Vol. LXXXV No. 38 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Bringing Jews Home by LISA LIEB Federation Communication Specialist At age four, Eleanor Dunning knows more about tzedakah than most people ever will. Unable to fit one more coin in her tzedakah box, Eleanor turned to her mother, Toba Cohen, and announced, “It’s time to make a donation.” With Toba by her side, Eleanor handed the coins she had saved to Jody Malashock as her contribution to the Operation Promise campaign. “What a rare and wonderful gift for such a young child to understand the meaning of tzedakah,” praised Malashock, Co-chairman of the Operation Promise Community Event. “Her donation can make a difference to another Jewish child, living across the globe in unimaginable poverty.” Operation Promise is a national effort to raise $160 million over the next three years and keep our promise to the Jews of the Former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. In the FSU, funds will help provide food, medicine and social welfare assistance to the elderly, and build a strong Jewish identity among the younger generation. Money raised by Operation Promise will also bring the Ethiopian Jewish community home to Israel, and help them to take their rightful place in Israeli society. Continued on page 4
NCJW to Honor Kahn and Scioli and Install New Board at Annual Meeting
Four-year old Eleanor Dunning donates the contents of her tzedakah box to Jody Malashock, Operation Promise Event Co-chairman in preparation for Thursday night’s event.
JCC Director Celebrates 20 Years at the Helm by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press For 20 years, Jeffrey Aizenberg has recruited and trained professionals. He’s created and managed budgets, supervised staff, sat through hours of meetings with lay leaders and his colleagues on the campus of the Jewish Community Center. He’s trained leaders who have gone on to serve on Federation and other organization boards. He’s brought home numerous awards from the biennial meetings of the JCC Association. And he’s overseen the growth of the ‘J’ from a million dollar a year operation to more than four million a year, the facility grow from 108,000 square feet to more than 150,000 and its membership nearly double. And so, after two decades as Executive Director, Aizenberg will be honored for his major contributions to this community at the JCC’s annual meeting on Monday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., at--naturally--the JCC.
Yo-Yo Ma Wins Israel’s Dan Prize
The world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma was awarded the one million dollar 2006 Dan David Prize at an award ceremony at Tel Aviv University last week in recognition of Ma’s contribution to culture and music. The funding is provided by international businessman Dan David. Credit: ISRANET Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
Over the last two decades, his days have been anything but typical. Aizenberg has dealt with everything from major power outages (remember the October snow storm of 1997?) and medical emergencies to being the smallest JCC to host the Maccabi Games during August of 2002. But there’s one achievement he points to as his Jeff Aizenberg biggest--raising everyone’s expectations of just what the JCC could be. “When I arrived here in 1986, there was a patchwork of assorted furniture throughout the building,” he said in a recent interview. “There were weeds in front of the entrance and an attitude that seemed to imply that this was was acceptable,” he said, “but you’d never put up with this at home.” The first thing he did after his arrival from Dallas, TX, where he worked as the city’s Assistant JCC Executive Director, was to take down all the out-of-date photos and posters taped to walls throughout the building. “We should take pleasure in the way our ‘J’ looks,” he said. “This should be a first-class operation.” Parallel to upgrading the atmosphere of the JCC, Aizenberg began assessing the staff. “I’m proud of the staff we’ve developed over the last 20 years. We have little turnover; they like their work and it’s fun to be around them.” The job is easier, he insists, because of that. With a concentration on upgrading the facility and the staff, Aizenberg says the Omaha JCC is “out in front in developing a business model that works.” Generating nearly all its income, the ‘J’ is not dependent on outside sources as much at once was, though it does receive a subsidy from United Way for its youth programming and scholarships for its preschoolers from the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. “Jeff is probably the most efficient administrator in business,” said Gary Epstein, outgoing JCC President, who will also be honored Monday night along with other JCC volunteers and staff, “and I don’t just mean the JCC world. He’s a professional. His intelligence and Continued on page 10
This Week: A Visit to Cuba’s Jews: Pages 4-5 See Front Page Stories at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
JCC Summer Camp Revamped: Page 6
6 Sivan, 5766 June 2, 2006
by DEBBIE FRIEDMAN Awards Chairman National Council of Jewish Women A new slate of officers, new board members and two awards honoring the service of outstanding volunteers will highlight the annual meeting for the National Council of Jewish Women. On Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m., Rozanne Kahn will be recognized with NCJW’s Distinguished Service Award and Andee Scioli will be honored with the Emerging Leader Award. The dinner, which will take place at the Ironwood Country Club, will also feature the installation of Deb Marburg, a previous Emerging Leader award winner, as Omaha Section’s newest President. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a member in recognition of Roxanne Kahn outstanding years of service to and/or impact on NCJW Omaha Section. Qualifications include a demonstrated loyalty, commitment, dedication to the Section, and an overall awareness of NCJW; volunteering with a willingness to work at any level. The Emerging Leader Award is a national award presented to an NCJW member who has shown potential for assuming future section leadership, who understands and supports the NCJW purpose and programs, and has served as a board member or on a committee for less than five years. This year’s honoree, Roxanne Kahn, personifies the attributes of the Distinguished Service award. Having lived in Omaha most of her life, she is the Director of Business Operations for Garbo’s Salons. She was cochairman of Beth El’s 75th Anniversary “Pour’em Event Spiel” and has served on the BBYO Advisory Board and is Advisor to Ediar BBG. In service to Omaha Section, she served as Finance Chairman and Public Affairs Vice President prior to serving as President-Elect and President of our Section. Kahn has committed to serving the Section during the next term as Parliamentarian and Chairman of the Nominating Committee. Scioli has served as an NCJW board member for the past four years, as a co-chairman for the annual Installations in 2002 and 2003 and has twice co-chaired the donor fund-raising event. This year, Scioli served as Co-Vice-President of Public Affairs and Education; she and Co-Vice-President Dana Cohn, put together a series of “Lunch and Learn” programs aimed at educating NCJW members about local community service programs, such as Uta HaleeCooper Village, Planned Parenthood, and Project Andee Scioli Harmony. In the up-coming year, Scioli will serve as the Co-Vice-President of Community Service with her mother, Pam Friedlander. “One of the highlights of my returning home to Omaha is that I am able to serve as a volunteer with my mother, Scioli said. “She has been a tremendous influence in my life. As a little girl, I knew how important NCJW was in her life. Now NCJW is a very important Continued on page 2
Coming Next Week: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue ADL’s Youth Leadership Mission Exhibits Work of Program: Page 9
AIPAC Speaker Says U.S. Needs to Get Tough with Hamas: Page 16
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 2, 2006
Yo-Yo Ma Teaches Master Class for Enthralled Tel Aviv Students
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Continued from page 1 the audience including the Sarabande from Bach’s fifth by DINA KRAFT suite, whose melodies originated in North Africa and then TEL AVIV (JTA)--Kettle drums roll like thunder, a traveled to Spain and France before the German composmelodious clarinet solo gives way to an oboe’s clear call er, inspired by the sound, composed his own piece based and Yo-Yo Ma looks at the Israeli student symphony seat- on it. At the master class, Ma played the solo in Bloch’s ed around him and cannot stop beaming. “I am just overwhelmed by this orchestra,” said Ma as Schelomo: Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra, the Tel Aviv University music students finish playing an accompanying the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music intricate Ernst Bloch piece. But in this master class he Orchestra. He challenged the students to decipher what Bloch intended as he wrote the piece which is based on wasted no time pushing them to play eve better. “Make the rhythm count as a huge pulsation from the scenes from Ecclesiastics. “How does it feel?” he asked. ground up,” he encouraged, enthusiastically bobbing on A percussionist suggested that some of the most dratiptoe. One of the world’s top cellists, Ma came to Israel to col- matic movements of the piece reflected King Solomon lect a $1 million Dan David Prize for his work preserving looking back on some of the most difficult moments in his cultural heritage in the Silk Road Project. Through con- life. “His life is running through his head,” he said. Others certs, festivals and teaching the project explores the commonality in music found in societies stretching from Asia offered their interpretation. Ma seemed encouraged. “That’s deep thinking,” he through the Mediterranean, comments, laughing. the overland trade route that Ma urged the students to helped spread not just prodtap into that internal pressure ucts but ideas and cultures in the music to create a more across the globe for centuries. sound. He emotional The prize, which Ma will explained that to capture a be contributing to the projfeeling of anguish it is imporect, is one of three awarded tant that the short notes that annually by Dan David, a follow longer notes need to Jewish philanthropist. The be as sharp and articulate as prize honors innovative and possible. interdisciplinary research that Dan David, who has been in some way improves socieCellist Yo-Yo Ma teaches a master class at Tel Aviv awarding prizes since 2001, ty. University. Credit: Michal Roche-Ben Am/TAU made his fortune from his “It is particularly fitting to have this conversation in Israel, a country infused with invention of the automatic photo booth. Other winners ideas and cultures brought by emigrants from Europe, included two American cancer researchers, Dr. John Asia, Africa, and even the Americas. It is a society of Mendelsohn and Dr. Joseph Schlessinger, who were honancient traditions and modern ideas whose culture is ored for their breakthroughs, as well as four journalists who have spoken out for press freedom, often at great based in both,” said Ma at the awards ceremony. “Israel is a manifestation of the Silk Road and clearly personal risk--Magdi Allam of Italy, Monica Gonzalez of illustrates that the more richly we understand the past, Chile, Adam Michnik of Poland and Goenawan whether our own or our neighbors’, the more brilliantly Mohammed of Indonesia. The Egyptian-born Allam, who is known for his outwe can imagine the future. Here, as around the world, we are all neighbors culturally, and it is our shared past spoken criticism of Islamic extremism, received a standing ovation when he voiced his support for Israel proclaiming that will inspire what is to come.” To punctuate his point, Ma played two Bach pieces for in Hebrew, “Am Yisrael Chai.”
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JUNE 2 Shavuot JCC CLOSED SATURDAY, JUNE 3 Shabbat service honoring Minyanaires, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El ARTZA Overnight, 7 p.m. at Carol Joy Holling Camp C L SUNDAY, JUNE 4 I Annual Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El P Ophir Palmon’s Gallery Reception, 2 p.m.
C L I P
Annual Meeting, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel & S A V E
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MONDAY, JUNE 5 Yachad Day Camp, 8 a.m. at Mahoney State Park JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. CJE “Reading the Old Testament” Class, 6 p.m. Jewish Press Final Board Meeting & Dinner, 6 p.m. B’nai B’rith Banquet Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. CJE Intensive Hebrew Reading Class, 7 p.m. NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. JCC Final Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
S A V E
TUESDAY, JUNE 6 Visions Trip to KC, 7 a.m. Visions Trip to Lauritzen Botanical Gardens, 10:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
C HAZAK Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El L The Works of Franz Kafka Class, 11 a.m. I P
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THURSDAY, JUNE 8 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. CJE Reading the Old Testament Class, 6 p.m. S Jewish Federation Operation Promise, 7 p.m. A Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m.
