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Week after week, central London has become a no-go zone for Jews. We have witnessed mass criminality, including glorification of terrorism, support for banned terrorist organisations such as Hamas, and incitement to racial or religious hatred against Jews. Every day, Campaign Against Antisemitism fights for the future of our community.
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Hostage hopes rise
BY DAVID SAFFER
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Reports broke yesterday afternoon that 50 civilian hostages held in captivity by Hamas terrorists in Gaza may be exchanged for a threeday ceasefire. According to Reuters, sources told the news agency that Qatari mediators were negotiating a deal between Israel and Hamas. A potential agreement was being coordinated with the US. Israel would reportedly release an unspecified number of Palestinian Families of the hostages at the Kever of the Rebbe women and children from jails and increase note, placed photos at by the Rebbe’s grave and humanitarian aid into Gaza. prayed for the safe return of loved ones. If the deal transpires it marks a major breakRabbi Yehuda Krinsky, of the Rebbe’s secrethrough and will be celebrated by Jewish fam- tariat and chairman of Chabad’s educational ilies desperate for positive news since Hamas arm, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel kidnapped 240 hostages during the massacre Lazar, Rabbi Yisrael Deren and Aviv Ezra, Acting Consul General of Israel in New York spoke at a of 1,400 Jews on October 7. Relatives of the hostages have been cam- short ceremony at the Ohel visitors’ complex. paigning around the world for their release. “Our days and our nights are focused in The news came 48 hours after 170 family prayer, demanding that your loved ones, our members in Israel prayed for a miracle at the loved ones, come home to you safe and sound, resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi physically and spiritually,” Krinsky said. “Everyone feels that we’re at a point where Menachem M. Schneerson. The group flew to New York on Monday on only G d can help, that we need a miracle,” a chartered flight from Ben-Gurion Airport to said Rabbi Asi Spiegel of the Chabad Youth visit the holy site. Particpants wrote a personal Organisation of Israel. “That’s why we’re here,
why these families came here. There is a universal understanding that this is a place where darkness is illuminated.” Family members returned to the Ohel visitors’ complex, where Rabbi Krinsky gifted them a shekel note given to him by the Rebbe and a book of Tehillim. Receiving an object that came from the Rebbe was a powerful moment. Family members together with Chabad of Israel personnel embarked on the flight organised by the Terror Victims Project of Chabad Youth Organisation. Rabbi Josef Aronov, chairman of the Chabad Youth Organisation in Israel and philanthropist Igor Tulchinsky, who sponsored the trip, attended. Hundreds of American well-wishers greeted the group when they arrived at the Ohel complex. The Washington Post on Monday night reported about negotiations through Qatar for ‘most of the women and children’ held hostage. The report noted Israel wanting ‘all 100 women and children’ held in Gaza, Hamas were considering 70 in exchange for Palestinian females and children in Israeli prisons, a fiveday ceasefire and humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to the report, Hamas holds a ‘small number’ of dead bodies. Hamas is negotiating for Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other small terror groups who are reportedly holding 70 hostages.
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300,000 attend Washington pro-Israel rally
BY ADAM MOSES
President Isaac Herzog made a live broadcast to 300,000 pro-Israel supporters on the ‘March for Israel’ rally in Washington DC from the Western Wall on Tuesday night. Herzog told the largest recorded crowd backing Israel that he was speaking from the most sacred site in the Jewish world and thanked them for their solidarity and support. “The Kotel reminds us that the people of Israel are eternal and no one will break us,” he exclaimed. “Today we come together as a family to march for Israel. To march for the babies, the boys and girls, women and men viciously held hostage by Hamas. To march for the right of every Jew to live proudly and safely in America, in Israel and around the world. Above all, we come together to march for good over evil, for human morality over blood thirst. We march for light over darkness. “Eighty years ago, Jews came out of Auschwitz and vowed ‘never again. As the blue and white flag was hoisted over our ancient homeland, we vowed ‘never again’. Forty days ago, a terrorist army invaded the sovereign State of Israel and butchered hundreds upon hundreds of Israelis in the largest massacre since the Holocaust. Let us cry out, together, ‘never again.” US support for Israel has been steadfast throughout IDF’s Operation ‘Swords of
300,000 gather outside the White House
Iron’ campaign. Herzog thanked US President Biden, his administration and Congress members for their bold actions in expressing the depth of the US-Israel alliance. “It is stronger than ever before,” he said. Herzog added: “Since October 7th, Israeli society and the Jewish people have truly come together in unison. We feel our hearts beat as one. We hear our brothers’ and sisters’ blood crying out to us from the ground. Once again in Jewish history we
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demand… let our people go. Whilst our loved ones are held captive in Gaza, and our soldiers are fighting for our beloved Israel, Jews all over the world are assaulted for being Jewish. The hatred, the lies, the brutality, the disgraceful outburst of ancient antisemitism are an embarrassment to all civilised people and nations. “Jews in America must be safe. Jews all over the world must be safe. I vow to you from Jerusalem, from the Kotel, that we will heal, we will rise again, and we will rebuild.”
Antisemitism rally BY ADAM MOSES
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Thousands of people have signed up for a national solidarity march against antisemitism in central London on Sunday, November 26 (1.30pm). The rally follows weeks in which police say that antisemitic crime has surged by over 1,350%. The march enables the Jewish community to take to the streets after watching in horror pro-Palestinian protests. A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said: “Week after week, central London has become a no-go zone for Jews. We have witnessed mass criminality, including glorification of terrorism, support for banned terrorist organisations such as Hamas, and incitement to racial or
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Herzog called on the huge crowd to pray for the safe return of hostages and the IDF. “Together we grieve and together we shall overcome,” he said. Many demonstrators donned Israeli flags, joining US Senators and House of Representatives members for the march. The Senate’s Democratic majority leader, Charles Schumer joined House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies, Republicans Mike Johnson, the House speaker, and Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, on the stage before leading a chant to great acclaim, “We stand with Israel”. Speakers condemned the Hamas terror attack on October 7th and spread of antisemitism around the world in the ensuing military operation in Gaza. The Homeland Security Department designated the march a ‘level 1’ security event, the highest classification used only for the Super Bowl and major events. The House Foreign Affairs Committee and Israeli Embassy earlier in the day screened Hamas atrocities from body-cam footage and cell phone videos on October 7th to 150 members of Congress, both Republicans and Democrats. Reports appeared of their visible distress. US senators will view a screening of the film today. As diplomatic efforts intensify to free the Israeli hostages reports of a potential deal through Qatar and supported by the US emerged this week.
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religious hatred against Jews. “Marches have coursed through our capital regularly featuring genocidal chants, Hamas-style headbands, antisemitic placards, calls for jihad and intifada, songs about slaughtering Jews, and Islamist flags. Even the marchers who did not engage in this conduct still knowingly and readily marched alongside those who did. “The sad truth is that Jews just do not feel safe in our capital city at the moment. Britain is a nation known for its tolerance and decency. The people of this country stand with the Jewish community in this difficult time. Together we will all march in solidarity.” Public figures and organisations have been invited to support the march, with details to be available in the coming days. WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 03 04 News News 15 Opinion 13 Games 16 Games 16 18 News Community 26 Opinion Feature 18
24 Community 28 Cookery 30 Judaism 28 Judaism 36 Kids 34 Family Fun 38 Youth 36 Expert Advice
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48 IDF soldiers killed in Gaza BY ADAM MOSES
Israel Defence Forces have suffered the loss of 48 soldiers in its ground operation against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The IDF announced the death of Captain (res.) Omri Yosef David, 27, of the 9217 battalion in the Negev brigade and Captain Yedidya Asher Lev, 26, of the Shaked Battalion in the Givati Brigade yesterday. The IDF a day earlier confirmed the death in captivity of Corporal Noa Marciano, who turned 19 on October 12. Officials informed the teenager’s family on Monday night after Hamas released a video of Marciano. An IDF spokesman described the video as “psychological terrorism.” Marciano, part of the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps 414th Unit, was serving on the Nahal Oz IDF base when she was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 terror attack. “Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terror organisation,” noted an IDF statement. “The IDF and all the relevant bodies will continue to support her family, as well as all of the families of the hostages and missing persons. We are using all means, both intelligence and operational, to bring the hostages home,” the notification added. Noa’s mother, Adi Marciano, had been traveling around the world calling for her release and all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Haim Bibas, Mayor of Modi’in, where Marciano lived, commented, “This is the
hardest news of all. To the dear Marciano family, words cannot suffice to comfort you in your terrible loss and pain. We share in your profound grief.” Knesset members have proposed a twoday national commemoration following the October 7 massacre after Simchat Torah next year. Naama Lazimi, Kati Shtrit, Eli Dalal, Moshe Solomon, Efrat Reitan, Tatiana Mazarsky, and Gilad Kariv tabled the motion. “The tragic event that took place is one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history,” Lazimi said. “So many innocent lives were lost and the horrific tragedy that unfolded. A memorial day like this will provide all of us with an opportunity to remember the victims and hear the remarkable stories of those who defended our land with their lives. I hope that this proposal will receive broad approval.” According to the proposal a memorial day will be observed in state institutions, IDF bases and schools. If it falls on a Friday or Saturday, memorial ceremonies will take place on the preceding Thursday. Flags at state institutions and IDF bases will be lowered to half-mast and an official ceremony will be held at a location decided by the government of the time. Whilst the United Nations General Assembly have rejected a motion condemning Hamas, 27 European Union nations have condemned Hamas for the use of hospitals and civilians as human shields. A statement this week called for immediate pauses in hostilities and humanitarian corridors and increased capacity at border
crossings for humanitarian aid. The group also called on Hamas for the ‘immediate and unconditional release of all hostages’. “It is crucial that the International Committee of the Red Cross is granted access to the hostages,” the statement noted, adding, “The EU condemns the use of hospitals and civilians as human shields by Hamas.” Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins reportedly said: “Hamas is using civilian infrastructure and civilians as shields against the Israeli Defense Forces. The situation is absolutely not black and white.” He added: “No one in the West is interested in supporting any terrorist organisation.” The EU nations did not call for a cease-fire. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reportedly said: “How can the demand for a cease-fire, acutely, and now in this terrible situation guarantee that Israel’s security is assured? What happens
16 NOVEMBER 2023
with the 200 hostages, and who negotiates it in a situation where negotiations barely seem possible?”. Israel’s envoy to the UN, Ambassador Gilad Erdan and his team, meantime, continue to wear a yellow Star of David with the words ‘Never Again’ until the UN condemns Hamas. Erdan tole the assembly: “Each time you look at me, you will remember what staying silent in the face of evil means.” He added. “We will wear this star until you wake up and condemn the atrocities of Hamas and demand the immediate release of our hostages. We walk with a yellow star as a symbol of pride, a reminder that we swore to fight back to defend ourselves. Never again is now.” There has been some criticism for Erdan’s actions in Israel as it was not ratified by the government.
