Ha'Am Spring 2013

[Israel]

Israel Advocacy and Campus Initiatives: BFI celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Spring 2013/Sivan 5773

haam.org

Campus Mensch Halal and kosher Leah Paz dining options

Page 2 Spring 2013

[Opening]

Table of Contents 4-5

Campus Life UCLA Dining, catering to all?

Muslim and Jewish Students vie for halal and kosher options on campus ............... 4-5

by Zainab Mithani and Tessa Nath

6-7

Israel Israel’s new Finance Minister Yair Lapid: no degree, no experience .................... 6-7

by Alan Naroditsky

As Jewish college students, it is our unique responsibility to be mindful of events on campus that affect us, in addition to our general awareness of local, national, and global issues. For that reason, this issue of Ha’Am seeks to highlight student efforts at UCLA, in order to form a more tightly knit community and cultivate pride for what it means to be a Jewish Bruin.

– Tessa Nath, Editor-in-Chief

8-10

Feature Campus Mensch: Leah Paz empowers herself, UCLA and Ugandan children through GlobeMed ..................................... 8-9

by Tessa Nath

The Jews go Greek .................................... 10

by Alexa Lucas

11

Opinion The evolution of BDS: Israel was first, America is next .................... 11

by Lea Luterstein

12-14

Lifestyle Culinary delights: my kosher crawl .......... 12-13

by Rachel Menitoff

Frozen fruit salad ......................................... 14

by Birtu Belete

Crossword: win prizes! ................................ 14

by Nicole Rudolph

15

Special Report Obama taps Golem in North Korean nuclear situation ....................................................... 15

by Devorah Friedman

Page 3 Spring 2013

[Opening]

Ha’Am Spring 2013 Sivan 5773

Editor-in-Chief Tessa Nath Managing Editor Alan Naroditsky Senior Content Editors Jacob Elijah Goldberg Miriam Pinski Content Editor Devorah Friedman Layout Editors Alexa Lucas Nicole Rudolph Staff Writers Lea Luterstein Rachel Menitoff Yona Remer Contributing Writer Zainab Mithani App Manager Nicole Rudolph Social Media Manager Birtu Belete Photographers Talia Kamdjou Andrew Rosenstein Videographer Camille Benfredj Ha’Am Magazine 118 Kerckhoff Hall 308 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90024

www.haam.org © 2013 UCLA Communications Board Published with support from Campus Progress/Center for American Progress (online at CampusProgress.org)

About Ha’Am Established in 1972, Ha’Am is the official student-run Jewish newsmagazine at UCLA. We cater to a mainly college-age audience, with the distinct goal of keeping our readers informed regarding all matters of interest to Jewish communites on campus and around the world.

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All opinions expressed in this newsmagazine are solely that of the author, not of the Ha’Am Editorial Board or the UCLA Communications Board. Letters to the editor should be directed to haam@media.ucla.edu

Page 4 Spring 2013

[Campus Life]

?

UCLA Dining, catering to all

Muslim and Jewish students vie for halal and kosher options on campus

This article was written in collaboration with Al-Talib, the Muslim student newsmagazine at UCLA, as an echo of the Muslim and Jewish students’ combined efforts. A special thanks to Devorah Friedman, Kashif Iqbal, Alexa Lucas, Lea Luterstein, Alan Naroditsky, Rachel Menitoff and Miriam Pinski for their help compiling interviews and conducting research for the article.

Part One: Importance of halal and kosher options Zainab Mithani

Editor-in-Chief, Al-Talib Living the dorm life is an exciting part of the college experience; however, for many Muslim and Jewish students at UCLA, dorm living is problematic because UCLA Dining does not cater to the needs of students who adhere to halal and kosher dietary restrictions.

The Quran and Torah contain passages discussing what halal and kosher food entails. According to the scripture, in order for meat to be considered halal, the animal must be slaughtered in the name of Allah.

The Quran states: “Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other that Allah; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless you are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); forbidden also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows; that is impiety” (5:3).

The Torah mentions what type of meat and fish are allowed in Leviticus 11, stipulating which meat and fish are allowed for consumption.

“Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that only chew the cud, or of them that only part the hoof: the camel, because he cheweth the cud but parteth not the hoof, he is unclean unto you. And the rock-badger, because he cheweth the cud but parteth not the hoof, he is unclean unto you. And the hare, because she cheweth the cud but parteth not the hoof, she is unclean

unto you. And the swine, because he parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you. Of their flesh ye shall not eat, and their carcasses ye shall not touch; they are unclean unto you. These may ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them may ye eat.”

Other aspects of keeping kosher include not eating meat and dairy together, not mixing meat and dairy utensils, as well as laws about how the animals should be killed and prepared. Utensils that have touched non-kosher food also cannot be used.

While many students of the Muslim and Jewish faiths choose not to follow halal and kosher, there are many students at UCLA who do. For the students who ascribe to a halal and kosher lifestyle, living in the dorms becomes a difficulty. UCLA Dining provides no halal options at any of their eateries (while schools like UC Riverside

“

The lack of halal and kosher options creates many problems for students and UCLA as a whole. Keeping a halal or kosher diet on the Hill means a lack of meat in a student’s diet, causing a negative impact on many students’ health.

Samee Siddiqui, another member of the MSA who lived on the Hill, could feel the lack of meat take a toll on his health. “I felt a noticeable difference — the lack of protein in my diet led to some weight loss and occasional fatigue.”

The lack of food choices caused students’ health to deteriorate and, in some cases, led to a decline in student productivity. Raquel Saxe, co-president of the Jewish Student Union, felt that the adverse effects of keeping kosher on both her health and her grades.

“I started getting really sick fall quarter, and I did not know why or what was happening, and I was sleeping all the time. I ended up doing some research on it and talking to my mom, and turns out I was anemic. My grades took a huge

I definitely felt like I was not being treated like everyone else. Other students were being catered to, while I had to only eat vegetarian.”

— Kashif Iqbal, Muslim Student Union member

and UC San Diego provide some sort of halal option on their respective campuses), and only minimal kosher options. The kosher sandwiches at B-Café each cost three swipes instead of the usual one for other food items, and they are frequently out of stock.

Kashif Iqbal, a member of the Muslim Student Association, describes his experience living on the Hill and the alienation he felt because of keeping halal. “I definitely felt like I was not being treated like everyone else. Other students were being catered to, while I had to only eat vegetarian. I do not think it would be that difficult to provide at least one halal option per week.”

plunge that quarter — I was doing really well in the beginning and all of a sudden finals came and I was not.”

Declining health is not the only problem with the lack of halal and kosher food options. The students’ inability to uphold their religious dietary practices affects UCLA as a whole, since many students choose not to attend UCLA because the administration fails to accommodate them.

Ronit Hakakha, president of Hillel at UCLA, comments on the estimated financial impact on the dorms due to the lack of food options. “We spoke about how so many Jewish students might not even choose to come to UCLA because they know from other people that there

are not as many kosher options available.

Even students that did choose to come to UCLA probably would not live in the dorms because they just do not have the comfort and access they could have living in an apartment.”

In order to solve this shared problem and strengthen the university by convincing administration to respect a major religious tenet for these two groups, Muslim and Jewish students have decided to work together to convince UCLA Dining to provide halal and kosher food options.

Part Two: Student efforts on campus Tessa Nath

Editor-in-Chief, Ha’Am The initiative to introduce halal and kosher dining options to the Hill began with a simple dream during the spring quarter of 2012: Iqbal decided that he wanted to get halal food in the dining halls on campus.