S A V V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not E responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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Continued from page 1 part of my life; I have been amazed at the dedication of its members and the service it provides to women, children and families. I thank NCJW for this meaningful honor and my mother for teaching me about NCJW.” Scioli’s previous volunteer work includes serving on the Board of Trustees for Beth El Synagogue from 2002-2006, serving on the Boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Six Million Lights Foundation, and serving as a member of the Jewish Federation”s JOLT program. She has also helped to interview and recruit prospective students for the University of Pennsylvania, has served on the Membership Committee of the Omaha Bar Association and on the Risk Management Committee for the Boy Scouts. Scioli is currently an attorney with Fraser, Stryker, Meusey, Olson, Boyer & Bloch, PC where she specializes in corporate law, class action litigation, commercial litigation, and estate planning. In addition to installing Deb Marburg as President for 2006-07, the following slate will be recognized: Executive Vice Presidents: Tina Meyers and Shelly Pichik; Community Service Vice Presidents: Pam Friedlander and Andee Scioli; Public Affairs/ Education Vice Presidents: Leslie Eades and Nikki Deb Marburg Kirshenbaum; Fundraising Vice President: Dena Kaufman; Public Relations Vice Presidents: Lisa Gordman Lieb and Sharon Bargas; Treasurer: Iris Ricks; Financial Secretary: Lori KooperSchwarz; Corresponding Secretary: Traci Kugler; Recording Secretary: Jill Folsom; Parliamentarian and Nominating Committee Chairman: Roxanne Kahn; Nominating Committee: Judy Josephson, Jane Rips, Nancy Schlessinger, Andi Willensky; Nominating Committee Alternates: Marti Finkle, Wendy Raffel, Dorothy Spizman; Directors: Bettie Adams, Stacey Atlas, Jamie Nogg, Patty Nogg, Mimi Silverman, Julie Stein. The cost of the dinner is $25 per person. Reservations may be made by calling Mimi Silverman at: 932.6626.
Natan and Hannah Schwalb Donor Advised Fund Established for Scholarships by ZACH PERELMAN for the Center for Jewish Education Unlike many of the other scholarships available through the Financial Aid Committee which have highly-specific criteria, the Natan and Hannah Schwalb Donor Advised Fund can be allocated for a number of different educational experiences. The fund was recently established with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation to provide annual scholarships to Jewish youth and young adults from the Omaha metropolitan area who are in need of financial assistance. The options include any educational experience for youth or young adults in Israel, any Jewish educational experience for youth or young adults--including seminars, conventions, leadership training institutes, retreats, or supplemental instructional courses, any college or undergraduate university experience for youth or adults, and any Jewish residential camp. Students in the JCC pre-school, Friedel Jewish Academy, and all other Jewish educational experiences also are recognized as eligible for assistance by the Financial Aid Committee. “It is our desire each year that several scholarships will be awarded to young Jews in the Omaha metro area who are in need of financial aid not only in their endeavors to grow Jewishly--whether it be through studies, in Israel, through Jewish education in the Omaha area or elsewhere--but also in their undergraduate college experience,” stated Schwalb. “Nate and Hannah are well known in Omaha and this is one more example of their on-going generosity to our community,” noted Aveva Shukert, Chairman of the Financial Aid Committee. “The scholarships provided by this new fund will enable our committee to help more families in making Jewish experiences for their children a reality.” Applications and information regarding the various scholarship programs are available through the Center for Jewish Education office at 334.6445 or via email request sent to scholarships@jewishomaha.org. Information is also available on the Jewish Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org under the Center for Jewish Education/Scholarship & Grants page.
June 2, 2006
Beth El Lunch ’n Learn Focuses on the Importance of Advance Directives by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator An exploration of advance directives and their importance to every person will be the focus of a special Lunch ‘n’ Learn at Beth El, following Shabbat services on Saturday, June 17. Toby Schonfeld, PhD, will lead the discussion about the “Peace of Mind” project, which explains how to create directives - documents that state a person’s wishes regarding medical care in the event that he or she is unable Toby Schonfeld to make those decisions. “You have probably made arrangements for what happens to your possessions when you die, but have you ever thought about what will happen if you need medical care and are not in a position where you are able to make decisions for yourself?” said Schonfeld, who is an Assistant Professor, Section on Humanities and Law in the Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “Who will make those decisions for you, and will those decisions coincide with your own values, goals and priorities? The ‘Peace of Mind’ project is an attempt to help put your mind at ease that at a difficult time, your health care providers will follow the course of action that you yourself would choose if you were able to communicate this choice.” She went on to explain that, “Advance directives are (most often written) instructions that detail what you would like to happen with your health care in the event that you are not able to make or communicate those choices to your health care provider. They are called ‘advance’ because they are made before you actually need them.” This lunch and learn session will describe several different kinds of advance directives, explain why they are important and what should be considered when making personal decisions and communicating them in a document, Schonfeld said. The Conservative Jewish view on advance directives and the kinds of choices that are sanctioned will also be discussed, and the Conservative movement’s “Jewish Medical Directives for Health Care,” will be distributed to all attendees (This document may also be downloaded from the Beth El’s web site, www. bethel-omaha.org. Cost is $8 for adults; $5 for children six-12; and free for kids age five and younger. Babysitting will be provided free of charge. To RSVP, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Temple Members Participate in Mitzvot, Near and Far by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Mona Jones and Ron Beach and their children Wil, nine, Jack, four, Dru, 11, and her friend Dajsa Dueul, 12, scrubbed toys and organized books and videos at Project Harmony, an agency that assists children and families in need. Jenn Kirshenbaum and her daughters Kathleen, six, and Laura, three, along with Sandy and Jeff Passer planted flowers at the Livingston Plaza. Sarah and Abby Schondelmeyer built nest boxes and cages for rescued wildlife. About nine Temple members rode their bikes and raised almost $2,200 to fight the battle against mul- Photos from top: Maurice tiple sclerosis. Meiches, left, and Rosalie and Maurie Meiches help plant flowers Rosalie Meiches and Sheila Tomps and do yardwork at a complanted flowers and toma- munity-based home for peotoes, raked the yard, and ple with developmental distrimmed trees at a home of abilities during Mitzvah Day; three adults with disabilities. Elyce Azriel, left, Lisa Hollis Glazer, Patrick Salomon and Leora Azriel Jensen, and Gretchen and work a puzzle at the VSP David Radler and their Club; Mitzvah Day particidaughters Hannah, 11, and pants enjoy lunch at Temple Isabella, seven, planted flow- before heading to a variety ers on the grounds of of sites in the Omaha area. Temple Israel. Credit: Howard K. Marcus All these activities and others were part of Temple Israel’s Mitzvah Day on May 21. All and all, about 75 people participated and others donated groceries to Together Inc. and donated money to social justice projects. Mitzvah Day was preceded by a prayer assembly on the last day of religious school and lunch in the Friedman Social Hall. At the conclusion of the prayer assembly, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel repeated the Hebrew word for justice, “tzedak, the word I want to leave with you this summer.” Ellen Long, chair of Mitzvah Day, was pleased with the turnout. “Mitzvah Day was quite a success,” she reported, especially “considering all the other things going on at this time of year.” In addition, a group of Temple college students and adults visited the Very Special People (VSP) Center
located near 158th and Maple Streets. Yachad, a group of Jewish adults who have special needs, joined the Temple group for lunch, putting together puzzles, playing inside basketball, dancing, and conversation. Sally and Gary Kaplan and Magda Peck took the opportunity to sell Dolls for Darfur on Mitzvah Day. The dolls, three mounted on each pin, represent three innocent people in Darfur who are dying at the rate of one every three minutes as a result of the violence there. The pins sell for $5 each. The proceeds are donated to advocacy and humanitarian agencies aiding Darfur. Peck said she hoped to link Mitzvah Day in our own
community with helping other communities of the world. “One part of social justice is advocacy,” she pointed out. Mitzvah Day is a project of Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee.
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June 2, 2006
A Visit to Jewish Cuba: It’s Impossible to Come Back Unchanged by OZZIE NOGG Editor’s note: Last month a group of Omahans spent four days on a humanitarian mission to Cuba. Nancy Noddle chaired the mission. Other participants included Ellie Batt, Steve and Carol Bloch, Joe and Ruth Erman, Mike and Jill Erman, Paul and Sandy Epstein, Howard and Jan Goldstein, Kathy McGauvran, Murray Newman, and Bruce and Anne Shackman. The mission was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha with assistance from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. This report chronicles Part 1 of the mission. Murray Newman had wanted to visit Cuba since he was a kid. “My parents traveled to this Caribbean playground back in the early ’50s,” he said. “They loved the action, the nightlife. I remember being regaled by their enthusiasm over the beauty of the island and the culture.” Today, 50 years after Newman’s parents strolled Havana’s El Malecón boardwalk and Rumba-ed at the Tropicana, the Omaha mission to Cuba found once elegant oceanfront villas disintegrating toward collapse, and a country in economic free fall. “The first thing you see is the utter disrepair of the country,” said Ruth Erman. “Everything has been neglected for so long, Havana is literally crumbling.” Poverty dominates, and the Jews of Cuba--now numbered at just 1500--live, as do most Cubans, under conditions described as “dismal” by Mike Erman. “Many Jews are professionals,” he continued, “but being a pro-
Despite their situation, the community remains optimistic. “We spoke with grandmothers, professors, doctors, and they never complained,” said Sandy Epstein. “They view their glass as half full. They live with hope of a better future.” That hope is being realized. “The community is growing with young, enthusiastic Jewish parents and their children, refurbished synagogues and new schools,” said Newman. “They are a dedicated group, very involved in their Why do the streets of Cuba look like a scene from the 1950s? The government has prohibitfaith and their heritage. We ed all cars made later than 1960. were inspired by their fessional in Cuba doesn’t give you an advantage in terms courage and perseverance.” of earning power. The average salary is $15 to $20 per Sandy Epstein agreed. “The Cuban Jews are fiercely month, food is rationed, and housing is dilapidated and proud of their Judaism and proud to be able to practice crowded.” The effect on the population is clear. “We it, which made a huge impression on us. Here we were told by our guide that we couldn”t visit Cuban thought we were the missionaries--bringing them mediJews in their homes because they didn’t want us to see cine, prayer books, Shabbat candles, clothing--but we how they live, that they were embarrassed.” actually received so much from them. They gave us a
With buildings falling apart and people living in dire conditions, poverty dominates throughout Cuba. greater appreciation of our Judaism and our way of life.” There have been Jews in Cuba since Christopher Columbus’ translator, Luis de Torres, arrived on the island in 1492. By the early 1940s, more than 20,000 Jews lived in Cuba--many comfortably middle-class, some quite prosperous--and the island boasted one of the largest per capita Jewish populations in Latin America. Havana was home to five Jewish elementary schools and one Jewish high school. Conditions changed overnight. During the 1959 Revolution, Fidel Castro’s Communist government seized businesses and prohibited religious practice, and ninety-five percent of the Cuban Jewish community-including rabbis and teachers--fled their homeland. Synagogues closed, religious education ceased, and traditions grew harder to maintain. Continued on page 5
Bringing Jews Home Continued from page 1 On June 8, an Operation Promise community event will be held at the JCC, featuring guest speakers originally from Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union. This free event is presented by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Attendees will have the opportunity to make their family gift to the Operation Promise Campaign that evening.
Operation Promise Community Event Thursday, June 8, 7 p.m. JCC Auditorium RSVP at: www.jewishomaha.org/ operationpromise or call Sharon Kirshenbaum at 334.6485 “Money raised by Operation Promise will help rescue people in our two most at-risk Jewish communities,” said Malashock. “I would encourage the entire community to join Eleanor in the true gift of giving. Buzz and I look forward to seeing you there.”
