nauseous odour’ associated with the fish and made disparaging associations between fried fish and the relatively poor regions of London in which these shops and the Jewish communities were concentrated.

Rock and Sole Plaice in Covent Garden, one of the UK’s oldest fish and chip shops, was founded by Jewish migrants in 1871. On Fried fish was marketed as a British dish 74 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

National Fish and Chip Day in June, current owners Ahmet and Ali Ziyaeddin paid tribute to its heritage by wrapping each order in a twist on classic fish and chip paper, with the story of the dish’s journey to the UK printed on each piece.

During the Blitz, the shop was used to host weekly meetings to discuss how to feed Londoners made homeless during the bombing. The British government safeguarded the supply of fish and chips during the world wars and it was one of the few foods not rationed. Fish and chips are so embedded in Britain’s national identity that the British soldiers identified each other during the D-Day landings by calling out ‘fish’ and the response (or password) was ‘chips’.

By the mid-20th century, there were more than 35,000 fish and chip shops in the UK and the dish became associated with ‘Britishness’ in contrast to the Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants opening up. They then became largely run by Chinese, Greek Cypriot and South Asian immigrants, whose own cuisines were also heavily reliant on frying.

By the 1950s the National Federation of Fish Fryers was marketing it as a British dish and referring to it as ‘Britain’s favourite food’. In 1965, The Beatles were filmed eating fish and chips while making a film for their single I Feel Fine.

Henry Mayhew mentions the fried-fish sellers in his book London Labour and the London Poor (1851), in which he remarked on the odour of the frying making the sellers quite unpopular. John Isaacs’ fish-and-chip shop opposite Whitechapel Station was where Brady Club members popped in after club for ‘the best chips in London’. Youngsters would congregate outside on the wide pavement and chat and eat their fish and chips wrapped in newspaper.

Charles Dickens mentions ‘fried fish warehouses’ in Oliver Twist (1838) and, in 1845, Alexis Soyer, in his book A Shilling Cookery for the People, gives a recipe for ‘fried fish, Jewish fashion’, which is dipped in a batter mix of flour and water before frying. Indeed, from the 15th century, Jews in Portugal ate peshkado frito – white fish, normally cod or haddock, coated in flour and then fried. Sephardic Jews fried fish to eat on Shabbat; the batter was believed to preserve the fish so it could be eaten cold the next day.

Earlier this year Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett wrote in

The Forward: “Floured fish fried in oil predates the arrival of Sephardic Jews, as evidenced by recipes in earlier English cookbooks, and the use of oil or butter to fry fish dredged in flour is common to many cuisines.

A brief recipe for frying floured fish in oil and preserving it in vinegar even appears in a Roman cookbook thought to have been written by Apicius in the fifth century.”

She says that whereas the Jewish tradition is to eat fried fish cold on Shabbat, the fried fish in British fish and chips is a different dish. “The fish is battered, it may be fried in beef tallow, lard or oil and it is served piping hot. It has its own long history and there are regional differences in type of fish, batter, cooking fat and condiments, and even the name of the dish varies. Their histories have been conflated

John Isaacs fish and chip shop

to produce the oft-repeated Jewish origin of British fish and chips. The role of Jews in the early history of England’s fried fish trade and chip shops, however, is a whole other story.”

In September 2020, in a film by the International Rescue Committee, football pundit Gary Lineker publicly thanked Jewish refugees for bringing fish and chips, “this national delight”, to Britain to counter the government’s narrative that the refugees trying to enter the UK today are a threat.

From my parents’ Saturday night ritual, to my family’s breaking of the fast to my favourite takeaway, it’s always haddock in matzah meal. That is Jewish fish and chips. *As voted by The Restaurant Club members on Facebook

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Let’s drink (whisky) to a sweet new year The chances are you’ll be offered a glass or two of dark golden nectar over the chagim.

But how much do you know about the whisky in your glass? By Amanda Selby

S

imply put, whisky is a spirit that has been made from the fermentation of grain.

The differences between the whiskies on the market depend on the type of grain used, where it is made and how long it is matured for.

made from one single distillery in Scotland and come from one of the five regions of Lowland, Highland, Speyside, Islay or Campbeltown. Fruitful Spirits’ Old and Rare Selection Tomatin 32 is a great example of a top-ofthe-range single malt. If you are after the famous peaty flavours, head to Islay and grab ones such as Laphroaig. There are also Better the devil you know? grain whiskies (Compass Box Scotch is the most recognised and Dumbarton) and blended type of whisky. It must be made whiskies (Johnnie Walker, Famous from malted barley or grain and Grouse). Don’t be afraid to try the spirit has to be aged in oak something different, too. Romy casks for at least three years. It Pikoos, brand ambassador at DS must also be made in Scotland.

Tayman, which produces top-class Single malt whiskies are single malts, says consumers should look away from the big brands and towards independent bottlers. “This way, you can try something that may have a slightly different finish from your usual whisky. Or, if you know that you like a particular region of whisky, try a lesserknown distillery from there.”

In other words, broaden your horizons and you never know what A large part of whisky’s flavour profile comes from the wood casks in which it is aged you might find!

76 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

Patience is a virtue The maturation process of whisky is fundamental to its flavour. Originally, whisky would be an unaged spirit with flavours, including honey, added into it.

Now, whisky is put into casks to age. The casks may have been previously used for sherry, wine, Cognac or other and producers love trying new things to see their effects. Saul Kelly of Fruitful Spirits maintains that 70 percent of a whisky’s flavour profile comes from the wood casks in which it is aged, and just 30 percent is from the spirit itself.

DS Tayman prides itself on using old red wine barrels in which to age its whiskies, ensuring a consistent and premium offering.

Age ain’t nothing but a number When you look at bottles of whisky, people will usually jump upon the one with the highest number, believing this to mean a superior liquid. The number on the bottle means the youngest whisky in that bottle is that number of years old. Generally, Scotch is bottled at a variety of ages, from three to 50 years old.

While it would make sense that

the finest whiskies (and hence the higher price) would be those with a higher age, sometimes, as Saul suggests, this may not be the case. “Ageing a whisky for a shorter period in a newer cask may have more impact on the final flavour than if you age it for 25 years in an old cask.”

Put your money where your mouth is “If you feel like splashing out on a gift for a friend, why not buy them their very own whisky cask?” asks Saul.

“Distilleries are now offering consumers just this opportunity. Purchase a cask and let the producers do all the hard work.

In 12-25 years’ time you will be sent your very own whisky with your own label.”

It doesn’t come cheap, but what a gift!

Across the pond What about our American friends?

You will have probably heard of the great Bourbon.

