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IDF fatalities named as Herzog addresses nation
BY DAVID SAFFER
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Sixteen IDF soldiers have been killed by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Security forces announced the news hours before President Isaac Herzog addressed the nation last night. The families of Lt. Ariel Reich from Jerusalem; Cpl. Asif Luger from Yagur; Sgt. Adi Danan from Yavne; Staff Sgt. Hallel Solomon from Dimona; Staff Sgt. Erez Mishlovsky from Oranit; Staff Sgt. Adi Leon from Nili; Cpl. Ido Ovadia from Tel Aviv; Cpl. Lior Siminovich from Herzliya; Staff Sgt. Roei Dawi from Jerusalem; Staff Sergeant Roei Wolf of Ramat Gan; Staff Sergeant Lavi Lipschitz of Modiin; Itai Yehudah from Rishon L’Tzion; Shai Arvas from Holon; 2nd Lt. Roi Sargosti from Ramat Hane- President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog gev: 2nd Lt. Pedayah Mark from Otniel personally and nationally. And the fallen, the and Sgt. First Class Shalev Zion Sharabi from best of our children, whom we have mourned Matna Omer have been informed. over the last days, only adds to the pendulum A total of 328 IDF soldiers have been killed of pain that we are all experiencing at this time. since the Israel-Hamas war began on October We will forever remember those who fought 7th. This is Israel’s deadliest war since the first bravely and fiercely in the mission of defending Lebanon War (1982-85) when 657 soldiers were the people and our homeland.” killed. Herzog added: “Every day, I meet families Herzog stressed “strength and resilience” and communities displaced from their homes, I within Israeli society in his address. visit the wounded in the hospitals and families In a heartfelt introduction, he said: “For al- of those missing or being held hostage. The pain most a month we have been in a war like no of the families of the hostages and the missing other. The war being fought, from the front- is simply unfathomable. My conversations line to the back, affects us, all of us mentally, with them are the most painful conversations
I have held in all of my life. I told the families, unequivocally, the hostages are in our thoughts, and their return is an integral part of the success of this campaign, of course, alongside victory in this decisive war against the enemy and restoring security to all Israeli citizens. The best minds, thousands of Israelis, from the country’s leadership to every level of the security services will work with professionalism and dedication, every minute of the day, to fulfil our moral duty as a country, to bring them back home.” Herzog welcomed the rescue of IDF soldier Ori Megidish from Hamas in a bold operation. Regarding Israel’s “monstrous enemy” Hamas, he noted: “We will not let them succeed. Our spirit cannot be broken. Hamas must not be trusted. You must not fall into the traps of psychological warfare.” Herzog added: “The enemy seeks to incite hatred within us between Jewish citizens and Arab citizens. We must eradicate any incarnation of enmity, racism and violence towards different groups within us. There are dozens of Arab citizens here who paid with their lives in the terrible massacre, and as part of the security forces and the IDF.” Herzog said the Israeli spirit was “unbreakable”, appreciated the national responsibility shown by the Opposition to strengthen the war cabinet and praised powerful allies all over the world.
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Bibi praises forces after Ori liberated BY ADAM MOSES
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog have praised Israel’s security forces for liberating Pvt. Ori Megidish during a ‘daring’ overnight rescue operation in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. No injuries were sustained by troops during the rescue mission that involved the Shin Bet, IDF and Mossad. Operational details have been held back to protect IDF efforts to rescue the remaining hostages. Megidish, 19, is the first hostage of 239, according to the IDF, to be rescued after four were released. Two Israelis and two US citizens are safe as Israel continues to strike Hamas terror targets. American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan were joined by Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 80, last week. “Welcome home Ori!,” Netanyahu said. “I commend the ISA and the IDF for this important and moving achievement, which expresses our commitment to bring about the release of all the hostage.” He added: “To the terrorists of Hamas and ISIS I say, you are monsters. We will continue to pursue you. We will continue to hunt you. We will strike you until you fall at our feet.” Herzog noted: “Our security forces operate around the clock in Gaza, in the north, in Judea and Samaria, and everywhere,
on land, in the air, and at sea. Hamas will simply not do it without pressure, and this creates pressure.” IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus confirmed to CNN: “It indeed was a special operation that was targeted in specifically getting her out. They were in there for a job.” Conricus said Megidish is “well mentally and physically” and has reunited with her family. Megidish has shared useful information
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the operation proved that the IDF could reach hostages. “It proves the importance of the ground incursion and especially our commitment to each and every one of the hostages held by the Hamas terror group,” he said. National Unity leader Benny Gantz said Israel will continue to bring IDF members home. “Our security forces are working around the clock in Gaza, on the northern border,
Corporal Ori Magidish reunited with her family
for the future about her captivity with Israeli intelligence, Conricus added. “We are definitely committed to get all of our hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza, all of them, to get them home,” he noted. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar have visited Megidish.
PHOTO: SHIN BET SPOKESMAN
She prefers to focus on the future. My father is still captive, and she worries about him greatly. They were both abducted and held in the same room underground, along with five other kibbutz members. My father probably understood that they released my mom and Yochved. The entire ordeal is very traumatic for her because the abduction was extremely violent.” “Throughout their captivity, they couldn’t grasp whether it was day or night,” Cooper added. “Now she certainly sees and understands what’s happening around her. We’ve told her who was killed and who’s still captive. She had to learn about the extent of the tragedy. She’s still in a digestion process. Every day is another small step forward, but there’s still a long way to go.” Rotem’s mother is aware a quarter of the Nir Oz community was abducted or killed. “The main focus should be on how to bring back young children, the elderly, and all the other captives,” Cooper said. “We know that the Israeli captives are alive, and this gives her some encouragement for the road ahead. It must be the top priority.” Hamas released a video of three hostages, Elena Trupanov, Danielle Aloni and Rimon Kirsht, held captive in the Gaza Strip on Monday. One criticised Netanyahu, who described the propaganda video as a “cruel psychological warfare campaign by Hamas-ISIS.” Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he said: “This battle will take time, will be marred by obstacles and loss of life but there will also be surprises and when it ends, I promise you one thing, Hamas will be beat and Gaza will not be the same. For this we need time and to ensure we have time, we must receive international support.”
in the West Bank and everywhere, on land sea and air, with endless dedication and at a risk to their lives, with a sense of calling and love of country and its people,” he said. Footage of family and friends celebrating has been shared from Megidish’s home in Kiryat Gat. “Our Ori has returned home, and now our prayers are with the remaining hostages and those still missing and our hearts go out to all of their families,” Margalit, Ori’s mother, reportedly said outside her home. Nurit Cooper has spoken for the first time about her release. Speaking from her daughter’s home in a kibbutz, Cooper has been recuperating. She is being updated on attempts to rescue hostages including her husband, Amiram, 84. “The hostages must be brought back alive,” she told the media. “I want all families to rejoice as mine did.” Rotem Cooper, Nurit’s son, reportedly told Israeli media: “Physically, she has been getting stronger. She remembers details, but she Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu & IDF doesn’t always share them. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi
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Israel’s war aims ‘consistent with proportionality in the law of self-defence’ Guglielmo Verdirame, a KC at Twenty Essex Chambers specialising in public international law, professor of international law at the King’s College London department of war studies and a non-affiliated member of the House of Lords delivered an inciteful speech during a debate on Israel at the Lords this week. This is what he said, as reported in Hansard: ‘There has been a lot of talk about proportionality in the law on self-defence. I refer to the words that the noble Lord, Lord Pannick, used a few days ago on the test of proportionality. It does not mean that the defensive force has to be equal to the force used in the armed attack. Proportionality means that you can use force that is proportionate to the defensive objective, which is to stop, to repel and to prevent further attacks. ‘Israel has described its war aims as the destruction of Hamas’s capability. From a legal perspective, these war aims are consistent with proportionality in the law of self-defence, given what Hamas says and does and what Hamas has done and continues to do. ‘Asking a state that is acting in self-defence to agree to a ceasefire before its lawful defensive objectives have been met is, in effect, asking that state to stop defending itself. For such calls to be reasonable and credible, they must be accompanied by a concrete proposal setting out how Israel’s legitimate defensive goals against Hamas
will be met through other means. It is not an answer to say that Israel has to conclude a peace treaty, because Hamas is not interested in a peace treaty. ‘Proportionality also applies in the law that governs the conduct of hostilities, not only in self-defence. The law of armed conflict requires that in every attack posing a risk to civilian life, that risk must not be excessive in relation to the military advantage that is anticipated. That rule does not mean, even when scrupulously observed, that civilians will not tragically lose their lives in an armed conflict. The law of armed conflict, at its best, can mitigate the horrors of war but it cannot eliminate them. The great challenge in this conflict is that Hamas is the kind of belligerent that cynically exploits these rules by putting civilians under its control at risk and even using them to seek immunity for its military operations, military equipment and military personnel. An analysis of the application of the rules on proportionality in targeting in this conflict must always begin with this fact. ‘There has also been some discussion about siege warfare. The UK manual of the law of armed conflict, reflecting the Government’s official legal position—it is a Ministry of Defence document—says: “Siege is a legitimate method of warfare … It would be unlawful to besiege an undefended town since it could be occupied without resistance”.
‘Gaza is not an undefended town. It is true that obligations apply to the besieging forces when civilians are caught within the area that is being encircled, and those obligations include agreeing to the passage of humanitarian relief by third parties. But it is not correct to say that encircling an area with civilians in it is not permitted by the laws of war. ‘A further point that concerns the laws of war is also of particular relevance to the British Government’s practice. It has already been mentioned that the Government have taken the view that Gaza remains under Israeli occupation, even though Israel pulled out in 2005. The traditional view until 2005 was that occupation required physical presence in the territory. That view is consistent with Article 42 of the Hague regulations of 1907, which states that a territory is occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the occupying power. Again, it is also the view taken by the UK manual of the law of armed conflict, which reflects the UK’s official legal position and states that occupation ceases as soon as the occupying power evacuates the area. The European Court of Human Rights, in its jurisprudence, has also adopted a similar approach to occupation. So I have always been rather baffled by the British Government’s position on this issue, which, as far as I know, has not changed. Yes, it is true that Israel has exercised significant control over the
Terrible Events in Israel and Rising Antisemitism:
airspace and in the maritime areas, but even as a matter of plain geography it takes two—Israel and Egypt—to control the land access points to Gaza. ‘More fundamentally, it is Hamas that has been responsible for the government and administration of Gaza. I appreciate that this is a legal matter on which the Minister may not want to respond immediately but it is an important one, because the legal fiction that Israel was still the occupying power under the laws of armed conflict has been relentlessly exploited by Hamas to blame Israel for everything, while using the effective control that it has over the territory, the people and the resources to wage war. ‘On a final note, I would like to say something briefly on the way in which the war is being reported. When a serious allegation is made, particularly one that could constitute a war crime, the immediate response of the law-abiding belligerent will be to say, “We are investigating”. The non-law-abiding belligerent, by contrast, will forthwith blame the other side and even provide surprisingly precise casualty figures. The duty to investigate is one of the most important ones in armed conflict. What happened in the way in which the strike on the hospital was reported is that the side that professes no interest whatever in complying with the laws of armed conflict was rewarded with the headlines that it was seeking.’
