Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN ISRAEL (Report sent around 2nd January 2012)

The letter below was sent to me by the Reform Movement. As I receive lots of e mails of this type I thought that I would contact a relative in Israel in order to get her take on the situation. The response from my relative follows the letter.

Dear friends of IRAC Rosie, a teacher who lives in a small town in the Negev desert, is a single mother who lost her father at the beginning of the year. The family decided to bury him in the nearby town of Ofakim. Rosie spent the night writing a eulogy for her father that she was going to read at the funeral

We are delighted to welcome the release of Gilad Shalit.

Chief Executive, Ben Rich, of the Reform Movement says: "Redeeming the captive is one of the most important Mitzvot (duties) for Jews, for which we are willing to take extra-ordinary steps.

"Gilad Shalit’s illegal detention has been a potent symbol of the paralysis of the Middle East peace process.

"At this time of Chag (festival) and of new beginnings, his release - and the willingness to negotiate and compromise which it demonstrates - should mark the beginning, not the end, of a new peace process based around justice for all, a two state solution and the rule of law."

JERUSALEM — A struggle for the character of the Western Wall, this city’s iconic Jewish holy site and central place of worship, is under way, and it is being fought with prayer shawls and Torah scrolls.

This exciting programme offers 21-26 year olds (20 yrs for students applying for UJS trips) an inspiring free ten day educational trip to Israel. It is open to those who have not been on an organised programme in Israel (for more information on how 'organised programme' is defined please contact the UK birthright israel coordinator). Places are limited.

Taglit-birthright israel is the most extensive philanthropic Jewish outreach programme ever to target Jewish young adults.

The ZF announces Europe's biggest celebration for Yom Ha'atzmaut to mark Israel's 60th anniversary!

Join thousands of others on Thursday 8th May 2008 at the world-famous Wembley Arena

Featuring The funniest Jewish comedian on the planet - Jackie Mason and Israeli musicial superstar - Sarit Hadad

plus The IDF entertainment troupe

Contact Dalia at dalia@zionist.org.uk for info on group sales.

Tickets start at only £25 Book by phone from the ZF on 020 8343 9756.

50% reduction on tickets for children, students and Senior Citizens (excluding £75 and VIP tickets)

The Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland was established in 1899 to campaign for a permanent homeland for the Jewish people. At that time, Palestine was a distant and neglected province of the Turkish Empire with a Jewish population of approximately 50,000. Herzl was working towards obtaining permission for Jews to settle in Palestine but had reached deadlock in his negotiations with the Sultan.