The Jewish Weekly Issue 375 - June 12 2025 - Behaalotcha

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Ben-Gvir and Smotrich banned from UK entry

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have been banned from entering the UK for inciting violence against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria.

Foreign Minister David Lammy said Smotrich and Ben-Gvir had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights”. Both will have assets in the UK frozen.

The sanctions are jointly made by the UK, Norway, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Lammy said: “These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now, to hold those responsible to account.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will lead a cabinet meeting on Israel’s response to an “unacceptable decision” next week Finance Minister Smotrich, speaking at a new settlement inauguration, denounced the ruling.

“Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, we cannot do it again,” he said. “We are determined, G-d willing, to continue building.”

Security Minister Ben-Gvir noted: “We got through Pharaoh, we’ll get through Starmer’s wall too. I will continue to act for the State of Israel and the people of Israel without fear or hesitation.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar added: “It is outrageous that elected officials and

cabinet members are subjected to such measures.”

National Unity party leader Benny Gantz slammed the UK government, stating: “The imposition of sanctions on Israeli government ministers by the British government is a profound moral failure and sends a dangerous message to the world.”

He added: “The State of Israel is fighting enemies who have made clear their intention to destroy it. Pressure and sanctions should be directed at Iran, Hamas and the Houthis. I call on the British government to halt this process, which only fuels global terrorism.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the sanctions as they hinder USled ceasefire efforts.

Rubio said: “We reject any notion of equivalence. Hamas is a terrorist organisation that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is.

The US urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the decision as “shocking”.

“I have not yet heard a good reason why these two elected ministers have been sanctioned by countries that ought to respect the country’s sovereignty and recognise that they have not conducted any criminal activity,” he noted.

Reform leader Nigel Farage asked Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely on GB News whether Israel was losing international support.

“Our friends need to choose whether they’re going to be on the right or wrong side of history,” she said. “There are only two sides in this story. Hamas is a jihadi terrorist, Israel is a democratic country trying to protect itself.”

Hotovely added that the sanctions were a “wrong moral decision of the British Government” and the “first time” a democratic country had sanctioned ministers of an ally in a democratic country.

In the UK, Gary Mond, National Jewish Assembly, chairman said: “It is utterly outrageous that the UK government has decided to place sanctions on democratically elected Israeli cabinet ministers simply because they take a radically different view of the Israeli-Arab dispute.

“While may might disagree with their views, Ben Gvir and Smotrich are absolutely entitled to express them and must be free to do so without interference by pro-Arab overseas governments. These sanctions are more than just an attack on Ben Gvir and Smotrich. They are a deliberate assault on Israel’s democracy and should be condemned by everyone, especially Jewish organisations such as the Board of Deputies, which hitherto has disgracefully remained silent, although perhaps, with its historic track record of regular attacks on Israel and interference in its democracy, this is

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unsurprising.”

Mond said the decision would reduce leverage Britain has with Israel.

Banning Lammy and other ministers in Starmer’s cabinet from visiting Israel would be “wholly understandable”, Mond noted, adding: “If the sanctions expand, as they well might, Israel will hit back. Pausing supplies to the NHS and parts to British armaments are just some of Israel’s retaliatory options. Britain’s government should know that they will gain nothing, and possibly lose a lot, from its actions. Israel, on the other hand, has nothing to fear.”

Jonathan Metliss, Action Against Discrimination chairman, said: “Lammy, Starmer and their Labour cronies have shown they are no friends of the State of Israel. They should not be interfering in the internal politics and affairs of another Sovereign state. “Labour politicians fail to understand that anti-Israel comments breed more antisemitic sentiment and behaviour. Lammy presents himself as an unofficial spokesman for Hamas and is no friend of the UK Jewish community who appear to be obsessed with supporting Labour, notwithstanding its anti-Israel stance. The Jewish community and its leaders should not be involving itself in the internal politics of the State of Israel nor criticising Israeli politicians which has not been the case of late by some Board of Deputies’ members.”

The Board of Deputies was asked for its position on the sanctions.

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Thunberg deported as Gaza stunt flounders

BY DAVID SAFFER

Israel authorities deported climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday after her ‘selfie’ yacht, Madleen, was intercepted by the Israeli navy and later docked at Ashdod Port.

Thunberg, who was among four people that signed voluntary departure agreements at Ben Gurion Airport, claimed she was kidnapped against her will when she landed at Charles de Gaulle airport.

Thunberg told reporters Israel had

committed an “illegal act” by “kidnapping” the group of 12 on international waters against their will before bringing them to the port.

Eight members of the flotilla, including European Parliament member Rima Hassan, refused to sign agreements and were transferred to Givon detention centre. Under Israeli law, after 96 hours they can be deported.

Consular representatives met the 12 activists at Ben Gurion. All are barred from future entry to Israel.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed they all underwent medical examinations at Ashdod and were provided food and water.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said the group refused to watch a screening of Mamas’ October 7 massacre.

“When they saw what it was about, they refused to continue watching,” he said. “The antisemitic flotilla members are closing their eyes to the truth, proving once again that they prefer the murderers to the murdered and continue to ignore the

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atrocities committed by Hamas against Jewish and Israeli women, adults, and children.”

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel said: “The government will not allow its sovereignty to be undermined by protest flotillas at its borders.”

Arbel thanked immigration officials for a “swift and professional” operation.

US President Donald Trump described Thunberg as a strange and angry person.

“I think she should take an anger management class,” he said. Commenting on reports that Thunberg claimed she was kidnapped by Israel, Trump added, “Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg.”

Shayetet 13 troops boarded the vessel in the early hours of Monday warning it to stay away from Gaza’s coast.

The Foreign Ministry reported: “The celebrity ship is now safely en route to Israel.

The passengers will likely be returned to their home countries… All the passengers aboard the ‘selfie yacht’ are healthy and safe. They received sandwiches and water.

The show is over.”

Activists livestreamed the incident on Instagram.

Before boarding the yacht, Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the ‘celebrity yacht’ as ‘a publicity gimmick’ laden with less aid than a single truckload and a ‘selfie yacht’.

An officer hailed the vessel: “The coastal waters of Gaza are closed to maritime traffic. If you want to deliver humanitarian

aid, you may do so through the Ashdod Port, via official channels and distribution centers.”

The activists left Sicily on June 1 to in an attempt to break the blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein told Army Radio: “This was a gimmick. We called it the ‘selfies yacht.’

They were 24-hour-a-day filming themselves. You use the gimmick for your own purposes to show that this was a PR stunt, a media gimmick, and not a genuine humanitarian effort.”

The Foreign Ministry added: “There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, they do not involve Instagram selfies. The tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the ‘celebrities’ will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels.”

Katz instructed the IDF to show the group the October 7 massacre video.

His office stated: “It is appropriate that the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas supporters see exactly who the Hamas terrorist organisation they came to support and for whom they are working is, what atrocities they committed against women, the elderly and children, and against whom Israel is fighting to defend itself.”

On board the Madleen was Thunberg, Hassan, Yasemin Acar, Thiago Avila, Yanis Mhamdi, Omar Faiad, Sergio Toribio, Baptise Andre, Suayb Ordu, Mark van Rennes, Reva Viard and Pascal Maurieras.

resolution of uncertainty. Judith and Gad were murdered and abducted together from their home in the peace-loving Kibbutz Nir Oz, the place where they lived, raised a large family and built their lives.

Now, thanks to the rescue operation, they will be laid to rest together in dignity, in the land they so deeply loved. We will continue to do everything in our power to bring our sisters and brothers back from hell, the living, for healing and rehabilitation, and the fallen, to be laid to rest in

dignity. Every last one of them.”

The Mujahideen Brigades confirmed Kuhail’s death and claimed his wife, children, father and brother were also killed in the strike.

They falsely claimed Shiri Bibas and her children died in an Israeli airstrike.

Mujahideen Brigades terrorists are behind abductions and killings separate to the Hamas leadership but back Hamas’ terror objectives.

IDF eliminate Bibas killers

BY ADAM MOSES

Israeli forces eliminated two senior commanders of the Salafi terrorist faction Mujahideen Brigades in Gaza City at the weekend.

As’ad Abu Sharaiya, the group’s leader, and senior field commander Mahmoud Muhammad Hamid Kuhail, were involved in the October 7, 2023 terror attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. According to the IDF and Shin Bet, Abu Sharaiya was involved in the kidnapping and murder of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir. He was also linked to the abduction and killing of US-Israeli couple Gad Haggai and Judi Weinstein-Haggai, their bodies were recovered by the IDF last week, and Thai national Nattapong Pinta, his body was retrieved through intelligence last Saturday.

Abu Sharaiya recruited terrorists in Judei and Samaria and inside Israel according to reports.

Kuhail, according to Israeli authorities, was involved in holding the Bibas family hostage in Gaza.

The Bibas family, in a statement, said: “The elimination of the terror group’s commander marks another step in the painful closure we seek after losing Shiri, Ariel and Kfir. While they will never return, we find some comfort in knowing

these vile murderers can no longer harm others. We thank the IDF and security forces for their bravery and dedication.”

“The IDF and the ISA will continue to locate and eliminate all terrorists from the various terrorist organizations who participated in the brutal massacre on October 7 and were involved in holding Israeli hostages in captivity in the Gaza Strip,” said an IDF spokesman.

According to Kibbutz Nir Oz, the deaths of Haggai and Weinstein-Haggai were confirmed in December 2023. The family issued a statement: “We are grateful for the closure this brings and for their return to a proper burial at home, in Israel. We wish to thank the IDF and the security forces who carried out the complex recovery operation.”