URGENT CALL TO ACTION Join us at this critical time as we come together to support our community in times of crisis. As we embark on this journey of compassion, resilience, and unity, your presence and participation are a vital part of our collective strength. Yad Sarah is at the forefront of social welfare services in Israel. We are urgently evacuating hundreds of Israel’s elderly, Infirm and disabled trapped in their homes in areas of extreme danger now from the north as well as those close to the war in the south. We have opened additional branches in the safe locations in order to care for these extremely vulnerable people. Almost every hospital throughout Israel has a Yad Sarah branch and they have asked us to dramatically increase availability of medical and mobility equipment. Thank you for standing with Yad Sarah in our commitment to providing essential services during emergencies and times of conflict. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the safety and well-being of those who depend on us. Please help us to help those in the most desperate need by being as generous as you are able.
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Board blasts BBC after Al-Shifa coverage BY DAVID SAFFER
The Board of Deputies has blasted the BBC over its coverage of an IDF operation at the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. Troops entered the city’s largest hospital yesterday morning in a ‘precise and targeted operation’ against Hamas. Before entering forces encountered explosives and eliminated a number of Hamas terrorists. Tunnel networks were reportedly discovered under and around the hospital. The IDF has supplied incubators, baby food and medical supplies to the hospital as part of its humanitarian efforts. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the military activity followed “intelligence” indicating “terrorist activity”. He added: “Medical teams of the IDF, together with Arabic speaking soldiers, are present in the field to make sure that the medical equipment reaches those who need it.” The US backed IDF claims Hamas was storing weapons in medical facilities at the complex. The BBC reportedly claimed IDF soldiers were targeting Arabic speaking doctors at the hospital. The broadcaster subsequently apologised for the newsreader misquoting a Reuters report. The damage of BBC’s reporting, however, had been done. A Board spokesperson said: “We are absolutely appalled by BBC News footage which appears to show a newsreader
misquoting a Reuters report which cited The IDF have also discovered in the basethe IDF saying it was taking ‘medical teams ment of Rantisi Hospital suicide vests, rockand Arabic speakers’ into Al-Shifa hospi- ets and anti-tank missiles. They also saw tal to help patients. The BBC Newsreader signs that hostages had been there. quoted the Reuters report as saying that Defence Minister Gallant said: “Hamas the IDF was ‘targeting medical teams as has lost control, we control the entire area well as Arab speakers’. of the northern Gaza Strip, and in particu“At best, this shows a staggering lack of lar in Gaza City. The entire city is in practice care when reporting on a highly volatile a single terrorist fortress. We haven’t the situation, which can have a knock-on ef- moral right to stop the fighting as long as fect all over the world, including in Britain, the hostages are held.” where antisemitic attacks have risen by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, meanmore than 500 per cent time, revealed to the since October 7th. InBBC’s Laura Kuenscidents like this make sberg on Sunday that a mockery of the BBC’s the IDF had discovoft-stated dedication to ered a copy of Hitler’s professionalism and book Mein Kampf on impartiality. The Corthe body of a Hamas poration must issue a terrorist in a children’s public apology without room used as a terror delay for this egregious base. The Arabic lanmisreporting.” guage copy had written Reuters reported: comments. Herzog said: “This ‘The Israeli military is the book that led to said on Wednesday: “We can confirm that the Holocaust and the incubators, baby food book that led to World and medical supplies War II. The terrorist brought by IDF tanks President Herzog holding Mein Kampf wrote notes, marked from Israel have sucthe sections, and studcessfully reached the Shifa hospital. Our ied again and again Adolf Hitler’s ideology medical teams and Arabic speaking sol- to hate the Jews, to kill the Jews, to burn and diers are on the ground to ensure that these slaughter Jews wherever they are. This is supplies reach those in need.” the real war we are facing.”
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Regarding Al-Shifa hospital, Herzog commented, “There is a lot of spin by Hamas. There is electricity in Shifa, everything is operating. We’re speaking to the managers… underneath Shifa, there is a huge, huge terror base… the headquarters of the Hamas ISIS operations is right there under Shifa. What are we supposed to do? Leave it as is, then in a few years time go again through the same motions. You will say it’s disproportionate and we will have civilians being killed?” Herzog added: “We are calling on all of those uninvolved to go out to another hospital nearby, and we’re coordinating it very delicately with all forces around that place. Hamas is stopping them.” The BBC’s coverage of the Gaza war has already been criticised. Secretary of State for Culture Lucy Frazer backed the Board for Hamas to be described as ‘terrorists’. BoD President Marie van der Zyl wrote to BBC Director General Tim Davie on the matter. Frazer asked Davie if the BBC was considering reviewing its News Style Guide that refers to the fact that ‘an action or event can be described as a terror attack or an act of terror’. “I strongly believe that the language used to describe these horrific attacks matters,” said Frazer. Ms van de Zyl noted: “It is clear, particularly given the Government’s full proscription, that Hamas should be described as what they are, terrorists.”
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Corbyn Hamas ‘terror’group outrage BY DAVID SAFFER
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn refused to answer 15 times whether Hamas were a terror group in an astonishing interview on the Piers Morgan Uncensored talk show on Monday night. Although the divisive MP said he did “not approve, support or welcome” Hamas, Corbyn flatly refused to call the organisation a terrorist group on the show. TV presenter Morgan, in a hard-hitting broadcast with Corbyn and former Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey, immediately brought up the pro-Palestine rally on Saturday afternoon where Corbyn spoke, in his questioning. Noting many protestors were at the rally for the “right reasons”, others, as seen on social media, Morgan said, were “blatant anti-Semites or blatantly supported Hamas”. Corbyn, who was increasingly irate as the interview continued, refused to answer Morgan’s questioning on whether Hamas should stay in power or state they were a terror group. “Are they a terror group?” Morgan asked Corbyn. “Everybody knows what they are,” Corbyn responded. “Are they a terror group? Can you say it? Can you call them a terror group?”, continued Morgan. “Is it possible to have a rational discussion with you?” responded Corbyn. McCluskey, under the intense questions,
finally admitted Hamas were a terror group. “Of course,” he said. Douglas Murray, of the Spectator, joined the show from Tel Aviv to react to Corbyn’s appearance. He noted: “It was so cack-handed, it was beyond belief. Nobody in this region could make any sense of their dreams, claims and assertions. Everything they said fell apart on first analysis.” Morgan was stunned at Corbyn’s resolute refusal to answer his questions. “Corbyn was paralysed,” he told Murray. “He (Corbyn) could not answer those two basic questions.” Murray said that was a “character career trait” of Corbyn. “It was the same with Sinn Fein and IRA,” he observed. “He (Corbyn) always seems to keep the door open to terror groups whether they are anti-British terror groups like the IRA or anti-Israel groups like Hamas. I don’t know why he feels this need, he’s never been involved in any international peace negotiations anywhere, certainly never anywhere with any success, never with any prominence. It’s bizarre to hear him talking as if he’s been the UN Secretary General for the last 50 years.” Morgan said it was “scary” that he was nearly the Prime Minister of the UK. Murray was amazed Corbyn and McCluskey kept talking about ‘Palestine’. He observed: “What do they mean by Palestine? Do they mean the West Bank?
Do they mean the West Bank and Gaza? Do they mean the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem?” As for a ‘Palestinian state’, which Corbyn and McCluskey also mentioned, Murray questioned whether they meant everything “pre-1948 or post-1948”. He noted: “They just talk about this non-existent state that still does not exist because for decade after decade people like them have supported the worst possible elements, and have encouraged them in this delusion that Israel can disappear. Israel is not going to disappear.” Murray said delusion had been encouraged among some people in the Palestinian leadership. “When they were offered 99% of a state time and time again they said no because 99% is not 100%,” he noted. Morgan played a clip by former US President Bill Clinton about Hamas and a settlement offered to Arafat. “Arafat walked away as his predecessors walked away,” noted Murray. Murray recalled how traumatic the withdrawal from Gaza was for the people of Israel in 2005. “Hamas won the elections, killed their Fatah rivals and never had another election,” he noted. “How can anyone defend this group or believe they are a legitimate government of Palestine.” Following the period of the massacres of October 7, Murray gave an insightful observation about the
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state of Israel’s unity. He noted: “It doesn’t matter whether you are right wing or left wing, a ‘peacenik’ like many of the people murdered in the kibbutzim or a supporter of Benjamin Netanyahu, nobody in Israel believes they can live by Hamas.” “Why would you?” agreed Morgan. “Hamas are dedicated in their charter to the eradication of Israel. And a Hamas spokesman only last week said they would do what happened on October 7 again and again and again. You can’t do peace with people with that mentality.” Action Against Discrimination chairman Jonathan Metliss applauded Morgan on his questioning. He commented: “This situation is, sadly, currently being repeated within Keir Starmer’s Labour Party by MPs who are unashamedly Palestine supporters. There are a large number of them. It is arguable the likes of Corbyn and McCluskey should have been given air time but their appearance demonstrates to viewers who they really are, and what they stand for.” A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson for said: “Corbyn refuses to acknowledge the genocidal antisemitic murderers Hamas as a terror group. Years ago, he called them his ‘friends’. Why, after everything, is he still a member of the Labour Party?”
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VOICES FROM ISRAEL SERIES JONATHAN DEKEL-CHEN
HEAR FROM KIBBUTZ NIR OZ MEMBER AND FATHER OF HOSTAGE Lead 5 West led a fourth-highest to make four spades and
In the first event in the series, Professor Jonathan Dekel-Chen will talk about life on Kibbutz Nir Oz, the attacks of October 7th and of his hopes for the future. He will also discuss the events that led to his son Sagui’s capture, and the campaign for his safe return.
♥5. Declarer saw that his best chance for nine tricks was three diamonds plus a trick in each of the other two suits.
Declarer played dummy's ♥9 at trick one,East covered with the ten and declarer won it with the queen. He then played the jack of spades to dummy's king and led the ♦Queen. When East followed with a low diamond, declarer unblocked
Sagui Dekel-Chen is a cherished JNF UK employee having met the organisation, alongside Jonathan, through the JNF UK supported Bikurim Youth Village for the Arts, a project the Dekel-Chen family established in 2014.
the jack from hand (so as to stay in dummy and create an extra entry should East cover) . After winning this trick, declarer continued with the ♦10 which was also allowed to win. Next, declarer led the ♠9 and ran it. After that held, declarer took a second winning finesse in spades. Now declarer had nine tricks four spades, one heart, three diamonds and one club.