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Solidarity events and online briefings BY DAVID SAFFER
The Board of Deputies, Community Security Trust and Union of Jewish Students have participated in online briefings to Jewish communities following the surge in antisemitic incidents. Solidarity rallies continue across the country along with fundraising and awareness events. The Board, CST and UJS led educational briefings this week. Government ministers participated. Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan praised the work of the CST and stated that the Home Office and Police would keep schools, colleges and universities safe. “We will stop at nothing to stamp out antisemitism,” she said. Lord John Mann noted: “Across government, parliament and community leaders there is unity of purpose. Any abuse, intimidation or bullying of any Jewish pupil at any time is unacceptable. Across our country the overwhelming vast majority of British people are with us. They hate Hamas, they detest and loath terrorism, they are stunned, shocked and sickened about what happened in Israel. That vast majority are not going to march on the streets and are with the Jewish community.” Mann said there would be no tolerance to antisemitism, Hamas and terrorism. Mark Gardener, CST, overviewed the security network across Jewish
communities and appealed to community members to call in antisemitic incidents around the country. Outlining Street Wise, Stand Up programmes, and self defence training, Gardner called on parents to give children strength and resilience. Edward Issacs, UJS president, spoke about student anxieties with a message to remain vigilant. The Board, BICOM, Jewish Leadership Council, UJIA and CST updated communtities on the situation in Israel last Sunday. BoD president Marie van de Zyl said complaints had been made about misreporting by the BBC. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terror and was sickened that British Jews were looking over their shoulders while children were covering up school badges for fear of attack. The government, he said, was working with the CST and police to tackle extremism. “I stand with Britain’s Jewish community and Israel against terror always,” Sunak noted in a video message. IDF spokesman Lt Col. Res Jonathan Conricus overviewed the IDF striking Hamas military targets. “We will take the fight to Hamas inside Gaza and hunt them in their tunnels,” he explained. “We will return home after we dismantle Hamas, after taking our
hostages back, and make sure there are no military capabilities in Gaza capable of threatening Israeli civilians. Hamas are a formidable enemy in the north. If Hezbollah escalate beyond a certain threshold, Lebanon will pay a price.” Resource hosted a special event on Tuesday for over 30 Israeli people in the UK offering practical tips on starting work in a new country. Kim Maidment, an experienced HR and outplacement specialist, and Israeli/UK lawyer Liran Peretz specialising in UK Immigration law guided attendees through a range of topics including accommodation, finding employment, taxes, driving licences and medical insurance. An overview of routes for obtaining working visas under the UK immigration rules was also discussed. Attendees left with a better understanding of the employment culture in the UK, useful sources such as Citizens Advice Bureau, HMRC, ACAS and Turn2Us, plus Facebook groups to use. Campaign Against Antisemitism responded to 100,000 protesters turning central London into a ‘no-go’ zone for a third consecutive weekend last Saturday. Home Secretary Suella Braverman described the rallies as “hate marches”. CAA noted: “Londoners, including British Jews, are afraid to enter central London during these marches because there are people openly engaging in support for terrorism, extremist chanting,
2 NOVEMBER 2023
and incitement to religious hatred,” said a spokesman. CAA demanded Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of Police, uses his powers under section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986 to bring this situation under control. An estimated 1,000 people gathered outside New Scotland Yard last Wednesday night to show the depth of feeling at incidents across the country since the massacre of 1,400 Israeli citizens. Placards read “Make arrests, not excuses”, “Enforce the law”, “Zero tolerance for antisemites” and “Act against hate before it’s too late”. CAA, meantime, have written to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to proscribe Hizb ut-Tahrir under the Terrorism Act. They continue to investigate individuals to criminal and regulatory authorities. CST has seen an unprecedented 700% rise in anti-Jewish hate incidents in the UK, more than in the previous six months, since the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. This has mainly involved verbal abuse and threats, graffiti or online hate. CST is aware there is a risk of increased antisemitic violence should the situation worsen in Israel. They have called on communities to be vigilant and follow security procedures. CST updates information and guidance on social media and its website.
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IDF will “clean” out Hamas from Gaza BY DAVID SAFFER
Mark Regev, senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, offered a frank assessment during a hard-hitting interview on LBC radio about the Israel-Hamas war on Monday morning. Interviewed by Nick Ferrari, Regev explained to listeners Israel’s stance on the hostages and a videotape tape of Elena Trufanov, Daniela Aloni and Rimon Kirsht taken under duress released this week. Netanyahu described the propaganda video as a “cruel psychological warfare campaign by Hamas-ISIS.” Regev said the interview was done at gunpoint, adding: “Nobody has any illusions about Hamas. We saw the sort of violence Hamas committed against Israeli civilians or October 7. I feel for the hostages and their families.” Commenting on the rescue of IDF soldier Ori Megidish as part of a military operation, the former Israel Ambassador to the UK, noted: “That was an amazing piece of good news, the whole country celebrated her release. She’s back with the family and the reports say she is healthy physically.” Regev said Israel’s approach to the hostages was not based on an assumption that Hamas had suddenly become “humanitarians” and the “boy scouts of the Middle East”. “They are callous, they are cruel, they
are capable of horrific violence, the only way to expedite the release of the hostages is to keep ratcheting up the pressure on Hamas,” he observed. Asked whether there would be a lengthy occupation, Regev responded: “We have no desire to stay in Gaza on any sort of permanent basis, we will go into Gaza to clean it out of Hamas. Just as Britain was part of a coalition to destroy ISIS’ control of areas in Iraq and Syria,
Mark Regev, Senior adviser to PM Benjamin Netanyahu
that is our model. You were victorious. It took difficult fighting, but in the end, you defeated ISIS and destroyed their territorial base. “Hamas is ISIS on steroids, they are capable of violence more gruesome than we saw from ISIS. Our goal is to end this terror enclave on our southern border. We refuse to live next to it any longer.”
Regarding the reported number of innocent Palestinians killed under Hamas’ ‘controlled authority’, Regev told Ferrari: “Just as they kill innocent people they are very good at killing the truth. We don’t know the numbers of fatalities in Gaza, more importantly, how many of them are Hamas fighters. They are all civilians in Hamas’ narrative but we are trying to be as surgical as possible. We are attacking the Hamas military machine.” Regev added: “We don’t want to see civilian casualties, we don’t want the people of Gaza caught in the crossfire between us and Hamas. We have been calling for two weeks for people to leave the north where there is going to be very heavy fighting, some 800,000 Palestinians have heeded our PHOTO: LBC advice. While Israel is making a maximum effort to see civilians leave future zones of combat, Hamas tells them they have to become martyrs for its crazy ideological cause. Hamas has put up road blocks to prevent people leaving. What does that say about their attitude to civilian casualties.” Ferrari asked Regev about pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London where
Home Secretary Suela Braverman called them a ‘hate march’. Regev said there were people on the marches who supported Hamas and Hamas apologists but also people marching for peace, but they didn’t understand the situation in Gaza. He explained: “Hamas is the most vicious enemy of anyone who wants peace in the Middle East and of the Palestinian people. Hamas is opposed to any peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Hamas says Israel has no right to exist in any borders, Hamas says any Jew is a legitimate target for any murder, Hamas says that any Arab who negotiates peace with Israel who even has the temerity to negotiate with Israel is a traitor and you know what has to be done to traitors. These people are the most brutal enemies of anyone who wants peace. And what have they inflicted on the people of Gaza. In 16 years of power what have they got to show… violence, impoverishment and suffering in Gaza. “The people of Gaza deserve better than this group of cut-throat terrorists who run the Gaza Strip. As ISIS was defeated Hamas will be defeated. As ISIS was removed Hamas will be removed. It will be better for the people of Israel who will not have to live in fear of this terror enclave and it will be better for the people of Gaza who hopefully will get rulers who will care about them.”
TRA_MA WE CAN’T OFFER ENOUGH HELP WITHOUT U The Emunah Sarah Ronson Crisis and Intervention Centre, located in Sderot near the border of Gaza, is an ongoing beacon of hope and healing for a devastated community. The centre is providing vital care for those grieving the loss of loved ones or dealing with the heart-wrenching pain of missing family members. We urgently need your support to help us provide critical therapy sessions, crisis interventions, and a safe haven for children and families who have been displaced or traumatised by the attacks.
Please donate now at www.emunah.org.uk, scan the code or call 020 8203 6066 British Emunah: Registered charity no. 215398
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Europe’s Chief Rabbis call to action
BY ADAM MOSES
The Conference of European Rabbis has called on European governments to continue to protect Jewish communities following a huge rise in antisemitic incidents since Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel on October 7. CER’s move comes as President Isaac Herzog met leaders of the European Jewish community, led by President of the European Jewish Congress, Ariel Muzicant. The Chief Rabbis of Europe and CER have voiced deep concern over increased hate incidents. “Nearly every synagogue or Jewish institution across Europe has been affected,” a statement noted. “Many of our members are fearful for their lives. As Europeans, we consider this situation unacceptable. Jews should not be afraid to go to the synagogue, to send their children to school or to wear a kippah in public. Just like everyone else, they must be free to practice their religion and lead their lives fully and in accordance with their traditions.” CER are grateful for past support from European governments over many years. “We recognise their efforts to see Jewish communities prosper and grow,” noted the statement. “Not least, we appreciate their commitment to an idea of Europe in which minorities are protected and people from different faiths and backgrounds can live together peacefully.” Recent events has seen political commitment severely tested.
“The ongoing threats against Jews and Jewish institutions are not just hate crimes, or a misguided response to the situation in the Middle East,” the statement explained. “They are attacks on Europe and the European way of life. As Jews, we remain committed to the vision of a modern,
antisemitic acts, ban Middle Eastern terrorist organisations and supporter networks, crack down on antisemitism on social media, ensure non-citizens convicted of terrorism or anti-Jewish hatred are expelled or not allowed to enter Europe and fully implement national and European strategies
PHOTO: ELI ITKIN/CER
President of the CER, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmitd
democratic, pluralistic Europe. But many in our communities are asking, is Europe committed to us?” CER has called on governments to upgrade security arrangements for Jewish institutions. They also want increased efforts to identify and prosecute perpetrators of
He said: “This is a message that must be heard loud and clear. When they say from the ‘river to the sea’, they mean without any Jews. When they demonstrate on campuses against Israel, they mean without Jews. When they criticise Israel, fighting to defend its people, and fighting against the most brutal attack that humanity has seen in last generation, they mean no Jews.” Herzog added: “This is a fight not only against Israel. It is a fight against antisemites all over the world, and we are here to strengthen our brothers and sisters of Jewish communities all over the world, to show solidarity with them, because we are all in this together. “We support the Jewish communities. We call upon world leaders and upon each state’s leadership to make sure that Jews are protected and defended, and that the fight against antisemitism is covered in all layers of the legal and law enforcement systems so that Jews will not be hurt. “Hamas, Al Qaeda and ISIS are all together in wishing to ban us all from the face of the earth. It starts with Israel, it starts with the Jews. It will never end there. Europe will be next. And that is why we are fighting a battle on behalf of the entire world.”
on combing antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. “The words ‘never again’ must have meaning,” the statement concluded. “Now is a time for action.” Herzog raised serious concerns about the rise in antisemitism in Europe around the world.
