D’’ sb REP PRESENTS
Autumn 2016 Issue 31 Rosh Hashana 5777 Talking Excellence Members of the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) have been privileged to including the antisemitic stance be addressed by a range of excellent speakers reportsClive Moss-Barclay , taken by “War on Want” and the Leicester County Council’s support Publicity Officer. for BDS which, together with two Luciana Berger MP was the she was fighting for mental health to people’s concerns about anti- other councils, have been cleared of guest speaker at May’s Annual be treated in the same way as semitism within the Labour party but antisemitism by the High Court. General Meeting of the JRC. She physical health and how she is encouraged Jewish people not to More recently his organisation has spoke of how she had joined the working closely with mental health leave the Labour party but to fight engaged with the Labour Party Labour Party because of its stand groups including the Jewish antisemitism from within the Party. following the verbal attack of MP for equality and justice and of its Association for Mental Health. She He gave his views on the EU Ruth Smeeth at the launch of the zero tolerance for any form of wants to break down the taboos Referendum and why he felt that Chakrabarti report into racism including antisemitism. associated with mental health and Great Britain should remain within antisemitism. Luciana described how she had encourage employers to give jobs to the EU. Discussing the future been the subject of race hatred people with mental health problems. election of a Mayor of Greater herself via social media. L a b o u r M P I v a n L e w i s Manchester he described his work She felt that the Jewish addressed the June Meeting of the for the Greater Manchester community has always supported JRC. He explained that although he community and what he hoped to the Labour Party and she hoped it has always stood up for Israel, he achieve if elected. would continue to do so. Speaking felt that being pro-Israel does not The second speaker was Iris of her role as Shadow Minister for mean you have to be anti- Chaytow of Jewish Women’s Aid Mental Health she described how Palestinian. He understood which is the only Jewish charity in Europe to support Jewish women Daniel Berke, new ZCC Co-Chair and children by domestic abuse. She talked about their refuge which within the organisation since the is always full and how they provide 2014 events in Israel. He gave an emotional and practical help. In insight into the work of the new ZCC addition to running an education team, as well as the seminars, programme they also engage in training and general advocacy training Rabbis, Teachers and which the ZCC undertakes Doctors. effectively to promote a positive Daniel Berke, Co-Chair of the image of Israel as well as defend its Zionist Central Council (ZCC) was good name when necessary. Daniel the guest speaker at July’s monthly emphasised the importance of inter- meeting of the JRC. Daniel gave a communal collaboration. brief overview of the history of the Robert Festenstein was the ZCC and its instrumental role in the second guest speaker at the July Zionist movements both locally and meeting. Robert highlighted the Robert Festenstein, JHRW Co-Chair worldwide. He spoke of the ZCC’s work of the Jewish Human Rights The Jewish Representative numerous achievements, its vision Watch that he co-chairs. He spoke Council is extremely grateful to and future direction. He further about current and previous cases all the guest speakers who have Luciana Berger with the new JRC Officers. President Sharon Bannister was absent due to a family bereavement touched on the latest developments that his organisation has taken on spoken at its meetings.
Contact the Jewish Representative Council Tel/Fax: 0161 720 8721 E-mail: [email protected] The Big Raffle The newly formed Fundraising Group of the Jewish Representative Council has started off this year at a very fast pace, reportLinda Jacobs and Susan Isaacs , Fundraising Secretaries. Our first job was to coordinate that you can offer your assistance in the letters and adverts to ensure any way by either joining the that the Year Book 2016 will be even Fundraising Group, volunteering to Contact us by phone or e-mail to add your event to the Communal Diary! more successful. Next was the sell tickets, offering prizes, vouchers Check the Communal Diary before arranging your event to reduce clashes with other functions launch of the BigAnnual Raffle, then or sponsoring events please contact planning the Community Quiz in the JRC Office Office on 0161 720 November plus putting plans in 8 7 2 1 o r e m a i l place for future events.If you feel [email protected].
