April 9, 2010

Vol. LXXXIX No. 29 Omaha, NE

Herbert Denenberg looked out for the little guy

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Herb Denenberg, native Omahan, consumer advocate, and media legend, died March 18 in his home in Philadelphia. He was 80 years old, and leaves behind a wife, Naomi, as well as two brothers, one sister, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Denenberg served as Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, Pa. Public Utility Commissioner, and the Loman Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was the consumer and invesHerb Denenberg tigative reporter for CBS, and then for the NBC TV station in Philadelphia for 25 years; he was also a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News and The Bulletin.

Denenberg was born in Omaha, to a Russian immigrant father, and a Romanian immigrant mother.

When he was 12 years old, his father passed away; Denenberg helped raise his siblings. “He was an everyman champion,” said Debbie Denenberg, Herb’s niece. “There were certain things that made Herb who he was. He had this incredible passion for Jewish social justice, combined with extraordinary energy, and the ability to work very, very hard. When he was the Insurance Commissioner, he didn’t just rubber stamp increases, he really went to work for the little guy.”

To understand Herb, you have to understand where he came from, according to Debbie: “Herb’s mother, my grandmother Fannie, was the original consumer advocate. She lived at Livingston and at the Rose Blumkin Home. You would find her, in her 80’s, writing a letter to the CEO of General Motors.

I remember Grandma getting upset over unnecessary surgery; later on, Herb would take on the insurance industry, lawyers, doctors, and he still ended up being universally liked.”

Herb Denenberg won hundreds of awards for his media work, including 40 Emmys; he was also the recipient of the Consumer Service Award of the Consumer Federation of America, and a Lambert Award for contributions to the health care delivery system, to name but a few. Ralph Nader wrote about him: “He’s clearly the most consumer-oriented Insurance Commissioner in American history.”

As a result of the health care reforms he implemented as Commissioner, he was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. His motto as Insurance Commissioner was “Populus Iamdudam Defutatus Est” which translates from the Latin as “The consumer has been screwed long enough.” Mr. Denenberg’s biography, authored

by Howard Shapiro, is titled How to Keep Them Honest, and was published by Rodale Press in 1974.

Herb Denenberg accomplished much since his humble beginnings, but didn’t forget where he came from. He shared his feelings about Omaha when he wrote: “In any event, I’d like to salute that marvelous crop of teachers back at Omaha Central in Omaha, Nebraska, and in its elementary schools as well. (…)

They may not have received the acclaim or compensation of their counterparts in colleges and universities, Continued on page 11

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

April 9, 2010

NCJW Project: RUNWAY!

by TIPPI DENENBERG best!”

Vice-President of Public Relations for NCJW Musical entertainment will feature soloists Nancy Rips The National Council of Jewish Women will present and Cantor Wendy Shermet along with a duet from “NCJW Project: RUNWAY!” on Sunday, April 18 Cantor Beth Schlossberg and Matt Uehling, all accomfrom 4-5:30 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue to benefit a panied by Jeffrey Malashock. Everyone who attends has a chance to win one variety of its comof four fantastic munity service projects in the Omaha door prizes -- a area. The show will $250 Spa Day Gift feature over 45 Card from Garbo’s models wearing the Salon, a $200 Gift latest spring fashPackage from ions from 17 Omaha Steaks, a Omaha-area apparel $100 Gift stores and was Certificate from underwritten by Bergman’s, and a Sharon and Bamboo Bowl and Howard Kooper Kosher Spices from and an anonymous Pampered Chef. donor.

And for just $5, you The entire comcan pose for a fun 5 munity is encourx 7 “Fun Foto,” aged to attend. In taken with friends the words of the or family, with or event’s writer/ without fashionable director Joanie accessories (providJacobson: “We’re ed on site)—ready so excited about the Fancy fashionistas Sasha Denenberg and Mia Simon practice for their runway to take home in 30 show! The latest debut. seconds. fashions for men, women and children; great songs; Local stores generously lending their beautiful clothtasty treats, souvenir photographs and fabulous door ing include: Parsow’s, Togs, Nan C, Roots & Wings, prizes. Add some sensational entertainment featuring She-La, Gymboree, Gap, Pish Posh, Husker Heaven, over 45 beautiful and handsome models, scrumptious One Tree Yoga Boutique, Gordmans, Garment District, delicacies, soothing spirits, and meaning. What’s not to Christel’s, Janie & Jack, Belly Bump, Wolf Brothers like? And the start time is perfect -- plenty of time to get Western Store, and Tilly. Posh Princess Designs will supin that basketball or soccer game, and be done in time ply bows and accessories. Garbo’s will provide hair and for the show. An event like this is the community at its Continued on page 2

A different kind of spring break

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT The work, according to Rogers-Marcovitz, consisted Editor of the Jewish Press of building a school: “Our group went to the village of When the words ‘spring break’ come to mind, most of Santa Rosa 2 in the central highlands of Guatemala. We us think sun, sea, surf, and maybe -- in some cases-- some spent the week building a permanent school with the irresponsible behavior. It’s a cultural phenomenon, a vir- local community to replace the temporary one. In the tual mass exodus of colevenings, we talked to the lege students that takes local community about place each year; something the history of the region many travel agencies no and how they were affectdoubt eagerly await. Many ed by Guatemala’s bloody college students look forcivil war that ended less ward to the week-long than 14 years ago.” This escape: no alarm clocks, was not his first experino classes, and nobody ence: “I took a similar telling you what to do. As trip with AJWS and long as everybody keeps Washington University’s him or herself safe, there is Hillel right after I graduof course nothing wrong ated undergrad. It was a with that. great experience, both as There is, however, an an in-depth educational alternative way to spend American Jewish World Service volunteers traveled to Santa Rosa experience, and as a those invaluable vacation 2, Guatemala, to erect a school. Photo: Forrest Rogers-Marcovitz chance to explore a differdays, something that Forrest Rogers-Marcovitz knows ent culture. Both of these trips allowed me to give a all about. He currently attends Carnegie Mellon week of my time to a community in need while supUniversity and will graduate this May with a Masters in porting a long-term commitment by AJWS.” Robotics. He recently traveled with American Jewish “Prior to our project, the community school building World Service to Guatemala, where he and nine other was made of mud bricks with a sheet metal roof,” Katz students volunteered their time. David S. Katz, Director said. “The floor was made out of mud, and during the of J-Burgh, Pittsburgh’s Hillel center, went along in his rainy season, it would flood. The new school, which is role as local Hillel staff member. “My role was to help being constructed over the course of three weeks (with organize the group and the trip,” Katz said, “and to the help of three AJWS groups) will be made out of make sure the participants had a fun and meaningful brick and concrete, and will serve as a much more contime. In addition to myself, we had two other AJWS ducive learning environment. In addition, our group staff members. They oversaw all of our interactions with met regularly with local community members. We Continued on page 2 the community, and the work we did.”

This Week: The Four Sons: Part 4 on page 5 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’

25 Nisan 5770

Leaders convene in Boston, shape vision Page 3

Coming Next Month: Mother’s Day Gifts “Tillie Olsen: ‘A writer’s writer’” exhibit at the Kripke Library Page 4

Live portal to Israel opening soon Page 7

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 9, 2010

Constructing Holocaust memories: Where mind meets museum

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by EDMON J. RODMAN LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Are you a Holocaust avoider? Not a denier, just someone like me who struggles with thinking about destruction, death and genocide.

Do you sometimes catch yourself thinking, “Can’t I just think about this another time?”

Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, is observed on April 11; what should you do?

There are lectures, symposia and memorial concerts.

You could attend a service, read a book or talk to a relative about someone who perished. You could visit a museum.

The new Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust is nearing the final stages of construction. I drive by the site every couple of weeks and wonder, how will a new museum help me and others to face the tragedy?

Seeking an answer, with Holocaust Remembrance Day approaching, I set out to the site for a walk-through with the museum’s executive director, Mark Rothman.

Putting on a hard-hat, it wasn’t the unlikely potential of falling masonry that concerned me, it was falling spirits; Holocaust museums really depressed me.

The trip would take me down ramps, past underground girders and large trapezoidal windows, through gray concrete-lined and shadowy spaces, and back into the light of day. I was hoping that a walk through a yetto-be finished museum could somehow help me reconstruct my own perceptions of this imponderable period.