After conferring with his friends and starting a Facebook group, Iqbal was approached by Noam Kohane Taylor from Hillel at UCLA, who was interested in collaborating with the Muslim students in order to strengthen Jewish students’ efforts to request kosher dining options.

As a sign of the Muslim and Jewish students’ unity, the planners further physically and symbolically cemented their collaboration by “going to Hillel just to hang out” and discuss future plans, Iqbal remembers.

Later, Hakakha recalls that after the meeting, “Karen Hedges [Assistant Director of On Campus Housing and Campus Welfare] from the Office of Residential Life reached out to both us and the Muslim Student Association to come make a presentation at the Policy Review Board. […] And they had us make presentations about any concerns that our community has faced while

Page 5

[Campus Life] living on the Hill. So, the two main things that [the Jewish community] brought up were the issue of kashrut and the issue of Shabbat accessibility.”

Throughout the entire process, the two groups of students of different faiths vowed to maintain their consistent collaboration. Hakakha reiterates, “In our discussions, we made it pretty clear that it would not be fair for one of us to achieve our goals and not for the other.”

In fact, Iqbal believes that their teamwork strengthened their cause to the administration: “they seemed a lot more receptive because they saw that we came together for this one issue. They saw that two groups of students who maybe historically do not get along came together.”

Saxe echoes Iqbal’s sentiments, expressing her belief that “we have the opportunity to work with Muslim students and find something that we share in common, whereas we are put into these boxes the second we step onto campus and do not usually have the opportunity to work with one another.”

On a micro-level, the initiative also facilitates collaboration within the Jewish community. Saxe reflects, “As co-president of the Jewish Student Union

“

Spring 2013 seeking halal food to have a daily option.

However, practically, a variety of halal specials served three to five times a week (i.e. one different dish each day), or a daily seafood option, would suffice as well.”

With regard to long-term goals, Hakakha hopes that future halal and kosher options will be accessible, substantial and sustainable.

“Accessible — meaning that the options are available regularly. With the B-Café meals that are three swipes, every time I have ever tried to get one, they never had them in stock — ever. […] And if you are depending on that for your protein intake, it is absurd.

Substantial — we wanted to make sure that the options provide whole meat meals because the lack of protein is one of the biggest issues that we discussed in our meeting with the ORL. […] And lastly, we want to make sure that the options are sustainable.”

Despite the lack of tangible progress, Hakakha acknowledged that several of the administrators had been extremely helpful and understanding throughout the entire process. “An administrator who has been great about Jewish accessibility in general is Maria Blandizzi [Director

More research is needed before decisions can be made, so there is no timeline yet.”

— Alison Hewitt, senior media relations representative

— an umbrella organization of all Jewish groups on campus, including Hillel, Chabad, JAM, and all other groups — I see my role as trying to bring people together from the Jewish community so that we have one voice on this issue.”

The students proposed having at least one halal and kosher station in each dining hall, with paper plates and plastic cutlery so that the dining staff would not have to deal with ensuring that the utensils stayed kosher.

Hakakha adds, “we are more than willing to have something along the lines of a 14K meal plan — 14 kosher — priced somewhere around 19P since we very much understand that kosher food and kosher meat and having a mashgiach [ritual slaughterer] definitely costs more.

And we remarked that we were very willing to personally subsidize the cost of those things.”

Although a specific vendor has not yet been decided upon, one possible option in the mix is “Cold Foods.”

“Ideally,” Siddiqui explained, “we would get all of one type of meat from a halal vendor (for example chicken breast), which would allow students

of Student Services and Initiatives at UCLA]. She asked to be in the loop on all the advocacy work that we have been doing this year. I think she is hoping to tie all the pieces together and she has been helpful and great.”

Although, for the time being, UCLA Dining staff and administrators have been receptive to religious students’ complaints, all parties acknowledge that they are in the middle of a long process of change and restructuring.

In response to an e-mail addressed to Daryl Ansel, director of food services at UCLA, Alison Hewitt, senior media relations representative wrote back: “As part of a broader campuswide and UC-wide initiative to ensure a positive campus climate, UCLA Dining is actively researching the feasibility and logistics of offering more kosher and halal food options. As part of that UC-wide effort, UCLA’s On Campus Housing Policy Review Board on the Hill heard from Jewish and Muslim students about halal and kosher food in January. That input informs UCLA Dining’s continued research into kosher and halal options, including issues such as vendors, costs

and feasibility. More research is needed before decisions can be made, so there is no timeline yet.”

After reading Hewitt’s statement, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan from the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus remarked, “It is encouraging to see that UCLA is considering the needs of kosher students and is working to accommodate them.

We respect that the process of researching options is involved and takes time, and appreciate that there are some kosher options in the interim. The policy appears

“

As Hewitt wrote, “UCLA Dining offers a wide range of options for different dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian dishes in a variety of culinary styles, and small programs providing gluten-free and kosher meals. While religious restrictions, allergies and personal preferences mean each person has highly individualized needs, students’ options may be wider than they realize.”

Unfortunately, the number of items that is certified kosher is less than the administration is willing to admit.

[...] the best meal [a kosher student] can have is a tuna sandwich. But to have that day in and day out — when it is only available at lunch, you are probably going to get mercury poisoning.”

— Ronit Hakakha, president of Hillel at UCLA

to be inclusive and promising.”

Hewitt also provided the contact information of a nutritionist to whom she suggested students direct their questions of nutrition when coping with their dietary restrictions.

In terms of strictly maintaining the momentum for the initiative, Saxe identified a common problem that comes along with student programming: “It is a long process and I think the hardest part is that some of us who started this initiative are graduating so we really need to identify people who are younger who are going to be involved.”

In the meantime, the students acknowledge that now is the prime time to advocate for change, since the new Sproul dining hall is under construction.

“And you know,” Hakakha points out, “if it is brand new, it does not have to be kashered [made kosher]. So, it would be ideal to have a prototype stage or something in there.”

Still, the administration insists that students have more options than they realize, and perhaps students who keep halal and kosher are not exploring the full range of their culinary choices.

“I know the reason that Tzvi [Hakakha’s friend] was able to eat in the dining hall was that he actually got a tour of everything and could look at all the labels and all the hechshers and everything,” Hakakha explains. “He always says that the best meal he can have is a tuna sandwich. But to have that day in and day out — when it is only available at lunch, you are probably going to get mercury poisoning. Not really something to live off of.”

UCLA is about diversity — celebrating diversity, accepting diversity, and collaborating on initiatives from diverse communities.

JSU and MSA are upholding ideals of diversity, striving to strengthen their different communities by working together on finding solutions to their religious restrictions, thereby honoring their religion, their unique differences, and their similarities.

“And for the second-ranked dining program in the nation to only be able to provide a student with a cold tuna sandwich,” Hakakha added, “is not really living up to its promise.”

U

Page 6 Spring 2013

[Israel]

Israel’s new Finance Minister Yair Lapid: Alan Naroditsky

NOdegree, NOexperience

Managing Editor

When searching for candidates to fill an available employment opportunity, a firm will invariably include, in bold print, a section entitled “Qualifications” within the job description. The purpose of this vital and ever-powerful section is, above all, a time-saving one — the idea is that applicants who are clearly under-qualified will select themselves out of the hiring pool and eschew wasting the firm’s time and money. Of course, this approach is not bulletproof and it should not be, as there is always a chance that someone who does not possess the desired prerequisites will shine in other ways and still prove to be a valuable asset to the organization.