Launched in May this year, the Big Annual Raffle will be drawn at an Event on Sunday 5th February 2017. 2 REP PRESENTS From the President Unity at Interfaith Iftar Summer is normally a very busy time in the life of the President although this one has been somewhat different This summer the Jewish community joined with the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater for two entirely different reasons. Manchester (MJF) and Faith Network 4 Manchester (FN4M) at their joint annual Iftar. The restructuring of the Council An iftar is the meal held at the and creation of two discrete end of a day of fasting during the leadership roles has allowed more Muslim holy month of Ramadan. work to be completed but with two This event was kindly hosted by people sharing the load. The Cheadle Mosque & Community transition has been seamless, with Centre. Over a hundred people from Jonny Wineberg taking on the many faith backgrounds attended responsibilities and duties as Chair the event, with very strong of the Executive. The other reason is representation from the personal and I offer my heartfelt congregation of Yeshurun thanks to all those who have Synagogue in Cheadle. provided much appreciated support The audience was warmly and good wishes. welcomed by Rev Bob Day (Chair of The Referendum result was a FN4M), Councillor Heather Fletcher catalyst for an increase in hate (Co-Chair of MJF) and Arshad crime, directed seemingly at anyone Sheikh (Administrator of Cheadle who does not conform to the haters Mosque). ideals – a chilling reflection of times Speakers from other faiths Kwok Mei Yau (Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Chair), Chief Insp Umer Khan, gone by. Leaders of the Manchester talked about whether their religious Revd Bob Day (FN4M Chair), Rabbi Chanan Atlas, Cllr Carl Austin-Behan (Lord Local Authorities, Police and faith tradition includes fasting, and if so Mayor of Manchester), Jonny Wineberg (Rep Council Chairman), Rev Charles leaders met several times and all attended several of our constituent how it is practiced. The event was Kwaku-Odoi (FN4M Exec), MohammedAmin (Muslim Jewish Forum Co-Chair). signed a statement pledging organisations’AGMs and have been well supported by civic Rabbi Chanan Atlas of Yeshurun religious fasting traditions. The uniform support to “We Stand asked to speak at some, not only to representatives, including Cheadle Synagogue said “Tonight was a event brought us all together to Together” against hate crime. Each bring greetings but to give a little MP Mary Robinson. Short speeches meaningful expression of tolerance. deepen our understanding of each signatory can be held to account if insight in to what we do, why we do it on the need for unity and praising We all believe in different religions; other.” they fail to uphold this pledge. and why it is important to that the strength Manchester gains from have our own set of dogma or lack Jonny Wineberg, JRC Chair of Collabor8 took place in Bury in particular organisation. It is however diversity were given by Cllr Carl thereof; some of our convictions do Executive, told those assembled July. It was an initiative by Greater always interesting to hear the detail Austin-Behan, Lord Mayor of contradict each other’s. Yet despite that, “Such a show of unity across Manchester Police to bring together of what these varied bodies are Manchester; Ian Hopkins, Chief all that, our humanity, civility and faiths, at a time when discord in Statutory, Voluntary and Faith doing in our Community. Constable of Greater Manchester; shared values unite us in our call for being seen across the country, is so Groups to increase public We are blessed to have so many and Tony Lloyd, Greater tolerance and cooperation.” important. Huge credit should go to understanding of what we all do and fantastic organisations serving the Manchester Police and Crime Greater Manchester Chief the Cheadle Muslim Association what we offer. In the main hall there needs of our community. Some, but Commissioner and Interim Mayor. Constable Ian Hopkins said “This and the many other Mosques who were maybe 20 exhibitions staffed not all, have professional All the guests broke their fasts event helps communities to have opened their doors to their by a range of people all eager to managers, but each and every one on dates and water in the traditional understand the differences that we neighbours over Ramadan. answer questions and provide is admirably supported by its way and were then treated to halal all have and therefore to overcome Similarly, it