Hello there, Good Shabbos,
To many people, this has been a week where nothing dramatic has happened. The main news has been the state visit of HM King Charles and Queen Camilla to The United States. His majesty has conducted himself with superb polish, and has pleased Donald Trump, which for many has been the most important factor.
The war in the Middle East does not seem to have made any progress, and though peace talks have been postponed, there does not seem to have been much happening except in Lebanon, where Hezbollah have kept up their attack on Israel which have been met by very damaging counter-attacks.
But in Britain we have seen signs of how deep the anti-Semitism has gone with the attack in Golders Green. This has brought the situation under the magnifying glass of the news channels including the BBC.
I was pleased to hear this morning the dulcet tones of Rabbi Rader and Stuart Diamond, explaining the worsening situation in Brighton and Hove. My own enquiries via opinions delivered to me from our mailing list, suggest that it is more visual, with Palestinian flags and statements, rather than any actual violence.
However the government seems very loath to take any action against the demonstrations and the situation in schools and colleges where the anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism is spreading.
What is becoming clear that many young people have watched while Israel deals with the differing situations since October 7th, and they are not reminded of just how the situation arose, and that what Israel is doing is national self-defence, as we would expect the British forces to undertake if we were in the same situation.
Whereas the American interest in Iran does not seem very apparent, for Israel, it has been vital to deal with this sponsor of terrorism on all sides of the country whether it was Hamas, Hezbollah and the Hootees.
In the end, I believe we need a major campaign of public relations. Visits to schools and colleges and debating with the anti-Zionist groups if at all possible. As far as the government is concerned, it should be aware and taking action against those Anti-Zionist leaders who are preaching hatred, whether in the street or in their places of worship. Finally the demonstrations should be banned and if necessary troops brought in to make sure they dont happen.
I am delighted to say that this week Carolyne Davis has set down her thoughts on the situation in England. This is in the "News from Israel Section".
This weekend, Brighton are away to Newcastle, and we wish them luck. Jack Kaye has published his Albion Gazette about the game against Spurs.
Rachelle has just returned from USA but her suggestions for a Lag B'Omer bar B Q, are delicious. By the way, see below for the celebration on the Hove Recreation Ground organised bt Rabbi Efune and Penina. That is on May 5th.
This week the Parsha is Emor, and it tells us how to deal with the different holidays specially if we are members of the Cohenim,
Finally, I don't know if you are receiving as many scam attacks as I am - usually 2 a day. Be aware that there is a session at BNJC on the 13th May which will advise you on how to protect yourself.
I hope you have a great holiday weekend and that the sun shines on you
Shabbat Shalom
Nick
Carolyne Davis is in News from Israel which comes under the heading of Jewish Life and Israel.
Barbra Paskin's Letter from Hollywood is first under the Entertainment section. Celebrities are the next one.
Rachelle's Recipes are in the same section.
Jack Kaye's Albion Gazettes are under Sport.
This week's Parsha Shimini, comes under the heading of Religious Community.
I hope you have a great Shabbos and a wonderful week to follow.
Nick.