Yad Vashem welcomes displaced students BY ADAM MOSES
Yad Vashem has opened the International School for Holocaust Studies so evacuated children from southern Israel can return to studies. Some 300 students have resumed educational activities despite the ongoing war in Gaza. Yad Vashem’s directorate, the Ministry of Education and Regional Council of Sedot HaNegev have welcomed displaced families and children from the south to Jerusalem. The International School, located near the Mount of Remembrance offers lessons for elementary, middle and high school students. Around 50 Yad Vashem staff have volunteered to assist. “At a time when we are experiencing one of the most difficult crises in the history of our country, it is our duty to
extend a helping hand and do what we educators, students and community can to support those affected,” said Yad leaders and influencers from around the Vashem chairman Dani Dayan. world. “Israelis and Jews worldwide are united together in the face of those who seek to harm us. By opening the doors of our International School, we hope to provide these children with a routine in order to infuse a sense of normalcy and provide for their continued educational future.” During the day, students receive a learning kit with meals. In addition to classes Yad Vashem offers lectures on topics for parents who accompany children to the school. The International School normally shares the memory of the Holocaust to groups of Yad Vashem Chairman, Dani Dayan
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AAD blasts UK football community BY ADAM MOSES
Action Against Discrimination has blasted football bodies and a number of clubs for failing to stop hostility towards the State of Israel and UK Jewish community during the current Israel-Gaza conflict. AAD has also voiced disdain over a failure to condemn unconditionally atrocities committed by terrorist organisation Hamas. Only last week hundreds of Celtic supporters have flown the Palestinian flag at games with Hearts and Atletico Madrid. And a number of Liverpool fans did likewise in the Everton derby clash illustrating this malaise. Last month the Jewish community was let down by the Football Association not lighting up the Wembley stadium arch at the Australia friendly in memory of Israelis murdered by Hamas. Rabbi Alex Goldberg, chairman of the Football Associations Faith in Football Group, resigned over the incident. The Premier League was criticised for
releasing an ambiguous response, failing chairman David Bernstein and leading to condemn attacks on Israel and for football agent Jonathan Barnett. not treating Hamas attacks as terrorism. Metliss observed: “The presence of There was also strong criticism from Palestinian flags at football matches and Moshe Zuares, chairman of the Israeli other sporting events is an incitement Football Association and Erez Halfon, to racial hatred, indeed, it provokes and Israeli Professional encourages antisemitic Leagues chairman. behaviour and arguably Jewish Club owners is a form of ‘Jew baiting’.” have been criticised for AAD condemned this not adopting a strongbehaviour during the er stance in favour of last Israel-Gaza conflict Israel. This resulted in in 2021 when Palestinthe resignation of the ian flags were flown by Jewish chairman of the Leicester City players at Tottenham Hotspur the FA Cup Final. Tribute Trust. Disappointingly, this These strong views anti-Israel and antisewere expressed at mitic trend continues, an Antisemitism in as demonstrated by Sport event at Bushey Instagram statements Synagogue last month, AAD Chairman, Jonathan Metliss of Arsenal footballer chaired by AAD chairman Jonathan Mohamed Elneny, further pro Palestine Metliss. online messages from the Leicester City Panellists included Henry Winter, player Hamza Choudhury and only last chief football writer of The Times, former Sunday children in an U14 team refusing Football Association and Manchester City to play football with Jewish players from
NEWS 11
Maccabi Lions. Metliss said: “The sports world continues to be used as a political playing field, in this case to the detriment of the Jewish community which feels, understandably, that they are being let down and abandoned. It has been reported that Chelsea’s Israeli Supporters Club have been told they cannot display a banner containing the Star of David. Who can forget cricketer Moeen Ali sporting a ‘Free Palestine’ wrist band in 2014 and being told to remove this by the International Cricket Council? All this activity encourages antisemitism and must be corrected.” Metliss continues to call for the abolition of the ‘Y’ word chanting by Tottenham Hotspur supporters. “AAD will play an active role in this process,” he noted. “We call on relevant football authorities, clubs, police, politicians of all parties, press, Jewish community organisations and stakeholders in the UK football world to do likewise.”
Pope calls for release of hostages and ceasefire BY DAVID SAFFER
Pope Francis has called the release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. “Let no-one abandon the possibility of stopping the weapons,” he reportedly said at his weekly blessing in St. Peter’s Square last Sunday. “We say ‘ceasefire, ceasefire’. Brothers and sisters, stop! War is always a defeat, always.” The Pope added: “I encourage the release of hostages, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.” He addressed Italian-speaking pilgrims last week, noting his ongoing concern and prays for those who suffer and hope for a path of peace in the Middle East. World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder appealed to the Pope at the Vatican to help save hostages held in Gaza at a recent meeting. The audience came during the establishment of the first liaison office of a Jewish organisation on Vatican property. It followed WJC’s emergency meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, of over 40 Jewish communities to bolster support for Israel. Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, told journalists the Vatican strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel.
He also emphasised Pope Francis’ call for the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. “We ask Your Holiness to use your power, to use your strength, to get these hostages released,” Lauder said in addressing the pontiff. “You may be the only person who has the moral authority to do this. I believe that G-d in his way has brought us here today to ask you to do this, on behalf of all the Jewish people in the world.” Regarding the WJC office, Lauder noted, “For decades, the WJC has tirelessly pursued a deeper bond between world Jewry and the Catholic Church. Our Vatican office’s inauguration crystallises the unwavering dedication of both the WJC and the Holy See to mend historical rifts and sculpt a future underscored by unity, particularly as Israel counters devastating assaults.” In a symbolic gesture, Lauder bestowed upon Pope Francis a document, Kishreinu, binding Jewish and Catholic communities around the globe. It stands as the WJC’s response to the Nostra Aetate Declaration by the Second Vatican Council in 1965, which heralded relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Jewish people. The Kishreinu initiative was introduced to the Vatican in November 2022. Pope Francis stated at the time: “Our
intertwined communities of faith shoulder the sacred duty of weaving a world imbued with brotherhood, challenging inequalities, championing justice and ensuring peace transcends ethereal realms to root firmly in our shared reality.” In other WJC news, Jewish communal leaders from over 40 nations attended an emergency session in Zagreb. The organisation presented an action plan to bolster support for Israel. “The Jewish diaspora stands unequivocally in unwavering support of the citizens of Israel and the IDF during these challenging times,” said Lauder. “In unity lies our indomitable strength.” WJC called on all governments, civil society and international organisations to unequivocally classify Hamas as an internationally recognised terror organisation, if they have not already done so. “Delay in such recognition not only undermines global security but also emboldens the perpetrators,” they noted. WJC also called for the safe return of hostages. A proactive stance to deterrence included a strategic financial embargo, media Integrity and accountability, digital social media vigilance, unwavering global support, prioritising safety and respect in academia. WJC will support communities and
advance discussion within international forums, including the United Nations and European Union. “During this unprecedented crisis, it has been critical for global Jewish representatives to share their experiences and learn from each other,” Amb. Lauder said. “As a result, we developed a concrete, unified plan of action that will steer us in the coming weeks. Together, our voices and actions are more powerful.” Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenkovic met WJC leaders and held a moment of silence to victims in Israel and civilians under threat from Hamas rockets. “The government of Croatia stands united and in solidarity with Israel,” he told Jewish community leaders. “We have strongly condemned the terrorist crimes of Hamas and its murder of civilians including women and children. As we continue to voice our support to Israel, we must also to do so for Jewish communities around the world. Jewish citizens must feel comfortable to practice their faith, and the Croatian government will do everything possible to protect our Jewish community.” The meeting in Croatia, which serves as chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, was scheduled to focus on Holocaust revisionism but addressed the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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In Defence of Israel: When Law, Morality, and Security Coalesce OPINION PIECE BY STEVEN WINSTON
The ceaseless allegations against Israel are flowing in. What could be more in vogue these days than pointing accusatory fingers at the Jewish state, accusing it of every international law transgression in the book? But let us, for a moment, shelve our fervour for the superficial headlines and delve into the inconvenient realm of facts. Recently, an event organised by the National Jewish Assembly provided the podium for retired British Army Officer Colonel Richard Kemp CBE, Israeli legal scholar
Colonel Richard Kemp CBE
Professor Avi Bell, and UK Lawyers for Israel Director Natasha Hausdorff to lay bare the stringent realities of international law in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Their erudite arguments revealed a comprehensive, albeit frequently overlooked, perspective: that Israel is operating well within the confines of international law, both in spirit and in letter, in its efforts to defeat Hamas. Colonel Richard Kemp set the tone with a well-seasoned military perspective. A critic might ask: Is it proportionate to answer rocket attacks with air strikes? The question is misguided. Proportionality, in international law, is not a tit-for-tat equation. To anyone with a moral compass, it would be completely unjust and indefensible for Israel to retaliate by committing wanton massacre, rape, and mutilation of 1,300 Gazans in the same way Hamas targeted Israeli civilians on October 7. Rather, it measures whether the military advantage gained is proportional to the harm inflicted upon civilians. And Israel, Kemp argues, goes to extraordinary lengths to minimise civilian casualties, often at the cost of operational success. So, next time you hear of a ‘disproportional response,’ remember that it’s not a child’s game of ‘an eye for an eye.’ Professor Avi Bell introduced another thorny issue: human shields. Critics are quick to decry Israel for targeting civilian
areas, conveniently ignoring that Hamas often uses civilians as human shields. International law clearly does not hold a party responsible for the endangerment of civilians if the enemy exploits them for their ends. If it did, insurgencies would wield an invincible tool against organised military powers. Natasha Hausdorff, maintaining a keen legal eye, dealt with the controversial blockade of Gaza. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a form of collective punishment. The laws of siege are not merely passages from antiquated tomes but are recognised in contemporary international law. The aim is not to starve but to stifle Hamas’ military capabilities. Israel even permits humanitarian aid, though not obligated when said aid can be weaponised by Hamas. The fact that Israel is allowing the provision of humanitarian aid via the Rafah Crossing with Egypt, is a testament to Israel’s commitment to assisting in the welfare of Palestinian civilians and minimising civilian casualties. When we combine these arguments, a clear and robust framework of legal and moral propriety appears. Israel is not merely satisfying the bare minimum of the law, but is working within this framework to protect its citizens while minimising harm to Palestinian civilians, who are, sadly, used as pawns by Hamas - proscribed terrorist organisation. The tragedy is not of Israel’s
making but a by-product of Hamas’ tactics that contravene both morality and law. It would be naive to expect Israel to respond to existential threats with impassivity, especially when the threats come from a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and other powers. Israel’s military actions are not only lawful but carry a moral authority. We should expect and demand nothing less from the Israeli Defence Forces. So, the next time you encounter a headline screaming about Israeli ‘war crimes,’ remember this: Law is not a matter of public opinion. It is a well-crafted system that anticipates the fog of war, the complexity of human decisions, and the grim necessities of survival. Israel’s actions should not only be understood within this framework, rather the Israeli Defence Force should be applauded for maintaining a strong sense of ethics and legality under the most trying conditions. In the unfolding Israel-Hamas war, questions of legality, morality, and necessity all coalesce in Israel’s favour. Steve Winston is the Managing Director of the National Jewish Assembly.
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Sunak visits Jewish school me in Parliament telling me that she had considered cancelling because of fears about the safety of Jewish people in central In the 24 days from morn- London. ing of the vile terror attacks An MP colleague has reported meeting by Hamas to 30th October a Jewish school group in which all the boys 2023, the Community Security Trust re- were wearing baseball caps to hide their corded 872 kippahs on the way to antisemitic Parliament. It is unacceptincidents able for any individual across the or group to feel they UK. In the same 24 days have to hide who they in 2022, they are for fear of being atrecorded tacked or harassed on 116. That is the streets of our capital city – a place that an increase of 652%. has long prided itself on its record on diverI found it profoundly sity and inclusion. I welcome assurtroubling ances from the Prime to read this Prime Minister sitting with senior staff in Jewish School Minister and the Home Secreconclusion in the latest CST update. In a call with Sir tary that they expect police and prosecutors Mark Rowley with MPs earlier this week, I to deliver the full force of the law against expressed my outrage that hate-filled gen- perpetrators of anti-Jewish hate crime. I ocidal chants and displays at recent mass also welcome Rishi Sunak’s decision to protests have left my Jewish constituents, travel to my constituency in Barnet to a friends and neighbours in a state of deep Jewish school to show his visible support anxiety about their security. I recounted and solidarity with the Jewish communithe story of a constituent who had visited ty. On that visit we heard some incredibly OPINION PIECE BY THERESA VILLIERS MP
articulate and powerful speeches from stu- continue to use them as human shields, dents about the impact on them and their in addition to the sickening atrocities they families of the horrific terrorist attacks in committed on 7th October. southern Israel. The willingness of some media outlets The sense of insecurity my constituents and public figures to swallow Hamas propfeel is not helped by repeated false allega- aganda about the Al Ahli hospital explotions made against Israel. It was depress- sion, without waiting for the facts to be ingly predictable that support for Israel’s established, worsened the situation and military action to defend its citizens would had a real-world negative impact on relastart to erode on the left of UK politics with- tionships in the region. Those Labour MPs in days of the 7th October attacks. Suddenly who casually, and wrongly, accuse Israel many backbench Labour MPs seem to be of war crimes should check their facts, not self-proclaimed experts on complex ques- rush to judgment. tions of proportionality and international humanitarian law. I am in no doubt that the Israeli Defence Forces are making, and will continue to make, the greatest efforts possible to prevent civilian loss of life. Israel is one of the most democratic countries in the world, and it respects the rule of law. I am certain that its democratic and legal institutions will hold its armed forces rigorously to account. The side of this conflict committing the crimes is Hamas who have been brutalising the population of Gaza for years and Prime Minister Sunak being shown around the school
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Surely something missing? OPINION PIECE BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN
Three things happened to me on Wednesday last week. The first was an article online about the American comedienne Amy Schumer. She put out a statement on Instagram and it bears repeating as a whole: If you scream ‘genocide’ but were silent about the massacre on October 7, you might hate Jews. If you call for a ceasefire but not the release of hostages, you might hate Jews. If you spoke out against Israel’s tragic bombing of the hospital in Gaza, but made no correction once you learned it was actually done by Islamic Jihad, you might hate Jews. I was rather impressed with this, since it captures so many people who claim to be pushing for peace, but actually are pushing for Hamas, and if not for Hamas then certainly against the Jews. I say Jews because that is clearly what this is now all about. The pretence that it is just Israel that causes people problems has been suddenly and brutally swept away.
I remember the events surrounding the last time Israel went into Gaza, in 2014 fairly well. There were demonstrations by Palestine supporters all over the country, and the press were not keen on producing anything other than biased reports. I am sorry to say that I believe the crisis today is much, much worse. Although the UK Government has been rock solid in their support for Israel, the non-governmental institutions have not been so helpful. The second is the appalling conduct of the BBC. I suspect that most Jews in the UK today will either not be watching the BBC News, or if they are just refusing to believe most of what is said. Their slavish attachment to everything that Hamas says, particularly about the hospital explosion says all you need to know about bias in the broadcasting media. Frankly, I believe that the BBC should be referred to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for stirring up anti-Semitism. A bit far you might say? Well, look at it this way. All the research on Jews and Israel tell you two things. Firstly that a substantial number of Jews in the UK support Israel. Second, every time there is a flare up of hostilities between Israel and
one of their neighbours either on the West Bank or Gaza, there is an increase in anti-Semitism. Given that as a background one would hope for extra effort from the BBC to get the news right. Sadly not. The explosion in the hospital car park a few days ago was swiftly blamed on Israel by the BBC and they just repeated parrot fashion the numbers claimed by Hamas to have been killed – 500. Within single figure minutes of the explosion the BBC just put out the number 500. How could they possibly know? They couldn’t, they just relied on the terrorists to give them a number and just regurgitated it. Going back to the research. The BBC knows that there is increased anti-Semitism at times like these and so instead of being more cautious about reporting news which would increase that, they have deliberately chosen to be careless and slovenly, knowing the likelihood of a reaction against British Jews. Not impressive. The third thing was the publication of a letter from 150 Muslim Labour councillors to Keir Starmer calling for a ceasefire. Back to Ms Schumer. The letter is carefully written. It mentions the massacre of the 7th October and then doesn’t mention
Israel again, or the rockets still being fired into civilian areas. Hostages? Yes, they get a mention but only once with nothing said about this being a war crime. Hamas? Nope. Nothing. Not even a reference, oblique or otherwise. This is all about Israel being responsible for the plight of the people living in Gaza. Nothing about the Jihadist terror group which runs the place, nothing about their declared intention to kill Jews, just nothing. So well done Ms Schumer, very well said. How the BBC can claim to be news reporters is a mystery. They may as well just take the Hamas leaflets, and paste BBC on top for all the attention they pay to impartiality. And as for the 150 Muslim Labour councillors, I wonder what Ms Schumer might have to say about them? Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.
Does Jewish Law Demand a Response to Climate Change? with Rabbi Jeremy Wieder Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University, New York We are all concerned about pollution and climate change, but what does Judaism ask of us to do about it? In this very special event, we will hear from a world-class religious leader about how traditional sources apply to this important issue. Sunday 19 November | 8–9:15pm | In person and online During the current war in Israel, our regular programme of learning will continue wherever possible, and will be dedicated as a merit for the hostages, the injured and those protecting Israel.
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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.
Israel at 75 - What’s in a number? Dear Editor Hamas committed the recent attrocities against Israel on October 7 This year, that day was Shemini (7) Atzeret (7), one, when In Israel it was also Simchat (7), Torah, The most joyous day in the Hebrew calendar When in our Shuls all over Israel, will have got The wonderful sight and sounds of (7) Hakafot It was Shabbat (7) the 7th day of the week, this year That such a day was chosen by Hamas is surely, clear Almost 50 years to the day since the start of the Yom Kippur War of 1973 It was the worst day of carnage and
Before Chanukah - we pray now for miracles Hopefully soon, our Jewish Homeland, Baruch Hashem Will recover from this tragedy and thrive once again The indomitable spirit of Israelis and the Jewish people Are what I believe none of our enemies will ever kill As best you can, I hope that everyone will try To have a peaceful Shabbat - AM YISRAEL CHAI
bloodshed in Israel’s 75-year history
J D Milaric
There are 7 border crossings that surround the Gaza Strip, openings Through some of these, terrorists entered and did horrific things Indiscriminately, to so many, innocent Israeli citizens They’re surely not representaive of most Palestinians
7 - where the words contain 7 letters.
HMD (Holocaust Memorial Day) takes place, each year, on January 27 Maybe, now there’ll be another HMD (Hamas Massacre Day) October 7 Which the Jewish people will commemorate As the most recent, unspeakable day of hate As we still, sadly, await to know the fate Of many hostages and the injured in hospitals
Open Heart Surgery Open Heart Surgery, no anesthetic The pain is raw, piercing cries War again, Planes flying, sirens blasting, Chaos, refuge, quiet streets Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad Thank You! Tatte! Abba! Father! For calling us back, Your love is so great, Your Light is so bright Am Yisrael, Your treasured Nation Are coming back Our pulse, our soul, our heartbeat Have come back to life
OPINION
2 NOVEMBER 2023 As we unite forever more Hold us tight, so You Hashem, suffer no more. Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad Am Yisrael, a spirit so strong Wipe out Amalek! Until the very last one! The enemy within and the enemy outside Then the world will be pure. Please help us to see the Truth To see Only You with utmost joy in all that we do! No more divisions and petty conflictions Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad Take the time- to close your eyes, Breath calmly, with Hashem No more fear, He loves you so dear Prepare yourself, push away the night Am Yisrael, be a vessel for His Light When nothing makes sense, hold on TIGHT Trust in Hashem Shed a tear, of love and connection Hashem, our Master Our Power, The Only One Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad Bracha Dadash
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We must not abandon Britain OPINION PIECE BY GAVRIEL SOLOMONS
This is a worrying time to be a Jew. As Israel deals with the direct consequences of October 7th, diaspora Jews are facing a wave of antisemitism. Central London is being swarmed by anti-Zionists, social and broadcast media are awash with disinformation, and many Jews face harassment in the streets. There is such a sense of fear and apprehension in our community that some have spoken of feeling safer under rocket fire in Tel Aviv than walking the streets of London wearing a kipa or Magen David. Most are wondering how safe they and their family truly are in the UK, and some whether it is time to make aliyah. Perhaps you, the reader, are currently weighing your options. It’s easy to think this way. In the evening after the Downing Street vigil on October 9th, myself and other attendees (Jewish and non-Jewish) were confronted by a sea of Palestinian flags and a keffiyeh-wearing mob screaming “f*** Israel”, “allahu akbar”, “from the river to the sea” and the other usual diatribes. Least to say that those of us with kipot instantly took them off, and we stood there trying not to look too scared as they marched past. Never before had I felt such a chill down my spine. I mention this to make clear it is not lightly that I argue we
challenges in the UK, but those challenges should not let fear get the better of us. Those of us on social media should step are not existential threats to our communiback to consider whether antisemitic and ty. The problems of entrenched destructive anti-Israel views are truly as widespread as progressivism and Islamism also affect nonthey might appear. It’s natural for a trendy Jews as much as us. When having pessimisprotest in London to achieve large numbers tic conversations with non-Jewish friends but current marches are no larger than those about the country’s future, I sometimes joke in 2021 and don’t represent the country as “well at least I can always go to Israel”. Some a whole. A recent YouGov poll showed that then ask “can I come with?” Britain has been unlike beforehand, when 10% of the popula- good to our community, most of our ancestion were pro-Israel and 24% pro-Palestine, tors arrived fleeing persecution and made new, successful lives those pro-Israel now lead at 21% to 17%. here. We should not The majority are abandon it, nor our neutral or undecidnon-Jewish friends ed. This isn’t 1930s and compatriots, in a Germany, the nummoment of panic. bers show a country Abandoning Britain which largely doesn’t wouldn’t be good for PHOTO: WHITE HOUSE us theoretical Israecare about the con- Signing of the Abraham Accords flict but has shifted in lis either. Despite the favour of Israel in response to the horrors Abraham Accords, Israel continues to be of October 7th. The “silent majority” is real an island in a Middle East which generally - it simply tends to be silent. And still I’ve despises and seeks its annihilation - only been inundated with messages of sympathy tempered by the pragmatism of many Arab from non-Jewish friends and acquaintances, leaders and the diplomatic, financial and most I meet expressing the same. Our phone military support which Israel receives from at one point wouldn’t seem to stop ringing Western allies. If we and other diaspora and we had flowers and cards sent to our communities abandon our countries for door as non-Jews reached out to their local Israel then we permanently weaken the supJewish community to make it known that we port which it relies upon, and make more had their support. likely a world in which the Jewish nation This doesn’t mean that we don’t face stands alone.