This is made from American grains that are a minimum of 51 percent corn and must be aged in American oak casks.

Tennessee whisky is a type of Bourbon whisky that uses

charcoal filtration as part of its process; think of Jack Daniel’s.

What’s in a name?

Whisky vs whiskey Have you ever seen bottles of whisky and wondered why some have an ‘e’ and some don’t?

Plainly put, this is simply where the whiskies are made. Whiskey refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States and whisky is from Scottish, Japanese or Canadian whisky.

How do you like it?

How do you actually drink the whisky – neat or on the rocks? Neat means that the whisky is served alone at room temperature, without any mixers.

On the rocks simply means over ice.

The differences in taste are that when you enjoy it neat, you experience the intense flavours and aromas, and over ice will enable the coolness to temper this intensity.

Or, if you fancy something a bit different, try a whisky cocktail such as Apple Butter Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour or a classic Manhattan.

Whatever your preference, budget or pre-conceptions on whisky, there is always a right one out there for you; it is all about trying different ones, being adventurous and enjoying the process.  Follow Amanda Selby on Instagram @drinkwithmeuk to find out more

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EDITOR’S BEAUTY LIST WE COULD HAVE GONE PURE HONEY FOR BEAUTY AT YOM TOV, BUT IT’S TOO OBVIOUS. Instead, we’re keeping it fruity and celebrating Rosh Hashanah’s other nature stars – the apple and the pomegranate.. Botanically-challenged ugly sister of the berry group, the pomegranate is usually last in the fruit bowl because it’s just too much work. Now it gets to flash its scores of seeds to represent the 613 commandments in the Torah and, when opened, this sexy fruit symbolises fertility and abundance, which is a good way to start any new year. Then there’s the apple, most mundane of the pome fruit and confined to a lunch box. But on this chag the apple gets its moment in the sun as a symbol of sweetness and hope for prosperity, albeit shared top billing with the honey. But this is the beauty page and we’re talking smells –‘woody, earthy, floral…’ for the pomegranate and ‘fresh’ and ‘green’ for the apple which, when blended with cinnamon, makes a delicious strudel, but also a great perfume.

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Cologne (£118) They say this fragrance has the feeling of “slipping on a red dress and getting ready to face the world”. If Casablanca lily spiced with pink pepper can do this, just think what the Pomegranate Noir Travel Candle (£28) can do.

Benecos BIO Organic Pomegranate Seed (14.95) is a cold-pressed antioxidant that is perfect for mature or demanding skin. It strengthens the lipid layer of the skin and supports the formation of new cells, which is helpful after sunbathing. harmonyhealth beauty.co.uk

Pomegranate by Ortigia Sicilia £55 It’s not just the Jews who saw the appeal of pomegranate, it was a personal symbol of the Roman monarchs who ruled Sicily – Maximilian I and Catherine of Aragon.

Ortigia Sicila’s dry, dusty and exotic version is available at Liberty and also as a diffuser from trouva.com Evolve Organic Beauty Pomegranate and Goji for hands and bodies. Blended with aloe vera and moisture-locking quinoa at £14 per bottle, a duo set is stylish for the downstairs loo. evolvebeauty.co.uk Osmo X.Posed leave-in treatment £11 New to us and now a fave, this brand is planet-aware, ingredientfocused, vegan and feels like quality. Prickly pear, neem oil and pomegranate are in this treatment for dry, damaged hair. osmo.uk.com, justmylook.com

Weleda Pomegranate Firming Day Cream (£31.50) Cherishing the ancient wisdom that held the pomegranate as a symbol of life-force brought Weleda to the fruit, which they blend with golden millet, argan and macadamia oils to create a light cream that nourishes and regenerates during natural ageing. After all, no one wants to look like a pomegranate. hollandand barrett.com, weleda.com

To Noa is to love her...

Since wowing at Eurovision, traffic-stopping beauty Noa Kirel has released another single, Provocative, for Tel Aviv Pride 2023 and a signature beauty range – so you can look like her! Who are we kidding? You can’t, but you can buy her straighteners, hair dryer and hair clips. Noa also has a new perfume, BLING, which is a blend of sugared berries, sensual jasmine and spiced saffron, which is how you might expect her to smell. Use the microphone-shaped bottle to channel Noa and mime to Unicorn in the mirror. noakirelbeauty.com

DKNY Be Delicious Orchard Street eau de parfum spray... Long before the others got to the orchard, Donna Karan was at those apples (£28). lookfantastic.co.uk The Big Apple Green is a sweet aromatic scent of vanilla, caramel, musk and Granny Smith (£8.58). sephora.co.uk SO...? Ibiza Dreams Body Mist (£6.99) Sweet red apple and raspberry and blushing pear, violet, peony and orchid means a morning spritz lasts the day. sofragrance.com

Amid the stalls of fruit, bongs and mezuzahs in Tel Aviv’s shuk is a stand selling potions and, among them, Black Pearl is a game changer. The Neck & Décolleté Beauty Mask (£34) is for anyone who thinks they can’t shift the lines on and below the neck that have appeared because of too much sun and ageing.

The combo of pearl powder, seaweed and Dead Sea minerals makes your décolletage feel like a marshmallow, restoring the softness while smoothing out the cracks that stop you wearing open necks. Another in the range targets eyes and lips, both of which defy anything but Botox, but you will see change. And even though you want to, you don’t have to fly to Tel Aviv to buy them. deadseashop.co.uk

Beauty of the MIND DANCE LOUISE LEACH, visionary founder of MOUVE by Dancing with Louise in Hendon, passionately advocates for the transformative power of dance in bolstering the mental health of women, teenage girls and children.

“Dance isn’t merely a physical activity; it’s a refuge, a form of self-discovery and a medium for forging connections and building confidence for life,” she says.

Through her various types of dance classes, she has witnessed hundreds of young girls and women undergo remarkable transformations. Dance, as Louise sees it, fosters self-confidence, body positivity and a sense of achievement.

It’s a channel through which emotions find expression when words fall short, while the communal aspect combats feelings of isolation and creates a supportive environment where individuals thrive collectively.

“You might think you are just going to get fit and learn some dance moves but, in reality, you’re forming friendships, boosting your self-esteem and turning into the best version of yourself. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment as you learn new skills and routines. I have never met anyone who feels depressed or anxious after a dance class – it just doesn’t happen.”

Louise is offering all Jewish News readers a FREE class. To claim your class pass, email info@dancingwithlouise.com, and quote Jewish News. Ts&Cs apply. makeamouve.com

Unique handmade sculpture of your dog

Each sculpture is individually handmade by Adrian Guest, one of the country’s leading animal sculptors. I will create a beautiful oneǦoff representation of your beloved fourǦlegged friend in any pose you prefer. www.adrianguestdesign.co.uk 07455135634

“Riga is my big love. I think we’re well matched – she’s perfect.”

