Covid victim remembered
V A TREE was planted in Kisharon’s Covid memorial garden at Childs Hill Library on Tuesday’s national day of reflection for Yechiel Yosef Rothschild, who died last March, aged 20, and is thought to be the community’s youngest Covid victim.
YY, as he was known, was supported by Kisharon, having moved from his family home in Stamford Hill in early 2019 to a supported living flat nearby. He was also a student at Kisharon’s Further Education College.
Hadassa Kessler, the charity’s director of operations and development, knew YY well. She said he had “left a strong impression on everyone he met during his time supported by Kisharon. His presence was overwhelming with warmth and consideration for others and his great sense of humour meant that we often spent our time together laughing. I will always remember his kind smile.” Designated as a quiet place for reflection for those who have experienced loss, the memorial garden was the idea of Kisharon volunteer Sarah Adler, who pointed out that “everyone knows someone who has died from this terrible disease. The worst part is that families had no opportunity to say goodbye.”
There are rose bushes and other plants, as well as a commemorative plaque. A bench will be added soon.
YY Rothschild
V JEWISH CARE’S Golders Green campus was illuminated purple on Tuesday night to mark the national day of reflection on the anniversary of the country’s first lockdown.
Purple is the charity’s brand colour and Jewish Care said the lighting was to show the building as a beacon of hope after a difficult year, particularly for the elderly and the social and healthcare sectors.
Chief executive Daniel CarmelBrown said: “We wanted to show that without communal support, we could not have got through this pandemic. We are incredibly grateful for the way our supporters rallied together with us. This evening’s event allowed us to shine a light of hope. Jewish Care is still here to serve the community now and in the future.”
The charity also held a minute’s silence across the organisation at midday to reflect on the year and “to remember fondly those we have lost”.
V THE COMMUNAL death toll from coronavirus has reached 900, based on the latest Board of Deputies figures on Jewish burials related to Covid.
Announcing the figures, Board president Marie van der Zyl urged community members “to continue to observe all government guidance scrupulously. If we all act responsibly now, then we will be able to, once again, celebrate Shabbat, festivals and our Jewish life in the way we want, as soon as possible.
“For the many Jewish families who have lost loved ones in the last year, the hope that we can ‘all get back together again’ will never be entirely fulfilled. Our hearts go out to those who will struggle with loss this Pesach.”
In the week ending March 19, there were four Jewish Covid-related burials.