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Israel needs the diaspora for another reason. Looking back at our history, it is unlikely that we would have survived the destruction of our temples and the disastrous Bar Kochba revolt if not for the various pre-existing communities around the Mediterranean and Near East. A major reason why our people have survived so long in an often-hostile world is that whenever we were expelled we had another place to go, and whenever we were exterminated there were others who survived. There is currently a higher proportion of Jews in Israel than at any time since the First Temple Period. In one sense, this is a positive as it strengthens Israel. In another, it poses an existential threat. Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, has said ‘If all the Jews gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of chasing them down around the world.’ If every Jew lives in Israel and Iran develops nuclear weapons, we could reach a stage where it poses an existential threat not just to Israel but to our entire people’s existence. Of course, one person or family making Aliyah doesn’t change the larger picture of geopolitics. But it does contribute in part. Let’s avoid panicking, recognise what we have in the UK, and fight to maintain it. Gavriel Solomons is the Vice Chair of the NJA’s Young NJA
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Jewish Futures Hosts United Havdalah Event: “Let There Be Light” In a powerful display of unity and solidarity, over 500 people gathered for an evening of hope at the “Let There Be Light” Havdalah event, hosted by Jewish Futures. Held in support of Israel, this community-wide event illuminated the darkness that has befallen the world, emphasizing the importance of shared goodness, togetherness, moral clarity, and the unwavering resolve to stand up for what is right. The event, which took place at Hasmonean Girls School in Hendon commenced with a beautiful rendition of Shema Yisrael by Yoni Shine, setting the tone for an evening of profound reflection and unity. Rabbi Schiff, in a poignant moment, welcomed Nicky and Chantal Young, parents of Nathanel Young former JFS student, one of the brave soldiers who was killed on October 7th. Chantal Young shared Nathanel’s passion for defending his country and urged parents to support their children in pursuing their dreams, emphasizing the importance of expressing love for your children daily. Rabbi Schiff related that as a lone IDF soldier, Nathanel lived at Habayit Shel Benji, set up I momory of Rabbi Schiff’s cousin British born Benji Hillman, killed
PHOTO: LEIVI SALTMAN
in the 2nd Lebanon war. A touching video tribute to Nathanel, showcasing his life through videos, pictures, and emotional news coverage, was presented by Jewish Futures, evoking a sense of collective remembrance and honouring his bravery. Rivka Magzimof, representing Shelanu and a member organisation of the Jewish Futures family, shared the remarkable efforts of the Shelanu community in supporting the tens of thousands of Israelis residing in the United Kingdom. Rivka whose husband Eli was called up and left for Israel on Simchat Torah, recounted the challenges faced by families like hers, highlighting the pressing need for unity and assistance within the community. Rivka and Eli’s son has his Bar Mitzvah this coming weekend, which was originally meant to be in Israel has been reorganized to take place in London, with a special visit from Eli returning home for a few days. She emphasized the importance of finding light even in the darkest of times, heralding the emergence
PHOTO: LEIVI SALTMAN
of numerous initiatives to aid fellow community members and soldiers. Rabbi Schiff stressed through the evening that it is not a question of if we have family in Israel, we are all family. The evening resonated with the voices of the children’s choir from Shalom Noam School, who performed a beautiful version of “Acheinu.” Michelle Barnet, representing GIFT, spoke passionately about the organisation’s relentless efforts during the ongoing conflict. GIFT successfully collected 5 tonnes of essential items, engaging over 1000 volunteers in various activities to support Israel. Rabbi Schiff invited Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg on stage to speak. Goldberg, reflecting on his own experiences, expressed his steadfast belief in the enduring strength of the Jewish community. Despite historical challenges and empires attempts to destroy the Jews, he emphasized that Jews have a unique place in the world and are destined to shine as an example of resilience and hope to the world. The Shalom Noam choir returned to the stage, delivering an emotional performance of “A Jew Never Breaks.” The event culminated in a musical Havdalah led by Rabbi Klein from Eilecha, uniting the attendees in a powerful and uplifting chorus, echoing the spirit of togetherness and hope. Rabbi Schiff expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “Tonight, we stand together, a beacon of light in a world that at present seems dark. Let this unity inspire us to continue our shared journey, spreading love and hope in the face of adversity together as a family.”
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Remembering Rabbi Sacks zt”l Hundreds of people joined the London School of Jewish Studies on Wednesday evening to mark Rabbi Sacks’ third yahrzeit at a special event held at St John’s Wood Synagogue and also hosted online. The event was part of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy’s ‘Communities in Conversation’ project, which remembers Rabbi Sacks’ impact on the Jewish world and beyond at the time of his yahrzeit. Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, Dean of LSJS and the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought, interviewed Dayan Ivan Binstock, rabbi of St John’s Wood Synagogue who was a trusted confidant and close colleague of Rabbi Sacks for decades. The audience heard about Rabbi Sacks’ writing process, the strains of religious leadership, the books left unwritten and Rabbi Sacks’ profound “inward journey”. LSJS is proud of its deep connection with Rabbi Sacks which spanned over forty years. Rabbi Sacks both studied and taught at LSJS, formerly known as Jews’ College, leading the institution as Principal, then President and then as Honorary President. He was always fully supportive of LSJS and gave so much of his time and advice. We are therefore passionate about offering a range of learning opportunities for students to explore his teachings and following on from the success of our
PHOTO: LEIVI SALTMAN
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Rabbi Sacks Leaning Fellowship programme for young professionals, we are delighted to be launching a new one-year programme open to all adults. For those looking to take their knowledge of Rabbi Sacks’ thought to the next level, the inaugural LSJS Rabbi Sacks Course starts on Wednesday 8 November. Building on a syllabus written by Rabbi Sacks in 1978, in which he approached the biggest questions of Jewish philosophy, ethics and belief, this online course will enable students to see Rabbi Sacks’ teachings as an integrated whole, seeing how he fused Torah and worldly wisdom to develop his thought. It is an opportunity to learn from Rabbi Sacks’ closest students, including Rabbi Dr Dov Lerner, Dr Tanya White and Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum. As well as covering a range of topics over the year, this course will also provide students with tutorials and Q&A sessions with Rabbi Barry Kleinberg, a Sacks Scholar. See the LSJS website for the list of topics covered and for more information.
For more information on courses and events at LSJS, please visit ww.lsjs.ac.uk or call 020 8203 6427.
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Bring them home Over 350 members of the London Jewish community gathered at Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue on Sunday to contribute to a world-wide singing prayer, arranged by Koolulam. The social musical initiative brings together people in a unique artistic collaboration. Koolulam is leading the international musical project calling for the return of the 229 hostages, held captive in Gaza by Hamas. The organisation has joined families of
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the hostages in the initiative. Recordings from 100 locations will be merged to create the sounds of one huge international choir. The shul hall filled with a whole spectrum of British Jewry carrying and wearing Israeli flags ready to sing their hearts out to Madonna’s Like a Prayer. Jacqui Rudolph, Stanmore Shul’s co-chair, said: “There was an immense sense of connection with people standing in solidarity with Israel to support the families of the hostages. We were blown away by the support.” Galit Shear, choir conductor and music teacher, taught the amateur choir the song in an hour, she said: “It was incredible to have 400 people of different ages, religions and singing abilities singing Koolulam’s arrangement of ‘Like a Prayer’ to help bring the hostages home. We can’t wait to hear the full version with 100 other communities around the world.”
AJEX field of remembrance The Royal British Legion’s 95th Field of Remembrance service takes place at Westminster Abbey this month. AJEX will lay 200 Magen David markers to represent thousands of Jewish men and women who gave their lives. The event has been organised by The Poppy Factory since 1928. People can visit the grounds in the lead up and week after Remembrance Sunday. The remembrance field at Westminster Abbey is officially opened on Thursday November 9th and accessible to the public (1pm-4pm). From Friday until 19th November the field is open (9am4pm). Times change for events dictated by Westminster Abbey. AJEX will lay Magen David markers for family members who served in the British or Commonwealth armed forces and killed in action. AJEX needs the rank, name, age, date of death and unit for a named marker by Monday. Send to headoffice@ajex.org.uk
Each year AJEX funds the Magen David markers and plots. They combat antisemitism through education and remembrance and support the welfare needs of British Jewish veterans. Donations: www.ajex.org.uk/donate
AJEX’s Brian Bloom prepares Magen David markers
Golders Green appoint rabbinic couple
Golders Green United Synagogue have journey. appointed Rabbi Ben and Rebbetzen Nevertheless, there is a tinge of sadness Abi Kurzer as their new senior rabbinic at leaving Pinner as we have enjoyed couple. our time here and are very proud to have The Kurzers are expected to take up the been part of this lovely community.” posts around April 2024. David Vaughan, Chair of Golders Green Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kurzer are Synagogue, said: “I am delighted memthe rabbinic couple of Pinner United bers overwhelmingly endorsed the unanSynagogue. imous choice of the Selection Committee Rabbi Kurzer is ‘Rabbi in Residence’ and the Synagogue Council. Rabbi Kurzer of Gesher School. He studied at Yeshivat and Rebbetzen Abi’s ability to provide HaKotel and Yeshiva University where modern, thoughtful, and inspiring Jewish he earned an BA in Jewish History and leadership, as well as warm and sensitive semicha. He continues to maintain strong pastoral support to our diverse memberrelationships at both flagship institutions. ship makes them the ideal couple to lead Whilst at YU he received an award for exus into the new era”. cellence in Talmud and was part of Rabbi The Kurzers have four children, Ahron, Hershel Schachter’s Katz Kollel. Yehuda, Shaya and Tova. Rabbi Kurzer speaks three languages Rabbi and Rebbetzen Belovski leave the fluently, is passionate about people and community after Shabbat. There will be a genuine Torah education. As an educator, valedictory sermon, farewell kiddush and he is regularly commended for his clear, cocktail celebration after Shabbat. engaging teaching style and structured approach to a topic. Rebbetzen Kurzer is an alumna of the Chief Rabbi’s Ma’ayan programme. She connects people to dynamic Torah learning and inspires community members to build connections. An inclusive Jewish educator, Abi has an MA in clinical social work and is completing a doctorate in clinical psychology at Royal Holloway University. She has worked in the Jewish charity sector and NHS. Rabbi Kurzer said: “We are thrilled to join this warm, diverse and unique community. We look forward to working with the excellent rabbinic team and lay leadership to take the community forward and build on the fantastic work of Rabbi and Rebbetzen Belovski. We recently enjoyed Shabbat in this growing, vibrant, modern orthodox centre in the heart of Golders Green on Rabbi Ben and Rebbetzen Abi Kurzer this next phase of its
City of Manchester Stands United
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, breaks with Labour Leader Starmer to back a ceasefire in Gaza. He is
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
pictured in Heaton Park Shul. Manchester has in the past two weeks witnessed thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters marching into the city centre starting from large Muslim communities residing in South Manchester. This sign was spotted inside the Manchester City Centre Arndale Shopping
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Centre... ‘MANCHESTER STANDS WITH ISRAEL’. to coinPHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL cide with the recent City Centre Vigil for Israel in St Peters Square with many Civic speakers. Labour and Conservative speakers spoke about the Hamas barbaric atrocities on 7th October. CST are aware of the rallys in the city
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and appealed to community members to report any incidents.
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
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THE LSJS RABBI SACKS COURSE
In-depth study of key areas of Jewish thought through the writings of Rabbi Sacks zt”l
Are you looking to deepen your understanding of core principles of Judaism through the prism of Rabbi Sacks’ worldview? Based on a syllabus that Rabbi Sacks wrote, this course will explore his teachings as a whole. You will have the opportunity to study how Rabbi Sacks fused Torah and worldly wisdom to develop his thought. Learn with Rabbi Sacks’ closest students, including Rabbi Barry Kleinberg, Rabbi Dr Dov Lerner, Dr Tanya White and Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum. 8 Nov–29 May | 8–9:15pm | 15 sessions plus extra tutorials and Q&A sessions | Online
Book now: www.lsjs.ac.uk | 020 8203 6427 During the current war in Israel, our regular programme of learning will continue wherever possible, and will be dedicated as a merit for the hostages, the injured and those protecting Israel.
