The Jewish Weekly Issue 194

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EDITORIAL

The heartbreaking case of two year old Alta Fixsler has captured Jewish hearts around the globe for the last few months. Tragically, Alta lacked oxygen at birth and despite doctors declaring she wouldn’t survive more than several hours, she miraculously did.

When the Manchester hospital advised removal of all forms of life support, Alta’s Israeli parents pleaded that their daughter, who is an Israeli citizen be allowed a chance at life with private support at home or abroad.

An Israeli hospital agreed to take Alta and said they are able to give her a better quality of life, without the need for constant life support.

The case ended up in court.

A campaign called ‘Unmatchable’ was launched and over £250,000 was raised to help pay legal fees and cover transportation to Israel.

Last week, Alta’s parents were summoned to court where they

Alta Fixsler

received the worst news possible.

A High Court judge ruled that life-sustaining treatment should be withdrawn in preference for palliative care in Alta’s best interests. Tomorrow at noon, the doctors can legally switch off the ventilator.

Last week this newspaper created an online appeal to the High

PHOTO: FIXSLER FAMILY

Court and the Israeli government to lobby the British government on change.org, which has so far received over 20,000 signatures, first publicised on last weeks front page.

Since then, the President of Israel Reuven Rivlin has written to Prince Charles to request that as Alta is an Israeli citizen, she

should be allowed to go home.

Israeli health minister Yuli Edelstein wrote to his British counterpart Matt Hancock to implore that Britain allow an Israeli citizen to fly home for treatment.

British political figures including Lord Eric Pickles, and Jewish communal leaders such as the Chief Rabbi and Marie van der Zyl have done the same thing and behind the scenes, business people from within the London and Manchester community have been working with the local council in Salford and have made stunning efforts to ready a Hatzolah plane from America to fly at a moments notice to transport Alta from the UK to Israel. All it needs is for Britain to say yes.

In the name of life which we hold so sacred and with Hashem’s help we ask the British Government to allow Alta the chance to go home.

Please continue to pray for Alta and sign the petition. http://chng.it/2fkfNQRH

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Cornish radio host guilty of inciting racial hatred

BY SIMCHA ABIR A Cornish radio host has pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred on broadcasts at Truro Crown Court.

Graham Hart, 69, of Penponds, Camborne, admitted eight counts under the Public Order Act 1986.

Campaign Against Antisemitism called on Devon and Cornwall Police to act after Hart, who is also a singer, spread racial hate on a ‘programme in service with intent or likely to stir up racial hatred’.

Hart was charged with five counts of using offending words or behaviour in a programme. Comments made in December 2020 led to three further charges from earlier this year.

The offences between 2016 and 2020 fall under sections 22(1) and 27(3) of the 1986 Act .

Judge HHJ Linford noted the serious nature of the offences. A sentencing hearing will take place on August 6th, pending a psychiatric report.

Hart was warned he should anticipate “an immediate sentence of imprisonment”. The maximum sentence for each charge is seven years in prison.

Stephen Silverman, CAA Director of Investigations and Enforcement, thanked police

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for their diligence and welcomed the news as it signalled such crimes would not be tolerated.

“The offences constitute some of the most extreme hatred towards Jews that we have ever encountered,” he noted. “It is PHOTO: vital that the JewGraham Hart CORNWALLLIVE ish community is protected from this man, and we hope that the sentence will also send a message to like-minded people that hate towards British Jews will not be tolerated.”

Hart’s barrister, Mary McCarthy, reportedly told the court her client had been “exhibiting signs of being quite unwell for a number of years”. She added, “He accepts racial hatred was likely to be stirred up but this was effectively him mouthing off rather than setting to bring about any particular outcome.”

Hart’s music was reportedly banned by the Cornish Pirates rugby union team in 2019 following accusations of anti-Semitism over Hoax Train lyrics published on YouTube.

The club noted at the time of Hart’s ban that the track had not been played.

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Rivlin and Edelstein act as time runs out to save Alta

Alta Fixsler with her father Avrohom

BY DAVID SAFFER Israel President Reuven Rivlin and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein have joined the quest for two-year-old Alta Fixsler to be treated in Israel in preference to palliative care.

Over 20,000 people signed The Jewish Weekly petition launched last week to allow a leave of appeal to enable Alta, who suffered severe brain injury at birth, to be treated by an Israeli hospital.

A High Court judge ruled last week that life-sustaining treatment should be withdrawn. But Alta’s family want her to be transferred to Israel hospital care on religious and ethical grounds.

With time running out to save Alta, Rivlin appealed to Prince Charles to help Alta’s parents’ request.

His letter to the Prince of Wales noted, “Their religious beliefs directly oppose ceasing medical treatment that could extend her life and have made arrangements for her safe transfer and continued treatment in Israel. It would be a tragedy if these parents’ wishes could not be accommodated in a way that respects both the law and their religious beliefs.”

Edelstein appealed to Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week on the family’s behalf confirming Israel would treat Alta.

According to Israeli law where parents

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oppose cessation of medical treatment leading to a child’s death and life expectancy exceeds six months, medical treatment must not cease.

“Alta’s parents are Orthodox Jews and Israeli citizens, living their lives according to Hebrew law, they are interested in transferring Alta to one of the two hospitals in Israel that have expressed a willingness to treat her,” he noted.

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl welcomed Israel’s offer and has written to the Department of Health and Social Care for serious consideration.

Lawyers representing Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust told the court there is “no prospect” of Alta getting better.

Victoria Butler-Cole QC told the court Alta’s family called for treatment in Israel.

The costs of transporting Alta safely would be met. But Mr Justice MacDonald ruled it was not in the best interests of Alta for life-sustaining medical treatment.

Alta lacked oxygen when she was born in December 2018 but miraculously survived.

Hopes she may come home hit complications and the hospital advised removal of support but Alta’s parents demanded private support at home or abroad, both viable.

An appeal for Alta’s care has reached £275,900.

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Lauder meets Italian PM on first post Covid-19 trip

BY SIMCHA ABIR World Jewish Congress President Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder has met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, Noemi Di Segni to discuss the fight against antisemitism.

The meeting follows a spike in incidents across Europe.

Discussions focused on political groups boycotting Israel, pro-Palestinian denials of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, changes in legislation related to hate crimes in Italy, legitimisation of fascism and far right radicalisation. Lauder called for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.

WJC’s chief also highlighted a need for Italy to invest in tourism regarding Jewish heritage including synagogues of Venice and important historical sites.

Italy is the first country in Europe that Lauder has visited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Advisor Ambassador Luigi Mattioli and WJC Vice President Maram Stern attended the meeting, which coincided with the day Allied forces liberated Rome from Nazi fascist occupation.

In related news, Lauder welcomed Isaac

Ronald S. Lauder

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Herzog’s appointment as the President of the State of Israel.

“I cannot think of a better or more able representative,” he noted. “A scion of an illustrious family, he brings to this new position the dignity and depth of a true statesman.”

Lauder added, “None of us will ever forget the eloquence and intellect of his father, President Chaim Herzog, who was a distinguished diplomat or his grandfather,

CST and CAA discuss “Free Palestine” convoy with police

BY ADAM MOSES Community leaders are discussing a potential “Free Palestine” convoy due to leave Bradford on route to Number 10 Downing Street on Saturday with the Metropolitan Police.

Community Security Trust have concerns over a planned route into central London if it goes through Jewish communities as a convoy did last month. Campaign Against Antisemitism are asking Police to use its powers regarding the threat of the convoy under the Public Order Act 1986.

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service may, with consent of Home Secretary Priti Patel, ban processions or impose specific conditions under sections

12 and 13 of the Act. A CST spokesperson noted, “It appears to be by the same organisers as the notorious convoy from last month and we cannot have a repeat of the appalling intimidation and abuse of the Jewish community that we saw on that occasion.”

A CAA spokesperson confirmed talks with Police to ensure the malicious acts of hatred last month do not reoccur and they prioritise the safety of the Jewish community.

“Protest is one thing, but intimidation and violent hatred have absolutely no place on our streets, and anyone victimising British Jews must face the full force of the law,” they noted.

CAA are also having discussions with the Met Police regarding recent events,

Yitzhak Ha-Levy Herzog, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, an outstanding Jewish scholar and leader.”

Noting Herzog offered a profound appreciation for the mosaic that is world Jewry, he concluded, “I know that he will greatly strengthen the traditional ties that bind the Jews of Israel to their brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. I look forward to working closely with him on behalf of the Jewish people and in the fight against resurging antisemitism around the world.”

Lauder also hailed a Global Investment Forum in Dubai after last month’s hostilities in Israel.

“The Abraham Accords changed our language and the entire terrain of the Middle East for the better, he noted in a pre-recorded message,” he reportedly noted.

“This was something that Arabs and Jews could only dream of in the past, but now it is a reality.”

Lauder added that the majority of Arabs and Jews in the Middle East want to live in peace with enhanced education and economic opportunities for children.

“It can only come from peace and harmony between nations,” he said.

Recalling his Middle East travels, Lauder continued, “The greatest investment that we can make is in education and technology, “adding that education must be a joint venture between Israel and Arab

countries.

Lauder called on Jews and Arabs to learn about the culture of both peoples and study together in classrooms and universities.

“Let the Middle East be known not for conflict but for technology and creativity,” he said. “This will only happen with partnerships with Israel.”

Lauder applauded delegates as ‘bridge builders’ and people who understand that ‘salaam and shalom’ carried the same message of “hope and not fear.”

Lauder also called for the region to maintain an open dialogue to gain a greater understanding of each other’s viewpoint. He added that building of a Jewish school in Dubai was a bold step and demonstrated the UAE was a leader for peace.

“After everything,” commented Lauder, “I continue to hope and work for a twostate solution for the Palestinians and Israelis so that future generations will no longer live in fear and mistrust. I know one simple fact, neighbours living productively together in dignity, peace, and prosperity is better than any alternative.”

Lauder concluded by stating that Israelis and the Emiratis could accomplish a great deal.

“All of us involved in this conference have to work against the agents of pessimism, I am an optimist,” he noted.

including the investigation into a previous convoy to ensure offenders are brought to justice.

Last month’s convoy drove through a Jewish neighbourhood shouting “F*** the Jews…rape their daughters” through a megaphone. Four men were arrested and bailed over the incident and an alleged antisemitic incident committed in Manchester before the convoy arrived in London.

Gideon Falter, CAA Chief Executive, called those responsible to face the “full force of the law”.

A vehicle also chased a Jewish mother down a London street and rammed her car whilst she was driving her four-year-old child to see friends.

The drivers were alleged to have been part of the same convoy.

Some 200 cars displaying Palestinian Authority flags were reported to have driven from Bradford, Sheffield and Leicester to London passing through Hendon and Golders Green.

Witnesses stated convoy participants shouted to Jewish passers-by “Free Palestine! Go back to Poland” and other antisemitic chants.

Police admitted they failed badly to monitor the initial convoy which Falter said was “predictable and preventable” as

it had been advertised for a week. “Whilst we commend the police on tracking down suspects, they should have been there at the time, monitoring this convoy,” he noted.

At the subsequent central London rally disturbing footage went viral of a female officer embracing protesters chanting “Free, free Palestine”. A number of officers were also seen shaking hands with drivers of a convoy of cars displaying Palestinian flags.

CAA wrote to Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick to act over the actions of Police officers.

Jewish organisatons were outraged by the incidents along with others during a surge in antisemitic crimes. Police patrols were increased in Jewish communities.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson led political support for the Jewish community. “I stand with Britain’s Jews who should not have to endure the type of shameful racism we have seen today,” he said.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel told the House of Commons that the convoy footage was “pure and simple antisemitism which sought to intimidate, harass and frighten members of the Jewish community”.

Labour leader Kier Starmer described the incident as “utterly disgusting” and called for consequences.

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10 JUNE 2021

80th anniversary of Farhud commemorated globally

BY DAVID SAFFER

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Until the Farhud, Jews made up a third of the city’s population in 1941. Most felt Iraqi first then Jewish.

Global commemorations have taken place for the 80th anniversary of the Farhud in Baghdad, Iraq.

World Jewish Congress held a special WebTalk of the Nazi-inspired pogrom recalling the murder of over 180 Jews, many born in Baghdad. tortured, and over 2,000 injured on June The programme featured witness testi1-2 1941. monies introduced by Dr Bea Lewkowicz, The Israeli-based Babylonian Heritage director of Sephardi Voices UK, a memorial Museum has noted there are 600 unidenti- prayer by Rabbi Joseph Dweck and interfied victims buried in a mass grave. view with Dr David Kheder Bassoon, Iraqi Dr Sasha Goldstein-Sabbah of the Amster- Association of Jewish Academics chair. dam Jewish Historical Museum and Doreen Lily Shor told the audience how her family Dangoor, who survived the persecution, was saved by a neighbour in Baghdad. She participated in the WJC event. now works for the Babylonian Jewish HeritDangoor was saved by a family during age Centre in Israel and showcased archive the Farhud. Goldstein-Sabbah, a historian, material held at the centre. provided background on Iraq’s Jews who Richard Verber, US Director of Commushe termed, “the historic Jewish diaspora nications, said, “This chapter of the Second community”.

World War is not very well known among The United Synagogue hosted an online Ashkenazi communities.” evening of history and testimony.

There had been two millennia coexistAround 1,000 viewers tuned in to the US ence between Jews and Arabs dating back programme hosted by Woodside Park Unit- to the time of Babylon but that ended after ed Synagogue’s Edwin who was a pro-German HALF PAGE ADVERT JAN Shuker, 2020:Layout 1 09/01/2020 16:04 Page 1military coup in April 1941.

The coup was defeated by British forces but their departure was followed by the Farhud during the festival of Shavuot.

Thousands of armed Iraqi soldiers carrying swords, knives and guns rioted over two days of violence.

A red hand sign, or hamsa, was painted on Jewish homes. Families had to defend themselves.

Some families bribed policemen, others owe their lives to Muslim and Christian families who protected Jewish neighbours at great peril during the massacre.

Jewish shops and homes were looted and torched. Synagogues were broken into and Torahs burned. The dead were buried in a mass grave.

Until the Farhud, Jews made up a third of the city’s population in 1941. Most felt Iraqi first then Jewish.

The Mayor of Baghdad and police loyal to the Iraqi monarchy eventually imposed a curfew on 2 June.

But the Jewish community of Iraq never recovered from the pogrom with arrests on false charges of spying and public hangings of well-known Jews regularly occurring.

At the onset of the new decade, Iraqi Jews fled on condition they gave up property and assets, including bank accounts, settling in Israel, the United Kingdom, United States, India and Australia.

Israel airlifted over 100,000 Iraqi Jews, 90 per cent of the Jewish community, with support from El Al in 1951. By 1952, only 2,000 of 150,000 were left.

The Farhud took place but the British Army could have stopped the violence as they were close by under orders to halt Iraqi oil falling into Nazi hands.

“To Britain’s shame, the army was stood down,” reportedly said acclaimed historian Tony Rocca, co-author with Farhud survivor Violette Samash of Memories of Eden, in a BBC interview in 2011. Rocca noted that Sir Kinahan Cornwallis, Britain’s ambassador in Baghdad, held British forces at bay against orders from Winston Churchill to take the city and secure its safety.

A monument, “Prayer”, in Ramat Gan, commemorates those killed during the Farhud.

The United Nations marked the first International Farhud Day by globally streaming a live event with a keynote lecture by author Edwin Black six years ago.

The US programme is available on www.

TheUS.tv/farhud<http://www.TheUS.tv/ farhud>

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‘Hero of Auschwitz’ Dushman helped liberate death camp

BY DAVID SAFFER Tributes have been paid to multi-decorated Red Army soldier David Dushman who helped liberate Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.

Dushman, 98, was the last surviving Soviet soldier to first witness the atrocities at the Nazi death camp. He died at a Munich hospital on Saturday the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria announced.

“Every witness to history who passes on is a loss, but saying farewell to (David) Dusman is particularly painful,” said Charlotte Knobloch, former head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews. “Dushman was right on the front lines when the National Socialists’ machinery of murder was destroyed.”

“As the ‘Hero of Auschwitz’ he was one of the liberators of the concentration camp and saved countless lives,” she added in a statement. “Today, he was one of the last to be able to recount this event from his own experience.”

Knobloch recalled Dushman as a “brave,

honest and sincere man”.

A tank commander, Dushman was 21 years old when he drove his T-34 tank through the electric fence at the death camp on January 27, 1945.

Over a million people, mostly Jews, were murdered by the Nazis at Auschwitz-Birkenau between 1940 and 1945.

“David flattened the forbidding fence around the notorious Nazi death camp with his tank,” Tweeted the Veterans’ Foundation.

“We hardly knew anything about Auschwitz,” he told Sueddeutsche Zeitung, one of the largest German daily newspapers, in a 2015 interview.

Recalling that there were “skeletons everywhere”, he added, “They staggered out of the barracks, sat and lay among the dead. Terrible. We threw them all our canned

David Dushman

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food and immediately went on to hunt down the fascists.”

Shortly after his arrival at Auschwitz, Dushman was ordered to head towards Berlin.

During World War Two, Dushman participated in the Battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, the largest tank battle in history involving 6,000 tanks. He received over 40 medals for his military service, which he famously wore on his jacket, including bravery accolades.

Auschwitz liberator Dushman would meet up with comrades in Moscow annually until they had all passed away. He did though recall in an interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent him a congratulatory letter on Victory Day, May 9, to mark the end of World War Two. Dushman attended veterans’ reunions and for many years visited schools to give his eyewitness testimony to students about the liberation of Auschwitz and the Holocaust.

“When we arrived, we saw the fence and these unfortunate people, we broke through the fence with our tanks. We gave food to the prisoners and continued,” Dushman told Reuters last year on the 75th anniversary of the liberation. “They were standing there, all of them in (prisoner) uniforms, only eyes, only eyes, very narrow, that was very terrible, very terrible,” he added.

Asked why Auschwitz happened, Dushman said it was “completely incomprehensible”.

Seriously wounded three times during the war, Dushman was one of only 69 soldiers in a 12,000-strong division to survive.

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Though part of a lung was removed, he went on to become a world class fencer.

“I couldn’t walk at all because I got out of breath,” he told Reuters. “I started, I made up my own workout routine for one minute per day. So very, very gradually, slowly, slowly I reached a point where in 1951, I became the champion of Russia (in fencing).”

From 1952 to 1988, Dushman coached the Soviet Union women’s national fencing team.

At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, he was aware of the assassination of 11 Israeli athletes by ‘Black September’ Palestinian terrorists.

“We heard the gunshots and the hum of the helicopters above us,” he told Abendzeitung newspaper in PHOTO: YOUTUBE 2018. “We lived right across from the Israeli team. We and all the other athletes were horrified.”

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach won gold for West German as a fencer in the foil event at the 1976 Olympics. By then he was a friend of Dushman.