“We share in the family’s grief and will accompany them at all times,” a statement noted.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the recovery in a special operation.

“The heart aches over this terrible loss,” he said. “We will not rest and we will not remain silent until we bring all our hostages’ home, the living and the fallen alike.”

President Isaac Herzog added: “The retrieval of the bodies of two hostages cruelly held by Hamas is a moment of deep pain, but also one of solace and the

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Tributes to pillar of Hertsmere’s Jewish community

BY DAVID SAFFER

Tributes have been paid to Rabbi Alan Plancey following his death last weekend.

A titan of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, Rabbi Plancey, 84, built the community from 1976 to his retirement in 2007, prior to his appointment as Emeritus Rabbi in 2008.

A leading Soviet Jewry campaign activist, a Police Chaplain for over 30 years and also Luton Airport Chaplain, Rabbi Plancey was, uniquely, twice the Mayor of Hertsmere.

He served Borehamwood Brookmeadow residents on Hertsmere Borough Council, having previously served as a County Councillor in Borehamwood North and Borehamwood South.

On his retirement from that role in 2021, he was made an Honourary Alderman of the County.

Rabbi Plancey was appointed an MBE for Political and Public service in 2023.

BES senior minister, Rabbi Alex Chapper, in his eulogy, recalled that the Plancey family arrived in Borehamwood when it was a “small Jewish suburb with huge potential”.

“He built it into a flourishing community, one soul at a time, one family at a time, and now it’s the largest Modern Orthodox community in the country,” said Rabbi Chapper.

“He built the Shul not just in bricks and mortar, but a Kehillah, a community with humour, warmth and relationships. He had time for everyone. He knew everyone’s name. He noticed who was missing.

He made space for those who weren’t sure where they fit. For four decades, he guided countless people through lifecycle after lifecycle, from baby namings to funerals, through times of celebration and crisis. And always with that same quiet strength. That calm voice. That comforting presence.”

Rabbi Chapper acknowledged the contribution of Rebbetzen Plancey, concluding: “Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue is known as ‘Rabbi Plancey’s Shul!’ … Rabbi Plancey prepared us well. He taught us, he guided us and he inspired us. Now it’s our task to carry that legacy forward.”

The Hertsmere Borough standard was at half-mast from Civic Offices as a sign of respect.

Conservative MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden said: “He was a pillar of Hertsmere’s Jewish community, its civic life and a dear political and personal friend,” he noted.

Jeremy Newmark, Labour leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “You didn’t need to agree with his politics to admire the immense leadership role he played within the local Jewish community. He was equally at home representing the Chief Rabbi at a national service in Westminster Abbey as he was in his local

synagogue… You could have a blazing row with him in the chamber one week, and the next week, if you were unwell, he would be the first to call to see how you are and turn up at your door with a tub of chicken soup. Local life will certainly be

the good as well as sad times with.”

Cllr Alex Clarkson said Rabbi Plancey never considered stepping back from public service, attending full council and community events just days before he was admitted to hospital.

poorer without him.”

Rabbi Plancey introduced Cllr Morris Bright, former Hertsmere Borough Council leader, to the Queen in 1994 whilst Bright filmed him at Auschwitz a year later for a documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of VE Day. “Alan was a character, a man often larger than life itself, which makes his passing that much sadder for there are some people who you just believe will go on forever,” he said.

Bright recalled a short conversation after Rabbi Plancey retired from the Ministry. Then aged 68, he told Bright he would like to become a County Councillor. Sixteen years service followed.

“Alan worked ceaselessly as a local councillor and did more than anyone I know to enhance the reputation of the Jewish communities of Hertfordshire, through his actions and by his words,” recalled Bright. “Respected amongst his peers, their outpourings of sadness on hearing of his passing from across all faiths and backgrounds, is testament to his legacy. Everyone I’ve spoken to in recent days remembers how Alan made them smile. A funny quick-witted man, who used humour and his velvety Scottish brogue to diffuse sometimes difficult, often sad situations which he would encounter as both a communal leader and local councillor. Most of all though Alan was a man of the people. Gregarious, generous of spirit, someone to share

“He was a proud ‘Borehamwood Man’, the town was so lucky to have him serve it,” Clarkson said.

Cllr Harvey Cohen, Hertsmere Conservative Association chair, noted: “His voice, his values and his unwavering commitment to Hertsmere will be profoundly missed.”

Cohen first met Rabbi Plancey when he moved to Borehamwood in the 1980s.

“True to his generous and embracing nature, he welcomed us with warmth and care, inviting us into his home and into the heart of the community,” he recalled.

“Its transformation from a small kehilla to the largest community in Europe is in no

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small part due to their love, energy and vision.

“In his retirement, within the Conservative Group at Hertsmere, he continued to lead by example, bringing Torah values into civic life and always acting with decency, humility, and thoughtfulness.”

Councillor Rabbi Arnold Saunders and Rabbi Plancey served together in the British Rabbinate and as fellow Conservative councillors.

“He was a mentor in both roles, offering guidance with great wisdom and insight,” said Rabbi Saunders.

“He agreed to act as a referee when I applied to join the list of Approved Tory Parliamentary candidates.

It did the trick as I stood in two General Elections and the last European Parliament election.”

Like thousands of people whose life Rabbi Plancey impacted, this author too has fond memories. As a newlywed at the Plancey’s ‘Shabbat lunches’ the atmosphere was special. When our daughters were born the Plancey’s were the first to wish us Mazel Tov and drop in a present. He was by my side naming the girls in shul, and expressed his elation as much as my immediate family. On Shabbat or Yom Tov, if a baby or child interrupted a service, there was no frown just a wry smile. The trajectory of his community was booming. A legend, a man of the people, his legacy is assured.

He is survived by Rebbetzen Miriam, children Susy, Nechama, Meir and Nussi, sister Phyllis and extended family.

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French ‘Gaza’ video blasted

BY ADAM MOSES

Jewish organisations have criticised comedian Dawn French for posting a video on Instagram about the war in Gaza that appears to dismiss the 7 October 2023 terror attack.

Whilst the Vicar of Dibley star has “unreservedly” apologised after deleting the video, French continues to face criticism as being ‘too late’.

Campaign Against Antisemitism and Action Against Discrimination labelled the mocking video a “disgrace”.

“It is a shame that French’s ‘unreserved’ apology came only after a wave of public criticism to prompt an apology for a video in which she mocked the worst antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust with some dismissive mumbling,” said a CAA spokesperson. “Stick to comedy, Dawn, and leave the big issues to those who actually understand them.”

Jonathan Metliss, AAD chairman added: “The video is vile and extremely disappointing. Sadly, it has become open season to criticise Israel especially in and from the arts world. The anti-Israel rhetoric has become relentless. Her apology and removal of the video rang hollow. It

is both empty and vacuous. The damage had already been done.

“French should be shown the October 7 atrocities film. Marks and Spencer should immediately cancel her sponsorship deal.

The police and Crown Prosecution Service should also be considering a charge against her of incitement to racial hatred.

Hopefully, this will see another nail in the coffin for celebrity virtue signalling. In this case for French to look socially superior.”

In the 40-second video, posted last week, French said: “Complicated, no, but nuanced.

But (the) bottom line is no”. She continued: “Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us… and we want that land… and we have history… Those people aren’t really even people, are they?”

After each statement, French is heard in a natural voice stating ‘No’.

Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman responded at the time: “Why would Dawn seem to deny that which has affected so many of us personally in the most painful way possible. I can mourn the horrors of the war in Gaza whilst also remembering the horrors of what started it. Is this how most of our industry feels now, Oct 7 was

a ‘little thing ‘? NO! “ In her apology French wrote that she “clumsily” used a mocking tone.

“My intention was NEVER to mock, or OUR BOND WITH THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL IS dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on 7 October 2023 and what continues to unfold from that brutal unWITH A UJIA LEGACY IT WILL BE thinkable, unforgivable, savage attack,” she said.

French added: “The fact that hostages To find out more about are still held is utterly appalling. My ina UJIA legacy, call tention was to mock and point the finger Harvey Bratt on of shame at the behaviour of the cruel 020 7424 6431 or email leaders on ALL sides of this attricious harvey.bratt@ujia.org war, who have continued to behave like the worst, dangerous, sickening bullies and seem to relish the tyrannical and childish oneupmanship of the violence.

7679 UJIA Legacy 2025 Advert (62x69mm) v3.indd 1 27/05/2025 17:50 THEY were my target, but clearly, I failed to do that, and that’s on me. I apologise unreservedly. I’m particularly sorry that my disgust at Hamas didn’t figure. It appeared one-sided and that is wrong.”

She continued: “The images of starving and wounded children have haunted me day and night. History has taught us never to standby and allow this kind of inhumane violence to be wrought on anyone, Your gift can help especially innocent children. I have felt change their lives my silence is complicit or even somehow You can be there for them every step of the way with a gift in your Will. sanctioning. So in my small way I wanted to voice my desire to say NO - to BOTH Scan to sides - to any further violence. leave a gift To find out about how to leave a gift and our I hope you will understand my intenFreeWill service please contact Richard Budden, Headof Individual Giving and Legacies T: 0208 7361250 or go to tion was not to offend, but clearly I have. www.worldjewishrelief.org/will For which I am sorry and I have removed the video.”

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When Academics Embrace Terror

BY BY STEVE WINSTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, NATIONAL JEWISH ASSEMBLY

A university lecturer in Britain has publicly declared himself “proud” to support the legal campaign to lift the UK’s ban on Hamas. That sentence alone should send shudders down the spine of any citizen who believes liberal democratic institutions are worth defending.