Located on a rise at the far end of Pan Pacific Park, across the street from the Grove and Farmer’s Market, two of L.A.’s biggest shopping and tourism draws, the museum promises to be a very public place. To magnify this sense of accessibility further, admission will be free.

The museum is located in the midst of a Jewish neighborhood that also has perhaps L.A.’s largest number of Holocaust survivors.

Its subtly curvilinear structure, built into a hillside, has a low profile and “green” roof. Rothman and I entered via a downward ramp into a large exhibit space that is mostly below ground level. Rothman says the exhibit space, arranged in a horseshoe, will dim gradually to represent the darkening series of events represented in the museum.

For a museum exhibit designer, presenting the Holocaust is a complicated task. The story urgently needs to be told, but how?

With fading memory but still with a desire to reconnect, the public wants documentation, the all-too-gruesome facts: How many, how, what was the timeline? Too much detail or too graphic and you are faced with the issue that has always thwarted me in these spaces: What

draws you in is what pushes you away.

“You can’t get out of the context of the tragedy,” Rothman said later. “We need to be aware of our history, even if it’s dark and tragic.”

Walking though the not yet completed exhibit areas, and listening to Rothman’s explanation of what was soon to fill them, new connections unexpectedly began to form: personal extensions of the exhibits that would soon fill the hall.

At what will be the “Rise of Nazism” exhibit, I recalled as a child that we never discussed the Holocaust much in my home. We did have show-and-tell though.

My father, a World War II Navy veteran, once showed me a war “souvenir” -- a belt with a swastika on the buckle. He explained that he joined the Navy to kill Nazis. It wasn’t until much later, as a teenager, that I understood why.

The next gallery, now a blank concrete floor and wall, will hold an exhibit dedicated to the onset of mass extermination. Recently I had begun to read the book “The Holocaust Odyssey of Daniel Bennahmias, Sonderkommando,” a lesser-known Holocaust story of destruction and survival of the Greek community of mainly Sephardic Jews, sent to me by my relative and the author, Rebecca Fromer.

Daniel and his family were sent to Auschwitz by train.

Their trip won’t be forgotten; the museum will include a representation of a cattle car.

As we entered the gallery area slated for the labor, concentration camps and death camps, I remembered my friend of blessed memory, Rose Baumgold, a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Forced into slave labor sewing German uniforms, she fought back when she could by sewing the seams so they would quickly pull apart.

Along the wall and area that will be dedicated to the world response to the Holocaust, resistance and rescue, I thought, “This is where Uncle Don will fit in.”

Donald Segel, my wife’s uncle, during WWII was a member of the Rainbow Division (42nd Division of the U.S. 7th Army). Imprisoned much of the war as a POW, he later became a division historian. Over the years he has taken pride in explaining to many groups his division’s and the U.S. Army’s role in liberating Dachau.

Looking up, I saw the glass double doors that will lead outside to the green of the park and the granite triangular columns of the museum’s already existing Holocaust memorial. Light filtered through, lifting the bare concrete gloom, sharpening the shadows.

Even in an empty museum, images I had avoided for so long became clear.

Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on Jewish life from Los Angeles.

A different kind of spring break Continued from page 1 learned about the different roles of men and women in the village. One of the themes discussed by AJWS was the importance of the women in the village, and seeing how young women in America continue their education past high school.”

Hillel International encourages all local Hillel organizations to participate in immersion programs, such as alternative spring break trips. “Our Hillel has regularly run these programs,” Katz said, “and this was our second year sending a group to Guatemala. In addition to this project, a group of our students worked on an organic farm in upstate New York.”

Both David Katz and Forrest Rogers-Marcovitz agree that the benefits of a trip like this are enormous.

“I believe that this gives participants a first hand look at life in a third world country. They went through a very detailed curriculum discussing Jewish values and the role Tikkun Olam should play in their lives. This

shows them first hand how they can make a difference.” Rogers-Marcovitz added, “This is an experience you can only get on a trip like this. It will change how you think about the developing world. With the AJWS trip leaders, we discussed both the varying ways of defining poverty, and the underlying causes of poverty, including Guatemala’s social injustices and past civil war. The local community members shared their customs, such as how they farmed, and told regional ghost stories. Going on this trip made me realize what a privileged life we live in America, and that we have a moral obligation to help those in need.”

Katz added that if anybody is interested in following in Rogers-Marcovitz’s footsteps, they should speak with their local Campus Hillel. If their local chapter is not organizing a trip, they can find out more information from American Jewish World Service by visiting http://www.ajws.org/.

NCJW Project: RUNWAY!

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Current NCJW co-president Nikki Kirshenbaum emphasized that “NCJW Project: RUNWAY!” will be honoring past presidents of Omaha Section for the last 55 years. “Council has had many great leaders -- women who have given so much of their time and expertise and resources to make the entire Omaha community a better place. It’s an honor to be in their company, and we’re looking forward to showing our appreciation.”

Co-president Andee Scioli added: “We are thrilled that so many NCJW members have stepped up to the plate to

make sure this event is fantastic. In particular, we want to thank Howard and Sharon Kooper and an anonymous donor for making the show possible. More thanks to Paul Epstein of Republic National/Falcon Division for the spirits and BAG ‘N SAVE for the food.

We hope you will attend this fabulous event and support NCJW’s community service projects. The bigger the audience, the more NCJW will be able to enrich the lives of women, children and families in need in the Omaha area.” Tickets are available in advance by contacting Nikki Kirshenbaum at 965-8935, via email, nrkirshe@cox.net, or at the door.

April 9, 2010

The Case for Israel is playing at JCC Theater

by ELYA WILSON Community Schlicha The Case for Israel: Democracy’s Outpost, an open screening for the Jewish Community, will take place on Monday, April 12, 7 p.m. at the JCC Theater.

“You can’t help but walk out of the theater after watching this film with a deepened understanding of both what Israel is up against and what’s at stake.”

Featured are commentaries by Hon. Aharon Barak (former President of the Supreme Court of Israel), Ehud Barak, Benjamin Netanyahu, Tzipi Livni, Ambassadors Dan Gillerman and Dore Gold, Michael Oren, Alan Dershowitz and many more scholars and politicians.

This program is sponsored by The Natan & Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, the AntiDefamation League and the Jewish Community Center.

For more information please contact Elya Wilson, community Shlicha, at 334.6403 or ewilson@jccomaha.org.

Obama: U.N. sanctions on Iran within weeks

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- President Obama predicted that the U.N. Security Council would pass a new round of sanctions against Iran within weeks. Obama acknowledged, that the necessary votes are still not there.

Among the five veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council, Britain, France and the United States favor the sanctions. Russia has indicated a willingness to consider them, but China remains opposed.

Five additional votes from among the 10 rotating members of the council are needed to adopt the sanctions. Aside from U.N. sanctions, the U.S. Congress is considering its own sanctions against Iran.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with foreign ministers from the Group of 8 nations several hours before Obama made his remarks Tuesday. After her meeting, the ministers issued a statement expressing doubt about Iran’s claims that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. The statement stopped short of endorsing sanctions; ministers agreed to remain open to dialogue.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Leaders convene in Boston, shape vision

by BOB GOLDBERG in our lives are ourselves! She said that negotiating a no for the Jewish Federation of Omaha to a yes is hard, whether in fundraising or leadership, but The wide-eyed boy smiled as he carefully wrote his first that like G-d, we need to wait for yes. We should not name and classroom number inside the cover of his new accept no. Instead, we should explore the reason why a book, “Shredderman: Secret Identity.” He and his person said no and inquire about it. People say no for fourth-grade classmates at Boston’s Everett Elementary three reasons: practical, authoritarian and because of perSchool then began reading with visitors in the school’s sonal agendas. Resistance is information! No is the compact auditorium -- which also serves as a library, beginning of an important conversation for a leader.” teacher’s offices and cafeteria.

One leader who has taken The students and visitors risks is Jeff Swartz, CEO of wore green T-shirts declaring, Timberland, who thanked “Lead+Read=Succeed” with the group for “leveraging the bold menorah logo of The their passion to lead the Jewish Federations of North Jewish people.” He added, America. It was all part of a “To be a Jewish leader you book drive service project durneed a vision, mentors and ing The National Young supporters. Don’t accept Leadership Conference in mediocrity of the vision!”