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Chabad conference attracts 6,500 delegates BY DAVID SAFFER
Over 6,500 Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries and lay leaders attended the 40th annual International Conference of Chabad Emissaries in New York last weekend. The largest gathering of communal leaders in the world took place just five weeks after the October 7 terror attack. Delegates came from all 50 US States and over 100 countries for the event (November 8-13) that strengthens Jewish awareness and practice around the world. Some 1,400 Chabad emissaries serving in Israel attended a virtual conference. The event strengthens Jewish identity in the face of rising antisemitism. The program included live prayers from the Kotel, Chabad emissaries sharing experiences, a message from Chabad IDF reserves, an overview of Jewish campus life and a memorial service. The famous picture of rabbis in front of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters took place. According to a recent survey of US Chabad rabbis released for conference 98.6 percent had witnessed an increase in Jewish programmes, identity and connection to Israel by community members. Following the October 7th attack, 77% of respondents had seen a stronger sense of ‘Jewish pride and confidence’ among
community members, 81% of members felt scared, 93% had a ‘stronger ‘connection’ to Jewish people, 88% to ‘Israel and her people’ and 86% a ‘deeper connection’ to their Jewish identity. Last Friday, rabbis prayed at the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, who during past conflicts in Israel, offered suggestions of mitzvahs, which continue. They include unity for prayer, tefillin and mezuzah campaigns, lighting Shabbat candles, charity and studying Torah. Before and after the 1967 Six Day War, the Rebbe launched an international tefillin and mezuzah campaign. A renewed mezuzah campaign followed the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The initiatives are as powerful today as Israel experiences what many political leaders have said is the state’s darkest hour. Chabad has witnessed a groundswell of interest among Jews of all backgrounds resulting in a shortage in parts of the world of mezuzahs and tefillin as they cannot be mass-produced. “I am sold out of tefillin, I’m trying to get enough supply for all the requests,” Rabbi Yosef Mishulovin, who has run Chabad’s Judaica store in Los Angeles since 1975, told Chabad. “I’ve never seen this much interest. People are awakening.
They want to do a lot more mitzvot for their brethren in Israel.” Rabbi Avromy Super, Chabad St Lucia, launched a tefillin campaign following the attacks. He vowed to give a free pair of tefillin to anyone who would wear them daily. It will take months to meet the demand, Super told Chabad. “We’ve bought all we could get our hands on, and now we are having hundreds of more pairs written, but the sofers just can’t write them fast enough,” he explained. “We have been sourcing from all around the world. One scribe in Australia that I contacted told me he only had a handful of pairs of tefillin left as the local demand has surged in the last few weeks as well.” Tzvi Rappaport of Brooklyn, NY, decided to donate mezuzahs for Israeli soldiers whose homes may not have one. Inside 24 hours, he raised sufficient funds for 100 mezuzahs. Rappaport has so far sourced 600 mezuzahs and has requests for another 160. Other individuals have joined the mezuzah campaign including 30 scribes in Otzar HaStam Tzfat. Rabbi Chaim Kaplan told Chabad that one client had ordered 2,000 mezuzahs. “When you make a mezuzah, you can’t just push a button and create more,” he explained. “It is all handmade, and
PHOTO: CHABAD-LUBAVITCH
The 40th International Conference of Chabad Emissaries in New York
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whenever there is a big demand, there’s a bottleneck.” Otzar HaStam’s manager and director have been called up to serve in the IDF. Despite the challenges, Kaplan is confident scribes around the globe will help meet the demand. “Such demand can only come about when the Jewish people are connecting to their roots,” Kaplan observed. “People don’t want mezuzahs and tefillin just as souvenirs, they want these items because they want spiritual protection for themselves and their brothers and sisters here in Israel.” Chabad is Israel’s largest food-security NGO and has expanded food, medicine and emergency aid distribution since October 7. Across Israel from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, Hebron and Tel Aviv, Chabad has a network of emissaries serving as community rabbis, educators and spiritual counsellors running religious, educational and social services organisations. “In the face of current adversities, many Jews have discovered a newfound feeling of connection to their faith and identity,” said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of the educational arm of Chabad. “Shluchim have been tirelessly at the forefront, fortifying the spirit and resilience of their communities.”
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Kristallnacht commemorated BY ADAM MOSES
Global organisations commemorated the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht last week. World Jewish Congress coordinated a special event with the Central Council of Jews in Germany and Israelite religious society Austria. Virtual reconstructions of former synagogues in Germany and Austria were shown. WJC president Ronald S. Lauder spoke about the atrocity over eight decades ago and also last month’s terror attack by Hamas in Israel. He reportedly said: “The shadows of the past remind us of the urgent imperative to preserve history, especially as Jewish communities worldwide confront a resurgence of antisemitism following the wave of terror carried out against Israel by Hamas. “This attack, claiming over 1,400 Jewish lives, stands as the most devastating since the Holocaust, reinforcing the vital need to remember and educate. Through initiatives like the digital reconstruction of synagogues, we not only honour the memory of what was lost but also fortify our resolve to combat the tides of hatred and bigotry. In doing so, we ensure that the phrase ‘Never Again’ transcends mere words, becoming a steadfast commitment to safeguarding Jewish lives and dignity everywhere.” WJC’s #WeRemember campaign uses virtual reality to create new formats of remembrance. Jewish life in Germany and Austria was destroyed by the Nazis. Digitally
NEWS 17
reconstructed synagogues were developed with TU Darmstadt and the University of Vienna. Projections were displayed on walls where the synagogues stood. Patrons were Barbel Bas, President of the German Bundestag, and Wolfgang Ernst Sobotka, President of the Austrian National Council. “It is our paramount responsibility to combat all forms of antisemitism,” Barbel reportedly noted. “We must do everything in our power to guarantee the safety of the Jewish community and enable them to foster their culture openly, without fear. The digitally reconstructed synagogues remind us of what is at stake. “We must examine our painful history and historical critical junctures closely and acknowledge the truth,” Sobotka reportedly added. “The events of those days changed the fate of hundreds of thousands of Jewish women and men, and the appearance of our cities and our country, forever. Once proud symbols of Jewish culture and spirituality, synagogues were destroyed and reduced to rubble. The streets in which Jewish people lived and had their businesses lay in ruins. Today, we commemorate the victims and remember history so that such atrocities may never happen again. It is our responsibility to stand united against terrorism and its causes. Antisemitism is antidemocratic. It falls upon our parliament, with unwavering resolve, to counteract it and grant visibility to Jewish life.” The Central Council of Jews in Germany held a commemoration at Beth Israel,
Berlin, which has been recently targeted in antisemitic attacks. Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended. The synagogue damaged during Kristallnacht was rebuilt with support of the Lauder foundation. Since October 7, antisemitic incidents have increased. “We need different formats through which we can bring commemorative and memorial days to life, making them relevant to the present,” Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Israelite Cultural Community of Munich, reportedly said. “This year, we are commemorating perhaps the saddest remembrance of the November Pogroms, 85 years ago,” Oskar Deutsch, Chairman of the Israelite Cultural Community of Vienna,” reportedly added. “Today, it is imperative for all individuals to recognise that the words ‘never again’ hold a more pressing relevance than ever. Following the most heinous massacre of Jewish women and men since the Shoah, it is our collective duty to confront this barbarism and secure the release of the hostages from the grip of terrorists. The reconstructions of the destroyed synagogues are reminders of the once-thriving Jewish life in Vienna, decimated by the forces of antisemitism. We must do everything in our power to protect our society from antisemitism and strengthen our unity. This commitment is our daily charge, preserving the essence of our open and diverse
democracy.” Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser praised the WJC-Central Council of Jews in Germany project. “No one stood up to those who set fire to synagogues, humiliated, and abused Jews, and destroyed their businesses and homes,” she reportedly said. “Even today, Jews in Germany are intimidated, threatened, and attacked. It is the common task and duty of state and society to oppose this hatred and misanthropy and to protect the Jewish community from violence and hostility. The virtually reconstructed synagogues show us a part of what we have lost and must never give away again – the integrity of our rule of law, our democracy, and finally our humanity.” Historians recorded that from November 9th to 10th 1938, rioters, often neighbours, ransacked Jewish homes, hospitals, schools and cemeteries, around 100 Jews were murdered, over 900 synagogues were burnt down across Germany and Austria while 7,500 Jewish-owned businesses destroyed. 30,000 Jewish males aged 16 to 60 were arrested. The Nazis soon declared Jewish businesses could not be reopened unless managed by non-Jews then barred Jews from schools and authorised local authorities to impose curfews by late November. Those arrested were sent to concentration camps at an expanded Dachau, Buchenwald and Sachsenhausen.
Archaeologists searched for evidence of missing people known to be in houses. When it became clear archaeological methods could aid identifying of other remains the IAA were asked to examine contents of all burned houses and cars. An IAA statement noted: “The archaeological methods employed at ancient sites are similar to the methods applied here, but it is one thing to expose 2000-year-old destruction remains, and quite another thing, heart-rending and unfathomable, to carry out the present task searching for evidence of our sisters and brothers in the communities.” Some have since been buried, other evidence has been brought for examination at the Shura Base. “Taking into account all the difficulty
and the emotional challenges involved, our hope is that we can contribute to the certain identification for as many as possible families, regarding the fate of their dear ones,” said Eli Escusido, IAA Director. “I salute our archaeologists for their immediate agreement to take part in this difficult task. It is an honour and a great responsibility, that they are carrying out with great respect.” The IAA is committed to contributing to the war effort in educational programs and respite activities in hotels throughout
the country where families have been evacuated from the war zones.
IAA Aid IDF Indentification Search BY ADAM MOSES
Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists are aiding IDF efforts to identify burnt human remains in Israeli communities at the Gaza border following the October 7 massacre. Archaeologists have been combing ash for two weeks at burnt houses at Kibbutz Be’eri, Kfar Aza and Nir Oz. They have also evaluated contents of burnt-out cars from a party at Kibbutz Reim. So far they have uncovered remains of 10 victims previously considered missing. Colonel Yossi Cohen and Major Rabbi Shlomo Hazut of the IDF Gaza Division requested the specialist help of archaeologists used to ancient sites destroyed by fire.
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OPINION
16 NOVEMBER 2023
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What are we doing? OPINION PIECE BY ROBERT FESTENSTEIN
The short answer is not much. Perhaps the better way of starting this article is explain what is meant by the title, though I suspect some might have worked it out. The complete title might be ‘What are we doing to fight the Jew-hate now spreading across the country?’ As I said, not much. There are many Jewish and non-Jewish supporters, who have absolutely put their back into trying to pick out the lies told by the Hamas supporters, the BBC and the usual suspects, particularly on the left. Colonel Richard Kemp, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Rachel Riley spring immediately to mind and their efforts are very much appreciated. What about the rest of us, including those who asked why the Jews in Germany did not see the Shoah coming, or didn’t appreciate the danger they were in. The degree is very different of course but the principle is the same: 300,000 people on the streets calling for the destruction of
Israel, the safety net for us all, the country that will take us in without question. These people want that taken away from us, to reduce us to the dreadful vulnerability we had before 1948. Anyone who claims that this is not anti-Semitic is either just stupid or is just that, a Jew hater. So again, I ask what are we doing to fight this appalling wave of Jew-hate. For those who do not believe that this is nationwide, you only have to look at the website of Palestine Solidarity Campaign and all you need to know is there in plain sight. Marches arranged from Penzance to Southend, London, Coventry and up to Newcastle upon Tyne. And the response from our leaders? Visits to Israel and Qatar, appearances on the radio and television, newsletters telling us all who the great and the good have met and of course briefings. I am not particularly well informed but I can say that I have not yet been to a briefing where I have learned something I did not already know. No call to action to the community, no co-ordinated action bringing all the Jewish and Zionist groups together and as before over and over again, a misguided belief that complaining to the BBC and Ofcom
and high-level meetings is what is needed. Those claiming to be communal leaders have learned nothing from the mistakes made in 2014 and 2021. Hopeless. That in some respects is helpful, since it demonstrates that those who are keen to continue meeting and briefing instead of taking action are in fact not the people who able to affect anything at street level, since that is where the real work needs to be done. There needs to be some proper guidance on how individuals can make a difference. As President of the Zionist Central Council I will be approaching other like minded groups with a view to co-ordinating advice on how that difference can made. There are many tried and tested actions, which might not be exciting but do have an impact. Letters to councillors, MPs and local newspapers are tried and tested actions which are known to work. Do you see a dishonest online post? Register your complaint with YouTube, Facebook or whichever platform is appropriate. On the subject of social media, when you see a well put together article or video, circulate it to your friends, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. Intimidation on campus – contact
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the Vice-Chancellor and the secretary of state for education. Don’t forget the Equality and Human Rights Commission as well. None of this is hard and be absolutely certain that our enemies are doing this already and have been for years. We must not sit by and expect those who claim to represent us to do something other than undertake meetings and briefings. It is too important for that. Everyone who recognises the danger we are in needs to act now. Maybe our letters and complaints won’t make a difference, but until we try we won’t know. There is just too much at stake for us not to make that effort.