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ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com WHEN POLICE ARE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW Dear Rabbi I became aware of two police officers removing posters calling for the freedom of Jewish hostages. I understand the police explained that this was in order to ensure community cohesion. I wonder whether you think that’s true? Or are the police complicit in anti-Israel attitudes? Solly Dear Solly I cannot say whether Met police officers removing posters about Jewish hostages are complicit in anti-Israel attitudes, any more than I can comment about whether TfL train drivers who chant about Palestine are complicit in anti-Israel attitudes. What I can say is, when there are thousands rioting in the streets of London, chanting anti-Israel slogans; when there are hundreds sitting in Liverpool Street Station chanting anti-Israel slogans and when there are dozens outside Downing Street calling for the demise of Israel; but the police feel the need to busy themselves with removing posters about Jewish hostages - then the behaviour is inexcusable and the excuse is pathetic nonsense. At best it was poor judgement and they and their department owe the Jewish community a proper apology, not some lame justification.
IT’S TIME TO RECONSIDER. OR IS IT? Dear Rabbi I am a non-Jew who was recently introduced to your column. I have read many of your recent articles and exchanges about the situation in Israel. I admit some of it was eye-opening and compelling. Thank you for opening my mind. But the one thing that still niggles is this: All things considered, isn’t it time that Israel listens to the call of so much of rest of the world and makes peace with its neighbours? Surely that would put an end to all the bloodshed. Casandra Dear Casandra I know a woman who is in desperate need of help. She is in an abusive relationship, a victim of domestic violence. She is regularly beaten, cut, and her life threatened. Any time she tries to fight back, the community leaders tell her that she is wrong to do so. They ask her questions: What did you do to incite the violence? Maybe you said something to cause anger? Maybe you didn’t make supper in time? Maybe the house wasn’t in order? They urge her not to fight back. They say she must deserve it for some reason. Go home. Resume your life. Just keep low, stay quiet. Maybe give him some
more space in your home. Try to give him things to make him happy. She does. She listens. She gives him sentimental gifts that were given to her by her parents. All in the name of peace. Anything for peace. But he’s insatiable. No matter how much she gives, he always wants more. The only thing that seems to make him happy is her suffering, and her death. She listens to what her leaders say, for all she wants is to live in peace. Enjoy her home. Enjoy the sun. Enjoy her family. After each domestic explosion, things calm for a short period of time until she’s beaten again. She asks why. The answer? Because I can. Because you breathe. Because I decided that you shouldn’t be in existence. Yes, you give me things, but I just destroy them. I pretend I want peace, but I just want to hurt you. Your suffering makes me happy. When they go to the hospital after a fight, the doctors tend to him first. Assess his injuries. Patch him up. Give him pain medication. They write in his medical chart that he was attacked. Beaten. They ask her if she’s hurt... Just walk it off they tell her. Stop complaining. Stop causing violence. She is confused. No one is helping her. Everyone is blaming her. How can people be so ignorant? How can they blame a woman who lives in fear of being killed.... for the sole reason of just existing? Always blamed. No matter what, always her fault. But faulted for what? For providing him with a beautiful home that she literally built from nothing? For allowing him to live freely? For feeding him? For taking care of his every need? But yes, his anger is her fault. At least that’s what everyone is telling her. But she alone knows the truth. She and G-d. She’s stopped trying to convince people otherwise. She’s tired of the beatings. Tired of living in fear. Tired of the attacks. She’s ready to live without fear. She’s ready to fight back despite everyone telling her not to. The only thing she needs? G-d. She calls all of her friends and asks them to pray for her. Be better people for her. Care for each other, for her. Provide her with as many merits as they can, because she knows the fight may be ugly, but that G-d and her ability to be close to Him is her only real weapon. And with that, she will prevail. She will survive. She will prosper. She’s asking that we pray for her. Her name: ISRAEL … However, as is true for many women, the world severely underestimates her strength.
IS THIS OUR DESTINY? Dear Rabbi I am starting to think that G-d has designed the world to be anti-Semitic. We have always been persecuted and sadly I think that we always will be. G-d is creator of the universe, so maybe there is something he wants from us. Maybe it is
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precisely this persecution that has kept us together all these years? Is there anything in the Torah that would support or explain my theory? Natalia Dear Natalia There is evidence in the Torah that utterly refutes your claim. When the Torah relates that we were created in the “image of G-d” one of the explanations of that is, just as G-d has independent choice, so too does each human being have independent moral choice. Choice is the essential issue of what makes us special. Life only becomes meaningful when I am faced with the balance between right and wrong and I have the ability to choose good over evil. So for free choice to operate, it’s obvious that evil has to exist. Freedom of choice means that a world where a human being can create himself into a Moses has to also carry the very real possibility of a person creating himself into a Hamas monster as well. Note how in Genesis 15:13, G-d tells Abraham, “Know that your descendants are going to be enslaved in a land they don’t know,” which of course ends up being Egypt. So the Jewish philosophers ask: “If G-d wanted the Jewish people to be enslaved in Egypt, why did He punish the Egyptians?” They explain: All G-d said is that they would be enslaved. That Egypt opted to be that persecuting nation was their choice. We have to appreciate that in the Holocaust, it was the Nazis, not G-d who built the crematoriums. It’s Hamas, not G-d who massacred Jewish people on October 7th. G-d didn’t design the world to be anti-Semitic. People of their own volition choose to side with evil over good. And for that they are always accountable. In the gun-control debate there is a famous saying: “Guns don’t kill; people do.” This is certainly true, though in that context we should ponder the question as to how much we should facilitate and whether we should make it easier for people to act improperly. The basic premise, however, remains correct. Nearly everything in life is a two-edged sword, with a positive and a negative side. The truth is just as many people have been killed by the following of various secular social philosophies as by the propagation of certain theological beliefs. No less destruction has been wrought by scientific research and discoveries or colonialist pursuit of wealth at the expense of native populations. It is not this or that premise that is responsible for the consequences as much as what the human mind and so-called rationalism does with it. Would
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you now suggest stop thinking and cease scientific pursuits or to develop social theories and philosophies? Obviously, that is absurd. Man’s greatest gift is the power of free choice. In order for free choice to operate, a world that can enable man to love must also enable a man to hate. Free choice means that a world in which man can make himself into a Moses must also allow for the possibility for man to make himself into a Hitler or a Hamas terrorist. Human reason and the pursuit of religion need not be changed. Humans must change by realizing their positive potential and utilizing it for its intended purpose to make this world into a better place. So, it is not religion per se that is the problem. It is people’s subjective interpretation, their own rationale, the applied human reasoning that pacifies the conscience and justifies the actions. That needs to change. Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.
UNITING THE GENERATIONS SIDE BY SIDE AT THE AJEX PARADE
Book now to Parade and join AJEX at the Cenotaph in honouring and Remembering the thousands of Jewish Servicemen and Women who fought and served for our freedom. March ‘Side by Side’ in solidarity, honouring their legacy. Veterans, families, and community groups of all ages are welcome to this unique, historic event. Whether a Parade regular or a first-timer please join us. If you have them, proudly wear your own or your family members’ medals.
T 020 8202 2323 E ajexremembers@ajex.org.uk youtube.com/AJEX_JMA
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AJEX ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE PARADE & CEREMONY Sunday 19th November 2023 Gather Horse Guards Parade: 1pm March off: 1.45pm BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW AT: www.ajex.org.uk/paradebooking No ticket is required to spectate just save the date.
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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R A E L
The Challenge of Land & Children – Plowing the Field of G-d BY RABBANIT SHANI TARAGIN
Avraham Avinu received two promises from G-d – of land, and of children who are to become a great nation. After promises and prayers, Avraham and Sarah, at last, have a child. And then, “After these things, G-d tested Avraham.” Avraham is called upon by G-d with the same words of the initial command of “Lech-lecha” wherein he sacrificed his past for the promise of future nationhood. This time, however, G-d commands Avraham to sacrifice his entire future – his beloved son, Yitzchak, without any promise or explanation! The Midrash Tanchuma presents three possible answers as to why G-d tests the righteous: Said Rabbi Yonah – flax, the more you pound it, the more it improves… Said Rabbi Yehudah bar Shalom -a potter does not tap on a weak vessel or jar, lest it break. On what does he tap? On a strong vessel… Said Rabbi Elazar – this can be compared to a farmer who has two cows, one strong and one weak. On which one does
he place the yoke? Is it not on the one that is strong? The opinions of Rabbi Yonah and Rabbi Yehudah explain a “test/challenge” as an opportunity for man to strengthen or demonstrate his latent virtues, whereas Rabbi Elazar provides a third metaphor – a farmer placing a yoke on a cow to plow his field. In order to achieve the desired result, he chooses the animal most suited for the task. G-d has lessons to teach humanity and entrusts this task to the most suited role models. The nature of the lesson of the Akeidah has been debated through the centuries but throughout the parsha a common theme prevails: one must be prepared to sacrifice everything – his past and his future, for his love and fear of G-d. This lesson may be highlighted through the harsh terminology employed by the Rashbam who explains the word “nissa” (tested/challenged) through the juxtaposition of narratives. Witnessing Avraham’s remarkable success through the help of G-d, Avimelech requests an oath from Avraham to allow for his descendants to live in the southwestern region of the
Vayera Sidra Summary
land. Avraham concedes to the oath and thereby names the region, “Be’er Shava” – the well of the oath. Immediately following this narrative, we are told that “G-d tested Avraham.” The Rashbam explains that this test came as a punishment for Avraham for not demonstrating proper values: Avraham thought that the time had come to witness the fulfillment of the promises and covenants of land and children. After all – Yitzchak was promised as his progeny, and he was successful in the land, even seen as a future “landlord.” But G-d chose Avraham to demonstrate sacrifice, not complacency; G-d wanted to teach through Avraham and his descendants that the Land of Israel should not be taken for granted and easily negotiated for promises of peace. If so, one may have to pay the heavy price of child sacrifice, for the future of our children is also in the hands of G-d. Following his willingness to sacrifice Yitzchak for fear of G-d, an angel reaffirmed the Divine promises of Land and Children through an unconditional oath, a “shevuah.” The Torah emphasizes that
“When he [Avraham] saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.”
he returned to Be’er Shava, alluding to his change of heart and redefinition of the oath for which the area was named. Avraham returned to redefine the shevuah – not as the oath with Avimelech, but with an oath of G-d from Har HoMoriah reverberating in his consciousness. Avraham will have a land and countless children. But they will not happen suddenly or easily, or without human effort. The Divine promises will demand commitment and sacrifice from Avraham and his descendants, to persevere with faith even in the most difficult of times. G-d’s promises and covenant challenge us to plow His field and write history together!
Rabbanit Shani Taragin is Educational Director of World Mizrachi and the Director of the Mizrachi-TVA Lapidot Educators’ Program. She is a member of Mizrachi’s Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).
Hagar’s eyes and she sees a well of water.
6th Aliya (Shishi) – 21:22-33
Avraham makes a peace pact with Avimelech, establishing Avraham’s rights to the wells he had already dug.
7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 22:1-24
1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEREISHIT 18:1-14
Shortly after Avraham’s brit milah (circumcision), G-d appears to him in Elonei Mamre. Avraham greets three ‘men’ (in fact, angels – see Rashi) and serves them a fine meal. One of them tells Avraham that Sarah will have a baby boy in a year’s time. Sarah overhears and laughs in disbelief.
2nd Aliya (Levi) –18:15-33
G-d reveals to Avraham His plan to destroy the wicked city of Sedom. Avraham pleads with G-d to spare the city, in the merit of any righteous people who might live there. However, there are not even ten righteous people living there.
3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 19:1-20
Two of the men (angels) arrive in Sedom
to rescue Lot, Avraham’s nephew. Lot welcomes them into his house. The locals protest against Lot’s hospitality and try to break down the door. Lot offers his daughters in return for the guests’ safety. G-d strikes the townsfolk with blindness. The ‘men’ tell Lot to flee with his family.