Boston this March 14-16, “Whether through the book which drew more than 220 drive, meeting with peers, or young Jewish professionals learning from a range of stirfrom 50 communities across ring speakers and thinkers, the continent, including a we left Boston inspired to proud Omaha contingent of reach out, engage and lead Wendy Raffel, Susan Langnas, our community,” said PJ Feinstein and Bob Chafetz.

Goldberg. Engaging our Other speakers included emerging leaders into the JFNA’s President and CEO, national leadership scene is an Jerry Silverman. Silverman important element of our remarked that those over age community’s goal of develop40 “are just guests in your ing strong leadership for the century. So how can we edufuture of the Omaha Jewish cate, learn, support and PJ Feinstein, left, and Wendy Raffel at the National Young empower you to practice community.

“What an incredible oppor- Leadership Conference in Boston leadership and raise the bar tunity to spend some time with these kids, learn a bit to a whole new altitude than where we are today?” he about their lives, and in turn experience the power of said. service through Jewish Federation while helping to repair The participants began doing just that during the conthe world,” said Bradley Sherman of Cleveland, who ference and the service project, with Brown urging the with Amy Chafetz of Miami co-chaired the conference. leaders to create their own visions of tikkun olam, or The book drive, a joint project of the Greater Boston repairing the world. “We live in a blessed world,” Brown Jewish Coalition for Literacy, the Combined Jewish said, “and we are instruments that can make it all that Philanthropies of Greater Boston and Jewish much better.”

Federations, donated 2,500 books to 250 underpriviConcluding the conference, incoming NYL Chairs leged students in three Boston schools.

Steven Scheck of Miami and Alice Viroslav of San The project was just one part of an overall leadership- Antonio announced that the 2011 NYL conference will building experience for conference-goers, who worked take place in Las Vegas. on developing personal leadership and community visions. The conference, with sessions such as “What To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Gets in the Way of Your Vision,” offered intensive learnSend a check for $35, made out to the Jewish ing with Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Erica Brown.

Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

“Dr. Erica Brown was particularly motivating,” said PJ Feinstein, “Her first keynote on “Leading for Change” For more information on how to connect your talked about the two most important words in leadership out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 9, 2010

“Tillie Olsen: ‘A writer’s writer’” exhibit at the Kripke Library

by GARY KATZ Library Administrator The Kripke Jewish Federation Library announces the opening of its latest exhibit, “Tillie Olsen: A Writer’s Writer.” The exhibit chronicles the life and times of Jewish (and Omaha) author Tillie Olsen, best known for her novel Tell Me a Riddle. The exhibit will be on display from March 21-April 19, during regular library hours.

Items on display include a rare 1927 high school photograph of Mrs. Olsen (Lerner), published works, personal letters and correspondence. Also included are assorted ephemera, including an article by Linda Ray Pratt displayed from its original typescript to final galleys titled, Memories of the Jewish Midwest.

The items and more are on loan from the personal collection of Dr. Oliver B. and Karen Pollak, friends of Mrs. Olsen, and the archives of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

Olsen was born to Russian Jewish immigrants in Omaha in the early 20th century. She attended Lake School on the Near North Side through the eighth grade, living among the city’s Jewish community. At age 15, she dropped out of Central High School to enter the work force. Over the years, Olsen worked as a waitress, domestic worker, and meat trimmer. She was also a union organizer and political activist in the Socialist community.

In the 1930s she joined the American Communist party. She was briefly jailed in 1934 while organizing a packing house workers’ union (the charge was “making

loud and unusual noise”). She later moved to San Francisco, California -- her home until her 85th year, when she moved to Berkeley, California. She died in 2007.

Olsen began writing Yonnondio: from the Thirties when she was sixteen years old, and according to her, “in the books I read, there was no one like the people I knew.”

The novel was finally completed and published in l974.

She is most famous for her book, Tell Me a Riddle. An unforgettable portrait of an aged couple whose differences give rise to bitter conflict after almost four decades of marriage. As she lies, dying of cancer, Eva, the protagonist, recollects a revolutionary past that both critiques and offers hope for the present. Tell Me a Riddle was made into a film in 1980.

The Pollaks met Tillie Olsen in 1989. Oliver observed that “Tillie Olsen ranks among the most unforgettable people I have ever met. Like her contemporary Mary Fellman, both were imbued with lifelong passions to make their community a better place to live. While both were Jewish, Tillie pursued left wing politics to improve economic and material life, while Mary emphasized the role of Jewish communal organization in sustaining spiritual survival.”

This exhibit is occasioned by the appearance of Tillie Olsen: One Woman, Many Riddles by Panthea Reid. It is sponsored by Dr. Oliver B. and Karen Pollak, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, and The Center for Jewish Education. For more information, contact Gary Katz at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NET Television continues its broadcast of programs honoring Jewish heritage and traditions during National Holocaust Month with The Diary of Anne Frank, a new adaptation of the moving account of life hiding from the Nazis airs on Masterpiece Classic on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sunday, April 11, at 8 p.m. on NET1 and in high-definition on NET-HD. The series The Jewish Americans continues with The Best of Times, The Worst of Times, Sunday, April 11, at 10 p.m. on NET1 and NET-HD, covering the early 20th century, when Anti-Semitism was on the rise even as some Jews succeeded in mainstream pursuits. The concluding episode, Home, airs Sunday, April 18, at 10 p.m. and explores the post-war period, when discrimination against Jews in daily life began to abate and Jews entered professions such as medicine, law and banking in record numbers.

Among the Righteous: Lost Stories from the Holocaust in Arab Lands airs Monday, April 12, at 9 p.m. on NET1 and in high-definition on NET-HD. It is followed at 10 p.m. by House of Life: The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague. Blessed is the Match, airs on Independent Lens on Tuesday, April 13, at 11 p.m. on NET1 and in highdefinition on NET-HD. Escape From Auschwitz, airs on Secrets of the Dead on Thursday, April 15, at 10 p.m. on NET1 and NETHD. For a complete program schedule, visit netNebraska. org/television.

On April 13 at 5:30 p.m., the Council Bluffs Public Library will show One Survivor Remembers, a short film commemorating the Holocaust. Admission is free; for more information, call Sarah Marsisi at 1.712.328.4618.

Picture this

by ANNE MUSKIN, Teen/BBYO Director and ELYA WILSON, Community Shlicha Sunday March 21st was no ordinary day. For an entire afternoon, cultures merged when Israeli teens from Omaha’s Partnership with Israel region in the western Galilee mingled with local BBYO teens. Collaborating at JD Gerber Photography in Benson, the teens spent time getting to know each other. Through Israeli and American games, the ice was broken for meaningful friendships to form. The photos were revealed and they had the opportunity to find freedom in each others photos, as they built the exhibition. Each board had two

Back row: Gabe Levin, left, Idan Alperson, Amir Cohen, Ohad Peled; Middle: Haley Burns, Hannah Perry, Molly Helm, Galit Oksenglender, Chloe Ginsburg, Shani Tsur; Front row: Neva Hershkovitz, Ilor Kopelman, Shachar Dratva, Lily Phillips, Stav Lapid.

Credit: Jason Gerber photos, and the photographers titled them according to the similarities. The afternoon went quickly, and promptly at 7 p.m. the doors opened for the exhibition.

About 40 visitors came through the doors during the two hour gallery opening, as the teens were there to explain the process they went through. Molly Helm and Lily Phillips spoke eloquently on behalf of the American teens. They thanked their photography mentor David Radler, who held workshops with them throughout the month of March. Shani Tsur, a senior from Sulam Tzor High School, spoke on behalf of the Israeli delegation.

The exhibit, “Considering Freedom: A Multicultural Teen Exhibition,” was very successful as the teens blossomed into hip Benson artists. The photos taken by the participants will be on display during the month of April in the JCC Gallery as a special exhibition for Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. Special thanks to Jason Gerber of JD Gerber Photography for lending his space, his time, and his expertise to this meaningful project.

For more information on BBYO please contact Anne Muskin at 334.6404. For more information on the Partnership with Israel Program please contact Mary Sue Grossman 334.6445.