However, there is a reason that a carpenter does not apply to be a commercial airline pilot, a college professor does not submit his curriculum vitae to the local opera house, an accountant does not opt for a veterinary job, and a construction worker does not offer his services to an investment bank.

While the examples may be frivolous, the point is not — in general, workers do not interview for jobs that they are not qualified to perform, because they will not be hired.

“ Ya i r L a p i d ” b y ‫ מ ט ה י ש ע ת י ד‬2 0 1 2 ( C r e a t i v e C o m m o n s Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

In this way, upper-level political office should be no different from any occupation — the people who fill these positions should be qualified to perform the pertaining tasks and shoulder the responsibilities. In Israel, the recent elections predictably saw Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retain his post, but also witnessed a new party, the centrist Yesh Atid (“There is a Future”), gain an unprecedented number of seats in the Knesset. Its head, Yair Lapid, much like his party, appeared on the scene of Israeli politics in a whirlwind.

According to the Yesh Atid official website,Lapid’sforayintothepoliticalrealm began with an unexpected announcement on Jan. 8, 2012. He registered Yesh Atid as an official political party on April 30, 2012, and, a few months later, the fledgling party suddenly won 19 seats in the Knesset. On March 15, 2013, he was appointed minister of finance by Prime Minister Netanyahu.

It is not uncommon for people of wildly varying backgrounds to venture into political life. For some public posts, it is much more vital to be able to galvanize a constituency around a common cause than it is to flash a fancy Ivy League diploma. But for other, more specialized positions, a certain educational standard is highly preferable, if not essential.

According to the website of Israel’s Ministry of Finance, the ministry “is responsible for planning and implementing the Government’s overall economic policy.

The Ministry prepares the draft State Budget and monitors implementation of the approved budget, manages state revenues and collects direct and indirect taxes, promotes nonresident investments and conducts the Government’s economic relations with the Government of the United States, regulates the capital market, savings, and insurance,

“

have ten years or more, and only two have less than 15 years). With no exceptions, the European Union countries believe (based on whom they appoint) that only extremely well-educated, knowledgeable and seasoned economists and lawyers should be in a position to shape their fiscal landscapes. Israel, while of course not a member of the European Union, definitely strives to emulate a highly-civilized and modern Western lifestyle. When it comes to political appointments, however, Israel

It says a lot about Israel [...] that a candidate with zero political experience of any sort and no education to speak of [...] could become one of the biggest political players overnight.”

— Haaretz and maintains auxiliary units for government ministries in motor vehicles, computer services, and printing.”

This description sounds routine for a wing of the administration that deals with economy policy, except for the clause denoting Israel’s special economic relationship with the United States.

Nevertheless, other developed countries ascribe very similar responsibilities to their respective economic policy departments.

Since the world is currently navigating a turbulent economic atmosphere, making sound fiscal decisions is more important than ever. It seems reasonable to assume that the individuals charged with the care of a nation’s economic strategy are skilled, educated and experienced.

To confirm this hypothesis, let us review the credentials of the finance ministers (or corresponding positions) in European Union member countries. Out of the 27 European finance ministers, 25 hold bachelor’s degrees, 14 hold master’s degrees, and ten hold doctorate degrees.

The only two who do not hold collegiate degrees are qualified in other ways: Latvian Finance Minister Andris Vilks has taken extensive courses in investments, financial analysis, management and marketing, and Swedish Finance Minister Anders Borg has completed a multitude of graduate courses in economics at Stockholm University.

On average, the finance ministers of European Union countries have over 23 years of experience in politics, law, economics, or finance under their belts (all

apparently could not disagree more.

According to Haaretz, Yair Lapid never graduated from high school, and admits that he dropped out due to insurmountable learning disabilities. Surprisingly, this is a little-known fact — most articles about the rising political star simply omit any mention of his education (or lack thereof) and begin with his journalism career. A Haaretz article entitled “Who is Yair Lapid?” notes that there is “a Facebook page dedicated to the factual errors Lapid makes in his speeches and interviews, as well as countless Internet memes, tweets and blogs poking fun at the former journalist/columnist/author/host/ actor/boxer/songwriter.”

Indeed, Lapid has done many things throughout the years, but unlike his Latvian and Swedish counterparts who share his lack of collegiate experience, the activities he pursued in lieu of an academic degree are completely irrelevant to his current position. In other words, Lapid would have a hard time explaining how his careers as a journalist, thriller and children’s book novelist, and television talk show host have prepared him for, among other responsibilities, “planning and implementing the Government’s overall economic policy.”

Yair Lapid was admitted to Bar-Ilan University’s special Ph.D. program for students who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree, but, according to The Times of Israel, “the Council for Higher Education called the program ‘a deviation from appropriate academic standards’” and

Page 7 Spring 2013

[Israel] discontinued it, rendering Lapid degreeless, once again. As a footnote, Lapid aspired toward a doctorate in hermeneutics (the study of text interpretation), so even if he had obtained it, his qualifications for devising national economic tactics would have remained non-existent.

According to Reuters, Yesh Atid legislator Yael German claimed that “Yair Lapid is sufficiently talented to find a formula to cut the budget, without hurting the middle class.” While a vote of confidence from a fellow party member demonstrates heartwarming camaraderie, it is sadly deficient in tangible proof. The world’s finance ministers would readily confirm that while talent is a prized and rare quality, the graduate degrees and years of relevant work experience (both in the private and public sectors) they have attained were not for sport — they represent the painstaking groundwork necessary to prepare them for their current occupations.

An appropriate question might be: how did Yair Lapid get so far? Haaretz reports that “it says a lot about Israel, more so than about Lapid himself, that a candidate with zero political experience of any sort and no education to speak of, his only selling point being his many years of celebrity, could become one of the biggest political players overnight. Lapid is the ultimate personification of a political sphere obsessed with stardom, filled with parties trying to recruit journalists, athletes and other public figures who bring the spotlight along with them. His brand is the product of hard and careful, albeit sometimes cheesy, work. And he spent two decades building it.”

Clearly charismatic, with an imposing frame and an assertive gaze, Yair Lapid makes a great celebrity. Perhaps he has a vision for Israel’s future, but unfortunately, he is no more qualified to run Israel’s Ministry of Finance than author Dan Brown (who does, in fact, hold a college diploma) is to be the Surgeon General of the United States. Furthermore, if Lapid had gone through normal, civilian channels to look for employment within the Israeli Ministry of Finance, he would struggle to obtain an entry-level position or even an internship — such jobs generally require at least a bachelor’s degree and additional relevant work experience.

When Lapid was a prominent journalist, his columns were not filled with astute political insights or focused economic analysis, but, as Haaretz states, with pieces about “boxing, Raymond Chandler, the battle between the sexes, and scotch.”

His experience might have afforded him significant wisdom and life experience, but this is not enough — one does not learn how to be a finance minister on the job.

Israel’s government faces numerous challenges in the years ahead, and it is not clear how it will respond to them.

By appointing Yair Lapid to address the nation’s economic problems, Benjamin

Netanyahu has not risen to the occasion.

Netanyahu, coincidentally a former finance minister himself (unlike Lapid, he studied at MIT and Harvard), should know better.

Whether or not Lapid will miraculously

develop a brilliant economic intuition and a profound financial understanding remains to be seen. For now, we can only hope that Lapid’s advisors, undoubtedly more qualified than he, will pick up the slack.

