The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia
Registered Charity No. 1053565

A Constituent of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues
Liberal Judaism -- Supporting the Leo Baeck College-Centre for Jewish Education

Tu B’Shevat calls our attention to the significance of trees in Judaism and we learn that it is incumbent upon us to be responsible stewards of the earth, which ultimately belongs to God

Trees are also sacred to the Palestinian people, and entire communities depend on olive trees in particular, for their livelihood. During the second intifada, thousands of Palestinian olive trees have been destroyed. Rabbis for Human Rights has been at the forefront of drawing attention to this issue. The commitment to protecting the olive trees of Palestinians is not only a mitzvah but also in Israel’s long-term interests. The lives of Israelis and Palestinians are intricately intertwined, and the survival of each depends upon the survival of the other. We must acknowledge the right of each people to live in peace and with justice, to share and cultivate the land together

Since the days of Noah the olive tree has symbolized peace and prosperity. Our tradition teaches us that when the great flood began to subside, Noah sent out a dove. When it returned it carried a leaf it had picked from an olive tree. Our midrash teaches us that this represented great hope: "The dove which brought an olive branch in its beak to Noah brought light to the world." It is this light that must sustain us through the ever-spiralling violence in a land that is so dear to both peoples

For many Palestinians olives and the goods produced from them provide the basic livelihood and nutrition for their communities. And since the beginning of the second intifada the importance of harvesting olives has increased significantly. Employment opportunities have sharply decreased, and worsening poverty has dramatically increased the number of cases of malnutrition, especially among children. The sale of olive oil provides the only income for thousands of Palestinian families

The leading Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem has accused the Israeli security forces of not suitably preparing to prevent incidents of Israeli violence against Palestinians in locations where disturbances were likely to occur, not effectively intervening when such disturbances did occur, and not conducting satisfactory investigations after the fact. B’Tselem argues that this attitude by law enforcement agencies creates an atmosphere of disregard for the lives and property of Palestinians, which in turn leads to the perpetuation of violence against them. As long as Israel controls the West Bank and the Gaza strip, it is obligated to protect the civilian population, its well-being, and its land in accordance with international humanitarian law

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The Norfolk Jewish Peace Group are to host a meal at Colney Woodland Hall on Sunday March 20th, inviting representatives of local muslim groups to explore areas of mutual interest. Members of the PJCEA are welcome although numbers are limited. Further details from Ros Claxton [claxton@sizzel.net]

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The funeral of Mark Allan took place on Sunday January 30th at the Norwich Cemetery Crematorium. Mark died suddenly at his home in Lowestoft — a complete shock to everyone. He was much loved not only by family and friends but by all who knew him. He had a wonderfully wicked sense of humour which he would invariably use to drive home a serious point. He would often joke about religion but more Jewish you could not get. He reminded me of my own family’s roots in the East End of London and I was always grateful for that. Mark is survived by Liz, and daughters Amanda and Judith. I’m sure that many in the PJCEA would wish to extend their sincere condolences

z"l – May his memory be an abiding blessing

— Byron Simmonds