MARIYEM

Donate online

Scan the QR code with your phone camera – it’s quick and easy!

020 8090 3455 israelguidedog.org.uk GUIDE DOGS

SERVICE DOGS

SUPPORT DOGS

Registered charity no: 1188449

Help us to create more life-changing partnerships this Rosh Hashanah

DOGS TO SEE

DO YOU REALLY LOVE DOGS? Then add Beit Oved to your must-visit list next time you’re in Israel.

That’s where the Israel Guide Dog Centre (IGDC) is based, set back on a dusty road so you won’t hear the barking but, beyond the gates, there are Golden Retrievers and Labradors jumping obstacle courses, in a pool or immersed in training exercises. There has been lots of change at the centre since 2018, and the expanded campus now has a new building for puppies and important additions, such as the ticking cross-walk, familiarising dogs to a sound they will hear in towns.

“It was all built just before the pandemic, which was timely,” says international liaison Lisa Baron Haet. “We were stuck here through Covid, with only the trainers working because clients needed their guide dogs.” Guide dogs train for five months on campus after a year with a foster family, and emotional support dogs train for two months before going to clients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “It’s totally different training,” explains Lisa.

“Those dogs sleep with the client, nudge them awake if they have nightmares and soothe their anxiety. They also put themselves between the owner and other people as PTSD clients often struggle in crowds.”

Pick the right time to visit and there will be litters of new puppies. They can’t be handled as hygiene is paramount, but a volunteer will hold them up to the window, although dog lovers will struggle to be so close and yet so far.

The IGDCB was founded by Noach Braun and American businessman and activist Norman Leventhal, who died in 2020. Noach, a former IDF paratrooper, wanted to combine his love of animals and helping people so, with Norman’s help, he and his wife Orna began operating from a rented house in a moshav near Netanya in 1991.

The first blind clients trained with two donated dogs while living with the couple, who now raise 140 puppies annually with their team, with plans to increase to 180. Orna is in charge of breeding and dog health, which leaves Noach to fundraise and network. He is a forthright man and reserves his sentiment for dogs and clients and only wants to spread the word.

“People come, pet the dogs and kids coo over the puppies, but I need them to remember what they’ve seen when they get home.”

Visit and you’ll struggle to forget, so contact Martin Segal, UK executive director, the moment you touch down. israelguidedog.org.uk

Puss in Books Published in 1979, this potentially romantic tale for felines has few reviews, but its Californian author Max Stein writes in his bio that he drank and gambled his way through Harvard and Stanford, so it could be a catty laugh.

Bird’s Eye When Shelia Golding was spotted with a parrot on her head, the usual TikTok suspects were thrown by the prepossessing 92-year-old.

As for the bird, well, Rocky isn’t camera shy, as he and residents at Treetops in Friern Barnet regularly appear on Jewish Care’s TikTok page. And Rocky knows he is a parrot with a purpose for, as Shelia says: “If you’re feeling a bit low and start chatting to him, all your troubles fly away.”

Real animals

You could be forgiven for thinking your dog is in the garden and the rabbit is in its hutch if Adrian Guest has recreated them as sculptures for your house. Adrian captures the essence of your animal after observing, photographing and sketching, so when he starts to sculpt, he knows every muscle, skin fold and how the fur falls. The final piece always exceeds expectations and is the ultimate gift for a person who loves their pet.

“I work very closely with clients, from photos they send,” says the Dudley-based artist.

“Throughout the making process, I continually send photos of the sculpture in its wet state to allow for changes and repeat this process until the client is 100% happy.”

Adrian’s priority is to make the finished piece as close to real life as possible, so that not even the owner can tell pet and sculpture apart. adrianguestdesign.co.uk

Master Mutts Dogs enjoy a dog show as much, if not more, than their owners. Being preened and fluffed to go out and show off is the dream of every puffed-up poodle or back-combed Bichon Frise.

There were plenty of poseurs at The Big Woof in Kings Cross last month. The canine carnival, which had dogs lining up for tarot readings or space in the ball pond, also attracted artistic types like Rusty, an 11-year-old Cockapoo, who was there to sell art, notably Dog’s Dinner, in which he appears as Jesus in the homage to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. St John’s Wood artist Martine Davis had no qualms about casting her Jewish pooch as Christ nor his Jewish pup pals as the disciples but levelled this out with her painting Cocker Jew. Martine is the owner of Page Introductions, which she hopes might lead dog owners towards finding love; her bright, bold comedy canvasses include Great Master recreations and the Edvard Munch Scream with a Beagle definitely is one! art@martinedavisgallery.co.uk

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 83

IT ENDED WITH A JOB AT BOOKING.COM When it comes to #CareerGoals we are all different.

Your dream job isn’t going to be the same as your brother’s or your best friend’s.

Resource understands this and we’ll give you the perfect employment advice, CV support and skills training that’s just right for you.

Whether you are just starting out in the job market, looking for a change or have concerns about the future, landing your perfect job – well that’s our job.

Visit resource-centre.org or call 020 8346 4000

IT STARTED WITH A RC E CALL TO RESOU Registered in England Number 5211299 Charity Registration Number 1106331

TRAVEL

The sun finally arrived in the UK this month and will be shining all through the autumn in these three locations CYPRUS

It was a Thursday evening at the Secret Forest wellness and spa resort in the tiny village of Miliou, Cyprus. After a Greek tavernathemed dinner – replete with an ebullient rebetiko band – the guests made their way to the bar to hear Israeli pop sensation Ishay Ribo perform an intimate concert singing Carlebach-style Kabbalat Shabbat songs.

Most of the audience were either Israeli or Jewish, but not all.

Standing at the back and filming the whole thing was a shellshocked German couple, who, according to the resort’s owner Yoni Kahana, “barely knew what Judaism is”.

The couple stumbled across Secret Forest when searching online for a wellness retreat in Cyprus. They had no idea that

Pool at Secret Forest

Pool at Secret Forest

Secret Forest the kippah from his head since what they were booking was Kahana placed it there in a gesture actually a fully kosher, fully of endearment some six months Jewish-but-open-to-all, getaway. ago.