4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 19:21-21:4
G-d rains down sulphur and fire from the heavens, overturning Sedom and its neighbouring cities. Lot’s wife turns to look back and becomes a pillar of salt. Lot hides in a cave with his two daughters. On consecutive nights, fearing that they are the last humans left, Lot’s daughters get him drunk and each conceives a child from him. Avraham moves to Gerar in the Negev. The local ruler Avimelech takes away
Sarah, whom Avraham claims is his sister. G-d appears to Avimelech, warning him not to touch Sarah. Avimelech confronts Avraham, who defends his non-disclosure. Sarah gives birth to Yitzchak (Isaac), who has a brit milah on his eighth day. Point to Consider: Which of Lot’s two daughters is considered in a more negative light? (see Rashi to 19:37)
G-d tells Avraham to bring Yitzchak as an offering. Having previously been told by G-d that Yitzchak would be his heir, and having always encouraged Avraham’s acts of compassion and kindness, this Divine instruction defies logic. Nevertheless, Avraham obeys, showing his unconditional devotion to G-d, regardless of his logical understanding. As Avraham raises the knife, an angel appears, telling him not to touch Yitzchak, presenting instead a ram to sacrifice. Avraham is praised for his faith. Avraham is told about the birth of Rivkah, Yitzchak’s future wife.
5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 21:5-21
Sarah sees the negative effect that Avraham’s wayward first son, Yishmael, could have on Yitzchak. She tells Avraham to send away Yishmael and his mother Hagar. They travel in the desert and Yishmael nearly dies of thirst. An angel appears, telling Hagar that a great nation will come from Yishmael. G-d opens
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Sight, but No Vision: The Sin of the Spies BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN
It was a stormy night, and a battleship was on exercise at sea. The captain stood on the bridge, peering into the foggy night ahead. Suddenly, he heard the lookout shout from the observation post. “There’s a light on the starboard side!” “Is it steady or moving?” the captain asked quickly. “It’s steady,” the lookout replied. This meant that they were on a direct collision course with another ship. The captain immediately ran up and grabbed the ship radio. “We are on collision course!” he signaled to the other ship. “Change course 20 degrees immediately.” The signal quickly came back, “Advisable for you to change course.” Infuriated, the captain replied, “I am a captain. Change your course NOW.” “I am a seaman, second class. You had better change your course 20 degrees,” came the reply. By now, the captain was outraged. “I am a battleship. Change course or suffer the consequences!” Back came the signal, “I am a lighthouse.” The captain changed course. As human beings, we have the remarkable ability to jump to conclusions, assuming that we know the truth of a situation when we, in fact, have completely misjudged it. One of the most powerful learning experiences a person can have is a paradigm shift — a shift in perspective that causes us to see something in a fundamentally new way.
THE SIN OF THE MERAGLIM When Klal Yisrael was getting ready to enter Eretz Yisrael, Moshe famously sends the Meraglim (spies) to scout out the land. With the exception of Yehoshua and Kalev, the Meraglim return with a negative report, attempting to dissuade the Jewish People from entering Eretz Yisrael. While we often think of their account as malicious libel, this does not seem to be the case when the story is read on a surface level. As the spies scouted the land, they witnessed many giants burying their dead, and upon return, the spies reported this to the Jewish People. Chazal explain that the Meraglim violated the prohibition of lashon hara (evil speech). However, they did not speak about people, only a piece of land! Does lashon hara really apply to inanimate objects? Furthermore, the Meraglim spoke the truth. They saw people dying, and they passed on that information. Was it not their job to report what they saw? In Megillas Eichah (Lamentations), the verses in the first four perakim are written in alphabetical order. However, in most chapters, the verse starting with the letter peh appears before the verse
“There are two levels of reality: The first is how things appear on the physical surface; the second is the meaning that lies behind that exterior” that starts with the letter ayin, counter to their alphabetical order. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 104b) enigmatically explains that this reversal is due to the fact that the Meraglim placed their mouth (peh) before their eye (ayin). [The Hebrew word “peh” literally means mouth, and the Hebrew word “ayin” literally means eye.] What does this mean, and what is the connection between Eichah and the sin of the Meraglim?
PROPER SIGHT There are two levels of reality: The first is how things appear on the physical surface; the second is the meaning that lies behind that exterior. Correspondingly, there are two levels of sight: the first is physical sight, which allows you to see the physical surface of the object; the second is spiritual sight, the mechanism of giving meaning and depth to that which you see. Improper sight is seeing only that which is on the surface without sourcing it back to its root and without seeing what truly lies behind it. When the surface no longer reflects a deeper truth, it becomes a shell of an object, lacking any internal meaning like a body without a soul. If one were to look at someone’s face and see only flesh and bone without recognizing that there’s a consciousness and a living soul behind that surface, that would be an egregious corruption of sight. Their physical sight may be accurate, but the meaning they have given to what they physically saw is far from the truth. Similarly, when one witnesses an event, they have the opportunity to discern the meaning that lies behind it. If, however, they do not ascertain the truth that lies beneath the surface level, they are likely to project their personal feelings and perceptions onto the situation instead, twisting its true meaning to align with their subjective reality.
THE MERAGLIM: CORRUPTION OF SIGHT The Meraglim’s physical sight was intact; what they lacked was spiritual sight. They physically saw giants burying their dead, but they interpreted this to mean that the “land consumes its inhabitants” (Bamidbar 13:32). In reality, as the Gemara explains, this was a miracle that Hashem performed to aid the Meraglim in their mission. Hashem killed off the leaders of the giants in each city so that the dwellers
would be distracted with their funerals, ensuring that the Meraglim could travel through Eretz Yisrael undetected (Sotah 35a). The death of the giants was the external reality; the Meraglim’s mistake lay in projecting faulty meaning onto it. Similarly, the Meraglim reported to Klal Yisrael that when they came across the giants, “We were like grasshoppers in our eyes” (Bamidbar 13:33). They projected their fear and lack of faith onto the giants. In their own eyes, the giants viewed them as grasshoppers. They were no longer conveying an account of objective reality, rather, they were projecting their own spiritual and existential insecurities onto their experience. This was their two-fold mistake. The Meraglim not only misunderstood their experience, but they then reported this distortion back to Klal Yisrael. We can now begin to explain why this was a violation of lashon hara. [While there are various explanations regarding the Meraglim’s motivation to deliver a negative report, this is not the focus of our article. In brief, here are some of the opinions: 1) They wished to keep Moshe alive (as they knew that upon entering Eretz Yisrael, Moshe would die). 2) They were scared that they would not be able to overpower the giants. 3) Ego: They wished to maintain their elevated status. (The Meraglim were Nesiim, and they feared that upon entering Eretz Yisrael, they would lose their positions of honour.) 4) They feared losing the constant miracles of the midbar (wilderness). [They knew that upon entering Eretz Yisrael, Hashem would no longer miraculously intervene, as He did in the midbar. They did not want to transition to a world of teva (the natural), losing the constant miracles such as the Ananei Hakavod (clouds of glory), manna, and Be’er Miriam (Miriam’s wellspring).]
LASHON HARA: CORRUPTION OF SPEECH Speech embodies the power of connection. It is the mechanism that enables us to connect with other people and to overcome the barrier between us. Lashon hara takes the very tool of connection, i.e., speech, and uses it to disconnect people from each other. When you speak
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negatively about someone, you create a wall between the subject of your negativity and the person you are speaking with. The very tool of connection has been corrupted to achieve its opposite goal. As the Ramban explains, everything that the Meraglim said was “true” in the physical sense, but they failed to see what lay beneath the surface (Ramban, Bereishis 2:9). This itself is the epitome of lashon hara: taking the truth and distorting it in order to create harm. Lying is a separate problem, violating the prohibition of “mi’devar sheker tirchak” (Shemos 23:7). The evil of lashon hara is not a fabrication but a corruption of the truth. The Meraglim suffered from a spiritual disease of ayin hara (an evil eye). They had sight, but no vision; they saw, but were blind.
ERETZ YISRAEL Through the mechanism of speech, the Meraglim disconnected Klal Yisrael from Eretz Yisrael. It therefore seems that the Meraglim’s sin of lashon hara was in creating a schism between Klal Yisrael and the land of Eretz Yisrael, an inanimate object. However, when taking into account the deep nature and role of Eretz Yisrael, this takes on great significance. Eretz Yisrael is the place where Hashem connects to the world and most intimately connects to Klal Yisrael. By using speech to disconnect Klal Yisrael from Eretz Yisrael, the Meraglim were separating Klal Yisrael from Hashem. In a deep sense, this was the most nefarious form of lashon hara imaginable! In our next article, we will delve deeper into this fascinating topic and try to understand the sin of the Meraglim on an even deeper level.
. Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. His bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self, serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is also a business, executive, and leadership coach, with a unique approach based on Torah values. After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. To enjoy more of Rabbi Reichman’s content, to contact him, or to learn more about his services, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com
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Emunah in the Wake of Tragedy BY RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN
The darkness of Oct 7 is omnipresent and all-pervasive. This tragedy raises so many questions about who we are as a nation and our divine rights to the land of israel. Additionally, the horror raises so many questions about how human beings, though graced with divine image, can commit such sickening and heinous crimes. Watching antisemites erupt with joy at the ugly massacre and subsequently threaten Jews with continued violence is a disgusting reminder that education and enlightenment will not completely cure the world of this venomous disease. Aside from these cultural and national questions the dark tragedy also severely tests our Emunah. How could Hashem let these barbarians inflict so much death and suffering upon His chosen people. Unlike previous Jewish suffering this occurred in the land Hashem promised us. Witnessing these holocaust-like horrors raises may daunting questions which will impact our faith, prayer, and relationship with Hashem for years to come. These are not simple times, and we best construct durable and nuanced faith to navigate this storm. We look to past profiles of faith to help us solidify our own Emunah.
AKEIDAH The Akeidah provides a lasting portrait of human faith under duress. The instruction to sacrifice his lone son boggles Avraham’s imagination. It counters every moral norm which he had associated with a merciful Hashem he had first discovered. For 2000 years gods had appeared as angry grotesque figures who taunted human beings from their perch in heaven. Finally, Avraham discerned a compassionate and moral G-d who desires human welfare. At the tail end of his career though, Avraham received a commandment from that kind G-d, which was morally shocking, at least to human reasoning. Not only did the Akeidah clash with human moral sensibilities, but it also contravened numerous promises and oaths of Hashem. Avraham had been promised children “as numerous as the stars”, yet he waited 86 years for his first child, Yishma’el, who was ultimately dismissed. After waiting an additional 13 years for Yitzchak, his chosen successor, Avraham is now ordered to sacrifice his lone progeny. This divine mandate seemed irreconcilable with previous divine statements. The Akeidah was confounding both on a moral plain, and in light of earlier divine guarantees. Yet, despite his bewilderment, Avraham responds with one, and only one, word. He says “hineni”, which indicates his
readiness to submit to a divine wisdom he can’t begin to grasp.
HASHEM IS DIFFERENT At the heart of monotheism lies the notion that we can’t fully comprehend the ways of Hashem. As the prophet Yeshaya exhorts, “My thoughts aren’t your thoughts and My ways aren’t your ways.” Iyov stared into the divine mystery and hopelessly attempted to justify the ways of Hashem to Man. By contrast, Avraham surrenders his own instincts to a Higher wisdom. The stark and powerful response of “hineni” signals his courageous acquiescence. Faith runs deeper than logic or human reasoning. Faith outlasts the incomprehensible. My rebbe, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein once asserted that Emunah should be so durable that we should be capable of being the last Jew to walk out of Auschwitz alive and still not surrender our faith. Avraham is the paradigm of an enduring Emunah which survives decisions of Hashem which are incomprehensible to Man.