Ta b l e c o m p i l e d b y A l a n N a r o d i t s k y

Page 8 Spring 2013

[Feature]

Campus

Mensch

Leah Paz

empowers herself, UCLA and Ugandan children through GlobeMed Tessa Nath

Editor-in-Chief It was a warm spring day when Leah Paz strolled through Kerckhoff Patio, searching from behind her sunglasses for a table in the shade. Her 5-foot-8-inch frame, full of her signature boisterous energy and enthusiasm, lightly traversed the open space to sit down for a casual chat.

The graduating senior, majoring in political science and minoring in Hebrew and Jewish studies, has always had a passion for community service and global health — heavily influenced by her Jewish values and exposure to the ever-constant tikkun olam.

Now, Paz combines her interests and puts them into action by serving as GlobeMed at UCLA’s internal president.

Founded by students in 2007, GlobeMed is a philanthropic organization that promotes global health and social justice. Since then, its network has grown to engage 1,500 undergraduates at 50 university-based chapters throughout the United States. According to their website, “Our chapters are partnered one-to-one with community-based health organizations in 18 countries throughout Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. Fundraising and on-site efforts at each chapter contribute to one or more of six key areas of impact: Maternal Health, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Nutrition, Income Generation, Communicable Disease Prevention, and Capacity Building. Through their involvement today, our students and partners commit to a life of leadership in global health and social justice.” At UCLA, GlobeMed

P h o t o b y Ta l i a K a m d j o u

currently boasts 45 members, ten of whom are on the executive board.

Paz began her GlobeMed career when she was just a freshman, searching the enormous activities fair her fall quarter for clubs with which to get involved. “I originally was pre-med,” Paz remembers, “and so when I got here freshman year I thought, I should join a medical organization. But, I have always been interested in global health as well… so I wanted to find something that was an international health-related organization.”

And thus, GlobeMed at UCLA gained Paz’s heartfelt commitment for the next four years.

Paz was inspired to switch her major after listening to her two friends (one of whom was a sociology major, and the other was a political science major) talk about the classes for which they were signing up.

Paz recalls their excitement with enrolling in “cool classes on education and human rights, for example,” and in comparison with her own misery in her south campus classes (“I just did not like what I was learning”), their paths seemed much more interesting to Paz. Slowly, Paz came to the realization that there was, as she expressed, “no reason for me to be taking those classes, especially since GlobeMed made me realize that there are so many ways to impact health in the world other than just being a doctor.”

After graduating this spring, Paz hopes to get an internship in Israel through Masa Career Israel, a five-month professional

internship program. Paz hopes to build a career in public relations — specifically, for a nonprofit organization.

“As I got more involved with the Jewish community, I realized that a lot of organizations are nonprofits, and there are lots of ways to approach nonprofit work.

I think that there is a nonprofit for every interest, and I think that the people who work for nonprofits are all good-hearted people, and there is good energy there,” Paz states firmly, green eyes glistening.

When asked about what Paz would like to achieve in her lifetime, she responded,

“

good in the world.”

“Leah holds some qualities of leadership that cannot be learned,” president of Hillel at UCLA Ronit Hakakha said.

“Her outgoing, bubbly nature is not only infectious, but also approachable. She is very concerned about leading an incredible cause; but almost more so, she is dedicated to making sure that those involved in her organization are having fun while doing good in the world.”

Besides being involved with GlobeMed, Paz is a member of Bruins for Israel, has an internship through Israel campus coalition,

She’s very concerned about leading an incredible cause; but almost more so, she is dedicated to making sure that those involved in her organization are having fun while doing good in the world.”

— Ronit Hakakha, Hillel at UCLA President

“I think very realistically. Ideally, I could just travel and not have to worry about money and meet amazing people and go to amazing places and learn about what they are doing to improve their communities, the way I hope to do.” She follows her dream with a short sigh before continuing, “but right now I am really interested in being able to bridge what I am good at and what I am interested in. I am good at talking to people and I am good at planning events, both of which fall into the broad category of public relations. I am interested in helping people and doing

and is also an intern for Repair the World (a Jewish social justice organization).

Paz admits that social justice is something that she has always been involved with, “whether it is doing things on a local level or thinking more globally.”

“I like keeping quotes,” Paz admits, smiling and laughing slightly. “When I find a Martin Luther King quote, or whatever stands out to me, I write it down in my phone all the time, I am sort of nerdy like that.”

Paz fondly reflects on the past year as internal president of GlobeMed, “One of the best moments was when one of the

Page 9 Spring 2013

[Feature]

girls came back from the conference she went to and she was just blown away and realized how much she liked GlobeMed. It was a good feeling to know that I am a leader in GlobeMed, and one of the ways you realize that is when you watch other people in the organization realize it.

You cannot tell them that they will love GlobeMed because you love GlobeMed — it does not work that way. And it makes me feel really good about what we are doing as a whole because I know that if everyone is excited then we are doing something right.”

In partnership with the Nwoya Youth Center in Northern Uganda, GlobeMed’s latest endeavor is to fund projects that “are focused on sexual health outreach to schools in the community.” Paz explains, “We teach them about puberty, how sex works, how to put on a condom, how HIV happens. There are so many myths in that region that it is scary. The one that I always bring up because it is surprising is that they think the HIV disease sleeps at night, so they think that if they have sex at night they cannot get HIV. Uganda is one of the few countries where the rate of HIV is actually rising, and that is terrifying.”

GlobeMed is also raising funds to distribute reusable sanitary pads to girls in Anaka, Uganda, who stop going to school for a week out of every month because they are embarrassed that they are menstruating, and no one has explained the natural process to them. Moreover, as Paz points out, “even if they know what it is, they do not have the resources to buy pads.”

GlobeMed also has a capacity building project, providing citizens with solar panels, motorbikes, and training on how to fix the motorbikes if they break.

“It is all about sustainability, partnership, and learning,” Paz proudly reiterates.

At GlobeMed’s weekly meetings, they pass around a small pink piggy bank called “be the change” and each deposit a few ex-

tra cents toward the funds that they raise, all of which go directly into their projects.

GlobeMed recently reached their $10,000 goal, and is striving to reach $12,000 by the end of the school year.

When it is Paz’s turn to lead the meeting, she stands up, dynamic and strong in a short pink summer dress, iced drink in one hand.

“Leah is an incredibly active and engaging leader,” GlobeMed External President Caroline Nguyen reflects on their partnership. “From watching her flyer on Bruin Walk to seeing her lead meetings, I have come to appreciate the high energy and endless care that Leah brings to every part of her leadership experience. More than just focusing on our work, Leah always remembers that we need to create a supportive environment so that we can not only work as peers, but as friends. She has innovated all sorts of community building events, such as camping in Malibu to doing a scavenger hunt on campus, that have fostered the most warm and welcoming environment that I have ever been a part of. Her personality and dedication has pushed our organization forward and lifted our ambitions and spirits along the way.”

At one meeting in early May, Paz commends the group on their discussions about health issues which affect the global community.

“We all have different interests, different majors, different skills,” Paz speaks to the far corners of the room. “We learn from each other, and then we do what we can. We actually do something. We are not stopping at the discussion part.”

When asked about Paz’s guiding principles, she takes a moment to reflect, cycling through her many favorite quotes. She finally settles on one by Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist whom Paz recently had the opportunity to hear speak at a GlobeMed conference: “If you ever think you are too small to make a change, try sleeping in bed with a mosquito.”

