The Jewish Weekly Issue 297 - October 19th

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Sunak blasts Hamas

BY ADAM MOSES

PARASHAT NOACH SHABBAT: London Manchester Leeds Liverpool Birmingham Antwerp Bournemouth Gateshead Jerusalem

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak blasted Hamas in an address to the House of Commons this week.

Sunak labelled the attack on Israel a “pogrom” as families of victims sat in the members gallery. Both Houses observed a one-minutes silence.

PM Sunak talking in the House of Commons The Prime Minister called for “an immediate release of all hostages” and glorification of terror is met with the full informed the House at least six British cit- force of the law. I know the whole house izens were killed, 10 were missing, some will support this, and join me in saying were feared dead. unequivocally, we stand with the Jewish “We are working with Israel to establish community.”

Regarding antisemitism, Sunak comthe facts as quickly as possible, and we are supporting the families who are suffering mented: “This atrocity (committed by Hamas) was an existential strike at the very unimaginable pain,” he said.

The UK has organised a number of flights idea of Israel as a safe homeland of the Jewto bring UK citizens in Israel back to the ish people. I understand why it has shaken UK. you to your core. And I am sickened that The government is providing £3 million antisemitic incidents have increased since for the Community Security Trust to pro- the attacks.”

Sunak told the House that Hamas was tect schools, synagogues and Jewish comusing innocent Palestinian people as humunity buildings.

He added: “We are working with the man shields. police to ensure that hate crime and the On the Abraham Accords, Sunak noted:

“One reason why this attack is so shocking is that it is a fundamental challenge to any idea of coexistence which is an essential precursor to peace and stability in the region.”

Sunak announced £10 million of aid to the Palestinian people as they were “victims of Hamas”.

“Hamas simply does not stand for the future that Palestinians want. And they seek to put the Palestinian people in harm’s way”, he said.

Members of the House joined Sunak in a session condemning Hamas.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “Labour stands with Israel, Britain stands with Israel. Israel has the right to bring her people home, to defend herself, to keep its people safe.”

Continued on Page 4...

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19 OCTOBER 2023

IDF deny an Israeli missile struck Gaza hospital

BY DAVID SAFFER

The IDF has denied it fired a rocket that struck a hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday night.

Palestinian sources blamed Israel with hundreds of people reported to be killed in a deadly explosion.

The IDF however have presented evidence a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket misfired and hit the Al-Ahli hospital.

The aftermath saw the Israeli embassy in Jordan and US embassy in Lebanon attacked. According to the IDF a “barrage of rockets” was fired by terrorists in Gaza passing in close proximity to the hospital when the missile struck.

IDF intelligence indicates Islamic Jihad was responsible for a failed rocket launch.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “The entire world should know, it was barbaric terrorists in Gaza that attacked the hospital in Gaza, and not the IDF. Those who brutally murdered our children also murder their own children.”

IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said an immediate review confirmed Islamic Jihad was responsible for the strike.

Hagari said at 6:15pm a barrage of rockets was fired by Hamas at Israel. Just before 7pm, when around 10 rockets were fired

by Islamic Jihad, there were reports of an explosion at the hospital.

According to IDF intelligence, Hamas understood it was an Islamic Jihad rocket misfired and launche d a global media campaign.

“They understood, with absolute certainty, that it was a rocket misfired by Islamic Jihad, that damaged the hospital,” noted Hagari.

Hagari explained that an aerial munition would have been of a different nature.

He observed: “ We w o u l d have seen craters and structural damage to buildings, both of which haven’t been identified in this incident. The size of the damage we see here is due to the warhead

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of the Islamic Jihad rocket, but most of the rockets propellent is still evident due to the short flight of the rocket (because the launch failed).”

Hagari showed infra-red imagery of the parking lot. No craters are identified and surrounding building walls are intact. He showed examples of what air-to-ground munition craters look like.

“As you can see, they do not exist in this instance,” he noted. “Many media outlets immediately reported the unverified claims by Hamas. Those were lies spread

by Hamas.”

Hagari added: “It is impossible to know what happened as quickly as Hamas claimed. That should have been an initial warning sign. Unlike Hamas, the IDF launched an immediate examination, which was overseen at the very highest levels of command. This professional review was based on intelligence, operational systems and aerial footage, all of which we cross-checked. The evidence confirms that the explosion at the hospital in Gaza was caused by an Islamic Jihad rocket that misfired.”

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An IDF examination confirmed there was no IDF fire by land, sea or air that hit the hospital.

Radar systems tracked rockets fired by terrorists from within Gaza at the time of the explosion. The trajectory analysis confirms rockets fired in close proximity to the hospital.

There are also two independent videos showing failure of the rocket launch and rocket flight towards the ground within the Gaza strip falling in the hospital compound.

The IDF has intelligence of communication between terrorists talking about the rocket misfiring.

The IDF has shared information with partners for maximum transparency.

Hagarin lamented media outlets running “Hamas lies” instead of waiting for “credible information” from the IDF. Some headlines have not been corrected.

“I understand the desire to break news, but accuracy and credible information comes before speed,” he said. “The IDF acts in accordance with international law. This incident shows how allegations against Israel can spread and inflame tensions in the region.”

A spokesman for President Herzog said: “An Islamic Jihad missile has killed many Palestinians at a Gazan hospital, a place where lives should be saved. Shame on the media who swallow the lies of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, broadcasting a 21st century blood libel around the globe. Shame on the vile terrorists in Gaza who wilfully spill the blood of the innocent.

“Never before has the choice been clearer. Israel is standing against an enemy made of pure evil. If you stand for humanity, for the value of all human life, you stand with Israel.”

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19 OCTOBER 2023

Free hostages campaign Sunak blasts Hamas

BY ADAM MOSES

A global campaign displaying pictures of hostages held by Hamas following the terror attack in Israel on October 7th continues to gain momentum.

Volunteers in London posted fliers with images of British citizens believed to be taken hostage.

Campaign Against Antisemitism is set to roll the advertising out nationwide to spread its message.

Gideon Falter, CAA said: “We have joined the effort by Jews all around the world to show the faces of those kidnapped by Hamas in the worst single antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust.

“The actions of Hamas are all but indistinguishable from those of ISIS. While the BBC may not be able to bring itself to call this terror, we know that the British public has a strong sense of right and wrong. That is why we have put the faces of those taken into captivity where nobody can fail to see them. Decent people in Britain will see the innocents taken hostage by Hamas and share in our urgent desire to bring them back.”

CST has reported a huge spike in antisemitic incidents and there have been reports of posters being ripped down.

CST said: “It’s difficult to fathom how heartless somebody has to be to rip down a poster of a kidnapped child. We hope the police will be able to identify the culprits.”

A pro-Israel organisation in the Netherlands put digital posters on motorways to gain publicity.

The Israel Information and Documentation Centre (Cidi) reportedly observed: “This campaign aims to show that it is essential for Israel to bring the victims home.

Hamas is a terror organisation. The operation in Gaza is targeted against Hamas. Cidi regrets every innocent victim.”

In France, the French Jewish Students Union (UEJF) placed posters on walls in Paris of French citizens thought to be held hostage by Hamas.

“This isn’t about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It’s a question of a terror organisation that is attacking a free and democratic state,” Samuel Lejoyeux, president of the UEJF, reportedly said.

The campaign has been taken up by New York, Berlin, Lisbon and Buenos Aires amongst numerous countries.

Fliers have been placed on street lamps, tree trunks, parking signs and underground stations, each bearing the word ‘kidnapped’ with a photograph of individuals abducted

by Hamas terrorists.

Gal Gadot, Amy Schumer and Jack Black are among some celebrities to spread the messages on Instagram.

in Commons ...Continued from Front Page

Liam Fox added: “If the fingers on the trigger were Hamas, the strings being pulled were from Tehran.”

Stephen Crabb said that “after the acts of barbarism” by Hamas, they must not be able to “rearm time and again”.

“They were allowed to misappropriate aid into terrorist infrastructure, building those tunnels, amassing armaments and hiding them behind civilian families,” he said.

Andrew Percy noted that “every tragic loss of life in Gaza is the responsibility of Hamas alone.”

Theresa Villiers asked Sunak to ensure support for Israel does not weaken as “Israel does what it has to do to remove the capacity of Hamas ever to do this again”.

Theresa May declared that the attack on Israel

by Hamas terrorists was “barbaric”. Nadhim Zahawi noted that Israel must root out the “evil virus of fundamentalism infested in Hamas” and destroy it.

“Just as we stood together against ISIS, we will stand together again,” he said.

Michael Ellis praised Sunak’s support for the Jewish community.

Sunak informed the House he had spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with leaders from the United States, France, Germany and Italy among numerous nations.

PM talking speaking honestly about Israel and the steps that need to be taken

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We will defeat Hamas

BY DAVID SAFFER

US President Joe Biden has reiterated his unyielding support for Israel on a morale boosting visit yesterday.

Biden stressed there was “no higher priority” than the safe return of hostages taken by Hamas.

US leader met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, ministers, first responders and traumatised family members from Hamas’ terror attack on October 7.

Over 1,400 people were killed by Hamas terrorists, over 4,200 injured and 200 taken hostage.

The visit came hours after the IDF had to defend itself when a rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad struck Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.

Biden told reporters data shown to his defence department demonstrated Israel was not behind the attack.

Looking back at last week’s savage attack, the worst single event to befall the State of Israel, Biden said it was the “deadliest day since the Holocaust” for the Jewish community.

“We will not stand by and do nothing, not today, not tomorrow, not ever,” he said. “Those who are waiting desperately to learn the fate of a loved one, you are not alone.

We are pursuing every avenue to bring home those being held by Hamas”.

Biden added: “The State of Israel was born to be a safe place for the Jewish people of the world. Israel must once again be a safe place for Jewish people. The US will do everything in our power to make that happen.”

Biden, who is set to ask US Congress for an “unprecedented” defence package of Israel, described the terror attack as 15 9/11s. “Justice must be done,” he noted.