Dr Tarek Younis, a senior lecturer at Middlesex University, has not only voiced support for removing Hamas from the UK’s list of proscribed terror groups, but has also posted that “our work isn’t done until all Zionists are removed from our institutions and shamed… into nothingness.” This is not a minor ideological misstep. It is a chilling example of how British academia is becoming a breeding ground for pro-terrorist activism and antisemitic radicalisation – and it speaks volumes about the intellectual and moral decay now seeping into higher education.

Let us be clear about Hamas. It is a proscribed terrorist organisation responsible for the murder, rape, torture, and abduction of civilians. Its founding charter calls for the annihilation of Jews. On 7 October, Hamas terrorists entered Israeli territory and committed the worst mass killing of Jews since the Holocaust. That anyone – let alone a university lecturer – would lend their name and academic credibility to a campaign to rehabilitate such a group

is not just disturbing. It is a moral outrage.

Worse still, these activists turn a blind eye to Hamas’s treatment of its own people. Journalists, dissidents, women, members of the LGBT community – all are subject to arbitrary arrest, torture, and murder. In recent weeks, even desperate Gazans seeking food have been shot dead by Hamas gunmen.. It seems that, for these activists, Jew-hatred trumps even Hamas’s cruelty towards its own population.

In British universities, the lines between anti-Zionism, antisemitism, and open support for terror have become dangerously blurred. In the name of “decolonial” theory or “critical resistance” professors and students are now given platforms to praise Hamas, whitewash jihadist violence, and demonise Israel as a colonial oppressor. That Dr Younis was entrusted with mentoring students through the Aziz Foundation, and invited to speak at national mental health conferences, reveals the extent to which this poison has been normalised.

The irony, of course, is that universities are supposed to be bastions of liberal democratic values – free thought, academic inquiry, peaceful dissent. But when academics start advocating for genocidal terrorist organisations, and calling for the purging of “Zionists” from public life, what remains is not free thought. It is fanaticism in a cap and gown.

This episode is a grim reflection of just how far British academia has drifted from its moral foundations. When educators call for terrorist groups to be legitimised and Jewish people or those who hold lawful Zionist beliefs to be removed from institutions, we are no longer dealing with dissent. We are dealing with ideological rot.

If a lecturer made similar statements about any other protected characteristic – race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, philosophical belief – calling for its adherents to be “shamed into nothingness” – they would rightly be condemned, investigated, and removed.

But when it is “Zionists” – now legally recognised as a protected philosophical belief under the Prof David Miller ruling – the silence is deafening. The double standard is not merely academic. It is antisemitic.

This case must serve as a turning point.

The NJA calls on Middlesex University and the Department for Education to publicly clarify whether advocacy for a proscribed terrorist organisation is compatible with the responsibilities of an academic post.

The Health and Care Professions Council must investigate whether Dr Younis’s views are compatible with any position of public trust. And the wider academic community must confront the ideological permissiveness that has allowed open terror sympathies to take root within our

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universities.

What we are witnessing is the slow erosion of democratic culture – not from outside, but from within. Those entrusted with educating the next generation are using their positions to normalise hate and champion those who would destroy the very freedoms they enjoy.

British academia must decide what it stands for. If it cannot draw the line at Hamas, then it no longer deserves the public’s trust.

Advertise today in 10,000 copies delivered most weeks of the year around London and the UK Log on to www.thejewishweekly.com for latest breaking news Email office@thejewishweekly.com Call 02039068488

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Letters to the Editor Please note: The views of the letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Letters may be edited and publication is at the discretion of the editor.

Dear Editor Last week, the ex-Labour, now Independent MP, Jeremy Corbyn, introduced a Private Member’s Bill into the House of Commons, requesting an independent, Chilcot-style inquiry into the UK’s apparent complicity with alleged war crimes and genocide in Gaza.

In particular, the bill asks for such an inquiry to “consider any UK military, economic or political cooperation with Israel since October 2023, including the sale, supply or use of weapons, surveillance aircraft and Royal Air Force bases”.

The arms sales issue has been a particular obsession of Mr Corbyn’s for many months now. To aid understanding on this subject, which remains one of significant ongoing interest in the UK, I

want to address two serious issues with the UK Government’s current position on arms export licences to Israel. The issues pertain both to licences already suspended, and those yet to be so – and expose the dangers both of Mr Corbyn’s bill, and of his wider opinions on the Jewish State.

Let’s begin with the 30 arms export licences already suspended by the Government, since last September. This decision was not just highly controversial, but has also been fraught with legal problems, because the Government failed to follow its own policy criteria properly.

Instead of showing that Israel was using UK arms in a way that risked seriously breaching international humanitarian law (IHL), the Government merely put forward general concerns, seemingly

unrelated to UK arms, about Israel’s treatment of detainees and its policy on aid. Moreover, the Government conceded then, and still concedes now, that the only possible scenario in which UK arms could be used to breach IHL – the conduct of armed hostilities in Gaza – is something on which it lacks sufficient evidence to form a proper view.

What of the 320-odd licences for Israel that remain in place? Mr Corbyn fervently objects to these, in particular for components for F-35 fighter jets, which are used

by Israel to carry out air strikes.

The problem for Mr Corbyn is that, having raised the question of arms sales on so many occasions, he has been given almost exactly the same answer by the relevant minister each time. Firstly, the UK Government cannot suspend exports of F-35 components, because it would undermine the deeply complex and interdependent global supply chain for these parts. The parts are effectively placed into a global ‘pot’, following which they are allocated to countries, including other embattled UK allies like Ukraine.

There is a chance that such parts do later end up – indirectly, from the UK’s point of view - in Israel. And even if you thought they shouldn’t, there are at least deeply legitimate, countervailing policy and security reasons in play here.

Secondly, stopping licences for other arms would leave Israel, a UK ally, with

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no UK arms to use for purely defensive military purposes. These do not fall foul of the policy test because, as purely defensive weapons, they could not be used to breach IHL in Gaza (the 30 suspended licences were for offensive arms). Thirdly, the remaining arms exported to Israel are not for military purposes, offensive or defensive, at all – instead, they are for purely civilian use inside Israel, and again therefore do not fall foul of the Government’s policy criteria.

There are many who would rush to defend Mr Corbyn’s bill, and will counter all of the above by saying it must give way to a country’s obligations to prevent “genocide”, which Mr Corbyn is simply fighting for in good faith. But they must have the honesty to confront this critical question: why should there be an inquiry into the UK allowing arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza, where, according to the UK Government, the only arms still being exported to Israel are not?

For Mr Corbyn’s part, this is not simply about the proper application of UK arms export licensing policy (otherwise he would have challenged the highly questionable existing ban on 30 arms licences), or a purely humanitarian interest in safeguarding Gazan civilians (otherwise he would have called just for a ban on offensive weapons).

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STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY THE UK JEWISH COMMUNITY IN A CHANGED WORLD A panel discussion with: Leo Pearlman Leo is the managing partner at Fulwell 73, a leading global entertainment company that creates award-winning content across multiple genres and platforms.

Natasha Hausdorff Natasha is a British barrister, international law expert, and member of pro-Israel lobbying group UK Lawyers for Israel.

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Daniel Greenberg CB Daniel is a lawyer specialising in legislation and the legislative process. He currently serves as parliamentary commissioner for standards.

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Kisharon Langdon Raises over £1 Million in 36 Hours to Support People with Learning Disabilities and Autistic People 10 th June 2025 Kisharon Langdon is delighted to announce the phenomenal success of its matched funding campaign, which raised an incredible £1,030,049 in just 36 hours to support people with learning disabilities and autistic people throughout their journey of a lifetime.

The campaign ran from 8-9 June, galvanising support from across the community through an online platform, with all donations doubled thanks to the generosity of match funders and with 159 Kisharon Langdon Champions hosting their own fundraising pages. The funds raised will directly support Kisharon Langdon’s vital services, including supported living, education, employment opportunities and community inclusion programmes.

The campaign featured people supported by Kisharon Langdon at different stages of their lives and for others throughout their lifetime, for example, Eli, who started at the Wohl Campus, Kisharon Noé School, and then stayed with Kisharon Langdon for college, and now lives in supported living accommodation and has found employment through the charity.

Eli says, “Kisharon Langdon is a home. It’s a great place to be. They have helped me to get work and thank you for supporting

me.”

The campaign also featured Wohl Campus, Kisharon Noé School pupil, Jordyn, whose mother, Tami, was told when Jordyn was born that she would likely only live for 28 days, and if she did survive, she would be blind, deaf and never mobile.

Today, with our support, Jordyn is thriving at school, walking independently, does Makaton signing, is into fashion and like a little teenager. Tami says, “Thank you for giving me my little girl and letting her be the best version she can be, and thank you for giving us our family, our home and the lives that we have.”

The campaign received enthusiastic backing from across the community, in-

cluding a special appearance from Lev the Lion, Kisharon Langdon’s new mascot. In the lead-up to the campaign, Lev made many appearances across North West

London to share Shabbat candles and spread awareness about the vital work the charity does.

The funds raised will ensure Kisharon Langdon can continue delivering high-impact services that promote independence, dignity, and inclusion for the people it supports.

Richard Franklin, Chief Executive of Kisharon Langdon, says: “We are absolutely thrilled to have reached our £1 million target. This campaign was more than just a fundraiser. It was a celebration of our community’s belief in the value and potential of every person we support.

We are profoundly grateful to everyone who donated, championed, and shared our message.”