June 2, 2006
A Visit to Jewish Cuba Continued from page 4 conducted by the congregants, in Spanish and Hebrew, The overwhelming majority of the approximately 800 with such exuberance, such enjoyment and hope. Their Jews who remained in Cuba assimilated almost totally, spirit was infectious.” and though some families continued to observe Shabbat The Omaha visitors joined the congregation for a free, and holidays in their homes, most Cubans born after JDC sponsored Shabbat dinner-- complete with arroz 1955 never knew any form of Judaism. But since 1992, con pollo--as well as for Havdalah on Saturday evening, when the country declared itself a secular state and where, Newman said, “the Israeli dancing was marallowed more religious freedom, the Cuban Jewish com- velous.” munity has experienced a renaissance. Still, the approxiThe group met many young Cubans who are coming mately 1,500 Jews living back and claiming their in Cuba today must Jewish identity. “They’re depend on outside supbecoming proficient in port to survive. Hebrew. They help con“Reestablishing reliduct weekly services,” gious practice for two said Bloch. “I believe it is generations that grew up this ‘community’ of Jews in a Jewish vacuum is difthat gets them through ficult at best,” said Jan the day and the week. Goldstein, Jewish This is family.” Federation Executive The Patronato Director. “Members of Synagogue is more than a the Cuban Jewish comhouse of worship. Its munity--both in Havana, Sunday School is open to where 2/3 of the Jews children from all of live, as well as in outlying Havana’s congregations, towns--literally went it is home to an extensive door-to-door in an effort Judaic library, and the to reconnect Jews to their computer resources are religious traditions.” available to both the During the past 40-plus Jewish and non-Jewish years, most couples were community. not married by a rabbi in “The Patronato also a Jewish ceremony, so houses a pharmacy filled some have been symboliwith medicines that are cally remarried in collecbrought to Cuba by deletive religious weddings. gations like ours,” said As children approach Bar Mike Erman. “The pharand Bat Mitzvah age, macy is about the size of a they’re now provided modest walk-in closet, with lessons and training and it’s stocked -floor to for this rite of passage ceiling -- with vitamins, into Jewish adulthood. antibiotics, cough syrups, “And since there is still The revitalization of the Cuban Jewish community was apparent school supplies, eyeglassno permanent rabbi on during visits to Havana’s Orthodox and Conservative synagogues. es, prescription medicines the island,” Goldstein that are distributed, free, adds, “most of the relito the Jewish communigious, cultural, and dayties across the island.” to-day needs of Cuban Goldstein added, Jews are met through the “Humanitarian missions guidance and support of to Cuba are a way to the American Jewish strengthen ties between Joint Distribution the global Jewish comCommittee, and by visitmunity, and to reach out ing missions like ours.” to Jews wherever they are The JDC--the overseas in need.” arm of American Jewry During the mission, that supports struggling Omahans were privileged Jewish communities to meet Rabbi Shmuel around the world--came Szteinhendler of to Cuba’s rescue in 1992. Santiago, Chile, who has Since then, JDC has sent served as the visiting spirJoe, left, Mike, Jill and Ruth Erman in the pharmacy within itual advisor for Cuban rabbis and other profesPatronato Synagogue. This pharmacy depends on humanitarian Jewry since 1992. sionals to help improve missions to provide most of its supplies. an Szteinhendler, education, perform conversions, circumcisions and weddings, provide health Argentine-born Conservative rabbi trained in Buenos care and social activities and generally strengthen the Aires, has made 69 trips to Cuba to conduct services, community so it can stand by itself and flourish. “What officiate at weddings and circumcisions, and supervise JDC and North American Jewry have accomplished in conversions. rebuilding the Cuban Jewish community is astounding,” Szteinhendler says that when he first arrived, he saw a Goldstein said. homemade poster which read, “Am Yisrael B’Cuba Omahans saw tangible evidence of this rebuilding Chai!”--long live the Jewish Community of Cuba! “I process during visits to Havana synagogues. The city’s said to myself, this is my mission in Cuba. To help make traditional Orthodox shul --Adath Israel--was founded this come true. Then, when I come back to my home in 1902, and even during the worst times never closed community, I see how we struggle to keep people from its doors. Havana’s Conservative Synagogue--the leaving the Jewish community. Here, in Cuba, they Patronato --first opened in 1953. struggle to join the Jewish community.” During the Revolution, the woodwork of the sanctuThe Omaha Jews who visited Cuba recognized the ary was riddled with termites, the roof leaked, and birds struggle and gained a heightened sense of gratitude. nested in the rafters. But women’s groups and children’s “How did I end up living an awesome life in Omaha?” classes continued to meet in abandoned rooms, and the Sandy Epstein asked. “I have so much to be thankful for. choir practiced in the hallways. In 2002--with help from I don’t know who helped my grandparents, but I feel by outside donations--the refurbished Patronato and its helping those in need, I’m paying back for what someCommunity Center were rededicated in a ceremony rec- one did for my ancestors. I have to do something. Once ognized as a milestone in the Jewish history of Cuba--a you see what’s really going on in places like Cuba, it’s Jewish history both rich and largely unknown in the impossible to come back unchanged.” United States. The next leg of their trip--from Havana to the interi“This trip taught us how the spark of Jewish life was or communities--opened mission participants’ eyes even kept alive by a just a few people,” said Carol Bloch. further, and proved how Cuban Jews are linked to us in “And whereas we often take our religion for granted, the spirit, values and common history. Next week: A Holocaust Memorial Meets Che Cuban Jews are excited for Shabbat and the celebration of everything Jewish. The services we attended were Guevara; A Mikveh in the Caribbean.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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JCC Summer Camp Revamped, Offering New Programs, Sessions and Themes and acting. This summer we are also taking many trips by LYNN BATTEN JCC Publicity Associate out of town to visit nearby attractions, including Worlds Summer Camp at the Jewish Community Center is of Fun and Oceans of Fun, Adventure Land, and Island back and better than ever! This year’s new programming Oasis Water Park located in Grand Island.” The JCC’s main objective is to run a safe, healthy, and and activities ensure that the ‘J’ once again provides quality summer programming for its members. Younger uniquely fun environment. “Each participant should camps are offered in weekly sessions, and fifth-eighth experience a camp environment that meets their individual needs,” Blum added. “They should make new friends grade camps are available in two-week sessions. Participants in our Weekly Camps are divided into one and build strong relationships with each other.” Camp Shemesh, for twoof four age groups. These five-yeard-olds, is seeing groups are Camp Shemesh (two-five-year-olds), Camp additions to this year’s curGesher (kindergarten and riculum as well. One of the first graders), Camp Kef highlights includes the (second and third graders) expansion of Enrichment and Camp Trekkers (fourth Programs for children enterand fifth graders). Fifth ing next year’s three’s and graders have the option of four’s classes. joining Trekkers one-week “Camp lays the groundcamps, or Specialty’s twowork for getting children week camps. ready for the next level of All provide quality pro- Participants of the third and fourth grade camp conduct their school year, all while gramming designed to nur- “Mad Science” experiments in the 2005 session. having fun,” said Carole ture creativity, physical activGreenberg, Director of ity, and social interaction Camp Shemesh. among peers. New weekly “Each age group shares the themes and activities guaransame theme, incorporating tee there is never a dull learning styles and developmoment. mentally appropriate activiLaura Wine, Director of ties. Exciting themes, projcamps Gesher, Kef, and ects, scheduled swim and Trekkers, works to ensure water play provide the this. opportunity for children to “We want our campers to strengthen their skills. We experience a program that is also incorporate family geared toward age appropri- JCC campers show their patriotic side for the “Celebrate involvement when we join ate activities, creative Judaic America” theme during the week of July 4th 2005. together for our Friday programming and gain an appreciation of the world Shabbat and Song session.” around us,” Wine said. “We help our campers gain more In addition to these exciting additions, all campers Kconfidence, try new things and make new and lasting eighth will get a first hand experience of Israel with the guidance of the summer shaliach (Israeli counselor). friendships.” Each age group has different needs. Wine added, Several cultural topics will be covered, including lessons “Kindergarten and first graders are very active but at the on the Hebrew language and the Israeli culture. And as if that weren’t enough, this year’s Summer same time need structure and variety, so the activities times are shorter, and there is a story or game time every Camp will also mark the debut of “Eye Opening” afternoon so they get some down time. Second and third Nature Art Classes for fourth-sixth graders, the College graders like to have a feeling of independence and All Star Soccer Camp for five- to 14-year olds, the expressing their personality.” College All Star Volleyball Camp for first-eighth graders, Camp Kef offers these children the option of two dif- and participation in the Cornhusker State Games for ferent ‘choice’ activities each week to focus on. “This those campers on the JCC Swim Team. allows the camper to have a say in their camp experiFor more information, visit the JCC website at ence,” Wine continued. “Trekkers, fourth and fifth www.jccomaha.org. graders have themes for each week of camp. They have two to three field trips each week all based on the chosen theme. Trekkers have an open schedule which allows for more flexibility for campers to choose what projects they want to work on based on the theme of the week.” This year campers of Kef and Trekkers will have several new themes for their choice activities including “Just Clowning Around” and “Wearable Art”. Participants of “Just Clowning Around” will work with a professional clown to learn clowning techniques, make-up, juggling and making balloon animals. “Wearable Art” will give campers the opportunity to make cool clothing and accessories. Another example of this year’s innovations is in the area of Specialty Camp. Programming for fifth through eighth graders has been divided into four two-week sessions, each of which will have a different theme. Session One will concentrate specifically on musical Jeffrey Aizenberg, JCC Executive Director; left, Gary D. theater. Participants of this session will work on a proJCC President; Lisa Shkolnick, Assistant Epstein, duction of the hit musical Grease. Whether through actExecutive Director; and Michael Miller, incoming JCC ing, set design, or both, campers are sure to have a great President, were among nearly 1,000 leadership and staff time learning the basic fundamentals of musical theater from across the United States who attended the JCC from local professionals. This session will culminate with Association Biennial Conference in Philadelphia last a live performance held for the public on July 23. Miller received the Esther Leah Ritz ‘Next month. Session Two’s theme is “Slides, Tides and Rides”, Generation Leadership Award’, and the Omaha JCC Session Three’s theme is “Let the Games Begin” and earned seven awards, pictured above, for outstanding Session Four’s is “The Best of the Midwest”. programs and services, including: Direct Mail Campaign Rachel Blum, Director of Specialty Camps, believes for the Live from the 92nd Street Y Series, the JCC that the new two-week sessions and themes will Centerpiece Monthly Newsletter, and the JCC Website, as strengthen the already solid programming offered by the the JCC Website of the Month in December awarded was JCC. of 2004; Fundraising Programs that Inspire Jewish “Our Specialty Camps are designed to offer the highJourneys for ARTZA 2006 fundraising; Jewish Living and est quality programming with many opportunities to Learning Awards for its Year Round Community Shaliach; build strong relationships in a structured camp setting,” Initiative that foster intra and inter agency collaboration, Blum said. “We have excellent staff that will be sharing support and development to strengthen Jewish life in your their individual talents with campers. For example, our community for the 92nd St. Y series; and Community top-notch musical theater camp will have professionals Service Programs/ Social Action award for Shiputznick. to help with choreography, set design, costume design,
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June 2, 2006
ORGANIZATIONS KRIPKE LIBRARY On the first and third Thursdays in June, July, and August, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library will host Summer Story time. Join us June 15, 10-10:30 a.m., when library staff and special guests will read great Jewish books to make summer even more fun. Story time is for children ages 12 months through five years and parental supervision is required. For more information, please call 334.6462 or e-mail at gkatz@jewishomaha.org. THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC for a Pottery Demonstration by Tim Barry from the Hot Shops Art Center. Lunch is at noon for $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer. Exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for the day trip to the Ameristar Casino on June 29. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Reminders: Brunchand Gardens Tour is Tuesday, June 6, starting at Louie M’s Burger Lust Café at 10:45 a.m. and continue on to Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center. Visions Board Meeting is June 9, 9:30 a.m. in the Blumkin Home conference room. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Join us for an Independence Day Concert with Patriotic Music by Iowa Western Community Band on Tuesday, June 27, 7 p.m. in the JCC auditorium, sponsored by Iowa Western Community College, City of Council Bluffs and JSS. BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD The next Beth Israel Sisterhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. All Sisterhood members are invited to attend this breakfast and brainstorming session. The purpose is to generate ideas for next year’s events. There is no charge for the breakfast; however in order to plan, please call the office at 556.6288. BREADBREAKERS City Councilmen Chuck Sigerson will address important issues facing the city on Wednesday, June 7, noon, at the Regency Lodge. Cost is $11 for lunch and $2 for beveridge service only. All Breadbreakers events are pen to men and women.