“When we met in 1970, he immediately offered me friendship and counsel, despite his personal experience with World War Two and Auschwitz, and he being a man of Jewish origin,” he said in a heartfelt tribute. “This was such a deep human gesture that I will never ever forget it.”

Dushman went on to train a number of the Soviet Union’s best fencers, including Valentina Sidorova, who won gold in the foil at the 1976 and 1980 Olympics.

“Dushman was a legendary fencing coach and the last living liberator of the Auschwitz concentration camp,” the IOC said in a statement.

At the age of 94, Dushman was still giving daily lessons at his fencing club, they added.

Born in Danzig, April 1, 1923, his father was a sports and military doctor, his mother a paediatrician.

Growing up in Minsk, the family moved to Moscow, where his father worked at State Institute of Sport.

Tragically, he was a victim of Stalin’s ‘Great Purge’ in 1938 and was sent to a camp in the Arctic Circle. He died there after 10 years.

At the onset of the Eastern Bloc borders ending, Dushman moved to Austria as a coach, then Neuperlach, a borough of Munich in 1996 with his wife Zoja, who died a few years ago.

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10 JUNE 2021

More Stamford Hill antisemitic incidents Jewish residents in Stamford Hill continue to be the target of antisemitic incidents.

The past few weeks have seen a surge of hate crimes that Police are investigating.

A Jewish children’s school bus displaying religious items recently had tyres slashed in a disturbing hate crime. The incident on Vartry Road was reported by Stamford Hill Shomrim (CHS 28842).

Harassment of Jewish residents follows the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas last month.

The Jewish volunteer organisation had

to act after a Jewish man needed a tetanus injection when a gang reportedly set a vicious dog on him. The attack took place on Queen Elizabeth’s Walk (Ref: 4612639/21).

The gang understood to be operating on the Webb Estate have attacked Jewish homes and made threats against Jewish residents in the neighbourhood.

Shomrim reported the gang swearing at a Jewish person and her young daughter threatening to “blow up” their house” (CAD 3728).

Two incidents also took place on Craven

Walk in Stamford Hill when youths attacked the front door of a Jewish home (CAD 7646), a day later the gang threw rocks at Jewish homes (CAD 5790).

These incidents followed others in the area which include a man dressed in camouflage giving the Nazi salute to Jewish passers-by at Manor House Station, two Jewish men being approached by a man threatening them with a large knife and Jewish residents of Clock House discovering “Hitler” daubed at a communal area in their block. All three incidents were reported to police by Shomrim.

Campaign Against Antisemitism continue to monitor the situation around the UK. CAA’s analysis of Home Office statistics illustrates over three hate crimes directed at Jews daily in England and Wales.

Jews are almost four times more likely to be targets of hate crimes than other faith groups.

Anyone with information should telephone the police on 101 or Stamford Hill Shomrim on 0300 999 0123 quoting the relevant reference number.

Gantz meets US officials over Gaza and Iran

BY ADAM MOSES

allowed medical equipment, food, medicine and fuel for the Defence Minister Benny Gantz private sector to enter the Gaza has met senior US officials to disStrip via the Kerem Shalom crosscuss security commitments to Ising. Patients requiring life-saving rael, Gaza and Iran. treatment are allowed out of Gaza Gantz stressed a need to solidify into Israel via the Erez crossing. a military option regarding Iran The new policy is based on the in meetings with US Secretary Government Activities in the Terof State Anthony Blinken and ritories Office.

National Security Advisor Jake A long-term ceasefire must inSullivan. clude the return of Avera Mengistu Following a meeting with Sulliand Hisham al-Sayed held captive van, Gantz tweeted that they had

by Hamas since 2014 and 2015 discussed a need to promote “rerespectively, and IDF soldiers Hagional stability by halting Iranian dar Goldin and Oron Shaul killed aggressiveness”, while protecting in the Operation Protective Edge Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge.

2014 conflict.

Gantz also met US Secretary Hamas must provide proof of of Defence Lloyd Austin at the life as part of any prisoner swap Pentagon. negotiations.

“Stopping Iran is certainly a There are reports Israel has proshared strategic need of the US, vided a list of Hamas prisoners PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA they will release in exchange for Europe, the countries of the Mid- Benny Gantz dle East, and Israel, and, for the MIAs. Hamas’s leader in Gaza, people of Iran as well,” noted Gantz in a State Joey Hood reportedly told the Israel Yahya Sinwar, is reportedly demanding joint statement. “They too deserve a gov- Policy Forum. “President Biden is clear over 1,100 prisoners, including terrorists ernment that will devote itself to solving about this administration’s support for re- serving life sentences for killing Israelis. real problems, rather than with develop- plenishing this system to support Israel’s In relation to this, Al Jazeera released an ing weapons of mass destruction to threat- ability to defend itself in the future,” Hood audio recording of a man speaking Hebrew en other peoples.” added. that Hamas claimed was an Israeli soldier Austin added, “The administration fully Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of held captive in the Gaza Strip last Sunday. supports your country’s right to defend it- South Carolina, visited Israel in a show of It is unclear who is speaking and the self against rockets, rocket attacks fired in- solidarity. recording is poor. The man wondered if discriminately by Hamas, and other GazaBicom noted Gantz was heading Israeli Israeli leaders were thinking of soldiers in based militants against Israeli civilians.” efforts with the Biden administration over captivity and working for their release. The The Biden administration pledged sup- Iran and Gaza.

Mengistu family have said the recording is port for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence Gantz is part of the coalition set to follow not their son, the al-Sayed family have not system prior to the visit.

Netanyahu and is expected to remain De- commented as yet.

Gantz had sought assurances for US fence Minister.

The recording was broadcast with unseen funding to restock the system that interThe release of Israeli captives is being footage of Gilad Shalit, freed from five years cepted over 4,000 rockets fired by Hamas negotiated as part of Egyptian mediation captivity in Gaza in 2011 as part of a pristerrorists into Israel last month. to allow for the rehabilitation of Gaza. oner swap deal of over 1,000 Palestinian “During the conflict we saw the Iron According to Bicom, Israel’s current ap- prisoners in Israel.

Dome system, which our nations devel- proach is to allow “basic” humanitarian Among those freed was Yahya Sinwar, oped together, save the lives of countless aid into the Gaza Strip until captives are current head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. innocent civilians,” Assistant Secretary of returned. As part of the policy, Israel has Israel’s coordinator for the return of

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POWs and MIAs, Yaron Blum, described the recording as “cheap and transparent manipulation.” Israel will do “everything in its power to secure their release” and return them home, Blum reportedly said.

Intelligence Affairs Minister Eli Cohen told Army Radio, “We know exactly what is happening in Gaza. This is simply another cheap manipulation. We will not lend a hand to rebuilding Gaza until the issue of the MIAs and hostages is resolved. The State of Israel is committed to that and we have made this clear.”

In the midst of negotiations, according to security sources, tensions remain in southern Israel and the IDF is on a high state of alert.

Meantime, a fifth round of indirect US-Iranian talks in Vienna regarding the JCPOA nuclear deal ended last week. The UK, Germany and France said in a statement progress had been made but the most difficult decisions were ahead.

All sides want to finalise talks before Iranian presidential elections on 18th June but uncertainty remained this week whether the talks will be fruitful.

“We’ve been engaged in indirect conversations, as you know, for the last couple of months, and it remains unclear whether Iran is willing and prepared to do what it needs to do to come back into compliance,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“We’re still testing that proposition,” Blinken added.

Blinken worryingly noted Iran could assemble a nuclear bomb in a matter of weeks if Tehran keeps violating the 2015 deal former US president Donald Trump pulled out of three years ago.

U.S. President Joe Biden would return to the accord if Iran plays its part.

Rafael Grossi, Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head, has cast doubt to a resolution.

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Bibi to face leadership challenge after Knesset vote

BY DAVID SAFFER Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face a challenge for the Likud leadership after he is ousted from office in Sunday’s Knesset vote for a proposed new government led by Naftali Bennett.

According to reports, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and MK Nir Barkat will oppose Netanyahu for the Likud leadership at the next primary election. Other senior Likud members are also expected to run.

With MKs expected to back the coalition, Bennett appealed to Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, to finally allow the country to “move on” and avoid a fifth general election.

“This is happening!” Yair Lapid said on Twitter.

The Bennett-Lapid’s coalition is a mix of right-wing, left-wing, centrist and Arab parties.

“The unity government is going ahead to benefit the citizens of the State of Israel,” noted Lapid.

Yamina MK Nir Orbach announced this week he would vote in favour of the new government. His confirmation assures the incoming coalition a wafer-thin 61-59 seat majority.

Explaining his decision, he noted on Facebook, “I am not taking this path with happiness or enthusiasm, I am taking it precisely because it is unclear, an exemplary society can include rightists and leftists in one home. An exemplary society should shun marginal forces. In this exemplary society, religious Zionism should have a central place.”

Criticising the Religious Zionist Party, Orbach added, “Unfortunately, the political religious Zionism from which I came, which knew how to cooperate with both right and left, is no longer. It has been appropriated by forces that don’t represent me or the community I came from.”

Zionist Party chief Bezalel Smotrich lambasted Orbach on Twitter, “He’s so arrogant, insolent, untruthful and power-seeking that he would come over to us immediately had we offered him a reserved spot.”

There was also criticism from ultra-Orthodox party leaders who join Netanyahu’s opposition.

In a joint press conference, Shas leader Aryeh Deri warned, “The State of Israel is changing its appearance and identity.

The government headed by Bennett will destroy and ruin everything that we have preserved of the Jewish character and identity of the country, which enables life together over the last 73 years together.”

United Torah Judaism’s Yaakov Litzman added that Israel’s Jewish character was in danger.

“Jewish tradition, values and religion, the

Benjamin Netanyahu

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

pillars of Judaism have been thrown in the garbage,” he noted. “Conversion, yeshiva students, the Torah world, the holy Sabbath, the Western Wall, recognising Reform Jews, everything is going to haters of religion, Lieberman, Bennett and Lapid.”

Bennett lamented the comments by Deri and Litzman.

“These are expressions that do not add respect to them and reflect a loss of temper. Only a year ago, when the current unity government was formed, the right remained outside, and the ultra-Orthodox sat inside. You did not see me calling Gafni to remove his yamulkah. There was a government, we were not part of it, and the sun was shining in the morning. The ultra-Orthodox Knesset members will not teach us what Judaism is and certainly not what Zionism is.”

Reassuring ultra-Orthodox communities, he added, “The past year has shown that you are the ones paying, with your very life, for a political culture of neglect, preference for associates and perpetuation of problems.”

Pro-Netanyahu demonstrators have protested since the possibility of a new coalition materialised.

Bennett called on Likud’s leader to face the reality of stepping down.

“In a few days we will swear-in a new government,” he said. “It is not a catastrophe nor is it a disaster. It is nothing but a change of government, as is normal in every democratic country.” Bennett added, “Israel is not a monarchy, no one has a monopoly on who will rule. Every government, when it becomes withered and corrupt after many years, is eventually replaced and so on. It is the natural, healthy course of action in every normal country.”

Bennett spoke about threats against him, his party and members of the coalition.

“It is fine, you can talk against (the government), write against it and protest against it,” he said. “Not every objection to the government is incitement, and yet, legitimate conduct is one thing, worrying conduct is another.”

Bennett addressed Netanyahu, “Free the country so it can move on. Do not leave nothing but charred earth behind you.”

Bennett dismissed claims by Netanyahu and supporters the coalition was left-wing.

“It is actually ten degrees further to the right than the current one,” he noted. “A government headed by me, a right-wing

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man, wearing a kippah, a government with a centre-right majority in the cabinet and other forums, is not a ‘left-wing government’. It’s not ‘us vs them’. No one here is an enemy.”.

With tensions rising during a whirlwind few days of political claims and counter claims, Bennett called on Knesset Speaker Yair Levin to schedule a vote for a new government.

“We know that Netanyahu is pressuring you to delay the vote, to postpone it by another five days in order to give him more time to hunt for defectors,” he reportedly said. “This may be in Netanyahu’s best interest, but you know this is not in the state’s best interest. The Likud knows this too. You swore allegiance to the state, not to a particular person. The people expect you to do that.”.

Bennett denied Netanyahu’s claims he agreed to “forfeit” Israel’s Negev for a coalition.

Netanyahu condemned incitement against his rivals at a Likud faction meeting but lambasted the proposed coalition, vowing to topple it “very quickly”.

“We condemn all forms of incitement from any side, even when others remain silent as the incitement against us runs rampant,” he said. “It’s important to stress that freedom of speech is not incitement,” Netanyahu added. “You can’t treat criticism from the right as incitement and criticism from the left as a legitimate act of freedom of speech. It is an attempt to frame the right as something dangerous to democracy, the very idea is dangerous to democracy.”

Netanyahu accused rivals of electoral fraud in forming a coalition. He explained, “We are witnessing the biggest election fraud in the history of the country, and perhaps in the history of democracy. People rightly feel cheated,” Netanyahu also criticised social media platforms for attempting to silence rightwing activists, including his son Yair. And he denied holding coalition negotiations with Islamist Ra’am party head Mansour Abbas who backed Bennett and Lapid.

“We have always been open to helping Arab MKs and we have done so more than all other governments combined, but unlike Bennett and Lapid, we have never agreed to give Abbas autonomy in the Negev,” Netanyahu said, adding, “When we talk about a dangerous left-wing government, we are talking about a government that will lose the Negev, a government that will not be able to stand in the face of the American demand to freeze construction (the West Bank) and Jerusalem, unfortunately.”

Shin Bet Director Nadav Argaman issued a warning of possible violence following Netanyahu’s demise. Argaman called on political and religious leaders to show responsibility.

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WJC shocking review illustrates global antisemitism

BY DAVID SAFFER World Jewish Congress has published a shocking monthly review outlining global antisemitism last month.

Across Europe, America and Australia a plethora of hate incidents have struck Jewish communities.

Here in the UK, among a host of reported cases there was a media storm after a convoy of cars decked with Palestinian flags drove through Jewish communities of north London. Swastikas have been daubed on synagogues and homes, mezuzahs desecrated, protests, assaults and verbal abuse have also taken place. And Jewish leaders were appalled when footage of a female officer embracing protesters chanting “Free, free Palestine” went viral.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has led political support for the Jewish community but concern persists.

In Vienna, 2,500 protesters rallied against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Among other incidents, a train passenger was

punched after he asked another passenger to stop denying the Holocaust occurred whilst engaging in antisemitic speech. There was also outrage when three people verbally assaulted a woman reading a book called “The Jews In The Modern World.” According to media reports, when the victim told police she was not Jewish, they informed her it was not an antisemitic incident.

In Victoria, Australia, before a pro-Israel rally, a 19-year-old Muslim woman posted a TikTok video allegedly advocating calls for violence against the Jewish community.

The video was captioned, “If you’re from

Victoria, Australia, you know what to do.”

Inciteful comments followed.

At a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney, a swastika was drawn on an Israeli flag, replacing the Star of David. And a Nazi slogan and swastikas were also daubed on a train in Brisbane.

Support came from Prime Minister Scott Morrison who confirmed Australia would boycott the anti-Israel Durban Conference this year. “We will not associate Australia with one-sided and contentious language that singles out Israel or an event that champions such language,” he noted.

In Belgium, pro-Palestinian protestors burned Israeli flags and shouted antisemitic slogans while waving Hamas flags at a Brussels rally. And a Club Brugge footballer was filmed leading supporters singing an antisemitic song, chanting “I’d rather die than be a sporting Jew”, after his club had won the national league. Georges-Louis Bouchez, MR Party in the Belgian Senate, said in a statement, “I await an explanation and an apology from Noa Lange and sanctions at the level of Club Brugge and the Royal Belgian Football Association.”

In Toronto, pro-Palestinian demonstrators assaulted pro-Israel protestors at a rally. WJC-affiliated Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs condemned acts of assault, intimidation. Elsewhere, a Hitler Youth flag was seen on a property in Alberta.

The owner refused to take down the flag, prompting an investigation.

Solidarity came from Canadian MP Anthony Housefather who confirmed the country would not participate in the Durban conference describing the events as a “forum for antisemitism”.

In France, Jewish activists discovered a Facebook page honouring the killer of

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Sarah Halimi. And a monument honouring one of the Jewish victims of the 2015 Hypercacher kosher supermarket terrorist attack was vandalised.

In Dusseldorf, Bonn and Munster, synagogues and a Holocaust memorial were vandalised, whilst in Munich, a man was arrested after assaulting a non-Jewish man he called a “Jewish pig”. And 200 anti-Israel demonstrators marched to a synagogue in Gelsenkirchen chanted “s***y Jews.”

German police in Bremen also arrested a man for planning an attack on a synagogue.

Italian police seized weapons from homes of members of a white supremacist movement planning to form a new fascist party.

And in the Netherlands, the Dutch Conservative party suggested on the country’s Holocaust Memorial Day that COVID-19 measures had undone the liberation from the Nazis.

In Ceuta, Spain, “Free Palestine, Allah” graffiti was daubed on a synagogue, while in Gothenburg, a non-Jewish man who wore a kippah in a show of solidarity with Swedish Jews was assaulted.

Antisemitic bullying also took place in schools including a number of boys approaching a 13-year-old Jewish pupil in Stockholm and desecrating an Israeli flag in front of him.

In Basel, the former leader of far-right Basel Swiss Nationalist Party Tobias Steiger was fined for remarks blaming Jews for World War One and Two during a demonstration in 2018.

Steiger has questioned the Holocaust on Facebook, according to Keystone-SDA news agency.

In Kremenchuk, Ukraine, a bullet hole was found in a synagogue, and grave robbers allegedly raided a Holocaust mass grave, scattering human remains.

In the US, pro-Palestinian demonstrators attacked Jews at a Los Angeles restaurant, in Illinois a window was smashed at the Persian Hebrew Congregation. A similar incident took place in Tucson, Arizona and a Holocaust memorial was defaced in Portland, Oregon.

Support has been plentiful including the State Department who confirmed the United States would not participate in anti-Israel Durban Conference in September.

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Israel voted on UN ‘ECOSOC’

BY SIMCHA ABIR

Odelia Fitoussi to serve on UN Committee on the Rights of PerIsrael has become a member of sons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the United Nations ‘Economic November 2020. and Social Council’ for the first The first Israeli selected to serve time after receiving over twoon the prestigious UN committee, thirds of the vote from member Erdan described her election as a states. “true triumph of the human spirECOSOC advances economic, it” for people with disabilities all environmental and social sustainover the world. able development. It is also reHe added, “Israel’s extensive sponsible for following up on UN experience in the field of rights for conferences and summits. people with disabilities will con“This is an incredible achievetribute greatly to the committee’s ment for Israel and comes despite activities and will have a positive the efforts of Palestinians and influence on the lives of many PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK around the world. I am sure that their supporters against us,” said United Nations Economic and Social Council chamber Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Ambassador Odelia will be an excellent ambasto the UN and the US. promote collective action for a sustainable sador and achieve great things.”