Biden noted that Israel was a democratic Jewish state that did not live by the rule of terrorists but rule of law.“If you give that up, then the terrorists win,” he observed.

Biden was “outraged and saddened” at the loss of life in Gaza following Tuesday’s hospital explosion and said that Israel had agreed to humanitarian assistance moving from Egypt to Gaza.

Announcing a US$100m funding for humanitarian assistance, he said the pursuit for peace would continue.

Biden concluded: “Israel, you’re not alone, the United States will walk beside you on those dark days.”

Following Biden’s request for assistance, Israeli’s Security Cabinet unanimously decided it would not allow humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip as long as captives were not returned. They also demanded Red Cross visits with captives and are working to mobilise international support for these demands.

Israel, however, will not prevent humanitarian assistance from Egypt so long as it is only food, water and medicine for the civilian population located in the southern Gaza Strip or which is evacuating there, and so long as supplies do not reach Hamas.

Biden and Netanyahu delivered statements before the start of an historic meeting during times of war.

This is the first time a US president has been in Israel during a war. However a four-way summit was cancelled with King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas due to the hospital disaster.

Biden said: “In the wake of Hamas’ appalling terrorist assault, it was brutal, inhumane, almost beyond belief what they did, this cabinet came together standing strong, standing united. You are not alone. As I emphasised earlier, we will continue to have Israel’s back as you work to defend your people.

We will continue to work with you and partners across the region to prevent more tragedy to innocent civilians.”

He added: “Seventy-five years ago, your founders declared that this nation would be one based on freedom, justice and peace. The US stands with you in defense of that freedom, in pursuit of that justice and in support of that

PM visits Jewish school

BY HARRY SIMONS

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited a north-London Jewish secondary school this week.

Sunak met with staff and pupils to offer his condolences and stand in solidarity with them.

He signed a card exclaiming that his “heart aches for the people of Israel”.

Sunak vowed to stand with Israel and the Jewish community in the UK “not just today, not just tomorrow, but always”.

Local MP, Theresa Villiers, joined Sunak for the visit to the school located in her constituency.

“I welcome the Prime Minster coming to Barnet to reiterate his strong support for Israel and the Jewish community at this very difficult time,” Villiers said. “The UK Government has condemned Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack in the strongest terms, as have I.” “The recent outbreak of antisemitic incidents is shocking and unacceptable and the Home Secretary is providing additional funding to support the work of the police and the Community Security Trust in safeguarding the Jewish community.”

“This morning, the Prime Minister and I heard immensely moving and powerful words from young people reflecting on the situation in the Middle East, expressing fear

and concern for friends and family in Israel.”

“In visits and messages to synagogues and Jewish schools over the past few days, I have expressed my strong support for the right of Israel to defend itself and its citizens.”

For security reasons, the school was not initially directly named.

In related news, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also visited a Jewish school in London to show solidarity.

Prime Minister and local MP visit Jewish School

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19 OCTOBER 2023 peace.”

Netanyahu thanked Biden for “unequivocal support” during trying times.

“You are meeting with our united war cabinet, united in resolve to lead Israel to victory,” he noted.

“This will be a different kind of war because Hamas is a different kind of enemy. While Israel seeks to minimise civilian casualties, Hamas seeks to maximise civilian casualties. Hamas wants to kill as many Israelis as possible and has no regard whatsoever to Palestinian lives. Every day, they perpetrate a double war crime, targeting our civilians while hiding behind their civilians, embedding themselves in the civilian population and using them as human shields.

“We’ve seen the cost of this terrible double war crime against humanity that Hamas is perpetrating. As Israel legitimately targets terrorists, civilians are unfortunately harmed. Hamas is responsible and should be held accountable for all civilian casualties.”

Noting the rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists that misfired and landed on a Gaza hospital,” Netanyahu said: “The entire world was rightfully outraged but this outrage should be directed not at Israel but at the terrorists.

As we proceed in this war, Israel will do everything it can to keep civilians out of harm’s way. We’ve asked them and we will continue to ask them to move to safer areas.”

Netanyahu said that October 7 was a day that would live in infamy as Hamas murdered at least 1,400 Israelis.

“In a country of fewer than 10 million people it was equivalent to over 50,000 Americans equating to twenty 9/11s,” he said.

Netanyahu said Biden was correct in stating Hamas was worse than ISIS as was German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who noted Hamas were the new Nazis.

“Just as the civilised world united to defeat the Nazis and united to defeat ISIS, the civilised world must unite to defeat Hamas,” he observed. “I can assure you, we will defeat Hamas and remove this terrible threat from our lives. The forces of civilisation will prevail for peace and security in our region and in the world.”

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19 OCTOBER 2023

CST £3m antisemitism Concern for Jewish boost Students

BY ADAM MOSES

The Community Security Trust has received an additional £3m to safeguard the UK Jewish community against antisemitic attacks following Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel.

The announcement brings total funding to £18 million for 2023-24.

The money enables the CST to place additional guards in schools, synagogues and communal buildings.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, senior ministers, the police and CST met at Downing Street for a discussion on protecting British communities.

The roundtable was chaired by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

CST has seen a huge spike in antisemitic incidents in the past 12 days. Figures show an increase of 400% compared to the same period in 2022.

Sunak said: “The UK must and will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel. We must do everything in our power to protect Jewish people everywhere in our country. If anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it.

You have our complete backing.”

The roundtable discussed the increased antisemitic attacks and policing response.

Sunak called on police chiefs to ensure a clear approach to tackling hate crime,

policing protests and protecting Jewish communities. Glorification of terrorism will be met with the full force of the law.

Braverman asked police chiefs to consider using existing Section 14 powers in the Public Order Act where appropriate to prevent assemblies blocking roads, including outside Jewish buildings such as the Israeli Embassy.

She said: “Hamas terrorists have carried out barbaric attacks on the people of Israel.

They massacred civilians, raped women and kidnapped the most vulnerable. This terrorism is an attack on all of our values.

Whenever Israel is attacked, people use legitimate Israeli defensive measures as an excuse to stir up hatred against British Jews.

The UK stands unequivocally with Israel.”

Braverman added that police chiefs in England and Wales were aware there would be zero tolerance for antisemitism in our streets and online.

Mark Gardner, CST CEO said: “The support that we and the Jewish community are receiving from across government and policing is greatly reassuring and welcome at this difficult and worrying time.

“We will work with the Home Office to ensure that this extra funding is used in the most effective way to enhance the existing security that is in place and provide the Jewish community with the protection that they need and deserve.”

BY HARRY SIMONS

University Jewish Chaplaincy and Union of Jewish Students has written to every vice-chancellor over welfare concerns for Jewish students on campus as the war in Gaza escalates.

Both bodies have called on institutions to condemn the celebration of terrorism and antisemitism which is being seen on campuses across the UK. “We’d like to remind you that Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation,” said a spokesman. “Your staff need to be well briefed and understand the responsibilities and duty of care they have to their students regardless of their own politics. Indeed, sadly we have already seen a steady stream of unacceptable and antisemitic behaviour from university lecturers reported to us.”

Chaplaincy and UJS has highlighted key issues including zero tolerance for support of proscribed organisations, including Hamas, in line with the Terrorism Act 2000.

“Several campuses across the UK have been plastered with poisonous and antisemitic posters,” noted a spokesman.

The bodies have highlighted a need to reinforce security measures on campus to ensure safety of Jewish students and staff.

There have been reports of physical assault threats whilst a worrying number of student societies have expressed support

for Hamas.

Appropriate support services need to be available for Jewish students struggling with mental health issues due to the events in Israel. They should be directed to Jewish Societies, Jewish Chaplains and CST. A spokesman said: “Students may need additional support, including time off due to stress and anxiety, and for deadlines to be extended.”

University staff and lecturers need to be aware of creating safe spaces for students.

Lecturers and university staff should also be sensitive to the emotional distress many of Jewish and Israeli students suffer from.

“These students should not be made to answer for or defend Israel in class or anywhere else,” said a spokesman. “Students have reported unpleasant and confrontational classroom environments which have in some cases been supported by lecturers.

We have also seen troubling and antisemitic posts from lecturers on social media.”

Lastly, the bodies have called for inclusivity and respect on campus where hate speech, discrimination and antisemitism are not tolerated.

“Senior university management should be reaching out to Jewish societies directly and not expect that Student Unions should carry this responsibility,” observed a spokesman. “Jewish staff must also be reached out to at this time.”

Board & CAA take BBC to Ofcom

BY DAVID SAFFER

Leading Jewish organisations are keeping up the pressure on the BBC over its coverage of Israel’s war in Gaza.

The Board of Deputes and Campaign Against Antisemitism are both outraged by the broadcaster’s refusal to describe Hamas as “terrorists”, instead, referring to them as ‘militants’ Having written to Tim Davie, BBC Director General, the Board will now complain to Ofcom having had an inadequate response.

Davie has stated that the BBC only use the term ‘terrorist’ when it is ‘attributed by others’.

A Board spokesperson confirmed: “The BBC is not complying with its own standards because Hamas has been designated by the Home Secretary as a terrorist organisation.

“The first step is to complain to the BBC, and the Board has done this exhaustively.

The next step is to complain to the regulatory body Ofcom, which is what the Board is doing now.”

CAA has similarly written to the BBC, called for Ofcom to intervene, and led a national media campaign to pressure the broadcaster to call terror by its name. W They have requested the Culture, Media and Sport Committee hold an urgent

hearing, are promoting a petition and co-sponsored a rally last Monday evening outside the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London.

A CAA spokesperson said: “Images and videos of the unspeakably brutal attacks on Israeli civilians, including babies, children and the elderly have been shared around the world. The BBC cannot be the trusted public broadcaster that we need if it is unable to call the murder of hundreds of innocent Jewish people by an antisemitic genocidal terror organisation ‘terrorism’.

Calling this by any other name is unfathomable and only fuels anti-Jewish extremists and apologists for terrorism.”