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Beth El Welcomes Robert Mosenkis as New Youth Director by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The arrival of June brings a new face to Beth El’s staff, as the congregation welcomes Robert Mosenkis as the synagogue’s new youth director. Mosenkis, a Beth El member for over 10 years, has played an active role volunteering with the synaJamie Skog gogue’s children, serving as advisor to the Chaverim youth group, supervisor and tutor for TSS (Torah Study Skills) and a volunteer for both USY and the High Holidays Youth Program. During high school, his involvement in the Jewish community included active membership in both USY and BBYO; his leadership roles in those organizations included serving as USY’s Social Action/Tikkun Olam vice-president, and BBYO Council President. A junior studying business at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Mosenkis is taking the reins from Jamie Skog, who will begin her studies this fall in the masters program at the Davidson School of Education at
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the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. “My time working with the children of Beth El was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Skog said. “This past year laid the groundwork and showed me that I want to work in the Jewish education field.” Praising her successor for Robert Mosenkis his infectious enthusiasm, easy-going personality and ability to connect with youth of all ages, Skog expressed confidence that the synagogue’s youth department is in good hands. Mosenkis said that his overall goal as youth director is “to make sure our kids are comfortable at the synagogue and with their Jewish identity. How you grow in your religious life is greatly developed during the teenage years, and these are things I want to focus on.” Noting that in the past, he’s “gotten a lot of joy out of volunteering with kids,” Mosenkis added that “I’m really excited to work with the kids and see them learn and grow in their Jewish life.”
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by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue’s Annual Meeting and Board Election was held Sunday, May 21. During the meeting, President Bonnie Bloch summarized the accomplishments of the synagogue and board in her “State of the Synagogue” address. Following Bloch’s speech, the congregation elected Board Members. The 2006-2007 Beth Israel Synagogue Board of Commissioners are Jake Besser, Toba Cohen-Dunning, Lesley Gendelman, Mary Sue Grossman, Josh Gurock, Shami Jacobs, Jonathan Kipnis, Sharon Kirshenbaum, Bette Kozlen, Alan Kricsfeld, Ann Moskovits, Ira Priluck, Dani Shrago, Gary Shyken and Susie Shyken. The new Board members met and elected their officers. New officers are Shami Jacobs, President; Alan Kricsfeld, Vice President; Toba Cohen-Dunning, Vice President; Sharon Kirshenbaum, Vice President; Mary Sue Grossman, Treasurer; Josh Gurock, Secretary. The next meeting of the Beth Israel Board will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14. Board meetings are open to all synagogue members.
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June 2, 2006
Temple Students Join Yachad at VSP Club by DUANE J. PIEPER On May 21 the Yachad members experienced the blessing of mishpacha as young congregants and college students, along with the Azriel family, came from Temple Israel to the VSP Club. They were bearing gifts of food and games and most importantly a desire to spend time with the Yachad members. As Temple celebrated Mitzvah Day 2006, they took this opportunity to get to know and invest in the live of Yachad members. The planning for this portion of the day was lead by Elyce Azriel and Joan Marcus, who made a special effort to reach out to Yachad.
Lisa Salomon and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel (backs to camera) play ping pong with Rachel Flatowicz and Ben Friedman at the VSP Club. In a short period of time, the two groups melded together into one, sharing conversation, lunch and interacting together in a variety of games and activities. Jeff Steinberg led the blessing over the food and Josh Parsow asked everyone to take a moment to remember Nancy Isler, who was not able to attend this event because of a recent leg fracture. Following lunch, the group participated in a wide selection of activities from ping-pong, basketball, air hockey, billiards, darts, video games, puzzles, to movies and dancing. The VSP Club was bubbling over with energy, excitement and laughter. Everyone was immersed in the joy of family. The spirit of yachad (togetherness) was alive and well. Plans are already being made to do a follow-up event later this year. Yachad’s next event will take them to Mahoney State Park this Sunday, June 5 for a day of fun in the great Nebraska outdoors. A naturalist from the park will speak to the members about the plant and wildlife in the park. This is a precursor to an overnight trip being planned for next year. Please call Jewish Family Service at 334.6491 if you would like to sponsor a member or two.
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IN THE NEWS Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) Foundation brings Sand in the City™ at Miller’s Landing on the Riverfront in Downtown Omaha, 151 Freedom Park Road. More than 350 tons of sand will be dumped on the Omaha Riverfront and teams will be building amazing 15-ton sand sculptures. Corporate teams and architects from throughout the city will be a part of the sculpting competition on Friday, June 9, noon-5 p.m. followed by awards and the Sandblast Patron Party on Friday evening held on the River City Star and Docking area. Saturday and Sunday’s Family Fun Weekend will be open free to the public on June 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on June 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Family Fun Day includes opportunities to view the sculptures along with a variety of family activities including face painting, Humane Society Pet Mobile, DNA kits with Omaha Police Department, gigantic sand play area, putt-putt, Plinko game, bicycle rides and discounted River City Star boat rides every hour. The event is to help raise awareness for the programs of Nebraska Children’s Home, which include statewide adoption services and education, unplanned pregnancy services, medically fragile foster care and child care programs. For more information, please visit our web site at www.nchsfoundation.org.
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by ANN MILLER and SUE ROETHER Herzl 60th Anniversary Co-Chairs Herzl Camp will celebrate its 60th Anniversary this summer. To commemorate the special milestone, Herzl will be hosting a special 60th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, July 23, 2-5 p.m. at the camp in Webster, Wisconsin. The celebration will bring together hundreds of community members, including past, present and future campers, staff and their families. The event, titled, “If it weren’t for Herzl‌â€? will explore the countless ways that Herzl Camp has influenced camper lives, built Jewish identity and strengthened the community. The afternoon will feature recognition of Herzl friends and supporters, camper-led tours, entertainment, food, games and the ruach (spirit) that embodies Herzl Camp. “This is an exciting milestone for Herzl Camp,â€? said Sam Bloom, Herzl Camp Director. “We are looking forward to a day of celebrating our past, living in our present and dreaming about our future. Herzl has always had a special way of bringing together different generations, communities and backgrounds to embrace a common spirit of Jewish camping. This memorable day will allow Herzl to thank the entire community for the role it has played in shaping our success.â€? For more information, please contact the Herzl Camp office at 952.927.4002 or visit the Herzl website at www.herzlcamp.org.
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Ten of our area’s most dynamic women will be honored at the 19th annual YWCA Omaha Tribute to Women luncheon Tuesday, June 13, noon-1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Central Ballroom, 72nd and Grover Streets. Among the honorees is Patricia Newman, Ph.D., who is being recognized in the Human Services/Community Advocate category. The honorees are chosen in 10 categories, based on impact in the award category, community service and a demonstrated commitment to the elimination of one or more forms of discrimination, according to event chair Ann Sjulin and selection chair Susie Buffett. Dr. Newman has never met Aretha Franklin, but she’s been “singing� about respect--R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2, that is-for years. As Founder, President and Chair of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.2--Relationship Empowerment for Students, Parents, Educators and Community through Theatre--Dr. Newman provides a positive, safe environment for children and youth to face such difficult issues as bullying, sexual harassment, and teen dating violence. She also advises school counselors, teachers and other educators on how to address these issues with their students, while providing supervision to the artistic/program director and actors and maintaining operational management and direction for the organization. Through her work with this group, she has served over 100,000 students across Nebraska and Iowa.
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In addition, Dr. Newman also maintains a private clinical practice doing work with Family Enrichment, Inc. as well as with school children from the Archdiocese. She also sits on the faculty at Creighton University. Dr. Newman’s work for social justice began with AntiDefamation League, where she served as Board President. Prior to her service, she was the passionate force behind the creation of ADL’s Prejudice Elimination Workshop (PEW), a program celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. At PEW, teens from over 25 schools learn to hear the voices of others and to make good choices about how to address the issues of the day in their schools and in their lives. She also has served as President of Jewish Family Service and the National Council of Jewish WomenOmaha Section, and on the board of the Jewish Federation, which honored her with its Young Leadership Award in 1989. For information, call YWCA Omaha, 345.6555, or email info@ywcaomaha.org.