P h o t o s b y Ta l i a K a m d j o u

Page 10 Spring 2013

The Jews go

Alexa Lucas Staff Writer

Greek

Parties, friends, ladies and chaos — these are all components of what appears to be the fraternity lifestyle, as portrayed by the film industry. With such shallowseeming incentives, many bystanders cannot understand the reasons for joining such groups. However, the true elements of the initial fraternity movement are independence, prestige and a scholarly union. Desiring such amenities, yet excluded from them on ethnic grounds, American Jewish men began to form their own cultural fraternities in the United States, creating a strong brotherhood that exists on campuses across the country, including UCLA. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many fraternities emerged to create academic societies in which the prestige and patriotism would illustrate the new American independence from Britain. The early 1900s then saw mass immigration movements from Eastern European countries to the United States. Eastern European Jews sought American acculturation and began founding social and academic societies as early as 1895 at the University of Georgia. The majority of the newly formed fraternities were established in New York, especially between 1898 and 1913.

Many emmigrating Jews struggled to assimilate into American culture, as they were not completely accepted. AntiSemitism increased as many Jewish men were refused initiation into Christianbased fraternities, and so they decided to organize their own. As Marianne R. Sanua

expresses in her book, “Going Greek,” many Jewish Greeks struggled to represent the American Jew in the best light, which often meant significantly toning down their “Jewishness.” She continues on to explain that many leaders of these sprouting Jewish fraternities fought for acceptance and recognition to the point of hypocrisy.

Fearing “conspicuous behavior,” many Jewish men were not accepted to the Jewish fraternities if they kept kosher, appeared “too” Jewish, or were not charming and attractive enough. She describes them as working under “bitter dignity and self-respect in striving for the highest standards.” The Jewish men of these fraternities had adopted the judgments of the contemporary culture to discriminate against one another in a desperate attempt to be accepted by the whiteAnglo majority.

Still, many Jewish fraternities grew beyond the desire for whiteAnglo approval. Richard J. H. Gottheil, a professor at Columbia University and strong Zionist, wanted to unite the Zionist movement under an organization at Columbia and founded Zeta Beta Tau as a youth Zionist movement.

The ZBT men became very social among each

[Feature] other and decided to receive recognition as a Greek-letter fraternity with a prominent Jewish community. Zeta Beta Tau thus became the first national Jewish fraternity.

In 1913, another fraternity that today has strong Jewish representation on the UCLA campus was initiated. After a Jewish star basketball player was invited into a fraternity at NYU, he quickly became aware that ten of his Jewish comrades were not allowed to join. The 11 men instead created Alpha Epsilon Pi — a fraternity that would promote Jewish ideals. Within a year, they became an international organization.

Following the civil rights movements in the 1950s, many Greek fraternities decided to lift their restrictions on cultural and/ or religious affiliations. As membership quickly opened, the Jewish pledge pool decreased for the Jewish-based fraternities.

To this day, fraternities, especially AEPi, have maintained a majorityJewish presence. While maintaining the Jewish culture, these men have illustrated the advancement of Jewish social recognition in the once Anglo-white dominated society.

UCLA AEPi member Elliot Cherkas explained, “This house was the first to reach out to me…they were my first friends at UCLA, so they mean a lot to me.”

The fact that the fraternity was completely Jewish was an important bonding factor for him: “The Jewish presence is a nice way to instantly connect with other guys in the house; at the very least, it is a similarity on a basic level.”

Another UCLA AEPi member, Yoni Scharf, said that the fraternity is 98% Jewish. “I joined because I really like the guys. There is no other frat that is all Jewish.

I have a lot

of cousins and family in AEPi.” This shared brotherhood with many family members is a big draw for many AEPi members.

A UCLA Zeta Beta Tau member, Sam Hirsch, noted that the UCLA chapter of ZBT is no longer majority-Jewish. Hirsch noted that his father once was an Alpha Rho ZBT (the UCLA chapter).

“I didn’t join the house [just] because he was in it, but it is certainly cool to share the brotherhood and memories with my father,” said Hirsch.

Hirsch also noted that ZBT is more secular at UCLA than at other schools, and that when his father was a member of the UCLA ZBT, there was a stronger Jewish presence.

Rabbi Jacob Rupp, rabbi at JAM UCLA, is a member of the UC San Diego chapter of AEPi. He was initially intrigued by the Jewish connection but also genuinely enjoyed meeting the members that the fraternity attracted.

Although the Jewish presence in Greek life continues to develop, he believes that there is a lot more growth necessary to strengthen the idea of a Jewish fraternity.

“There is always a tension between [a] fraternity and Judaism — how much Jewish culture are we going to incorporate, and how much fraternity culture are we going to incorporate?” said Rabbi Rupp.

The fraternity provided Rupp with friendships, but the experience itself was not necessarily Jewish. While AEPi was branded Jewish, there was not a meaningful Jewish identity behind the title. In order to enhance the Jewish-Greek system, Rabbi Rupp explained, “A major lacking in the Jewish fraternity organization is that it needs more emphasis on Judaism. Men join these fraternities for the Jewish experience — if it was a matter of secular experience, they could have chosen any other group. These groups are selling an exciting product that is Jewish brotherhood, but if there was more of a focus on Judaism, the brotherhood would be enhanced.”

Campus Progress funds, trains, and mentors students running a diverse and growing group of progressive campus media organizations. For more, visit CampusProgress.org/JournalismNetwork.

Page 11 Spring 2013

[Opinion]

Lea Luterstein Staff Writer

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions has evolved into something the whole family can get behind — that is, the whole family of those who oppose democracy, human rights and liberty in every form. The most recent BDS resolution to reach UCLA’s campus is new and improved, upgraded from simple Israel-hatred to a leftist novelty that appeals to the political movement’s most extreme: disrespecting the brave servicemen and servicewomen who fight for freedom not only on our behalf, but who also defend the inalienable rights of the oppressed on foreign shores. The movement to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel has finally expanded to show the whole of its intent: a movement based on hatred of the West.

It is not only Israel and the Jews who are targeted anymore. The ideological threat of BDS has gone from simple anti-Sem-

“

U.S. campaigns against the global threats of communism and terrorism. Most of the noble “student campaigns” mentioned oppose violence against certain communities.

By including the War in Iraq, a campaign for the freedom of the Iraqi people, with the genocide in Darfur as something to rally against, this resolution dishonored not only Former President George W. Bush and his administration’s actions against global terror, but also the troops that fought in the War on Terror.

The War in Iraq (including Operation Iraqi Freedom) is not a human rights violation. In 2003, the U.S. was still reeling from 9/11, a heinous terrorist attack that devastated the country. Iraq was a dangerous enemy because of its history of attacking its neighbors, using chemical weapons against Iranian and Kurdish citizens, supporting terrorist groups (Saddam Hussein

The movement to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel has finally expanded to show the whole of its intent: a movement based on hatred of the West.”

itism to something that hits home. Most recently, the UCLA External Vice President’s office sponsored and brought forth a resolution that called for the University of California system to “divest their holdings from socially irresponsible companies that are involved in violence and violations of human rights” and that called upon UCLA to “disassociate itself from groups or companies that promote systematic prejudiced oppression […] by divesting from companies that participate in or profit from violence, human rights violations, etc. …”

Implicitly included in these “socially irresponsible companies” that “participate in or profit from violence and human rights violations” are the United States of America and its Armed Forces.