In related news, CAA have spoken with BBC sports journalist Noah Abrahams over his decision to quit the broadcaster over its failure to describe Hamas as “terrorists”.

“Noah has risked his dream career to send a message to the BBC, the broadcaster should heed it,” commented CAA. Abrahams reportedly told CAA: “Every boy’s dream, if you don’t become a football player, if you love football, more often than not, is to become a commentator, so you get that gig and you’re loving life. You can’t believe your luck. You go to university and you know how many people want your job. Everyone wants your job. And so you’re very fortunate, and I understand the

privilege of being in a position of responsibility as a football commentator. However, I can no longer stand by the BBC’s stance with the terminology they use on Israel. I don’t agree with it. I don’t understand how they can defend it.”

Abrahams was adamant his departure was not the story.

He explained: “The story is the atrocities happening in Israel. The stories are the hostages who are being held, the families who have been victimised, who are becoming victims. This isn’t the story. This shouldn’t be the story, but the BBC have made it into one, and I was seething when I made my decision. I was so angry that I felt like I could no longer continue to represent an organisation that I feel does not fairly represent the situation.”

CAA are also outraged the Football Association did not illuminate Wembley Stadium before an England match versus Australia.

A spokesperson observed: “The FA is sitting on the fence. These ‘devastating events’ did not just happen by chance,

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like some sort of natural disaster. They were brought about by a murderous terrorist organisation that barbarically slaughtered the most Jews in one day since the Holocaust. It is utterly shameful that the football industry will not acknowledge this. The incomprehensible decision not to light up Wembley, when the stadium has done so in the past, speaks volumes. The FA, Premier League and other bodies in British football must condemn the terrorist attacks swiftly and without caveat.”

Jewish organisations are set to persevere with their action against the BBC on the matter.

In a world engulfed by darkness...

Let there be

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The Shalva National Crisis Response Centre opens its doors to help evacuees On a ‘normal’ day, more than one thousand children and adults with disabilities will come to the Shalva National Centre, from birth to adulthood, from all sectors of Israeli society, to attend educational and rehabilitative programs.

The state-of-the-art centre, located in the heart of Jerusalem is a beacon of light and considered one of the leading centres for people with disabilities in the world.

With a floor to ceiling glass atrium, brightly colored walls and a huge butterfly mobile by famous artist David Gerstein welcoming visitors into the centre, Shalva is a model of inclusion that has been replicated across the world.

However, over the past week the centre has taken on a very unique role, the Shalva National Crisis Response Centre.

Within a few days of the outbreak of the war, on October 7, hundreds of people who had to be evacuated to safety, from the southern border towns of Israel, began arriving.

All of the evacuees, men, women and children of all ages, had experienced a hugely traumatic few days, having been surrounded by Hamas terrorists and having had to defend their homes and take shelter, in fear for their lives.

‘We’ve been through three really stressful days, it started with waking up

with sirens, then being closed in bomb shelters, sometimes without electricity, and the understanding that we are at war’ shared Rabbi YaronLevy from Moshav Naveh, located on the northern border of the Gaza Strip.

Upon arrival, the evacuees were greeted by staff members and volunteers and were finally able to relax and breathe a little easier knowing they were out of immediate danger.

Over the coming weeks, Shalva anticipates receiving a further 1,000 evacuees who will be seeking refuge at the National Crisis Response Centre, from across Israel.

As well as food, clothing and personal hygiene items, Shalva will ensure there is enhanced security, rehabilitative stability, and the social and emotional support they all require to enable them to begin to process the recent trauma.

The Shalva Centre was designated by the Home Front as a National Emergency and Response Centre. Shalva is uniquely prepared thanks to the incomparable size and scope of the centre. The structure of the centre incorporates a steel and cement-based core, which extends both horizontally and vertically throughout the eleven stories of the 20,000sqm building.

As such, several bomb shelters and safe

rooms are located on every floor of the centre and allow anyone quick access from any point in the building without involving extensive distances or stairs.

Additionally, the building’s foundation is fixed into the side of a mountain, such that five of the eleven floors are below street level and are enveloped by the mountain, preventing the possibility of complete penetration of a rocket to the building. Three of these floors, which typically function as a sports centre and parking lot, are completely underground and offer the ultimate shelter, likened to a military bunker. They can be converted to bed bays if needed.

Shalva’s CEO Yochanan Samuels commented, ‘Shalva is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone who seeks refuge and seeing the joy on the

faces of the children after all they’ve been through is really special’.

Rabbi Levy summed it up beautifully when he reflected ‘it was only on arriving here that I realized how tense I was, and how I could finally let go – I don’t have to be on guard duty anymore, it’s really amazing, Am Yisrael Chai!’

Shalva has launched an Emergency Fund to support the immense task of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Israel’s most vulnerable during these extremely challenging times, to donate please visit https://shalva.net/donation/.

Shalva staff caring for the needs of the children

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Israel is in crisis Help us respond The Shalva National Crisis Response Center is open and caring for hundreds of evacuees from Israel's South.

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OPINION

19 OCTOBER 2023

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

Complain, Complain and Complain OPINION PIECE

BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN

Israel is at war and all of us are looking over our shoulders just in case there is someone there ready to yell at us, or worse assault us.

The increase in Jew-hate has been appalling, with large numbers of police officers being mobilised to help keep us safe. The Government are supporting us in ways which I have not seen in my lifetime. All in all these efforts are most reassuring.

What is not reassuring is the coverage by the BBC. Everything that comes out from Hamas is treated as true and everything from the IDF is treated with suspicion.

Even if this description is too much, the reality is that the BBC are ignoring the conduct of Hamas in their enthusiasm to blame Israel.

Hamas preventing Gazans from leaving the north of the area is reported, but only

just and on the basis that it is an allegation.

The fact that Hamas as a matter of policy keep munitions in schools and hospital is also ignored. The explosion at the hospital on the evening of the 17th October is a case in point. It is well know that in addition to the siting of explosives at hospitals, The rockets fired from Gaza have a failure rate of 20 – 30%. This has been verified and came to a wider public awareness in 2021 when there were a number of civilian deaths in Gaza caused by rockets falling short of their intended targets.

Instead of considering this as a possibility, the BBC launched straight a way which clearly blamed Israel. Within minutes of the explosion the BBC were reporting that 500 were killed. How could they possibly know that? The simple answer is that they couldn’t, and they were clearly relying on the figures supplied by Hamas. Pausing there to consider this. The BBC which has repeatedly claimed that it has to be impartial appears to have relied upon a terrorist

group (I’m not afraid to call Hamas that) which is known to lie repeatedly about pretty much everything.

The bias is palpable, so much so that many in our community have stopped looking at the BBC website or listening to the BBC news. I don’t recommend that.

The fewer of us that see this bias the fewer able to make complaints. So much of the war between Israel and Hamas is being fought in the media. It is our responsibility to call out the lies and bias when they occur.

So please complain to the BBC about the bias, the lies and above all the negative impact these have on British Jews. It is not unreasonable to place the blame in part upon the BBC for increased hostility to us, hardly surprising given their appalling conduct. So, complain again and again every time you see a lie or bias. We cannot let the BBC wriggle out of their responsibilities. Start with their refusal to call Hamas terrorists and go from there. We

have to have our voices heard.

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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HELP ISRAEL’S SHATTERED COMMUNITIES For decades, JNF UK has been the UK Israel charity devoted to developing Israel’s southern communities, enabling them to grow and thrive.

These communities need us now more than ever.

We are working 24/7 with our partners on the ground and every penny raised will reach those who need it most, when they need it most.

PROVIDING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE Supporting families from Ashkelon who tragically lost loved ones – we are covering funeral and shiva costs, as well as funding hotel rooms to give respite to those living under constant rocket fire.

Distributing emergency funds to families who have lost everything – we have supported hundreds of families so far from 18 communities including Kibbutzim Nir Oz, Re’im and Kfar Aza. Sending activity packs to children – sadly, many families have to spend days hiding in shelters with nothing to do. Thousands of packs have been distributed.

PROVIDING SAFE SHELTERS FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS Together with one of our partner organisations, Osim Shchuna, JNF UK initiated Operation Ir Miklat (City of Refuge) to clear, clean and fix thousands of shelters in Israel’s towns.

The north is already under attack, but thousands of vulnerable citizens have no safe rooms, and communal shelters are unusable from years of neglect.

As the war becomes increasingly volatile restoring shelters is a matter of life and death.

SUPPORTING VULNERABLE HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS Together with our partner The Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel, we are contacting thousands of holocaust survivors to let them know they are not alone. Unfortunately, many of them live in the areas that were directly affected by the brutal attacks, and many live in the missiles attack zones.

We are providing them with emergency kits including torches, batteries, transistor radios, first aid kits, warm blankets and other equipment, to enable them to sit in bomb shelters for days. We are also distributing urgent food baskets, as many are unable get out to buy groceries.

To carry out these projects we urgently need your support PLEASE DONATE WHATEVER YOU CAN TODAY:

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OPINION

19 OCTOBER 2023

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Councillor Speaks Out After Antisemitic Hate Crime At Vigil

BY SALVATORE PAGDADES, STAND WITH US FELLOW

Following Hamas’ atrocious terrorist attacks in Israel last week, as a councillor in the town of Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire, I felt it was important to stand up for my Jewish constituents and the Jewish community who live in the area.

That is why on Saturday evening, I helped to organise a peaceful vigil for Israel. Over 30 people from different backgrounds, different faiths and different political persuasions had assembled to give their quiet reflections and to remember those in Israel murdered by Hamas terrorists, pray for those who are missing and pray for the soldiers who are risking their lives to destroy evil and defend their people.

I was warmed by the fact that members of the Jewish community and the Rabbi from our neighbouring town, had travelled over to our town for the vigil.

Candles lit and held by all and thoughts and prayers by the Rabbi set the scene for a peaceful and respectful evening.