Robert Festenstein is a practising solicitor and has been the principal of his Salford based firm for over 20 years. He has fought BDS motions to the Court of Appeal and is President of the Zionist Central Council in Manchester which serves to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel.
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Just be human OPINION PIECE BY ROOPKANWAL SHARMA
“Hamas is not a terrorist organisation; they are freedom fighters of course.” They care so much about the Palestinian people that they have not let them have a democratic election since 2007. They care so much about the Palestinian children that they use them as human shields. So caring. So kind. Hopefully, dear reader, you understand my sarcasm. I hope by now we can come together and state an obvious truth, that Hamas is a terrorist organisation that wants to wipe out the only Jewish State in the entire world. This conflict has to date seen over 1,400 Israelis murdered in cold blood, it has seen over 200 kidnapped, and more than 500,000 Israelis displaced from their homes. Israel has seen its women raped, children beheaded, and a vast host of civilians kidnapped into Gaza, and yet I have to sit and believe this is ‘Palestinian resistance’?. No, this is an act of terror. You cannot claim victimhood when you behead children. You cannot claim victimhood as you kidnap a Holocaust survivor. You cannot claim victimhood when you invade a country by land, air, and sea. Hamas is a terrorist organisation, and it is not that hard to state.
You cannot be neutral on this issue; you cannot argue for moral equivalency between Hamas and the State of Israel. One kills its own children and butchers the children of the other, whilst Israel defends its citizens, and it has every right to. It is absurd to think that people would try to argue how Israel should just shut up and endure the terror inflicted upon its citizens. Despite news of the atrocities inflicted upon Israelis by Hamas, why do some university students find it difficult to condemn this behaviour? In fact, a day after the terrorist invasion, City, University of London’s ‘Friends of Palestine’ society decided to take to Instagram and post how ‘Palestine Lives! The Resistance Lives!’ and even quoted the political chief of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh stating how ‘the Palestinian resistance, in these historical moments, are engaged in a heroic fight’. When did free speech and the right of expression on campus give students the license to support a nationally accepted terrorist group? It is saddening that we have come to a point in Britain in which many of our university students praise an organisation that has repeatedly called for the total annihilation of the Jewish people. You are no friend of the Palestinian people if you support Hamas, when Hamas monopolizes
the vulnerability of its women and children by hiding its weaponry in schools and hospitals. You cannot call yourself a human rights activist if you dismiss the slaughtering of Jews. Furthermore, the moral bankruptcy of the West is evident in the hostility of ‘pro-Palestine’ protestors who frolic about on the streets of London shouting ‘Death to Israel’. Yes, right here in London, not too far from Parliament- a place in which democracy is enshrined as a core British value, chants could be heard calling for the end of the only democratic nation in the Middle East. When did the West begin to collapse? When did Britain and other European nations allow this social contagion of extremism to infiltrate its academic institutions? We say ‘never again’ whenever we learn about the Holocaust throughout our high school education and many of us jump up to decry the events of the Holocaust regardless of religion and ethnicity, but when the highest number of Jews have been killed since the Holocaust, why do people remain silent? Why are the deaths of the Jewish people deemed as morally acceptable because somehow, they deserved this punishment for their supposed occupation of Gaza? The same Gaza that they left in 2005, the same Gaza which they
OPINION
provided relief to. What has changed from 1933 to 2023- the location of many of the Jewish people? Does someone’s nationality now reduce their value as a human being? Slightly genocidal if I say so myself. For the first time in my living memory, have I seen radicalized students who dismiss the deaths of Jews in Israel; for the first time in my life, I saw such a severe level of antisemitism to the point that many of my fellow university students were afraid of coming into university because they feared for their life. This should not be acceptable. This environment of intimidation made for Jewish students should be wholly removed and utterly condemned. I call on all MPs to condemn the actions of Hamas and to stand with their Jewish constituents. In conclusion, as you have probably noticed, I am not Jewish. Nor am I Israeli. I do not have to be either of the above to say that Hamas is a terrorist organisation- I just need to be human.
Roopkanwal Sharma is a StandWithUs UK Fellow
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Keeping the Jewish community united during the war OPINION PIECE BY GARY MOND
In these trying times, it has been encouraging that the UK Jewish community has been almost united in its support for Israel’s goal of eradicating Hamas and achieving freedom for the hostages. The numerous rallies – both those organised by the major Jewish communal entities as well as other groups such as the National Jewish Assembly, Campaign Against Antisemitism, Israelis living in the UK and grass roots Jewish activists - have attracted great numbers of supporters for a relatively small community. Indeed, the same can largely be said also for other Jewish diaspora communities around the world. Yet one major issue, which divided us very publicly this year, might well return to divide us again. I refer to the principle as to whether UK Jewish organisations should make their views known on how Israel should conduct its affairs and determine its policies, potentially in opposition to the Israeli government. We certainly saw this before the war during the debate
on constitutional reform in Israel, with many entities, including prominent UK Jewish newspapers, expressing profound opposition to the Israeli government’s judicial reform proposals. Opposing this approach, the National Jewish Assembly stated publicly that these reforms were entirely a matter for Israeli residents and not the diaspora, a view we sticked to throughout that debate. This argument of the diaspora interfering or not interfering in Israeli decisions is likely to return as the pressure on Israel builds to implement a ceasefire. In particular, a situation might well develop where Israel’s two stated aims of wiping out Hamas and freeing the hostages come into conflict with each other. If the hostages are of paramount importance, then Israel will agree a ceasefire, most hostages will live but Hamas will survive to fight another day. On the other hand, the IDF might well be able to destroy Hamas completely, but at the cost of the lives of many hostages. One can be sure that the Jewish community will divide on this matter as to which is the preferred option. Also, older readers will remember how, in 1982, Israeli prime minister Menachem
Begin told the then young US senator, Joe Biden, that he was not a Jew with trembling knees when Biden threatened to cut off US aid to Israel. It is very probable that we are about to see Benjamin Netanyahu put to the same test (probably privately but possibly publicly) and by the same man more than 40 years later. This time, Biden might insist that Israel unconditionally agrees to stop fighting prematurely – leaving Hamas undefeated and holding hostages. If Netanyahu passes this test, and the Israeli cabinet stands firm in its determination to defeat Hamas completely, it must be our role in the diaspora to support him and his government to the hilt in this endeavour, whatever the consequences for world opinion, international diplomacy or loss of innocent life may be. We all pray that G-d guides Israel’s decision makers in the Israeli government wisely. Yet once they have chosen their path of action, it would be disastrous for our unity if major Jewish organisations, be they in the UK or elsewhere in the diaspora, failed to back them fully. This is because the existence and wellbeing of the state of Israel is fundamental to all of us as Jews, and we create disunity with Israel at
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our peril. I am hopeful, however, that this attitude will be adopted not just by the Jewish community, but also by those who advocate for Israel outside it. Some readers might think immediately that few if any outside the Jewish community support Israel at the present time. I am hopeful that the demonstration and prayer vigil being arranged for this coming Sunday in Central London by Christian Action against Antisemitism and other leading pro-Israel Christian groups will prove them wrong. I am one of the few Jewish speakers who will be addressing this audience (possibly the only one) and I will explain that its welcome support for Israel must extend to support for its government’s objectives. Only the obliteration of Hamas will bring Israel – and Gaza – the peace that the region deserves. So, let’s all of us stay united, back Israel’s wartime coalition, and pray for victory and the freedom of the abducted hostages. Am Israel Chai!
Gary Mond is the Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly.