was wonderful to see the information. Over 1,000 people volunteers. We are the envy of large Moroccan or kosher meals. There intolerance and to prevent hate.” response from Yeshurun attended and it will be repeated next sections of the wider community was a warm and friendly Buddhist speaker Ms May Yau Synagogue, with their Rabbi and year. Look out for details. and I am continually astounded by atmosphere throughout the said “I thought it was fabulous that many members participating as part As President of our what we achieve. evening. we could learn about different of a strong Jewish presence.” Representative Council, I have Shana Tova Education Friendship Across Faiths Yearbook to Collaboration Filis Rosenberg, JRC Executive member and the The Chair of the Education Manchester Jewish Museum's delegate to the Council, Remember Sydney Working Group, Jeremy describes her meeting with Chadlia Chouchani and her Michelson, had a very children, Hamza and Leena, when they visited the The JRC Yearbook 2016-17 will be dedicated in memory fruitful meeting with leaders Museum. of Dr Sydney Baigel z"l, reportsSusan Isaacs , JRC of the St Annes community Chadlia's daughter was one of invited me and Gareth Redston, the Executive member. to commence the process of the children featured in one of the museum's Learning Manager, to her Every year the Jewish is an extensive source of Jewish collaboration. panoramic photos included in the nearby home. Her warm hospitality Representative Council (JRC) communal reference, with an current exhibition. The exhibition made the experience a real publishes its Annual Year Book invaluable Yellow Pages. This year, consists of panoramic photos taken pleasure. The three of us which sits on the desks of more than the JRC is dedicating the Year Book by Jan Chlebik which feature the represented the three Abrahamic 600 organisations and individuals. It to the memory of Dr Sydney Baigel majority of the z”l, who worked tirelessly for so local schools, many years in the production of this various places publication. By bringing together of worship and Jewish organisations in the region, e m e r g e n c y The Representative Council Jeremy Michelson services - a very provides a focus which helps to The central purpose of the i n c l u s i v e unite and co-ordinate their work and Education Committee is to extend e x h i b i t i o n approach to communal activities. the reach of Jewish education, representing the Your support is fundamental to cultural as well as religious, to as d i v e r s e the continuance of the Council’s many groups as possible. This also c o m m u n i t y vital work on behalf of the involves assisting smaller l i v i n g a n d Community. It’s not too late to put communities in our region to develop working within a your advert in the Year Book. their own education programmes. short distance of The JRC will help the St Annes t h e m u s e u m Please email your advert now to Filis Rosenberg with Gareth Redston and Chadlia [email protected] or community to run a series of cultural Chadlia and I faiths, and a mixture of cultures - phone the JRC Office on 0161 720 events, at which other small had a long conversation finding English Irish and Tunisian, so we 8721. communities will be invited to much common ground when Dr Sydney Baigel z“l participate.Anyone who would like to discussing the traditions of both our had a lot to talk about; definitely the assist the working group in this faiths - as is so often the case. “We path to friendship! enterprise, or who would like to help are all different but we are all equal” Chadlia has responded recently extend the range and content of are the words that Chadlia wrote on to an invitation from the museum to Jewish education, can contact us via the board at the Museum. If more share her impressions of the current the Office by emailing people shared this sentiment, we museum and its new future and I VOLUNTEERS NEEDED [email protected] or would surely have a much better look forward to our continued calling 0161 720 8721. world. A few weeks later Chadlia friendship. The Jewish Representative Council seeks enthusiastic individuals to undertake the following roles: MANCHESTER JEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 VOLUNTEER ORGANISERS Anyone with an interest or expertise in the arts to join this group COMMUNITY REPORTERS With excellent writing skills to contribute reports for our website, social media and RepPresents EVENT VOLUNTEERS With a range of planning and fundraising skills to assist with the organisation of successful fundraising activities