All was quiet, all was calm until we were disrupted by a heckler. A heckler in a small town in Hertfordshire. “Free Palestine” was shouted multiple times followed by a scream of “Zionist scum”.

Tell me, how can British Jews feel safe when even at a small community gathering in a small town, they get heckled. One attendee from the Jewish community said to me that they “often feel slightly alone as a community” and you can see why when hostility is so common. That is why I call for all of Britain’s communities to stand with the Jewish people so that they know that they are not alone. No community should feel like this in this nation in 2023.

I cannot put into words my feelings after seeing the responses from local government authorities and councillors after the terrorist attacks. Disappointed, angry and shocked are just a few emotions I felt after these councils refused to fly the Israeli flag, light up their council buildings or, most shockingly, condemn Hamas in their statements. For any other nation that has had the worst terrorist attacks in

their history, the aforementioned would have been done in an instant with no questions asked. But for Israel, the only Jewish state in the world, it was not. It does leave you with a lot of questions.

The answer to many of those questions is that clearly ‘Jews don’t count’. A statement I’m sure many of you have heard before. This is the idea that Jewish people do not count as a minority people, and we therefore see double standards in our media and in our institutions. I can name lots and lots of examples of this but one I would like to highlight is the English Football Association.

The FA has previously lit up the Wembley Stadium arch for terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and Tunisia and I could list many occasions the arch has been lit for other countries too. But for Israel?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The home of English football clearly thinks that Jews don’t count. I always get upset when I hear my Jewish friends and colleagues say that they feel alone but now I really understand why they feel this way when the double standards are so apparent.

On my mind for the next few days was the question “How do local Jews feel that their councils, councillors and institutions are not willing to stand with them and stand up for them at a time of heartbreak and grief?”. That is why a vigil had to be held so that, although a small community, the local Jewish community felt that someone would stand side by side with them in a world of increasing hostility and hatred towards them.

However, if there is one shining light in this world, it is that I saw people gathering from all different walks of life to stand side by side with each other, to stand up for Israel and to stand with the Jewish community. I will leave you with one last thought and hopefully one that is poignant: you cannot just say ‘never again’, you must act so that never again really does mean never again.

heinous acts as “terrorists.” In fact, during our rally, BBC had no qualms reporting on the Brussels attack as a “terrorist” attack. Yet, when the lens shifts to Israel and Hamas, a group with a track record of intentionally targeting Israeli civilians, there seems to be semantic paralysis. The use of euphemistic terms like “militants” or “fighters” serves not just to undermine the BBC’s journalistic integrity but also to erode its moral foundations.

Our rally cut across religious, age, and national lines. It showcased unity among the religious and the secular, the young and the elderly, Diaspora Jews, Israelis, and the Iranian diaspora who vehementlyoppose the totalitarian regime of the Ayatollahs and the IRGC, which serve as Hamas paymasters.

While UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps has highlighted the necessity for the BBC to abide by British law—which classified Hamas as a terrorist organisation in 2021— John Simpson, the BBC’s World Affairs Editor, counters this by suggesting that such classification equates to “taking sides.” This view is patently absurd. Journalism should serve the truth, not dilute it for the sake of a misguided sense of impartiality. If King Charles III, as well as many other media outlets, can unambiguously refer to Hamas as a terrorist organisation, why can’t the BBC? The British Jewish community stands as a sturdy bulwark against the abhorrent terrorism perpetrated by Hamas. In this light, we call on the BBC to honour both its journalistic and moral commitments by explicitly referring to Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

Any hesitancy to do so would not only betray its audiences, who begrudgingly fund it through compulsory licence fees, but also compromise the ethical standards that form the cornerstone of British society.

The BBC’s commitment to impartiality should not extend to providing a smokescreen for terrorist activities. Indeed, if one truly values Palestinian lives and aims for a just peace, then it is an ethical imperative to condemn the acts of terrorism perpetuated by Hamas - whose callous disregard for Gazan lives puts them in immediate danger.

As we stood before the iconic facade of the BBC, our collective voice encapsulated more than a mere momentary outcry; it epitomised the enduring values upon which British society is built. We do not just

represent transient dissent, but embody a long-standing call for moral integrity. The time is ripe for the BBC to respond to this call, not just for its own sake, but for the sake of ethical journalism and the principles we all hold dear.

So, we continue our campaign with unwavering resolve. Those who attended the NJA’s rally are not a fleeting moment, but a constant reminder of the moral values that ground our society. We shall persist until the BBC joins us in the collective fight against terrorism, however, and wherever it manifests. Until then, our voices will not be silenced.

NJA Protest Against the BBC OPINION PIECE

BY STEVEN WINSTON

The National Jewish Assembly led a rally outside the headquarters of the BBC. Our message was straightforward: cease the equivocation and refer to Hamas as what it is—a terrorist organisation. The BBC, known for its global reach and ostensibly unbiased reporting, has regrettably adopted a different standard when it comes to terrorism directed at Israel. Almost 1,500 people attended our rally, and we stand united in condemning the BBC’s failure to uphold not just journalistic ethics, but also its own moral standards.

The gathering included speeches from Gary Mond, Chairman of the NJA, followed

by Gideon Falter of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, and Jonathan Turner from UK Lawyers for Israel. We were also privileged to hear from Asher Edreyi, a young Israeli and IDF veteran; Jonny Gould of the Jewish State podcast; Eyal Biton, a Reserve Captain in the IDF Special Forces; Andre Walker of Talk TV; Nizza Fluss, former Borough of Barnet councillor; Ellie Borhan from Stage of Freedom; Lance Forman, a former Conservative MEP; Hayley Guttman of Christians Against Anti-Semitism; and Rabbi Andrew Shaw from the Mizrachi Organisation. Each articulated in uniquely compelling ways the profound need for moral clarity in journalistic practices.

BBC has historically demonstrated no reluctance in labelling entities involved in

Israel flags outslide the BBC

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Steve Winston is the Managing Director of the National Jewish Assembly.

20 OPINION

19 OCTOBER 2023

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OPINION

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Muslim Londoners protest as Jewish Londoners are Killed ANONYMOUS

British Muslims and Left Wing Extremists took to the streets of London in support of Hamas’s recent championing of the Palestinian cause.

This North West London mother who brought up her son Nathaniel Young on these very streets was denied the closure of a funeral.

As the British Jewish community look at the loss and fear in her eyes we must ask ourselves how have we tolerated such unconditional support for this barbaric political movement.

How have we allowed our countrymen to feed such poison to their children in their homes and mosques whereby when graphic footage of ISIS style attacks do not garner any palpable reflection from our Muslim communities.

Why are there no Muslim voices strongly condemning Hamas. Where is the Council of British Muslims? Where are our Clerics? Where are the Layleaders? Where are these voices? How has this age old hatred allowed to be nurtured?

The Muslim Community has responded with nothing but silence.

There is no doubt that these voices will become increasingly louder as the war escalates in Gaza and when the Media start switching against the once sleeping giant that is the Israeli Military Complex. And this unfortunately is exactly what will happen as soon as the Gaza deathtoll hit x2 of the Israeli - as soon as Hamas regroup and

One People

BY FLORA FRANK

I write this as a tribute to our people in our country, Israel, for their resilience, faith in Hashem and a strong belief in the power of prayer.

In Nokdim where I spent the last day of Succot/Simchat Torah, with my Granddaughter, Grandson and Great Grandchildren, in a young community, I was very moved by the sight of two very elderly gentlemen, dressed in dark suits, walking slowly but deliberately during the Hakafot, carefully grasping a Sefer Torah. At the time, I had been praying hard for peace for Am Yisrael and the world, and It brought home to me very vividly that this Torah has kept us going throughout our chequered history and please G-d it will always do so.

Unfortunately the next morning in Shul, I was informed by my Granddaughter that missiles had been falling in the South. She wanted to help her husband, who had been called up to the army, prepare his kit bag, and asked me to watch my Great Grandchildren. My Grandson had been chosen as Chatan Torah and the amazing Rav immediately had him called up to the Torah, allowing him his due honour before he left. Thereafter I saw at first hand a wife/

start using their beleagured children as shields and for the photo ops that ensue.

We should then expect Worldwide condemnation and accusations of disproportionality to take the fore against Israel.

The BBC and the Guardian will look very much like Al Jazeera or Press TV does today.

Unfortunately, it will only be then when our friends and colleagues in the Muslim Community find their voice. At that point the rallies on the streets of London will be not thousands, but hundreds of thousands.

With 300K Reservists called we know from previous incursions that this war is likely to go on for some time. Antisemitism was already peaking and it will no doubt see an unprecedented boost. Our fixed routine of scrolling the news will become rote, only there will also be articles about how the conflict has spilled into the streets of Paris, Berlin, and London. This is the only sympathy for the Jews that will remain.

We will face this and survive this like we have many times.

But action needs to be called on the UK Govt now because we’ve seen this movie before.

A new educational programme needs to be introduced in all Eurpean schools.

This time not to ban the Hijab or to explain gender disphoria.

But to clearly explain that the ever present ancient Jew hatred is relevant today and relevant to them and history has proven that to many this prejudice is somehow buried deep in their psyches.

The programme needs to demonstrate that history has also proven the Jews to be an endangered species and why legislation classes them as a protected minority.

It needs to bravely call out and name the propensity for certain groups, the Muslims, to habour hatred toward the Jews and it needs to dismantle the folly of its justifications. It needs to discuss Israel and how the singled out demand for the Nation state’s absolute Pacisfism is Racist.

It needs to explain that the fantasy of ‘From the River to the Sea’ is a racist wickedness. The delusion of an expulsion of Jewish Soveriegnty from their one and only ancestoral Homeland is also a deeply racist idea.

It needs to illustrate that the hatred of blacks and Jews are equally evil and it needs to tackle the issue that the very presence of ‘Inside Jews’ like Netore Karter and Norman Finkelstein does not qualify as empirical evidence that Antisemitsm or Israel Phobia is justified.