At the end of a laundry list of questionable (and some un-cited) human rights violations by the United States, along with the “2008-09 Israeli offensive on Gaza” (that is, the defensive Operation Cast Lead, launched after Israel suffered thousands of Hamas rocket attacks on its cities) come the Vietnam War and the War in Iraq, both

was linked to Al-Qaeda), defying UN Security Council resolutions, and seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. Hussein’s killing his own people was a human rights violation. Operation Iraqi Freedom, which liberated and brought democracy to the Iraqi people, is not.

To call Operation Iraqi Freedom and the greater War on Terror (not an imperialistic campaign to conquer the Middle East but a response to a direct national security threat to the U.S.) human rights violations is not only absurd but also a huge affront to our troops. This resolution clearly calls for UCLA to divest from — and not just financially, but it naturally assumes that support will also be withdrawn from — the war effort and everything that OIF encompasses, including support for Armed Forces veterans and service members. It not only minimizes but demonizes and lies about the work that U.S. soldiers, marines, pilots and sailors have done in and especially for Iraq, including stabilizing a nation and taking down a dictator who posed a threat to both the U.S. and the Iraqi people.

“Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps” by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton 2012 (Public Domain)

ROTC CADETS: NROTC midshipmen listen to the words of their commander in the training field at Camp Pendleton. ROTC cadets make up a significant portion of UCLA students.

“‘Student campaigns against the war in Iraq’ were considered among other causes to ‘demonstrate our commitment to justice and equality for all.’ This claim discredits the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve our country each day and fight to give us the freedom to live in peace and safety,” said Katie Mellon, vice chairman of UCLA’s Young Americans for Freedom chapter. “Regardless of one’s opinion on the war in Iraq, this affront to our troops has no place in a resolution targeting the investment decisions of our university.”

Besides insulting U.S. troops and marginalizing future U.S. servicemen and servicewomen on campus (Reserve Officer Training Corps students), the resolution strove to ostracize the politically conservative/Republican community, which supports the War in Iraq and all American antiterror efforts in the greater war on terror, by demonizing their beliefs. “I just wish Bruin Republicans could have been engaged and involved in the initial drafting of the resolution,” says Darren Ramalho, chairman of Bruin Republicans. “The original language definitely made statements that upset those who identify as people with conservative values.”

By calling for divestment from the War in Iraq, this resolution calls for divestment from the U.S. Besides the fact that UCLA could not possibly do business with what one assumes are companies “profiting from

violence and human rights violations”— that is, armament and military technology companies — the suggestion is ridiculous. Instead of focusing on, for example, boycotting gasoline because the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries are human rights violators in the extreme, the proponents of the resolution have decided to stop supporting American products and companies. As they are citizens and residents of the U.S., they might have a hard time doing so.

It is well-known that when people preach hatred against Israel and the Jews, the hatred is ultimately geared towards the West and America, the “Great Satan.” A resolution that lumps together the War in Iraq and “human rights violations” and decries the United States military’s actions is eye-opening proof. After a long public comments session at the Undergraduate Students Association Council table, the “Resolution Calling for Ethical Investments” was tabled indefinitely.

BDS took a different approach this time — not calling BDS by its name — but calling for divestment from the United States and insulting the troops wasn’t the smartest move, especially for Internal Vice President Candidate Lana El-Farra, who sponsored and brought forth the resolution. Her opponent (and winner of the election) Avi Oved condemned the resolution and promised that as internal vice president, he would seek to represent all communities.

Page 12 Spring 2013

[Lifestyle]

Culinary delights: my kosher crawl Rachel Menitoff Staff Writer

While the notion of a food crawl generally conjures up drinks in one restaurant, hors d’oeuvres and/or appetizers in another, a main course in yet a third, and dessert at a final venue, my own crawl-like experience is not self-contained in an evening, but rather spread over a three-week period.

My crawl takes me to three of the major strictly kosher Los Angeles restaurants and encompasses two bakeries as well. The bulk of the restaurants are located in the part of Los Angeles known as the Pico-Robertson area, a section of town with a disproportionately large identifying Jewish population of all stripes and shades. Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews, native Angelenos and others from all around the country, as well as Persian, North African and Soviet emigrees comprise the diverse population that frequents the establishments to be reviewed.

Delice Bakery invites us to admire and indulge in its macaroons, sugar cookies, and tarts. Julien Bohbot, hailing from Morocco, finished his studies in Restaurant Business in Paris before opening the acclaimed French-inspired bakery in 2001. Delice prides itself on its ability to satisfy all of the senses — visual, olfactory, and gustatory. Delice produces an outstanding raisin challah with a honey drizzle. A second recommendation is their compact muffins, ranging from cranberry to blueberry, cappuccino to carrot cake. Although my preference is for its challah and bite-sized sweets, Delice serves up quiche, freshly-prepared pizza, soup,

Owners Errol Fine and his wife Pat (hence the name) operate their Cal-Italian emporium with a distinct motto of “celebrating the flavors of life.” You can expect serious waiters and a clientele of glatt gourmands who are comfortable bringing non-kosher guests. The setting is classy, with a wood-heavy interior filled with tables, booths and even a fourseat bar. Pat’s menu is indeed a particularly creative one, displaying inventive pasta dishes, a multiplicity of steaks and chicken dishes, as well a number of fish entrees.

Facing down three separate meals, I was far from bored and at times even on the edge of my seat as I wondered where

salad, and club sandwiches. Located right beside LA Burger Bar, you might be able to get a two-for-one deal — a delicious lunch, a challah bread, and some parve Shabbat munchies.

Schwartz Bakery is the oldest kosher

the next thrill would come from. My order was a Chinese Chicken Salad made up of grilled chicken, crispy noodles, and sesame dressing. While my two compatriots preferred Lemon Chicken (roasted chicken thighs with Meyer lemon, rosemary, and olives) and a grilled mediumrare hamburger topped with sautéed on-

bakery in Los Angeles. Established in 1954, the branch of Schwartz Bakery at which I shop is on Pico, diagonally across the street from Delice in a part of town well-known for its kosher eateries and markets. The original Schwartz Bakery still operates on Fairfax Ave. Two and a half years ago, Pico’s Schwartz Bakery partnered with Circa NY, a restaurant chain based in New York, to expand its bakery into a small cafe. With this addition came a complete remodel and renovation. If nothing else, you must try their lemon meringue pie. Do not be miffed by the hefty price tag that comes along with it, but rather think of it as an investment. One large pie will last you an entire weekend with enough to share with friends and guests. If price is of concern, perhaps save the delicacy for special occasions. One last plug — after all my wisdom teeth were pulled by my dentist, as the anesthesia was wearing off, I was feeling pain and self-pity. That was until I began scarfing down the one-of-a-kind

lemon meringue. It was truly satiating and life-changing. Nothing else quite fulfilled my need. I am eternally grateful.

If you are in that part of town, it need not be an “either or.” Obtain the challah and muffins at Delice. But do not leave the area without picking up a lemon meringue at Schwartz!

ions, served with chunky French fries.

It must be said that this hamburger deserves an entire page of its own. It was simply cooked to perfection. If you have a bit of extra cash to spare, nix Burger Bar and head right over to Pat’s for this superb delight.