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April 9, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

The Four Sons: 2010

Part 4: The Son who does not know how to ask

by OZZIE NOGG In recent weeks, we’ve given a contemporary slant to the roles played by the Four Sons in the Passover narrative by reframing their questions from the perspective of Omaha’s Jewish Family Service. The Wise Son asked the first, most basic question, “Why do we have a Jewish Family Service?” The answer: To strengthen and preserve life in the local Jewish community and the community at large through financial assistance, counseling and other vital human services.

In subsequent stories, we addressed questions posed by the Wicked Son and the Simple Son. Today, we close this exercise by speaking to the concerns of the fourth child -- The Son Who Does Not Know How To Ask. This description of the Fourth Son in the Haggadah brings to mind an infant or very young child.

For our purposes, let’s discuss children of all ages -- and parenting, as well -- not in the context of Passover but through the lens of Jewish Family Service.

According to Jewish tradition, each boy and girl is considered a child of God, and it is a parent’s sacred duty to nurture and guide them toward their full potential. Our tradition also tells us that parents are powerful role models. Long before psychologists determined the impact of parental influence, the rabbis of the Talmud explained that a child speaks in the marketplace the way he hears his parents speak at home. And so, Jewish Family Service offers Love and Logic -- a program that teaches parents how to communicate calmly, with empathy and respect, while providing limits in a caring way.

Being a good parent is a full time job.

There are no shortcuts. Through Love and Logic, parents learn how to establish healthy relationships with their kids and have fun parenting while, at the same time, teaching their children to make

good choices and take responsibility for their actions.

The work of Jewish Family Service reaches beyond the Omaha Jewish community. Every spring and fall, thanks to providers of matching grants, JFS sponsors parenting classes at local schools. The families of kids at Liberty and Hartman Elementary have benefitted from sessions -- in both English and Spanish -- that give them the confidence they need to become more effective caregivers. These JFS classes are offered in a non-threatening environment where adults gain the support they need in order to raise emotionally healthy children. Children who are tolerant, disciplined, generous and kind, and prepared to make positive contributions to the world.

Now, before we leave the Haggadah altogether.

Some commentators say the Fourth Son is unable to ask questions not because he is too young, but because he is indifferent. In response to this interpretation we quote Elie Wiesel. “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” Indifference to the work of Jewish Family Service is not an option.

Other commentators maintain that we are obligated to tell and retell the story of our redemption from slavery even if no one asks. And so it is with Jewish Family Service. We will continue to tell and retell the story, even when no one asks.

The Passover observance has ended.

But the work of JFS continues. To learn how you can become a Friend of Jewish Family Service and participate in the agency’s efforts to bring financial assistance, counseling and other vital human services to those in need, call 330.2024.

The Four Sons

Class of 2010 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

High School Seniors and Parents We will be publishing our annual Graduation Teen Age on June 11, 2010. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the following information.

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BIRTH

Marcy and Kevin Saylan of Lenexa, KS anounce the Jan. 28 birth of their son, Alex Evan.

He is named for his great-grandmother Edythe Friedman.

He has a brother, Zachary.

Grandparents are Jacki and Steve

Saylan, and Barbara and Ray Krigsten of Sioux City, IA. Great-grandparents are Rosalie and Milton Saylan, the late Edythe and Arthur Friedman, the late Ida and Leonard Hall, and the late Molly and Joe Krigsten.

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ADL considers Carter’s apology insincere

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- The Anti-Defamation League issued a statement questioning Carter’s apology, which came in a letter published

by JTA, following a speech by the former U.S. president during a conference in Atlanta last week on U.S.-Arab relations.

“As far as I’m concerned, there is no ‘Al Chet,’ “Abraham Foxman, ADL’s national director, said in the statement, referring to Carter’s evocation of a prayer for forgiveness said on Yom Kippur. “President Carter’s recent comments on Israel are profoundly disappointing and insincere.”

Carter accused the U.S. of being “much more attuned to the sensitivities of the Israelis” and of having “yielded excessively to the circumstances in the Holy Land as Israel has confiscated sever-

al lands within Palestine.” He also called the Obama administration’s shuttle diplomacy efforts “feeble.”

His comments came amid tensions over Jewish housing in eastern Jerusalem and the breakdown of proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

In a March 25 letter to Carter, Foxman questioned the sincerity of his apology and offer to continue discussions in the future -- an offer Carter had proffered in a call to ADL the same day of his speech in Atlanta, according to the ADL statement.

“I do not believe further discussions between us will be fruitful,” Foxman wrote. “I continue to hope the day will come when you have truly repented of your insensitive views of Israel and the Jewish people.”

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April 9, 2010

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Kripke library offers fun for the whole family

CDC hosts family Seder

by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education If your family is like every other in Omaha, Spring fever has hit your household hard. Kids and parents alike are eager to embrace the new season with fun (kids’ vote) and educational (parents’ vote) activities.

The new Family Fun Series at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library was designed with this in mind. On select upcoming Sunday afternoons, Gary Katz, Library

Kripke Family Fun Series, Sundays, 2-3 pm Israeli Treasure Hunt, April 25 Shavuot and You, May 16 Teddy Bear Picnic, June 13

Out

Administrator, will lead participants through creative learning events. “So much is planned, kids won’t even realize they might learn something along the way,” Katz said.

On Sunday, April 25, families will participate in the first ever “Israel Treasure Hunt” adventure in the Kripke. Children will create passports and “fly” to Israel.

Upon arrival on Israeli “soil”, Gary will lead them on a hiking tour -- finding hidden treasures along the way.

Each afternoon will conclude with kosher snacks and story time.

Additional Family Fun Sundays are scheduled for May 16 and June 13. All events in the series are from 2-3 pm.

For more information on programming at the Kripke, contact Gary Katz at 334.6463 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org.

Dining

ORGANIZATIONS

When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.

Two Great Cuisines Under One Roof

B’NAI BRITH BREADBREAKERS Alex Hayes filled in as interim chief of police before being appointed by Mayor Jim Suttle. He will talk about his goals and take questions on Wednesday, April 14, noon, in the JCC social hall. Everyone in the community is invited. The program is free; an optional lunch is $13; beverage service, $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list, contact Jenny at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. in the social hall of the JCC. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

Japanese Sushi

This year’s graduating class was joined by famiy members at the annual CDC Passover seder. Top picture: Brian, left, Ashley and Joy Mason; Bottom picture: Sarah Kader, left, Brittney and Eileen Clignett.

Miriam Gross to demonstrate what makes cooking Jewish

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Miriam Gross, who moved to Omaha about one year ago, is making a culinary name for herself. Originally from Baltimore, MD, she has been in the kosher catering business in Boston, MA, has worked as a professional chef, and taught cooking classes.

“I apprenticed with many caterers and chefs, including my grandmother in Seattle, Gross said.

She’ll be teaching “So, What Makes It Jewish Cooking?” at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 11, at Temple Israel. “We’re going to talk about the origins of Jewish food,” she said. “How does something go from a regular dish to a Jewish dish?” While discussing how certain dishes evolved into Jewish food, Gross plans to demonstrate how to cook up a middle eastern breakfast.

Wife of Beth Israel Synagogue’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Miriam said that at home, she enjoys fusion cooking which involves combining flavors. “I love to mix and match cuisines when I have time.”

All are welcome to attend the cooking demonstration at Temple Israel.

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April 9, 2010

Live portal to Israel opening soon

by THERESE VAUGHN-WEINER Anti-Defamation League Plains States Whether you’re seeking the latest news on a vote in the Knesset or you just want to know what the weather is like in Tel Aviv, you’ll soon have access to all your Israel-related information through a new multimedia kiosk at the JCC. The “Welcome to Israel” kiosk was conceived through the Jewish Federation of Omaha as the community’s portal to Israel. The real-time display will feature everything you’d want to know about the country including politics, government and military; culture, society and entertainment; economy and industry; a featured article and the daily news.

“The idea behind the kiosk came about through conversations with people who wanted to learn more about Israel but didn’t know how to navigate all information available, whether through the Internet or other sources,” Anti-Defamation League Regional Director Alan Potash, who co-led the project, said.

“Israel, as a land and a people, has an incredibly rich and complex identity with roots reaching back some 35 centuries. So, this is why it’s difficult to ‘Google’ Israel and find what you’re looking for,” Potash continued.

“We hope the kiosk will offer a direct window into what’s going on in Israel today.”