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Exhibit of ADL’s Robert B. Sturm Youth Leadership Mission Opens by SHARON BRODKEY these and projects from YLM alumni will be exhibited in Communications & Community Development the Pennie Z. Davis Gallery for Holocaust Education from Matthew Hauck isn’t a known poet. Matthew Hauck is a June 1 to July 31 this summer. Benson High School student and one of 20 Omaha area During the trip, Omaha Holocaust survivor Bea Karp high school students who participated in the annual Anti- described her powerful story of hope and survival, Nazi Defamation League’s defiance, hunger, loneliRobert B. Sturm Youth ness, and her numerous Leadership moves through orphanages Mission (YLM) this past and a convent. Karp was March. YLM delegates visit only two years old when the U. S. Holocaust Hitler gained power in Memorial Museum in 1933. She left the students Washington where the with the message “I hope memorial to the Holocaust you will be aware of what becomes the lens to view goes on in your city, state, how prejudice can lead to country and the world.” the ultimate form of disAfter the trip YLM stucrimination, genocide, and dents are asked to apply the Twenty Omaha area high school students were joined by 20 stuhow the convictions and lessons of the Holocaust to dents from the Denver area on the Robert B. Sturm 2006 Annual actions of one person can today’s complicated politiADL Youth Leadership Mission to Washington, D.C. make a difference. Twenty cal and social issues. Many students from Colorado students chose the current were also part of the genocide in Darfur. One group. Duchesne student spent an by MATTHEW R. HAUCK Four jam packed days of I walked through the line holding my mother’s hand entire school day with a touring and anti-bias cur- With Fear and Pain that struck me poster board around her riculum challenge students Seeing the Black Smoke in the distance neck educating peers about to identify and face their I squeezed her hand tighter as we got closer the atrocities in Darfur. own biases and to take per- My mother sensing my Fear stroked my hand Other students promoted sonal responsibility for I was comforted by her gentle touch and her perfume and attended the April combating hate. The pro- I was pulled from her briskly by the Swastika Man 30th Darfur Rally. gram is based on several I was so scared and helpless and did what they said Omaha’s YLM deleassumptions; prejudice is It started to rain as I was stripped naked gates will continue their learned and can be My Star fell in the mud journey with a generous Community unlearned; individuals have I looked and saw the Black Smoke floating endlessly into the air Omaha the power to change I felt the rain hit my skin and shivered more Foundation Youth in things; people share com- Fear surged through me Philanthropy grant which mon values, feelings, hopes I caught a glimpse of my mother as she was taken into the building allows the students to and dreams; and that peo- with the Black Smoke rising and floating endlessly attend a week long playwriting conference. The ple should be recognized The Swastika Man gave me clothes that stunk of Sweat and Blood goal of the week is to write and respected regardless of and not of my mother’s perfume a play on bullying and prejtheir differences. I huddled around more people who were just as scared as I udice and to perform the YLM is built around the Fear bound us together play at the ADL’s annual students’ day at the U.S. My mother hadn’t shown Prejudice Elimination Holocaust Memorial I was worried Workshop this November. Museum. “The mission I didn’t feel her gentle touch Millard North student provided students with a I was worried Michael Lin, concluded, powerful learning opportu- I didn’t smell her perfume “As I look back on the nity that reaches beyond the I frantically began to ask if anyone knew where my mother was experience, I realize that classroom. Students were I asked several people if they knew who she was and where she was we were not a special or confronted with research After several hours of Fear and Pain of not finding my mother and artifacts that brings the The Black Smoke still rose from the building elite group that no one scope and importance of I finally asked the Swastika Man could emulate, but rather the Holocaust to life. The He laughed sinisterly, pointed behind him, and walked away with a we were ordinary kids who mission cements what was wanted to make something malicious smirk on his face that matched the tilt of his hat learned into permanent I looked and began to cry special. Any group or peomemory to ensure that we I fell to my knees ple who desire to love never forget,” says Mel The Swastika Man had pointed to the building that I last saw my instead of hate and are willing to accept others Clancy, Chaperone, past mother being pulled into OPS principal, UNO pro- The building with the Black Smoke that never stopped rising ... and ... regardless of their beliefs can make it happen. We fessor and YLM floating ... endlessly. can start anywhere as long Chaperone. Upon returning from Washington D.C., delegates design as we care and respect the people around us.” Applications for next year’s Robert B. Sturm’s Youth and present a project inspired by the lessons learned on the trip. Matthew, known as Matt, was inspired to write his Leadership Mission will be available in October. The Youth moving poem after learning about Frannie Fritz at the Leadership Mission is made possible with grants from forMuseum. Students prepared slide show presentations, artis- mer Omahan and Westside High School graduate, Robert tic interpretations, poems, collages and scrapbooks that are B. Sturm of Colorado. “Bob’s donation has a rippling effect beginning with the presented to their YLM peers and their and school com40 students and multiplying exponentially with every life munity. A Central High School student created a six-foot work- touched and every prejudice challenged by each YLM stuing fountain constructed with barbed wire, cement and a dent’s powerful message of hope and unity,” according to rusted pail representing a milk can that was used to hide a Jordana Glazer, staff for the ADL’s Youth Leadership journal and communications in the Warsaw Ghetto. All of Mission.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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by ELLIE KRASNE Federation Intern The Jewish Federation will kick off “Opportunity Omaha, It’s More Than Just a Job” on Friday, June 9, 6 p.m., at the JCC. All Jewish college students are invited to join us for dinner, Kabbalat Shabbat and to learn more about Opportunity Omaha’s summer schedule. Following dinner, participants will be entertained by “Jews Line is it Anyway?”, a spoof of the popular TV show Who’s Line is it Anyway? Dr. Toby Schonfeld of UNMC will explain the mitzvah projects that the college students will get to plan and implement throughout the summer. Each team of students will work together on the project of their choice, with options ranging from volunteering with the Humane Society to
helping with Shabbat services at the Blumkin Home. “We are really pleased about Opportunity Omaha,” said Janie Murow, Federation Community Development Director. “The committee has put together some wonderful programming designed to help our college students get to know Omaha and our Jewish community in exciting new ways. The first event will be a great start to a summer filled with learning and fun.” Jonathan Rathsam, Robert Mosenkis and Uri Levin have coordinated the program. This is the first of many events planned to introduce students to Judaic, cultural, social and business aspects of the Omaha Jewish community. It’s free to all Jewish college students. Please RSVP to 334.6461, or e-mail at ekrasne@jewishomaha.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 2, 2006
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Continued from page 1 business aptitude makes him a very special person and the JCC runs so well because of his expertise. The ‘J’ is what it is today because of him.” With a strong membership program, the JCC has been able to eliminate the non-member programs, giving members value for their dues. “We found that by having a price differential, it was undermining our recruitment of potential members,’ he said. “Non-members weren’t paying their fair share of overall costs so we asked ourselves, ‘What are we doing to serve our members if 80% of a class is comprised of non-members?’” By closing programs and classes to members only, the JCC has been able to grow and stay competitive. “That’s an important quality that enables the JCC to operate efficiently,” he added. And that brings up his passion about the ‘J’ operating as a business model. “It takes a strong board to focus on what’s important,” he insists, “instead of reacting to every demand.” Aizenberg gives former JCC board member Nelson Gordman credit for introducing him to the recruitment and leadership training techniques of SRI, a Lincolnbased company that purchased Gallup. Using Gallup’s tools, Aizenberg says he is able to bring out the talents of each employee, beyond what the job description demands. “The Gallup tests help each employee discover strengths, which can be used by their supervisors to help them excel,” he said. Computerization also has enabled the JCC to become more efficient. More than 60% of its members pay annual dues and program fees (such as CDC, camp, and classes) by automatic monthly bank withdrawals; the rest pay by credit card, or up front by check. Aizenberg noted that “computerization and payment via the internet has eliminated the need for repeated monthly billings and mailings and the annoyance of collections.” The JCC has an 87% retention rate, making it the envy of JCCs around the country. In addition to registering and paying for classes online, members can make donations and even view photos from recent events. That’s one of the ways Uri Levin, the JCC’s first-ever year ’round Israeli shaliach, will be able to communicate with parents of the 25 teens participating in this summer’s ARTZA trip to Israel. The shaliach program was initiated two years ago, enabling the JCC to hire a young man who has become popular not only with teens, but with adults in the community. Levin has served as a sort of outreach professional to the synagogues and youth groups, hosting Hebrew clubs, attracting unaffiliated teens to the ‘J’, and serving as a role model to those who have never met an Israeli. “Because this business model has allowed us to significantly improve the JCC’s efficiency and keep us on a sound footing, we’ve been able to concentrate on upgrading our Jewish programming as well,” Aizenberg said. In recent years, programs such as “Live from the 92nd Street Y” have brought world-class speakers into the JCC’s theatre through real time satellite broadcasts.
So what’s in store for the next decade? Aizenberg hopes that members’ cards will contain a chip similar to the kind used by college students. “Members would be able to pay for classes, massages, products, even food, with a swipe of the card,” he said. A project to remodel and overhaul the 32-year-old outdoor pool area also has been on the drawing board. And Aizenberg wants to find more meaningful roles for lay leaders. “The more professional we’ve become, the less the need for volunteers to be involved in day-to-day operations,” he noted. “In cities where the JCC is a separate 501(c)(3), its board sets policies and procedures, and is engaged in strategic planning, insurance issues and fundraising campaigns. Because we’re part of the Federation, they handle some of those functions.” He gives a lot of credit to this community for its generosity. Donors raised nearly $12 million to expand and remodel the JCC six years ago. “The Foundation has provided an incredible amount of support,” Aizenberg added. “I can’t think of one thing in 20 years that we haven’t been able to do because of the support of the Jewish Federation of Foundation.” Aizenberg insists he isn’t ready to spend all his time playing golf just yet. As an empty nester, (son Chris is married and works at the Funny Bone here in Omaha, while Aaron is completing law school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City), Aizenberg and his wife Susan (a published poet professor of creative writing at Creighton University) “think young.” He sometimes can’t believe it’s been 20 years since his arrival here, but gazes out on the fitness center and CDC built during his tenure and comments, “more than a renovation, this (facility) is a statement of our community’s pride that we could accomplish all this. We might be small, but no one should underestimate us.”
And Now for Some Real Home Improvement
Thanks to proceeds from the BILU-USY Purim Carnival last March and spearheaded by then-Youth Director Jamie Skog, Beth El’s teens were able to renovate the youth lounge, complete with colorful walls and new furniture. Showing their painting prowess are Effie Tsabari and Skog.
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Beth Israel and JFS in Partnership to Offer Two Parenting Workshops by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue As most any parent will attest, parenting can present you with some challenging moments. If you are interested in adding to your collection of parenting skills, consider attending two upcoming workshops for parents of young children. Beth Israel, in partnership with Jewish Family Service, Karen Gustafson will offer the free workshops on Sundays, June 11 and July 30, 10-11:30 a.m. “Working with Jewish Family Service to provide these parenting programs made absolute sense for us,” stated Beth Cohen, Beth Israel’s Executive Director. “We’re experiencing a resurgence of members with small children and have added a variety of programs to meet their needs. Since we received a grant from the Orthodox Union for our ‘Parents Are Teachers’ program, it was a perfect fit with some of the workshops done by JFS.” Parents can attend one or both of the programs. “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent” is the topic for June 11, while “Developmental Assets” is scheduled for July 30. Both workshops will be facilitated by Karen
Gustafson, a licensed therapist and parent instructor for Jewish Family Services. She was recently named Interim Director. She has worked with children and families for more than 20 years, has taught a variety of parenting programs, is the author of counseling articles for local publications and has a MS from UNO. Gustafson is also the mother of two. “We’re so pleased to offer parenting workshops facilitated by Karen,” said Cohen. “She does a fabulous job of explaining how to improve our parenting skills and draws from her own experiences as a mom to provide real examples of how a particular program has worked for her.” Manuals for each workshop will be made available at no charge to parents who make a reservation for the workshop one week prior to each session. Concurrent children’s activities will also be provided by reservation. The upcoming “Love and Logic” workshop will provide techniques based on the philosophy of raising kids with loving support, providing love before the consequences of their mistakes while still expecting kids to be respectful and accountable for their poor decisions. The program on June 11 will focus specifically on toddlers and preschoolers. Make your reservations with the office at 556.6288 or BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org. Non-members are welcome to attend.
June 2, 2006
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
BIRTH Jamie and Brian Nogg announce the birth of their son, Jordan Evan. Grandparents are Patty and Steve
Nogg, and Judy and Craig Goldford of St. Louis, MO.
Storytellers Spin Tales at Council Bluffs Synagogue Mother and daughter storytellers, Anna and Marcy Cotton, right, regaled the congregation at B’nai Israel in Council Bluffs last month with inspiring, meaningful and often amusing tales. The “Second-Friday-of-the-Month series of speakers, which began earlier this year, will return to the synagogue in the fall.