“Choosing Israel to serve on ECOSOC is world’.

The Geneva-based CRPD is responsible a recognition of our innovation and crea‘At the centre of the UN development for monitoring and examining the activitivity, which serves to benefit all nations of system, we conduct cutting-edge analysis, ties of signatory states. Its implementation the world, as well as evidence of our diplo- agree on global norms and advocate for improves the lives of people with disabilimatic efforts throughout the international progress. Our collective solutions advance ties around the world. community.” He added, “I will continue to sustainable development.’

The UN Convention on Rights of Perlead the State of Israel to further achieveECOSOC, which numbers 54 members sons with Disabilities is ratified by 182 ments and to expand cooperation efforts of 193 UN member states, has 15 special- countries. at the UN, despite efforts by the Palestin- ised agencies, eight functional and five Israel was a leading nation in drafting ians and their supporters.” regional commissions in its remit. the convention, joining it in 2012. Since Countries are nominated as part of reECOSOC, which is responsible for ap- then, Israel has been active in legislative gional blocs. Israel’s is among Western proving action plans of permanent com- and social initiatives for people with disEuropean and Other Countries (WEOG). mittees, the Security Council and Human abilities. It is responsible for implementThe UN notes on its website, ‘ECOSOC Rights Council are the UN’s main bodies. ing and overseeing the Commission for brings people and issues together to Israel’s success follows the election Equality of Persons with Disabilities.

AJC opens UAE office The American Jewish Committee has opened an office in the United Arab Emirates.

A landmark first in the region, UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan welcomed the move to promote dialogue.

The UAE and Bahrain established ties with Israel last year as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords. The UAE was the first Arab state in over a quarter century to make a historic deal. “We are thrilled to have you,” Zayed al-Nahyan told an annual global forum. “Your presence in the UAE is part of changing mindsets.”

AJC Abu Dhabi, The Sidney Lerner Centre for Arab-Jewish Understanding, will be headed by State Department’s Marc Sievers. The veteran diplomat of over four decades has served in Israel, Morocco, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The AJC office will promote Arab-Jewish and Muslim-Jewish ties, fight anti-Semitism and work with Jewish communities in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah is hopeful that the accords, which Sudan and Morocco have also signed, will bring lasting peace and prosperity. “We have to be tolerant to thrive in a challenging neighbourhood,” he said.

Sheikh Abdullah added that a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict required “strategic” thinking on both sides.

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So after all the shenanigans of previous elections it looks like we will now have a proper government in Israel again. Due to the complexities of the Israeli system, Naftali Bennett could end up as Prime Minister of Israel despite having just 6 seats in the Knesset. Whilst many experts are sceptical as to how long this government will even last, it presents many questions and much fear for lots of people, especially religious Jews.

What will the attitude be towards the religious community? One MK sparked outrage last week by suggesting he would try to make Kiruv/Outreach a criminal act. Emissaries from Chabad rightly staged an angry protest at this modern day Korach figure.

Government led political and financial attacks are now widely expected on the frum community, with Yeshiva funding being cut and many other things being planned.

I hope all the people who were so desperate to get rid of Bibi haven’t made a huge mistake.

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Well done to BJPS in Manchester, who this week raised over £1,000,000 a staggering amount which will greatly help develop the school in many exciting ways, including a new Beis Hamidrash and more outside learning facilities.

Chair of Governors Dov Black told me how ecstatic the school was at the vast level of support, with over 6000 donors from around the world.

The 210 teams put in so much effort, and everyone played their part, especially the matchers.

The amount of money that British Jewry have raised for so many charities since the Pandemic began is truly astounding. As we say during Shabbat Mincha, ‘Mi K’amcha Yisroel - Who is like Your people Israel?’

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Israeli Politics & The Knesset Israel’s brand new government consisting of eight political parties will be voted upon in a special Knesset session on Sunday at 4pm.

The confidence vote is expected to pass by a razor-thin majority of 61 votes to 59 in the plenum, after Yamina MK Nir Orbach confirmed he will vote in favour of the “change-bloc”.

“This is not an easy decision,” Orbach wrote on his Facebook page, “but it is what is called for in light of the governmental instability, the violent discourse and the sense of chaos verging on civil war”. Orbach continued his lengthy piece by stating that “After an unending impasse, the time is right to try to rewrite the challenges of the Zionist vision and the shared values of Israeli society in the coming years.”

He also blasted the Religious Zionists party by writing, “It has aligned with farright extremists and religious elements that do not represent me or the community I come from.”

Nir Orbach was reportedly offered a ministerial post in return for his vote.

However Yamina’s seventh MK, Amichai Chikli announced last week, he could not support the Left-Centre-Right-Islamist pact.

Likud faction chairman Micky Zohar said in response to the Orbach announcement, “In the end, Naftali Bennett’s opportunism won over ideology.”

Speaking on Kan Radio, Zohar told listeners, “If the government falls, Bennett’s political career is over, so there is concern that his decisions are led by considerations of personal survival and not what is good for the country.”

On the subject of replacing Binyamin Netanyahu as head of the Likud, Zohar stressed, “This is not on the table and Netanyahu is expected to lead the opposition in the Knesset and head the Likud into the next election”.

However Kan reported earlier this week that Health Minister, Yuli Eidelstein planned to seek the party leadership, while another potential candidate, Finance Minister Yisrael Katz denied that he was planning to mount a campaign to unseat Netanyahu.

But for now, the focus is on the confidence vote on Sunday for the new

Israel’s political analyst JAMES MARLOW continues with his weekly report, and this week, it looks like its “All Change” as a brand new unity government prepares to take control of the Knesset.

government. If successful, Naftali Bennett will be sworn-in as Prime Minister after 12 consecutive years (4458 days) of Binyamin Netanyahu. The alternate Prime Minister, Yair Lapid and the cabinet will then be sworn-in and the Knesset will vote to remove Likud Knesset speaker MK Yariv Levin, who will be replaced by a Yesh Atid MK. The coalition agreements of the emerging government must formally be handed to the Knesset, 24 hours before the vote.

But with Sunday being the day of the vote, the Yesh Atid leader, Yair Lapid and coalition partner Naftali Bennett, must therefore submit their coalition paper work to

ELECTION NEWS BRIEFS: • The Security Cabinet on Tuesday night voted to reinstate the Jerusalem flag march on Tuesday 15 June, after the police decided to cancel the Thursday event, due to safety concerns. During the meeting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz agreed to reach a compromise that would allow the march to take place on a later date, but re-route it from the Old City’s Damascus Gate. The cabinet voted in agreement with the motion.

• Leaders of the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties, Moshe Gafni and Arye Deri denounced Yamina leader and Prime Minister designate, Naftali Bennett as someone who would “uproot religion” and called upon him to remove his yarmulke. They said the coalition agreements drawn up on religion and state would destroy the Jewish character of the State of the Israel. For his part, Bennett responded to Gafni and Deri by saying, they had failed their voters.

the plenum by Friday.

This will give the pro-Netanyahu bloc, 48 hours to review the agreements and at the same time, convince right wing MK’s in the emerging government to oppose Sunday’s vote of confidence.

In the unlikely event this would happen, the Likud unanimously approved a motion on Tuesday to reserve three open spots on their party’s electoral list, in a further bid to entice members of Yamina and New Hope, to bolt the coalition in exchange for a spot on the slate.

Heads of the New Hope, Yesh Atid and Yamina met on Tuesday night at the house of New Hope party leader, Gideon Sa’ar in

• Kikar Hashabbat reported that members from the Likud-Chareidi bloc approached President Rivlin with a proposal that Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin be tapped with forming a government, while Netanyahu took a break from politics and public life for one year. During this time, New Hope head Gideon Sa’ar would serve in the position of Prime Minister. Likud sources have said the report was nonsense but Netanyahu did admit that he offered Sa’ar to serve as Prime Minister in a rotation agreement. However Sa’ar rejected the offer.

• When Bennett first entered politics as an

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order to hammer out fine details on several issues before the final signing of the coalition accords.

Although we don’t know the exact details of the coalition agreements between Yesh Atid and the 7 other parties, it is widely believed that IDF service will be mandatory for most Yeshiva students, a reform egalitarian section will be set up at the Western Wall and major changes will take place on matters related to religion and state.

These will include reforms to the system of Jewish conversion, the provision of kashrut (kosher) authorities and the method for electing the Chief Rabbis. Yisrael Beteinu’s coalition agreement includes stipulations regarding civil marriage, the strictly Orthodox educational system and public transportation throughout Israel on Shabbat.

A United Torah Judaism MK commented that Mansour Abbas, who heads the Islamist Ra’am party, will be the most religious person in the new government.

The Bennett-Lapid-Sa’ar bloc plan to promote two dramatic laws in the early days of their new government according to Channel 12 News. First, preventing anyone who has served as prime minister for at least four years, (which of course applies only to Netanyahu) from running for the next Knesset.

Second, to introduce a law that makes it easier for a faction within a party to break off and form their own party. According to the law, Knesset members can only break away from their party, if they take at least a third of the MK’s. So as the Likud hold 30 seats, a minimum of 10 MK’s would be needed to break.

The new government plan to reduce this number considerably, in case Likud defectors are looking to join the Bennett led coalition, which will need to strengthen their narrow majority of one seat.

The Likud responded by saying “Bennett is crossing every red line in his insane chase for the Prime Minister’s seat at any price. “After Bennett deceived his voters and passed votes from right to left only to appoint himself Prime Minister with six seats, he is now bringing a law that does not exist in any democracy in the world, with the aim of disqualifying Prime Minister Netanyahu from running for Knesset”.

MK in 2013, Bennett’s goal was to eventually succeed Netanyahu as Prime Minister, but never intended to oust him. Bennett was always aware of how much the “Right” respected Netanyahu and that ousting him could result in a permanent scar on his political resume.

• Bennett is a religious Zionist politician who staunchly opposes a Palestinian state and backs many right-wing policies. He is relatively liberal on religious issues and pragmatic on some others. He is seen as mostly independent of the rabbis he follows.

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NEWS 17

18 OPINION

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OPINION

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

Shocking Journalism OPINION PIECE

BY JAMES J MARLOW The Winston Churchill expression, “a lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on”, came to mind when on 28 May, 2021, the New York Times front page, published pictures of children killed in the recent Israel-Gaza war.

The headline read, “They were just children”, as the New York Times listed the names of 67 children under the age of 17 who were killed. Two in Israel and 65 in the Gaza Strip.

Investigative journalists and bloggers questioned the NY Times “splash” and began to look into the subject.

A few days later, the NY Times printed a retraction that stated one of the 67 pictures, was of a child killed under “other circumstances” and not during the hostilities.

The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre (www.terrorism-info.org. il) kept digging and revealed the name of one of the children, belonged to a Hamas military terrorist wing operative. He was Muhammad Sabar Ibrahim Suleiman, 16, killed on 11 May 2021, in an attack in the eastern part of Jabalia along with his father, a commander in Hamas’ military wing, Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades.

A video then circulated on social media after the end of the hostilities of Muhammed Saber Ibrahim Suleiman, wearing an Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades uniform, despite his young age. In other words, he had been recruited by Hamas into its military terrorist wing.

Previously, Khaled Imad Khaled al-Qanua (Abu Suheib), who was identified by the New York Times as a 17 year-old boy, was found to be a 20 year-old terrorist operative. He was killed on May 13, 2021, in an aerial attack on a Palestinian terrorist squad near Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Mujahedeen Brigades, which is the military-terrorist wing of the Mujahedeen Movement, whose leadership split from Fatah and are today allied with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and closely allied to Iran, issued a mourning notice. It stated he was an organisation operative and that he was 20 years old. (Source: Mujahedeen Brigades’ Telegram channel, May 13, 2021).

Furthermore, at least two young children were killed at around 6.05 pm on 10 May, 2021 when a homemade rocket fired by a Palestinian armed group, fell short and killed eight Palestinians.

The aid agency, Defence for Children @ DCIPalestine based in Gaza tweeted the information and named Saleh Dardouna Street, near the Al-Omari Mosque in Jabalia, where the rocket fell.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

But no one has time for the “facts” these days. Media organisations including the New York Times are sloppy with their reporting and therefore mislead the public, which of course increases the anti-Semitism.

DCIP also confirmed they collected the evidence. However two days later, the tweets were unsurprisingly removed and no further information was posted on terror rockets falling short of their target.

But satellite and camera video clearly shows around 400 rockets fired from Gaza residential areas, fell inside of Gaza.

The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre believes that the other six individuals mentioned by the DCIP were also teenagers. Therefore all eight of the children whose names were on the NY Times list, were killed by Gaza terror organisation rockets that either misfired or dropped inside of Gaza on 10 May, 2021.

Their names were: Baraa al-Ghrabi, 4, from Jabalia, Ibrahim Hassanein, 16, from Beit Hanoun, Mustafa al-Abir, 17, from Beit Hanoun, Hussein Hamad, 11, from Beit Hanoun, Yazen al-Masri, 2, from Beit Hanoun, Marwan al-Masri, 7 from Beit Hanoun, Ibrahim al-Masri, 11, from

Beit Hanoun, Rahaf Muhammad Atallah al-Masri, 10, from Beit Hanoun.

Most of the remaining 55 were killed when the IDF attacked command centres and children were either on the site or nearby. In a briefing, the IDF admitted that they hit a building after giving the usual warning, but because of underground tunnels close to its foundation, buildings close-by collapsed, adding that most of the deaths occurred on the same street.

We must never forget that Palestinian Hamas used the tunnels as command centres and to store weapons. In addition there were numerous hidden passageways for operatives to move between posts.

Whilst the deaths of innocent civilians is tragic, the IDF carried out around 1,500 aerial attacks. Yet despite its huge efforts avoiding harming civilians, children in particular, Hamas’ tactic of positioning its command centres in the heart of densely populated areas, led directly to

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the unfortunate deaths of more than 50 children.

It is estimated that around 120 non-combatants, including children were killed in the IDF strikes, but at least 135 terrorist operatives from the various organizations in Gaza were also killed.

After “Operation Guardian of the Walls”, Yahya al-Sinwar, head of the Hamas political bureau in the Gaza Strip, admitted that positioning their headquarters in civilian structures was “problematic,” (Al-Jazeera, June 5, 2021).

But no one has time for the “facts” these days. Media organisations including the New York Times are sloppy with their reporting and therefore mislead the public, which of course increases the anti-Semitism.

Truth matters and all of us have a responsibility to seek it and disseminate it.

James J. Marlow is a broadcast journalist previously working for ITN, EuroNews, LBC Radio, Daily Express and a number of Jewish publications. In addition, he ran a Media and Communications Training Operation and was a consultant at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.

He was also responsible for the training of Shlichim at the Jewish Agency and Bnei Akiva.

20 OPINION

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OPINION

10 JUNE 2021

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

End of an era…

OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN It isn’t often that my words return to haunt me, but this week that is exactly what happened. The reason is the likelihood that by this time next week Benjamin Netanyahu will no longer be the Prime Minister of Israel. I should add that my view is that this is not likely to make very much difference to the current visceral hatred of Israel present in the UK and the appalling rise in Jew-hate across the country.

The words in particular were those as a heading to an article I wrote in the Times of Israel in December 2015. I will not reproduce the whole article here though the opening paragraph was I thought fairly accurate: “If it wasn’t for” is a phrase which I have heard for many many years. It is usually followed by the words “…Netanyahu, there would be peace”. Of course, It is not only Benjamin Netanyahu who gets this treatment. It started with Menachem Begin and lived on through Yitzak Shamir and

of course Ariel Sharon. If it wasn’t for all these right of centre Prime Ministers, Israel would have peace and the area divided by the vote of 29 November 1947 would be one of cooperation and tranquillity.

In the five years since I wrote this, sadly very little has changed. The lack of progress with the peace process has continued to be claimed to be responsibility of Israel in general and Mr Netanyahu in particular.

So now he is leaving office – assuming no last-minute surprise – how will things change? Sadly I do not believe at all, despite the inclusion of the United Arab List in the new Government.

My December 2015 ended as follows: “… why is it that Prime Minister Netanyahu is blamed for the failure of the peace process? Because it is easy. Really easy. By

refusing to accept Netanyahu, the opponents then do not have to accept Israel.

No requirement to bear in mind years of persecution of Jews in Arab countries and no need to think about the millions of pounds salted away by successive Palestinian leaders. Certainly nothing complicated to consider like other Arab countries refusing to take in their coreligionists and absolutely no need whatsoever to even try and gain a rudimentary understanding of the deep-rooted desire of Hamas, the BDS movement and others like them to drive all the Jews out of their land completely.

My conclusion? Prime Minister Netanyahu is not the reason there is no peace but he is a really really good excuse for those who don’t want to think about the real reasons.”

Hamas have predictably enough stated categorically that Arab List or no Arab List in the new Government, their determination remains the destruction of the Jewish State. Pause for a moment to consider this.

In what many consider to be a remarkable feat of co-operation an Arab party is

Benjamin Netanyahu was not and is not the barrier to peace. The increase in hatred is not sudden and is nothing to do with the soon to be former Israeli Prime Minister.

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going to be part of the Israeli Government.

Forgetting the Jew-haters of Hamas for a moment, where are the celebrations of the far left and centre-left in the UK claiming victory for pluralism and diversity?

Nowhere, just more of the same dishonest rhetoric and, if the rumours are true, another hate fuelled convey from Bradford to London this coming weekend presumably intended to intimidate and marginalise Jewish British citizens.

Benjamin Netanyahu was not and is not the barrier to peace. The increase in hatred is not sudden and is nothing to do with the soon to be former Israeli Prime Minister.

The hatred has developed over years in Universities, the media, some trades unions and the Labour Party. There is no quick fix. What is needed quickly is a recognition that for all the work on inter-faith, diversity programmes and other initiatives these are not working, however successful each of these may or may not have been in their own way.

We need a to acknowledge how serious and deep rooted this Jew-hate is, and only then will a realistic strategy emerge.

Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.

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22 GAMES

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Clearly West did not agree with Terence Reese’s opinion about the futility of making a two-suited overcall on such a feeble hand. The result was that, as the cue bid of two diamonds promised at least 5-5 in the majors, declarer was able to play the deal with some precision.

West led the queen of spades and declarer could count six winners in the side suits. Consequently he would need to make a total of six tricks with his trumps. Clearly, it was hopeless to try ruffing spades in the dummy; as the bidding marked East with at most a doubleton spade as he would be able to overruff any spade ruffed with a low trump.

So, declarer decided to ruff hearts in hand. He took the spade lead with dummy’s ace and led the spade two. If East had ruffed this, a club discard on the spade king would have been available later. Next declarer cashed the king and ace of hearts. The stage was now set.