Fashioned in three phases over one year, the project was a labor of love for those involved. David Philips and

Marty Nachman worked on concept research and development while Institute for Holocaust Education Associate Ilana Weiss designed and implemented the kiosk.

Philips, who recently returned to Omaha after living in Washington D.C., noted that the kiosk is a direct result of interviews with members of the Jewish community.

“We tried our best to incorporate everyone’s suggestions to make the kiosk a meaningful resource for the community.”

“After more than a year of construction, it is rewarding to see the kiosk up and running. I’m looking forward to adding more features with the input of those who make use of it,” Weiss said.

The kiosk will also connect Omaha users with Israelis through the Partnership with Israel initiative during the second phase of the project. Partnership is a program that promotes people-to-people relationships between the Omaha Jewish community and Israel’s Western Galilee through innovative cultural, social, educational and economic opportunities.

“The person-to-person connection is especially exciting as our relationship with Galilee is already so strong,” Potash said.

The kiosk was created with the support of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its donor-advised funds, Goldsten Foundation, The Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and ADL/CRC.

IN THE NEWS

The Nebraska Trucking Association has honored Ed Schneider with its Pioneer Mover Award. This award celebrates those individuals who have devoted themselves to a career of giving their best to their companies, their customers and their industry. In April of 2009, Schneider retired from I-Go Van and Storage after 41 years of service.

Ed grew up in Omaha and graduated from Central High School and The University of Omaha with a degree in accounting. After serving in the military, he returned to Omaha for a visit, and met Ernie Nogg, president of I-Go, who hired him as an accountant.

Earl vonRentzell, current chair of the Movers Division, thanked Schneider for serving as a role model and mentor in managing the issues of Movers Division. Nebraska Public Service Commissioner, Ann Boyle, thanked Ed for his years of cordial, cooperative leadership.

Bradley University alumna Jacquelyn Kimmel has been named the first-place recipient of the 2010 Institute of Industrial Engineers’ Student Award for Excellence. The award will be presented June 7 in Cancun, Mexico.

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Dr. Joseph Emanuel, industrial engineering professor and associate dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, nominated Kimmel for the award.

“Winning this award means Jackie is the top IE senior in the nation’s class of 2009,” Emanuel says. Kimmel is the daughter of Mike, who was raised in Omaha, and Barb Kimmel, Dayton, Ohio; grandparents are the late Frances and Martin Kimmel from Omaha.

The Omaha Schools Foundation (OSF) Board of Directors have appointed Toba Cohen-Dunning executive director effective March 18. Cohen-Dunning has served as associate executive director for over three years.

Prior to her employment with OSF, Cohen-Dunning was director of development for the Boys Town National Research Hospital (2000-2006). She also served as a legislative assistant for the U.S. Senate focusing on immigration and social services issues (1988-2000).

The mission of the Omaha Schools Foundation is to provide students and staff of the Omaha Public Schools academic programs, enrichment activities and professional opportunities which are beyond the budget constraints of the Omaha School District.

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Page 7

Passover at Beth El

Top picture: Mark Kelln, left and Steven Levy were among the Beth El Men's Club members who gathered recently to put in some serious elbow grease while kashering the synagogue's kitchen for Passover; bottom picture: Beth El's Talmud Torah students were treated to their religious school's annual model Seder.

First ‘green’ Jewish cemetery opens

by JTA NEWS STAFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- The first “green” Jewish cemetery in the United States was dedicated.

Gan Yarok, Hebrew for “green garden,” is a Jewish section of the Forever Fernwood Natural Burial Ground in Mill Valley, Calif., just north of San Francisco. It was dedicated last Friday.

Rabbi Stuart Kelman, chair of the cemetery’s rabbinic advisory council, says no concrete liners or embalming fluid will be used. Bodies may be buried either in plain wooden boxes, wicker baskets or just in shrouds.

No pesticides or other chemicals are used on the grounds, and graves are marked by simple carved boulders instead of concrete or bronze markers.

Gan Yarok includes Orthodox, Conservative and community areas, each with its own regulations. Five local congregations, from Orthodox to Renewal, have joined the Gan Yarok Association, which gives its members heavily discounted prices on burial plots.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 9, 2010

Each survivor is a precious gift GUEST EDITORIAL

by BETH SELIN DOTAN Director, Institute for Holocaust Education

This year, I mark my tenth year as the director of the Institute for Holocaust Education. The focus of my work is very specific in researching and teaching about the Holocaust. It is rewarding to be housed in the Anti-Defamation League office under the auspices of the Omaha Jewish Federation.

Yom HaShoah -- Holocaust Commemoration Day brings the Jewish organizations in Omaha together to remember the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust.

We still have a responsibility to support our survivors, as well as to remember those family members they lost. Even more vital today is to gather as a Jewish community to recognize those who are still among us: to hear their story, to light a memorial candle, and to support those individuals who came to Omaha as Holocaust survivors and are no longer here.

Since January 2009, we have lost six Holocaust survivors in Nebraska. Bella Eisenberg, Sara Wisnia, Margot Roesberg, Hilde Gottlieb, Victor Cukier, all of Omaha, and Leelo Sommerhauser of Lincoln. Each of the individuals who settled in our communities raised families, participated in synagogue and other activities, living full and successful lives.

Omaha was once home to nearly 200 Holocaust survivors. Perhaps we have allowed our obligation to honor them slip away. As we come together again this year for Yom HaShoah, our presence takes on a more significant meaning.

For many years, I have closely participated in the broad as well as detailed aspects of Holocaust education. Most significant in this work is the reaffirmation that each survivor and each testimony that has been made is a precious gift that must be shared with others.

Our challenge is to continue to make certain that survivor voices are heard. That is a great strength of the work of the Institute for Holocaust Education. We strive to remind our Jewish community, educators in all levels and

citizens at large that the witnesses of the Shoah have a unique and important experience to share with us. Our obligation is to find the opportunities to apply that legacy to our lives today.

This is especially true as we confront genocide in our world.

I recently read that the 30 millionth visitor came through the doors of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. -- 30 million. One of the docents at the museum, a survivor named Estelle Laughlin, commented that she volunteers “for those who could not speak for themselves, who could not defend themselves and there was nobody to come to their help.” She continued to say that, “The Museum represents the conscience of our nation, it represents the conscience of humanity. 30 million people who came (to the USHMM) represent the voice and the witness of what America stands for, the best that is in us.”

Indeed, the contribution of the USHMM is to bring an awareness of the Holocaust that is invaluable and undeniable. But we can’t assume that the museum’s message is sufficient, nor that it reaches the people who most need to hear it. Unfortunately, outside of the museum, the Holocaust continues to be denied by those who are as bigoted and antisemitic as the Nazis. Just as disconcerting is hearing the Shoah being trivialized by those who use the language of the Holocaust in other contexts, as if to suggest that the Holocaust was not a unique occurrence in history. We must be ever vigilant in responding to such denials and trivializations when and as they appear on the internet, on radio talk

shows and in print. It is our mission to make as many people as possible aware of their obligations, to be, as Estelle said, “the conscience of humanity.”

This year, in addition to our wonderful speaker, survivor and civil rights activist Judy Meisel, the Omaha Yom HaShoah committee has invited the presidents of all the Jewish agencies to accompany the survivors as they light their candles during the April 14 commemoration at Temple Israel at 7:00 pm. How appropriate to come full circle to engage our entire community in this symbolic ceremony.

In Lincoln, on April 11 at 3:00 pm, as in past years, we will gather in the rotunda of the State Capitol – to show solidarity in memory of the Shoah and to recognize the fragility of a democratic society.

How will you mark this year’s commemoration of Yom HaShoah?

sort of safe regarding Jewish issues. Until the Israeli episode, that is. The Greatest Story Ever Doh’ed aired on March 28; just in time for Passover and Easter.

A large portion of it is fairly predictable: airport security takes Homer down when he badmouths the latke, and Bart uses his skateboard on top of the Western Wall. Homer orders falafel with pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese, and Marge is repeatedly told to “shut her face” by the overbearing Israeli tour guide, voiced by (Oy!) Sacha BaronCohen. Stereotypes are confirmed, and subsequently shoved down the viewer’s throat: one wonders whether matzah balls and hummus are really that funny to non-Jews.