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 2, 2006
Why a Paid Internship is the Jewish Thing to Do If you’re a devotee of the New York Times, you probably read an op-ed on Tuesday about unpaid internships. The writer, Anya Kamenetz, notes that many of these college students really aren’t learning the value of work because, at the end of the day, there’s nothing to show for their labor except for (maybe) a college credit or two. Corporations, on the other hand, are getting indentured servants for the summer. They not only don’t have to pay fair market wages for their unpaid interns, they’re not paying taxes either. A recent Torah portion--Behar--teaches the lesson of paying a laborer at the end of his day’s work. Can we do no less? The Jewish community (at least in Omaha) operates the right way--the Jewish way. For the last six years, the Jewish Press has hired both high school and college students to fill a variety of internships. And they were all paid. Our high school interns not only received a check for each story they wrote, but were able to list the experience on their applications to college. Our college interns were paid a fair hourly wage and the Press was responsible for paying all taxes. We are able to do this thanks to funding over the years from a number of sources: the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, A Special Donoradvised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, the late Frances Batt, and
as part of the Press’ annual operating budget. We’ve had high school editorial student interns who wrote stories of interest to teens and their families, sales and marketing interns who assisted with advertising campaigns to potential clients, and, this summer, a college Editorial Intern, who’s writing stories for the New Year’s issue and other editions of the Press. Local students--both Jewish and nonJewish--obtained sales interships through joint programs with local universities, while others responded to ads in the Press. But the common thread among this diverse group is that they were committed to the job, because it is a real one. Each intern reports to a supervisor, who explains our expectations...and because they’re receiving a paycheck, these young people rise to the challenge. They fulfill their responsibilities to the Press knowing it’s important work they have to accomplish. Contrast that with the unpaid internships described in the Times. One young professional we know, who went back to school to earn a masters in graphic design was offered “lunch money” in lieu of a paycheck for her summer internship. She thought about asking them for a metro card for the New York subway, and realized it might be asking for too much. We don’t think that’s fair--either to these educated college students--or to the stockholders of these corporations who are not see-
ing a true picture of the cost of their company’s work force. The old adage...“You get what you pay for” seems to be true. According to the Career Services Department at Creighton University, 80% of college internships (in Omaha) are paid today. In Omaha, at least, we do the right thing--and both employer and employee are better off for it.
Why I’m Not Giving Up on Israel: Frustration on the Right, Cynicism on the Left Still Trumped by a Nation’s Ideals
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by JONATHAN S. TOBIN Last week columnist Joseph Farah told his readers on the Internet that “I give up on Israel.” Farah, founder of the popular conservative WorldNetDaily. com site, is, as he puts it, of “Arabic descent,” yet counts himself as one of “Israel’s staunchest supporters.” But Farah writes in a piece that has been widely circulated beyond his usual readership that he has had it with the Israelis because they have elected a leader whom he considers a “coward.” Farah has no use for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s “convergence” plan because he considers it a “compromise with evil,” which will create a terrorist state. This “suicidal” plan is, in his view, not merely wrongheaded, but a sin. “Israel has made the mistake many times throughout history of turning away from their God,” writes Farah. “Israel has made the mistake many times throughout history of putting faith in kings and men over the promises of Heaven.” Though critics of Olmert’s “convergence” plan have salient points to make about the consequences of withdrawal from Gaza, what comes through here the loudest is the tone of disgust with what Farah--and those who agree with him--consider to be Israel’s lack of fighting spirit. On the other side of the ideological spectrum, the continued rumblings of the socalled post-Zionists is also troubling. Those on the left who no longer believe in the justice of Israel’s cause have helped to fuel not only an academic assault on the Jewish state’s legitimacy, but have given cover to the campaigns to disinvest from firms that do business with Israel or to boycott Israeli scholars. Add these trends together, and you can paint a picture of trouble that has given heart to Israel’s foes and discouraged its friends. But for all of the gloom and doom you can
hear or read about Israel these days, there is a very different story that can be told. It’s something that I saw in a few different places while attending the International Conference of Jewish Newspaper Editors there earlier this month. It’s one of idealism and dedication to the country’s values. I saw it in a Jerusalem classroom run by the Jewish Agency for Israel, where I met five young immigrant soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Force. What the five had in common was the fact that none of them were considered Jewish under religious law, but all wanted desperately to be considered part of the Jewish people.
Israel has many problems, and there’s no guarantee that its leaders won’t be steering it into more trouble in the future. But if you look for them, you will find people who love their country, and who will not quit on it ... ‘Non-Jews’ Who Love Israel Enrolled in a special program of the Joint Institute for Conversion that seeks a consensus approach to the touchy issue of conversion, these kids were involved in an intensive program of learning about what Judaism and Jewish identity meant. For them, the complex permutations of the “Who is a Jew” controversy that has roiled Israel-Diaspora relations were very personal. Twenty-year-old Maya Nahor is an immigrant from Madrid, Spain. She had a Bat Mitzvah on a kibbutz, and always thought of herself as Jewish-- and left a country where she was told to hide her Jewish identity as soon as she could. But though she was eligible for citizenship under Israel’s Law of Return, she only learned that her status as the daughter of a non-Jewish woman did not make her halachically Jewish when she made aliyah. Undeterred, she joined Israel’s army, and is now working to “find my place” as a Jew in a country where she can “be Jewish.” Evgeny Shevlev is in the same predicament.
He came to Israel from Kiev seven years ago with his Jewish father and non-Jewish mother. Today, he serves in an elite IDF rescue unit. In Kiev, he was considered a Jew, but in Israel he’s classified as a non-Jew on his identity card. But his reaction to this ironic predicament isn’t bitterness because he loves Israel. “I want to feel as Jewish as my friends in the army,” he says. Even more, he adds, “I want my children to be Jewish. I live here. I would die for Israel.” The same was true of the other three members of the quintet. And despite the problems they faced as “non-Jews” from a religious bureaucracy that still contests the program to give them the Jewish status they’re earning with their faith and service, there was no quit in any of them. Their uniforms testified to their willingness, unlike some Diaspora kibitzers, to give their all for it. In the Negev Desert, next to a moshav called Ashalim, some 45 minutes south of Beersheva, I met another group of idealists. They were “pioneers” at a student village called Kfar Adiel. Built by young Israelis who want to recapture the spirit that created this country, it’s part of the nation’s plan to plant more Jewish life in the Negev. Rather than take off traveling the world after their army service, these Israeli kids are creating a new community. But instead of laboring on the land, they are giving of themselves. Theirs is a pioneering spirit of social activism that seeks to heal as well to build. Each of the participants in the Ayalim movement receive college scholarships in exchange for community service with children-at-risk in Jewish development towns in the south, as well as in Bedouin villages. There was no quit in any of them either. Strength, Not Weakness Outside of Ashkelon, near the border of Gaza, I also found a different group equally dedicated to the country. Behind a gas station was a tent city where 120 former residents of Eleh Sinai lived. Eleh Sinai, part of the Gush Katif bloc of Gaza settlements, is no more, and now many of its Continued on page 13
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE or e-mail to: 68154-2198 jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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June 2, 2006
Become a ‘Kingdom of priests’ by Improving Jewish Education Through business scalability models-strategies to create widespread growth-it can become cost-effective over time to provide educational opportunities for all, by YOSEF I. ABRAMOWITZ including the children of interfaith famiNEWTON, MA, (JTA)--Shavuot cele- lies, and see the existing educational brates the giving of the Torah to the infrastructures, schools, synagogues, Jewish people, the entire Jewish people in JCCs and other institutions, as a backall generations. bone. While there are clearly many educationThere are many funders and institual successes in Jewish life that should be tions who are held back from embracing celebrated and supported, we must also aggressive outreach strategy due to quesacknowledge that there is room for tions of intermarrieds and their children. improvement in both quality and reach. The Jewish world can put this question to American Jewry, even with an estimat- rest by incorporating mikvah--the final ed $30 billion infrastructure--all the step of conversion--as part of the bar and buildings, land, budgets, staff, endow- bat mitzvah preparation. Through this ments, foundations and other assets--still type of creativity and dedication, we can has the highest attrition rate of any reli- end the split in world Jewry based on pergious group in the United States. sonal status in an era when one out of Most educational leaders and philan- every two children born into a Jewish thropists who have focused on Jewish home is coming from a home with a noneducation are only planning for modest, Jewish partner. incremental improvements rather than Through the mainstreaming of Jewish developing sweeping, national strategies. values in American culture--such as creatThis is for three reasons: First, there is ing an American Jewish music category no national vision of Jewish education to within the Grammys--we can reach every rally around. Second, there is a lack of Jewish person in the contexts of their confidence in the ability of the educa- existing secular lives and provide new tional systems to really change because of avenues for comfortable engagement. entrenched cultures. Third, there is a Through adapting some of the personlarge and growing gap between the to-person techniques of the rapidly growunderstanding of the philanthropists and ing Mormon and some fundamentalist planners and the actual, evolving market movements--like regular home visits from itself, meaning the milmentors and creations of ...there is no national vision small chavurot, or inforlion Jewish kids and their of Jewish education to rally households. mal, tight knit groups Achieving universal, around (and) there is a lack of within communities--we lifelong Jewish education confidence in the ability of the can strengthen Jewish life is attainable in a decade. educational systems to really in new ways and impact Pursuing this vision is in change because of entrenched millions. alignment with what cultures. After the 1990 National Shavuot is supposed to Jewish Population Survey inspire us to achieve. As we stood at demonstrated that nearly half of marSinai, God tells Moses that we are to riages involving a Jew are to a non-Jew, become “a kingdom of priests and a holy about $2 billion in new monies have been nation.” invested in the continuity agenda. The term “kingdom of priests” is revoDespite this unprecedented investment lutionary both for its time and in our day in Jewish education, the 2001 survey and as well. Coming out of Egypt, with a subsequent community surveys cannot priestly class that served the Pharaoh, easily demonstrate that communal efforts holiness and access to holiness was deeply have reversed or slowed any of the signifhierarchical. icant negative demographic and affiliaIn the emptiness of the wilderness of tion trends in Jewish life. This does not Sinai, God paints a different aspiration mean that excellent or creative work was for the Jewish people: that everyone has not done. Indeed, there was a flowering the potential and responsibility to be of innovation but it was in a thousand holy. separate gardens and not coordinated. A “kingdom of priests” can only be The Jewish people as a whole have not achieved by a democratization of knowl- been able to harvest productively our edge. And only once that is achieved, we best ideas and initiatives. We stand at a can then truly be a holy nation. We are new juncture in Jewish life, with even the first generation since the injunction at greater resources that are going to Sinai 3,500 years ago that can make qual- become available in the next decade. ity and diverse Jewish education available What are we going to be doing differentto all, not just to our own priestly classes. ly this time so that indeed Torah, in its Through mainstream database mining, broadest of terms, can be gifted to every every Jewish home can be identified. Jewish child and their family? Through new media strategies, every perThis Shavuot, let’s begin reframing the son and family can have a customized question in more systemic ways that will Jewish educational track created with truly impact the future of Jewish life. them. For example, the CEO of the Yosef I. Abramowitz, winner of the Jewish Education Service of North 2004 Covenant Award for Excellence in America, Jonathan Woocher, and I have Jewish Education, serves as CEO of developed a model of personal Jewish Jewish Family & Life! and blogs daily at educational concierges--online, by tele- www.Peoplehood.org. He serves as phone and face to face--who can work chair of the Koret International Jewish with each individual and family to find a Book Awards and executive editor of broad range of educational options. Sh’ma.