To express your interest in any of these positions, please email [email protected] with brief information on your previous, relevant experience and skills. REP PRESENTS 3 BIG EU Debate Admin Farewells Nearly 200 people enjoyed a very lively debate on the EU Referendum on Sunday and Welcome 5th June at the Hilton Suite reports, Clive Moss-Barclay. The Representative Council recently bid farewell to our It was 41 years to the day since At the end of the debate the the lead up to the vote. However, long standing Administrators, Susan Daniels and Karen the original EU Referendum in 1975 panel members were asked although feeling better informed, Finlay. They were each presented with engraved, bespoke mementos by and marking the anniversary of this whether or not they had been able to they were still undecided as to which President, Sharon Bannister, at a special reception with many former JRC significant event four erudite make up their minds based on the way they were going to vote. Officers (below). speakers argued the pros and cons arguments that had been presented The evening finished with the of either leaving or staying in the by the speakers and the comments Chair thanking the four speakers, European Union ahead of the vote of members of the audience. They side panel and audience for their that would take place less than three recognised the significance of this significant contributions to what had weeks later. It was rightly touted as referendum for future generations turned out to be a most interesting the biggest decision for the country and rejected the idea of and informative event in the JRC in a generation. scaremongering by politicians on and Shrubberies Shul calendars. Sajjad Karim, Conservative MEP and Ben Rich, Liberal Democrat, presented the case for “Remain” whilst Graham Stringer, Labour MP, and Stephen Woolfe UKIP MEP, presented the audience with reasons why “Brexit” offers the best option for the British people. The “Question Time” style debate was organised jointly by the Shrubberies Shul and the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) and was ably chaired by Jonny In May, the JRC was delighted to considerable experience in all Wineberg, Chair of the JRC Above: l-r Stephen Woolfe MEP, Graham Stringer MP, Jonny Wineberg, Sajjad welcome Laurie Burnley-Myers as aspects of administration and credit Executive. The large audience Karim and Ben Rich our new Office Administrator. control which will be of great value to included representatives from all Below: l-r Rabbi Dovid Eisenberg, Alex Moss, Elisha Mann-Wineberg and Hadas Laurie says that having been in the the JRC. Laurie is originally from sectors of the Manchester Jewish Altwarg role for just a few months she is now London. She and her family moved community. adapting to the needs and priorities to Manchester in 2014. Her The debate lasted two hours of the office and is finding her role husband is a chartered accountant during which time the audience had both interesting and challenging. and they have 2 daughters aged ample opportunity to either make Laurie originally worked for the nine and eleven. statements in support of either side JRC as a volunteer and, following You can contact Laurie at the or to ask the speakers questions on Susan’s retirement, she accepted JRC Office by telephoning 0161 720 topics ranging from finance and the offer to become formally part of 8 7 2 1 o r e m a i l t o immigration to the common the organisation. She has [email protected]. agricultural policy and the democratic deficit. A side panel of undecided members from the local Jewish Challenging Hate Visit community acted as a reference Members of the Challenging Hate Forum enjoyed a visit to group to comment on how they felt the Jackson’s Row Synagogue Manchester, reports JRC the debate was progressing. The panel included Alex Moss, Director Executive Member Filis Rosenberg. at IT company FireCask, Hadas The Forum was formed in 2009 and preserve diversity in Greater Altwarg, Journalist and following a meeting between the Manchester, promote community Communications professional, Dean and the former Chief cohesion and educate themselves Elisha Mann-Wineberg, Student, Constable of Greater Manchester, and others by raising awareness of and Rabbi Dovid Eisenberg, Rabbi Sir Peter Fahy. It aims to celebrate hate crime and how to report it. of Shrubberies Shul. Emma Entwined Emma Pearlman, JRC Executive member, joined Entwine on its visit to Finland and Estonia and shares some of her experiences with RepPresents.