Then, squeezed between insults directed at Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike, that testy tour guide makes the following speech: “What, Israeli people are pushy? Please. You, stay there, surrounded by your great enemy Canada. Try Syria for two months, then we’ll see who’s pushy.”

Suddenly, the joke is on us, the viewers.

This was not a simple straightforward insultfest after all; the writers actually have something to say, and it’s a message worth hearing. Although the show is written months ahead, the timing seems eerily appropriate.

The past weeks have brought us report after report about what Israel should do, how they should do it, and why. It’s wonderful that

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Homer Simpson’s blind optimism

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Every once in a while, a lesson can be found in an unexpected place. When the characters on the Simpsons were invited to visit Israel recently, Homer wasn’t excited.

“Take my family to a war zone? On a bus filled with religious lame-os? In a country with no pork, in a desert with no casinos?

Oooh, where do I sign up?”

It was only a matter of time, I guess, before the creative team behind the yellow people would tackle the subject matter. Ever since Matt Groening introduced the Simpsons to mainstream America, over 20 years ago (has it really been that long?), few topics have been off limits, least of all religious ones. Jews and Judaism have made appearances before, most prominently in Like Father, Like Clown (1991), in which Krusty the clown is reunited with his estranged father, Rabbi Krustofski. Then, in December of 2003, the question of Krusty’s identity was revisited in Today I am a Clown, during which he is told by his father he never had a Bar Mitzvah, and can therefore not really consider himself Jewish: “All this time I thought I was a selfloathing Jew,” he laments, “turns out, I was just an anti-Semite.”

It’s funny stuff for some; mildly annoying to others. Still, in spite of a Bris joke now and then, the show’s creators have been playing it

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

people are so concerned with Israel’s well being, but against this noisy backdrop, many are forgetting to ask Israelis themselves what they think. And yes, it can be quite easy to have an opinion when you’re not confronted with Israel’s struggles on a daily basis. The message is clear: try walking in our shoes for a while.

Homer, who near the end of the show imagines himself the messiah and gives a passionate speech inside the Dome of the Rock, is maybe not as dimwitted as he appears. Yes, he lacks good manners, common sense, and decency; on many occasions he drives those around him (and the viewers) over the brink.

But he also represents something else, and that is blind optimism. He is, in that sense, the quintessential naïve, who accidentally intersperses the ridiculous with the profound when you least expect him to.

When discussing Israeli politics, so it seems, we could all do well to have a little Homer on the side. Because in spite of disagreements over who-owns-what and who-builds-where, optimism about the future of Israel is absolutely essential. Maybe not the raw, undiluted kind that Homer possesses (“From now on, we’ll call ourselves Chrismujews!”), but optimism nonetheless: a strong, unwavering belief that this is a country that has not only a right to exist, but to thrive. Not bad for a half-hour long cartoon.

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Page 9

Israel gags news of soldier turned journalist under arrest between Kam’s arrest and the 2008 article, made in a der. The newspaper also quoted the army as saying that number of blogs, is “absurd.” He said the investigative arrest was not possible in the Malisha case.

BEHIND THE reporter, Uri Blau, had published a number of similar Kam, 23, reportedly served in Naveh’s office at the exposes. time of the memos.

HEADLINES “Haaretz asked the court to lift the gag order, not just The military censor, which prevents publication of

by RON KAMPEAS

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Israel has held a journalist under secret house arrest since last December based on allegations that during her military service she leaked classified documents suggesting that the Israeli army violated laws dealing with targeted killings.

Anat Kam, 23, was arrested last December and charged under Israel’s espionage and treason laws, JTA has learned.

Prosecutors are seeking a 14-year sentence, which is considered severe by Israeli standards.

Mordechai Vanunu, who revealed the existence of Israel’s nuclear weapons capability, was sentenced to 18 years, eventually serving the full amount.

At the time of her arrest, Kam was working as a reporter for the Israeli Internet site Walla, which was partially owned by Haaretz until last week. But the charges relate to Kam’s service in the Israeli army, when she is alleged to have photocopied sensitive documents.

Bloggers have speculated that those documents served as the basis for a November 2008 Haaretz story suggesting alleged army violations.

Kam has denied the charges.

Her arrest has been under a gag order in Israel, which Haaretz says it is appealing. With the gag order in place, it is impossible to know the prosecution’s reasoning for a 14-year sentence.

Israel sustains vibrant freedoms of speech and press, but there is a strong taboo in the country against relaying information garnered while in service. The fact that Kam allegedly photocopied the documents while in uniform may weigh against her.

Dov Alfon, editor in chief of Haaretz, said the linkage

in the public interest but also to allow us to defend ourselves from this absurd allegation,” Alfon said. “More than a year passed between the publication and her arrest, a year in which Uri Blau published several other front-page articles criticizing the army’s conduct.”

Eitan Lehman, one of Kam’s lawyers, refused to comment or confirm any details. The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment.

JTA confirmed details of the case with sources close to the matter.

The Nov. 26, 2008 story in Haaretz revealed the existence of documents defying a 2006 Supreme Court ruling against assassinating wanted militants who otherwise might be arrested safely.

In one March 28, 2007 document reprinted by Haaretz, Gen. Yair Naveh, then the central commander, permitted open-fire procedures upon identification of any of three leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, even if it were not apparent that they posed a threat.

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, the chief of staff then and now, approved the targets on March 29, 2007, according to minutes of a meeting reproduced by Haaretz, and also said that troops were to withhold fire only if they were unable to identify “more than one” passenger in the targeted vehicle.

Both orders violated the law, according to experts cited by Haaretz.

One of the three wanted men, Ziad Malisha, was killed near Jenin on June 20, 2007 in what the IDF at the time said was an “exchange of fire.”

Naveh told Haaretz that troops under his command at times did not observe arrest procedures if the suspect was a “ticking bomb” and did not immediately surren-

information that could harm Israel’s national security, approved the Haaretz story for publication.

By contrast, Israeli courts have gagged not only the details of Kam’s arrest but news of the arrest itself. The appeal against the gag order, which has been joined by other media outlets, will be heard April 12 in Tel Aviv District Court.

In the past, Israeli authorities have issued such orders in sensitive national security cases. Gag orders still apply, for example, to aspects of the Vanunu case.

But it’s not clear why a gag order was imposed in this case, Kam’s supporters say, especially since the military censor approved publication of the original Haaretz story. Some have speculated that the prosecution is using the gag order to prevent public outrage, which could result in sympathy for Kam and a reduced sentence.

The investigation into Kam was a joint effort of military intelligence, the police and the Shin Bet internal security service.

Kam’s editor, Yitzhak Tessler, wrote an oblique column in Maariv on Jan. 24 describing an imaginary “ShuShuland” in which a young female journalist is held under house arrest and none of her colleagues come to her defense.

“A good thing Israel doesn’t resemble Shu-Shuland,” he wrote.

A Facebook group called “Where did Anat Kam disappear to?” was launched and shut down within days.

In the United States, blogger Richard Silverstein has covered the matter. Other Israeli bloggers have posted and then removed accounts of the case.

As a media entity based in New York and reporting from Washington, JTA is not subject to the Israeli gag order.

Federation officials in Israel to discuss potential changes conversion laws

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by JACOB BERKMAN

Several officials of the Jewish Federations of North America are now in Israel meeting with Knesset members to discuss potential changes to the country’s laws about conversion to Judaism. Some versions of a proposed bill being circulated include a provision that could, in theory, prevent a convert to Judaism, who underwent conversion in Israel or in the Diaspora, from receiving Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return, a proposal the federation system has rejected.

The federations give more than $120 million per year to the Jewish Agency for Israel, the majority of which goes to paying for immigration and settlement of new immigrants in Israel. Here is a press release from the JFNA: Federation leaders in Knesset for talks on new conversion law A delegation of leaders representing Diaspora Jewry met today in the Knesset (the Israeli parliament,) with Member of Knesset (MK) David Rotem, the initiator of a controversial new conversion law.

The delegation was led by Jewish Agency for Israel

(JAFI) Chair Natan Sharansky and The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Senior Vice President Rebecca Caspi, director of JFNA’s Israel office.