FOCUS ON ISSUES
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Why Israeli Arabs Are a Jewish Issue investigate those riots, concluded that the Israeli Arab issue “is the most sensitive and important domestic issue facing Israel today.” That commission and, indeed, common sense tell us that if the by KENNETH JACOBSON condition of Israeli Arabs continues to be and LARRY GARBER neglected, the consequences for the secuThe leadership of several major rity and stability of the state will be American Jewish organizations recently immense. Second, Israel’s treatment of its minoriestablished a task force to improve relations between Israeli Arabs and Israeli ty population is an issue of Jewish values. Jews and to address the disparities of Israel’s strength lies in its Jewish and demopportunity and discrimination con- ocratic nature. One characteristic without fronting Arabs in Israel. The task force the other would undermine the great comprises 50 Jewish organizations and country that means so much to all of us. These values, embodied in Israel’s aims to generate awareness among both North American Jews and Israelis, with Declaration of Independence, are the the aim of advancing civic equality in root of cohesion for a nation whose peoIsrael and, in certain cases, leveraging ple come from diverse backgrounds and financial resources to provide effective political ideologies. The fact that the Arab sector does not receive its fair share solutions for long-standing problems. With all the many issues on the agenda of state resources, and that not enough is of American Jewry and the complex char- being done to uproot pervasive societal acter of the Israeli Arab situation, it is rea- discrimination, are examples of Israel not sonable to ask why American Jews should meeting the principled aspirations that it has set for itself. bother. Treatment of underprivileged Third, addressing After all, the threats the issue will enhance to Israel’s security minorities is an issue in dozens of today are arguably countries; Israel can set an example Israel’s image in the world at-large and greater than they in how it addresses the problem. among Jews in Israel have been in some years. The Hamas victory, the nucleariza- and the Diaspora. Image is not a periphtion and even greater radicalization of eral matter but fundamental to Israel’s Iran, the continuing international assaults strategic interest. Of course, we are not on Israel’s good name and, here in the so naïve as to believe that addressing United States, the discourse about the Israeli Arab equality will turn around “Israel Lobby” resulting from the those in the world who engage in unreMearsheimer-Walt paper seemingly pro- lenting anti-Israel bashing. Many others, however, are more vide more than enough challenges to focus our attention. At the same time, ambivalent about Israel and what Israel one hears and reads about signs of funda- does can have impact, as was seen in the mentalism and radicalism among seg- reaction to its disengagement from Gaza. ments of the Israeli Arab community that Treatment of underprivileged minorities suggest a desire to challenge the Zionist is an issue in dozens of countries; Israel character of Israel and a willingness to can set an example in how it addresses the identify with Hamas, even as they eschew problem. Many American Jews, particularly those their terrorist means. None of those points can be ignored. who are unaffiliated, might open their There is, indeed, much on our plate. It is, eyes to the significance of an Israel that however, exactly because the internal and takes seriously the responsibility to realize external challenges for Israel are so great ideals of a Jewish and democratic state. that we believe our community must see And many in the United States and the issue of Israeli Arabs as one of around the world would welcome it as a model state that successfully internalizes immense and immediate importance. There are many reasons why. First, it is and synthesizes core values based on a in Israel’s strategic interest to address this combination of religious traditions and growing problem. During the past 58 contemporary human rights principles. Let us be clear: In calling for American years, Israel has constantly defended itself against enemies who have denied its legit- Jews to make this issue a priority, we are imacy. Calls for unity within the Israeli not saying that we should tell Israel what public, usually meaning its Jewish public, to do. We respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not underestimate the complexity of are sounded time and again. But what has existed and should not be its societal challenges. But American Jews do matter in the taken for granted is an Arab minority in Israel--about 20% of the population--that world Jewish community. As on other has, despite experiencing inequities and issues, when we pay attention, when we discrimination, remained loyal to the state. direct funding to certain projects, we We do not discount the examples of send an important signal about our priorIsraeli Arab violence or the provocative ities to Israelis of all backgrounds. To the many organizations participatcritiques of Israel emanating from some segments of Israel’s Arab community, but ing in this task force, this is a not a leftIsrael’s ability to confront extreme foes wing or right-wing issue. Rather, it is a committed to its destruction without hav- subject that Jews of whatever ideological ing to face conflict from within has been a stripe should consider important for the well-being of the Jewish state and our remarkable boon to the Jewish state. The riots by the Israeli Arab communi- own sense of identity. Kenneth Jacobson is Associate National ty in October 2000, however, signaled that there was no guarantee that the civil Director of the Anti-Defamation League. peace would last. The Or Commission, Larry Garber is Executive Director of the which was appointed by the state to New Israel Fund.
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
Why I’m Not GIving Up on Israel Continued from page 12 people wait for the government to give them permission to settle together somewhere else. When the time came to leave last summer, they marched out of their homes peacefully, carrying with them a memorial to one of their children who had been murdered by Palestinian terrorists.
But they weren’t giving up either. They hope to join Kibbutz Palmachim a few miles away from their old homes, where they will find themselves not far from Israel’s new front lines. Though still angry at the government, the sense of community spirit and sacrifice that animated both their protest and their desire to resettle elsewhere in Israel spoke vol-
umes about the nation’s strength, not its weakness. Israel has many problems, and there’s no guarantee that its leaders won’t be steering it into more trouble in the future. But if you look for them, you will find people who love their country, and who will not quit on it no matter what foolishness or hardship they are forced to
endure. As long as Israel is filled with such people, you won’t hear me giving up on it. Neither should Joseph Farah--or anyone else who cares about it. Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He can be reached via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 2, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, June 2, 8:34 p.m.
Synagogue Listings
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
B’nai Israel Synagogue
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
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
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.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 333 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 Minyan 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.tiferethlincoln.org
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Beth El will pay tribute to ‘minyannaires,’ who have regularly attended daily services during the past year; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El in honor of the minyannaires; Evening Service, 8:45 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SERVICES: SHAVUOT Friday, June 2, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m. BETH EL ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, June 4, 1 p.m. New board members and officers will be installed; outgoing members will be recognized. The Earl Siegel, Selwyn Roffman and President’s awards will be given, as well as the Sisterhood Teen Award. Preceding the meeting, a 12:30 p.m. congregational luncheon buffet will be served, sponsored by Morley, Charlotte and Jim Zipursky. K’TANTAN PLUS Our summertime program, led by Daniel Christensen, meets in the chapel from 10:45-11:45 a.m. This month’s sessions will be held, June 10 and 24. This program is open to children in grades K-6, and offers them opportunities to take active roles in leading Shabbat services, as well as the parasha discussion. For information, call Judy Rubin at 498.0904. LUNCH ’N LEARN Saturday, June 17, following Shabbat services, learn about the importance and how-to’s of advance directives, led by Toby Schonfeld, PhD. Cost to attend is $8 for adults; $5 for children 612; free for kids age five and younger. Babysitting will be provided free of charge. To RSVP, contact Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE A special occasion or one just for fun? If you can think it, We can write it Even under the gun!
Poems for all occasions
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Candle Lighting a specialty
402-932-8289 poetic.license@cox.net
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. FRIDAY–Shavuot: Shacharit, 9 a.m. A dairy kiddush is sponsored by Dr. Bonnie Bloch in appreciation of the support members gave her as President. Following Kiddush there will be a class,
UNVEILING A stone setting for the late Maury Katzman will be held Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m., at Golden Hill Cemetery, Rabbi Jonathan Gross will officiate.
“Build-a-Baby Workshop: The Ethics of Genetically Engineering Children.” At 7 p.m., “Advanced Talmud for Beginners: A Sophisticated Study of the Law of Parents.”; Honoring Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. S AT U R D AY – S h a v u o t : Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (contact the office for class schedule); Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; A dairy lunch follows kiddush. After lunch, there will be a program for elementary school-aged kids, “Kabbalah for Kids” and a concurrent women’s Megillah Class, “Female reading; Scholarship in Jewish History: Biblical Times to Present Day,” 7:30 p.m.; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:43 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv service time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat/ Shavout, 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.; 19th Annual Shavuot Family Celebration, 11 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service; Yiskor, 11 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Torah Studies-Journeys exploring the Book of Bamidbar (Numbers), 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Snacks, 6:15 p.m.; Early Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Louis Schreiber. TUESDAY: The Unitarian Church social action committee is touring the Douglas County Jail and has extended an invitation for Temple’s social action committee members and others to join them. They are meeting at 8:15 a.m. at the UU church to car pool and expect to be back in Lincoln by about 12:20 p.m. If you want to go, contact Barbara Kimberly at jbkimber_37@hotmail.com.
She needs to give a list of names to the jail director. No keys or purses can be taken into the jail THURSDAY: Saratoga School Food Distribution Program, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. The Social Action Committee encourages you to volunteer your time to help distribute food to those in need. The distribution takes place at Saratoga Elementary School on the second Thursday of each month. Sunday, June 11: Fiesta Auction, 5:30 p.m. This adultsonly evening will start with a cocktail party featuring a wide variety of appetizers and desserts. There will be a silent and live auction of items featuring the gifts and talents of Synagogue and Temple families. Need more Contact Amy information? Zlotsky at 423.9579 or az@neb. rr.com.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shavuot Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. SATURDAY: Shavuot Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shavuot and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Sean Bernstein, son of Rose and Stuart Bernstein, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. CHAI ARYEH SUNDAY, June 4, 5 p.m. at Champions Run. Join us as we celebrate 18 years in the partnership of Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and the Congregation of Temple Israel. Entertainment will be provided by “Jewda.” Cost is $18 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, free for children under age 5.
ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, June 7: Chant that Trope, noon-1 p.m. Raise your Jewish literacy with Cantor Wendy Shermet to a whole new level or use this as a refresher course. While this class is geared to adults, students studying for B’nai Mitzvah and teens are welcome too. Class requirement: ability to read prayer Hebrew. A familiarity with music is a plus but not required. Cost is $18. Contact Program Director Rosie Zweiback at 556.6536 to register.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Shavout, 8:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY, & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Services, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY, June 4: Annual Meeting, 4 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; “History of Jewish Philosophy” presented by Jean Cahan begins at 7:30 p.m. in the synagogue library. SCHOOL AUCTION The Lincoln Jewish Community School is having an adult only evening fundraiser for the school. There will be a silent and live auction and lots goodies to eat. It is being held Sunday, June 11, 5:30 p.m. at South Street Temple. Attend this fun event and also donate your services or items for the auction. For more information contact Amy Zlotsky at 423.9579. EDUCATION CLASSES Modern Israeli Conversational Hebrew on Sunday, June 4, and Thursday June 8, 7:30–9:30 p.m. and Sunday June 11, 1-3 p.m. taught by Rabbi Shaffin. Everyone is welcome, however, a knowledge of the aleph-bet, vowels, and an ability to read punctuated Hebrew is needed.