It needs to explain how the now whimpering ‘Breaking the Silence’ is a marginal group that are allowed to operate and live in Israel and that is a sign of a Free and Just Country.

It needs to carefully look at the non-democratic depostism of Isreal’s enemies where dissenters are hung and contrast it with our aggressively personal and scathing political campaigns for all to see in a free press and that these are healthy signs of democracy not shared by China, Russia, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, North Korea et al.

It needs to underline the difference between Palestinian targeting civilians and Israeli targeting terrorist with civillian casualty fallout. It needs to explain that a huge number of settlements were built and named for the victims of terrorism, settlements are the least aggressive deterrent.

We need to start defending the settlements in this manner. Because if the settlements were genuinely blocking peace the pre-settlemt 1947 Partition and all the subsequent offers would have been taken. None of the Muslims entertaining peace would’ve been assasinated for doing so.

Outside of any educational programme we need add more outcry to the discourse.

Our leaders need to stop apologising and espousing the two state solution, we need to yell from the rooftops that until a generation of Palestinians are brought up on Monotheistic values on the sanctity of life then Israel will always be a One state solution.

We need to name, shame, and sack all politicans, public servants, and professionals that sympathise with Palestinian attacks on Civillians.

Finally, we need to accept that sometimes our soldiers commit evil that is not inline with our values or the State of Israel’s values. When this happens we cannot be silent like our fellow Britons of the Muslim faith, we must condemn evil where and whenever perpertrated - but that these infrequent occasions are a far cry from the systemic calls of the wicked regimes that surround us.

Od Avinu Chai, Am Yisrael Chai.

mother and children anxiously take leave of a beloved Husband/Father. There were no hysterics but positivity in the belief that Hashem would defend us. We resumed our Teffillot. A short while later, a very young boy took the initiative, requesting we return to Shul where he movingly led us in recitation of Tehillim.

Naturally the mood changed from extreme Simchah to a morose atmosphere due to the distressing reports of terrorism and slaughter of innocent civilians either in their homes, at prayer, celebrating, or of hostages being taken into cruel hands. However as always, we Jews rise to the occasion, with everyone doing their level best to resume normalcy for the sake of the children and older people shortly afterwards, all the young men Nokdim, Israel

were also being mobilised.

I believe that Hashem is telling us and teaching us a very important lesson during this difficult period - “you shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

Chazal tell us that Hashem judges us especially during the Yamim Noraim, and at all times, according to how we judge and interact with others. If we show understanding, tolerance and respect to others,

whoever they are, so too will Hashem judge us accordingly.

All the recent acrimonious exchanges regarding the Judicial Reform etc. could and can be settled by measured tones and sound reasoning. We are in the capable hands of our Judiciary and Government, who after all, were democratically elected!

We have to learn from history, especially from the period, and onwards, of Rabbi Akiba’s 24,000 students who perished due to causeless hatred, that it, and internecine fighting, has no place in our Jewish lives.

It was heartening to hear that as soon as the distressing news broke out, ALL the various parties and factions, in Israel, have come together, not as a coalition government, but as one Party with the best interests of Israel at heart. “Am Echad beLev Echad” - “ One people with one heart”.

Why does it necessitate a war to bring us together?

We have first hand experience of our warring, unfriendly neighbours and detractors who want everything their way with NO compromise. Let us learn that WE must compromise within ourselves to achieve Shalom with the world. Am yisrael Chai.”

Amen.

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19 OCTOBER 2023

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After the ace of trumps, declarer cashed the ace and king of clubs then ruffed a club. He returned to dummy with a trump to the queen and then ruffed another club. All that remained for declarer to do was to cash the ace of hearts, ruff a heart with the nine of trumps and draw East’s last trump with dummy’s king. Trick 13 was won with the established jack of clubs. He made 1 Spade,1 Heart, 5 Diamonds, 2 Clubs, 1 established Club and 2 Heart ruffs.

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22 COMMUNITY

Hasmonean Ofsted Success Hasmonean High School for Girls impressed after being visited by Ofsted in September 2023, achieving a ‘Good’ rating overall with personal development and the sixth form provision both being rated as ‘Outstanding’.

Ofsted reported that students had a pride in their school, were happy as part of the Hasmonean family and enjoyed an exceptional offering beyond academics. The inspectors made particular mention of the behaviour of the students who they found to be welcoming and polite and were hugely impressed by the school’s safeguarding arrangements.

Mrs Kate Brice, Headteacher of Hasmonean High School for Girls, commented “The warmth and achievement of the school shines through in the report. While we know that there is no room for complacency and that we have clear areas for development, this

is a wonderful commendation of the hard work, dedication and commitment of the whole Hasmonean community working together for the benefit of our students.”

Mr Andrew McClusky, CEO of the Hasmonean Multi-Academy Trust added, “To achieve such a glowing report when state school funding and recruitment and retention are so challenging is a wonderful accolade that everyone should be truly proud of.”

Mr Steven Blumgart, Chair of Governors for Hasmonean High School for Girls and Gary Swabel, Chair of the Hasmonean Multi-Academy Trust said, “The governors and trustees are delighted Ofsted have recognised the school’s wonderful work and we look forward to building on this success. We are truly grateful to all staff and all members of the community who support the school.”

In a huge display of unity with the people of Israel during this devastating time, thousands of Jews from all over the UK lit blue Shabbat candles last Friday night.

This creative initiative was launched by Seed, capturing the imaginations of people of all ages and backgrounds in London, Manchester and beyond. Demand exceeded all initial expectations, with up to 50,000 Israeli flag-coloured candles packed and distributed by Friday morning, with hundreds if not thousands of images of blue candles flooding social media on Friday afternoon with the hashtag #lightforisrael.

Many of those who collected their candles from shops, schools, shuls and the Seed centres said that they had either never lit Shabbat candles before, hadn’t lit them in a long time, or were not usually careful to light at the designated time.

As well as creating an opportunity to do a mitzvah dedicated to Israel, this initiative also sparked numerous opportunities for volunteering that adults and children alike were eager to participate in. Over 150 volunteers helped to collect the candles from suppliers, pack them with prayer cards and deliver them to stockists across London and Manchester. The organisation

received many donations to support the campaign and once expenses are covered all funds will be diverted to charities supporting Israel.

Jessica Boxer, Seed’s Head of Fundraising and Communications, co-organised the effort with Rabbi Peretz Goldstein of Seed Borehamwood. She said: “We wanted to show solidarity and to encourage everyone to do a mitzvah on behalf of Israel. We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the response and by the display of unity and love.”

One of the many thousands of individuals who participated in the blue candle initiative commented: “I was deeply touched to receive a packet of blue candles on Friday. Such a simple idea, but thought-provoking and meaningful. I lit mine with great pride and deep sadness at the reason for them.”

Rebbetzen Shoshana Landau of Barnet shul said: “Many people from the Barnet community who don’t normally come to shul – some of whom I had never even met before – came to my door to pick up the candles. It was an incredibly unifying and moving experience and a great avenue for connection.”

Seed’s Blue Shabbat Candle Light Up Thousands of Home

Blue candles ready for lighting

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Aish UK hosts unity Challah make in London & Manchester Aish UK, hosted Unity Challah Makes in both Manchester and London on Thursday evening, bringing together over 200 women from diverse backgrounds to express their unwavering solidarity with Israel. In a time of unprecedented challenges, these events provided a powerful platform for students, young professionals, mothers, and daughters to stand together, offering support and strength to their fellow Jews.

In London, over 120 young professional women gathered with Aish UK to create beautiful challahs, engage in heartfelt prayers, express their thoughts in a safe space, and receive words of inspiration.

The evening was a testament to the resilience and unity of the Jewish community, as these women joined hands in a show of solidarity, proving that even in the face of adversity, the bonds of their shared heritage prevail.

The Manchester Challah Make, an event tailored for mothers and daughters ranging from high school age to post-university, was led by Aish UK’s Chani Bishop together with Mai Ozon, and Tali Levene, graduates of Aish UK’s school programmes. This gathering featured the recitation of prayers for the Israel Defense Forces, emphasising the community’s

Bringing YP’s together to bake challah

support for the brave soldiers. Each attendee was given the name of a soldier to pray for, fostering a deep connection between the participants and the heroes defending our homeland.

Rabbi Naftali Schiff, Executive Director of Aish UK said: “Across schools, communities, and campuses, Jews are seeking connection, finding solace in the sense of family that binds our people together.

In this time of uncertainty, Aish UK is providing a safe haven—a resilient space for individuals to come together, to share their burdens, and to unite in unwavering solidarity with the Jewish people and Israel. Aish have seen an increase in attendees on Shabbatons, learning programmes and events as people are looking for connection as they feel their Jewish identity more than ever before.

At Aish, we find not just a gathering place, but a home, where the warmth of fellowship and the strength of our shared heritage fortify us against the challenges we face. Together, we stand, proving that even in the face of adversity, the bonds of our community only grow stronger.”

Rising to the challenge to bake Challot

Coming together for Rosh Chodesh When Hadley Wood, Barnet, and Southgate synagogues set the dates for their monthly combined Shacharit and breakfast, no one could have foretold the shocking events that unfolded in Israel.

In these challenging times the gathering on Rosh Chodesh, Sunday 15 Oct, at Hadley Wood Shul provided a space for

prayer, reflection, a rousing Hallel led by Rabbi Akiva Rosenblatt of HWS. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis joined us and spoke wise and encouraging words.

Turnout was double usual expectations with an additional 15 or so women joining as well members from Potters Bar, Winchmore Hill, and Enfield Synagogues.

Chief Rabbi addresses yet another community in these challenging times

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COMMUNITY 23

Ezrat Achim supporting displaced families Ezrat Achim needs your help to look after refugee families from the south of Israel Hundreds of families have escaped from cities on the front lines of the war in Israel and have found refuge in Beit Shemesh. They are coming from Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Netivot and other communities in the south. Many of them were evacuated by Ezrat Achim and matched with local families who offered to host them. Some of these refugee families are staying together with their hosts in the host family’s apartment; others are staying in empty apartments. Families have been arriving since last Sunday, and hundreds more are requesting help finding a place to stay so they can get away from the incessant rocket fire near the border.