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Israel is at War OPINION PIECE BY JOE OZER
Israel is currently embroiled in a state of war, facing one of the most heinous terrorist attacks in its history on October 7th, 2023. This fateful day not only witnessed the devastating loss of Jewish lives, surpassing any single day since World War II, but also served as a stark awakening for the global Jewish Diaspora. The immediate outpouring of support for Israel swiftly transformed into calls for restraint and ceasefire, ostensibly in the pursuit of peace but often at the expense of Am Israel. Cities worldwide, including London, Paris, Berlin, New York, saw hundreds of thousands marching, even before Israel could comprehend the full extent of its losses or
16 NOVEMBER 2023
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assess the number of kidnapped individuals. The initial solidarity from heads of governments eroded into appeals for Israel to halt actions, overlooking the complexity of the situation. The danger lies in how swiftly others may follow suit. Amidst these challenges, Israel Bonds has emerged as a beacon of support, experiencing a significant surge in investment. Conceived by David Ben Gurion in 1951, Israel Bonds served as a vital conduit for Jewish Diaspora investments, offering affordable borrowing to the Ministry of Finance during a time when conventional money market investments were unattainable for the fledgling state. Over the years, it evolved into a customary gift for joyous occasions like Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and Brit Milahs, playing a pivotal role in Israel’s
economic prosperity. While the products remain consistent, the methods of utilising bond sales have evolved with Israel’s growth. In the wake of the recent conflict, global bond sales exceeded 1 billion US Dollars, nearly doubling the sales throughout the year. Investors, ranging from state and municipal funds in the USA to Jewish families across generations and non-Jewish allies of all financial standings, have demonstrated their support through investments ranging from £36 to multiple millions. Israel recognises the strength in numbers, valuing every investor as a testament to unity. Looking ahead, Israel faces the monumental task of rebuilding after the war, requiring substantial investment. In this challenging period, Israel seeks to identify
OPINION
its true friends, and investing in Israel Bonds serves as an unequivocal marker of solidarity with The State of Israel. Israel Bonds office in the UK is on hand to help you purchase Israel Bonds for any purpose – be it as a gift, donation to a charity or synagogue – or just for yourself and the interest it would accrue. For more information, head to www.israelbondsintl.com, or call us on 020 3936 2712, or you can go straight to opening an account and buying online at https://online.israelbondsintl.com
Joe Ozer is the Executive Director at Israel Bonds UK
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Cameron in, Braverman out - bad news for Israel! OPINION PIECE BY ANDREW M ROSEMARINE
Suella Braverman, Home Secretary until Monday, showed grit and courage in labelling pro-Palestinian demonstrations as “hate marches.” She correctly pointed out that many of those demonstrators want “to erase Israel from the map.” She was right. As an immigration lawyer, I’ve got to know well Arabs and Moslems from many countries, and their thinking. One of the few things that most have in common is an implacable hatred of Israel and Jews. Yet Suella has been punished for writing an article about British police reluctance to arrest our enemies, when they shout out “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and far worse. This is a call for the destruction of Israel and support for Hamas. The Prime Minister has dismissed her from the government, for her rightly questioning police priorities. Her being dismissed weakens Mr Sunak’s administration: she represented the right wing of her party. David Cameron did terrible harm to Britain and to Churchill’s and Thatcher’s Conservatives, with Cameron’s Brexit and Scottish Referenda. Indeed, he inflicted more damage than any previous Prime Minister, since Chamberlain’s Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler in 1938. This is not mere
rhetoric. See below. will be difficult to Cameron’s track restrain. record on Israel is Cameron is a also bad. In 2010, cock-sure gamhe accused Israel of bler, who played turning Gaza into a casino with Brit“prison camp.” He ain’s Destiny, likened Israeli comin both his Refmandos, defending erenda. He lost Israel then from a over Brexit, then Gazan flotilla, to simply resigned Somali pirates. You and walked away. can imagine what He made no athe is really thinking tempt to miniabout Israel now. mize the damage Cameron made that he caused, or to remark in Turkey, try and unite the People. Internally, thereby encouraging its leader his wholly unnecErdogan to launch essary Referenda another verbal split both the UK, blast against Israel, and Scotland, accusing Israel of with unprecePHOTO: EPA behaving like Hitler. David Cameron returns to politics dented hatred Cameron has also and loathing. Exbeen naive about Iran’s nuclear weapons ternally, Britain’s standing fell to unprecprogramme, and signed the interim deal in edented depths, as the world witnessed 2015, the deal that President Trump and Mr the consequences of Britain tearing itself Netanyahu rightly condemned. Cameron’s to pieces over Brexit. Bloomberg assesses running the Foreign Office now is terrible Brexit has cost UK output £100 billion per news for Israel. Because Rishi Sunak has year, and we lost out on all manner of EU made him a lord, Cameron is not democrat- agreements. Russian President Putin calically accountable at the next elections, and culated that the European Union’s being
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weakened by Brexit made his incursion into Ukraine worth the gamble, so plunging Europe into that unnecessary war. I was at Oxford with Cameron, his successor Boris Johnson, and the likely next Prime Minister Keir Starmer. I ran their Politics Society, and have followed them closely ever since. Cameron and Johnson, both old Etonians, were born to privilege and the dangerous notion that ruling Britain belongs to them and their class. Their self-assurance is dangerous in an ever-more complex world, in which those who understand data, and make their decisions based on them, are far more valuable to their people than populist crowd-pleasing gamblers. Cameron will seek to pressure Israel into a ceasefire in its righteous struggle against Hamas, and into a two-state “solution.” Suella, a lawyer by training, would have made a far-better Foreign Secretary.
Andrew M Rosemarine runs an international law office, has 3 Oxford law degrees, and is a former research fellow of the Harry S. Truman Institute for Peace, advancing peace processes with Israel, Jordan, and Morocco. He has been publishing and broadcasting about the Middle East since 1981, and practises law worldwide. ImmigrationLawForYou@gmail.com.
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Teens volunteers make an ImpACT for Israel - Kits for Kids Around 200 Project ImpACT teenage volunteers from across the Jewish community and 25 schools united on Sunday to support children in Israel. The teens packed 1,000 resilience kits for Israeli children who have been evacuated from their homes since the outbreak of the war. The packs included stress-relieving toys and calming games to support the wellbeing of children in the South of Israel who are stuck indoors with routines shattered and no schooling. The ImpACT event hosted at Hampstead Garden Suburb synagogue, gave teens an opportunity to get together and show their support for Israel in a practical way. The kits are being flown to Israel this week and will be distributed by a team of Step Up volunteers to Israeli children from the south, including Druze and Arab, as part of an ongoing initiative to deliver thousands of ‘Kits for Kids’ across Israel. Teens heard a moving talk from Dov Forman, a social media influencer, with two million followers who has used his platform to speak out in support of Israel. He said “You can make a difference by choosing to unite at events, you have the power to use your voices, to inspire change with acts of kindness like we’re seeing today” Teens also heard from Rabbi Leo Dee,
whose wife and two daughters were murdered by terrorists earlier this year. Rabbi Dee, who is Israel’s Special Envoy for Social Initiatives urged the teens to unite and come together to do meaningful and inspiring work when times are challenging. The inspiring speakers were organised by I-gnite, which supports students, parents and teachers in finding their voice about Israel and antisemitism. There was also a live link with survivors from Ofakim who told of the miracles that they had experienced. Ofakim, 20
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kilometers east of Gaza, was the hardest hit city in Southern Israel and is one of the most deprived areas in the country. Rabbi Konig who runs the soup kitchen shared that there has been a huge increase in demand for food support since the atrocities. He has been hand delivering food door to door to residents. ImpACT CEO, Chayli Fehler, saw first hand the important work they are doing when she volunteered there for several weeks after October 7th. The young volunteers were grateful to have the opportunity to support Israeli children at this difficult time in a meaningful and significant way. ImpACT teen, Maya said: “I am so happy to have taken part in this wonderful event. It has given me the chance to do something meaningful at a time when we all want to reach out and help Israel.” Another ImpACT teen said “it was amazing on Sunday, the atmosphere was really busy, it was great to see some many teens coming together to support Israel, the speakers were really powerful. Thank you to the organisers for giving us the opportunity.” ImpACT CEO Chayli Fehler said: “Having been in Israel since the war broke out and just returned, I wanted to bring together British teenagers to get involved and make a difference for the children in Israel. I’m delighted so many teens joined and contributed. We look forward to continuing these important volunteering initiatives including our ImpACT Youth Kitchen.” Project ImpACT regular volunteering programmes start this Sunday 19th November with the launch of the ImpACT Youth Kitchen on Mitzvah Day. All teens who want to be involved in meaningful volunteering can sign up. We will be preparing and cooking nutritious meals which will be delivered to homeless shelters and food banks. ImpACT volunteering is accredited by the Duke of Edinburgh Award. For more information and to sign up please visit our website www.projectimpact.org.uk
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Rachelle Fraenkel speaks of Unity and Faith In a poignant and heartfelt address organised by Mizrachi UK to Hasmonean Girls, Rachelle Fraenkel delivered a powerful message on the balance of tragedy and unity, faith in the face of adversity, and the importance of fighting evil. She touched on a range of topics, emphasizing the significance of unity and the connection between people from diverse backgrounds, both in Israel and beyond. Fraenkel recounted a story of unity when her son, Naftali was kidnapped. She described a heart-warming Shabbat meal that brought together neighbours who had previously been separated due to religious differences. The message she conveyed was clear: people from different walks of Jewish life should always feel connected, not only during times of tragedy. This connection defines the essence of being a part of Am Yisrael. Fraenkel takes inspiration from Rabbi Sacks, who believed that understanding the reasons for bad things could lead to acceptance of evil, something we should never do. The challenge lies in being strong in our fight against evil while remaining righteous. She urged the audience to use their power to combat evil and to be a source of light in the darkness, emphasizing that this can only be achieved by not allowing evil to weigh us down. In a deeply personal touch, the speaker shared how she felt the support of all of Am Yisrael when facing her own tragedy and encouraged the girls to reach out to Israeli families
with messages of solidarity and support from London. The address concluded with a call for unity and respectful engagement among the Jewish community. Fraenkel underlined the need to channel natural emotions such as sadness, anger, and confusion toward Hashem through prayer. Believing that Hashem is “running the show” provides a means to express these emotions. She stated, “when Jews come together and cry to Hashem, things happen,” reinforcing the power of faith, unity, and collective prayer. The speaker’s impactful words left the audience inspired and motivated to stand together, fight evil, and reconnect with Hashem in times of darkness. The message serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of the Jewish community and its commitment to unity and faith. Mizrachi UK are constantly supporting programming in Jewish schools and communities alike. If you are interested in bringing activities to your school or community, please email uk@mizrachi. org.
At a private reception hosted by Lord Leslie Turnberg at the House of Lords, StandWithUs UK were proud to hold a special event to support Israel and to highlight the shared values between the UK and Israel. At the event, StandWithUs UK officially released their new educational booklet titled ‘UK-Israel: A Relationship of Shared Values’. Guests had the honour of hearing from both Lord Turnberg and Lord Polak on the relationship between both countries and its critical importance during these difficult times. Upon commenting on the current crisis since the October 7th, both speakers provided hopeful insights into what we’re facing. Lord Turnberg reminded attendees that, “Reason will prevail. We are going through terrible times and face grave danger. I believe this is a phase and will improve”, whilst Lord Polak reassured everyone that, “I know we will see good from this. Don’t underestimate the work you all do…” The panel moderated by journalist Catherine Perez-Shakdam also touched
upon the symbolic date of the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the pivotal moment the United Kingdom supported the creation of a Jewish state. She emphasised on drawing from this inspirational date, reminding attendees that, “the current anti-Israel and antisemitic discourse prays on people’s anger- offering hate as an answer. But these narratives don’t lastthey are exhausting”. Gathered at the reception were close friends, as well as pupils and university students recognised for their leadership and activism. Lana Saffrin Betesh, Chair of StandWithUs UK concluded the evening by exclaiming that, “We salute you and you are never alone. You are part of a family, and you are part of a phenomenal organization who will be with you every step of the way”. The evening was part of a series of events for the Herzl Club, whereby guests are treated to seminars, webinars and cultural experience all relating to engaging with Israel and her people.
Young and old remembering together and odd socks day in support of anti-bullying week at BJPS PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
King Charles meets Kindertransport survivors
Rachelle Fraenkel addressing Hasmonean Girls
Support AJEX marchers AJEX has invited the Jewish community to join the annual remembrance parade and ceremony at The Cenotaph, Whitehall on Sunday. Themed ‘Side by Side,’ the historic event, the only Jewish gathering that closes Whitehall, symbolises unity and pride, with veterans and families marching together to honour the legacy thousands of Jewish servicemen and women. In light of rising antisemitism this year’s parade expects a strong turnout from marchers and spectators, showcasing solidarity within the community. Fiona Palmer, AJEX CEO said: “The parade is a powerful statement against the rise of antisemitism. By participating or spectating, we actively contribute to the ongoing legacy of remembrance. In times like these, it is crucial our community to stand united. We eagerly anticipate seeing people at the parade, whether marching proudly with their medals or family medals or spectating.” Palmer thanked the CST and Met Police
StandWithUs UK held a special event to support Israel at the House of Lords
for providing a high level of security. “No matter your age, join us with pride to support the marchers, standing side by side,” she noted. This year’s parade marks the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Dam Busters raid, and the 70th anniversary of the end of fighting in the Korean War. JLGB members and a contingent of JFS Cadets will be attending together with other Jewish schools, scout groups and members of the Jewish community. No tickets are required to be a spectator from outside the secure area at the ceremony. High security measures, managed by CST and the Police, will be in place. Attendees are advised to arrive before the 1.45pm start time with no large bags for security reasons.