Declarer called for a low heart from dummy. At the table, East ruffed this with the six of trumps. Declarer overruffed with the jack and crossed back to dummy by playing a low trump to the ace. Next came dummy’s last heart which left East with no recourse; if he discarded declarer would ruff low and draw all three of East’s remaining trumps; he would make two spades, two hearts, four trumps, two clubs and two heart ruffs for twelve tricks in all.

In practice East ruffed dummy’s last heart with the eight and declarer overruffed, drew trumps and claimed twelve tricks.

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LSJS degrees revalidated by Middlesex University The London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) has been successfully re-validated

by Middlesex University for six years from September 2021 for their BA & MA in Jewish Education. As well as confirming that Middlesex University will continue to validate LSJS degrees the university also gave the organisation four commendations: • The programme teams’ support and ethics of care towards the students • Intellectually rich curriculum content • Creative use of online Pedagogy • The approach of growing the programmes in a broad range of ways through global partnerships and access to student finance.

Dr Helena Miller, LSJS Director of Degrees, Co-Head of Teacher Training, and Senior Research Fellow, says “we are delighted by this outcome. This not only means that we can continue to provide both BA and MA degrees in Jewish Education, it means that we can also develop and grow our programmes.”

Middlesex University congratulated LSJS on such a successful re-validation.

Joanne Greenaway, LSJS Chief Executive says “Dr Helena Miller leads a fantastic team of real experts in the field of Jewish

97 year old David Teacher MBE, at home in Greater Manchester for the 77th anniversary of D-Day Operation Overlord, the D-Day landing 6th June 1944. David landed on Juno Beach, where he was stationed for three months as an RAF Beach Master.

He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

education. I am so pleased that this has been recognised so emphatically by our university partner and am proud to be able to run such excellent, innovative programmes which are attracting teachers and educators from all around the world.”

LSJS is the only provider outside of the USA and Israel to offer these degrees, which are run by a dedicated staff offering expert knowledge. You can now study for a BA (Hons) Jewish Education remotely by joining classes via Zoom if you are unable to attend sessions at the LSJS campus in NW London.

The MA Jewish Education has always been run as a distant learning course attracting students from around the world.

This year LSJS is delighted to announce that they will be including a dedicated module on informal education making the MA a great opportunity for Jewish informal educators to develop their knowledge and career.

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26 COMMUNITY

Baroness Hale receives honorary doctorate Bar-Ilan University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy to Baroness Hale of Richmond.

The ceremony, held as part of the University’s Board of Trustees meeting, continued Bar-Ilan’s tradition of awarding honorary degrees to global figures in science, scholarship, culture and the arts.

Baroness Hale, who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court from 2009, succeeding as the first female President of the Supreme Court in 2017, until her retirement in 2020, was honoured in recognition of her outstanding efforts on behalf of women and minorities, to secure elevated rights for all citizens alongside her dedication to the protection of democracy and human rights.

On receiving the doctorate, Baroness Hale commented, “I am bowled over by the honour which Bar-Ilan has bestowed upon me, it was a big surprise but that makes it an even bigger honour.”

Baroness Hale shared that she had visited Israel six times and had the biggest admiration for Israel, the people she met, especially seeing how they respected the law.

Recently the Baroness delivered a keynote address on Legal Dilemmas in Religious Feminism at a conference hosted by Bar-Ilan University’s Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women.

Bar-Ilan UK, Executive Director, Shlomo

The Roumanisher Shul (Vine St) together with Manchester Mesivta School held an evening of Hespedim for the long serving Rov and Principal Rabbi Lippa Rabinowitz. Speakers were, Ha Rav Avrohom Gurwicz, Rabbi Gavriel Knopfler, Rosh Hayeshiva Shaarei Torah, Rabbi Avrohom Zvi Herman of Manchester Mesivta, Rabbi Ezer Schwalbe, Rabbi Moshe Rabinowitz, eldest Son. It was Chaired by Rabbi Elozer Stefansky Rov Vine St Shul.

Baroness Hale receives an Honorary Doctorate

Rechtschaffen said, “Baroness Hale is a true role model to us all. She has devoted her life to the justice system and fighting for equality. The honour is well deserved”.

Romie Tager QC of London presented the Baroness with her Doctorate and highlighted why she was bestowed the honour.

Dayan meets VIP (very important pooch) When Dayan Yehuda Osher Steiner was told during a kashrus inspection at a leading Scottish distillery that he would be introduced to its latest recruit, little did he realise it would be a four-legged friend whose new role has brought him fame across the globe.

Rocco is a one-year-old cocker spaniel who has landed a dream job as the official sniffer dog at the Grant’s Whisky distillery in Girvan, South Ayrshire. News of his appointment was covered by media outlets across five continents.

His role is to sniff out the quality of the oak casks at the cooperage. If he picks up the scent of anything that needs attention as the whisky matures, it gets reported to Grant’s top dog, associate global brand director Chris Wooff.

Rocco underwent six months of intensive training before taking up his role. He is cared for at the distillery by team leader Lianne Noble, who prepares his daily work schedule and keeps him fed and exercised.

Dayan Steiner, senior Rabbi of Manchester Beis Din, a leading kashrus authority, was one of the first outsiders to be introduced to Rocco.

The Dayan was at the distillery to audit a range of drinks produced there which are certified by Manchester Beis Din for sale in the UK, United States, France, Canada and Israel.

These include Grant’s, Ailsa Bay and Monkey Shoulder whiskies and Hendrick’s gin.

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Congratulatory letters were read from Prof.

Ruth Halperin-Kaddari and Prof. Arie Zaban President of Bar-Ilan University.

Bar-Ilan University have honoured eight people globally.

Baroness Hale serves as a member of the House of Lords as a Lord Temporal.

Rabbi Gavriel Knopfler

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Kita Zayin boys of Toras Emes School in front of the beautiful display of their models of the 39 melochos of Shabbos, on Sunday afternoon in Toras Emes School hall.

Dayan Steiner and Rocco

Dayan Steiner said: “When I was told that I would be introduced to the newest employee at the distillery, I never dreamed it would be a dog!

“I’m not an avid dog-lover but it was a pleasure to meet Rocco. He is a very friendly little fellow and very clever. He’s clearly been very well-trained.”

Manchester Beth Din is among the leading Kashrus authorities in Europe. Its range of certified products includes breakfast cereals, confectionery, sauces, condiments and spreads, fish and vegetarian foods as well as alcoholic beverages.

Toras Emes Kita Zayin Boys

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COMMUNITY 27

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The Sephardi Community’s online and physical Beth Midrash

The Habura, a new initiative for Jewish education, has been established by the S&P Sephardi Community with support from the Montefiore Endowment and Dangoor Education. The global membership program which commences in July, combines a wealth of knowledge taught by leading Dayanim, Rabbis and professors focusing on the classical Sephardi approach.

The unique curriculum covers a wide range of topics such as History, Talmud and Philosophy that can be accessed online and in person. The demand for the

program has been overwhelming, within 3 days of launching, over 100 international members had already joined. The vibrant virtual community come from all over the world, connecting scholars through an illuminating system of Torah study, teaching and growth. Face to face learning is also available from the S&P Community’s Beth Midrash in Hendon and Lauderdale Road Synagogue.

Co-Founders, Sina Kahen (31) and Avi Garson (26) remarked: “We noticed an increased demand for a virtual and physical house of learning that offers a framework of Torah study that is rooted in the worldliness of some of our greatest Sephardi and Ashkenazi hakhamim. We coupled this with the increased need for a global network of Dayanim, Rabbis, professors, and individuals who represent this mesorah.

The Ḥabura was the product.”

Rosh Bet Midrash, Rabbi Joseph Dweck commented: “For years my students have asked me how they might access a framework for classical Sephardi thought and approach to Torah and Judaism. With ‘The Habura’ we bring together all of the components—the teachers, subjects, and information— that I believe are essential to that framework.”

To Join please visit: www.thehabura.com/join

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by Side building OakNorth Bank has advanced £5m to enable Side by Side Special Needs School to complete building work whilst fundraising continues apace.

The new school premises are scheduled to open for pupils in September 2022 with an increased capacity from 80 to 130 and new state of the art facilities.

The Jewish school welcomes students from across London with a range of special needs.

Specially customised programs are implemented by staff headed by Gerald Lebrett.

The £11m school project has raised more than half the required funds locally but it is always a challenge to ensure building work continues as funds come in.

Jacob Sorotzkin, Chair of Governors,

said, “The generosity of our community is astounding, we are immeasurably grateful to those individuals who have secured this facility from OakNorth Bank. Our building work continues, our fundraising efforts continue but OakNorth’s advance will ensure we will meet our target and open as planned next year.”

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Birmingham appoints rabbinic couple

Rabbi Yossi and Rebbetzen Channah Hambling

BY LEAH WAXLER Rabbi Yossi and Rebbetzen Channah Hambling are set to lead Birmingham Central United Synagogue next month.

Rabbi Yossi is at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel and finishing his Semicha with Rabbi Binyamin Zimmerman.

Rebbetzen Channah has participated in Shalhevet and Lapidot, a Women’s

Thank you NHS

Educators Programme. A qualified Kallah (bride) teacher, certified by the Rabbinate of Gush Etzion, she plans to launch a knitting business, creating headbands, hats and scarves, alongside her community role.

The Hamblings have a daughter, Temimah and are replacing the Kaminetskys who left in 2019.

Rabbi Hambling said, “We have already been deeply impressed with this historic synagogue’s commitment to Torah education, Shul services and community welfare.

As we start to move out of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we look forward to working with the community to enhance and innovate in all of these areas, turning the challenges of the last year into opportunities for meaningful growth and development.”

Geoffrey Clements, shul chair, said, “They are a young, dynamic Rabbinic couple with a strong background in Jewish community leadership and education and a broad range of experiences in the academic and professional spheres.” He added, “Appointing a Rabbinic couple in Covid-19-times has been an exciting challenge for us. Nobody could have foreseen that we would be forced to recruit,

interview and arrange for the community to ‘meet’ the Hamblings and agree to their appointment without ever seeing them in person. Fortunately, the Hamblings are an outstanding couple and they overcame all of these challenges. Our community has spent the whole of the pandemic without a Rabbi and Rebbetzen and we cannot wait to finally meet them.”

The Synagogue offers daily morning and evening services, social and educational programmes, and an on-site kosher deli and mikva. The community joined the US in 2017.

Rabbi Yossi grew up in Ilford, Essex and led the local Bnei Akiva throughout his studies at Hasmonean High School. He studied at Yeshivat Sha’alvim prior to graduating in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at UCL in 2018.

Rebbetzen Channah grew up in Finchley and ran the Woodside Park branch of Bnei Akiva while at Hasmonean High School.

After studying at Midreshet Ye’ud, she obtained a Fashion Design diploma from the University of the Arts, London, and BA in Fashion from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.

Manchester Chai Cancer Care event was held on Sunday afternoon at the Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary school playground.

10 year old Harry Jamil a Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary school year 5 pupil who has won a NHS National Poetry Competition NHS Song – Thank you (Wellerman Sea Shanty) – By Harry Jamil [Verse 1] The NHS were put to test By the virus called Covid 19 The PPE was hard to find But they still battled on [Chorus] Thank you, the NHS The doctors, nurses and all the rest Now that the lockdown’s gone We thank our NHS! [Verse 2] The porters they move patients around And take medicines to all the wards And careful chefs who never fail They make the patients smile [Chorus] Thank you, the NHS The doctors, nurses and all the rest Now that the lockdown’s gone We thank our NHS! [Verse 3] The doctors work so many hours Treating people from all around Covid 19 made it so hard But still they never stopped [Chorus] Thank you, the NHS The doctors, nurses and all the rest

Harry Jamil

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.

Now that the lockdown’s gone We thank our NHS [Verse 4] The nurses who care for kids People on wards and A and E They do the most amazing job And now there’s vaccines too!

[Chorus] Thank you, the NHS The doctors, nurses and all the rest Now that the lockdown’s gone We thank our NHS! Thank you, the NHS The doctors, nurses and all the rest You really got us through We love our NHS!

Guess the Bears names...with Louis and Poppy Harris 11 & 8 years old

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COMMUNITY 29

Waitrose GIFTs it forward

Making a presentation to their classmates in Cares Week

Sacks Morasha Cares Week

Michelle Barnett, Roxanne Stross from GIFT together with Waitrose employee

Waitrose, Temple Fortune has generously donated £250 worth of food to GIFT’s London food bank.

Vikki Warner, Partner & Team Manager of Waitrose Temple Fortune explained “We are so happy to help this wonderful charity who are out there supporting the community in so many incredible ways.”

GIFT currently supports over 1,000 people each week with food support packages, giving out over £450,000 of fresh fruit and vegetables, dry food, challah and bread parcels each year.

Unfortunately, the intensity and longevity of the pandemic has placed a big financial strain on many people in our community and GIFT has seen a dramatic increase in those requiring vital food support. Over 100 additional families have requested weekly support within the last year.

Michelle Barnett, GIFT’s Founding

Director said, “We have almost doubled the amount of food we now need to give out.

This has had a huge financial and logistical impact on our food bank/GIFT hub. The community’s support both in donations of food and money is absolutely essential.”

Roxanne Stross, Community Engagement Coordinator explained, “We are truly grateful to Vikki at Waitrose for her support and generosity; it’s vital that we have our food bank well stocked so our recipient families can rely on our support during their time of need. Our food stocks are currently depleting at the rate of almost £10,000 per week, so we are appealing to the community to help in any way they can, especially by way of street collections.”

During the week commencing Monday 7th June, the whole of Sacks Morasha will be participating in Morasha Cares Week.

Traditionally, Morasha Cares Week has been a project just for Year 6 to participate in. However, with this year having been a challenging and strange time for all, we thought that this was a great opportunity for the whole student body of Sacks Morasha to learn about different charities, whilst raising awareness, money and, of course, giving back to the wider community.

Each class has chosen a charity to represent, raise awareness and money for.

Throughout the week, each class will be taking part in multiple activities, including a bake sale to raise money. Chosen charities include: Camp Simcha, Great Ormond street Hospital, The British Heart Foundation, The Yoni Jesner foundation, Rays of Sunshine, Young Minds and Warming the Streets.

The school will also be collecting food for the North London Food bank.

Hatzola Manchester in conjunction with Salford City Council held another 1-day Pfizer vaccination event in Beis Yaakov Girls High School hall.

For more information or to sign up to a street collection, please contact Roxanne@ jgift.org

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30 FEATURE

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From the front line…

Congratulations to Dame Kate Bingham ~ Doyenne of Delivery

BY JACQUELINE CURZON Congratulations to Kate Bingham, chairman of the UK Vaccines Taskforce, who is to be made a well deserved Dame in the imminent Queen’s Honours List. Her position as chairman is unpaid, and regardless, she has coordinated vaccine deployment for over 40 million Brits. Her brief was to ‘stop people from dying’ and she sourced six different vaccines in this task. Bingham was born in London in 1965, attended St Paul’s Girls School, gained a first in biochemistry at Oxford before going to Harvard Business School. Criticisms of the venture capitalist included her bringing onboard a team of eight full time PR consultants, costing the taxpayers £670,000. None could however begrudge that expense in the scheme of things, for whatever her tactics, she got the job done.

Meanwhile the government, via Mr Hancock, has stated it is open to delaying the freedom timetable, which means all bets are off, Boris’ word means ‘not a lot,’ and 1-10 daily deaths from covid is still considered too excessive (1:5,700,000) in a country seeking the sanctity of zero covid numbers. This is rather at odds with Boris who indicated just last week there were ‘no substantial grounds’ or evidence for delaying, not whilst vaccine uptake is being accelerated. If I was a betting individual, I’d put money on further delays and the probability of remaining handcuffed to continued social restrictions. The scientists are in favour of a further 2 week extension - taking us to mid July - largely due to the emergence of the Delta variant, which is reported to be 40% more transmissible. NHS staff have however shown a lack of confidence in the scientific modelling, which has thus far proven to be largely scaremongering, and wildly inaccurate. The status in the UK {England and Wales} is that roughly 80% are vaccinated, with 75% of this cohort having a second dose.

True, the Delta variant is of huge concern in India, alongside the rising prevalence of mucormycosis, which I mentioned a few weeks ago. This is a flesh eating black fungus which seems to attack recovering covid patients, causing destruction of the sinuses, jaw and brain, and affected patients are having to undergo devastating surgery, losing parts of the jaw, nose and eyes, just to preserve life. Doctors say early detection with blood glucose monitoring can make a huge difference, but in a country with such high levels of poverty, this is a somewhat tall order. In Maharashtra doctors warn that mucormycosis has exploded mainly since the discovery of the Delta variant. The head of the ENT department at Mumbai’s Sir JJ Hospital said he had seen 45 patients in his life, but now 66 in just one month. The country has around 100,000 new cases a day, with total covid related deaths passing 300,000. Elsewhere in India, eight lions have tested positive for

Jacqueline Curzon PHOTO: LARA MINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

coronavirus, with one lioness dying from the virus at Vandalur Zoo. The lions were heard coughing - a classic symptom - and Neela died just one day after her positive result. In other interesting news, Moscow has developed a vaccine for animals: Carnivac-Cov is the only registered coronavirus vaccine for animals in the world.

Nepal has enjoyed a bumper season of tourists, intent on reaching the highest peak in the world. Last year's total shutdown, which paralysed the industry, has resulted in record numbers of climbers taking to one of the most dangerous mountains. Over 400 permits were granted, generating around £3million for the industry. Unfortunately the influx of foreigners has brought with it rising cases of covid, partly through lack of testing and follow-up after arrival, and partly exacerbated by the rising cases in India. It’s believed that around 9,000 daily cases are affecting Nepal, which has manifested in climbers testing positive on their ascent. The indigenous Sherpa community - feted for their high altitude fitness and stamina, were not previously exposed to the virus, which looks like it might be the worst of the combined variants. Pictures in the press show a conveyor belt of colourfully clad climbers, queuing to reach the top of Everest, and take their statutory souvenir selfies.

Lesser known, and in a remote location near the border of Ukraine and Russia, lies a brutal detention facility, even though to all extents and purposes it doesn’t actually exist.

Welcome to Izolyatsia, in Donetsk. Tetyana Katrychenko, of the Kyev based Media Initiative for Human Rights, has interviewed more than 25 former prisoners and established that the elaborate torture which goes on there makes a regular detention center look like paradise. At least 90 people have complained about torture, but there may be hundreds more undocumented victims according to Roman Tsyb, in the Ukraine Prosecutor’s Office, who is in charge of prosecuting crimes at illegal prisons. Several victims have lodged lawsuits at the European Court of Human Rights, which could unfortunately still take years to come to the top of the list. Some may find justice through the

International Criminal Court in The Hague, under the category of war crimes, but some may just wish to remain out of the spotlight when they finally escape. One can only then guess at the brutality inflicted on individuals such as Alexei Navalny and Roman Protasevich in such regimes where liberty is fragile and the right to protest is held as a crime. Navalny (45) has recently testified by video link to a court in the town of Petushki, appealing over his detention conditions. He has been returned to the harsh penal colony in Pokrov, after receiving hospital treatment.