Adam Overlander-Kaye, Director of Fundraising at Kisharon Langdon, says: “This was a true community effort.

Thanks to our amazing champions and generous donors, we can continue to provide life-changing support and opportunities to the people who rely on us.

Every gift, large or small, has helped us to reach this milestone.”

You can continue to donate to the matched funding campaign here: ki s h a ro n l a ng d o n. o rg. u k / d o n at e / matched-funding-campaign.

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COMMUNITY 15

Celebrating 35 years of Jewish Care at the heart of the community “Since Jami integrated with Jewish Care over a year ago, we’ve continued to expand our mental health services to meet the needs of a community in crisis. One in four people now needs mental health support. More than 55% of under-25s in our community are now affected by mental Marcus Sperber Jewish Care Chair at the Annual Dinner 2025 illness, distress or Grainge Photography trauma. But the system is quite simply Over 900 guests showed their tremen- overwhelmed. Thanks to The Exilarch’s dous support for Jewish Care at the char- Foundation, our Dangoor Children and ity’s Annual Dinner at the Grosvenor Young People’s Service, is now expandHouse last night. Celebrating the work ing to reach more young people in our of the organisation that has been the community who need our support. heartbeat of the Jewish community for over 35 years, the Dinner raised a re“We’re also scaling Jami’s Talking cord-breaking £5.5 million. These vital Therapies and in January, thanks to the funds will help to meet the £20 million generosity of The Wohl Foundation, we needed each year to fund Jewish Care’s have opened our new space The Wohl wide-ranging services, touching the lives Counselling Suite at our Maurice & Viviof 12,000 people in the Jewish communi- enne Wohl Campus, supporting more ty each week from the age of 11 upwards. young people and adults in the Jewish Many of these services receive no gov- community.” ernment funding with pressures on the charity only increasing.

“We are also deeply grateful to the Sugar and Ronson families for their corThe star-studded event was present- nerstone gifts and ongoing support, enaed by Nick Ferrari, host of London’s bling the construction of our fourth care award-winning weekday breakfast show and community campus, in Redbridge, on talk radio station LBC 97.3, together which is set to open next summer to with Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, the anchor serve East London and Essex with excepfor the ITV’s ITN network. tional facilities.”

Guests saw an appeal film sharing the emotional stories of just some of those who have relied on the love, care and support of the organisation that sustains families and individuals in times of crisis and need, as well as showing some of the incredible compassionate and professional staff who provide care and support across the organisation.

Marcus Sperber marked his first year as Chair and said, “Thank you for being here – and for your unwavering support and generosity that makes it possible for Jewish Care to give care and compassion to the whole community, young and old, both today and into the future, especially at a time when we as a community are struggling. Your generosity has allowed us to achieve some remarkable things in this past year, including the expansion of our community services including day centres, Meals on Wheels, and befriending services.

He continued, “We have increased efficiency, reducing agency staff use, digitising processes, and staying true to our mission of excellence and care.

million per annum.

“Demand is growing, but government funding is shrinking. Many of our most essential services receive no government funding at all including our community centres, our Helpline, Jami’s mental health support, Meals on Wheels, dementia care, our social work teams and our very special Holocaust Survivors’ Centre.

“These services rely entirely on your generosity and this year, to ensure that we can continue caring for those who need us most, we need to raise £20 million so that Jewish Care can continue to provide the very highest quality support and care with dignity, respect, and a deep connection to Jewish traditions and values. Whether it’s celebrating Shabbat, marking the festivals, or simply offering a warm smile and a listening ear – our care is powered by love, culture, and deep belonging.

“We look forward as we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we love and cherish. Your support funds services, provides connection, offers comfort and ensures continuity, strengthening our community’s future,

This includes The Sugar Family Care Home, The Ronson Community Centre, and The Dennis Centre to provide vital support to people living with dementia and their families.

Nick Ferrari and Natasha Kaplinsky OBE Host Jewish Care Annual Dinner 2025 (Blake Ezra Photography)

”However, the need for Jewish Care in 2025 has never been greater. This is one of the most challenging periods in our history, our resources are under intense pressure as a result of increasing inflation, a rapidly ageing population, rising loneliness, a mental health crisis unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and the recent employers’ National Insurance changes which will now cost us an additional £1.1

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standing with our Jewish parents and grandparents and creating a legacy for our children.”

Speaking after the Dinner, Jewish Care CEO, Daniel Carmel-Brown, added, “Over the next decade, the number of people in the Jewish community who will need dementia care will increase by 25%, more people will need end of life care than ever before, and the number of young people and adults who are living with mental illness and distress is sadly rising as well.

“At this time when the challenges to Jewish Care are, in many ways, greater than ever before, we are so grateful to all of our guests for supporting us. We simply could not continue to do what we do without our supporters, and it means a lot to know that they are there for Jewish Care, so we can continue be there at the heart of the community.

I would like to thank our wonderful lay leaders for making the evening such a huge success and for enabling our professional, dedicated staff and inspiring volunteers at Jewish Care to keep on supporting thousands of amazing people each week across our community.”

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Norwood property lunch raises £470,000

Six hundred property professionals attended Norwood’s annual Property Lunch at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday, raising £470,000 in vital funds for the charity which supports and empowers neurodiverse children, their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

Welcoming attendees, Property Lunch committee chair and Norwood Honorary Vice President Mark Pollack paid tribute to the “overwhelming” support Norwood had received from the property industry since the popular event’s inception in 1999. Referencing the event’s theme of unleashing innovation in the property industry, a nod to the industry’s ability to adapt to economic shifts, PropTech and sustainability, he added: “By uniting for one cause, we can achieve so much and drive positive, meaningful change to the lives of so many.”

Lead Event Sponsors, Derwent London, Dwyer Property and Savills returned

to make the event possible, alongside pre- and post-event reception sponsor Hallmark Property Group; auction and raffle sponsor Rhodium, napkin sponsor JLL, name badge sponsor Fusion Group, and pledge card sponsor Knowles.

Introducing the event’s fundraising appeal speaker, Norwood’s Honorary Life President Ronnie Harris spoke of funding for Norwood’s services coming “under the most serious pressure in decade… as we continue to try to redress the gap between the available government funding and the cost of our current provision”.

Only Norwood’s adult residential services and short break services for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities receive any kind of statutory funding.

Speaking following the screening oof the appeal film which featured her son Eden, Jill Slotnick spoke movingly of the isolation she experienced raising an infant Eden, who was diagnosed as a baby with chromosomal disorder Partial Trisomy 9P, which would result in global developmental delay. Having been told by doctors to “take him home and love him”, Jill said: “When a family member mentioned Norwood to me when Eden was two and a half, I opened the door on a community I never knew existed and which would be my rock through difficult times, becoming Eden’s family as he grew into adulthood and found his own independence.”

New Film Sheds Light on Mental Health in the Jewish Community Mental health is a challenging topic across many communities. Addressing this vital issue, within the Jewish world, Manchester-based podcaster Eli Hassell produced a powerful new film called ‘Levi’ which explores mental health struggles within the Orthodox Jewish community.

Running just under 20 minutes, the film follows Levi, the main character, who’s experiencing significant mental health struggles whilst navigating the unique cultural and religious pressures in Jewish life. Levi is a young Orthodox Jewish male and is desperately unhappy, facing suicide ideation, but unable to communicate how he feels. (The story is entirely fictional and not based on real events.)

To create a powerful story, Eli brought on award-winning filmmaker Mat Johns; Mat’s previous films have been selected for BAFTA and OSCAR qualifying film festivals. Eli and Mat worked

closely together to ensure this film is authentic, and will encourage open dialogue around mental health.

To bring this important conversation to the community, they partnered with JAMH (Jewish Action for Mental Health) and did a premiere this week in Manchester.

Eli spoke at the event, and so did former Member of Parliament Ivan Lewis, and Professor Tony Warne, Chair of NHS Greater Manchester Mental Health. It was a tremendous success, with 150 people turning up for the screening.

Eli hopes the film will increase conversation about mental health, and also convey how important it is for people to confide in someone they can trust. At a time when many are struggling, this film offers a much-needed platform to educate and make a difference.

Speaking of her “telepathic” communication with her non-verbal son, who now lives in a Norwood adult residential home, where he receives 24/7 support, she added: “When I go to see him, I can see in his eyes that he’s trying to tell me ‘Mum, I’m busy’!”

Speaking of the lifelong support she and Eden have benefited from, she said: “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in our case, it took Norwood. They’ve always been there for us throughout Eden’s childhood.”

Calling on guests to donate generously to meet the £12m in annual voluntary donations the charity depends on, Harris concluded: “As a community, we reach out to friends and supporters for help in times of need. The unprecedented demand for the services in our new strategy, combined with the crisis in social care funding means that your support is more important than ever.”

Elsewhere, Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage was in conversation with returning speaker, broadcaster Nick Ferarri, where he paid tribute to Jill for having “spoken beautifully” of her personal experiences supporting a son with additional needs.

Adding he was “very he please and proud” to be there, he said: “Without organisations like Norwood, an awful lot of youngsters would be underserved.”

Answering Nick Ferrari’s questions on the impact of the recent NI increase on

small businesses, which has served organisations like Norwood with an additional annual wage bill of more than £1 million, Farage said: “We’ve not had any comprehension of what it’s like to set up your own business, what it’s like to employ staff and what it’s like to have bad times.”

“There were times when I was running a business when I paid my staff an awful lot more than myself. Small employers treat their staff like families. The NI hike, added to the increase in the minimum wage means people are not being employed... with small companies having to follow the same legislation as big companies, is it any wonder that small businesses are suffering,” he concluded.

