Vol. LXXXVIII No. 38 Omaha, NE
Shared taxi to airport with high-profile speaker highlights AIPAC conference for writer by GARY JAVITCH This was my seventh American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference, an event that I jokingly refer to as America’s annual “I-Love-Israel Festival.” That casual remark, however, belies the seriousness of this year’s AIPAC gathering, held in Washington D.C. earlier this month. This year, the Jewish state faces an existential threat that is arguably as great -- or greater -- than the country has ever encountered in its 61-year history. That imperilment comes from Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism around the world and a country on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon. That danger overshadows Israel amidst a “new environment,” according to David Gillette, AIPAC’s deputy director of policy and government affairs. In Washington D.C. today, he noted, there is a new administration and a new Congress that must deal with a major economic crisis, a host of challenging foreign policy priorities, and a new Israeli government. Still, what makes the AIPAC Policy Conference such a premier operation is that it lures the top names from around the world to its annual program, which except for running a little behind schedule is one of the slickest, best organized, most thoughtfully prepared programs on the Washington scene. This year’s conference was no different. The speakers at the conclave included Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (by satellite) and President Shimon Peres, America’s Vice President Joseph Biden, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, other leading American, European, and Israeli politicians, top diplomats, military officers, academics and think tank experts. I had a chance to talk off-the-record with one of those speakers, but those fascinating and insightful details will come after some preliminary information.
Celebrating 88 Years of
Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
28 Iyar 5769
May 22, 2009
Campaign chairmen: Omaha continues to achieve by CARL AND ZOE RIEKES Jewish Federation of Omaha 2009 Campaign Chairmen From the very beginning of this campaign, our Donors told us that there are numerous tugs at their philanthropic dollars, but meeting the needs and responsibilities of our Jewish community continues to top the list when it comes to their giving. This is the nature of our Omaha Jewish community. We entered the campaign with some trepidation regarding our ability to reach this year’s goal and the Zoe and Carl Riekes led the 2009 Federation Annual Campaign. campaign did come up about 6% short. However, we Judah: Gail Veitzer; Women’s Division: Iris Ricks; Men’s can be proud that we accomplished so much thanks to Division: Bruce Friedlander; Young Leadership: Brett great campaign volunteers, staff and the generosity of Atlas; and Super Sunday: Matt and Melissa Shapiro. The Federation’s annual campaign is the nuts and our community. When so many comparable federations bolts that keeps the community in business. We need to are seeing declines of as much as 20% in their overall continue to put great effort into the success of our campaign, Omaha continues to achieve what sometimes annual campaign and keep our programming and servicseems unachievable. es available and relevant so that we avoid the slippery But isn’t this our story? slope of diminishing community. We know that our community is not about one particToday, we are prepared to do more with less. All of us ular thing but about many things. The fabric of our are asked to give and we continue to respond positively Jewish community is comprised of all the agencies, instibecause we know that our efforts make tremendous diftutions and organizations and the Federation’s annual ferences in the lives of Jews here locally as well as meetcampaign is the thread that ties it all together. ing the needs of Jews around the world. This campaign could not have run so smoothly withWe are very blessed with our lives, and it is our responout the efforts of our division chairs. They have an sibility to help make a difference. unsurpassed passion for this Jewish community and they This is what really inspires us, and we can’t get have shared their energy and stories throughout. When enough, of that good feeling. you see them, please thank them for their tremendous efforts: Pacesetter: Mike Platt and John Lehr; Lion of Continued on page 8
Local businessman, director of Institute for Holocaust Education among honorees Israeli President Shimon Peres addresses the AIPAC policy conference in Washington, May 4. Credit: AIPAC AIPAC distinguishes itself from a “political action committee” or PAC because it does not endorse or fund candidates or officeholders. Accordingly, one can be a conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, black, white, yellow, blue or green, for that matter; the only criterion AIPAC looks at is that a strong American-Israel relationship is supported. Not all attendees agreed, however, about the specific details of the course that our American government should follow in this volatile new environment. Anticipating that, when Vice-President Biden spoke, for example, he said, “You are not going to like my saying this, but [Israel must] not build more settlements, [must] dismantle existing outposts, and allow the Palestinians freedom of movement based on their first actions. [They must provide] access to economic opportunities and increased security responsibility. This is a ‘show me’ deal.” Earlier, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) voiced a similar theme on the settlements: “Nothing will do more to show Israel’s commitment to making peace than Continued on page 2
Inside
by BARBARA M. ANGELILLO Executive Director, Conference for Inclusive Communities The Conference for Inclusive Communities, formerly NCCJ of the Midlands, has announced the honorees for the 2009 Humanitarian Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 6 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Central. sponsor Presenting Omaha Steaks and 2009 dinner chairmen Carol and Rick Russell will join CFIC in honoring Henry A. Davis and Dr. Michael and Shirley Sorrell with the Humanitarian Award Henry Davis for their dedication to the goals and values of CFIC and outstanding contributions of time, effort and resources to the community. The Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award, named for one of the early founders of the NCCJ Midlands Region, is given to individuals and organizations whose lives and work exemplify the mission of CFIC, and will be presented to the Empowerment Network and Institute for Holocaust Education. Beth Seldin Dotan, director of the IHE, will accept the award.
This Week: Militant church protests in Omaha: Page 4
See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 12
Beth El leaders change BESTT schedule: Page 3
Lastly, Hillary Nather-Detisch will accept the CFIC Volunteer Award for her years of dedication and service to the organization. Davis, who was honored by the City of Omaha in 2000 with its “Living the Dream” award as part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorations, is the President of Greater Omaha Packing, Inc. He was also honored by the Omaha Bar Association in 2001 with its Public Service Award. Dotan announced that the IHE recently was awarded $15,000 for perBeth Seldin Dotan formances of the children’s opera, Brundibar, Nov. 2-7 at the Rose Theater in Omaha. Opera Omaha will produce the opera, pairing professionals with young musicians in a mentoring workshop process. The Institute will publish study guides and train teachers to prepare some 10,000 middle school students who will attend the performances. Last month, the IHE played host to more than 600 area students for performances of Hana’s Suitcase, a play Continued on page 2
Coming Next Month: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue: June 5 Politics abound on Pope’s mission of peace in Israel: Page 6
Bloom family farm forms partnership with Temple Israel: Page 16