MK Rotem, a member of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has been working to pass a proposal that will allow local municipal rabbis in Israel to perform conversions to Judaism. Some versions of the proposed bill being circulated also include a provision that could, in theory, prevent a convert to Judaism, who underwent conversion in Israel or in the Diaspora, from receiving Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return. The Jewish Federations of North America has issued a statement strongly rejecting such a proposal, and has written directly to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on the subject. (http://lyris.ujc fedweb.org/t/5281313/28498653/ 25407/0/ for details on The Jewish Federations of North America’s response.)

At the meeting, MK Rotem expressed his commitment going forward to consult with Diaspora Jewry on any issues involving conversion or the Law of Return.

Explaining that no law will be passed before the Knesset’s Passover break, he also assured the group that no future bill will affect the status of conversions outside of Israel. Similarly, Rotem stressed that Prime Minister

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Netanyahu is aware of the importance of these issues for Jews around the world.

According to JAFI Chair Natan Sharansky, “From my conversations with the Prime Minister and the Government Secretary, it is clear that the law that is viewed as problematic by Jews in the Diaspora will not be passed during the current Knesset session which goes into recess on March 21. We have received assurances that we will be consulted in this process so that the views of world Jewry are taken into consideration.”

Jay Sanderson, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, who attended the meeting stated: “We were encouraged by the frank and open discussion with MK Rotem. It is clear to us that there is a sincere will on the part of Rotem, and indeed the government, to find ways to improve the situation governing conversions in Israel, without compromising the rights and dreams of Jews of all persuasions.”

Also attending the meeting were Richard Sandler, Chairman of the Board, Jewish Federation of Greater LA; Gary Weinstein, President and CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas; Stanley Arthur Rabin, past President and senior lay leader, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and Barry Rosenberg, Executive Vice President, Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 9, 2010

Candlelighting Friday, April 9, 7:40 p.m.

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Carol Lainof, RN, MSN on Here’s to Your Health. The community is invited.

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org

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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat and Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. Dinner follows the service. Cost is $5 for Beth El members and $7.50 for others by Wednesday, April 7; after that date, $10 for Beth El members, $15 for non-members. RSVP to Margie Gutnik at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. Hazah members to participate; Minha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Beginning Hebrew, with Eadie Tsabari, and Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 11 a.m. with Frydman-Levin.

BESTT: Classes resume on Sunday, April 11.

MEN’S CLUB: General membership meeting on Sunday, 10 a.m. Community shlicha Elya Wilson is the featured speaker.

BESTT CHAVERIM: Will host “Jewlympics,” at the JCC, for all Jewish fourth-sixth graders in the community on Sunday, 2 – 4 p.m. Meet in the north side of the gym for kick ball, track racing, Gaga and more.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP: Wednesday, Apr. 14, 3:30 p.m. will discuss The Certificate, by I. B Singer. All women in the Jewish community are invited.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Understanding and Living Jewish Values, noon.

WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: On Thursday, April 15, 7 p.m. Join us as we enjoy on "What’s Cooking in Israel?” hosted by Eadie Tsabari. RSVP to Tsabari at eadietsabari@cox.net or 390.0192.

SHABBAT TUNES AND TALES: Saturday, April 17, 11:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m.; Singalong and stories for young children and their parents, led by “Miss Patty” Nogg. Open to all families; no charge.

MINI COURSE: “Parsha and

Pizza,” with Cantor Schlossberg, Wednesdays, April 21 and 28, and May 12 and 26, 7-8 p.m.

Cost is $18 for Beth El members, $25 for non-members. Register by calling the office.

All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Max & Leo Kohll in honor of the Kohll family April & May birthdays -- David & Janet, Anna’s 18th, Sam’s 16th & Jack’s 8th; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 7:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:43 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels & Beit Midrash begins with breakfast, 9:40 a.m.; Sacred Text Messages (for teens) with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m.; Living in Season with Miriam Gross, 10 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel; Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. Follow the Kollel at www.omahakollel.blog spot.com.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Parsha Club for the Elderly, 2:30 p.m. at the Blumkin Home.

Contact Shevi@ochabad.com to make sure your parent or friend at the home can join the program and learn about the Parsha.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush lunch follows.

Join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 12:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings Re-mix, 10:15 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Sara Friedman.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m., all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Joint Yom Hashoah Service, 8:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel and Nancy Coren at Tifereth Israel.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan Simcha -Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple; Board of Trustees Meeting, 12:30 p.m.; Yom Hashoah Commemoration, 3 p.m. at the State Capitol Rotunda.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

THURSDAY: Dr. Sidnie White Crawford, Willa Cather Professor of Classics and Religious Studies and Chair of Classics and Religious Studies at UN-L will lecture on “The Dead Sea Scrolls After 60 Years: What Have We Learned?” at 3:30 p.m. in the Nebraska Union auditorium, 14th & R Streets, followed by a reception. The event is free and open to the public.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel.

Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, Friday, April 23, 7:30 a.m. with guest speaker Dr. AmyJill Levine at the downtown Holiday Inn. RSVP to the Temple office by April 9.

Joint service with UN-L Hillel, Friday, April 23 on UN-L campus.

Second Annual Hallah High Rummage Sale for charity, Sunday, April 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

B’NAI MITZVAH Carli Meyerson, daughter of Shelli and Lance Meyerson, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, April 10, at Congregation Kol Ami in Tampa, FL. Carli is a seventh-grade student at Hillel Day School in Tampa.

Her interests include singing, acting, piano, and gymnastics.

She has a brother, Drew.

Grandparents are Deenie and

Larry Meyerson, and Marsha and Harvey Wolf of West Bloomfield, MI. Great-grandparents are Sonia Forbes and Leo Meyerson.

Madison Alyn Weaver, daughter of Felicia and Mark Weaver, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, April 17, at Beth El. Madison is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Kiewit

M i d d l e School.

She is a member of the Kitty Lee Dance Team.

She has a brother, Jake.

Grandparents are Hedy and Marvin Kirke, and Donna Smith.

For questions, please contact Katie Cook Wilson, 423.9198.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Hadassah Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led

by Cantor Wendy Shermet; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Cantor Wendy Shermet.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Grade 6 Field Trip to Lincoln Holocaust Memorial, 9:30 a.m.; a.m.; Grades PreK-5, 10 Kindergarten Roundup, 10 a.m.; OTYG Coffee Stand, 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; So, What Makes It Jewish Cooking?, 10:30 a.m. (see full story on page 6); Club 56 Cooking, noon with Community Shilicha Elya Wilson.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Grades 7-12 Community Dinner, 5:30 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12 Community Yom HaShoah Service, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m.

Shabbat Service: Police and Fire Fighters Appreciation on Friday, April 16, 6 p.m. Jerry Hoberman and Ray Somberg will address how we can show appreciation for our police and fire fighters.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:40 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Friday, 8-11 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan Simcha -Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple; Yom Hashoah Commemoration, 3 p.m. at the State Capitol Rotunda.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, Friday, April 23, 7:30 a.m. with guest speaker Dr. AmyJill Levine at the downtown Holiday Inn. RSVP to the Temple office by April 9.

Second Annual Hallah High Rummage Sale for charity, Sunday, April 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

For questions, please contact Katie Cook Wilson, 423.9198.

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April 9, 2010

We eat to live

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Shemini The Sidra begins after a full week of ceremonies inducting Aaron the Priest, and his children into their sacred duties.

Thus, on the 8th day (which is the title of our Sidra) there is a final ceremony giving the Priests their title and their obligations and benefits.

All of these ceremonies are accompanied by the offering of sacrifices on the altar.

It is easy to miss the whole point. The parts that were burned on the altar are parts of the animal (like skin and entrails) that are not used for human consumption. But the meat, which is given to Aaron and the Priests, was obviously much more than the Priests could or would eat, and would then obviously be distributed or sold to the rest of the Israelites gathered for the ceremonies.

Thus we would miss the point, if we did not realize that the main purpose of the ceremonies was to provide food for the Israelites; food which was, so to speak, provided for them and blessed by God. Thus we see an offshoot of Israel’s continuing valuation of life itself, in this case, animal life.

Israelites, i.e. Jews, were and are expected not to wolf food down the way animals do, even our pet dogs, but we are expected to eat with politeness and good manners.

Thus we can interpret these instructions as moral lessons for the Israelites: we do not “live to eat,” but we “eat to live.”