Pat’s has an impressive following. Its customers are regulars. Pat’s is closely attuned to fine detail — whether it is recalling special tastes and preferences of customers or a certain drink or desired table. From what I gleaned by overhearing a conversation of people at the next table, it sounded

as if Pat’s was particularly sensitive and accommodating to people struggling with allergies. Pat’s has an outstanding reputation beyond the Los Angeles community and welcomes people from every corner of the globe — Israel, South Africa, Panama, and Australia, to name a few. A melting pot of sorts is evident in the diverse multiculturalism that is Pat’s. While Pat’s is located at a poorly-lit and often less-well-traveled street corner in the Pico-Robertson area, there is much hustle, bustle, and camaraderie inside the restaurant itself. The constant activity and the high quality of the food more than make up for the drab exterior.

Delice Bakery 8583 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 289-6556 Price: $$$ Schwartz Bakery 8622 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 854-0592 Price: $$$

9233 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 310-205-8705 Price: $$$$

Page 13 Spring 2013

[Lifestyle]

La Gondola As one enters the dining hall of La Gondola, one of LA’s finer kosher restaurants over the past two decades (albeit in three different locations), he or she cannot help but feel consumed by its warmth, sophistication, and sheer elegance. Prior to arriving, I worked up an appetite imagining appetizers and entrees from their BBQ beef ribs to chai steaks which, according to their promotional PR, launched them to the top of kosher cuisine both nationally and internationally. It is clearly the case that throughout their 21-year lifetime, La Gondola’s food has evolved from traditional Northern Italian cooking to a blend of Californian, Asian, and Mediterranean delicacies, the latest addition being sushi.

I shall preface my remarks by acknowl-

Inspired by Israel’s famed “Burgers Bar,” the folks at LA Burger Bar (stationed at 8581 W. Pico Blvd.) have delivered the sensational Israeli chain right to our own backyards. LA Burger Bar is handsomely framed with high ceilings, French doors, a large skylight, and a mural of downtown Los Angeles spanning the entirety of the establishment. A transparent kitchen allows a glimpse into the assemblage of your foods of choice.

The cooks, in neatly-pressed uniforms, give the appearance of self-confidence and satisfaction in their work.

In an effort to remain somewhat health-conscious, also not a huge burger fan myself, I ordered a seasoned grilled chicken wrap topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions, finished with a

edging that my family and I chose La Gondola in honor of my 22nd birthday.

Consequently, we decided to splurge.

Our first course consisted of chicken matzah ball and butternut squash soups, and a spicy albacore tempura crunch roll (although the alternative sushi “meshugana roll” was tempting). Our two main courses, which we divided evenly among the three of us, were comprised of a chicken citrus salad containing baby greens, sliced oranges and grapefruit, strawberries, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and sun-dried tomato dressing, and the special of the night, a rack of lamb covered in crispy onions, and a side of steamed spinach with mashed potatoes. Finally, the birthday meal concluded with a deep-fried peach cobbler topped with a scoop of Tofutti vanilla

garlic-mayo sauce and a side of well-done fries. The chicken was well-prepared, juicy, and particularly flavorful. The condiments were entirely appropriate, in reasonable supply, and fit comfortably within the wrap. I was confirmed in the wisdom of my choice.

The more regular LA Burger Bar fare

imitation ice cream.

La Gondola’s romantic lighting, chic table arrangements, and contemporary setup make it an ideal location for a first date, a much-anticipated anniversary celebration, or a birthday (such as mine).

I notice that primarily young, married couples frequent the eatery. La Gondola’s impeccable service (shout-out to our dutiful waitress, Amber) surprised a friend of mine who had recently graduated from UC Berkeley. La Gondola welcomes large parties including young children and infants. La Gondola has the remarkable ability to entice adults as well as their young children who might

to run loose, I would be happy dining at La Gondola any day of the week (did I mention they have a take-out Shabbat menu?). Simply speaking, La Gondola has something for everyone.

La Gondola is the product of a modest mother-son entrepreneurial endeavor that started out small and has expanded tremendously over the years. It began its tenure downtown, and now resides in the heart of Beverly Hills, on the north side of Wilshire, one block east of Doheny.

Notwithstanding its growth and development, La Gondola retains a sense of humility and modesty and exudes a rather quiet confidence. No need to be flashy and over-the-top pretentious.

La Gondola is comparable to “the get fidgety and boisterous elsewhere. perfect man” — generous, sensitive to Younglings are enthralled with its ten- one’s needs, aesthetically pleasing, with der Gondola beef steak burger, a side of a plethora of flavor, spice, and spunk. crispy fries, and a coke, whereas parents salivate at the thought of well-done Polo Marsalla, or a juicy London broil, not 9025 Wilshire Blvd to mention a selection from Gondola’s Beverly Hills, CA 90211 fully-stocked bar equipped with tasty 310-247-1239 spirits, liquors, and digestives. Although Sunday and Thursday evenings prove Price: $$$$ to be hectic and youngsters are allowed includes a grilled-to-order 200g LA burger made with onions and homemade seasonings, Portobello mushrooms, roasted peppers and homemade guacamole. LA Burger Bar also touts a classic cheeseburger covered in American or Mozzarella non-dairy, parve “cheese.”

An assortment of other burgers include a Spicy Lamb Burger, Pastrami Burger, Rosemary Burger, Beef Fry Burger, and for the vegetarians, a classic Vegetable Burger. Customers are able to choose from an array of homemade dressings: sweet-chili, chimichurri, pesto, barbeque, spicy lemon olive oil, and ranch, to name but a few. In the wrong hands, any one of these meals would surely be a mess, but LA Burger Bar has the balance just right.

LA Burger Bar boasts an eclectic and broad-based clientele embracing large families with children, tweens/teens, college students and recent grads, as well as older individuals upwards of 70. One is able to claim a long horizontal table that accommodates as many as eight or nine hungry mouths. Or, for a more intimate setting, there are tables of four and singles for one or two people. Around

5:30 or 6 p.m., the eatery begins to fill up for dinner, and a tumultuous din falls over the place with youngsters anxious for a satiating meal. Long lines are the norm. A similar phenomenon is apparent on Saturday nights (open one hour after the conclusion of Shabbat), and Sunday afternoons and evenings — some of its most popular business hours. So, if you are looking to be surrounded by action and buzz, LA Burger Bar post-Shabbat is the place to be. And an added bonus — it stays open until three in the morning!

In terms of parking (which always seems to be a point of contention), my suggestion is to drive one block past the restaurant in either direction, and you will likely find a spot on a neighboring side street. Once you are ensconced, there is a strong likelihood of a delectable meal right around the corner.

8581 West Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 310-933-4430 Price: $$

Page 14 Spring 2013

[Lifestyle]

Frozen Fruit Salad Birtu Belete

Social Media Manager What better way to combat the LA heat than with a delightfully refreshing frozen treat? These delicious Popsicles are simple to make and are the perfect way to wind down and cool off after a long day in the sun.

Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes plus six hours to freeze Yield: Eight servings Kosher

Ingredients: One mango cut in 1/4 inch slices Two kiwis, peeled and sliced in 1/4 inch thick pieces 1/2 cup blueberries One cup strawberries, hulled and cut into thin slices About two cups white grape juice

Directions: Arrange fruit in three ounce Popsicle molds. Pour juice into each mold. Insert sticks and freeze for six hours. ****Leftover Popsicles can be kept in freezer for up to three weeks. If you do not have a Popsicle mold, you can improvise with paper or plastic cups and Popsicle sticks or straws.

