Australian Jews boycott 'anti-Israel' newspaper

Incensed Jewish leaders in Melbourne have severed ties with the city's major broadsheet newspaper, accusing it of "clear and consistent vilification of the world's only Jewish state".

Jewish Community Council of Victoria president John Searle and Zionist Council of Victoria president Dr Danny Lamm issued a joint statement last week accusing The Age newspaper of pursuing a continued "war of words against Israel".

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Frank poetry prize awarded

The inaugural poetry prize in memory of Glasgow Jewish artist and sculptor Hannah Frank has been won by a Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue member.

Freelance writer Vanessa Austin Locke received her prize in the adult category at a ceremony at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Monday. It would have been the 102nd birthday of the artist, who died, aged 100, in 2008. The competition, also reflecting Hannah Frank's interest in poetry, required entries inspired by one of her black-and-white drawings.

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Glasgow fears over Israel vote

Glasgow Jewry representatives used talks with city council leaders to voice disquiet about a motion passed by the council condemning the Israeli action against the flotilla to Gaza, in which nine Turkish activists died.

The Glasgow Jewish Representative Council president, Edward Isaacs, led a four person delegation at a meeting with city council leader Gordon Matheson and Bailie Liz Cameron, executive member for development.

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Bonnyton are the driving force on Seniors circuit

Bonnyton were the stand-out performers after winning the main prizes at the Seniors Trophy at Lee Park Golf Club in Liverpool.

The Glasgow club overcame the challenge of Moor Allerton to take the Coombe Hill Trophy in the 11-team competition for men aged over 55.

And an exceptional score of 75 from Bonnyton's Robert Kerr secured the Hartsbourne Trophy for the best gross score and the Dyrham Park Trophy for the best nett score. Lol Green of Abridge was pipped for both trophies.

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'Glee' chazan to launch new Glasgow service

Masorti Scotland is transferring its operations from the historic Garnethill Synagogue in Glasgow's West End to a scout hut in Newton Mearns.

But Masorti Scotland chair Warren Bader insists the move has nothing to do with initial difficulties at Garnethill, when some community members voiced concern that a Masorti presence might give the impression that Garnethill was no longer Orthodox.

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Shul agrees fast Yom Kippur finish

Yom Kippur services will be the swansong for Glasgow's Netherlee, Clarkston and Queens Park Congregation, which is closing after 70 years.

Around 150 members at an EGM also discussed plans to sell the building, but this will not be formally approved until more details are known.

Assets such as stained glass windows and scrolls will be found new homes.

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Hate attacks on rise in Manchester

A rise in antisemitic incidents in Manchester is down to a "shifting, and increasingly visible" Jewish community in north Manchester, according to a new report.

Antisemitic incidents are more than 50 per cent higher in the first six months of this year in Greater Manchester than in the same period in 2008 - and make up almost a third of antisemitic incidents in the UK.

There were 89 antisemitic incidents in Greater Manchester recorded by the Community Security Trust in the first six months of 2010.

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