Later, Auctioneer Andrew Binstock from Auction House London presided over a hotly-contested auction, sponsored by Rhodium, where prizes included a three-night stay at an exclusive villa in Tuscany, a weekend away in the Cotswolds and four ball and lunch at The Grove.

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Kindness on the Menu: Project ImpACT Celebrates 100s of Teen Volunteers reliant on food banks and homeless shelters, from all faiths and backgrounds.

Using surplus food provided by The Felix Project, these young volunteers have prepared and delivered over 32,000 meals, addressing the pressing issue of food poverty in London, where approximately 25% of residents live below the poverty line.

Project ImpACT proudly celebrated the enthusiasm and commitment of 100s of teenage volunteers during National Volunteers’ Week (2-8th June). Teens from across 35 communities have collectively contributed more than 52,000 hours since we launched, supporting some of the most vulnerable communities across London through our varied volunteering programmes. These include our popular Bar/Bat initiative where teens support a variety of local charities, intergenerational & interfaith volunteering and our new international volunteering project in Rwanda.

Central to these efforts is the multi-award-winning ImpACT Youth Kitchen, where teens come together weekly to prepare nutritious meals for people

Special Awards were presented to Izzy and Alex as our Star Volunteers of the Year as well as Zara, Nate, Maya, Lilianna, Natalia, and special mentions went to Reuben, Magnus, Issac and Anaya for their commitment to volunteering this year with the ImpACT Youth Kitchen.

Lisa Zeital, Head of Partnerships at Project ImpACT, remarked, “We’re immensely proud of our teenage volunteers and the significant impact they’re making weekly at the ImpACT Youth Kitchen and our other social action projects. Their commitment to supporting society’s most vulnerable is truly commendable. We are delighted to recognise their achievements during National Volunteers’ Week.”

Beyond addressing food insecurity, volunteering offers substantial benefits

for teens, including enhanced emotional well-being, empathy, resilience, and the development of valuable life skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.

Noah, a 15-year-old volunteer, shared, “I chose to volunteer at the ImpACT Youth Kitchen for my Duke of Edinburgh Award. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much.

It’s become an important part of my week.”

Alex, a student from Highgate School, added, “Participating in Project ImpACT is truly amazing. Every week that I come to volunteer, I see the difference we make helping people, which is really inspiring and humbling. Volunteering makes me feel like what I do has meaning.”

Chayli Fehler, Founder of Project ImpACT said, “We are proud of these young British Jewish teen volunteers who step up every week to make meaningful positive change in society. On National Volunteers’ Week we celebrate their contributions and look towards the future.

We plan to introduce more volunteering sessions next term to be able to engage a growing number of young people to make their impact.

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AJEX Commemorates 85th Shechita UK grateful to Anniversary of the Battle MP’s who support kosher of Britain at Bentley Priory meat Museum Shimon Cohen told the Jewish Weekly how happy he was that the MP’s are behind the jewish community.

Bentley Priory Museum provided a fittingly historic backdrop as AJEX marked the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a special commemorative event.

AJEX National Chair, Dan Fox welcomed guests and opened the event with a moving address that reflected on the significance of the anniversary. The day continued with a compelling presentation by AJEX Historian Paula Kitching, who explored the critical roles of

technology, radar and the aerial battles that defined the conflict.

Attendees were then invited to explore the museum through guided tours, gaining deeper insight into the history of the RAF and the nation’s wartime efforts.

With the sun shining over the museum’s beautiful gardens, the day proved both educational and inspirational for all who attended.

“We are extremely grateful for those MPs, cross-party, who supported the provision of Kosher meat in the Westminster Hall Debate yesterday, correctly referencing the legitimacy, regulation, and high animal welfare standards in the Shechita method, as well as the glaring inconsistencies and problems with mechanical stunning methods”, Cohen said.

“We are dismayed about those MPs that perpetuate the myth of stunning being a kind and woozy procedure, assuming that mechanically-stunned cows, sheep, pigs and chickens are gently induced into a comfortable sleep in a warm cosy, calm procedure. Mechanical stunning methods include asphyxiation by gas, electrocution using metal tongs strapped around the animal’s head, immersion upside down into electrified water and shooting a captive bolt through the skull. These mechanical stunning methods are not welfare processes. They are abattoir processes design

for economic efficiency as they enable increased speeds of killing in factory abattoirs. Unlike the Shechita method, all the mechanical stunning methods inflict some degree of pain prior to insensibility.”

Shechita is essential to continued Jewish life in this country, and we are grateful to the government for its commitment to protect it.”

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The True Measure of a Life

By Dan Matalon, Art Director, Jewish Futures

It’s a sad truth that we often see the full measure of a person only once they’re gone. In the stories shared, the tears shed, and the memories passed from one mourner to the next, we uncover the quiet depth of a life well lived. Yet every so often, someone comes along who lives with such clarity, humility, and authenticity that their values are visible to all - not just in death, but powerfully in life.

It’s often said there’s no manual for life. But as Jews, we know that isn’t true.

The Torah, which we’ve just celebrated receiving once again at Shavuot, offers a blueprint for a life of purpose. We stay up learning, reaffirming our commitment to absorb its wisdom. But as our sages remind us: learning is not enough. “One whose [good] deeds exceed his wisdom - his wisdom will endure. But one whose wisdom exceeds his [good] deeds, his wisdom will not endure” (Pirkei Avot 3:11).

At Jewish Futures, these ideas sit at the heart of everything we do. Our mission - to inspire and ensure vibrant Jewish life and futures, is built on principles of living Torah values and being a mensch, and they guide how we educate, how we create and

run our programmes, how we lead, and most of all, how we treat each other and everyone we come into contact with. Authenticity, Humility, Responsibility, Aspiration, Trust, Care, Passion, Balance, Relevance, and Unity. These are not abstract ideals. They shape every encounter, every event, every moment, helping our teams and educators create meaningful connection for Jews of all backgrounds.

mourning, as we said goodbye to someone who was an enormous mensch: Dragan Stoyanov.

He never sought praise, titles or recognitions. He wasn’t Jewish, but for more than a decade, he was a quiet yet foundational presence behind the scenes of hundreds of Jewish Futures events and programmes, as well as at events for LSJS and Chazak. From Aish classes, socials and Shabbatons to JRoots journeys; from GIFT distributions to community gatherings; Dragan was always there, working diligently to ensure that others could shine, that everything was in its place, that thousands of young Jews could come and be inspired.

As the former Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks said, “You achieve immortality not by building pyramids or statues, but by engraving your values on the hearts of your children, and they on theirs, so that our ancestors live on in us and we in our children, and so on until the end of time.”

(The Chief Rabbi’s Haggadah (Essays) p. 14) We call ourselves the family of Jewish Futures, and we mean it. We celebrate each other’s simchas. We grieve together in times of loss. Ours is a culture of showing up - of care not just in mission, but in relationship, grounded in values. And this past week, that family was united in

reliable, had a thirst for knowledge and was generous with his time and spirit.

He greeted everyone with warmth. He worked without complaint. He noticed the small things others missed and made time for people, not just tasks.

Dragan lived with consistency, humility, and quiet strength. His authenticity was unmistakable. His absence will be deeply felt.

As messages and tributes poured in from colleagues past and present, and as dozens gathered together to pay tribute, it was clear that Dragan had a profound impact on those around him. World-class educators reached out to remember Dragan as a true gentleman who was cheerful,

In the end, values are not slogans we hang on walls. They are choices we make, every day, in how we show up for one another, how we interact with others and how we behave on a daily basis. May we honour Dragan’s memory not only in mourning, but in our actions too. Sending love and strength to his family, from the Jewish Futures’ family.

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London Shows Up in Force

Over 1,000 Attend Aliyah Fair Hosted

by Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, World Zionist Organization, and The Jewish Agency | Minister Sofer: “We’re witnessing growing interest and a notable rise in aliyah from the UK.”

soldiers, and leaders of local community organizations. Accompanying the delegation were Vadim Blumin, head of The Jewish Agency’s delegation in London, and Matan Bar-Noy, the WZO’s local representative.

London, U.K — Approximately 1,100 participants attended Aliyah Day, held yesterday (June 8, 2025) in London, organized by Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the World Zionist Organization, and The Jewish Agency for Israel.

The fair featured information booths, professional consultations, workshops

Recent Aliyah Data from the United Kingdom: · In 2023, 404 Jews from the UK made aliyah to Israel · In 2024, 660 Jews from the UK made aliyah to Israel · In the first five months of 2025 alone, 250 individuals have already made aliyah – a 12% increase compared to the same period last year · Currently, the Ministry and The Jewish Agency are actively assisting around 980 UK-based households in the aliyah process

and seminars, meetings with local and Israeli authorities, and concluded with a moving performance by Israeli musician Idan Raichel.

The Israeli delegation was led by Minister of Aliyah and Integration, MK Ofir Sofer, and included Minister of Labor Yoav Ben-Tzur and World Zionist Organization (WZO) Chairman Yaakov Hagoel.

Together, they engaged with prospective olim families, young professionals, lone

Held at London’s StoneX Stadium, the fair marked a major milestone in Israel’s ongoing outreach campaign to encourage aliyah from Western countries. As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is expanding its practical support for new immigrants, including: · Hebrew language training prior to aliyah · Online professional training · Housing and initial absorption assistance · Streamlined professional licensing

· Personalized support tailored for British olim Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer: “In the past two years, we’ve seen steadily growing interest among British Jewry in making aliyah. The numbers speak for themselves: in the last year alone, over 1,200 aliyah files have been opened — a 40% increase from the previous year, and nearly a doubling in actual olim. Most of these immigrants are young people looking to be part of the Zionist story and exemplify their support for Israel, particularly during wartime.”