“Where else will a couple of Chrysanthou’s extraordinary German tourists in Cyprus get to life story is one of many that experience Jewish Friday night Secret Forest guests hear prayers?” Kahana told on guided walks to the Jewish News. “It was surrounding villages. very emotional And guided walks for them.” are one of many Attracting activities in the both religious resort’s packed and secular schedule. A fourJews – and day sojourn at the the occasional adult-only resort non-Jew –Secret Forest is full of Secret Forest food includes – within the cost price – contradictions. three farm-to-table An 18th century pescetarian meals a day made chapel stands next to a makeshift from food grown on the property, synagogue. The man who Jeep tours, boat trips, daily yoga owns the property and much classes, forest walks, meditation of the surrounding land is a classes, self-development Christian Cypriot called Chrysis workshops, community-building Chrysanthou, the self-styled “rabbi activities, evenings at the bar with of Miliou”, who hasn’t removed

unlimited alcoholic drinks and use of the all pools including the sulphur pools. Spa treatments come at an extra cost.

“I almost need R&R from all this R&R,” Rachella Samimi Golan, a guest from Israel, quipped. “But that’s what’s great about this place - you want for nothing, materiallyspeaking. But also spiritually,” she added. When searching for a holiday, having kosher food was non-negotiable for Samimi Golan, but opting for one of the all-included kosher hotels wasn’t her style.

Dvora Sahar, on the other hand, has little affiliation to religious observance and had no idea the

Secret Forest yoga

resort was kosher prior to booking.

“At first I felt a little out of my comfort zone,” Sahar said. “But that feeling quickly went away.

LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 85

TRAVEL I came for a vacation and to be with my partner, who is into yoga, but I’ve ended up meeting people and making connections for life.”

Deborah Danan secretfo.rest/en

out at night most of the year. We enjoyed sea bass crudo and beef tartar followed by sole with lemon gnocchi and a grilled tuna steak, and pineapple ceviche to finish.

The local wines are wonderful and inexpensive and I loved the fact  that all staff are from if not the town then certainly the MONTENEGRO country. You learn so much by This is what Montenegro doesn’t chatting to locals. have: MacDonalds, Starbucks, A short drive away is Lustica main roads. Well, it does have a Bay. An Egyptian company is few of those, but not in the way pouring billions in to this area you would expect of a country and has so far created a serenely that is fast becoming a hotspot beautiful marina village with for holidays. This tiny country has upmarket shops, fancy restaurants a population of just 600,000 and and a beach club, plus there are only 180 miles of coastline. villas, apartments the and It is incredibly super-luxury Chedi beautiful, the hotel. We had lunch weather is superb on the terrace and recent at The Spot investment restaurant, a and a positive seven-course government tasting menu approach that features the to tourism most outstanding has resulted in tomato dish spectacular marina Tomato dish (peeled pickled cherry developments which tomatoes, basil iceat Chedi are home to some of the cream, mozzarella and most exclusive boats in brioche crumb artfully the world, including Azzam, the arranged inside a giant tomato). world’s largest superyacht.

Away from the shiny newness By all accounts the ‘in’ place there is much to soak up. We is Porto Montenegro in Tivat (fly visited the medieval fortress directly to Tivat with EasyJet town of Kotor, with its maze of or it’s a two-hour drive from cobbled streets and climbed up Podgorica or Dubrovnik), a marina the ramparts to have a drink with town developed by a Canadian majestic views over the bay. billionaire. At its centre is the We took a taxi to Perast, a tiny Regent, a large deluxe hotel and impossibly pretty fishing overlooking the marina and village lined with seafront surrounded by superb restaurants restaurants that overlook the and luxury boutiques. Tranquil small island, Our Lady of the during the day, with only the Rock, which houses a church occasional movement of sailing and museum. We took a short vessels coming in to port, the ferry ride to the divine restaurant area comes alive at night with Catovica Mlini, which is set in the beautifully-dressed elegant people prettiest garden you ever did see. strolling through the streets.

There are about 500 Jews in We ate at the hotel’s Murano Montenegro. At the start of the restaurant, an idyllic outdoor Holocaust, Jews from nearby setting overlooking the luxury regions took refuge in the boats. It’s warm enough to sit mountainous area, but German

Regent Porto Montenegro

86 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

The Chedi Lustica Bay, Montenegro troops found most of them.

About 300 hidden in the north and coastal towns escaped deportation and survived. It is their descendants who make up the bulk of the present-day Jewish community.

The government focus seems to be on an upmarket clientele (they are after all the ones who will sail their yachts in to the marinas) and seven five-star hotels will be in place by the 2030s. A golf course is planned and there are luxury villas and apartments being built everywhere.

Best of all – the beauty, elegance and luxury is at least a third cheaper than anything comparable in Italy, Spain or France.

Louisa Walters ihg.com/regent chedilusticabay.com 

PORTUGAL

October half-term. That cheeky autumn week that allows anyone who hasn’t already blown their vacation budget to cling on to summer.

Portugal never lets go of the sun and is, by far, the most reliable winter warm-up destination in Europe.

The Algarve has also taken to celebrating Halloween seriously, expanding the one scary night into a weekend’s worth of ghoulish entertainment in towns along the coast. It may not be a Jewish holiday, but its pagan routes have not stopped our kids heading to Jonathan Ross’ ‘haunted’ house every year, so they’ll get a kick out of seeing the old town buildings of Albufeira draped with ghosts and locals in terrifying Hammer House make-up getting scarily close.

In Quinta do Lago, Halloween is also happening with themed

Casa De Mondo

Halloween at Casa De Mondo film nights and costume parades but, at Casa De Mondo in Boliqueime, they really embrace the spirit, with the dressed-up hosts decking the rustic property in cobwebs and lining up the pumpkins. By day, the hillside house is bathed in sunshine and the pool is warm enough for a

swim after the best breakfast in the district.

Arty and interesting, the resident sculptor’s work is set around the trees and the sizeable chalets with kitchens can fit a family.

Brigit Grant casademondo.com

FAMILY FAVOURITES Final thoughts for autumn come courtesy of Mumsnet, because mothers, Jewish or otherwise, know what and where is best.

Don’t argue.

• Best overall: Costa Adeje, Tenerife • Best budget: Antalya, Turkey • Best for active families: Tyrol, Austria • Best for luxury: Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Best for babies and toddlers: Paphos, Cyprus • Best for tropical sun: Sal, Cape Verde • Best for family fun: Orlando, Florida • Best long-haul destination: Playa del Carmen, Mexico • Best city break: Lisbon, Portugal • Best for activities: Westerhoven, Netherlands

Care beyond compare To us, the finer details in life are no small matter for members like Harold.

Harold doesn’t have a favourite piece of music, although he often hums ‘La fleur que tu m’avais jetée’ from Bizet’s ‘Carmen’.

But he does have a favourite place to listen from, which is balcony seat A55 in the Royal Opera House. He says it’s because the acoustics are best there, but we think it’s really because we always take care to book seats on either side for his wife and daughter to join him.