Here at home, Sherish Osman, an English teacher, says in her blog for the TES, that the terms ‘top set’ and ‘bottom set’ in schools should be dropped, as it dents pupils' self esteem. I know someone presently teaching in a top state school, and picture him laughing as he told me that even the bottom set of A level students were all predicted to get A*s. [imagine the talent of the top set!] So plainly, context is everything. The world is not a flat pancake of opportunity for all, but a pyramid of constant measure and attainment, and only a few will make the top - in any field.

Prestigious universities have reported a wave of online cheating, with tutors being offered thousands of pounds to write important assignments. The agency Tutor Hunt reported its tutors being contacted to complete online exams etc, despite this being in direct contravention of their rules. With the advent and fixation for online learning over the past few years, this trick should not cause much surprise. In London it has been announced that Rachel Fink, Headteacher of JFS, has stepped down from her post following a recent Ofsted. Mrs Fink took up the position at JFS three years ago, following seven years of outstanding headship at Hasmonean Girls School. Having one daughter who journeyed through those Hasmo years, I recall her professionalism, positivity and the passion for learning she brought to the school. Sir Michael Wilshaw (74), former head of Ofsted will be taking over at JFS on an interim basis, supported by Dame Joan McVittie, a safeguarding expert and senior Ofsted inspector.

No reasons were given by the governors for Mrs Finks departure, and the school declined to comment. Several pupil suicides have likely contributed to significant concerns; in a joint letter issued by 10 schools back in March 2021, headteachers referred to the ever present dangers of social media, which are inextricably linked to bullying, and creating mental health challenges. We are all living in dangerous times, with the attendant risks of inappropriate and excessive use of technology.

Over in Hollywood, baby Sussex has arrived: Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.

Given her parents' propensity for secrecy, it is forecast that a picture of Lilibet’s blanketed left hand will be released in the next week.

Those without access to Royal Instagram or Twitter should wait for the next publication

of Hello, where for a handsome donation you can find out more. Their choice of baby’s name is of course a tribute to both Harry’s mother and grandmother, although the more cautious would have perhaps refrained from adopting the private, pet name of the Queen, especially given the shocking interview the couple held some months back. Rumour has it that Queen Elizabeth pronounced her name as Lilibet at a young age, because she couldn’t articulate it correctly, another view is that her younger sister Margaret called her that, for similar reasons.

The inclusion of Diana is not exactly unique, as William's daughter Charlotte has Diana as a middle name. I was a teeny bit amused to read that the Sussexes intend to take a few months ‘parental leave’ to care for the baby.

Leave from what, I have to ask?

Now, if you are in search of a very special painting for your home, you might be interested in a replica of Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa painting, which is going on sale in Paris, and is expected to fetch up to £257,813. Thought to have been created by a follower of da Vinci in the early 17th Century, the replica is widely known as the Mona Lisa Hekking after ex-owner Raymond Hekking. Hekking, who acquired the canvas in the 1950s from an art dealer in Nice, cast doubt on the authenticity of the original masterpiece, which is now at the Louvre. The early replica will be sold at Christie's auction house in Paris.

Now from Paris to Pakistan, Protests and Preston. The Millat Express, a train running from Karachi to Sargodha derailed, and split across neighbouring tracks, only for the oncoming Sir Syed Express, from Rawalpindi to Karachi, to plough into the derailed carriages. Devastation was so bad the military had to bring in specialist lifting gear, to hunt for survivors and the dead, whose numbers currently stand around 45. Imran Khan, former cricket player, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister was ‘shocked’ by the accident, although he as a westerner, must have well appreciated the deplorable state of their national railways, trains and infrastructure, as well as the custom of overloading trains with passengers hanging on to the outside of carriages. In Hartlepool a statue of a monkey, representing part of the local folklore, is to have an explanation of the legend attached, in case visitors consider the town ‘unfriendly’ to foreigners, following BLM protests. In Preston a statue has been commissioned, honouring Nick Price’s famous comedy characters, Wallace and Gromit. It will represent a scene from The Wrong Trousers, with the characters hopefully left undisturbed and undamaged on their bench for many years. Otherwise it may need to be renamed Grimace and Wallet.

Love Jacqueline x

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FEATURE 31

How the pandemic has transformed online orthodox Jewish dating Spiked JWed.com growth during covid as marriages climb above 3,600 Derek Saker, Co-Founder of JWed.com (formerly Frumster.com) recently moved from New York to London where he got married and has now settled.

While JWed.com, launched in 1997, was a pioneering service, it faced many early challenges, not least hesitancy and even some resistance to online dating by some in frum community.

3,600 Marriages later and averaging 8 engagements/marriages a month, JWed. com has become one of the most successful online Jewish dating-for-marriage services with a membership of tens of thousands spanning North America, Israel and Europe.

While initially created just for Orthodox observant Jewish singles, the name was changed to JWed.com in 2012 to meet the additional need of a growing market of Jewish singles, who while not religiously observant, were equally Jewish and equally focused on marrying someone Jewish.

Fast forward to the present, according to Derek Saker, “The pandemic has actually seen a huge increase in online membership, not least because of paradigm shifts in four main areas.”

Firstly, the number of more senior single members (60+) has grown leaps and bounds. Where before, such singles – whether widowed, divorced or never married - may have had online dating as the furthest thing on their minds, solitude during the pandemic, has no doubt had a profound impact on seniors and a consequential desire for loving, meaningful companionship.

While seniors have additionally been more technology averse, this loneliness has certainly fuelled the practicality to overcome any hurdles with the help of family and support staff from the service itself.

As Derek Saker says “You’re never too old to love and to want to be loved by another.”

Secondly, JWed has seen a very significant increase in membership amongst younger singles (18-28), a market that was typically the laggard to online dating.

However, with the radical curtailment of social interaction and communal events, many younger singles have by circumstance ventured into online dating, only to be rewarded with good prospects and money saved!

Thirdly, there has been a profound evolvement in hashkafic membership.

From Modern Orthodox to Hassidish, from Boro Park to Belsize Park. The reality today, is that most of the frum community is online. We see this in the diversity of membership, we see this in the diversity of JWed.com marriages.

Finally, while JWed.com has always seen a high number of cross-city/state/ country/continental marriages, during the pandemic, long-distance dating has only become even more pronounced and widespread.

Jewish singles can after all explore the online dating scene without borders, and that can be liberating in a period of lockdowns and travel restrictions.

As Saker says “While geography is of course important, what is far more important, is actually finding that one person, that one Bashert, who shares similar values, possesses a richness in character, a personality and other attributes you are uniquely attracted to and someone with whom you share the same life path of growth.

Yes, location can be a challenge – but when two people find each other on opposite ends of the world – distance can still most often be overcome.”

After all, especially when it comes to shidduchim, Hashem works in miraculous ways!

For mor information visit JWed.com

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32 FEATURE

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Motoring: The Fiat 500 convertible Now that summer seems to have arrived our travel expert, and on time Lotus Cars PR Manager Malcolm Ginsberg, has been trying out a car that ticks nearly all the boxes when it comes to open air motoring.

Vehicles with sunroofs are not the same.

But there is little choice at the lower end of the market. Or is there?

In its latest guise the Fiat 500 has proved to be a hugely popular town car and perfectly at home on a motorway. The 500 convertible offers a fully electric fabric sunroof that quickly folds down behind the rear passenger seats and can be set for a sort of halfway mode. Open, there is no buffeting at speed, a fault with some twoseaters with a folding metal roof. The BMW Mini, at a lot more money, does much the same, and is not so much fun to drive, the Fiat nippy with precise steering making it a splendid citymobile with a turning circle of less than 10m. One big fault, which I have noted in previous Fiats. No rear-view camera, essential for in-town parking. It is arguably very much a four-seat convertible.

The brochure says you can open the roof at speeds up to 37mph. Fiat convertibles are all built at Tichy in Poland.

There is an all-electric automatic drive version now becoming available (with the camera!). It will set you back around £30k depending on the specification and BTN hopes to test one later in the year.

Officially called the Fiat 500 Cabrio, but badged as a 500C, the test car was a “Connect” model, there being four variants depending on trim, Pop, Connect, Dolcevita and Sport, each offering varying levels of luxury and style.

Italy is known for styling and Fiat, with the 500, is forever bringing in new variants. It can be confusing, but the essential basics are the same. It is a fun car but very practical and extremely popular in this part of London, a normal ‘tin top’ and as a convertible.

All the 500s come only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, very positive, but needed with the 1.0ltr litre 70hp ’Mild Hybrid’ that combines the latest 3-cylinder FireFly 1.0-litre engine with a 12-volt Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BSG) electric motor and a lithium battery. It is far from the quickest away from the traffic lights with a 0-60mph of 13.8sec but that does not seem an impediment. It begs to be driven energetically.

On the motorway it will cruise effortless at 70pmh with the roof either up or down.

There is cruise control and a speed limiter.

As a partially electric-powered car petrol consumption is 50mpg plus, but it can drop if you drive it too energetically around town.

The Fiat 500 convertible

Fiat 500c roof down

The Fiat 500 interior

Stay in electric and the figures shown on the dashboard are incredible.

Prices for the Cabrio start at £15,925 for the ‘Pop’ model, the ‘Connect’ coming in at £17,550, the 7in HD touchscreen with 3D navigation, USB, Bluetooth and DAB radio adding a further £825. The door mirrors are controlled internally, but are not

self-closing, Fiat says that since it is such a teeny car it does not need this facility. They may be right.

There is an Abarth version but that priced at £23,625 upwards, 1.3ltr engine and 40mpg, noisier and vastly quicker.

The seats we are told are the first in the automotive sector to be made of Seaqual Yarn, the weaving of which produces a special material, derived from recycled plastic, 10% of which originates from the sea and 90% from land. Seaqual Yarn is produced by transforming plastics collected from the sea into flakes of polyethylene terephthalate. These flakes are then used in the yarn from which the fabrics are made.

In the weaving phase, marine polyester is mixed with other natural, recycled or recovered fibres. This process is completed by the application of dyes and finishes which minimise the use of water and energy.

The rather upright seating position and tall roof means four adults can fit easily, but not socially distanced. Getting into the back can be a bit difficult. There are arm cutouts in the panels on both sides, and coffee holders for two.

The 500 is not for touring if you are four up, but its fine for the weekly shop and with

STAR RATINGS

(out of 10) Performance..........................5 Handling.................................8 Transmission.........................8 Noise......................................6 Economy................................9 Ride and Comfort..................7 Accommodation.....................6 Styling.....................................7 Brakes....................................8 Finish......................................8 TOTAL............................... 72%

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the ‘Connect’ you get a 50:50 split-folding rear seat to give plenty of room for suitcases and hand baggage.

Speaking of trim levels Fiat also offers special-edition versions that change frequently and tend to add unique styling, colours and wheels, along with different equipment and upholstery. ‘Connect’ includes LED ‘halo’ daytime running lights, a USB connection, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, cruise control and fog lights.

The Fiat 500C is exactly what you expect it to be – it is a Fiat 500 with a convertible roof. That means it packs in all the charisma of the regular 500 hatchback but with the added bonus of top-down motoring at any time. The roof is controlled by a button set in a panel above the central consul, giving three positions.

The 500C is a cheeky carefree car that is a joy to drive. It has a charming appeal that cannot be beaten at any price.

If yours is a mundane commute, the run into work or back home in the evening, can be something to look forward too with the little Fiat. Economically!

It is a true sports convertible! www.fiat.co.uk

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FEATURE 33 ADVERTORIAL

Starting up a new business – now or never

Q: I have some extra savings having not gone on holidays over the last year and zero commuting costs due to working at home. To be honest, I’m a bit burnt out from my job which I have been in for almost 15 years and would like to start a business with an idea I have had for a while. However, I am nearing my late 40s and am a bit nervous that this is the wrong time. Any advice would be helpful please.

A: First things first – you would be in good company if you are a late bloomer in opening your business. Famous brands such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Macdonalds, Gap and fashion designer Vera Wang, were all started by people 40 plus. And don’t forget our national treasure Mary Berry who, whilst having worked from her thirties onwards in her own cookery business and as a cookery author, only gained celebrity status in her seventies. So, I think it is safe to say that it’s never too late to start a Business, whether that is in terms of age, or just simply timing. Indeed, research shows that someone who is middle aged when they start a business is 2.8 times more likely to have a successful business than someone younger; proof if you needed it

… research shows that someone who is middle aged when they start a business is 2.8 times more likely to have a successful business than someone younger that not only can you start a business at any age, but that age is actually a predictor of entrepreneurial success.

In terms of timing, if nothing else, the last 15 months has shown veteran and would be entrepreneurs how innovative and resilient people can be. And remarkably, despite everything, there is optimism for the future of small businesses. Several reports conclude that although the economy is shaky and the future uncertain, the majority of SMEs (small medium enterprises) do expect to see growth in the near future. A recent OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) report, written April 2021 on lessons learnt from Covid 19 in relation to SMEs, highlights 15 key messages, one of which is to ensure that recovery programmes to “build back better” reflect the circumstances and perspectives of smaller businesses and entrepreneurs, that are well-suited to support any upturn.

There is another important shift in entrepreneurial mindset. Many have come to the realisation that they want to work in something that fuels their passion, gives life meaning and reflects a healthy and positive work/life balance.

It has become apparent that the world is undergoing a permanent shift in the way we work and some industries won’t just go back to how they were for a long time.

Not only is it easier than ever to start your own business with nothing more than a computer and WiFi, but more and more people are looking for flexibility, freedom, and control over their time. So, arguably, start-up businesses that are innovative and agile are exactly what the world needs right now and the ability to adapt is of prime importance. One example is the wider adoption of a digital approach to business; companies who had previously relied almost totally on footfall, have managed to take their businesses online, sometimes in a matter of days. There has

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also been a flurry of innovation, with small businesses filling gaps left by bigger organisations or innovating to offer new services. The old saying ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ rings even more true during financially difficult times as they create problems that people need solutions to. Coronavirus itself has caused a very unique set of challenges that start-ups are clamouring to cure. Add to the mix that this is a great environment to seek funding with interest rates at an all time low, and top talent available as people move around to seek new opportunities, and it almost paints a picture of it being a win-win situation with absolutely no downsides.

So, in the interest of balance, it is important to sound a note of caution border restrictions that have become the norm around the world, have crippled some sectors in the economy, as well as severely damaged others. In addition, it is vital to factor in the remaining uncertainty in trading conditions and precarious economic outlook predicted by some.

However, all this does is highlight the fact that if you are going to start a business you are familiar with, or have worked on for a while, the normal pre-start up preparation is even more important such as business planning, market research and due diligence to name just a few.

Finally, if you are passionate about your idea, that is often half the battle and will ensure that you go the extra mile. Richard Branson has said that “passion is one of the most effective motivators when it comes to launching a business — and often one of the strongest predictors of whether an idea will lead to success.”

So, I would recommend that you cautiously take the plunge and our business mentors and advisers can give you that extra bit of support should you require it.

Jcommerce is a charitable organisation set up to support businesses in the North West Community to economic self-sufficiency, and address business challenges that arisen from COVID-19 and beyond.

For more information about our business support services including, video soundbites from successful entrepreneurs, business advice and mentoring go to www. jcommerce.org If you have a business question you would like answered, you can submit this via the Jewish Weekly.

34 JUDAISM

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ASK THE RABBI

Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com THE POWER TO CHANGE Dear Rabbi I’ve heard it said, that the Mishnah “Hashoseh mayim litzmao omer shehkol niyeh bidvaro” (One who drinks in order to quench his thirst should say the blessing “everything will be by His word). This can be expounded metaphorically to mean: he who learns Torah with a thirst then G-d says “shekol niyeh bidvero”, all he prays for will be fulfilled!

My question is, do we really have the power to change things?

I have always understood that that is touching on heresy. Although one can do things that are ‘likely’ for G-d to act differently with us, ultimately we cannot shape our future.

My dear Mother has a chronic illness and I was told that if I learn with a thirst and pray sincerely, for certain she’d get better.

However, I have always understood with a more wholesome approach that I’ll try my hardest as well as beg my caring Father in heaven, but I will not live lying to myself that she’s getting better.

I hope for that but will accept the worst and not end up with shock.

Many great people went unanswered after trying their hardest with unwavering faith in G-d.

Asher Dear Asher You ask a very insightful question which requires much more than this column allows to answer in depth. However, I will make certain categorical observations. We do say on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that “repentance, prayer and charity”

can alter decrees. It does not mean that it will definitively do so, and no one should ever tell you otherwise. We must do all that we can and then anticipate that G-d responds accordingly.

If not, then know that everything is Divine Providence and “My thoughts are not your thoughts.”

Divine Providence does not negate free choice. I can choose and determine my own actions, what I am going to do, when I am going to do it, how I am going to do it. Where my freedom of choice balances out with Divine Providence is that even my choices operate within a certain limited area. By way of example – when you set out to work you could have at least twenty different routes you could take if you so want. There’s a short route, a long route, there’s a scenic route.

Each route you choose has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s a question of what you want to do. You could take the longer route and know there is a price to pay; extra time, extra petrol etc. but that is your choice.

Then again you may decide to take the shortest way possible.

That’s how things happen in our life. We are going from point A to point B – that’s predetermined.

You will wind up at point B regardless of what you do. But the route you take, the journey you travel, how to get from point A to point B that G-d says, is up to you. And each step you choose has built in consequences which you alone are responsible for.

Furthermore, have you ever wondered why our matriarchs didn’t have children until after many years? In the words of our Sages: “The prayers of our

Pirkei Avot ,‫ַר ִ ּבי דּ וֹ ְס ַּתאי ְ ּב ַר ִ ּבי יַ ַּנאי ִמ ּׁשוּם ַר ִ ּבי ֵמ ִאיר אוֹ ֵמר‬ ‫ ַמ ֲעלֶ ה ָעלָ יו‬,ֹ‫ָּכל ַה ּׁשוֹ כֵ ַח דָּ ָבר ֶא ָחד ִמ ִּמ ׁ ְשנָ תו‬ )‫ ׁ ֶש ֶּנ ֱא ַמר (דברים ד‬,ֹ‫ַה ָּכתוּב ְּכ ִאלּ ּו ִמ ְת ַח ֵ ּיב ְ ּבנַ ְפ ׁשו‬ ‫ַרק ִה ּׁ ָש ֶמר לְ ָך ו ׁ ְּשמֹר נַ ְפ ׁ ְש ָך ְמאֹד ּ ֶפן ִּת ׁ ְש ַּכח ֶאת‬ ָ ֶ‫ַהדְּ ָב ִרים ֲא ׁ ֶשר ָרא ּו ֵעינ‬ ‫ יָ כוֹ ל ֲא ִפלּ ּו ָת ְק ָפה ָעלָ יו‬.‫יך‬ ָ‫ ַּתלְ מוּד לוֹ ַמר (שם) ו ֶּפן יָ סוּר ּו ִמ ּ ְל ָב ְבך‬,ֹ‫ִמ ׁ ְשנָ תו‬ ָ ‫כּ ֹל יְ ֵמי ַח ֶ ּי‬ ‫ ָהא ֵאינוֹ ִמ ְת ַח ֵ ּיב ְ ּבנַ ְפ ׁשוֹ ַעד ׁ ֶש ֵ ּי ׁ ֵשב‬,‫יך‬ : ֹ‫יס ֵירם ִמ ּ ִלבּ ו‬ ִ ִ‫ו‬ Rabbi Dostai ben Rabbi Yannai said in the name of Rabbi Meir: whoever forgets one word of his study, scripture

matriarchs are beloved before G-d.” What that means is, G-d didn’t decide at one point that they wouldn’t have children and then through their prayers changed His mind. They were all destined to have children from the outset – but that was contingent upon their prayers. G-d loves their prayers for all sorts of reasons – and so seeks to illicit these prayers from them after which they will be given what was always intended for them.