Central Synagogue welcomed King Charles III and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Kindertransport last week. King Charles spoke to survivors at a reception before the service. The event was hosted by the Association of Jewish Refugees. A commemorative Kristallnacht service conducted by the Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Barry Lerer and Chazan Steven Leas followed. Central chairman Mervyn Druian said: “This was a unique and special occasion for the synagogue.” Keynote speakers included Michael Newman, AJR, and Holocaust survivors. Memorial candles were lit by Kindertransport members. Central welcomed the Chief Rabbi and Lady Mirvis to a community solidarity event last Shabbat which featured the induction of Rabbi Lerer and Rebbetzin Naomi Lerer delayed due to COVID-19. In the presence of 300 attendees, the Chief Rabbi spoke glowingly about Rabbi and Rebbetzin Lerer and success of Central under their guidance. Rabbi Lerer spoke about his affection for the community and launched two
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projects. The first will raise funds for a children’s day camp for displaced Sderot residents in Israel and Hebrew reading course for children and adults in conjunction with SEED. Central runs cultural events in its ‘Talks of Interest’ and ‘Kiddush Talks’ series. Petty Officer Abigail Sondack will participate in the kiddush talk this Shabbat.
King Charles
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Professor Ruth Plummer delivers Chai’s Online 2023 Annual Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture ‘Taking new cancer drugs to the patient’ was the topic of Chai’s 2023 annual Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture. More than 200 people tuned in to listen to Keynote Speaker, Professor Ruth Plummer, Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine, Newcastle University. Natalie z’l, daughter of Susan Shipman, Chai’s founder president, was one of the catalysts that inspired Chai’s inception over thirty-two years ago. She was diagnosed with cancer when she was two years old and sadly passed away from a brain tumour just before her eighth birthday. Chai Chairman, Louise Hager welcomed guests and gave an update on what has been happening at Chai during the past year. She explained: “Holding the lecture online enables us to reach so many more people across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and of course Israel, where of course our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. We are currently supporting just over 4,000 cancer patients and their loved ones aged 3-98. This year 1,035 new clients have needed to turn to Chai – the largest number ever. Whenever we quote these figures it is always with
mixed emotions because we just wish there wouldn’t be the need. But while there is, Chai is here. There has also been a marked change in the demographic of our clients, with one in three now aged 50 and under.” Dr Adrian Tookman – Chairman of Chai’s Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) who before introducing Professor Plummer spoke about how wonderful it is to work with Chai’s team of expert MAPs who regularly advise the organisation and shape its development. Professor Ruth Plummer began by outlining the focus of the lecture - to discuss where new drugs are found; early phase trials; academic drug discovery in Newcastle and partnerships. Speaking of the challenging timelines of drugs from research to development, Professor Plummer said: “I do clinical development of drugs and that has traditionally taken 6-8 years. One of the good things I’ve seen in the last 20 years is this timeline coming down.” She then went on to talk about Phase I (safety), Phase II (Screening studies) and Phase III (Pre-registration study) trials, explaining, “In non-cancer medicine,
studies to work out dosing schedule, side a trial and the patients I see often say, if effects and the level of toxicity are done it doesn’t help me, it may help someone in healthy volunteers, but you can’t do else. That is an incredibly generous thing that with cancer drugs. As oncologists that people do at the end of their journey we are trying to treat cells that have gone to help us work out dose and side effects catastrophically wrong and so we have of new cancer drugs.” never done healthy volunteer studies. The lecture, which was followed by The patients I see are prepared to take a Q&A, was a great success with much something experimental and they are positive feedback. As one participant really contributing to research.” put it: “Professor Plummer was fantastic! She recalled how in 2003 she had Thank you for the opportunity to watch written the first prescription for a canthis fascinating and insightful lecture.” cer patient ever to be given a PARP Inhibitor (a type of targeted cancer drug) and described it as “one of the seminal moments in a career I’ve had that’s been a huge privilege.” Concluding the lecture, Professor Plummer spoke about leading the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre. She said, “Since we’ve opened, we’ve had an increasing number of trials and see more than a thousand patient visits a year. We have a waiting list of patients who would like Professor Ruth Plummer
International Siyum Hashas – 1st Yahrtzeit of Dayan Ehrentreu zt”l Close to 500 people from around the world gathered together at the Decorium in London on Sunday, 29th Cheshvan to pay tribute to the legacy of Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu zt”l, and participate in an International Siyum Hashas marking the occasion of his first yahrtzeit. Dignitaries from Eretz Yisroel, America, Germany, Austria, Gibraltar and across the United Kingdom, including the Chief Rabbi, were in attendance. The completion of Shas l’ilui nishmaso was undertaken by many of the moisdas that Dayan Ehrentreu zt”l was involved in and had been instrumental in establishing, such as Kollel Beis Aaron of Edgware, Kollel Toras Chanoch of Borehamwood, the Gibraltar Kollel and the Berlin Kollel. Participation in the learning and the Siyum also involved a vast array of community bodies and moisdas that, like most of European Jewry, benefited from the Dayans zt”l continued guidance and support. These included the Union of Mohalim, Chana, SEED, Chinuch UK, Sunderland Yeshiva, Sunderland Kollel, Gateshead Kollel, The London Beis Din, Kehillas Federation Beis Din, Sephardi Beth Din London, Kedassia Beis Din and the Manchester Beis Din, in addition to Mispalalim of Beis Hamedrash Beis Yisroel, where the Dayan served as Rav for over 35 years. The event was chaired by Moshe Morris and Maurice Golker and commenced with Tehillim led by Rabbi Eli Segal. Dayan Menachem Gelley Rosh Beis Din of the London Beis Din then led the Hadran and Siyum on behalf of all the mesayamim, after which the entire hall came alive as the crowd broke out into
spirited singing and dancing. The event was honoured to host HaRav Uren Reich, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah of Woodlake Village, Lakewood and nephew of Dayan Ehrentreu zt”l as the guest speaker. HaRav Uren Reich briefly focused on the extremely challenging times that the Jewish people are currently facing and how the only agenda that can unite an otherwise divided world is the destruction of the Jewish people. This, in turn, creates the greatest achdus within Klal Yisroel. He then questioned
A full room at the Siyum HaShas
what makes Klal Yisroel so unique and integral to happenings in the world. He explained that Avraham Avinu permanently changed the makeup of the world with his quest for truth and the idea of monotheism and these attributes are forever embedded in the DNA of the Jewish people, as well as the drive to perpetuate this legacy of Avraham Avinu and the Avos. He pointed out that the fight between the four kings and the five kings was all about Avraham Avinu. A player had now
entered the world stage that was disturbing the current world order with previously unheard-of concepts like morality and integrity. The world was comfortable with the status quo and resisted forcefully to Avraham Avinu, pushing back with a vengeance. This pushback has not stopped and will continue throughout the ages with Avraham Avinu, now living vicariously through his descendants, the Jewish people, who are continuing this mission and bringing G-dliness and morality into the world in the face of darkness and corruption. The concern Avraham Avinu had was whether his children would be able to continue his mission until the end of time. Today, we can bear witness that they can and will, and no one embodied this concept more than Dayan Ehrentreu zt”l. Exceptionally gifted, blessed with charisma and a brilliant mind, Dayan Ehrentreu zt”l used all his talents to bring everyone he came into contact with closer to Torah and the Ribono Shel Olam. Like Avraham Avinu, the Dayan zt”l knew how to bridge the gaps between people. He accomplished this with power and conviction but more importantly, with warmth and caring.
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HaRav Uren Reich stressed that it was the effort and hasmadah that Dayan Ehrentreu put in during his younger years that provided a foundation for his ability to tap into these years later on his life and, when the time came, he paid his debt and gave back like Avraham Avinu. Dayan Ehrentreu zt”l was able to share all he had built and invested together with the world, ultimately becoming a shining example of what it means to be a talmid of Avraham Avinu. Participants and mesaymim alike left the event inspired with a renewed sense of achdus. The palpable unity and feeling of shared accomplishment reverberated throughout the venue leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance. There was also a profound sense of hakaras hatov for the transformative contributions of Dayan Ehrentreu zt”l whose impact not only changed the landscape of Torah learning in London but left an enduring mark on Europe and beyond.
Dayan Gelley addressing the audience
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ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com HOW TWISTED CAN YOU GET? Dear Rabbi I work for a well-established media company here in the UK. Obviously we have been covering the war in Israel at the moment. I have also been avidly absorbing much of the Jewish press coverage here in the UK and I came across your column. I understand some of where you’re coming from, but frankly, at this stage, I don’t understand how you can take the moral high ground when so many more Gazans than Israelis have been killed. Hamas killed 1400 Israelis while Israel slaughtered thousands more Gazans! With Israel being the behemoth, the whole war is lopsided, disproportionate and unjust. Name Withheld Dear Nameless Anyone who chooses to remain anonymous has something to hide. Frankly, it’s cowardice and if you can’t put a name to your question it is not worthy of a response. That said, since you’re likely to be reading this, and there are other morally dysfunctional people like you out there, I will answer. Gaza starts a war to kill as many Israelis and Jews as possible and all you see on BBC or Sky News is dead Gazans. Minimal coverage of the massacre in Israel or the ongoing rocket bombardment of Israel. Of course you’ll argue that they are disproportionate. “You cannot compare a makeshift rocket that can only kill a few people, to an aerial bombardment that kills dozens!” Or, “that was only 1400 that
were killed. Israel has already slaughtered many thousands.” For one thing, the absurdity of your argument lies in your very statement. The 1400 Israelis weren’t killed. They were deliberately targeted, massacred, beheaded etc. The Gazan civilians on the other hand were killed as unfortunate collateral damage because they’re being used as human shields. This is not to diminish in any way whatsoever, Gazan civilian deaths. Every innocent death is tragic. But to equate deliberate targeting and massacring civilians with unintentional civilian killings; indeed to refer to the “killing” of Israelis and “slaughter” of Gazans, is not just intellectually dishonest. It also lays bare the deliberate distortion that lies at the core of many a hater’s heart. I shudder to think what would have happened if the same media would have covered World War II! If the pattern of today is anything to go by, we would have seen on television far more dead German civilians that dead British civilians. It takes a very fickle moral mind to believe that you determine right and wrong by the number of dead. That’s what we’re being told: “Look how many Gazans are dead and look how few Israelis are dead!” Well, look how few British were killed and how many more dead Germans there were! Does that make the Germans right in World War II? That’s how utterly twisted you and the media have become. Incidentally, did you give as much time and coverage to the many other blatant atrocities and injustices in the Middle East that cost tens of thousands more
Muswell Hill US appoint Rabbinic couple Muswell Hill United Synagogue are delighted to announce the appointment of Rabbi Michael and Tracey Rosenfeld-Scheuler as their new Rabbinic couple. The Rosenfeld-Scheulers are expected to take up their new roles in spring 2024. Rabbi Michael serves as the University Jewish Chaplain at Oxford and is passionate about making Jewish experiences accessible for everyone. He previously led Kingston, Surbiton & District United Synagogue as Rabbi. Originally from America, Rabbi Michael lived in Israel where he received rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Hamivtar. He holds a BA in History, Hebrew & Jewish Studies and an MSc in Organisational Psychology. With experience facilitating interfaith dialogue and adult education, Rabbi Michael excels at making ancient texts relevant today. He enjoys bringing together diverse groups of all ages and backgrounds to build warm and thriving Jewish communities.