Loveday is where healthcare meets hospitality, blending tailored, compassionate care with a world-class experience and environment.

Residential — Respite — Day Club — Dementia — Home Care Please contact our Membership team to arrange a tour lovedayandco.com | 0203 993 7485 Abbey Road — Kensington — Chelsea

There’s no present like the

time

Eliav is a lively 5-year-old boy whose life, and the lives of his parents, were turned upside down when he was diagnosed with Leukaemia.

Ever since his diagnosis, Eliav has spent the majority of his days in hospital going through treatment that has affected him physically, mentally and emotionally.

However, having a round trip of 140 miles per day to the hospital, this was not so straightforward to make a reality.

Thanks to a Jewish Child’s Day grant, Eliav’s family have been able to stay in special, newly renovated accommodation right by the hospital. As part of this ‘home away from home’ service, the family have all been supported with meals and other essential necessities - allowing them the freedom to spend as much time as possible with their sick child.

This is just one out of over 130 projects that Jewish Child’s Day award grants to annually. For the last seven decades, Jewish Child’s Day has supported more than 1.5 million children in need, worldwide.

DONATE

For the family of a sick child, nothing is more precious than time spent together.

This Rosh Hashanah please support Jewish Child’s Day in facilitating this for more children like Eliav and his family.

1st Floor, Elscot House, Arcadia Avenue, Finchley N3 2JU 020 8446 8804 | info@jcd.uk.com | JCD.UK.COM

Registered Charity No. 1195764

Some details have been changed to protect confidentiality.

CHARITY

Charity begins at

Rosh Hashanah

It’s been a year of notable achievements for charities and, with exciting new projects on the horizon as we enter a new year, there’s much to celebrate

Dr Cezar Mizrahi is seen performing AR spinal surgery at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center SHAARE ZEDEK, the hospital that has changed the face of medicine for Jerusalem, for Israel and for the world, celebrated its 120th anniversary last year and with that the opening of the new Helmsley Cancer Centre, marking a new era of cancer care in Jerusalem. When the hospital opened in 1902, it consisted of 20 beds and 40 cows (!). Within a few years, it will have grown to 1,500 beds and be home to dozens of biotech and high-tech companies. Director Professor Ofer Merin says his vision is “to make Shaare Zedek into a centre of advanced technological development that combines the best of clinical medicine

Shaare Zedek Helmsley Cancer Centre

with innovative research and scientific accomplishment”. The hospital is well on its way to achieving that. Last month, Dr Cezar Mizrahi performed the world’s first complex spinal surgery using augmented reality (AR) and neonatologist Itamar Nitzan is currently working on ’Skincubator’, a remarkable innovation that allows preterm babies to remain in an incubator while receiving skin-to-skin care. Dr Nevo Margalit, head of the neurosurgery department, says: “Shaare Zedek is committed to being on the forefront of introducing new and future technologies for the betterment of medicine here in Israel and around the world.” shaarezedek.org.uk

lives and career aspirations in the wake of the pandemic,” says chief executive Victoria Sterman. To cope with the extra workload, Resource recruited an additional 15 volunteers and has three new advisors joining the team this month, plus two volunteers who will exclusively conduct mock interviews, bringing the total number of volunteers to 65. Marketing activity has been increased so that all those in need of assistance are made aware of Resource and its ever-expanding range of free services.

Victoria adds: “Our focus in the coming 12 months is to improve the support we offer in a number of ways, such as a new workshop in partnership with The Fairy Job Mother to teach people how to use social media in their job search. This is in addition to the three levels of LinkedIn training we already provide.” resource-centre.org

with Raphael (the Jewish Counselling Service), more people will benefit from talking therapies. According to Jami’s chief executive, Laurie Rackind, the merger has provided an opportunity for people using the charity’s services to get access to qualified counsellors and to further develop an established counselling service to meet the needs of the community. Meanwhile, the official opening of Jami’s newlyexpanded Head Room café in Golders Green was a landmark moment for this innovative social enterprise, and it is a place where you can engage with others, enjoy a bite to eat or to host an event. The charity has also continued to develop its sectorleading suicide prevention programme, with groups across the Jewish community benefiting from its training and education, including the Union of Jewish Chaplaincy, the Masorti Reform movements, and the S&P Sephardi community. jamiuk.org

JAMI

A Resource workshop RESOURCE has helped more people with their job search in the past year than ever before, with a 63 percent increase in the number of clients. “There are a number of factors at play, including the cost-ofliving crisis, mass redundancies and the fact that people are re-evaluating their

It’s been a really busy year at JAMI (Jewish Association for Mental Illness), with some stand-out moment, such as the conclusion of the pilot of its Children & Young Person’s service, which has now been established as a permanent offering. The service, which piloted in JCoSS and has now been rolled out into JFS, supports young people with mental health difficulties both at school and in the wider community. Support is also available for family members and carers of these young people. Following the merge

Resource staff and volunteers 2023

Malki Foundation This was the year that the MALKI FOUNDATION was back to in-person events – its first since the pandemic, including a whisky evening in March and a golf day in July. Funds raised will support the amazing work undertaken

by Keren Malki in Israel, who, over the past two decades, has enabled dozens of families to preserve the unity of family life by enabling them to have their severelydisabled children live at home. Essential therapy sessions are given in speech, swimming, horse riding, occupational and physiotherapy programmes, allowing children to acquire vital skills and gain confidence and independence. Families from every creed and culture, irrespective of their religious or racial backgrounds, are supported. Fundraising events for next year include a movie night and another whisky evening and golf day, plus the charity has five available places available in the London LIFE jewishnews.co.uk 89

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

Jewish Blind & Disabled “This time last year I was so concerned about what might happen to me.”

My frequent falls and failing vision were worrying for me and my family. Now, thanks to JBD’s 24/7 onsite support, I feel secure and happy.

Donate now and help more people like Lawrence Scan QR code or visit jbd.org/donate call 020 8371 6611

35 Langstone Way, Mill Hill East, London, NW7 1GT 020 8371 6611 • info@jbd.org • www.jbd.org •

@JBDCharity

Charity No. 259480

How does Chai care?

“When we hear the different notes of the shofar, we feel a myriad of emotions.

We are all individuals at Chai, but the all-encompassing care and support we receive meets each of our needs.

It is at Chai that we find peace, harmony and creativity and, above all, the reassurance that we are not alone.”