Minister of Labor, Yoav Ben-Tzur: “In response to the wave of antisemitism targeting Jews worldwide, the Ministry of Labor is working to strengthen and empower the Zionist enterprise by recognizing the professional certifications of olim and creating job opportunities that match their skills. Aliyah and integration are foundational pillars of the Jewish State, and we see this as a national mission. I thank Minister Sofer for his unwavering commitment to new olim.”

Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization: “The London Aliyah Fair once again demonstrates the enduring strength and presence of Zionist spirit within the Diaspora. Israel is the home of every Jew! The World Zionist Organization will continue

COMMUNITY 25

to stand with every new oleh. It is the duty of every Israeli citizen to embrace our olim and help them integrate.”

Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of The Jewish Agency: “The overwhelming turnout at the London fair, alongside the continued rise in aliyah figures, is a testament to the power of hope and the resilience of the Jewish people — especially during these challenging times, amidst the greatest crisis Israel has faced since its founding and a backdrop of rising global antisemitism.

Aliyah is the beating heart of Zionism and a driving force behind Israel’s moral, social, and economic strength. The Jewish Agency will continue to work wherever a Jewish heart beats, ensuring every new immigrant has a safe and meaningful journey home.”

Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, Israeli Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely, Minister of Labor Yoav Ben-Tzur, and WZO Chairman Yaakov Hagoel.

(Credit: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration)

Aish UK Launches New “Pre-Shabbat Chill” for Young Professionals As the sun begins to dip each Friday evening, young Jewish professionals across London are finding a new and meaningful way to transition from the hustle of the work week to the peace of Shabbat. Aish UK is proud to introduce a vibrant new initiative, ‘Pre-Shabbat Chill’, a weekly event designed to bring together young professionals for an uplifting prelude to Shabbat.

Held in one of the Aish UK’s educator’s homes in North-West London, the gathering has attracted between 80 to 100 people each time, creating a unique buzz of energy, connection, and anticipation as the week draws to a close.

Platters of fresh sushi, flowing lechaims, the soulful sounds of Jewish music, and the lovely sound of friendly conversation fill the space. It’s not just an event - it’s a powerful space for young Jews to unwind, connect, and elevate their Shabbat experience.

The concept is simple yet impactful: provide a relaxed and special environment that allows people to ease out of the weekday rush and into the peace of Shabbat. And crucially, the experience doesn’t

end with the chill - it flows seamlessly into a moving and joyful Kabbalat Shabbat, complete with song and a sense of unity.

“Our goal was to create something more than just another social event,” says Yoni Abadi, Director of Aish YPs. “We wanted

to offer a space that creates a special connection. Pre-Shabbat Chill gives people a tangible way to step into Shabbat - not by rushing home or stressing about the week, but by being surrounded by good food, great people, and meaningful

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vibes.”

Pre-Shabbat Chill will continue throughout the summer and takes place every other Friday evening in NW London. To find out more go to aish_yps on insta.

28 JUDAISM

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ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com GRETA THUNBERG – HERO OR ZERO? Dear Rabbi , I’m sure you’ve seen the news about Greta Thunberg’s latest activism effort - this time sailing into Gaza with a boatload of humanitarian supplies for the Palestinians. I know some people have mocked her for it, calling it performative or naïve, but honestly, I find it admirable. With so much suffering on all sides, isn’t it refreshing to see someone - especially a young woman with global influence - trying to do something to draw attention to the plight of innocent civilians? Whether or not you agree with her politics, surely any gesture of compassion in the face of hunger and devastation is better than doing nothing.

Don’t you think efforts like this should be encouraged, not ridiculed?

Cassandra Dear Cassandra Ah yes, Greta Thunberg - the world’s youngest global conscience with the oldest, most recycled talking points. Once hailed for warning us that the Earth had 12 years left (that was five years ago, so

we’re halfway through the apocalypse), she’s now diversified her portfolio of outrage. Climate? Old news. The new cause? Gaza selfies because nothing says “I deeply understand a 75-year-old conflict” like a well-lit, peace-sign selfie in a war zone. Isn’t this a bit much for someone who was once just worried about polar bears?

And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: Greta’s much-publicised delivery of “humanitarian aid” - a few boxes of granola bars and canned goods, paraded before the cameras like she was single-handedly solving world hunger. It’s virtue-signalling at its finest: performative pity with a PR team. Meanwhile, she says nothing about how Hamas hoards actual aid, diverts flour into rocket casings, and leaves their own people to starve while their leaders sip espressos in Qatar. But nuance doesn’t trend, and neither does calling out tyrants who might not like you back. If Greta really cared about feeding Palestinians, she’d be demanding accountability from the regime that’s been stealing their futures, not romanticizing them on TikTok between quinoa bites and recycled activist slogans.

teenager with a flair for moral absolutism starts dabbling in Middle East geopolitics, we’ve officially entered the age of Instagram International Relations. No nuance, no history, no mention of Hamas using hospitals as missile depots or children as shields. But sure throw up a filter, add a hashtag, and voilà: humanitarian hero.

It’s always interesting how those who claim to care so deeply about justice have zero outrage for kidnapped hostages, zero tears for abused Israeli women, and zero understanding of how Israel treats Palestinian civilians with more humanity than their own terror leaders do. But outrage is now a fashion statement, and virtue is measured in likes.

Let’s be clear: when a Swedish

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So, here’s mine: “How dare you?” No, not you. Greta. Because when you turn a terror state into a selfie spot, you’re not standing for justice - you’re just striking a pose on a pile of lies.

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When Words Betray Our Story

BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN

realize it or not.

We were frustratingly so close—just days away—from entering the Land of Israel and launching the golden age of Jewish history. We stood merely a threeday journey from our destiny before everything unraveled.

Their pain carries sanctity—not despite their lifestyle, but because of where their story is being lived.

Though we stumbled in several areas, one of the central failures was our misuse of language. Petty complaints and grumbling about desert conditions escalated into slander against Moshe Rabeinu, which soon deteriorated into defamation of Eretz Yisrael itself. We must speak not with moral integrity but with ideological clarity.

The second troubling comment this week concerned MK Yuli Edelstein, chair of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, who has spent months crafting a possible solution to the painful and divisive challenge of Charedi non-enlistment—a dilemma that is fraying the fabric of our society. This is an excruciatingly complex challenge with no golden solution; any path forward will demand compromise—for the sake of the greater good. No one will be entirely satisfied.

This past week, two public statements

by Torah personalities were deeply unsettling. To write about the sanctity of language while fueling further division would be both hypocritical and counterproductive. For this reason, I will not mention names, but I will address the substance of their remarks.

PRAYING FOR HOSTAGES One rabbi recently declared that he does not pray for the release of our hostages—because, in his view, many of them did not live halachic lives. He specifically singled out those abducted from the Nova celebration, arguing that their participation in such an event on a sacred Jewish chag such as Simchat Torah disqualified them from his tefillot.

This sentiment is deeply troubling on a moral level and was met with swift, unequivocal rejection by a broad consensus —including from within his own rabbinic circle. The hostages and their families are living a nightmare beyond words. We pray for every Jew in anguish—not because they are observant, but because they are ours. They are part of us. They are in pain.

They need mercy. They certainly do not need judgement or condemnation.

But this statement is not only morally offensive—it is also ideologically misguided. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) teaches that every Jewish war is waged to uphold the honor of Hashem. Any assault on a Jew is, by extension, an affront to Hashem’s honor—for we are His people.

All the more so, an attack on Jews living in Eretz Yisrael is an assault on Hashem’s prophecies and promises.

Choosing to live in Eretz Yisrael is a declaration of belonging—to Hashem’s people, in His promised land. We pray for the hostages and mourn the victims of October 7th—not merely out of compassion, but because their suffering resonates with divine consequence. Every Jew, and certainly every Israeli, is woven into the unfolding story of Hashem’s promise and presence on this earth—whether they

KIBUTZ GALUYOT

A prominent rabbi who is opposed to these efforts referred to Yuli with a harsh and degrading slur. He also claimed it would have been preferable had Edelstein never emigrated from Russia, implying that his presence in Israel has only deepened the current crisis.

His statement is morally disturbing. It employed a crude insult against a deeply sincere public official who has invested time, energy, and political capital in an earnest effort to promote national unity.

Disagreement is inevitable—and even healthy—but it need not descend into personal attacks. The moral offense of this comment is self-evident and requires little elaboration.

Beyond the insult, the logic behind the claim is deeply flawed. The challenge of Charedi enlistment would exist with or without Edelstein.

Other politicians would still be working to address it.

Fur ther more, Yuli is observant; it is likely that a non-observant committee chair would be far less sympathetic to Charedi concerns.

who longs to return. Israel is not just a state.

It is a home for every Jew from every corner of the world. We devote enormous resources to facilitate this return, as a fulfillment of our national mission.

Russian Emigration If there is a singular success story of kibbutz galuyot, it is the return of Soviet Jewry. For decades, Jews behind the Iron Curtain endured relentless repression. For several generations, their Jewish identity was strangled, reduced to a faint and fragile echo—barely recognizable to themselves.

Everything began to shift in the aftermath of the Six-Day War which ignited the Prisoners of Zion or refusenik movement, as courageous Jews refused to submit to the Soviet regime.

