FCO to host antisemitism conference

The first conference bringing together parliamentarians from all over the world who lead the fight against antisemitism will be held in London next February, co-hosted by the Foreign Office.

The other co-host will be the newly formed Inter-Parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism (ICCA). Sessions of the conference will be held at the Houses of Parliament and the Foreign Office.

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The JCC doesn't need a building

We are among the minnows of the Jewish world, a tiny community by comparison with those in Israel or the United States. And yet we do sometimes manage, as the Foreign Office diplomats might put it,

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Huge donations for Jewish Child's Day

More than £75,000 was raised from the annual dinner and cabaret of JCD (Jewish Child’s Day) at the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel. Entertainment for the 200 guests was provided by the Bee Gees Experience and auction prizes included a New York holiday.

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London and New York: a tale of two marches

As organisers of a pro-Israel street rally finalised plans for their event later this month, a similar march in New York last weekend set them an impressive target to beat — with a claimed 100,000 participants.

Even allowing for the difference in Jewish populations (London: estimated 250,000; New York: just under one million), New York City’s Salute to Israel Parade last Sunday dwarfs London’s ambitions.

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Beach-themed party for Young Magen David Adom

Young Magen David Adom celebrated Israel’s 60th anniversary “on the beach”— or at least at West End nightspot Graphic, which was decked out with surfboards, beach balls, buckets and spades. Waitresses in straw skirts weaved around palm trees to serve cocktails from coconuts. The party raised £6,000.

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Jewish Museum director talks of redevelopment

The Jewish Historical Society hosted Rickie Burman, director of the Jewish Museum, who spoke about the redevelopment programme of the Camden Town site. Ms Burman’s presentation included a DVD that highlighted the role played by the museum across the Jewish and wider community. The event, held at the Old Post Office in Moseley, was attended by around 20 people. The expanded museum is due to reopen in June 2009.

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Shul is slashing wedding costs

The Western Marble Arch Synagogue has followed reductions in membership fees by slashing its charges for wedding ceremonies.

A new “highly competitive” basic rate for forthcoming weddings is around £1,000, down from £1,850, and includes security, the services of the registrar and a free year’s membership for the newlyweds. The rate also applies to weddings previously booked but yet to take place.

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Angry Charedim hold a tow truck hostage

Two tiny parking bays have sparked a major row between the Charedi community and Transport for London. The row threatened to boil over last week when dozens of angry motorists surrounded a tow-truck that was about to remove a car — and held it for two hours before allowing it to go. The parking bays are at the junction of Stamford Hill and Clapton Common, in North East London, outside a row of shops.

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Teaching Judaism

A major educational resource on Judaism in Britain and beyond will be launched at a Westminster reception next week.

Over two years in the making, the interactive Jewish Way of Life CD-ROM was developed by the Board of Deputies in partnership with the Pears Foundation and World Ort. Copies will be distributed to schools throughout the country.

It features material on Jewish history, the festivals, food and prayer. It is supported by a website guide for teachers.

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Young Business Group discuss climate change

The battle against climate change and its effect on the global economy was the topic of discussion at a Jewish Care Young Business Group reception, at the city offices of event sponsors Denton Wilde Sapte. The evening was attended by 80 people and raised £2,000 for the charity. Times columnist Camilla Cavendish chaired a panel discussion.

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