Here are brief descriptions of some of the families Ezrat Achim is helping. We hope that generous people will consider adopting some of these families and providing for their needs.

1.

The Y family from Ashkelon.

There are 5 children, ages 3-12. The parents each have a widowed mother, and their elderly women live with the family.

Their financial status was rocky before the war. This family of 9 is staying at a family in RBS. They are in serious need of therapy for the children because they were in a bomb shelter for almost the entire week from Sunday, October 8th until Sunday, October 15th. The children have anxiety and the grandmothers are also suffering

from stress. The kids got pizza one time this week. They were so excited, and it was obvious having pizza from the shop was a big treat. They need basic food and toiletries, as well as bedding and towels.

They came with barely any clothing. The children are outgrowing their sandals and they need winter shoes as well as jackets. At the moment the parents do not have jobs, and there is no school for the children.

2.

The T family from Netivot. This is a couple with a newborn baby. They got to Beit Shemesh on Monday, October 16th. They didn’t have a safe room in Netivot so it was very scary for them to be home, especially while the young mother was recovering after a difficult birth and caring for a tiny infant. They are now staying in a private unit attached to someone’s house. They need help so they can buy food, clothing, formula diapers, a carseat, stroller, etc. Additionally, the mother is in the postpartum period and needs emotional support.

3.

The C family from Sderot. They have 10 children and has been staying in RBSA at a family since Monday, the first week of the war. They are now looking for an empty apartment, because they are overcrowded, as are their hosts. Two of the children are afraid to shower because in Sderot they had only 15 seconds to get to a safe room, and now they refuse to get undressed and wet in case there will be a siren. So in addition needing food, toiletries, bedding and clothing, they need

therapy for their traumatized children.

4.

The K family from Netivot. They have 4 kids, and just arrived from Netivot and are now staying in an empty apartment. They were in a difficult financial situation before the war, and don’t have money to buy sheets, towels, clothing, toys, sand shoes. We are giving them donated second hand clothing but we don’t have all their sizes.

Ezrat Achim, based in Beit Shemesh provides many medical and social services to meet the ever-growing needs of the community. These include vital services for children at risk, with disabilities, special needs and struggling families. This is a substantial part of the work undertaken by volunteers for our local community and beyond.

Today the demand for the Ezrat Achim has grown exponentially and the focus of our work has now shifted to over 2000 families who have sought shelter in Beit Shemesh with the Charity becoming the chief provider of their physical and emotional support and care.

Ezrat Achim have their own ambulance services which are evacuating families trapped in their homes and are currently running an emergency center to support them. They are given accommodation, cooked meals, toiletries, clothing, equipment, and protective gear. In addition, psychological support and activities for the children are provided as well as money. We have organised After School Centers for children with special needs

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that have been open every day all week, because the schools are closed, and parents were not able to care for their children. In total five Centers are operational, and we have expanded their hours to cover mornings and afternoons. Soldiers and volunteers have also received vital medical and life saving equipment.

The rising cost of these services, presently over 10 million NIS per year during normal times, are covered by donations from the public, but this level of funding is not sustainable in the current crisis.

The local city council has been forced to divert all funds to strengthen security within the city but is appealing to Ezrat Achim to continue to provide these vital services for the community. This means Ezrat Achim must find alternative sources of funding.

It is for these reasons that we are turning to the British Jewish Community to assist us with easing the burden of the huge task we have ahead of us, providing support for these families from the south currently staying in Beit Shemesh and ensuring that the current services we provide can continue.

Please donate https://causematch.com/Ezrat-Achim/ warburg-rosen

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GIFT Inspires Giving to Israel experience. Thank you GIFT for giving us this opportunity.’

In addition, GIFT has raised £60,000 in philanthropic donations, which will be used by GIFT’s staff on the ground in Israel to purchase vital supplies for those most affected by recent events.

None stop packing at GIFT

With its mission to inspire and enable giving, GIFT has been moved and overwhelmed by the volume and generosity of donations received over the last week for its GIFT For Israel Appeal.

330 volunteers of all ages signed up to sort and pack boxes of vital supplies, in both the London and Manchester GIFT Hubs, made up of items brought in across over 1,200 drop-offs across the UK. GIFT is this week sending over 100 boxes,

packed to the brim, by airplane to Israel.

Beverley Sanford, who came with her husband to GIFT’s London Hub to pack essential items, noted: ‘It was the first time I smiled since the weekend. We all worked together, young and old. I was working with a young child packing bags.

We came together as a community for our brothers and sisters in Israel. The power, energy and love in the room actually moved us to tears. It was an incredible

hats, gloves, toiletries, batteries and so much more, and of course to those who have donated funds for distribution by our Israeli colleagues.’

As the ‘go-to charity’ to make things happen, GIFT has been inundated by requests from individuals and organisations to contribute to future collections.

The GIFT team is urgently investigating logistics for its next appeal for supplies.

To donate to GIFT’s Israel Appeal, please visit jgift.org/donate/GIFT4Israel.

Michelle Barnett MBE, GIFT’s Founding Director, said: ‘The phones at GIFT have been ringing off the hook since last Monday morning with people wanting to help in any way they can. It’s easy to feel powerless and hopeless when we live so far from family and friends in Israel. GIFT has been proud to give those wanting to make a difference the chance to do just this. We are so grateful for the hundreds and hundreds of people who donated sleeping Thank you letters being written for our soldiers bags, thermals,

Mayor and MP attend Jewish community’s evening of Solidarity and Prayer for Israel The Jewish community of St Albans was heartened by the presence of both the city’s Mayor and MP as well as several local councillors at an evening of Solidarity and Prayers for Israel held last Sunday, (October 14th, 2023) at the St Albans United Synagogue in the city centre.

They were touched, too, by the unprecedented wave of sympathy demonstrated by so many non-Jewish friends, some of whom left condolence cards and even flowers on the steps of the synagogue over the weekend to express their horror at the events of the previous weekend, when so many innocent men, women and children were massacred by Hamas terrorists.

St Albans Synagogue’s Rabbi Daniel Sturgess opened the proceedings by calling for a one- minute silence followed by the lighting of a memorial candle by his 15-year-old daughter, Leah-Ora, in memory of all the victims of the current crisis.

“I would normally have been delighted to see so many people in synagogue,” he said, “but there is no joy in the reason that brings us all together this evening,” adding that this was nevertheless a time to come together to pray for and support all those suffering in Israel and all those

putting their own lives on the line in order to save the lives of family and friends.

Addressing the gathering of synagogue members and friends, Mayor Cllr Anthony Rowlands said he was representing the City and District “at a time of acute bewilderment, fear and anxiety for you all, and as an expression of support and solidarity in the face of shocking and unfathomable terrorist evil. Mindless carnage has no place in a civilised world.”

Cllr Rowlands went on to speak of his own personal engagement: his late wife’s father, an eminent virologist, was Jewish, and her uncle’s family live in Israel. “We are in contact with them, as you have been with your relations and friends.”

Barely disguising the catch in his own voice, he declared that “they and you are very much in our thoughts as you all grieve and search for hope.”

MP Daisy Cooper also spoke of her shock and horror, as well as her profound sense of sadness, fear and foreboding.

“Seeing images of young people dancing in the desert and then fleeing for their lives, hearing personal stories of those whose loved ones have been kidnapped… seeing the placards with the faces of the missing or murdered – it’s a tragedy so

grave, I can barely find the words.

“As the constituency MP, my team and I have been supporting local families still trying to locate or contact loved ones in Israel,” she told the audience. “I know from emails I’ve received and conversations I’ve had with local residents that many local Jews are in a state of shock – experiencing varying degrees of fear, anger, sorrow and grief. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I utterly condemn the antisemitic incidents in the UK which have tragically already increased in the last few days,” she added.

Highlight of the evening was a live link

Rabbi Daniel Sturgess with local dignitaries

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to Rabbi Baruch Davis, former minister of Chigwell and Hainault United Synagogue, now living in Israel, whose son is currently among those fighting in the Israel Defence Forces. Rabbi Davis spoke movingly of his and his family’s experiences in dealing with the constant threat of rockets and other attacks, his attempts to maintain contact with his son, and also how British Jews could help by donating cash for the armour the IDF soldiers badly needed.

19 OCTOBER 2023

ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Dear Rabbi Why can’t Israel show restraint, and not bomb Gaza?

Hannah Dear Hannah Imagine you were sitting in your home with your children, and someone would begin shooting bullets into your home, killing one of your children, tying up another one and burning him alive, and then kidnapping and torturing another one. Do you think the correct thing is to show restraint and allow all your children to die? Or should you stop the killers?

Before last Saturday, Hamas sent more than 20,000 rockets raining down on Israeli cities, with the singular intention of murdering as many Jews as possible.

Should Israel just say: Send some more; we are fine if Jews die; or should Israel try to crush the terrorists?

If not for the Iron Dome, thousands would have been killed. Even with the Iron Dome, millions of Israelis are living in dread. When a siren goes off in the middle of the night, they have ten seconds to rush all the children into a shelter. Should Israel just accept this?

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Then came the massacre. Hamas tortured and murdered more than 1300 Jews, among them babies and the elderly.

More than 3000 were wounded, many of them critical. More than 200 were kidnapped and taken as hostages. Should Israel remain silent? Would any country?

THEY HAD A CHANCE

Dear Rabbi Israel is occupying Gaza and has created a siege around it, so in desperation, the Gazans need to kill Jews and shoot rockets to fight the injustice.

Phil Dear Phil Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, openly calls for the death of every Jew in Israel, as clearly stated in their charter, written in 1987. Should Israel concede to this demand? Hamas is a terrorist organization that wants to wipe Israel, a country the size of New Jersey with 6.6 million Jewish residents, off the map. They would gleefully burn 6 million Jews alive, as they did to the children in Southern Israel, last Shabbat. Should we allow them?