IS EVERYTHING POSITIVE Many define faith as the belief that every divine decision will work out positively and that every tragedy will ultimately yield favorable outcomes. A popular mantra which distills this approach is “gam zo letovah” (everything will turn out constructively). Others have a difficult time with this policy of viewing everything through rose-colored glasses. Instead, they adopt a position popularized by Rav Avraham Karelitz or the Chazon Ish. Faith isn’t predicated upon the belief that every tragedy possesses a positive outcome. Instead, it is based upon the conviction that every event has a purpose and that nothing is random or arbitrary. We don’t know why events occur, nor must we assume that every disaster has a silver lining. Instead, our faith affirms divine hashgacha or Providence. All human history is governed and managed by Hashem and nothing is haphazard. Faith in hashgacha provides solace and comfort during times of uncertainty.
QUESTIONS ARE LEGITIMATE There are two intriguing stories cited in the midrash, each of which highlights Avraham’s inner turmoil in the leadup to the Akeidah. In one midrash Avraham envisions meeting an older man who interrogates him about the morality of sacrificing his son. This inner vision reflects Avraham’s own internal struggle to come to terms with the morality of the
Akeidah. Despite his commitment and subservience to the divine will, Avraham still wrestled with the decision internally. A more dramatic midrash portrays Avraham praying to Hashem, until the very last minute, for the repeal of the Akeidah. He will not disobey Hashem’s instruction and intends to fully execute divine commandment, unless the orders are reversed. He is so confused by the command though, that he actively prays for Hashem to repeal the Akeidah. Each of these portraits showcases Avraham’s complex faith. His commitment to Hashem is unwavering, yet he struggles to make sense of the command and prays for its repeal.
MULTI-LAYERED Evidently, faith, especially during a crisis, is a multi-layered experience. It demands that we submit to the higher will of Hashem, even when it perplexes us. Faith, though, doesn’t demand that we stifle questions. Asking questions is part of our attempt to better understand Hashem. Sometimes we succeed and uncover the answers, while other times we remain baffled by the questions. Either way, Hashem planted moral conscience in our hearts to help us navigate the complexities of life. When events run contrary to our moral expectations, He wants us to struggle and question, as long as our relationship with Him isn’t predicated solely upon arriving at “answers”. Questioning is a healthy and vital part of our relationship with Him. The same Avraham who submitted to the divine command atop the mountain had previously prayed for the sinners of Sedom to be spared. He asked Hashem “will the judge of the entire Earth not perform justice?” By assuming that Hashem is just and merciful, Avraham could not fathom the annihilation of an entire metropolis. Yet even when his prayers aren’t answered, Avraham doesn’t abandon faith, responds with “hineni” and walks straight up the mountain. We are facing a world in which many questions linger. How could Hashem allow such atrocities? How can He allow so many to be duped into believing that this is resistance struggle rather than a violent massacre of Jews? How could this all occur on a Shabbat which was also the day we celebrated finishing Hashem’s Torah? What does this say about our divine mandate to return home and settle our land? Isn’t this a new era in which pogroms of this nature no longer occur? Where is the world’s moral conscience? None of these questions yield simple solutions. It is legitimate and even desirable to be occupied with questions.
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”Faith isn’t predicated upon the belief that every tragedy possesses a positive outcome” Questions indicate that we deeply believe in Hashem’s moral spirit and our historical rights to this land. Asking questions in earnest sharpens our belief in these cardinal values. We may not receive most of the answers, at least not in the immediate term. Someday, perhaps after many of us leave this Earth, the answers will be clear. Until then we stand in steadfast and stubborn silence repeating Avraham’s “hineni”. To his “hineni” we add two phrases: Shem Yisrael. Ani Ma’amin. May Hashem give us all faith. And Peace. The writer is a rabbi at Yeshivat Har Etzion/Gush, a hesder yeshiva. He has smicha and a BA in computer science from Yeshiva University as well as a masters degree in English literature from the City University of New York.
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Vayera
people push a wall down on him, kill him and then steal his money. If two people get into a fight and one ends up bleeding, the bleeder has to pay a doctor’s fee for the privilege!! Hashem tells Avraham that the souls of those murdered in Sodom are crying out for revenge. But Avraham, a person with great compassion, still can’t deal with a whole city being destroyed. Where Noach failed, Avraham succeeds. He begs Hashem for mercy. Who knows, maybe they’ll do Tshuva! (repent).but they are too far gone. So the angels set off to Sodom, Lot brings them home but his sneaky wife tells all the neighbours, “I need salt for my husbands guests.” An angry mob shows up demanding the guests so they can kill them, the melachim strike them blind but in their crazed fervour they keep on trying! The melachim drag Lot reluctantly away from his money, warning the family not to look back. Mrs
Avraham has just done Brit Milah on himself at 99 years old!! He isn’t lying in bed, he’s desperate for guests to help! Hashem decides to pay a visit to Avraham. This teaches us the importance of the Mitzvah of visiting the sick. He sees how Avraham yearns for guests, so He sends three Malachim in shepherd clothing walking down the road. Avraham is so excited to see guests that he interrupts his conversation with Hashem and runs out to greet them. Avraham invites the three strangers to his tent for a meal. Then one angel tells Avraham that next year Sarah will give him a son Yitzchak. The other two angels are here to destroy Sodom, the wicked, evil place that Lot lives. First of all, in Sodom you’re not allowed to give food to poor people. You’re not allowed to invite strangers into your home. If a stranger comes to town, they rob and beat him. If a rich guy comes into the city, the
Word Search □ ANGELS □ AVIMELECH □ BRIT □ LAUGH □ PILLAR □ RIVKAH □ SALT □ SEDOM
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and Hagar leaves him to die, they both pray and Hashem saves Yishmael. Hashem waits 38 years to implement His plan! One night, Hashem appears to Avraham in a dream. He commands Avraham to “sacrifice your only son” on Mt. Moriah. First Hashem promises to make Avraham into a great nation; Then Avraham has to wait 99 years for a child; Finally a son is born to him then Hashem tells Avraham to sacrifice him! And yet - Avraham trusts in Hashem and never questions the instructions. As a matter of fact, Avraham doesn’t waste a moment. He wakes up early the next morning and heads right for the stables where he saddles his own donkey. They make it to the mountain and Isaac lies back, accepting, Avraham raises the knife and … Hashem tells him to STOP at the very last second. Wow.
Lot does and becomes a pillar of – salt. After Sodom is destroyed, Avraham moves to find more travellers to teach. He goes to Gerrar. . Avraham decides to play sister and brother again. Sure enough, word gets back to King Avimelech that the beautiful Sarah has just entered his kingdom. Avimelech orders her to be brought to the palace. Once again Sarah turns to Hashem for protection. And once again Hashem hits a royal household with plagues. Hashem speaks to Avimelech in a dream. He warns Avimelech to let Sarah go because she is a married woman. Sarah has Yitzchak and everyone is thrilled. 2 years later, the bliss is interrupted. Yishmael is wicked and Sarah wants his influence stopped . Hashem tells Avraham to listen to her and he sends them away, back to Egypt on a donkey. However on the way, Yishmael falls ill
Parasha Stats Facts about Parashat Vayera Number of Lines in the Sefer Torah - 252 Number of Verses - 147 Number of Words - 2,085 Number of Letters - 7,862
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RICHDALE – YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
2 NOVEMBER 2023
EXPERT ADVICE 37
TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488
YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS
in association with
richdale
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
ALIYAH ADVISORS
MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010. We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services. Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.
ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE Book a FREE meeting with UKAA’s founder Gary Brown, who will go through your particular needs and wants on a the PRACTICAL side of leaving your country of origin and/or living in/moving to Israel. This is both for pre and post- Aliyah Olim. This FREE meeting will allow Gary to advise on who you need to speak with for each requirement and when in the year you should approach them. Confidentiality assured.
Contact: 0333 613 0000 connect@smartinet.co.uk smartinet.co.uk
Contact: +972 (0)2 372 3775 / +44 (0)20 3 989 5080 info@ukaliyahadvisors.com ukaliyahadvisors.com/providers/
BUILDING AND PARTY WALL SURVEYING
MANAGED I.T. SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP)
MATRIX SURVEYORS LIMITED Offering a range of building surveying services and specialising in party wall matters, nationwide, for both consumers and businesses, including; • Pre-acquisition Surveys • Planned Preventative • Party Wall Matters Maintenance Schedules • Defect Inspections • Construction Project Management • Schedules of Condition • Licence for Alterations • Insurance Reinstatement Costs Assessments • Insurance claims
SIMON MOSCOVITZ BSC (HONS) – EUROTEK UK LIMITED We are a well-established and successful Managed I.T. Services Provider (MSP) with a clear sense of purpose. We plan, design and enable the procurement, implementation, protection and management of a wide range of modern technologies through an earned and trusted partnership with our clients across the UK. We enable our clients to be operationally efficient by successfully embracing their digital transformation journey. • Why choose Eurotek UK? Deliver > Manage > Automate > Secure > Backup
Contact: Toli Moscovitz BSc (Hons) MRICS 0161 823 6973 info@matrixsurveyors.co.uk www.matrixsurveyors.co.uk
Contact: 0161 660 2745 hello@eurotekuk.co.uk www.eurotekuk.co.uk
SHIPPING STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail. We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation. And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!
Contact: 020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk
Looking for a bespoke Kosher holiday that meets all your tailored needs?
YOUR ADVERT HERE CALL TODAY 0208 906 8488
Discover your perfect Kosher getaway with Bespoke Kosher Travel! Our experienced team specialises in creating customised holidays that meet your every Kosher requirement. From remote destinations to popular tourist spots, we've got you covered.
30,000 PEOPLE WAITING TO SEE YOUR AD! office@thejewishweekly.com
Contact us today and let us plan your dream Kosher holiday!
BOOK NOW info@bespokekoshertravel.com
+44 (0)20 3151 1660
www.bespokekoshertravel.com
+44 77 3823 6468
THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM
@bespokekoshertravel
LANIADO HOSPITAL HAS BEEN ACTIVELY PROVIDING CARE AND TREATMENT TO CASUALTIES AND VICTIMS OF TERROR FOLLOWING THE HEINOUS ATTACK CARRIED OUT BY THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION HAMAS Over 50 individuals so far with a range of injuries have been admitted. Many of these patients needed surgery to remove bullets after being shot by Hamas terrorists. We are appealing to you for support in acquiring life-saving medical equipment.
FEEDING PUMP
INFUSION PUMP
Used to deliver nutrition to patients
Provides fluids to patients intravenously
£400
£800
E.C.G
Non-invasive heart activity testing
£2,000
BLOOD PRESSURE & TEMPERATURE GUAGE Used to measure blood pressure & temperature
TRANSFER MONITOR
Used to display physiology parameters
POC ULTRASOUND
£3,000
£4,000
£7,500
Emergency Ultrasound
DONATE NOW! charityextra.com/laniadourgentappeal OR CALL US ON 0208 201 6111
DEFIBRILLATOR
For applying electric shock to patients having cariac arrest
£12,250
Asking Price £920,000
Powis Gardens, NW11
Eli-G Estates are pleased to bring to market this well proportioned three bedroom semi detached family home in generally good condition in the heart of Golders Green. The house has a good size hallway, separate sitting room & Dining room as well as a spacious kitchen with an eat in area. Upstairs there are three good size bedrooms all are doubles with the third being a smaller double, a family bathroom as well as a separate toilet, there is a guest wc downstairs & a comfortable size garden. The property is offered chain free in good decorative order, Located very close to shops, transport, places of worship, schools etc & there is further potential subject to the usual planning consents for extension work.
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