Entwine is an initiative of JDC Jews died in Finland. We took a our group met a military veteran who l-r Filis Rosenberg, Yusuf Tai (MEND), Rabbi Bobby Silverman (Jackson's Row and offers service experiences in moment in the cemetery to had lost touch with his family in Synagogue), Wakkas Khan (Mosaic) andAlma Servant (retired C of E Priest) Jewish Communities around the remember the fallen and consider Israel. The Israeli member of our world, education events and the difficult dilemmas that were group was able to put them back in programmes as well as leadership faced. Next we visited a care home contact with each other! development opportunities. Our for the elderly where we joined in an We met with young Madrichim main reason for going to Finland impromptu karaoke session and over pizza, and learned about the and Estonia was to learn about their met a Finnish soldier who not only youth programmes in the Baltic. We Jewish communities. We met fought the Russians but also fought saw the completion and dedication communal representatives and with the IDF in 1948 – a genuine of the first Torah scroll specifically visited their institutions, schools, hero and part of history! for the Estonian community which community centres, kindergartens From Helsinki we travelled to had been taken on a symbolic and facilities for the elderly. A Tallinn, visiting the Jewish journey around former Jewish sites significant part of the programme Community Centre that opened in before being brought to the was taking part in service projects 2007, the first to be built there since community centre for the final which had asked for our help. the war, incorporating a School, verses to be completed. Two of our In Helsinki we helped in cleaning Synagogue and Museum. We group were honoured to ‘write’ a up the cemetery. In the last war helped put together Shabbat letter. Finnish soldiers and Jews fought packages and deliver them to the What lessons did we learn from alongside the Nazis against the elderly members of the community. our trip? First, how united the Russians and as a result very few A 'Shabbat miracle' occurred when Jewish community is in both places, especially the Tallinn community which is so small that every Jew is made welcome. Secondly that they have fantastically well-developed programmes for their youth, young adults and families which are more social and cultural, rather than religious based. These keep people together and involved within their communities as well as helping to developing their future leaders. Finally I learned about the importance of volunteering both there in Estonia as well as here in Manchester - which I think is a lesson for us all. Entwine is a movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates and is an initiative of the Jewish humanitarian organization, JDC. To find out more about Entwine, visit www.jdcentwine.org. Emma (second row, second from right) with the Entwine group in Helsinki 4 REP PRESENTS Battling Bias External Affairs The Jewish Representative Council in conjunction Marc Levy, the new North West External Affairs Manager for the Jewish with the Zionist Central Council (ZCC) welcomed Leadership Council, tells RepPresents about his new position in our community. Lesley Claff at the latest in our series of events on I am delighted that my antisemitism, reportsJay Charara , JRC Executive appointment was welcomed by Sharon Bannister and the Jewish member. Representative Council in whose The evening opened with Noor the form of a legal presentation of offices I am based. I have had the Dahri, a new member of the Zionist the case of Fraser vs UCU. The opportunity to see at first hand the Federation, giving a brief personal lecture also touched on broader exemplary work undertaken by the account of his journey as a Zionist. issues of Zionism and Jewish JRC on behalf of the Jewish Lesley Claff, Senior Law identity as well as issues of biased Community in Greater Manchester. Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam discourse and narratives. I have been in my new post for University, then spoke on the issue A question and answer session just a few weeks and during this of antisemitism and anti-Zionism in followed the lecture and thanks period my feet have not touched the light of the current enquiry in the were given by Oliver Gardner, ZCC ground as I have dashed around the Labour Party into antisemitism. co-chair. Region meeting MPs, Council Lesley gave an informed The event was chaired by JRC Leaders, Christian friends and account and an in depth analysis in President, Sharon Bannister. communal stakeholders. Having lived in Manchester all of my life, it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to represent my home community and discuss the issues that are closest to my heart. I am Marc Levy, centre, with l-r: Phil Rosenberg, Board of Deputies’ Director of Public always keen to point out that we have Affairs, Rishi Shori, Bury Council Leader, Sharon Bannister and Jonny Wineberg a vibrant and thriving community. Irrespective of their views on the housing and social care. It would be remiss of me not to current situation in Israel, they have I have either met with or will be touch on the current political climate all committed to support a ‘Two State meeting all the Leaders of the and the antisemitism scandal Solution’ with Israeli and Palestinian Combined Authority Councils whose engulfing parts of the political left. I States living side by side in peace decisions have a direct impact on the have been heartened by the and security. We are also fortunate to wellbeing of our community. You will interaction I have shared with