Here’s a hard fact: In August 2005, Israel expelled 10,000 Jews from their homes in Gaza, their communities demolished by the IDF. Not a single Israeli was left in Gaza. Israel gave its Arab neighbours the opportunity to create an independent Palestinian State in Gaza with a flourishing society, the “Singapore of the Middle East.”

Alas, the very next day rockets came pouring down on Israeli cities, targeting civilians in homes. Instead of waking up to the deadly consequences of the withdrawal and re-entering Gaza, Israel showed restraint. The results? Hamas built a terror state. Since then, tens of thousands of rockets have been sent from Gaza to murder as many civilian Jews as possible. Thousands of Jews were murdered.

The siege Israel created was not to block essentials, but to stop (unsuccessfully) weaponry from being smuggled into Gaza to be used against Jews in Israel. Had Gaza been a friendly neighbour there would be a peaceful coexistence.

But when you have a neighbour who wants all your children to die, should you not inspect what goes into the country?

The siege is not the reason for the rockets; the rockets are the reason for the siege.

Following the Oslo Accords, when Israel gave autonomy to Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel saw the worst terror attacks against its citizens. Conceding territory, sadly, is an invitation for war, not peace.

WHO IS REALLY TO BLAME?

Dear Rabbi How can Israel justify killing civilians if their intent is to destroy Hamas?

Gemma Dear Gemma The death of every innocent human being is horrific. But what is the reason for all these tragic casualties? Because Hamas places its fighters among the civilian population, using them as human shields, and launches its rockets from schools and hospitals. A civilian who is killed while being used by a terrorist as a human shield is a victim of the terrorist, not the Israeli army, who does not target innocent civilians.

Why does Hamas do this? Because it knows that the world will blame Israel instead of Hamas. Hamas knows that so many in the West will buy into their sadistic and cynical tactic of making sure that as many children as possible are killed in Gaza. Israel does everything to minimize casualties, not only of its own people but of Gazans. Hamas does everything to increase casualties, not only of Israelis but of its own children - and the world lets them get away with it.

If Hamas would not be sending murderers and shooting rockets into Israel would even one child in Gaza die? Never.

So why are we blaming Israel for deaths caused by Hamas?

Many German civilians died during World War Two. Who do we blame for their deaths? Hitler or Churchill? What Nazi Germany was to England, Hamas is to Israel. Literally.

BEFORE BOMBS, THEY SEND LETTERS Dear Rabbi Israel is dropping bombs on Gaza and killing innocent people?

David

Dear David If someone declared war on your country, and it is waging the war from amidst its civilian population, do you try to defeat your enemy or do you just allow your people to die?

Still, there has never been an army in the history of warfare that had tried so hard to minimize civilian casualties the way Israel does. Sadly, they are not always successful due to the deliberate and criminal aim of Hamas to ensure the greatest possible deaths of their own children for which they can blame Israel.

Consider the following facts. Before bombing a residential building filled with Hamas operatives and used to launch rockets against Israel, the Israeli military sends letters warning them to leave, even though that gives ample time for the terrorists to flee as well. Does anyone even expect Hamas to phone Israeli residents before sending a rocket to their homes? What does this tell you about the difference between Hamas and Israel?

One is trying to murder as many innocent people as possible; the other is trying to protect as many innocent people as possible.

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

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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R A E L

Creating Unity

BY RABBI YOSEF ZVI RIMON

The two episodes in Parashat Noach – the annihilation of the world by the Flood and the destruction of the Tower of Babel – end on a similar theme. A theme that seems to be the reason for the two catastrophes.

In the Tower of Babel episode, at the end of the parasha (11:1–9), the key phrase is “vena’aseh lanu sheim – let us make a name for ourselves.”

The first time this idea appears is actually at the end of Bereishit (6:1–5), in the prelude to the Flood. There, the phrase is anshei hasheim.

The phrase in the second story shines light on the meaning of the first.

These were people engaged in making a name for themselves – self-aggrandization and self-promotion. The expression vena’aseh lanu sheim captures the essence of the Babel generation’s sin

– humanity joining forces to ‘create a name for itself,’ for purely egotistical purposes.

In both cases, the Torah talks about giborim – “the mighty.” In Bereishit, hagiborim asher me’olam anshei hasheim, while in Noach we’re told first of Nimrod who was a gibor and then about the Tower of Babel. The simple meaning of the text, as supported by Chazal, is that Nimrod was the king in charge of the Babel project.

We can pinpoint three errors in humanity setting itself the goal of making a name for itself: 1. The aim was negative. Rather than increasing Hashem’s Name in the world, they wanted to make a name for themselves, to extol human greatness and ignore Divinity.

2. Those involved in the Tower of Babel used the great gift G-d gave to humankind – the unity of humanity – and turned it into a tool to achieve an undesirable goal – making a name for themselves.

They thought anything was permitted to achieve their lofty aim. For the sake of

their own personal honor, they were prepared to nullify the honor of other individuals. One must be very careful that the ends do not justify the means. Even if the aim is important, one cannot crush other important things – especially other people – on the way.

3. They focused only on this aim and rejected every other method, scared of spreading and losing their uniqueness.

Even if we are passionately involved in a crucial mission, we should remember there are other aims and other people engaged in other worthy pursuits in the world.

Those involved in building the Tower of Babel forgot G-d’s command of “be fruitful and multiply…” (Bereishit 1:28). A message that indicates there are many aims in the world, and the more people and the more diverse people there are, the more of G-d’s aims they can achieve.

Anyone who minimizes the multiplicity of humanity’s goals in the world is rebelling against G-d’s Will.

The Jewish people is comprised of different individuals and groups.

Currently, this reality is creating separation. We don’t need to think in the same way to be united, to be loved and loving.

The Jewish people rises higher precisely because of its human mosaic.

We can compare it to an army. If all army units merge into one, that army will crumble. A strong, united army, needs different units, specialized separate forces, each one with its own role.

Am Yisrael is characterized by its unity particularly when there is diversity, when there are many different ways of thinking.

Let us make the effort to see the good in each other, to see the good in Am Yisrael, and to love those who are not like us as well as those who are.

Strong beginnings lead man to victory!

“I have set My Rainbow in the cloud and it is the sign of the Covenant that I give between Me and you and every living being with you for all time and all generations.”

his father; Shem and Yefet then protect Noach’s dignity. After Noach wakes up, he realises what has happened and curses Cham and his descendants, but blesses Shem and Yefet. Noach dies at the age of 950. Cham and Yefet’s descendants are listed, including Nimrod, a mighty warrior and conqueror.

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon is Head of Mizrachi’s Educational Advisory Board and Rabbinic Council. He serves as the Chief Rabbi of Gush Etzion, Rosh Yeshivah of the Jerusalem College of Technology and is the Founder and Chairman of Sulamot and La’Ofek..

Noach Sidra Summary

7TH ALIYA (SHEVI’I) – 11:1-11:32

1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BERESHIT 6:9-22

Noach is introduced as a righteous man who “walked with G-d”. He had three sons, Shem, Cham and Yefet. The people have become thieving and corrupt.

Noach is told by G-d that He will destroy the world with a flood and commands Noach to build a wooden Ark with specific dimensions. Noach and his family are to enter the Ark, as well as a male and female of every non-kosher species of animal and bird.

2ND ALIYA (LEVI) – 7:1-16

In addition, seven males and females from each species of kosher animal and bird are to enter the Ark. Noach is 600 years old when the Flood starts. The rain falls gently for the first seven days, then heavily for 40 days and nights.

3RD ALIYA (SHLISHI) – 7:17-8:14

The rising Flood waters cover the highest mountains and wipe out every living creature. The rains strengthen for a further 150 days, after which they stop and the waters start to recede. Ten months after the start of the Flood, the mountain tops become visible again. 40 days later, Noach sends out a raven and then a dove, to see if the Flood waters have receded.

4TH ALIYA (REVI’I) – 8:15-9:7

Upon G-d’s command, Noach, his family and the animals leave the Ark. Noach builds an altar and brings one of every

kosher animal and bird as an offering.

This pleases G-d, Who pledges never again to destroy life on Earth.

5TH ALIYA (CHAMISHI) – 9:8-9:17

G-d establishes His covenant never to destroy the world with another flood, with the rainbow as its sign. Whenever a rainbow appears, it is a ‘reminder to G-d’ to keep this promise.

6TH ALIYA (SHISHI) – 9:18-10:32

Noach plants a vineyard, eventually drinking its wine and becoming drunk.

Cham enters Noach’s tent and disgraces

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All people share a common language and live in Babylonia. They decide to build a city with a tower that can reach the heavens – the Tower of Babel. The Midrash says that, led by Nimrod, they wanted to wage war against G-d. However, G-d thwarts their plans, dispersing them around the world and introducing different languages so that they can no longer understand one another. Shem’s descendants are listed, up to the generation of Avram (later Avraham) and his nephew Lot. Avram marries his niece Sarai (later Sarah), who is not blessed with children.

HAFTARAH

Chapter 54 of Yeshaya (Isaiah) refers to the Flood, labelling it “the waters of Noach”. The Midrash explains that Noach was partly to blame for the deluge, as he could have prayed more fervently for his generation to be spared.

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Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum Oct–Jul | 8–9:30pm | £320 Free introductory session on Mon 16 Oct Online/in person

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Century of Change

Learn about Sara Schenirer, Henrietta Szold, Rabbi Aharon Kotler, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and the Lubavitcher Rebbe

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500 Years of History in 10 Portraits

Clash of Civilisations

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Tour of the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery

Chanukah tour of the British Museum

New virtual tour of Jewish perspectives in the Raphael Rooms

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Torah from Israel Pure Evil

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

Hashem gifted us with imagination.

It allows us to reach beyond reality and envision “possibility”. Our imaginations conjure images which our optical eyes cannot observe. Modern media such as movies have dramatically expanded the stretch of human imagination by providing pictorial images of the “possible”. Very little defies the modern imagination.