As to your point about heresy, before G-d everything is there potentially. Everything is preconceived to become actualised and revealed at the proper time. In which case, G-d provides already from the beginning, that a real change below can evoke what seems like a change above. Above, there are so to speak, any number of possibilities and states of potential decrees, reflecting different possibilities and states of man; both on an individual as well as communal basis. Man’s present state determines the applicable possibility to become realised.

By way of example, before G-d there is Asher A, Asher B, Asher C etc. And relative to each of these dispositions is a predetermined end result. So if you act in accordance with Asher A then there is already a predetermined end result in accordance with that mode. If you switch and act in accordance with Asher C then there is a different end result awaiting. So any change is really in effect a change in man, not in G-d. That is not just in relation to oneself but when you are doing something for the sake of another as well. So do learn

with diligence, pray hard, keep an open and positive mind and may your mother indeed have a speedy recovery.

AGUNAH AGONY Dear Rabbi I am very grateful for your comments last week about agunah.

As an agunah myself there is no support from the people who are supposed to protect and help us.

All we encounter is hindrance.

I have suffered untold abuse with no support from Rabbis or anyone else communally. Thank you for you understanding and

Learning Torah is an exercise that requires constant study and review. As any Bar Mitzvah boy will attest, if you do not review your learning you have no chance. Constant chazarah is a must, especially in Talmudic studies. Brilliant programs have been created to review each piece of Gemara 4 times, such as the famous ‘Veharev Nah’ program.

Whatever your current Torah schedule is, make sure to always do chazarah so that it sticks in the mind forever, both in this world and the next world, Amen.

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Dear Anonymous I have left out many of the details you included in your email in order to protect your identity.

I have to say it makes for very disturbing reading and I am really upset that you have been enduring this for so long. I encourage you to get in touch with GettOut and seek some support.

In these sorts of circumstances you cannot expect to manage this on your own. And I really do pray that you are able to resolve this much sooner rather than later.

Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.

For Refuah Shalema for Eitan Moshe Ben Tal accounts it to him as if he were mortally guilty, as it is said, “But take utmost care and watch yourselves scrupulously, so that you do not forget the things that you saw with your own eyes” (Deuteronomy 4:9). One could [have inferred that this is the case] even when his study proved [too] hard for him, therefore scripture says, “that they do not fade from your mind as long as you live” (ibid.). Thus, he is not mortally guilty unless he deliberately removes them from his heart.

compassionate answer.

Anonymous

Perek 3: Mishna 8

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Torah from Israel

Korach Democracy: The Scrubbing of Identity?

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN The past three centuries have monumentally transformed the political landscape.

In much of our world, democratic governments have replaced repressive monarchies, offering equality and dignity.

After centuries of political persecution and institutional discrimination, Man has fashioned a fair and equitable form of governance. This movement has been driven by “heroes of democracy”- some of whom authored great ideas of democracy and others who valiantly struggled to implement this dream.

Listening to Korach speak, perhaps he should be included in this list of “heroes of democracy”. After all, he campaigned in favor of political equality and his bold demand can certainly serve as a motto of democracy: “the entire people are holy why do you lord power over them?” Korach appears deeply committed to political and religious equality. Why is he punished so severely? Why is this ‘champion of democracy’ swallowed by the earth?

There are many answers to this question and many layers to Korach’s crime. Firstly, Korach wasn’t a loyal freedom fighter or a selfless revolutionary- he was a demagogue, shamelessly fomenting popular unrest to serve his own selfish political interests. He spoke gallantly about the nobility of every Jew, but in reality, he served the interests of one “particular” Jew- himself. It is tragic that so many were trapped by his fraud and so many suffered such a horrific fate. Demagoguery can only be successful if it contains a kernel of truth and Korach’s cry for “equality” masked his detestable and egotistical agenda.

Secondly, opposing Moshe’s authority isn’t merely a political protest. Moshe’s authority, established at Sinai and enshrined by his ongoing prophecy, is vital to Jewish faith. Assailing Moshe’s authority undercuts the foundation of our belief system: the divinity of Torah, the validity of the oral tradition and the phenomenon of prophecy. The stakes of this faceoff are greater than just political office; Korach has committed theological heresy and this justifies a severe sentence.

Furthermore, Korach’s hostility displays ingratitude to Moshe. Quite frankly, after all the miracles Moshe performed, his courage in standing down Pharo, his selfless dedication, his feverish prayers to rescue the wayward people, Moshe deserves better. Even if Korach were dissatisfied with Moshe’s leadership, he could have been more gracious in registering his disapproval. Fomenting a mob against Moshe and accusing him of conspiracy is excessive and thankless treatment of a

The culture of democracy sometimes threatens to undermine the divisions and differences which compose our identity. leader who deserves better.

So there are manifold layers to Korach’s crime and he well deserves his awful fate. But even his cry for democracy is flawed; by carefully studying his unusual judgement, and especially the language describing the earthquake, we can better grasp his faulty claims. Moshe employs two very uncommon “code words” to predict Korach’s downfall. Firstly, Moshe informs Korach “in the morning” or “boker” G-d will select His chosen agents”. Instead of describing the showdown as occurring “tomorrow”, Moshe refers specifically to the morning. Additionally, Moshe predicts a new “creation” or a new ‘beriya” which, as it turns out, is a major earthquake which swallows the rebels. Both the reference to the morning as well as the allusion to a new “creation” evoke memories of G-d’s original creation. Somehow Korach’s challenges the foundation of Nature and refuting Korach restores the original conditions of the natural order. The world of Breishit is reinforced through Korach’s defeat and the wording of his punishment underlines this.

G-d established firm boundaries within His natural order and these boundaries support and stabilize our reality. These boundaries can be “geographical” such as the barrier between ocean and dry land, or they can be “conceptual” such as balance between various forces of physics which together brace our experience.

Without these boundaries our reality would collapse. These “distinctions” or borders are built-in to the natural order and aren’t unfair or unjust; differences in Nature are crucial for the proper functioning of the universe. They are just differences not moral statements.

The most obvious example is the division between daytime and nighttime.

During the week of creation G-d established two very different time periods and assigned respective planets to govern these intervals. Daytime isn’t superior to nighttime, but more so, these differences are pivotal for human survival: daytime enables certain forms of human behavior whereas nighttime permits other forms.

Without either, the human condition would fail. Without sunrise and daytime,

human productivity would cease and without the sun setting and the onset of nighttime, human resources would deplete. The difference between daytime and nighttime showcases that distinctions or boundaries within Nature aren’t morally discriminatory, but built-in necessities to G-d’s world.

Korach missed this point. What is true in Nature is true in the human realm. Of course, every Jew is equal and each one possesses latent and equal holiness before G-d. However, equality does not translate into uniformity or conformity. Just as daytime and nighttime are distinct, similarly, religious functions must be differentiated, so that they can be effectively performed.

Specialization is crucial to functionality and isn’t unjust or bigoted. Service as a Levi requires certain lifestyle adaptations which not every citizen can sustain, just as life as a Cohen demands even greater stringency and vigilance. By selecting respective groups to operate in these unique settings, G-d didn’t discriminate against other groups nor did He diminish the holiness of any common Jew. He merely established boundaries in the social and religious order similar to the boundaries within Nature. Moshe rebukes Korach, mentioning “creation” and “morning”, thereby reminding him that Nature is molded upon these vital boundaries.

Just as G-d created divisions within the natural order and divisions within the religious order, He also created divisions within our personal and communal “orders”. Differences between races, religions, ethnicities, and genders form our personal identity and present shared values around which communities are assembled. Without these differences personal identity become muddled and opportunity for communal experience is hampered. Sadly, in many societies “identity markers” are often used to generalize or to stereotype; worse sometimes these differences invite discrimination. When democracy prevents these injustices it is heroic. However, if the culture of democracy blurs these fundamental features of identity, and removes the natural divisions within humanity, personal identity becomes hazy and communal experience

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erodes. Democracy isn’t meant to be a cultural leveler or an identity eraser. In our rush to protect the political rights of everyman, sometimes we seek to homogenize diversity and forcibly shape people into ‘everyman’ all the while denying the basic distinctions which G-d programmed within the human realm. Democracy should aim for equality before the law and equality in the voting booth. The culture of democracy sometimes threatens to undermine the divisions and differences which compose our identity. By erasing differences in our identities, the modern cultures of democracies often commit the same mistake as Korach.

AFTERWORD

Of course one of the most basic distinctions G-d created in History is the difference between Jew and Gentile. In today’s modern culture of equality, the very notion of a “chosen people” sounds bigoted and racist to many. Those who bristle at the notion of a chosen people may very well paraphrase Korach’s proclamation: if every man if gifted with Divine image, and we all share virtually the same DNA, how can one race be chosen? The response to this modern “Korach-ian” challenge is true today as it was then: Jews are chosen for special mission. An exceptional people, capable of processing supernatural experiences and stubborn enough to resist historical pressure has been chosen to assist humanity in discovering the dignity and meaning of a religious lifestyle before G-d. Differences which are sewn into the fabric of the natural religious order aren’t bigoted- although they can easily be misunderstood as such.

Our role in the “historical order” isn’t yet clear to the world. As Moshe informed Korach, “Tomorrow this will all be clear”.

Tomorrow, when the world reaches a better place this will all be clarified. Tomorrow, all the hate and animosity directed at Jews will fade. Tomorrow, Jews themselves will better appreciate their mission and not only their privilege. Tomorrow.

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Weekly Dvar Torah FRO M E RE TZ YISRAE L

Korach’s Groups

BY RABBI JESSE HORN Surprisingly, during the entire Korach episode, the Torah does not record one word that actually comes from Korach himself.

He does not inspire his followers, nor does he instruct them to do any-thing. He does not communicate anything to Datan, Aviram, the two hundred and fifty men, or to Moshe. Korach is definitely an unusual leader, but the question begs to be asked: how did Korach convince so many to follow him? Moreover, what might the Torah be driving at by highlighting his silence?

What picture is the Torah depicting?

Looking at Korach, his followers, and their claims might reveal why they chose to join Korach’s re-bellion, and help us shed light on how Korach successfully gathered so many people without any speech.

Interestingly, there seems to be a mixed message about how Moshe and the rebels

interacted. On the one hand Moshe challenged the two hundred and fifty men to a test designed to determine whether they were befitting to be the Kohen Gadol; to which they accepted (Bamidbar 15:5-11).

On the other hand, Datan and Aviram were unwilling to even meet with Moshe (15:12) and he prays for their demise (15:15).

Interestingly, there seems to be different groups of rebels (see Netziv and Meshech Chachma on Bamidbar 15:1).

The first is the two hundred fifty men who sincerely looked to be the Kohanim and were genuinely interested in Moshe’s test to determine who Hashem really selected.

Yet the sec-ond, Datan and Aviram, were arrogant trouble-makers unwilling to communicate with Moshe.

Based on this one can further understand why each group was punished differently. While the earth opened its mouth swallowing up a smaller

Shelach Lecha

Point to Consider: Why is Korach’s lineage only listed three generations back and not more? (see Rashi to 16:1)

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 16:14-19

Datan and Aviram continue their tirade against Moshe, who is angered. He declares to G-d that he has received no personal gain from his leadership. The next morning, Korach and his assembly arrive with their incense offerings at the entrance to the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), as does Aharon, accompanied by Moshe.

Korach, from the tribe of Levi, conspires with Datan, Aviram and On from the tribe of Reuven. They gather together 250 leading Israelites and challenge Moshe and Aharon’s rights to leadership (see p.3 article). Moshe tells Korach and his assembly to prepare an incense offering in a fire-pan to bring the next morning.

Aharon will do the same; whoever’s offering is received by G-d will indicate the rightful leadership. Moshe tries to dissuade the rebels. Datan and Aviram refuse to speak with Moshe, accusing him of “bringing the nation out of the land of Egypt in order to kill them in the desert”.

exactly what Korach did.

With this in mind, we may be able to answer another difficult question. The Torah (Bamidbar 15:1) says that “Korach took” yet does not spell out what was taken. Perhaps that is because Korach did not take anything physical, rather he took the different complainers, groups and followers and united them (See Midrash Tanchuma Parashat Korach 1).

The Torah’s message may be beyond the virtue of positivity and the value of developing a direction towards improvement.

The message may be about which types of leaders and leadership to sup-port.

Rabbi Jesse Horn is a Senior Ra”m at Yeshivat Hakotel and Program Director of Mizrachi Mechanchim. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www. mizrachi.org/speakers).

“It will be that the staff of the man I choose will blossom” (Bemidbar 17:20)

Sidra Summary

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEMIDBAR 16:1-13

wicked group including Datan and Aviram (Bamid-bar 15:25) as if to take them to hell, the two hundred and fifty were consumed by a heavenly fire (15:35), similar to Nadav and Avihu (Vayikra 10:13), who were also punished for a mistaken action, although their intentions were genuine.

Korach gathered different groups with different agendas and united them with one interest: change. The one common denominator between the rebellious groups was a determination to un-dermine the current administration. One wise way to gather the support of many different groups with different interests is to create a culture of complaints without solutions. It is significantly eas-ier to complain and agree about what is wrong than to offer and implement constructive sugges-tions and fix problems. It is easier to remain quiet, smiling and nodding at each person’s com-plaints, and that is

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 16:20-17:8

God tells Moshe and Aharon to separate themselves from the rest of the nation, as G-d will immediately destroy Korach and all those people who have been drawn after him, including many of the Israelites (Rashi). Moshe and Aharon plead for mercy. G-d relents, telling Moshe to instruct the nation to distance themselves from Korach, Datan and Aviram in order to prove their allegiance to Moshe.

Datan and Aviram remain defiant. Moshe announces that if Korach and his followers die a normal death, then he, Moshe, is not God’s rightful appointee. Yet if the ground swallows them up miraculously, then Moshe’s leadership is legitimate.

As Moshe finishes speaking, the ground opens up, consuming Korach, some of his followers and all of their property. A fire then consumes Korach’s 250 men whom he had incited to join in the rebellion.

Moshe commands Aharon’s son Elazar to gather up the copper fire pans of those who died in order to make them into a covering for the Mizbeach (Altar). The next day, the people complain to Moshe and Aharon for ‘causing’ so many deaths.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 17:9-15

In response to the complaints, God threatens to wipe out the people. As a fatal plague breaks out, Moshe tells Aharon to place incense in a fire-pan to gain atonement for the complainers. Aharon does so, managing to stop the plague, but not before it kills 14,700 people.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 17:16-24

God tells Moshe to gather a staff from each tribe’s leader, with the name of the tribe written on the staff. Aharon’s name is to be written on the staff of Levi. The staffs are to be left in the Ohel Moed; whichever tribe’s staff miraculously blossoms is the rightful leader. The leaders do as instructed. The following morning Aharon’s staff has blossoms with a bud and almonds.

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6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 17:25-18:20

God tells Moshe to preserve Aharon’s staff as a reminder that he was chosen, lest the people rebel in the future. G-d reiterates Aharon’s duties and the need for the Levi’im to assist him and the other Kohanim. The Kohanim have the privilege of eating certain parts of offerings and certain tithes. The laws of redeeming firstborn male children and bringing firstborn animals as offerings are stated.

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 18:21-32

The ‘first tithe’ (ma’aser rishon) taken from crops is given to the Levi’im. They need to separate a portion of this tithe to give to the Kohanim.

HAFTARAH

From the Book of Shmuel, the haftarah describes the day on which Shmuel appoints Shaul as the first king of Israel.

Shmuel rebukes the nation for demanding a king and emphasises that they still need to fear G-d and obey His commandments. The righteous Shmuel was descended from Korach and he, like Moshe, declares that he has never taken anything from the people.

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A Torah bite for the Shabbat table

Spiritual Free Fall RABBI BEN GOODMAN The Yetzer Hara- that inner force that shleps us away from anything spiritual and immerses us in everything physicalis a pain in the neck. However, unlike a pain in the neck, beating the Yetzer Hara takes more than 400mg of Ibuprofen. The Yetzer Hara is a highly skilled Sensei, proficient in countless forms of spiritual martial art, who must never be underestimated.

Nevertheless, despite its power, the Yetzer Hara does not have free reign.

Hashem created a world of boundaries, not only in time and space but also in human conduct. Each person has his own inbuilt boundaries, lines they are not willing to cross, which constrain the Yetzer Hara’s modus operandi. Under these circumstances, the best the Yetzer Hara can do is to push these boundaries slowly and consistently until they finally cave in.

However, do not be fooled into thinking that a fierce onslaught by the Yetzer Hara is out of the question. Based on this week’s Parsha, Reb Chaim Shmuelevitz, illustrates an unstoppable and deadly mode of attack the Yetzer Hara can

employ, should we allow it.

To any straight-thinking person, the story of Korach and his contestation of Moshe and Aharon’s leadership of the Jewish people, is incomprehensible. That a person of Korach’s spiritual stature and social status should resort to such absurd and irrational behavior makes absolutely no sense. Yet, Korach managed to throw his life, his family’s life, and the lives of all his followers down the physical and spiritual drain, into eternal oblivion.

Rabbi Elazar HaKappar teaches in Pirkei Avos (4:28) that, “Jealousy, lust and glory remove a man from the world.” Reb Chaim explains that “the world” referred to by Rabbi Elazar is the world of personal

boundaries. The traits of jealousy, lust, and glory are so powerful, they can drive a person into a state of total abandonment, vaporizing his personal standards and principles. At that point, the Yetzer Hara has free reign and anything, no matter how horrific, becomes possible.

Korach’s overwhelming jealousy of Moshe Rabbeinu led him to completely disregard rationality and fall headfirst into the hands of the Yetzer Hara, never to recover.

Tragically, a person who enters this state of ‘free fall’ is, by definition, closed to any type of reasoning and, therefore, beyond help until they hit ‘rock bottom.’ G-d forbid, the spiritual work of a lifetime can be wiped out in a moment.