The Chai Art Workshop Group (Artist Etty Debourcieu)

For more information on our extensive range of specialised services and care across the UK, please call our Freephone helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit www.chaicancercare.org Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

CHARITY Landmarks Half Marathon in April. The biggest aim for the coming year is to reduce the significant waiting list for those who require help. malkifoundation.org

Camp Simcha Ori and Jess Goldberg at Keshet summer scheme 2023

World Jewish Relief will be to solidify the merger’s benefits and continue building a future of inclusivity and empowerment. One of the foremost goals is to enhance frontline services, continuing to ensure that every client receives the best possible care tailored to their unique needs. Kisharon Langdon envisions a world where individuals with learning disabilities and autism not only thrive but feel equal and cherished members of the community, and the charity will create a supportive environment that fosters growth, selfconfidence and independence. Just as the apple and honey’s sweetness is a promise of blessings to come, the merger promises brighter days and shines as an example of the potential for positive change. kisharon.org.uk / langdonuk.org When war broke out in Ukraine, 83-yearold Tamara urged her family to flee, but left alone in the frontline city of Kherson, she had nobody to talk to and nowhere to turn. Thanks to WORLD JEWISH RELIEF’S supporters, she now has a homecare worker who visits three times a week, doing cooking and housework and they share cups of tea and do crosswords together.

World Jewish Relief has supported 253,179 people inside Ukraine since war

Camp Simcha’s summer scheme 2023

broke out, including 45,966 older people like Tamara, across 373 towns and cities through its partners on the ground. The impact of the war on older people has been immense; 34 percent of civilian deaths in Ukraine have been aged over 60 and, due to immobility and chronic health conditions, they are less likely to evacuate. When floods ripped through Kherson after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, many older people who had survived months of bombardment, Russian occupation and energy blackouts lost everything. Ukraine is just one of the 17 countries – that include Haiti, Turkey and Rwanda – where World Jewish Relief and its partners on the ground provide life-saving support. worldjewishrelief.org

CAMP SIMCHA has experienced a 60 percent increase in families with seriouslyill children turning to it for support this year. With its unique brand of practical and therapeutic support services, together with uplifting activities designed to bring respite and an emotional boost, it is now helping more than 1,500 family members cope with more than 50 serious, chronic and lifethreatening childhood conditions.

This year, the charity has expanded its services to families whose child has suffered severe physical trauma in an accident or serious acute illness, such as meningitis, resulting in intensive care admission. Services such as respite care, hospital transports, crisis meals, counselling, therapeutic arts, For Lisa Wimborne, CEO at JEWISH sibling support and many BLIND & DISABLED, the others, can be the standout moment this year difference between was walking up the concrete coping or not for stairs in Ephraim Court, families suddenly the latest development in thrown into crisis. At Mill Hill East, to the top the same time, parties, floor of the newly-built outings and residential frame structure. “The retreats can have a big completion of this new impact on the ill child development can’t come or sibling’s wellbeing. soon enough for the many “This summer, 75 households on our waiting percent of families we Jewish Blind list,” she says. “Like so many support attended either and Disabled charities, this year we have our retreat or our summer day seen unprecedented demand scheme outings – or both, and we across all our services.” Jewish Blind had a 90 percent increase in the number of & Disabled offers independent living in siblings attending Sibling Retreat,” explains warden accommodation for Jewish adults chief executive Neville Goldschneider. “We with physical disabilities and/ or vision are looking at expanding our services for impairments, within a warm, supportive fathers, who can find it difficult to express community. The charity also runs the their emotions about their child’s illness.”

Independent Living Advisory Service, campsimcha.org.uk which helps people with disabilities stay independent for longer in their own It’s been an award-winning year at JEWISH homes. “Medical advances, the growth CARE. At the annual dinner, Prime Minister of aids and adaptations, along with a longer life expectancy among the general Jewish Care life president Lord Levy population are all contributing factors to with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the ever-increasing demand for our unique Point of Light Award winner Rita Roth Photo: Blake Ezra Photography

The merger of KISHARON and LANGDON stands out as the single biggest accomplishment for each of them. This strategic collaboration has not only combined their strengths and resources but also united their visions, fortifying their ability to create a more profound impact, offering comprehensive support to a broader range of individuals with learning disabilities and autism, from nursery age to adulthood.

As we all step into the new year, the focus

offering,” says Lisa. “More people are living independently in their own home and, often, with increasingly complex disabilities and we are committed to ensuring they have access to the housing and support they need to enable them to live independently, with dignity and choice.” jbd.org

and her husband Andrew

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CHARITY Rishi Sunak praised Jewish Care’s vital work to 900 attendees and handed a prestigious Point of Light award to longstanding volunteer Rita Roth OBE. This was a truly special moment for Rita, who is in her 60th year of volunteering for Jewish and wider causes. In her capacity as chair of the Friends of Rosetrees, Rita has raised more than £100,000 for the home – and she never disappoints with her weekly music sessions and chocolate drops for the residents. Other volunteers have also been recognised, such as the much-missed, dedicated volunteer Rita Newmark, who received the JVN Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of more than 50 years volunteering. Sheila Lawrence, devoted volunteer for 20 years, has been shortlisted for the Third Sector Volunteer of the Year Award and Jewish Care’s Benefits Team for the Volunteer Team of the Year Award. Six members of staff at Jewish Care received six of the 10 awards presented at the Barnet Care Quality Awards 2023. Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown, says: “These awards are testament to the amazing commitment of our volunteers and staff. We are extremely thankful and proud of all of our dedicated and caring volunteers and staff, who put the needs of our residents and community centre members at the heart of all they do.” jewishcare.org

WIZO’s Turning lives around campaign In Israel, after Dina fled her abusive husband, she and her children were taken in by a WIZO shelter. Their journey to healing and fulfilment was long and painful, made possible only by the gentle care they received from WIZO and its Safety Net programme. In March, WIZO UK presented The Journey, an interactive exhibition in

London telling Dina’s harrowing story as part of its Women Leading the Way Campaign.