the have the support of a Government no doubt be aware that Manchester Region’s Labour MPs and, without who takes the security and needs of will be electing a Mayor with wide exception, they have categorically our community extremely seriously. ranging powers in May 2017. I am given the community their full Upon taking the role I was also presently drafting a communal support in fighting racism within their made keenly aware of the domestic manifesto that I will hand to the ranks. issues that are currently affecting the candidates. The document will have I have also been keen to pass on Jewish community both in a series of pledges focusing on the Lesley Claff with Sharon Bannister the thanks of the community to the Manchester and nationwide. I am domestic needs of our community. Save the Date many MPs I have met who are not grateful to all the communal Finally, I should like to take this Nursing Move just on the front line fighting stakeholders who have taken the opportunity to wish everyone in the Sunday Nov 6th 11am antisemitism but who have also been time to meet with me and discuss North West a happy New Year and Deputy Chief Nurse JRC Social Media Training outspoken in their support of Israel. pressing issues including education, well over the fast. Kimberley Salmon Jaimeson is the Chair of Pennine Acute Trust’s “Patients Experience and Diversity Committee”. Where Are Police Jews? Alex Klein, JRC Executive member, has been working with Chief Inspector JP Ruffles, who heads the police representation at the meetings of Kimberley and her committee on the Independent Advisory Groups (North) spoke toFilis Rosenberg about behalf of the JRC for the past 16 minority communities being under represented in the police force. months. He says that she has been very supportive in everything to do Independent Advisory Groups, that they are such an organisation? with benefiting Jewish patients at originally created as a result of the In order to be progressive the the 4 Trust hospitals. Kimberley is recommendations of the Stephen police force must move with the leaving Pennine Acute to become Lawrence Inquiry Report, exist to changes within society. Movements Chief Nurse at Warrington and we bring together diverse groups to increase the percentages of wish her all the best in her new post. representing religions and cultures females within workplaces have in their local area. Members have more recently been joined with the the opportunity to learn from each need for the workforce to represent other about incidents suffered the wider demographic change in particularly with regard to hate society. crimes. Greater Manchester is home to a Sir Robert Peel created the Chief Inspector Ruffles large and diverse population of 2.7 modern police force with the passing police in order for them to fulfil their million people with just less than 1% of the 1829 Metropolitan Police Act, functions and duties. of resident’s identifying themselves alongside which he defined his nine The degree of public approval is as Jewish, yet this is not represented Principles of Law Enforcement. determined by how the public view in the make-up of Greater Aside from his most famous seventh the actions and behaviours of the Manchester Police’s officers and principle, the often cited “the police police. If the police are seen as being staff. GMP must work closely with are the public and the public are the a progressive, responsible, open the Jewish community, particularly police”, perhaps the most interesting and accountable organisation it is the schools and colleges, to show for discussion in the current times is likely that such approval and respect how important and rewarding a Peel’s second principle regarding will be forthcoming. The question career within the police family can Alex Klein and Kimberley Jaimeson the necessary public approval of the therefore is how do the police show be. COMMUNITY EVENTS DIARY
! Sunday September 18: Major StandWithUsUK Israel Solidarity Event; 7:30 pm ! Thursday September 22: Muslim-Jewish Lawyers Event; 6:00 pm ! Monday September 26: CST Fundraising Lunch; 11:35 am to 12:35 pm ! Wednesday September 28: THE ZCC AND THE JRC WELCOME BOARD OF DEPUTIES EXECUTIVE MEMBER; 7:30 pm ! Sunday October 9: The Friendship Circle Fundraising Telethon; All-day ! Sunday October 9: Maccabi Dancing Strictly; 7:30 pm ! Wednesday November 2: The Fed Tally Bookbinder and Collette Casey Present the Makeup Clinic; 7:30 pm ! Sunday November 6: JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING; 10:30 am followed by SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING SESSION ! November 6 to 20: Jewish Film Festival ! Tuesday November 8: North Cheshire Jewish Primary School Fundraising Gala Dinner; 7:30 pm ! Thursday November 10: Shabbat UK Challah Bake; 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ! Saturday November 12: Shabbat UK at a Shul near you: All day ! Sunday November 13: The Fed Bear Grylls Survival Academy; All day ! Sunday November 20: Carmel Wizo Diamond Celebration; 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm ! Sunday November 27: The Fed Annual Caring Sunday; All-day ! Sunday November 27: JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL COMMUNITY CHALLENGE QUIZ; 7:30 pm ! Tuesday November 29: JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL WITH JVN AND JEWISH TELEGRAPH - JEWISH COMMUNITY AWARDS 2016; 7:30 pm ! Sunday December 4: JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING; 10:30 am to 12:15 pm ! Sunday December 4: Magen David Adom Dinner: 7:30 pm FOR DETAILS OF ALL FORTHCOMING EVENTS, CONSULT THE COMMUNAL DIARY AT WWW.JEWISHMANCHESTER.ORG