Tragically, a person who enters this state of ‘free fall’ is, by definition, closed to any type of reasoning and, therefore, beyond help until they hit ‘rock bottom.’

Nevertheless, our Sages assure us that somebody who wants to purify himself and grow spiritually will be granted special divine assistance. As long as we truly do the best we can to protect ourselves from the evil designs of the Yetzer Hara, Hashem will be there to carry us through.

A project of My Dvar Torah, Torah Bite is your resource for a short, dynamic, and meaningful Dvar Torah to share at the Shabbos table. Originally from London, Rabbi Ben Goodman has spent 20 years in Jerusalem, teaching and inspiring students from all backgrounds and from all over the world. He is the director of My Dvar Torah, providing tailor-made Divrei Torah for all occasions. www.mydvartorah.com.

He encourages feedback & ideas: ben@mydvartorah.com

Chovat Halevavot Hilchot Shabbat The author continues describing the Bitachon one must display when one is surrounded by one’s wife and children, as well as friends or foes. If one finds themselves in such circumstances, he should trust that Hashem will only burden him with what is predestined and should therefore make every effort when the need arises to fulfill all their needs (involving oneself in childcare and/or housework for example) and one should not be a burden on his wife or children.

Certainly, one leading a family should be trustworthy and serve as a guide for Torah matters and worldly matters, regarding how best to serve Hashem. A person should always remember that the Mitzvot to “Love your fellow like yourself” and, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart” are at least as relevant at home and in your local community!

The idea of bestowing goodness on one’s family and friends is not for reciprocal benefits nor is it to gain their esteem; it is simply to fulfil the will of Hashem. One who is good to their family or friends simply in order to benefit from them or to earn

the admiration will very often be disappointed. If, on the other hand, they are a genuinely “giving” person, and they give in order to fulfil the will of Hashem, then they will see the benefits of doing so both in this world and in the next one too.

The above is all regarding one who is almost an “equal” by society’s standards. How about if one has to deal with a “besserer mench” (a person held in high esteem by community on account of their wealth or position)? The answer is: if approaching them for assistance, not to imagine that they are the only ones who can help them; rather to believe that ultimately it is Hashem who may use this person as the channel through which to answer their call (if the giver has the zechut to do so). If the request is granted then they should politely thank the person and wholeheartedly thank Hashem. Likewise if the request is not granted they should not resent the person and equally trust that Hashem can send about the salvation - financial, medical, or whatever else, through the person whom He sees fit.

We now turn to another, often overlooked, principle in the laws of Muktzah which is that of “Ba’sis” - which is the “base” of a Muktzah item. The basic explanation for this is: Even if the surface on its own is not Muktzah, such as a table or a tray, if one places or hangs an item of Muktzah on it, it becomes Muktzah to the extent that the item it is supporting is.

The base therefore also becomes forbidden to move the entire Shabbat even if the Muktzah item is removed, for example by a child or a non-Jew. However, there are various conditions which must be met in order for a “base” to be rendered Muktzah. If not all of these conditions are met, then the base does not become Muktzah on its own accord and therefore if the Muktzah item is removed from it in a permissible manner which sometimes means, removing it directly if one needs the space on the table or needs the tray for another purpose (see below) then one may freely move the base.

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One further introduction: A non-expensive item which is forbidden to move due to it being usually designated for a forbidden purpose (for example, a pen or a hammer), according to some Halachic authorities does not prohibit the base and therefore, if one has a need for the base, they may shake off the muktzah or move the base with the Muktzah item on it (provided they don’t actually move the Muktzah item unless it is needed for a permissible purpose or for the sake of its space).

We will discuss the conditions in future columns however, a first point to be aware of is that in order to earn the status of a “Ba’sis” the Muktzah item will generally need to have been on the surface throughout the Twilight period at the onset of Shabbat.

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JUDAISM 39

Parashat Korach: Jewish Leadership – Bamidbar & Berdichev

BY GAVRIEL COHN In the early 19th Century, a unique leader arose: Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. This famed rabbi would become the founder of Hasidism in central Poland and one of its greatest masters. He was known as “the Defender of Israel” due to his unequivocal support of the Jewish People. Strangely perhaps, he saw himself as Israel’s lawyer, defending them from G-d. For example, on Yom Kippur, he would lead his congregation in prayers and demand of G-d: “Compassionate and gracious Father, what do you want of the People of Israel? Why do You bother with the Jewish People? Because Israel is beloved to You, and are called ‘G-d’s children.’ So I shall ask You, Master of the Universe, is this the way parents treat their children? I will not move from this place until there be an end to the exile!”

Reb Levi Yitzchak was famous for his firm arguments in favour of the Jewish People, calling on G-d to show kindness to them. Audaciously perhaps, he even held ‘tribunals against G-d’, court cases that he adjudicated between G-d and his fellow Jews. Throughout his life he was persecuted and hounded by those who opposed his Hasidic views, and suffered from mental torment and anguish because of it; yet his total love of the Jewish People was never extinguished.1 How can we understand this seemingly bizarre attitude, arguing against G-d and being a ‘Defender of Israel’ to such an extreme extent? In truth, however, this defence of the nation of Israel is the essence of Jewish leadership, and is boldly displayed

by Moshe and Aharon throughout this week’s Torah portion.

This week’s sedra tells of the disturbing rebellion of Korach and his followers, who challenged the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. They accused Moshe and Aharon of “exalting themselves over the congregation of G-d… that you seek to rule over us with more and more control.” These crippling, biting accusations, made by some

of the most esteemed communal leaders, pained Moshe immensely. He had never wronged any of these people, and had leding them out of Egypt with selfless care and compassion. He tried to abate their allegations, and summoned these agitators to visit him. They forthrightly refused: “Even if you would gouge out our eyes, we will not go up [to see you].” Then, “Korach gathered the entire assembly against them [Moshe and Aharon] at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.” It was a brutal mutiny.

G-d thus threatened to destroy the people, and save Moshe and Aharon.

Yet, Moshe and Aharon ‘stepped into the breach’ and “fell on their faces”, beseeching G-d not to destroy the nation (“shall one man sin, and You be angry with the entire assembly?!”) and instead, only those mutineers perished, miraculously swallowed

and go quickly to the assembly and provide atonement for them for the fury has gone out from the presence of G-d: the plague has begun!” Aharon ran and “placed the incense and provided atonement for the people; he stood between the dead and the living and the plague was stopped.”

Finally, even after the wooden staff of Aharon miraculously blossomed and sprouted with almonds, further proving to the people that he was the “man who G-d chose”, the people still continued to complain: “Behold! We perish, we are lost, we are all lost; everyone who approaches the Sanctuary of G-d will die…” The tribe of Aharon was therefore entrusted with the “Iniquity of the Sanctuary.” They were to take up that awesome responsibility, to stand and minister between G-d and the People.

Once again, G-d told Moshe and Aharon, “remove yourselves from among this assembly and I shall destroy them.” Yet, instead of doing so, they “fell on their faces” and begged G-d not to annihilate the people. by the earth; showing to all that they had rebelled against G-d. A divine fire then consumed those who wished to offer incense in the Tabernacle and replace Aharon as High Priest.

However, these divine phenomena were not enough to stop the people complaining, and they then accused Moshe and Aharon, in a manner that almost defies belief, that they had “killed the people of G-d.” The people physically gathered against Moshe and Aharon, surrounding them imposingly.

Once again, G-d told Moshe and Aharon, “remove yourselves from among this assembly and I shall destroy them.”

Yet, instead of doing so, they “fell on their faces” and begged G-d not to annihilate the people. Still, G-d sent out a plague to smite them. Moshe instantly demanded of Aharon, “Take the [incense] firepan…

As with Reb Levi Yitzchak, Moshe and Aharon showed true Jewish leadership, constantly defending the Jewish People, even placing themselves “between life and death” in order to protect their flock, despite the fact that the people never recognised this and consistently complained against them.

Yet still, are we not left with our opening question? Isn’t such behaviour bizarre?

How can one defend Israel against G-d?

What justification did Moshe and Aharon have to argue against the divine instruction to “remove themselves from the people and to let them be destroyed”? Similarly, how could Reb Levi Yitzchak question G-d’s judgement on Yom Kippur or make demands of G-d to redeem the Jewish People?

Perhaps, in answer, that is what G-d wants of the leaders of His People: that they bear

the people’s grievances, abate their troubles, and courageously rally for their welfare, demanding of G-d to help them. Doing such is an expression of their true love for G-d and His People, as Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (the “Ramchal”) explains: “The Holy One blessed be He loves only those who love Israel, and to the extent that one increases his love for Israel the Holy One blessed be He increases His love for that person. These are the true shepherds of Israel, whom the Holy One blessed be He holds dear: Those who sacrifice themselves for His flock, beseeching and labouring on behalf of their peace and wellbeing, constantly standing in the breach to pray for the annulment of the harsh decrees against them and for the gates of blessing to open wide on their behalf. This can be compared to a father who loves no one more than the person who has shown genuine love toward his [the father’s] sons.”2 We can now understand those demands of Reb Levi Yitzchak’s as he stood before the Ark on Yom Kippur: “So I shall ask You, Master of the Universe, is this the way parents treat their children? I will not move from this place until there be an end to the exile!” That great Hasidic master was showing love and concern for the Jewish People, G-d’s children. This what G-d Himself commands of Jewish leaders, that they care about His sons and daughters, as the Ramchal has explained.3 For this very reason too, Moshe and Aharon refused to separate from the Jewish People, and instead ran to protect them at all costs.

In summary, as we’ve learnt from Moshe and Aharon, being a Jewish Leader means being a Defender of Israel, displaying compassion and patience to everyone – “like a mother who carries her infant” and a shepherd protecting his flock, regardless of whether they grumble against him and even if it means protecting them from G-d, so-to-speak, and unwaveringly fighting their corner.4 Gavriel Cohn is an informal educator at Immanuel College, Bushey. He has written a number of Torah articles for various publications. If you have any questions or comments on this piece, please get in touch! gavcohn@gmail.com.

1 See Simcha Raz, Loving and Beloved: Tales of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, Defender of Israel (New Milford: Menorah, 2016).

2 Ramchal, Mesilat Yesharim, end of Chapter 19 (Feldheim translation) See further this fascinating Talmudic passage below, brought to my attention by my uncle, Rabbi Doniel Grunewald: “Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmeini said in the name of Rabbi Yochanan... In the future that will surely come, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will say to Avraham: ‘Your children have sinned against Me.’ Abraham will say before Him: ‘Master of the Universe, if so, let them be eradicated to sanctify Your name…’ He said to Yitzchak: ‘Your children have sinned against Me.’ Yitzchak said before Him: ‘Master of the Universe, are they my children and not Your children? At Sinai, when they accorded precedence to “We will do” over “We will listen” before You, didn’t You call them, “My son, My firstborn son Israel” (Shemot 4:22)? Now that they have sinned, are they my children and not Your children?... [Put] half of the sins are upon me to bear and half upon You. And if You say that all of the sins should be upon me, I sacrificed my soul before You and You should forgive them due to my merit’… Only Yitzchak defended the Jewish people as a father would and displayed compassion toward his children. Yitzchak said to them: ‘Before you praise me, praise the Holy One, Blessed be He. And Yitzchak points to the Holy One, Blessed be He, before their eyes.’ Immediately they lifted their eyes to the heavens and say: “‘You, Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer, everlasting is Your name’” (Gemara Shabbat 89b, adapted Sefaria translation).

Indeed, it seems a prevalent Jewish view that the relationship between G-d and righteous people or leaders is one of debating, protesting, and arguing against divine punishment in certain instances; perhaps based on Judaism’s view that man is a ‘partner in Creation.’ Such is seen, for example, in the case of Avraham’s praying for the saving of Sodom. See further: Rabbi Sacks, A Palace in Flames (Lech Lecha 5780), Covenant & Conversation, and in his book, Radical Then, Radical Now (London: Bloomsbury, 2000), pp.49-58.

However, despite this, the position of Moshe and Aharon in protecting the Jewish People against divine retribution in our Torah portion seems even more radical, as they seemingly both went against the explicit and repeated instructions of G-d to “remove themselves from the congregation and let Me destroy them” and combatted G-d’s vengeance and plagues in real-time as they were being meted out.

3 On a related note, Rabbi Nahum Rabinovitch elaborates that those who turn against Jews or harms them are in fact also betraying and attacking G-d Himself (Rabbi Nahum Rabinovitch, Mishneh Torah le’Rambam im Peirush Yad Peshutah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah, vol. 1 chapter 5).

4 As the Rambam rules regarding judges: “A judge may not treat them light-heartedly even though they are common people. He should not step over the heads of the holy people. Even though they are simple people and lowly, they are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the hosts of G-d whom He led out of Egypt with great power and a strong hand. He should patiently bear the difficulty of the community and their burden like Moshe our teacher, as the verse in Bamdibar (11:12) states concerning him: “As a nursemaid will carry an infant.” And Devarim (1:16) states: “And I commanded your judges.” This is an admonition to the judges to bear the community like a nursemaid carries an infant. Take an example from Moshe, the master of all prophets whom the Holy One, blessed be He, sent to Egypt, about whom the verse in Shemot (6:12) states: “And I commanded them concerning the children of Israel.” The Oral Tradition relates that G-d told Moshe and Aharon to accept this mission even though the people would curse them and stone them” (Rambam, Hilchot Sanhedrin, 25:2; see also Rambam, Hilchot Melachim, 2:6).

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Korach

Korach Word Search

There’s more trouble this week. This time it’s a cousin of Moshe who’s jealous not only of Moshe and Aaron but of their younger cousin Elitzaphan too. He gathers a significant group of people and they try to make a mockery of Moshe and try to bring Ketoret. Not only did that group die, but Moshe also prayed to Hashem that Korach and his cronies should also meet an unusual death. Which indeed they did when the ground opened up and swallowed them and their possessions. Many lessons were learned in particular not to start up with our Torah leaders and to avoid fighting always!

After this incident the tribes each put a stick inside the Mishkan and only Aarons stick flowered miraculously which proved again how he and his tribe were chosen fairly. We were then taught some more laws of gifts to Kohanim.

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes on the left can you make the camel shape on the right?

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AVIRAM • BLOSSOM • COMPLAINTS • CONSUME • DATAN • INCENSE • REBELLION • STAFF

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“I

quit!”

Hadassa exclaimed, slamming her homework book shut. 'I have had enough!'

Liora sighed and looked up from her half-completed sheet. “Hadassa, if we don't get this project completed by Monday, Mrs Kahan said she would give us detention.

We don't have a choice!”

“It’s too hard! I mean, how am I meant to know what the people in England thought of Elizabeth I? I wasn't there!”

Hadassa exclaimed in frustration. She stood up and went across to the window. “It’s so sunny outside, let's go to the garden and practice basketball.”

“Ok’ Liora replied with a grin. ‘And let’s see if we can find some nush to eat.”

They ran downstairs and went straight to the kitchen. Ima was just getting supper ready for Abba. “Oh, are you done with your history project already?” she said, while stirring the sauce.

“Well”, Hadassa shrugged. “Not exactly, but honestly there is no point working on it. We all know I am going to fail anyway. I am rubbish at history.”

Ima turned around. “So what are you planning to do instead?”

“We were just going to hang out in the garden with a snack.” Liora replied.

“Hmm” said Ima thoughtfully. “Do you know what? Shloime is busy playing in

The History Project the lounge. Would you mind keeping an eye on him for a bit while I finish cooking supper?”

Hadassa looked at Liora and Liora shrugged. “Ok Ima” they said.

They grabbed some Bissli and went into the lounge. Shloime looked very busy by the couch. “Aaw he is so cute!”

said Liora.

“A bit annoying” replied Hadassa with a grimace.

“He’s trying to stand up!” Liora exclaimed.

“Poor thing” said Hadassa with sympathy. “He keeps falling down, that can’t be comfortable, why doesn’t he

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KIDS 41

just give up?”

Liora thought about it for a minute.

“Maybe, there is something he really wants.” She hesitated, “Oh look, he wants the red car on the couch.”

Hadassa started to get up to go and give the toy to Shloime.

“Wait!” said Liora holding up her hand in a stop motion. “Look!”

Sure enough, Shloime had managed to stand up while clinging tightly to the couch. He grabbed the car and thumped back down to the floor with a massive smile on his face.

“He looks so happy” said Hadassa curiously.

“That’s because he worked so hard to get the car, even though it was difficult for him. Now he has a real sense of accomplishment, as well as having learnt a new skill.”said Ima, coming into the room and scooping Shloime up. “Just in time for bed.” She smiled and left, leaving Hadassa and Liora alone in the lounge.

Liora turned to Hadassa. “You know, your mother has a point.”

“You’re right” said Hadassa, standing up and heading determinedly for the stairs. “If Shloime can achieve what he wants even though it's hard for him, then so can I!” Liora followed her friend up the stairs smiling to herself, it was time to give their history project another go.

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Korach

In a nutshell As if the lessons of the previous Sidrot had not been learned, we are now faced with another traitor. This time it’s a prominent person - Korach. It began with “small” jealousy of cousin Elitzaphan who had been appointed a leader of the and then it grew to jealousy and suspicion of no less than our dear leader Moshe Rabbeinu.

He gathered a group of characters from the tribe of Reuven and 250 “respectable” people and they all challenged Moshe by questioning- “we all stood at Har Sinai and therefore what right do you have to rule over us? Why are you and Aaron the leaders?” (Um. You were at Har Sinai not long ago?! Did you not hear Hashem talk to Moshe?)

It was suggested to bring Ketoret the following day.

When they did so, a fire came out and consumed them.

This didn’t prevent Korach from continuing his campaign. Moshe and Aaron were told by Hashem that the entire community would be punished but

Moshe pleaded with Hashem not to. Moshe then proclaimed, “If Korach and co die a usual death then it’s not Hashem who appointed me. If however, a unique incident occurs and the ground swallows Korach and (whatever was left of) his crowd, then you will know that these people (haven’t merely started up with myself, they have) have tried to fight Hashem Himself!”

Korach and his family and accomplices were all swallowed along with their possessions.

The pans which the faulty Ketoret were brought on were melted and used to cover the Mizbeach to serve as a reminder not to mess with Moshe.

There was a plague after the Jews complained again and the Ketoret brought by Aaron stopped the plague but sadly many people died.

After this, Hashem instructed the tribes to each bring a stick and place it in the Mishkan. The stick upon which flowers would grow would serve as the proof which is the chosen tribe. Aaron’s stick

Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.

Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

blossomed miraculously with flowers and almonds and that solved any further doubts.

We were then taught of the 24 gifts that the Jewish people must give to the Kohanim. The tribe of Levi in general, were designated to serve Hashem and were therefore not given a portion of land in Israel. It was the privilege of the nation to support and sustain them. Similarly today, when we hear of people who spend their entire days and much of their nights studying or teaching Torah, we are aware that it is a Hugh privilege to give them financial support.

Many lessons are learned from this week’s Sidra.