Currently the CEO of Ark-T Centre (a charity that uses creativity to build mental health and wellbeing), Tracey is an accomplished arts leader with over fifteen years’ experience driving growth at cultural institutions including the Barbican Centre, the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) and V&A Museum of Childhood. Beyond the arts, Tracey works extensively with students as the Jewish Chaplain at Oxford and Oxford Brookes Universities and is Vice Chair of the Oxfordshire Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Centre. The Rosenfeld-Scheulers said: “We are delighted to be moving to such a vibrant and welcoming community in Muswell Hill. We hope to continue and build on the brilliant work that has come before us, expanding existing programmes and developing new ones to meet the needs of the whole community. We are committed to creating a community where everyone feels welcome and supported, and where we can all learn and grow together.”
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lives? Or do you just surface here because it involves Israel and, well, you know, Jews. Shame on you!
HOW TO COPE IN A HOSTILE WORKPLACE? Dear Rabbi I work in a large firm and there are plenty of non-Jewish colleagues who are virulently anti-Israel. I am not sure how I, as a Jew, should best navigate this? Rommy Dear Rommy Being anti-Israel does not necessarily equate with being Anti-Semitic. However for the overwhelming majority of people today the lines have become fundamentally blurred. To that end, when working with a non-Jew who is hostile to Israel there’s every likelihood he’s hostile to his Jewish colleagues as well, even if not overtly. If lines are crossed and offensive things are said (how else would you know that he is hostile?) then the human resource department should be consulted. There’s no harm in insisting that you feel unsafe in your workspace. Whatever the sentiments of others, the policy should be one of keeping it entirely out of the work environment. Assuming there is no HR structure, then give the hater a wide berth. At no point should one engage and enter into dispute. It’s a futile exercise and will only foster further bad feelings. As the wisest of men writes in Proverbs (26:4): “Don’t respond to a fool in his stupidity lest you become comparable to him.” Personally, I live in the faith as expressed by the Prophet Daniel (12:10) that truth will prevail and redemption will come.
MOSHIACH BAGGAGE
Dear Rabbi Is it bad luck to keep a packed suitcase under your bed in anticipation of Moshiach coming? AD Dear AD We are all enjoined to believe with perfect faith that Moshiach can come at any moment. It shouldn’t be just in times of distress as now, but still we are where we are and so many more now feel that overwhelming yearning. That’s a good thing. If you have that level of faith that you are anticipating his coming at any moment, such that you even keep a packed bag by your bedside, then that’s something most admirable indeed, hardly bad luck in any way, shape or form. Here’s hoping and here’s praying! Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys.
Rally in Washington BY RABBI ZEEV SAUNDERS DELRAY BEACH, ORTHODOX SYNAGOGUE
On the morning of Tuesday, the 14th of November, I travelled from Miami to Washington on a regular Delta flight. The flight was full of Jewish people wearing Israeli flags around their necks and chabad Rabbis putting Tefillin on people. This was because we were all travelling down for the ‘ March with Israel‘ rally on the US Capitol Mall. When we got there, we were met with sways of Jewish people from all walks of life. Apparently there was 290,000 people on the Mall. I saw a chasiddic man and his wife with an Israeli flag draped around their necks. It was amazing to see people from across the entire Jewish spectrum come together in peace and unity. This was a joint venture of the Orthodox union, federations
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of America, all the leading Jewish organisations. We heard from the speaker of the house, the leader of the opposition in the house of Congress and various Jewish senators. The President of Israel gave a speech standing outside the kotel via video link up. There was so many Mincha minyanim going on at the side of the National Mall. There was even a sunrise, minyan outside the White House followed by a Daf Yomi Shiur. The aim of the rally was to make sure that all the leaders in Congress knew that they have to stand with Israel. We also needed to keep the hostages at the forefront of their minds. My final takeaway was this was some small window into what it must have been like to stand in the Temple courtyard on the holidays when all the Jews had to come up and visit the Temple. And just like at the rally there was also no sitting allowed in the courtyard of the Temple.
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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y I S R A E L
Learning from History BY MRS. YAEL LEIBOWITZ
“This is the story of Yitzchak, the son of Avraham, Avraham begot Yitzchak.” Our parasha, which tells of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of our forefather Yitzchak begins by calling to mind the father-son relationship between Avraham and Yitzchak. So, as readers, familiar with the promises Hashem made to Avraham, we expect Yitzchak’s life to pick up from where Avraham’s left off. We expect Yitzchak to continue what Avraham started and advance his father’s mission. But in place of progress, what we seem to find as we read about Yitzchak’s life is a sense of repetition. Like Avraham, Yitzchak struggled for years with childlessness, and like Avraham, tensions over inheritance erupted between the children he finally had. Like Avraham, Yitzchak experienced a famine in Canaan, and like Avraham, Yitzchak feared for his life in a foreign space, so he pretended his wife was his sister. In perhaps the most tangible example of this phenomenon, we are told that “the Philistines stopped up the wells which his father’s servants
what his father had already done, they could intimidate him into surrendering. But Yitzchak knew then what so many of us are being reminded of today. Yitzchak knew that while Jewish history may appear repetitive, in fact it can be progressive, we just need to be wise enough to learn from the generations that preceded us. Yitzchak knew that we cannot always control what history throws our way, but we can react based on the lessons we have inculcated into our national narrative. Yitzchak knew that rather than wearing us down, evoking our parents’ experiences only makes us more committed to their dreams. And Yitzchak knew that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we must never capitulate to those who want us to disappear.
”Yitzchak had already internalized the lessons his father had learned, and as a result, his responses to those events were drastically different.” had dug in the days of his father Avraham, filling them with earth,” thus compelling Yitzchak to re-dig all that had previously been dug. Thus, a superficial reading of this parasha leaves us frustrated, wondering if Yitzchak’s life was nothing more than a redo of Avraham’s. But in fact, a close reading reveals that there are as many differences between the experiences of Avraham and Yitzchak as there are similarities. While Yitzchak’s wife had been barren like his father’s, Yitzchak knew to believe in the possibility of miracles and prayed to G-d for a child. Likely shaped by his own childhood, Yitzchak wanted his sons to co-exist, which may explain why, ultimately,
despite their complicated past, reconciliation between Ya’akov and Eisav was achieved. When Yitzchak experienced a famine in Cana’an he did not venture beyond the boundaries of the Promised Land, and as a result, although Rivka had to be passed off as his sister, she was never taken captive. Many of the events that Avraham witnessed repeated themselves in the days of Yitzchak. But Yitzchak had already internalized the lessons his father had learned, and as a result, his responses to those events were drastically different. The men of Gerar tried to wear down Yitzchak’s resolve. They thought that if they could force him to keep redoing
Mrs. Yael Leibowitz teaches at the Matan Women’s Institute for Torah Learning and the Pardes Institute. She is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www. mizrachi.org/speakers).
Toldot 6th Aliya (Shishi) – 27:28-28:4
1ST ALIYA (KOHEN) – BEREISHIT 25:19-26:5
Yitzchak, aged 60, prays for his wife Rivka to have a child. Rivka conceives twins and is told prophetically that the two children will father two separate nations. Esav is born first, red and hairy. Yaakov then emerges, holding on to Esav’s heel. As they grow up, Esav becomes a hunter, whereas Yaakov dwells in tents of Torah study (Rashi). Yitzchak loves Esav, whereas Rivka prefers Yaakov. One day Yaakov prepares a red lentil stew. Esav returns exhausted from the fields, demanding that Yaakov give him some of the stew. Yaakov agrees, but in return for Esav selling the first-born rights to him. Esav agrees, taking an oath in return for the food. Famine hits the Land of Cana’an (later Israel). G-d tells Yitzchak not to go down
to Egypt for food and assures him that he will be a forefather of a great nation.
carries on digging wells; the arguments eventually end.
Point to Consider: Why did G-d insist on Yitzchak not leaving the Land? (see Rashi to 26:2)
4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 26:23-29
2nd Aliya (Levi) – 26:6-12
Yitzchak lives amongst the Plishtim (Philistines) in Gerar. Afraid to reveal that Rivka is his wife, lest harm befall them from jealous men, Yitzchak tells the locals that she is his sister. However, the ruler Avimelech discovers that they are actually married. He accuses Yitzchak of deceiving him, but warns the people not to harm Yitzchak and Rivka. Yitzchak sows the land and becomes very prosperous.
3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 26:13-22
The Plishtim, jealous of Yitzchak’s prosperity, stop up his wells. Yitzchak
Yitzchak moves to Beersheva. G-d appears to him in the night, telling him that He will bless him. Yitzchak builds an altar. Avimelech brings an entourage from Gerar, offering Yitzchak a new peace treaty.
5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 26:30-27:27
Yitzchak agrees to the peace proposal. Esav marries two Hittite women. This pains his parents, as both women worship idols (Rashi). The ageing Yitzchak, almost blind, asks Esav to go and hunt some game for him to eat, after which he will bless Esav. Rivka overhears and instructs the reluctant Yaakov to go to Yitzchak disguised as Esav, with two cooked goats, so as to receive the blessings instead of Esav.
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Rivka’s plan is successful; Yaakov receives the blessings. Esav returns from the field, realises what has happened and lets out a loud and bitter cry. Yitzchak also gives Esav a blessing, but it includes his future subservience to Yaakov. Esav plans to kill Yaakov. Rivka realises this, and tells Yaakov to escape to her brother Lavan in Charan. Yitzchak instructs Yaakov to marry one of Lavan’s daughters. Before Yitzchak sends Yaakov away, he blesses him with the blessing first bestowed upon Avraham, including, specifically, the blessing of the Land of Israel. From this we can see that Yitzchak had always intended that the real legacy was to go to Yaakov, not Esav.
7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 28:5-9
Yaakov sets off to Charan. Esav marries a third wife, Machalat, the daughter of his uncle Yishmael.
Haftarah
The prophet Malachi speaks of G-d’s love for Yaakov and His rejection of Esav. However, Yaakov’s nation has to justify G-d’s favour; the prophet rebukes them for being lax and insincere in their Temple service.
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A Spiritual Pitfall BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN
Two old friends met up for lunch one day. They were both extremely successful, with long, productive careers. Yosef was happy, always smiling from head to toe, and gave off an aura of energetic positivity. While Daniel was just as successful on the outside, his life was falling apart. His relationships had gone sour, and his health was failing. He was bitter and unhappy. When they finished updating each other on the latest developments in their lives, they sat silently for a few moments. Then Daniel, with a sudden vulnerability in his face, looked at Yosef. “Can I ask you a question?” “Of course. What’s the matter?” asked Yosef. “What happened to me? When did I become so bitter, so empty? We used to be the same, you and I, but somewhere along the line, things changed. You kept on moving up, and I just fell apart. What happened?” Yosef had spent plenty of time thinking about this very question, but he never thought that Daniel would ask him about it directly. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, deciding how best to formulate his response. “You and I were very similar growing up,” he started. “We were both driven to achieve greatness in all areas of life: professionally, personally, and spiritually. But somewhere along the line, you decided that you were already perfect. You stopped growing; you stopped wanting more. A plant is what is, a dog is the same every day, but a human being has infinite potential. We are never finished; we are never perfect. I don’t know if you stopped enjoying the process or if you thought you already finished, but you stopped trying to become more. You settled. You decided that you are perfect.” Yosef paused a moment, and with a sparkle in his eye and conviction in his voice, he continued: “The one principle that I try to place at the center of my life is the fact that there is always room to grow. It is in this very growth that I find my happiness, it is in the becoming itself that I find my greatness.”