Throughout the week-long showing, hundreds of guests walked through various rooms to experience Dina’s journey from her dangerous home life to a secure temporary home at the WIZO shelter and, finally, to independence when, with WIZO’s guiding hand, she was empowered to start a new life for herself and her children. As a charity based so far from its beneficiaries, WIZO UK is constantly innovating to showcase the impact of its work. A recurring reaction to the exhibition was just how much both supporters and those new to WIZO learned about its projects and its ongoing commitment to changing lives and building futures. The value it places on commitment is reflected in its Commitment Awards, which acknowledge those dedicated to improving the quality of life of others. They have now launched for the third year and are open for nominations. wizouk.org Rosh Hashanah tells us that, as Jews, we are tasked with a key role in weeding out the malignancy of racial hate. YAD VASHEM is at the heart of that battle. Through its work, young people are told about the consequences of allowing hate to become part of the fabric of our society. Yad Vashem UK Foundation tells the stories of survival, bravery, resistance and deep loss, which included 1.5 million children. This year Yad Vashem UK Foundation enrolled its 1000th bar and batmitzvah young person in its twinning programme. The children involved become eligible for the Yad Vashem Ambassadors Programme, which includes a special trip to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

Those young people continue to tell the story and ensure that two souls are forever bound together. The charity also fully supports teachers in Jewish schools in a programme each year, going to Yad Vashem in Israel for a week’s intensive learning from leading academics and experts, including survivors. Yad Vashem UK Foundation are leaders in generational struggle ensuring that our nation’s stories are never forgotten. yadvashem.org.uk

Yad Vashem

92 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

Magen David Adom UK chief executive Daniel Burger, director of Israel’s National Blood Services Professor Eilat Shinar and head of political at the British Embassy, Simon O’Donnell MAGEN DAVID ADOM UK (MDA UK) launched its blood drive for British olim in Israel with two landmark events in February, just after it was announced that, for the first time in a generation, those who lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996 were now eligible to give blood in Israel. The ban had been in place since 1999 due to the mid-90s outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (or ‘mad cow disease’) and the possible health risks associated with it.

In conjunction with the British Embassy in Israel, MDA UK held a reception at Jaffa’s Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.

Guests could give blood and heard from dignitaries including Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, deputy mayor of Jerusalem. The success of this launch resulted in a mass blood drive at the Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan and numerous expats turned up to give blood for the first time in Israel. Each unit of blood has the potential to save three lives. Daniel Burger, chief executive of MDA UK, said: “When you give blood, you give hope and help to whoever is in need without prejudice or question. The change in legislation marks a milestone for the British-Israeli community in allowing us to save more lives.” mdauk.org

Yad Vashem Hall of Remembrance

TAU cactus plant with microphones Not only can we talk to plants, but new research at TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY shows that they can talk back!

Tel Aviv University biologists made a major breakthrough this year when, they recorded and analysed sounds distinctly emitted by plants, which are beyond the hearing range of the human ear, but can probably be heard by some animals and insects. The researchers found that plants usually emit sounds when they are under stress, and that the sounds are highly informative about the plant’s condition. The study, led by professor Lilach Hadany from TAU’s School of Plant Sciences and Food Security at the Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, together with prof Yossi Yovel, head of the Sagol School of Neuroscience, managed to resolve a very old scientific controversy. “We proved plants do emit sounds!” said Hadany. “Our findings suggest that the world around us is full of plant sounds and that these sounds contain information. We believe that humans can also utilise this information, given the right tools – such as sensors that tell growers when plants need watering.

Apparently, an idyllic field of flowers can be a rather noisy place. It’s just that we can’t hear the sounds!” tautrust.org

Help more girls like Leah turn their lives around and be the best they can be

Thanks to WIZO, Leah now thrives in an environment where she feels happy and safe 16-year-old Leah, is confident and hopeful for the future. She has a job, aspires to study law and rents a flat where she will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah with friends. However just two years ago, Leah was on a very different path.

Abused by her mother’s boyfriend at 14, Leah decided that life on the streets had to be a safer option. She ran away and turned to drugs, prostitution and petty crime for survival. Finally picked up by police, she was assigned a social worker who connected her with WIZO. The WIZO Adi Centre in Be’er Sheva supports girls at-risk, guiding them out of crisis, nurturing and encouraging them to reach their dreams.

They receive specialist therapy, are tutored in basic life skills and given the tools to help find their vocation.

Leah finally felt heard for the first time.

Please support more girls like Leah and donate at wizouk.org or call 020 7319 9169 WIZOuk Registered address: Charles House, 108-110 Finchley Road, London, NW3 5JJ. Registered charity number: 1125012. Registered company number: 6634748.

310823_Jewish News_Rosh Hashanah Appeal_165x260mm_V2.indd 1

31/08/2023 12:32

Please don’t forget older people in Ukraine this Rosh Hashanah.

As war rages on, thousands of older people in Ukraine have no one to turn to and nowhere to go. Will you support them this Rosh Hashanah?

SCAN TO DONATE NOW

To find out more, please contact Richard Budden www.worldjewishrelief.org T: 020 8736 1250 E: info@worldjewishrelief.org W: www.worldjewishrelief.org

Donations made to Kisharon Langdon this Rosh Hashanah are core to our future together

As one unified organisation, dedicated to offering the best possible opportunities to people within the Jewish learning disability and autism community, we need your support.

To find out more or to make a donation, please visit kisharonlangdon.org.uk or scan the QR code.

Kisharon Registered Charity No. 271519 • Langdon Registered Charity No. 1142742

CHARITY

Jewish Child’s Day chairman Charles Spungin tells Angie Jacobs about the true essence of the charity

A

s a child, I attended a provincial Jewish school in the 1970s and I clearly remember the annual blue card to raise money for Jewish Child’s Day (JCD).

I was lucky enough to have a very generous great-uncle, Sam, and his fiver – a fortune in those days – really helped bump up my total.

The charity celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, its donations helping to give Jewish children in need – in the UK and around the world – a better quality of life.

Chairman Charles Spungin explains that the mission is twofold: grant-giving and education. “JCD gives grants to smaller organisations that don’t have access to the deeper pockets of fundraising that the community has,” he tells me.

The intention is to make sure that donations really make an impact. Grants are awarded to any organisation that provides a service to help children who are affected by poor health, deprivation, disadvantage, abuse or neglect. It varies which countries the grants go to, recent funding going as far as Ukraine and Argentina. The aim is that the money is used at the destination, not on the journey, to help set up

resources such as nurseries or orphanages.

Charles feels that this “gives donors a wide spectrum of opportunity to be able to support anything across the community”.

The fact that there is no theme resonates. With due diligence carried out beforehand, the JCD team goes to projects and asks the teams what resources or concrete things will be used on an ongoing basis.

Charles explains that the educational element of JCD – teaching children in our community about philanthropy – has been in the charity’s remit from day one; in fact it was the essence of what the blue card was all about. Last year, the JCD team went to JCoSS, where they put on an arts and crafts session and quiz, which gave the students an insight into how the charity helps thousands of disadvantaged children worldwide.

Bnei mitzvah programmes are offered, where children can twin their special day with a disadvantaged child and put on fundraising events such as football matches, walks and sales. Yes, it’s about raising the funds, but it’s also about raising young people’s awareness of others less fortunate and getting them into the habit and mindset of giving.

JCD takes on about 10 new projects each

year, on top of the 160 it already supports. It awards grants from around £4,000 to £75,000 (mostly at the smaller end) and last year donated £1 million.

