Thatcher, Alan Clark and Finchley

Margaret Thatcher's former parliamentary private secretary has recalled how commitment to her Jewish constituents in Finchley led to the collapse of a plan to discourage the use of animal fur.

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Halpern inquiries continue

Golders Green rabbi, Chaim Halpern, who is under police investigation over alleged sexual assault and perverting the course of justice, was today bailed to return in July.

Three other men, who were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course in connection with Rabbi Halpern’s arrest, have been asked to report to police in May pending further inquiries.

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Honour for rabbi who saved hundreds of children from Nazis

An Orthodox rabbi who rescued hundreds of children from Nazi Europe is to be posthumously honoured as one of the British heroes of the Holocaust.

Rabbi Solomon Schonfeld will be one of those recognised at a ceremony at the Department for Communities on Monday.

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UK rabbis tell Israel: let women pray at the Wall

A group of more than 20 Progressive rabbis and rabbinic students from the UK have protested to the Israeli ambassador about the treatment of women who want to pray at the Western Wall, describing police threats to arrest the women saying Kaddish as “shocking”.

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Guilty — now go on holiday

A man who racially abused an elderly Jewish couple and a young Jewish man has had part of his punishment postponed so he can go on holiday.

Daniel Swain, 20, of Mowbray Road, Edgware, was found guilty of two charges of racially aggravated intentional harassment of Jewish victims.

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British government's £15 million project to support Palestinian businesses

The British government is launching a £15-million plan to aid Palestinian businesses.

UK International Development Minister Alan Duncan met Palestinian businessmen and women at the Hebron Chamber of Commerce this week to unveil the Palestinian Market Development Programme.

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Shell reacts to claims over Israel gas field

Oil giant Shell is downplaying media reports that it is selling its stake in Australian company Woodside Petroleum because of Woodside's substantial interest in the Leviathan gas field in Israel.

Woodside, an oil and gas production company, recently acquired a controlling 30 per cent interest in Leviathan .

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Israel's wealthiest man is moving to the UK

Idan Ofer, whose net worth is estimated at $6.5 billion, is reported to be relocating to London for “family reasons”. His son, who has recently finished his Israeli army service, may decide to study in the UK and Mr Ofer's mother, Aviva, already lives in London.

Mr Ofer, 57, is the controlling shareholder of Israel Corporation, which has interests in shippping and energy.

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