Enigmatic Reversal Have you ever felt on top of the world, energy pulsing through your veins, ready to take on any challenge that comes your way? Most people, at some point in their lives, have felt invincible, unstoppable, almost G-dly. And yet, at other times, these very same people have felt weak, incapable, deflated, and worthless. If we take a step outside ourselves and realize that everyone experiences this, we are likely to be struck by how strange and paradoxical this phenomenon is. How can we feel so capable and then so powerless, so brilliant and then so worthless,
”Hashem is both transcendent, as in traditional monotheism, and immanent, as in pantheism” so full and then so empty, in such a short span of time [or maybe even simultaneously]? There is a fundamental idea that lies at the root of this experience, one that sheds light on the inner meaning of a strange event in the story of Korach.
The Story of Korach The story of Korach is often considered one of rebellion, but it can also be seen as a case of mistaken idealism, a philosophical challenge, or misplaced spiritual yearning. At the most basic level, Korach attempted a coup, rallying supporters from amongst Klal Yisrael in an attempt to overthrow Moshe and Aharon’s leadership. However, Chazal add multiple mysterious layers to Korach’s attempted rebellion that far surpass the idea of a typical attempt to seize power. The Midrash fills in the background behind Korach’s contentions, detailing the specific arguments that Korach brought to support his case (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:3.). • Korach challenged Moshe: “Should a room full of sefarim require a mezuzah on its doorpost?” In other words, should a room full of holy objects require the finishing touch of a mezuzah affixed upon its doorpost? • Similarly, Korach asked: “Should a four-cornered garment made completely of techeiles require techeiles in its strings?” After all, if the garment itself is made completely of techeiles, why should it require additional techeiles in its strings? • These questions preface Korach’s main question: “If the entire Jewish nation is holy and exalted — “kol ha’Eidah kulam kedoshim” (Bamidbar 16:3) — why should you, Moshe and Aharon, hold uniquely exalted positions of power? In other words, why do we need you as spiritual leaders if we are all spiritually perfect? Although there may be elements of truth in Korach’s claims, his approach and arguments are critically flawed and ultimately lead to him being punished severely. The ground opens up, and, like a mouth, consumes Korach, his followers, and all their possessions. This punishment is unique, and strikingly so; a fact that is not coincidental. As Moshe stands up to Korach’s claims against his leadership, he specifically asks Hashem to punish Korach in a new, unique, and unnatural way to prove that Moshe indeed acts only as a messenger of Hashem. Moshe says that if Korach dies a natural death, then it proves that Moshe was not sent by Hashem. If, however, Korach dies because “briyah yivra Hashem”
— Hashem creates something out of the ordinary and the ground swallows them alive, along with their possessions — it should stand as proof that Korach and his followers were in the wrong, acting against Hashem’s will (Bamidbar 16:30). The nature of this punishment is quite strange. Why does Moshe emphasize that Korach must be punished by something completely novel, and why is the ground swallowing them up the proper punishment for their crimes? In order to answer these questions, we must delve into Korach’s argument and better understand where he went wrong.
Three Spiritual Perspectives of the Physical World There are three main approaches to the relationship between the spiritual and the physical world. The first approach is that of monotheism, which centers around the concept of one G-d. Within this classical worldview, Hashem is both completely perfect and completely transcendent. He exists beyond the universe of space and time, completely detached from this physical world. The second approach is that of pantheism, which asserts that the entirety of the physical universe is itself G-d. In other words, there is nothing that transcends this world. (Whether this view asserts that G-d is the actual physical universe, the laws of physics and nature, or both, is a matter of dispute.) This is a completely immanent perspective of Hashem. What results from this theory is actually quite startling: If Hashem is the world, and He is “nature,” then humanity literally is part of Hashem. The common understanding of pantheism is that Hashem is the “soul” of the universe, the physical world is the expression of Hashem, and there is nothing more of Hashem than what we see expressed in the universe. The problem with this perspective is that it places limitations on Hashem, positing that Hashem is nothing more than the universe itself. Furthermore, this breaks down the concept of boundaries, and consequently, challenges the validity of halachah. If one is part of Hashem, then one can easily claim that whatever he or she does is the will of Hashem! Lastly, with pantheism comes a complete breakdown of distinction and difference. There is no difference between you and another human being, or between you and this rock, or even between you and Hashem; after all, we are all Hashem anyways. The third approach is a deeper, more holistic form of monotheism, a synthesis of these first two polar extremes. This is
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the worldview of many deeper Jewish thinkers. According to this view, Hashem is both transcendent, as in traditional monotheism, and immanent, as in pantheism. While at root Hashem is transcendent and infinite, He also manifests and expresses Himself in the physical world. This differs from traditional monotheism, as it posits that Hashem is not only transcendent but rather that the physical world itself is also connected to and an aspect of Hashem — that Hashem manifests and expresses Himself within this world. It differs from pantheism because, while it sees the physical world as a manifestation of Hashem, Hashem Himself is completely beyond the physical world. (A more technical term for this approach is “panentheism.” Pantheism means “all is G-d.” Pan means “all,” and theism means “G-d.” Panentheism means “all is within G-d.” Pan “all”; en “is in”; theism “G-d.”) In essence, it is a deeper and more holistic form of monotheism.
Korach’s Sin As many Jewish thinkers explain, Korach’s sin lay in his pantheistic view. He believed that the physical world, as well as all the people within it, are part of Hashem Himself, and therefore already spiritually perfect. Korach says, “Kol ha’Eidah kulam kedoshim — The entire nation is holy.” There is no difference between me and Moshe, or me and Aharon, or the Jewish People and their leaders. Everything is Hashem, everything is one. Within pantheism, there are no boundaries or distinctions and nothing higher to connect to. Hashem is only connected to the here and now, and therefore we do not need to look for anything transcendent, higher, or beyond this physical world. In our next article, we will delve deeper into this fascinating topic and try to understand the Korach’s approach and sin 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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Toldot
Yitzchak and Rivka have been married twenty years but still have no children. They pray and Hashem answers however something is wrong. As she passes a synagogue or yeshivah she feels the baby struggling to get out and whenever she passes a place of idol worship the baby also struggles to get out. Is this baby very mixed up? Rivka goes to Shem and Ever who tell her she is having twins, one will be good, the other evil… Before long the boys are born. Esav comes out red and fully hairy and there’s his brother grasping onto his heel. So they call him Yaakov – heel. This is actually very important. It was a sign that Esav will rule first but, in the end, Yaakov and goodness will win. Everything is fine at first but as they grow up, they become very, very different. Yaakov learns Torah and Esav becomes a mean hunter who tricks his father Yitzchak into thinking he is wise and learned. He is very good to Yitzchak and
asks him lots of Torah questions whilst doing bad things behind his back! Rivka sees through him but Yitzchak thinks he is a big tzaddik. Esav comes back from the hunt empty handed one day, exhausted and hungry. He heads for the kitchen and finds Yaakov cooking up some red lentils. On that day, their grandfather Avrohom has died and Yaakov is preparing a special mourner’s meal for Yitzchak. Esav cries. “Gimme me a swallow of this red stuff!” Yaakov spies a chance to get the bechorah, the ticket to some special brochot which Esav doesn’t even want. They make the trade. Many years pass. Esav has married two Chiti women. Yitzchak has grown old. His eyes have grown weak over the years and he his practically blind. Fearing that he will die soon, he calls Esav to the tent. Yitzchak commands Esav to head out to the fields, catch an animal, slaughter it kosher and prepare a meal for him. After Yitzchak eats, he will give over the brachot of the
first born. Now remember, Yitzchak doesn’t know that Esav sold his birthright to Yaakov. Rivka overhears Yitzchak’s instructions. She is determined to get Yaakov those brachot. She knows prophetically that Yitzchak’s made the wrong decision. Somehow, she must trick her husband into thinking that Yaakov is Esav. So, she cooks up two young goats. Everyone knows that young goats taste like wild game, right? But what about Yaakov’s arms? They’re smooth as silk! Esav has hair all over his body. Rivka covers Yaakov’s arms and neck with goat skins so Yitzchak will think Yaakov is his hairy son Esav. She also gives Yaakov one of Esav’s garments so he’ll smell like he’s been out hunting. Yaakov takes the prepared meal and heads over to Yitzchak’s tent. As Yaakov enters, Yitzchak calls out “Who is there?” Yaakov has to think quick. He replies “It is I. Esav is your first born” (not really a lie, if you think about it). “Please rise and sit up, eat from my
Word Search
BEERSHEVA • BLESSING • ESAV • FAMINE • FIELD • PLISHTIM • STEW • YAAKOV
dish so that you may bless me.” Even though Yitzchak is blind, he’s not deaf. He knows Yaakov’s voice when he hears it. First of all, Yaakov’s voice is sweet. Secondly, Esav not only growls when he speaks, but he talks like a rough and tough hunter. Yitzchak calls Yaakov over and feels his skin, “the voice is Yaakov’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esav!” Rivka’s plan works out just right. Yitzchak is fooled by the goat skin after all! But he seems legit so Yitzchak gives him the blessings and Yaakov runs out hiding behind the door as Esav walks in… Yitzchak trembles, who has he just given the blessings to?! Esav is furious but Yitzchak realises that Hashem runs the world and the brochos were meant to go to Yaakov. Esav doesn’t take it well though and Rivkah hears that Esav plans to kill Yaakov so she tells Yaakov to run to her family, maybe there he will also find a wife? Find out next week!
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Facts about Parashat Toldot
Dingbats 3
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3. Robin Hood 4. Easy come, easy go
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5. Up to you 6. A far cry
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Tangram Challenge!
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Using all the shapes, can you make the shape on the right?
Word Wheel D T
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Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more! act ant ate bat bet bit cat
cot eat jet jot net nit not
oat tab tan tea ten tic tie
tin toe ton abet ante anti bait
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bate beat bent beta bite boat cite
Jokes
Use the area below to write the words you have found.
B I coat cote into iota jato neat note
obit taco tine tone antic atone baton
biota canto enact jabot joint oaten tonic
abject action cation inject notice object obtain
octane aconite botanic cabinet abjection
Riddles
Q: What did the banana say to the dog? A: Bananas can’t talk!
1. When it is alive we sing, when it is dead we clap our hands. What is it?
Q: How do you make an octopus laugh? A: With ten-tickles!
2. What can go through glass without breaking it?
Q: What do you call a sleeping bull? A: A Bull-Dozer! Q: What did the farmer call the cow that had no milk? A: An Udder Failure!
3. I have no life, but I can die. What am I?
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Answers
Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.
1. A Birthday Cake 2. Light 3. A Battery
The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.
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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
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