BAT MITZVAH Haley Michelle Gordman, daughter of Bridget and Kip Gordman, will become Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 10, at Temple Israel. Haley is a seventhgrade Superior Honor Roll student at Russell Middle School. Her interests include cheerleading, track, softball, cross-country, playing the piano and violin, reading and
snow skiing. For her mitzvah project, Haley helped out with bingo at Lakeside Retirement Home and performed additional activities. She has a sister, Mackenzy, and two brothers, Joho and Harley. Grandparents are Linda and Nelson Gordman, and Paula and J.William Gallup.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
June 2, 2006
The Gift of Torah
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Shavuot (Editor’s note: This column was previously published in the Jewish Press on May 17, 2002.) Jews have justifiably prided themselves that that they received the Torah and made it available for mankind. They never considered it the kind of gift that one cherishes for himself alone, the way a small child might do with a gift he has no intention of sharing. Perhaps it was self-preservation that motivated the sharing of Torah, for it is certainly better to live in a world where other people accept the same moral restrictions and ideals that we do. Jewish tradition put it that the Torah was given in the wilderness so that no one could claim it for his own. It was the ingenuity of the ancient rabbis that made Shavuot the Festival of Torah. In the Bible, it is simply a kind of closing to Passover. But the rabbis saw Israel standing at Sinai, with the moral fate of mankind in its hands. And they deduced that it was at Shavuot that Israel received the Torah and thus turned humanity in
the direction of morality. Jewish tradition has it that Moses received not merely the Ten Utterances, but the whole Bible and all of rabbinic literature, and all of the halakhic decisions to be made by capable scholars forever after. All of this was to be carried by oral tradition, generation after generation, and century after century, until each part was to become public in its appropriate time. In our own day, there is no dearth of conflict about the interpretation of the Torah. Conservative Jews (like me) allow themselves much more liberal interpretations than some Orthodox Jews who are (or say they are) horrified at treating the sacred text of Torah by standards and criteria they would use only for secular material. Conservative Jews have a (fairly) new translation and commentary called Etz Hayyim (edited by Rabbi Jules Harlow, guest rabbi at Beth El’s alternate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services for more than two decades). It replaces the long-used and excellent Hertz Humash, which did yeoman’s service over the years, but it is now obsolete and should be replaced in favor of Etz Hayyim. All of this implies that interpretation of the Torah may differ from generation to generation. Note well, however, that the famous and inimitable commentary of Rashi, dating from the 10th century, is always fresh and relevant. Indeed, Rashi’s commentary helped to make Torah relevant for every generation.
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DEATH MANNY KREITSTEIN Manfred (Manny) Kreitstein died at the age of 78. A graveside service was held May 30 at Golden Hill Cemetery. Kreitstein was smuggled out of Germany to Belgium and then Holland, finally winding up in a series of refugee camps in France. Plucked out of a children’s home in Vichy, Kreitstein was part of a contingent of 50 children allowed to enter the United States in 1941. Then-Federation Director Paul Veret visited the orphanage in Chicago and brought three boys, Kreitstein among them, back to Omaha, and placed him with Harry and Ida Weiner and Sarah Weiner before
being moved to the home of Sol and Shandel Nogg. In an interview in last year’s New Year’s issue of the Jewish Press, Joan K. Marcus quoted Kreitstein as saying, “They took care of me...like I was family.” A veteran of the Korean war, Kreitstein returned to Omaha where he worked for Hinky Dinky and then its credit union until he retired in 1994. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois. He is survived by his sister, Dora Baum; niece, Hanah Shiffelbrim; nephew, Sam Baum, New York; cousins, Lubeth Levin, Ernie and Shelly Shwidelson. Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue.
Orthodox Finalist on ‘Apprentice’ Hopes He’s the One Trump Hires by STEVEN I. WEISS NEW YORK (JTA)-Is Donald Trump good for the Jews? With his latest season of “The Apprentice” winding down, the answer seems to be “yes,” as an Orthodox Jewish reality show candidate is one of the two finalists on the show. Lee Bienstock, 23, would easily be the youngest apprentice hired by Trump if he wins in the live finale Monday. But he’ll likely be best known for his religious observance during the course of the 16-week show. Bienstock began the season with another Orthodox Jew in tow-Lee Bienstock appears on “The New Jersey’s Dan Brody. Apprentice.” Credit: NBC The two observed Rosh Hashanah together early in the season--missing the third episode’s task--but only Bienstock stayed in the show long enough to observe Yom Kippur, missing another task. While some of Bienstock’s teammates wanted his religious observance to get him fired from the show, Trump would not have it. When Bienstock was brought back to “the boardroom”--where Trump announces who from a given episode is fired--after the Yom Kippur episode, Trump told the team leader, “I think it’s terrible that you brought Lee back” to the boardroom as a potential fire for having missed the task due to religious observances and fired the team leader instead. Other elements of Bienstock’s religious observance didn’t make it into the show. For instance, the availability of kosher food in a special mini-fridge, and any other religious practices maintained by Bienstock. Now, with Bienstock one of only two contestants left, his family and friends are already celebrating. “They’re having a hometown party for him during the show, during the live show,” said his father, Mark Bienstock, in an interview with JTA. The Bienstocks’ Long Island home has hosted weekly watching parties with an “open door”--through which sometimes hundreds of attendees have passed. “Apprentice” parties are a weekly affair at Cornell University, where Bienstock graduated with a 4.0 two
years ago and at the University of Pennsylvania, where his brother Daniel is a junior. Bienstock grew up in the New York area, attending Orthodox schools until college. He graduated from the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway after spending his last two years of high school there, and was class president for much of his tenure at the Yeshiva of Flatbush from third through 10th grades. “He’s always been an outgoing kid, and he likes to be involved in many things,” said his father. In college, Bienstock served as an officer for Cornell’s Hillel. Bienstock’s gregariousness and loyalty are the characteristics most cited by friends, and have been a consistent theme in his success on the show. Trump has cited Bienstock’s loyalty approvingly, and fired two of the final four candidates for their lack of loyalty. Stories of praise from his friends often center around his willingness to literally go the extra mile for people. “One of our friends got stuck on the highway an hour outside of Cornell, so he just drove and picked her up and her stuff and drove her down to Washington,” recalled friend Adam Enbar, adding “he’s always there for you.” Other stories mention his work with the disadvantaged. Enbar worked with Bienstock at a counseling center for the mentally disabled. He says that because Bienstock has such an outgoing personality, the two would get jobs that involved interacting directly with the clients. Bienstock’s father recalled that when his son volunteered to teach math to inner-city public school students, he had each student read problems aloud. One student was reluctant to read. Eventually, Bienstock discovered that the student didn’t know how to read, so “for the rest of the year, Lee spent time with him teaching him.” Whether Bienstock will become the next apprentice will in large part depend on his performance in the finale, and the blog that has tracked his progress, Orthodox Apprentice--http://orthodoxapprentice. blogspot.com-- isn’t optimistic so far. “Lee appears to have a very weak team,” the blogger wrote. “In meetings with the executives, they show no creativity, few ideas, minimal teamwork and no leadership.” Family and friends are urging fans to vote for Bienstock on the Internet in NBC’s poll, which Trump has indicated he’ll take into account in his decision. They’ve set up a website for the task, www.voteforlee.com.
REF#P1011
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 2, 2006
AIPAC Speaker Says U.S. Must Remain Tough on Hamas by GARY JAVITCH Special to the Jewish Press The former Arab affairs correspondent for Israel Public Radio pulled no punches while painting a grim picture of unfolding events in Gaza at the recent annual meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The reporter’s goal for the evening was to give his audience an update on Hamas and offer other political insights. “Hamas,” the reporter said, “can only be seen as what they are: an organization dedicated to the destruction of Israel.” Avi Issacharoff spoke before an AIPAC crowd of more than 50 at the Ironwood Country Club and described the deteriorating situation the Palestinian Authority faces. Following their election triumph in January, the new Hamas-led government began to deal with harsh realities. One such reality is the internal strife with the now minority Fatah party of the late terrorist Yasser Arafat. Issacharoff referred to frequent gun battles between rival Hamas and Fatah forces, depicting an internecine conflict that now verges close to civil war. Another consequence evolves out of Hamas’ persistent refusal to renounce terrorism, recognize Israel and commit to honoring former agreements to follow the roadmap for peace. Because of their continued intransigence in those areas, the U.S., the European Union and Israel are withholding funding from the PA until they change their policy. Without money, Hamas cannot pay their civil servants, in particular. Besides the dire political and financial situation in which the Palestinians placed themselves, Issacharoff, currently working on a master’s degree in Middle
Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University, also talked about the catastrophic economic situation in which the Palestinians find themselves. “The unemployment
Gail Veitzer chats with Ha’aretz reporter Avi Issacharoff at the recent AIPAC event. rate for the Gazans is nearly 50% and 70% of the residents live below the poverty line.” He added that “The average wage was less than $350 monthly.” Issacharoff, fluent in Arabic and Hebrew, spoke English with just a slight accent. According to the press materials, Issacharoff has often gone “alone and unprotected deep into the most dangerous Palestinian refugee camps and villages throughout the West Bank to bring Israelis the voices and words of everyone from terrorist leaders to PA officials.” His reporting skills have earned him awards for reporting and he “has been granted unprecedented access to sources on both sides of the conflict. Avi’s groundbreaking and insightful reports have placed his own life in jeopardy at times, but he has not wavered from his assignment.” Thus he can “provide his
audience[s] with up-to-the minute perspective on what is happening on the ground inside the Palestinian Authority.” Issacharoff continued, noting that Hamas seemed unfazed by all that is going on and hammers away at almost every possible public photo opportunity about its opposition to Israel. Issacharoff posited that Hamas believes that the Iranian model is the right way to go. Be defiant. Hope that the West will break and won’t [stand firm and] punish them. Following this line of thinking, Hamas feels that eventually some in the Quartet (The U.S., the EU, the UN and Russia) will lose their resolve, and will send money for salaries and more. At the same time Issacharoff notes that Hamas will continue confronting Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazzan on all issues. Still, according to Issacharoff, despite the turmoil, the Palestinian people are not yet fed up with Hamas. Their grip seems stronger. He has seen bigger parades and demonstrations. The people unite around them, citing the Zionists as the enemy. Why? Ignorance? Perhaps they are looking for easier answers, he suggested. When he visited the Palestinian areas, he saw that despair was changing Palestinian society; it was not secular anymore; he saw more veils on female faces-and gloves and long dresses. Also gone were the alcohol shops, and the underwear shops were hidden. Even worse, al-Qaeda has penetrated Gaza, he told us; DVDs of their preaching are being sold. This puts pressure on Hamas as they don’t want to lose preeminence because of al-Qaeda’s appeal.” In the face of this, he urged a very
strong U.S. response. He said, “U.S. pressure must continue.” America has to find a way to punish Hamas in some way. With his emphasis on a hard line, he elucidated the greatest challenge for America: the delicacy and the intricacy of the role that the U.S. must play. “All this change,” cautioned Issacharoff, “must come from inside.” Reflecting on the enormous sensitivity of the situation, he pointed out that if it appeared that change resulted from U.S.-Israel pressure, the Palestinian population might be pushed toward al-Qaeda, inviting an even stronger al-Qaeda presence. He thought, “It might even be easier to make a peace with Hamas. Fatah, after all, when President Abbas had ‘more control,’ was ineffective in halting terrorism or in negotiating peace.” Then, regarding another axis of evil, Issacharoff also noted that “America must be firmer on Iran. They must unite the Allies or the future might be dark for Israel.” His country “will need to make some difficult choices,” he concluded. In his introductory remarks urging all to join AIPAC--whom some consider among the top lobbying groups in America--Nebraska board member Jerry Slusky told how impressed he was by the power and effectiveness of the organization and related how at a banquet a large number of “name brand senators [among many others] came to learn about Israel.” Also in attendance were representatives of both incumbent Sen. Ben Nelson and Pete Ricketts, his opponent in the November general election, and City Councilman Chuck Sigerson, an AIPAC member. Michael Miller, Co-chair of the Nebraska AIPAC Council, introduced the guest speaker.
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