It has a long-term relationship with charities and buys equipment that has longevity, such as wheelchairs, incubators and ventilators. “We want to give something that says, ‘Here you are, you actually need this to make a child’s life better and that’s what we want to see.’

“We are keen to make sure that our funds are going to something we can actually touch and see and see the impact of.

That tangibility of it resonates very well with people who are supporting us.”

Last year, to commemorate its 75th year, JCD approached charities to which it had already given and asked them if they needed something that was going to make a bigger impact than the £5,000 to £10,000 they might have received previously.

After visits and research, JCD donated a therapy and wellbeing space at JCoSS and a sensory and nurture room at Clore Shalom, both of which will have an impact for many years. Importantly, the charity is filling the gap where support for special educational needs is not provided by the government.

The diversity and creativity of the charities it supports is endless, and one that stands out is Rachashei Lev, the children’s cancer charity in Israel where it provided 20 on-site hubs for families to stay in, therapy dogs for autistic children, food parcels and hospital equipment.

Gateways, an educational and vocational programme at JW3, was also a recipient of a JCD grant last year, enabling it to expand the curriculum to include science.

One of Charles’ favourite projects was providing a cooking facility in Manchester,

The chairman of Jewish Child’s Day emphasises the importance of educating children in the community about philanthropy and says the charity supports communities both in the UK and abroad

“teaching children with special needs not just about cooking and how to look after themselves but shopping and life skills”.

He stressed the importance of supporting communities beyond London and Israel, and highlighted that the charity had recently appointed a national community fundraiser, who will be looking to build relationships and engage new audiences beyond London in the way it used to.

Post-Covid, the charity is back to doing events. It held a business breakfast this year with Dame Emily Lawson, a crowdfunding event and will hold a gala dinner next year.

With Rosh Hashanah approaching, the theme is about giving. “We want to make sure children can still smile and have fun, even though they may be going through the most difficult of times,” says Charles. “We want children to be children.”

And the blue cards? They may not be coming back, but the National Day of Giving will take place on the first Sunday of Chanukah.

• For more information see jcd.uk.com

Photos: JCD’s projects

‘We want children to be children’

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Clockwise from above: 1. In 1898 Theodor Herzl, father of modern Zionism, sent postcards to his eldest daughter Paulina in Vienna. This features Emperor Wilhelm II, who had invited Herzl to meet him in Jerusalem. 2. Internationally famous refusenik Anatoly Sharansky in the 1970s with other Jewish activists at a picnic in the Ovrazhki Forest outside Moscow. 3. Rare Babylonian “demon” bowl. 4. Cartoonist Karel Gardosh (Dosh)’s June 1967 sketches at the Western Wall. 5. A map of Asia Quarta, made in 1486, show Moses, Samso, and the burning of the “cities of the plain” by the Dead Sea. 6. Pages from two enormous parchment machzorim written for the Jewish community of Wurzberg, Germany. 7. Part of a large collection of the NLI’s Zionist Rosh Hashanah cards

98 LIFE jewishnews.co.uk

TREASURE

nterested in Mozart’s love letters to his wife, Constanze, or the early writings of Sir Isaac Newton?

Perhaps Rosh Hashanah greeting cards are more your thing – and so timely, as is the gorgeous calligraphy showing the Gates of Heaven opening on Yom Kippur?

All of these and many more treasures can be found in a spectacular new book, published by the National Library of Israel, (NLI) that heralds the chagim in style, while marking the move of the Library to a stunning purpose-built edifice in Jerusalem, later in 2023.

You can almost sense the frustration of the NLI curators, who have confined themselves to “just” 101 items. Choosing the items, they say, was “daunting yet exhilarating”, but every choice “shares one essential feature: they allow us to tell great stories”.

And it is a whistle-stop tour of 1,500 years of Jewish history, dipping in and out of areas as far apart as fifth century Babylon to the Vilna Ghetto, from Theodor Herzl’s only visit to the Land of Israel to the Israeli army’s triumphant retaking of the city of Jerusalem in 1967.

In his foreword to 101 Treasures, Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, observes that “a library – any library – is far more than just rows of shelves lined with books. A library is a treasury of knowledge, a universe of values, a meeting place, a research institution… with the establishment of the state of Israel, the National Library took on the additional and essential task of preserving and documenting the cultures of Israeli citizens of all religions and faiths, as part of its commitment to serving as an intellectual home for all the nation’s citizens”.

The NLI was founded 130 years ago and it is now home to world-class collections, including exquisite Islamic art and manuscripts. It was the dream, primarily, of one man, a Polish Jewish doctor, Joseph Chasanowich. During his lifetime, Chasanowich was said to have sent 22,000 books and rare texts to Jerusalem and “sometimes accepted books in place of payment for his medical services in order to collect more material”. One can imagine his family not reacting well to this.

A year after Chasanowich’s death in 1919, the World Zionist Organisation appointed a philosopher and Zionist activist, Shmuel Hugo Bergmann, as

the library’s first professional director.

Bergmann hired academics and expanded the library’s work, bringing in, for example, a 6,000-volume research collection of Ignaz Goldziher, a renowned Jewish scholar of Islam and Arabic.

In 1925, this library merged with the Hebrew University and changed its name to the Jewish National and University Library. It relocated from Jerusalem’s city centre to the Hebrew University’s Mount Scopus campus. It was not a fortunate move because, when the city was divided during the 1948 War of Independence, the library – and almost all its holdings – became inaccessible.

But despite all the problems it faced, the future NLI kept adding to its collections: from material owned by fleeing European Jewish refugees in the 1930s, to 1964’s National Sound Archives, the world’s largest collection of ethnographic and commercial recordings of Israeli and Jewish music, and an incredible 1967 bequest from the collector Abraham Shalom Yahuda, which included 7,000 pages of Newton’s theological and alchemical writings, and an archive of Napoleon’s campaigns in the Middle East.

The NLI only became the NLI as recently as 2007. It now houses four main collections –Judaica and Israel, and Islam and the Middle East, plus a general humanities collection.

The Library bought more than 10,000 rare books and texts assembled by Britain’s Valmadonna Trust, and it is also the beneficiary of major works by Franz Kafka. With Tel Aviv University, the NLI has digitised hundreds of historic Jewish newspapers from six continents in more than 18 languages.

Almost every week brings a new acquisition – most recently a Shakespeare First Folio fragment –whether a manuscript, a book, a map or a poster.

The NLI offers the opportunity to learn about the Jewish people’s ongoing conversations with other cultures, and really whets the appetite for more.

It’s a collection that signposts the way to Shana Tova.

By Jenni Frazer 101 Treasures of the National Library of Israel is published by Scala Arts, priced £40 in the UK

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