Community Magazine March 2009

the international community Sephardic Graves Destroyed Ongoing excavations in a 600-year old Jewish cemetery in the city of Toledo, Spain have sparked protests worldwide. Construction of a school on cemetery grounds began in the 1980s, and destroyed a large part of the graveyard. Current plans for an expansion would destroy 85 more graves. The cemetery is part of the Jewish quarter which dates back to before the Spanish Inquisition in 1492. Officials from Israeli organizations and a delegation ofAmerican rabbis recently traveled to Madrid to meet with representatives of the Spanish government. The delegation expressed the concern Jews worldwide have about preserving the sanctity of graves. – C ORRESPONDENT D AVE G ORDON Anti-Semitism at 45 Percent in Italy The Center for Contemporary Jewish Documentation in Milan, found that 45 percent of Italians had at least one of three forms of anti-Jewish stereotypes. About 10 percent reported “classic” ste- reotypes, such as “Jews are not really Italians at heart” or “Jews can’t be trusted.” About 11 percent had “modern” stereotypes, such as Jews control politics and the media, and another 12 percent had “contingent” stereotypes, mostly related to anti-Zionist views. About 12 percent had all three kinds of bias. About 55 percent either held no anti-Semitic prejudice or were “indifferent.” Italy’s president Giorgio Napolitano spoke during a ceremony to mark International Holocaust Memorial Day, saying it was legitimate to criticize the Israeli government for its recent actions in Gaza, but it is not legitimate to question Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. – C ORRESPONDENT D AVE G ORDON UK Police Adopt Arab Headdress The London police force has made it easier for female Muslims to join the agency by adding the hijab (the Muslim women’s headdress) to the official uniform. The hijab will be made of black, flame retardant material. Female officers who choose to wear the veil will place the standard police hats on top. Women make up about 23 percent of the London force’s officers. Superintendent Geoff Feavyour, who leads the Leicestershire Constabulary recruitment team, said, “Clearly, we want people from all walks of life to join the force, and the fact we have the hijab available now shows our commitment to that.” – C ORRESPONDENT L. M IZRAHI Coral Ben Yehuda 83 Tel-aviv, Israel 972 (3) 522-8549 • Gold and Silver name cutouts in English or Hebrew -on pendants and rings •Watches with Hebrew & English numbers Jewelry, Souvenirs & Keepsakes Gifts For Every Budget Find Old world Israeli charm... in the heart of modern, bustling Tel Aviv! Italian President Giorgio Napolitano 72 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE