Youth Direct's large Jewish literature collection

Youth Direct’s new library at its Manor Road centre offers a large selection of Yiddish and Hebrew books. Youth Direct’s James Field said: “There are more than 8,000 young people in the Hackney and Haringey Jewish community and many do not access public libraries. We hope providing an opportunity for young boys to borrow books to take home and giving them the space to explore Jewish literature in a socially accepting environment will encourage them to read.”

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Simon Marks Primary School celebrate Israel's 60th

Labour MP Diane Abbott joined local civic dignitaries among the 500 guests at an Israel at 60 celebration at Simon Marks Primary School. There was Israeli food and music and the event culminated with a firework display. 

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New head for Simon Marks

Thirty-nine-year-old Nicole Delamere is the new headteacher of the Simon Marks Jewish Primary in Hackney. She takes up the post in September following the departure of Laurie Rosenberg, who has been head for six years.

Mrs Delamere, currently assistant head at Newham Park Primary, told the JC that she was “thrilled” at the opportunity. “The school is successful and it is my intention to build on the vision of the former head.” She wanted Simon Marks to be “an outstanding beacon academically while promoting the values of Judaism”.

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Nursery children have fun Pesach experience

Pupils at the Lubavitch Ruth Lunzer Girls’ Primary School offered the Pesach experience in one hour at its annual Passover exhibition. The nursery children conducted a Pesach clean-up in their mini kitchen. There was a model Seder from the reception class and other activities included a matzah bakery and the search for chametz.

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Security review as graveyard suffers second race attack

Plashet Cemetery in East London, scene of the worst-ever desecration at a Jewish burial ground five years ago, has been vandalised again.

Between 30 and 40 stones were pushed over last weekend; some were smashed and decorative figures were removed from other graves. Marble surrounds from some graves were pulled up and railings were damaged. Several tombs were smashed in and a small fire was lit against one wall.

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