C R O S S W O R D ACROSS 4 Editor-in-Chief of Ha’Am Newsmagazine 5 Event pictured on the cover 7 Order a Chinese Chicken Salad here 8 Location pictured on cover 9 Chairman of Bruin Republicans 11 Number of Ha’Am staff members 13 Last name of author of spoof piece 16 Country in which Leah Paz will be interning

Nicole Rudolph

Layout Editor/App Manager DOWN 1 One of the two European Union finance ministers who does not have a college degree 2 Campus Mensch 3 Use one cup of this fruit to make our Frozen Fruit Salad 6 Frequency of Ha’Am’s print paper 10 Potential hero of North Korean nuclear situation 12 Palestinian support against Israel spread to UC system 14 Co-author of kosher and halal article is Editor-in -Chief of ____ 15 Number of times per week Ha’Am is published online and on the iPhone application

Welcome to Ha’Am’s first crossword contest! Read all of our articles to find the answers to the clues. The first five people to successfully complete the crossword will win an awesome Ha’Am coffee tumbler! If you don’t make the top five, no sweat — everyone who participates will receive a cool Ha’Am pen.

Please e-mail your answers to haam@media.ucla.edu. Hurry while supplies last!

Page 15

[Special Report]

Spring 2013

Obama taps Golem in North Korean nuclear situation

Devorah Friedman Content Editor

SEOUL — Under pressure to resolve the growing threat from North Korean nuclear missiles, the White House declared Sunday that it would seek “creative solutions to counter the serious threat to national security.” Just how creative those “solutions” may be has led to rumors that Uncle Sam is contemplating a drastic shift in its dealings with North Korea and seeking Jewish assistance in centuries-perfected communal survival tactics to construct a gigantic, indestructible clay defender, or “golem.”

A golem, from the Hebrew root word meaning “crude,” is a legendary Jewish creation, formed in the shape of a human being and animated using the practices of Kabbalah. While golems may be animated to perform human functions, according to the Talmud, since they are not human and have no souls, they would lack the power of speech and self-expression.

Discussions regarding such creations harken back to the Talmud, but the most famous account is attributed to Rabbi Yehudah Loew of 16th-century Prague, who is described as forming a golem in order to defend the ghetto from antiSemitic mobs. Other Rabbis have been credited with creating golems, although definitive sources are unclear.

According to the National Inquirer, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tipped off President Obama after learning of the increasingly tense situation via the Mossad. “Having years of animation expertise second to none, even the Japanese,” Netanyahu said in an unofficial statement to the press, “we are happy to offer our assistance to our U.S.

ally.” Russian president Vladimir Putin claimed in a news conference last Tuesday that Saint Petersburg State Polytechnical University has already created such a being, the “Golemsky,” but the statement could not be verified.

Speculation is already arising over which Rabbi will be the one asked to create the earthy being. The name mentioned as most likely is that of Rabbi Chaim Adama of Chabad of Pyongyang, who, according to the website and the government of North Korea, “has lived in the capital since he joined the U.S. Army as a chaplain and was sent to the wrong outpost in the Korean War.” In between arranging for prayer and Jewish learning sessions and hosting Shabbat dinners for undercover Jewish spies from the U.S. and captured South Korean Jews, Rabbi Adama enjoys cooking gefilte fishcake and studying Jewish texts. Because of his textual expertise, location, and fluency in Korean, he is a likely candidate to create a golem, although he would have to leave the country first.

The U.S. government has not yet released any names or information regarding its plan in order to avoid jeopardizing Rabbi Adama’s security.

Citizens of the North Korean border city of Kaesong did not seem alarmed about the Golem of South Korea when questioned. “After all,” said one man, who asked not to be identified, “it might bring food.” His friend added that, in fact, the North already has a golem of its own — their ruler, who “lacks a Seoul.”

“We think it’s all a conspiracy,” he said, lowering his voice. “It is impossible that his father is dead. My nephew has seen him recently — he is only Il.” In the nearby border town of Kijong-dong, many residents even hail news of a Golem.

“Fat Man” by Howard Morland, 2007 (Public Domain)

BIG BANG: Fat Man, the atomic bomb detonated over Nagasaki, was one of the last major nuclear weapons projects in which the United States was actively involved. In her spoof article. Friedman argues that the Golem might be a new solution to the United States’ problems.

An underground support group has formed, called 조직과 열심히 악의 상대, or “Opponents of Organized and Zestful Evil” (OOZE), whose mission statement includes the “ousting of the tyrant and socalled North Korean leader Kim Jong-un by means of the mythical Jewish being of mud.” The group meets in secrecy and members go by code names in order to

“

Korea unprovoked. He also mentioned the legal ramifications of a Golem’s creation, since while it is not considered human under Jewish law, American and international law must establish a legal status for an animate being that is neither human nor animal, but somewhere in-between.

Plans for the Golem’s future in the U.S.

[A senior political analyst in the U.S. State Department] explained that the U.S.’s strategy would be to deploy the Golem in a surprise border attack, wiping out battle stations in a path to dispose of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.”

avoid detection and confrontation with the government. According to the group leader, who would give her name only as “Ryeong” (“Zero”), OOZE includes residents such as town administrators, teachers, truck drivers and physicians.

Ryeong described the group’s plans for the future, including Golem rallies and eventually a Golem political party.

“We’re going to start a revolution here,” she said. “The Golem will be a better leader of North Korea than Kim has ever been.” OOZE envisions the Golem as a savior of sorts, and the creation’s lack of speech does not deter them. “We don’t hear anything worthwhile from the current ruler anyway,” Ryeong explained, “so not having to sit through broadcasted speeches will be refreshing.”

Others see the Golem as a weapon, rather than a leader of revolution. A senior political analyst in the U.S. State Department, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press, expressed hope that, if the Golem’s creation is commissioned, it would be an “effective means of ridding the world of both a nuclear threat and a cruel dictator with a bad toupee at the same time.” He explained that the U.S.’s strategy would be to deploy the Golem in a surprise border attack, wiping out battle stations in a path to dispose of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. The advantage that the Golem would have over ordinary air or drone strikes would be that it might be sanctioned and even backed by the U.S., but since it would not be an official attack carried out by U.S. citizens and/or arms, it would not violate the U.S.’s refusal to attack North

are already being debated. The NCAA is reputed to be scouting out future wrestling positions for the Golem, while USC has issued an advance claim on the Golem as a football quarterback, with the promise of a full tuition scholarship and an honors doctorate in Kinesiology. The U.S. House of Representatives is also rumored to be feeling out possibilities for the Golem as Speaker of the House. However, the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem may have the strongest claim, needing someone to monitor the candelabra three stories above the floor. “We’re getting tired of machinery scratching up the wood,” said a spokesperson. “And we’d buy the Golem a nice stepstool.”

For the U.S. and its allies, the situation is becoming serious. Launching the rocket is estimated to have taken over ten years only because Kim Jong-un insisted on using his physics degree to direct the project. Eminent news correspondent Jimmy Fallon recently reported that “Japan and South Korea are on high alert after North Korea successfully launched a long-range rocket. Both countries are surprised by North Korea’s successful launch, but definitely not as surprised as North Korea.” The U.S. has little time to waste in countering the North Korean threat, and although the world’s modest embargoes against it can still be tightened, President Obama has indicated that he prefers a more forceful approach.

“We already have a red line against North Korea,” he said Friday. “But we will start using a darker pen. Or, if the Golem does not work, we will send Joe Biden.”

NOTE: This article is intended as satire.

I-Fest Party in Bruin Plaza in honor of Israel’s 65th birthday Cover Photo by Talia Kamdjou