Firstly, to believe that Moshe was chosen by Hashem and all his appointments of others was not biased.

Secondly to avoid arguments and fights at all costs.

Thirdly to beware who our neighbours and friends are.

Many of the tribe of Reuven were dragged into this dispute simply on account of them being neighbours of Korach! Trying to surround oneself with sincere, kind, honest and committed people is a great thing!

Use this area to write the words you have found.

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Last week’s words: Here are some words you may have found from last week - you may have found more! ace act aid ate ave cad

cat eat tea vat via aced

acid aide avid cave dace date

diva eave idea jade vita acted THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

cadet caved davit dicta evade vitae

active advice dative ejecta deviate adjective

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YOUTH 43

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Q. What is the worst vegetable to have on a ship??

A. A leek!

Q. Where is the ocean the deepest? A. On the bottom!

Q. What did the tree wear to the pool??

A. Trunks!

(Answers at the bottom of page upside down)

1. I am a 5 letter word typed in all capital letters can be read the same upside down?

What am I?

3.What word has the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

Q. What happened to the guy who went to court over his missing luggage?

A. He lost his case!

2. I’m not clothes but I cover your body; The more I’m used, the thinner I grow.

What am I?

3) Queue 1. SWIMS

2) A Bar of soap.

1. Fade away 2. Half mast 3. Read the small print

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4. Fancy that 5. Have it both ways 6. Leftovers

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SPORTS WEEKLY SPECIAL

EURO 2020

Can Kane lead England to Euro glory?

BY DAVID SAFFER The waiting is almost over for the Euro 2020 finals.

A total of 47 games culminates in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, July 11.

England, Scotland and Wales are among 24 teams embarking on a fiesta of football across 11 cities which kicks off tomorrow.

Matches take place in Baku, Rome, London, Amsterdam, Munich, Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Glasgow, Seville, Bucharest and Budapest.

France are the bookies favourites to lift the coveted crown, but only just ahead of England, Belgium, Germany, defending champions Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.

The pressure is on for Gareth Southgate’s team who certainly have a shot at the title especially as they could play six of seven games possible at Wembley.

They warmed up for the finals with laboured victories over Austria and Rumania, however none of the Champions League final players were on display so the line-up when England face Croatia will be vastly different.

But what of other British interests, Wales and Scotland. The Welsh come in at anywhere between 125/1 and 200/1 with the Scots 250/1 outsiders. Only Finland and

North Macedonia have higher odds!

But football is a funny old game, who would have bet on Wales inspired run to the 2016 semi-finals as England crashed out to Iceland.

Only time will tell but the cream of European talent is ready to take centre stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Kylian Mbappe (France), Harry Kane (England), Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Mephis Depay (Netherlands), Lorenzo Insigne (Italy) Gareth Bale (Wales) and Thomas Muller (Germany) are among the many stars on display but there are plenty of youngsters expected to shine.

So, watch for Joao Felix (Portugal), Jamal Musiala (Germany), Pedri (Spain), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands), Dejan Kulusevski (Sweden) and Jude Bellingham (England).

The top two teams plus four best third placed teams advance from the groups.

Group F looks to be the toughest of the six with a trio of big hitters involved.

Every tournament has a ‘Group of Death’ and this is it with former winners Portugal, France and Germany battling it out for two spots in the last-16 of the competition.

Joachim Low is stepping down after this tournament and whilst you can never rule out the Germans who traditionally get to the latter stages they have struggled for form and may be the ones to miss out.

The draw for the finals has a plethora of eye-catching encounters.

Group A: Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland Group B: Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia Group C: Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia Group D: England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic Group E: Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia Group F: Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany

Harry Kane

With the greatest respect to Hungary, it would be a seismic shock if they make the next stage.

Group E also looks an intriguing group which could be a tight affair between Spain, Sweden and Poland to qualify. The same could occur in Group B with Denmark, Belgium and Russia.

Italy, Netherlands and England are favourites to top Groups A, C and D respectively but it’s not a given. Scotland may be among the also rans with bookmakers but their clash against England at Wembley will be a battle. However, I expect Southgate’s side to make the last 16.

So, who will prevail at the end of the football marathon. The smart money is the French and Portuguese as they have been here before. Belgium also look ready to finally land a major honour. Naturally though, I’d like to see England finally break through at the top table after so long and they have a great chance if Kane et al can finally hold their nerve.

Expectations are high and a good start to the group stage should see Southgate and co on the road to a first major title since the Boys of 66. The past decades have seen England go close on a handful of occasions to lifting a major championship, most recently the 2018 World Cup when they unexpectedly reached the semi-finals. Fans will also recall Euro 96 when Southgate missed the crucial penalty against Germany at the old Twin Towers at the last four stage.

Victory 25 years on will be particularly sweet for the England boss.

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Ronaldo to aim for new EURO records

Cristiano Ronaldo

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to break a number of records at EURO 2020.

When Ronaldo plays his first match of the tournament it will be a record fifth appearance at a finals.

Seventeen players have made four tournaments but bar injury Ronaldo will set a new benchmark.

Whilst France’s Michel Platini has the record for a single tournament of nine goals when he led his country to the 1984 title, Ronaldo has the same total from his record 21 finals appearances. One more strike will set a new goals mark and he is odds on to do so.

Ronaldo will also pass Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon’s all-time 58 appearances in EURO competition, qualifying and finals, if he plays in three matches. His 56 games to date have included 36 wins, 12 draws and eight defeats.

Whilst, somewhat surprisingly, Ronaldo has to bag a EURO hat-trick, he would comfortably be the oldest to score in a final if Portugal go all the way. Only one player over 30 has scored, Bernd Holzenbein for West Germany against Czechoslovakia in 1976. Antonin Panenka’s famously won the final with a penalty. Ronaldo will be

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36 years and 156 days on 11 July when this years’ final takes place.

Should Ronaldo lift the trophy again he will join Spain’s Iker Casillas (2008 and 2012) as the only players to have captained sides in two triumphs.

One record that won’t go is his own of 40 goals including qualifying. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (25) and Robbie Keane (23) are a mighty chasm away.

He is also the only player to score in four tournaments. Ronaldo bagged a brace in EURO 2004, one in 2008 along with three at 2012 and 2016.

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DEFENDING CHAMPIONS PORTUGAL CELEBRATING THEIR WIN IN 2016

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

GROUP A TURKEY Qualifying Group H record: P10 W7 D2 L1 F18 A3 Qualifying Top scorer: Cenk Tosun (5) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2008) Coach: Senol Gunes ITALY Qualifying Group J record: P10 W10 D0 L0 F37 A4 Qualifying top scorer: Andrea Belotti (5) UEFA EURO best: winners (1968) Coach: Roberto Mancini WALES Qualifying Group E record: P8 W4 D2 L2 F10 A6 Qualifying top scorer: Gareth Bale (2), Kieffer Moore (2), Aaron Ramsey (2) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2016) Coach: Robert Page SWITZERLAND Qualifying Group D record: P8 W5 D2 L1 F19 A6 Qualifying top scorer: Cedric Itten (3) UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016) Coach: Vladimir Petkovic

GROUP B DENMARK Qualifying Group D record: P8 W4 D4 L0 F23 A6 Qualifying top scorer: Christian Eriksen (5) UEFA EURO best: winners (1992) Coach: Kasper Hjulmand FINLAND Qualifying Group J record: P10 W6 D0

L4 F16 A10 Qualifying top scorer: Teemu Pukki (10) UEFA EURO best: N/A Coach: Markku Kanerva BELGIUM Qualifying Group I record: P10 W10 D0 L0 F40 A3 Qualifying top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (7) UEFA EURO best: runners-up (1980) Coach: Roberto Martínez RUSSIA Qualifying Group I record: P10 W8 D0 L2 F33 A8 Qualifying top scorer: Artem Dzyuba (9) UEFA EURO best: winner (1960, as USSR), semi-finals (2008) Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov

GROUP C NETHERLANDS Qualifying Group C record: P8 W6 D1 L1 F24 A7 Qualifying top scorer: Georginio Wijnaldum (8) UEFA EURO best: winners (1988) Coach: Frank de Boer UKRAINE Qualifying Group A record: P8 W6 D2 L0 F17 A4 Qualifying top scorer: Roman Yaremchuk (4) UEFA EURO best: group stage (2012, 2016) Coach: Andriy Shevchenko AUSTRIA

Qualifying Group G record: P10 W6 D1 L3 F19 A9 Qualifying top scorer: Marko Arnautovic (6) UEFA EURO best: group stage (2008, 2016) Coach: Franco Foda NORTH MACEDONIA Qualifying Group G record: P10 W4 D2 L4 F12 A13 Play-offs: Kosovo (h) 2-1, Georgia (a) 1-0 Qualifying top scorer: Eljif Elmas (4) UEFA EURO best: N/A Coach: Igor Angelovski

GROUP D ENGLAND Qualifying Group A record: P8 W7 D0 L1 F37 A6 Qualifying top scorer: Harry Kane (12) UEFA EURO best: third place (1968) Coach: Gareth Southgate CROATIA Qualifying Group E record: P8 W5 D2 L1 F17 A7 Qualifying top scorer: Bruno Petkovic (4) UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (1996, 2008) Coach: Zlatko Dalic SCOTLAND Qualifying Group I record: P10 W5 D0 L5 F16 A19 Play-offs: Israel (h) 0-0, 5-3 pens; Serbia (a) 1-1, 5-4 pens Qualifying top scorer: John McGinn (7) UEFA EURO best: group stage (1992,

1996) Coach: Steve Clarke CZECH REPUBLIC Qualifying Group A record: P8 W5 D0 L3 F13 A11 Qualifying top scorer: Patrik Schick (4) UEFA EURO best: winners (1976, as Czechoslovakia) Coach: Jaroslav Silhavy

Group E SPAIN Qualifying Group F record: P10 W8 D2 L0 F31 A5 Qualifying top scorer: Álvaro Morata, Sergio Ramos, Rodrigo (4) UEFA EURO best: winners (1964, 2008, 2012) Coach: Luis Enrique SWEDEN Qualifying Group F record: P10 W6 D3 L1 F23 A9 Qualifying top scorer: Robin Quaison (5) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (1992) Coach: Janne Andersson POLAND Qualifying Group G record: P10 W8 D1 L1 F18 A5 Qualifying top scorer: Robert Lewandowski (6) UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (2016) Coach: Paulo Sousa SLOVAKIA Qualifying Group E record: P8 W4 D1 L3 F13 A11

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Play-offs: Republic of Ireland (h) 0-0, 4-2 pens; Northern Ireland (a) 2-1 AET Qualifying top scorer: Robert Bozeník, Marek Hamsik, Juraj Kucka (3) UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016) Coach: Stefan Tarkovic

GROUP F HUNGARY Group E record: P8 W4 D0 L4 F8 A11 Play-offs: Bulgaria (a) 3-1; Iceland (h) 2-1 Qualifying top scorer: Willi Orban (3) UEFA EURO best: third place (1964) Coach: Marco Rossi PORTUGAL Qualifying Group B record: P8 W5 D2 L1 F22 A6 Qualifying top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (11) UEFA EURO best: winners (2016) Coach: Fernando Santos FRANCE Qualifying Group H record: P10 W8 D1 L1 F25 A6 Qualifying top scorer: Olivier Giroud (6) UEFA EURO best: winners (1984, 2000) Coach: Didier Deschamps GERMANY Qualifying Group C record: P8 W7 D0 L1 F30 A7 Qualifying top scorer: Serge Gnabry (8) UEFA EURO best: winners (1972, 1980, 1996) Coach: Joachim Low

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS PAST WINNERS 1960: Soviet Union 1964: Spain 1968: Italy 1972: West Germany 1976: Czechoslovakia 1980: West Germany 1984: France 1988: Netherlands 1992: Denmark 1996: Germany 2000: France 2004: Greece 2008: Spain 2012: Spain 2016: Portugal HISTORIC TOP SCORERS 1960: Francois Heutte (France), Viktor Ponedelnik (USSR), Valentin Ivanov (USSR), Drazan Jerkovic (Yugoslavia), Milan Galic (Yugoslavia) - 2 goals 1964: Jesus María Pereda (Spain), Ferenc Bene (Hungary), Deszo Novak (Hungary) - 2 goals 1968: Dragan Dzajic (Yugoslavia) - 2 goals 1972: Gerd Muller (West Germany) - 4 goals 1976: Dieter Muller (West Germany) - 4 goals 1980: Klaus Allofs (West Germany) - 3 goals 1984: Michel Platini (France) - 9 goals 1988: Marco van Basten (Netherlands) - 5 goals 1992: Henrik Larsen (Denmark), Karl-Heinz Riedle (Germany), Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands), Tomas Brolin (Sweden) - 3 goals 1996: Alan Shearer (England) - 5 goals 2000: Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands), Savo Milosevic (Yugoslavia) - 5 goals 2004: Milan Baros (Czech Republic) - 5 goals 2008: David Villa (Spain) - 4 goals 2012: Fernando Torres (Spain)*, Alan Dzagoev (Russia), Mario Gomez (Germany), Mario Mandzukic (Croatia), Mario Balotelli (Italy), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 3 goals 2016: Antoine Griezmann (France) - 6 goals *Torres received the trophy due to an assist and having played fewest minutes of the trio.

MOST GOALS IN A TOURNAMENT 9: Michel Platini (France, 1984) MOST FINAL TOURNAMENT GOALS 9: Michel Platini (France) 9: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) MOST GOALS (INCLUDING QUALIFYING) 40: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT WINNERS: 1996: Matthias Sammer (Germany) 2000: Zinedine Zidane (France) 2004: Theodoros Zagorakis (Greece) 2008: Xavi Hernández (Spain) 2012: Andrés Iniesta (Spain) 2016: Antoine Griezmann (France)

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Vintage Wine strike sets up title decider Oakwood are two wins from winning the Premier League after defeating rivals Maccabi London Lions at Rowley Lane.

Brad Wine scored the only goal when he beat the offside trap before firing home in the first half.

Maccabi struggled to break through a resolute defence in a hard-fought clash. The hosts led the league for long stages of the season but a first home defeat of the campaign ends their title bid.

O’s boss Lewis Blitz commented, “I thought we were by far the better team in the first half, but Maccabi came out battling in the second half and we had to really dig deep to hold onto the lead.”

Max Kyte was magnanimous at full time.

“It was a really tight game of very few chances and Oakwood were able to put away their best chance with a great finish,” he noted.

HMH are two points clear of Oakwood after North London Galaxy forfeited their clash.

The O’s host HMH on June 20. Should Avi Goldberg’s side avoid defeat they will be champions but if Blitz’s side continue a fine run of form they will lift the title.

Jewdinese thumped defending champions Hendon United Sports 5-1 in a surprise result.

Reiss Mogilner bagged a brace for ‘Nese.

Billy Lee and Sam Stern also hit the target.

An own goal from Hendon completed the scoring.

‘Nese boss Darren Lawrence commented, “Unbelievable performance from all our men today, a victory over the reigning champions is something we should be proud of.”

North London Raiders were awarded a win after Fairlop forfeited.

The Division One crown is heading to a title decider between Hertswood Vale and

London Bears.

Vale lead Bears by two points but have played a game more. Both teams are already all but assured of promotion.

Vale came from behind to thump Paris Saint Jewmain 7-2 and are a point away from Premier League status after a resounding win. PSJ took the lead against the run of play with a Louis Relevy header. But the visitors hit back on the stroke of half time, Jordan Grant setting up Joe Cohen to fire home.

Harry Graham edged Vale ahead before Cohen struck again prior to a Jack Winton brace.

James Millet scored twice before PSJ’s Mikey Elia pulled a goal back.

“The boys were quick out the blocks but we couldn’t hit the target,” noted Vale’s Jacob Emmanuel. “One or two players were guilty of some poor finishing but we regrouped at half time and a tactical change worked wonders. That’s seven wins on the spin.”

Elio Elia commented, “It was a very PSJ display. We were very good in the first half and deservedly took the lead. We came in at half time with all to play for but conceded early and yet another capitulation followed, which can only be put down to attitude.”

Maccabi clear the danger against Oakwood

Maccabi and Oakwood get set for the big match

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

The Bears won an eight-goal thriller against FC Team 5-3 at Aycliffe Road. They will head the table if they defeat Club de Chigwell on Sunday before a title decider with Vale on June 20.

Brook Farm Rovers eased to a 4-1 win over CdC and after five wins in a row third spot is in their sights.

Adam Ellis, Dan Cohen, Joe Gourgey and Sam Georgevic scored the goals for the hosts

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

who moved up to fifth place in the table.

Player boss Cohen noted, “We dominated for 90 minutes and thoroughly deserved the points. It’s just a shame we didn’t score a few more given some of the chances we had.”

Faithfold Green forfeited their home game against Mill Hill Dons.

NWL Azzuri are favourites to win the Division Two title after defeating challengers Stoke Salmon 3-0.

Sam Morris and Josh Sarna-star (2) hit the goals in a crucial win.

Azzuri are three points clear of Stoke with two games remaining. The two meet on Sunday.

Should Azzuri avoid defeat they will be favourites to secure the title but if Stoke gain revenge the title is within their grasp again.

Both teams have already secured promotion.

“A fantastic result, but it is far from over yet, two more games to go, nothing less than two more wins,” noted Azzuri’s Sam Morris.

Joe Metliss and Jono Gaon hit two goals as Hampstead Ducks defeated Scrabble 4-1.

Straw Hat Pirates edged past FC East London Bees 2-1 and Redbridge Jewish Care defeated West Hendon Wallabies 3-0.

Oakwood’s Brad Wine fires home the winner against Maccabi

PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER

Haroldeans are unconventional MJSL champions Haroldeans clinched the MJSL title in bizarre circumstances at Frederick Road last Sunday.

The Merseysiders thumped Reich Masters 7-0 in the first of a double header and were leading 4-0 at half time in the reverse fixture when a number of Reich players left the venue.

The match was abandoned as Reich had insufficient numbers to complete the game.

MJSL awarded the points to Haroldeans with the scoreline standing. MCFA will review the circumstances of the abandonment.

The opening match saw Haroldeans strike inside 20 seconds. Adam Shiffman

notched hat-trick, Marley Rubens, Jack Bookey, Eden Harris and Marcus Nezri completed the rout.

Haroldeans led 4-0 at half time in game two courtesy of Shiffman and Bookey bagging a brace apiece.

The teams meet in the Harold Feldman Cup Final on June 20.

Broughton Park Rangers defeated runners up Maccabi Manchester 3rd 5-2 at Brooklands.

Jasper Van Veen scored twice, Yoni Greene, Brad Levy and Oscar Ridley-Fink also scored.

Sol Mattatia and Moishe Hasid, with a penalty, scored for Maccabi.

Haroldeans player turns in disbelief after Reich forfeit the match

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Michael Gatswirth, Reich Capt explains to Haroldeans why they forfeited the match

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

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