They endured imprisonment, harassment, and exile—not for any crime, but for their longing to return to the Jewish homeland. After Natan Sharansky, Yuli Edelstein is perhaps the most renowned among those brave souls who carried the torch of Zion and Israel and the vision of kibutz galuyot under the harshest of conditions. Indicted on fabricated charges, he was sentenced to three years in a Siberian prison—but remained undeterred, steadfast in his dream of kibbutz galuyot.

And then there is the most jarring implication of all: the suggestion that Edelstein’s aliyah was a mistake. That statement strikes at the heart of one of Israel’s greatest triumphs.

This movement, and the courage of the refuseniks, eventually broke open the iron gates, allowing a flood of Jews to return home to Israel. As a teenager, I remember standing outside the United Nations in New York at annual protests, demanding freedom for those imprisoned by the Soviet regime. In 1987, while studying at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, I recall fasting together with the entire yeshiva and the community of Alon Shevut on behalf of Yuli and sending him of strength and hope to his Russian prison cell. Just a few months

One of the few national narratives that still unites Israelis across ideological lines is the vision of kibbutz galuyot—the ingathering of exiles. One of the foundations of the State of Israel is as a homeland for every Jew, from every corner of the globe,

later he was released, and soon after, remarkably he joined us in yeshiva, studying Torah at our side. It was a moment that etched in me the profound sense that kibbutz galuyot was no longer a distant dream, but unfolding before my very eyes.

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Due to the courage of Yuli and other refuseniks, the years that followed witnessed the emigration of over a million Jews from the Soviet Union to Israel— transforming the fabric of Israeli society.

Many arrived with education, culture, and professional skill, fueling one of the most significant economic and social booms in Israel’s modern history.

Yuli Edelstein and all the prisoners of Zion stand as enduring symbols of a dramatic milestone in the great drama of kibbutz galuyot. Their emigration fulfilled the hopes and prayers of Jews across Israel— that even in the face of persecution and oppression, no Jew would remain trapped forever. Every Jew, no matter how distant or embattled, would one day find their way home.

To claim it would have been better had he never arrived is to dismiss the entire story of kibbutz galuyot—a story he so deeply embodies. Beyond its moral offense and flawed logic, such a comment disregards one of the foundational narratives upon which Israel was built.

We must be exceptionally delicate in our speech—careful to uphold moral integrity, and even more so, to avoid clouding or distorting our historical narratives.

These narratives are too profound and too hard-won to be dismissed or diminished.

The writer is a rabbi at the hesder Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, with YU ordination and an MA in English literature from CUNY. His books include the recent “To Be Holy but Human: Reflections Upon My Rebbe, HaRav Yehuda Amital” available at mtaraginbokks.com

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WHAT3WORDS/// Our Core Values

BY RABBI NAFTALI SCHIFF

There are 3 words I’ve found myself returning to again and again in recent months- 3 words that aren’t about what we do, but about how and why we do it. They are: Our Core Values.

It’s a phrase that, in today’s world, gets tossed around with a certain corporate casualness. You’ll find it emblazoned across coffee-room posters, nestled in sleek vision decks, and posted proudly on websites alongside mission statements and aspirational taglines. But too often, that’s where it ends- a box ticked, a slogan posted, and a conversation forgotten.

At Jewish Futures, we think differently.

To me personally, core values are not just the branding of an organisation i have the privilege of leading, they are the beating heart of all I aspire to be and achieve. At Jewish Futures core values don’t just decorate our walls; they shape our days. They’re not a ‘nice-to-have’; they’re the essence of who we are, what we do and what we aspire to become. In fact, I would go so far as to say that one of our key core values is that we aspire to live by our core values.

If that sounds a little meta, that’s because it is. But at its root is something simple and urgent: we believe that a values-driven life is a healthy life. And in a time when so many people feel adrift- disconnected from themselves, from each other, from purpose, from their Maker, from community, from truth, we believe that building a generation of deeply rooted, connected, passionate young Jews starts with this: the transmission and embracing of values.

Values that shape not just what we believe, but who we are and how we behave.

Not just what we teach, but how we live.

Not just what we say we are, but what we actually become.

In the Jewish worldview, values are not cosmetic. They are not accessories. They are not PR. They are the consummation of a living Torah.

They are the very tools by which we elevate the mundane, give structure to the spiritual, and allow the transcendent to touch down in the daily. They are the pillars on which a life of integrity, of decency, of Torah, of goodness, of grit, courage and holiness are built.

Yes, our “operating system” is Torah. But our user interface- the way we interact with the world, with ourselves, with others and with Hashem-must be shaped and informed by a framework of lived values.

And without this, even a life filled with mitzvot and learning can, at times, feel unmoored. The form is there, but the function becomes blurred.

The Gemara (Makkot 23b) famously tells us that the 613 mitzvot were eventually distilled into a single foundational principle- “‫”צדיק באמונתו יחיה‬-“The righteous person lives by his faith” (Chabakkuk 2:4).

This wasn’t to reduce the Torah’s veracity nor complexity but to remind us of the inner compass that must animate the whole.

The same applies to core values. They serve as a distillation and sense of direction, not a simplification, but a clarification of focus and aspiration.

In Pirkei Avot, we are taught: “‫ ”דרך ארץ קדמה לתורה‬that ethical conduct precedes Torah. The Maharal explains that it must precede, not in time but in foundation. A human being needs a moral framework-Derech Eretz-upon which the structure of Torah can be built. That’s what we mean when we speak of core values: a framework upon which meaning can be built and lived, the crucible out of which appropriate intention and action can be launched.

We are living in a time of profound and paradoxical disconnection. Despite being constantly connected in the digital sense, many people today are deeply detachedspiritually, socially and emotionally.

We scroll but don’t reflect.

We talk but don’t listen.

We consume more content than ever before, but often feel less content than ever before. Ironically, one can even carry a lot of Torah information and intellectual know how, but be woefully detached from the Source and from people too, tragically failing to see the wood from the trees.

In this environment, what does it mean to educate? What does it mean to truly help to build a vibrant Jewish future?

I think perhaps it means going beyond the transactional. Beyond teaching for knowledge alone. Beyond checking ritual boxes. It means shaping enriched lives and wholesome souls, not just training for motor or intellectual skills.

And this is the essence of what we do at Jewish Futures. We exist to educate towards a bedrock of core values. This is not a side project. It’s the ethos of what we exist to do.

Whether through AISH, JROOTS, GIFT, FJL or CHAZON, our core mission is not only to teach Jewish content, but to inspire people to become thoroughly decent Jews, guided by Jewish values that shape how they relate to themselves, to others, to the Jewish People, to G-d and to the world at large.

We’ve all seen it: someone living an outwardly religious life, ticking all the right boxes, but missing the light that makes them shine- inside and out. Or someone deeply engaged in Jewish study or religeous activity, but operating without intention, compassion or integrity. It’s not that they lack Torah knowledge. It’s that they may lack the values that make Torah shine.

You can “do Jewish” without “living

Jewish.”

But when we adopt, internalise and live deep rooted Jewish values, then the mitzvot aren’t just performed; they’re transformed. They become alive, radiant, vibrant and a source of vitality and goodness for all.

That’s what we’re aiming for.

And it begins with awareness and intent.

With an identification and clarification of a set of the values that matter most.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be exploring each of the core values that we’ve articulated at Jewish Futures. Each one is deeply rooted in Torah and Jewish tradition. Each one is aspirational yet practical. Each one is a tool for living. We do not have a monopoly on truth. These may resonate or not. Some more, some less. I hope it’s the start of a journey for some and a healthy continuation for others. Please do let me know.

Our 10 Core Values are: • Authenticity – striving to live and act with integrity. Living a Judaism that is thoroughly genuine, sincere and true in both theory and practice.

Torat Chayim – studying, integrating and sharing Torah as the Creator’s instruction manual for living; a vibrant, relevant and dynamic source of guidance for life in all its complexity.

• Responsibility – recognising that the many challenges facing the Jewish people are my problem. Answering the call to identify and implement solutions that will make a real difference. Being ready to shoulder the sacrifices necessary to do so.

• Aspiration – Never settling for mediocrity or half measures. Highly motivated to achieve the big visions that are incumbent upon a Jew. Constantly striving to grow and strive for greatness.

• Care – our focus on the big picture does not detract from the respect, care, kindness and attention that every individual deserves.

• Passion – filled with a palpable sense of joy and drive embracing all we engage with. Living and teaching with energy, pleasure and love for what we do.

• Balance – wholeheartedly embracing the reality and richness that there exist multiple approaches to authentic Torah.

We are committed to engage in the delicate juggle of competing demands of time and focus, personal and communal.

• Trust – Confidence in the justness of our mission as Jews and the Almighty’s ability to deliver all, allows us to live within the calmness and domain of bitachon.

This enables resilience and perpetual drive

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12 JUNE 2025

despite life’s inevitable setbacks along the journey.

• Unity – Actively working to negate the personal and corporate ego battles that can so destroy individuals and organisations. Recognising the strength of the Jewish People lies in its diversity and its shared destiny and that togetherness does not imply sameness.

• Humility – operating from a healthy sense of knowing ones place. Not thinking less of ones self, but thinking of self, less.

Living with awareness that all talents and successes are G-d given.

These are not slogans. They are at t same time a work in progress for us whilst representing the distilled wisdom of generations. Perhaps they represent the why behind the what, the soul behind the structure…

They are also sometimes difficult to translate. Some resist reduction into English entirely. But perhaps that is part of their deeper resonance. They are not buzzwords; they are building blocks.

At Jewish Futures, we believe that living by core values doesn’t just shape individuals- it can shape communities.