We should not be surprised to find this insistence on good manners and good morals: for this is the Torah, where directions for decent and moral living begin.

Three Jews brutally attacked in Berlin

by JTA NEWS STAFF BERLIN (JTA) -- A man and two women were brutally attacked in Berlin allegedly after the assailants demanded to know whether they were Jewish.

According to a statement from the Jewish community of Berlin, a man of “Mediterranean” appearance on Friday night demanded to know if the three were Jewish. After they said they were, the man “obviously went to get some friends,” who then beat the three, all in their mid-20s, in an underground train and on the platform in the Wilmersdorf section of Berlin.

Police are investigating the incident as an anti-Semitic and racist attack, as it allegedly began with the attackers cursing the victims. The youths then beat and kicked the two women and one attacker smashed a bottle over the man’s head.

Police said they had no information about the identity of the attackers, according to news reports. But Levi Solomon, head of the Jewish community’s department for combating anti-Semitism, said in a statement that “violent attacks on Jews or presumed Jews were increasingly committed by youths from immigrant circles.”

“We urgently need to grasp the causes and affects of anti-Semitism, especially among young Turks and Arabs, and to fight vigorously against this problem.”

In another incident over the weekend, police arrested four of the 18 youths who attacked three pedestrians in the Wedding district of Berlin, beating and kicking them. One attacker used a knife to tear a victim’s clothing. The victims were treated on the scene for injuries.

Police are searching for the remaining suspects.

There also has been a spate of violent attacks allegedly by right-wing extremist youths in the Neukoln section of Berlin.

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DEATHS HARVEY ARONSON Harvey Aronson died on March 14 at the Rose Blumkin Home. He was 86 years old. Memorial services were held March 17 at Temple Israel.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Lenore Aronson.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, children Patti Kramish and Nancy Somberg, stepchildren Sue Rudy and Nancy and Stefan Richter, 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

During WW II, he served with the 7th Army’s 44th Infantry Division, and received a Bonze Star and a Purple Heart. He was the former President of the Building Group of Kiewit Corp. and worked with the company for 41 years. He was in charge of additions to Lincoln Memorial Stadium, Mutual of Omaha, and the Joslyn Art Museum. He also helped erect the Woodmen Tower. In addition, he handled the firm’s charitable donations.

Memorials to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, or your favorite charity.

HERBERT DENENBERG Continued from page 1 but I still use and take advantage of the excellence of their teaching, and the inspiration of their example every day of my life.”

Editor’s note: The Jewish Press wants to thank Thomas G. Rice, editor of The Bulletin, for generously allowing us to share some of the above information about Herbert Denenberg.

LARRY (STUART) GREEN Former Omahan Larry (Stuart) Green, 71, of Independence, MO passed away on March 25. Services were held on March 28 at Beth El Cemetery, and officiated by Rabbi Eric Linder.

He was preceded in death by his parents Simon and Minnie Green, and his sister, Sandy (Sondra) Ostrow.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Adams-Green; sister, Berdine Clumpus of Littleton, CO; nephew, Gary Ostrow of Sharon, MA; nieces, Ellie Militzer and Nadine Ostrow; and 3 great nephews.

ESTHER B. LEWIN Esther B. Lewin of Tucson, Ariz. died on March 29, at age 91. Services were held April 4, at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Bertha (Berkowitz) Berger, and her first husband, Leonard L. Lewis, who was killed in action June 6, 1944 (D-Day) at Omaha Beach; sisters, Sylvia Berger and Pearl Berger Padden; and brother, Harris Berger.

She is survived by husband, Stanley Lewin of Tucson; daughter, Linda Lewin Stark of St. Louis; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry Lewin Sinclair and Reinhard Pawlicki of Tucson; and son and daughter-in-law, David A. Lewin and Barbara Wolfe of Dearborn, MI; grandchildren, Leonard and Beth Stark of Wilmington, DE, Danielle and Jeff Gordman, Matthew Pawlicki-Sinclair of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Andrew PawlickiSinclair of Tucson; great-grandchildren, Brennan, Lucy and Jamie Stark, and Harper and Zev Gordman; brother, Milton Berger of West Bloomfield, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

SUZY BLUMENTHAL RUBIN Suzy Blumenthal Rubin, Mar 4, 1937-Apr 5, 2010.

Services were held April 7 at Temple Israel following a private burial at Golden Hill.

She is survived by sister, Yvonne Greenberg of San Diego; daughters, Tammy Rubin-Abramowitz of West Orange, NJ, and Sydney Rubin-Lewis of Atlanta, GA; son-in-law Andrew Lewis, and nine grandchildren.

She was born in Mexico, and lived in Omaha for nearly 50 years.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 9, 2010

Grosses receive AKKO Young Leadership award Netanyahu criticizes Israeli media’s treatment of Obama

Rabbi Jonathan and Miriam Gross accepted the Akko Young Leadership Award at the 31st annual Tribute and Scholarship Dinner on March 17 in NYC. Pictured above are Rabbi Zevulun Charlop, left, Rabbi Jonathan and Miriam Gross.

U.N. Demonization Of Israel ‘Déjà Vu All Over Again’ The fourth resolution dealt with the biased Goldstone Report, the HRC-mandated report purporting to investigate Israel’s operation in Gaza. While the Goldstone Report makes a panoply of recommendations, this resolution goes further and calls for the appointment of a panel of “experts” to “monitor and assess” any investigation undertaken by Israel and the Palestinians. Israel has already submitted to the U.N. Secretary General a comprehensive report on its investigations into incidents during the operation.

“Given the HRC’s record on ‘assessing’ Israel, it does not take much imagination to foresee such a panel’s dishonest conclusions,” said Messrs. Sugarman and Foxman. “The United States should be lauded for its principled stand against these proceedings. We are greatly disturbed that by abstaining, France, Belgium and Great Britain were accessories to passage of this resolution.”

The U.S. voted against the Goldstone resolution, and was joined by the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy and Ukraine.

Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.

Photo: Kate Turning

FROM THE ADL WEBSITE New York, NY -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently called the passage of five resolutions condemning Israel in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva “déjà vu all over again.”

“Lacking in context, chock-full of every possible violation allegedly committed by Israel, the near automatic passage of these resolutions is déjà vu all over again,” said Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “The Human Rights Council continues to be a leading promoter of the coordinated international campaign to dehumanize the Israeli people and delegitimize and demonize the democratic State of Israel.”

On the council’s permanent agenda, item number 7 deals exclusively with Israel, giving the council an excuse each session to cast Israelis as ultimate evil-doers and to attack the Jewish State. Four of the resolutions passed on Wednesday are recycled from previous sessions. In each of these votes, the United States was the sole country voting against the resolution, out of 47 member nations.

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called recent unflattering Israeli media reports about the Obama administration “unacceptable.”

Netanyahu also said that he and his advisers are working to “reduce the gaps” with the United States on ways to advance the peace process.

“I have recently heard anonymous, unworthy remarks in the media regarding the American administration and the American president. I would like to make it clear: I find these remarks to be unacceptable,” Netanyahu said Sunday at the start of the regular Cabinet meeting.

“They are from nobody acting on my behalf. Relations between Israel and the U.S. are those between allies and friends and reflect longstanding tradition. Even when there are differences of opinion, they are differences of opinion among friends and will remain so.”

On his talks last week in Washington with President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Netanyahu said they discussed a range of issues, including Iran, and the desire to resume and restart the peace process. The Israeli leader said there were areas in which there was full agreement, as well as disagreement.

“We tried to take -- and we took -- various steps to reduce the gaps in order to advance the process,” he said. “We are continuing these efforts.”

Netanyahu’s inner Cabinet, known as the Septet, met Saturday night in Jerusalem to formulate a response to U.S. demands in an effort to help restart proximity talks and advance the peace process. The Septet will continue to meet in the coming days on the issue, according to reports.

Meanwhile, top Obama aide David Axelrod on Sunday morning told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that Obama did not snub Netanyahu when the two met in the White House last week.

White House reporters and Israeli columnists have raised the issue after the leaders’ talks were closed to the media and there was no photo-op for media.

“This was not about formalities. This was not about a ceremonial meeting,” Axelrod said. “This was a working meeting. We have a deep, abiding interest in Israel’s security, and we believe the peace process is essential to that and we are doing everything we can to move that process forward.”

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