Except for the horrifying scenes of October 7th. Those grotesque images of violence perpetrated against our people were, previously, unimaginable.

These appalling images make us insane, fulfilling the Torah’s prophecy that our suffering will be so severe that “we you will go mad from that which your eyes behold”. The images of the past two weeks were unimaginable …unless you rewind the clock eighty years to the Holocaust.

The images were so hideous that Israeli media broke its longstanding policy of not displaying images of horror. Under normal conditions displaying gruesome images stoops to the level of the terrorists and aids their campaign of psychological terror. In this instance however, it was necessary to publicize the shocking images, otherwise the world would never believe that such violence occurred. The army requested that photographers and journalists visit the hardest hit kibbutzim to document the atrocities. Otherwise, the human mind would not accept the fact that homo sapiens behaved like depraved animals.

This request was chillingly reminiscent of a similar request close to eighty years ago. The American GIs who liberated concentration camps also summoned journalists and photographers to record the machinery of death and torture.

Had these images not been recorded the world would be incredulous. Sometimes horror is so ghastly that the human mind struggles to fathom it.

What possible purpose was achieved by torturing, raping, and disfiguring bodies?

What could be gained by murdering octogenarians or by burning babies.

Nothing was gained. Only hatred. Simple unbridled hatred.

The difficulty of imagining such bestiality was partially responsible for our being caught by surprise. Perhaps the military envisioned a “limited” invasion attacking surrounding kibbutzim or raiding missions to take hostages for bargaining pieces. Who could possibly have imagined such evil and such blood lust?

CELEBRATING MAN AND FACING EVIL For numerous reasons it is difficult for us, as moral beings, to comprehend such

pure and revolting evil. Firstly, as Jews, we harbor a positive outlook of humanity, coupled with a deep belief in the dignity of Man. Man is the masterpiece of Hashem’s creation, gifted with nobility, virtue and free will. Denying Man’s inner nobility is tantamount to denying Hashem’s creation.

However, the gift of free will also unlocks Man’s potential for evil. Just as free will empowers us to greatness it also enables us to commit unspeakable horrors. The two ideas are not contradictory. Our belief in the majesty of Man doesn’t contradict the belief that pure evil exists. Man is capable of acting with such depravity that he abdicates his right to inhabit Hashem’s Earth.

After 1500 years of barbarism and moral chaos, humanity sunk to the point of unredeemability. The only option left for Hashem was to flood His world and reboot it. The moral collapse and depravity were so severe that, despite His love and compassion for human beings, Hashem was forced to wipe away our world and rebuild it anew.

Just a few hundred years later after another moral freefall, the metropolis of Sedom was turned upside down and salted into barrenness. These Biblical incidents warn us that pure evil always lies dormant, waiting to be awakened by Men of hatred and violence. Our humanistic belief in the nobility of Man must not obscure the fact that Man is capable of horrific crimes through which he surrenders his right to live on Hashem’s Earth.

MODERN BARBARIANS It is particularly difficult for modern man to acknowledge pure evil as it raises a troubling question about modern civilization. Many falsely believed that scientific, cultural, and political progress would create a utopian world of understanding and peace, putting an end to violence. Education, enlightenment, and communication would bridge all gaps and eliminate hatred and savagery. Decapitation and incinerating bodies would become a relic of a brutal past but would not be part of the civil modern society.

These hopes are challenged when pure evil rears its head. Uncomfortable with this question, many offer alternative narratives to contextualize evil. Moral relativism asks us to consider the moral standpoint or the cultural perspective of the homicidal killer. In the absence of any fixed moral standards any and every crime can be understood or at least framed within a broader narrative.

Framing the senseless and brutal torture of our people within a movement to “free Palestine” is particularly odious. These

butchers wanted to kill and maim whatever they could put their ugly paws upon, not to liberate anyone.

Hopefully, this tragedy serves as a wakeup call. We believe in Man, and we believe in progress but we don’t naively deny the existence of pure evil. We struggle to understand the commandment of eliminating Amalek. What possible crime could justify this extreme response. Over the past two weeks we have received part of the answer. Without discussing the legal identity of Amalek, these crimes have made us realize that a nation, in this case of group of terrorists, can be so murderous and so barbaric that their removal is a service to humanity. Pure evil does exist. We received a sobering reminder about the dark side of humanity. As if we needed a second reminder, eighty years after the we defeated Naziism.

ANTI-SEMITISM It is just as difficult to acknowledge how much the Jewish people are hated.

Over the past 200 years many deluded themselves into believing that antisemitism could be entirely eliminated. The first phase of this delusion occurred in the early 19th century as the Enlightenment movement invited Jews into Gentile society as fully privileged members of the state. Traumatized by centuries of torture and persecution, many gladly accepted this invitation abandoning many ancient Jewish rituals and mores, assuming that if they no longer acted “strange”, dressed differently or adhered to tribal customs they would be lovingly embraced. The horrific pogroms of the latter part of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century put an end to that myth.

The second phase of delusion occurred when Herzl mistakenly assumed that the establishment of a Jewish homeland would put an end to antisemitism.

Possessing our own state and no longer living as guests in host countries, we could peacefully assume our natural place among the nations of the world.

Living among ourselves we would no longer arouse the jealously of our hosts nor would we serve as easy scapegoats.

Sadly, seventy-five years after the founding of our state, it is obvious that that our return home has only enflamed global antisemitism rather than reducing it.

There is good news however as many countries, led by the United States, remain staunch allies of our state, roundly support our battle against evil, and find themselves on the right side of history.

This is a sharp and welcome break with the past in which we stood alone and faced a world of contempt and hatred.

We are no longer alone.

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“We believe in Man, and we believe in progress but we don’t naively deny the existence of pure evil” Tragically, antisemitism is baked into the fabric of history. We have made great strides in forming alliances and in curbing this vile hatred but it will not end entirely until history ends, and not a moment sooner. Only the deepest hatred known to man could generate the animalistic barbarism we suffered.

Until Hashem redeems our world we will live with this hate. Not from everyone, but from many. If they hate us more, we must love each other more. As deeply as we can.

(Written Sunday Oct 15) The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.

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Noach

animals.

The first 40 days of the flood involved heavy rain. Then for 150 days the waters churned and raised to mountain top heights. In order to detect whether or not it was time to leave the ark, Noach sent out a raven. Eventually he also sent out a number of doves and, when one returned with a leaf, he understood the flood is over. The ark landed on Mount Ararat.

After the flood was finished, Noach is shown a rainbow in the sky and Hashem reveals to him that this would be used as a sort of testimony that Hashem will never bring a worldwide flood again against mankind. Noach is now allowed to eat meat – which was not previously allowed – and warned that flesh or

Parshat Noach details the story of the major flood that was suffered by the entire world population as a result of their sins. One man remained with his family and that was Noach. The only righteous man in his generation, with some of his family following his good ways, Noach first heard about the flood 120 years before it was brought on.

Hashem instructed him to build a Teiva – an ark, with three tiers. The lowest level was for the waste, the middle for the animals and the top floor for Noach, his wife and family.

Each of the animals and birds destined to be Kosher were brought in groups of seven pairs, whereas those not Kosher came in groups of two. For a year, Noach devotedly fed and nourished the

Word Search □ ARK □ BAVEL □ DOVE □ FLOOD □ NOACH □ RAIN □ RAVEN □ RIGHTEOUS

of the Tower of Bavel. Some nations thought it wise to build a tower and, as it were, go up to the top to take on G-d Himself! Hashem dispersed them by revealing new languages, which confused the project workers, and the idea was then abandoned.

At the end of the Sidra, we are introduced to our beloved ancestor Avram. Born into a family of idolworshippers, he was the only one to stand up for what was right, to recognise that it was Hashem who created the world and that there is no true power besides Hashem. He was thrown into the fire of Kasdim by Nimrod, but, guess what? He emerged completely unharmed as if he had just walked around a pleasant garden.

blood of a living animal is not allowed to be eaten. These, among seven Mitzvot of the “sons of Noach” apply to all of mankind, as everyone is a descendant of Noach.

Noach had walked out of the Teiva into a new world and started again by offering sacrifices to Hashem and by planting a vineyard. Consuming the produce of the vineyard turned Noach drunk, and he was left in a uncomplimentary state. His son, Cham did not respond correctly to this and was therefore cursed by Noach to be the father of a nation of slaves.

Shem and Yafes, the other two boys, respectfully covered up their father, protecting his honour, and were blessed

by Noach.

The sidra continues with the story

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Facts about Parashat Bereshit.

Number of Words - 1861 Number of Letters 6907

Dingbats 3

4

3. Blood is thicker than water 4. Mayonnaise

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5 1. Double Vision 2. Love is in the air

2

MAY A A A 6 Answers

5. Domino Effect 6. Smoke goes up

1

BLOOD H20

19 OCTOBER 2023

Tangram Challenge!

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

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.

Use the area below to write the words you have found.

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Last week’s words

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Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more! ear eat era oat ran rat sat sea tab tan

tar tea boat bran earn ears east eats eras etas

nabs near neat oars oats rant rate rats rota sear

seat seta soar stab arose atone baste bates beans bears

beast beats boars boast boats braes brans earns nears neats

Jokes

aborts absent absorb atones banter barbes barest barons baster batons

beanos boater breast oaters ornate reason atoners banters baronet boaster

borates nabbers senator sorbate stabber treason baronets baseborn absorbent

Riddles

Q: What musical instrument is found in the bathroom?

A: A Tuba Toothpaste!

Q: Why did the child bring a ladder to school?

A: Because she wanted to go to high school!

1. What goes up, but never comes down?

2. A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He

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3. What is full of holes but still holds water?

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Q: What do you call a dog magician?

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oaten oater rants rates roast rotas snare stane stare tears

Q: Where would you find an elephant?

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Answers

abs ant are art ate ban bar bat boa bra

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