Our aspiration is not simply to deliver content, but to cultivate character.

Not just to host events, but to form environments and contexts of meaning.

Not to transmit Judaism, but to model what a Torah-infused life can look like in its richest, most human and contemporarily relevant form.

We’re not here to add more noise to an already noisy world. We’re here to help young Jews live lives that are real, rooted, vital and vibrant.

That’s why, as we embark on this journey together- exploring different core values each week- I genuinely invite you to do more than read along. I invite you to reflect, respond, and recalibrate.

Ask yourself: What are my core values?

Those of my family? Have we articulated or shared them?

Do they shape how I speak, how I listen, how we make decisions, how we treat others, how I treat myself?

What kind of community could we build if we all lived by deep rooted values we actually believed in and wholeheartedly embraced?

That’s the dream. And that’s the path we are tenderly and humbly walking at Jewish Futures.

Join us in ensuring a vibrant Jewish future for all!

Shabbat Shalom

///What3Words is a geocoding system that has divided the world into a grid of 57 trillion 3-by-3 squares, each of which is identified by a unique three-word address.

In this column, Rabbi Naftali Schiff reflects upon three words each week, relating to core issues of the day. Feedback welcome! nschiff@jfutures.org Rabbi Naftali Schiff is the Founder and Chief Executive of Jewish Futures

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ARE YOU MOSHE?!

BY RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL

Want to be a servant? Of course not, it’s a tough job right?

Well there’s another side to that argument.

The number of butlers registered with Greycoat Placements, the servants’ employment agency, has almost doubled to more than 5,000 over the past five years.

It seems that demand is rampant and people are happy to work as butlers and servants.

A few years ago Buckingham palace even put an advert out searching for a new trainee butler. They were inundated with people wishing to work there.

Why is it so popular? Surely it’s a very demanding job?

Our Sages have taught us that when someone becomes a servant of a powerful king or queen, then there are perks.

‘A servant of a king is a king’!

Wherever the king goes, the servant accompanies him, staying in the most luxurious places in the world, eating of the most delicious food, surrounded by the most influential people in the world.

Being a servant can actually be exciting.

In this weeks Parasha we are taught about the ultimate servant of G-d.

Moshe is termed Moshe Avdi – Moshe my servant –‘in my whole house he is loyal. Face to face I speak with him…. ‘(Bamidbar 12:7-8).

Hashem was addressing Miriam’s speech with Aharon against Moshe’s conduct.

The Pasuk continues later – ‘why did you not fear to speak about my servant about Moshe.’

The commentators are puzzled as to why there is a double superfluous statement.

The torah didn’t need to tell us again that Moshe was Hashem’s servant. And even if it did need to repeat, surely it should have stated BeAvdi Moshe – and not BeAvdi BeMoshe.

The commentators explain that there are two types of personalities that are close to a king.

First is his top minister. Whenever there are big decisions, he will confide in his minister.

The Minister will be there with him advising and implementing the kings will.

The second is the king’s loyal servant.

He too will be in attendance of the kings presence attending to the kings every will.

On the one hand the minister is higher up and can implement big decisions, yet on the other hand, he needs to wait to see the king. He needs to organise an official meeting.

The servant is a Ben Bayit – part of the kings house, he can enter and leave the kings presence whenever he sees fit.

The king understands that the servants every move is for his benefit.

Moshe was like a minister in Hashem’s palace. He was the leader of Am Yisrael; he led them out of Egypt and encouraged them to keep Hashem’s Mitzvot. But he was also an Eved Hashem – a servant that had the opportunity to enter and leave (so

to speak) the Kings presence. He was BeAvdi (as a servant can enter at free will) and BeMoshe (like a minister and leader).

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 5:2) states that every person Rauy Lihyot Tsadik KeMoshe – has the ability to be a Tsadik like Moshe Rabenu.

How is it possible to be as righteous as Moshe?

The torah clearly states (Devarim 34:10) that there never will be a prophet as great as Moshe?

The Radak (Yehoshua 1:1) explains that an Eved Hashem is someone who puts all their actions and intentions at the will of Hashem.

This Eved Hashem will leave even mundane things to be orchestrated by Hashem.

He completely nullifies himself to his Master. Whatever he acquires, his Master acquires. This was who Moshe was.

Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman zts’l explains that every person can reach the level of righteousness of Moshe. How? By becoming a true servant of Hashem.

When we work on nullifying our will to that of the Creator, then we are working hard to become his servant like Moshe achieved. That level of righteousness is open to all.

Regarding prophecy however, we will never be able to attain the same level of Moshe as he was granted special character traits and strengths that enabled him reach that level.

In the year 5693 the Chafetz Chaim passed away. His student R Elchanan Wasserman zts’l, was asked to give a Hesped (eulogy).

A difficult task lay ahead, the Chafetz Chaim was the leader of the generation a light to the people, the author of many books which have shaped Jewish law and are used by all to this day.

He stood up and gave the Hesped with two words.

Quoting the Pasuk - Vayomot Sham Moshe – EVED Hashem. (Devarim 34:5) R Elchanan explained that Moshe’s entire life and essence was hidden in these two words.

What was the meaning of Eved Hashem?

He asked.

The Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha 88) relates the following story.

There was once a rich man who had only one son. He cherished and looked after his son with all his love and the son was always there for him.

One day the man needed to travel for business and took with him his most loyal servant. They travelled for a while amassing much wealth. But alas along the way, the man fell ill. He was worried he would die. What was he going to do?

If he wrote a will for his son, surely the servant would manipulate it and take all the wealth for himself.

He waited anticipating his healing, yet things got worse and he was forced to act.

He called in his servant and told him – “you have been a worthy servant. Therefore I have decided to inherit everything to you. However, my son will be able to first chose one thing from my inheritance and

then you can take the rest for yourself.”

The servant was excited at the ‘good’ news and after the death of his master went to the son with the inheritance document in his hand, proving his claim to the family fortune.

The son was distraught at the news, and felt even more pain when hearing that he had been left only one thing from the inheritance of his fathers massive fortune.

He went to a wise person for advice as to what to do.

The wise man explained to the son.

“Your father was very intelligent. He knew that if he would have given you all his inheritance the servant would have taken everything for himself.

Therefore he wrote out his entire inheritance to the servant, so that the servant would guard it as if it was his and allow you to choose one item.

When you get to the court, tell them that all you want to claim is the servant himself. He will be the item that you claim.

And what the servant owns the master owns (Pesachim 88b)!”

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12 JUNE 2025

Rabbi Elchanan finished his Hesped by saying that the Chafetz Chaim was an Eved Hashem, he nullified his will to that of the Creator. And his very essence was constantly carrying out the will of Hashem.

To be a servant of a king is a Zechut. To be able to enter the palace at will is of high value. This is what we have to strive to. As the Rambam states everyone has the ability to be a Tsadik like Moshe Rabenu!

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silver trumpets. Different sounds were blown for ses wanted to talk to the leaders of the tribe, when it when Moses wanted to gather the whole nation, when and when bringing the sacrifices on special holidays.

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BEHAALOTECHA

journeys and encampments in the desert, and the people journey in for‑ mation from Mount Sinai, where they had been camped for nearly a year.

Aaron is commanded to raise light in the lamps of the menorah, and the tribe of Levi is initiated into the service in the Sanctuary.

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The name of the Parshah, “Behaalo‑ techa,” means “When you raise” and it is found in Numbers 8:2.

The people are dissatisfied with their “bread from heaven” (the manna), and demand that Moses supply them with meat. Moses appoints 70 elders, to whom he imparts of his spirit, to assist him in the burden of governing the people. Miriam speaks negatively of Moses, and is punished with leprosy; Moses prays for her healing, and the entire community waits seven days for her recovery.

A “Second Passover” is instituted in response to the petition “Why should we be deprived?” by a group of Jews who were unable to bring the Passover offering in its appointed time because they were ritually impure. G‑d instructs Moses on the procedures for Israel’s View image

to light the

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A Laugh for the table A rabbi noticed a little boy staring at his watch during the entire sermon.

After Shabbat, the rabbi smiled and asked, “Were you checking the time because the sermon was long?”

The boy replied: “No, Rabbi... I was just wondering why your watch doesn’t move like mine!”

2

HEAD

3.BLAME 4.BLAME

3

4

3. Big head 4. No one to blame

5. Belong 6. Multiple choice

1

VISION VISION

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5 1. Coffee break 2. Double vision

COFFEE

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CHOICE CHOICE CHOICE 6 Dingbat Answers

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FAMILY FUN 37

1- While in the desert, the Jews ate _______ that fell from the heavens.

2- A “______ of glory” rested over the Mishkan 3- The people who were impure told Moses that they also wanted the chance to bring the _________ sacrifice 4- When the cloud was over the MIshkan, the Jews camped in that place, and when it lifted they began to _______ 6

5- The Menorah had ______ branches

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6- The Menorah was made of solid _________ 7- The story of the second Passover teaches us that it is never too _______ to do a good deed

Tangram Using all the shapes, can you make the shape on the right?

Jokes

Q: What did one candle say to the other?

A: “I’m feeling a little burned out.”

Teacher: “If you had five apples and gave one to your friend, how many would you have left?”

David: “Still five. I don’t share apples.”

Q: Why was the matzah so good at telling jokes?

A: Because it was cracking everyone up!

Riddle

I shine in the sky, but I’m not the sun.

I help you count days, one by one.

I grow and shrink, that’s my game— In the Hebrew calendar, I play a big name!

What am I?

Answer: The moon

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