Vol. LXXXVI No. 40 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Hamas’ takeover in Gaza: Here’s what may lie ahead by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA) -- The internecine violence between Hamas and Fatah has escalated into what some are calling a civil war. It’s a battle not only for control of the Palestinian Authority, but more significantly over ideology and the future disposition of a Palestinian state. Will it be secular and pragmatic, or rigidly Islamist in the vein of the Taliban? Though Hamas won elections in January 2006, its efforts to govern have been compromised by international sanctions against the Palestinian government. These sanctions resulted from Hamas’ refusal to recHamas military members ride a captured Fatah armored personnel carrier during a celeognize Israel and abide by Credit: Ismail Khateb/BPH Images/JTA bration rally June 15, 2007, in Gaza City. previous agreements. That has led to mounting frustration, exacerbated by out- ahead for the Palestinian groups, Israel and the region. What’s at stake? siders like Iran, whose meddling in Gaza is said to be on Middle East experts are broadly in agreement that the the rise. “Hamas was frustrated because it was denied its victo- stakes are significant. If Hamas’ victory in Gaza turns out ry,” said Gidi Grinstein of the Re’ut Institute. “It won to be total, it will signify the end of efforts to bring about in the elections. It won in the ballot. But it wasn’t a genuine and comprehensive settlement with Israel. For all the faults of the Fatah leadership under allowed to govern.” With Hamas virtually taking over the Gaza Strip after President Mahmoud Abbas, some sort of accommodaa week of bloody violence between the P.A. partners, tion with Israel remained a possibility. But with Hamas, here are some questions and answers about what may lie Continued on page 3
JCC has much to celebrate at final board meeting by LISA SHKOLNICK JCC Associate Executive Director Earlier this month, the Jewish Community Center held its “end of the year” Board Meeting. It’s something special to Center members and staff, as many individuals who have excelled in volunteer or staff tasks or accomplished great achievements at the JCC were honored. Recognition included the JCC Volunteer of the Year, Left: Gary D. Epstein, Immediate Past President, left, JCC Athletic Director Bob Franzese, the Eileen S. Erman teen athlete Justin Jacobson, and Michael Miller, JCC President, celebrate the achievements Educator of the Year, the of JCC staff and volunteers. Right: Gady Tene was named JCC Volunteer of the Year. In addition, seven JCC staff celebrated their five, 10, Jewish Athletic Wall of Fame inductees, the Jewish High School Athletes of the Year, and the Isadore “Boggy” and 20 year anniversaries with the Center. Mike Collier, JCC Campus Manager is celebrating his 20th year, and Bogdanoff All-JCC Maccabi Team Award. Bettie Adams, CDC teacher who is retiring, has worked for 20 years at the CDC. JCC President, Michael W. Miller announced the first of several awards, including the Volunteer of the Year Award. Presented to Gady Tene for his leadership as the Jewish Arts Festival Coordinator for the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Jewish Arts Festival held this past April, Tene personally reached out to more than 100 vendors throughout the Midwest and Omaha. Through an application process, Tene led the effort in selecting some of the finest art vendors in the area. His ShirTal Jewelry was among the vendors, representing outstanding Israeli Jeffrey Aizenberg, JCC executive director, congratulates jewelers and artists. Mike Collier on his 20th anniversary as Campus Manager. Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
This Week: Film review on The Might Heart: Page 7 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Blumkin Home honors its volunteers: Page 2
6 Tamuz, 5767 June 22, 2007
Blumkin Home “Answer the Call-Telethon” fund drive set for next month by OZZIE NOGG A group of volunteers from the Jewish Senior Services Board and L.O.V.E. will man the phones on July 2, 5, 10 and 11 during the “Answer The Call” Telethon for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s New Beginning Community Campaign. The Telethon follows a letter mailed to the community in which the goals of the fund drive and its current status were explained. A pledge card was included with the letter, for those who prefer to make a gift before the Telethon. “The quality of life of so many people -- today and tomorrow -- will be determined by the success of the Community Campaign,” said Joanie Jacobson. “Millions have been raised in seed money, and hundreds attended the community forums, captivated by a virtual tour of the new Home. So why is the telethon so important? Because it’s the response to the community letter and the telethon that can put us over the top.” Joanie, her husband Richard Jacobson, along with Sandy and Paul Epstein, are Campaign Chairmen.
Harry Alloy, his daughter Wendy Manvitz and Kathy Wiener practice their calls in anticipation of next month’s telethon. According to Richard Jacobson, “We can guarantee ourselves a first-class facility if we ‘Answer the Call’ and contribute generously when a telethon volunteer phones and asks you to contribute to a ‘New Beginning’ for the Home. The suggested amount on the pledge card is twice the combined family gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha,” he said. “You can contribute stocks, bonds, through a personal fund. And the good news is, pledges are payable over three years.” Federation Foundation Director, Marty Ricks, offered another donation option. “Contributors who are 701/2 or older in 2007 and hold significant assets in their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) should consider taking advantage of a one-time opportunity to save considerable income and estate taxes by transferring money from their IRA directly to the Jewish Federation/Blumkin Home Capital Campaign,” he explained. More information is available by calling Ricks at 334.6440 or Federation Controller David Kampschneider at 334.6438. “This is your chance to be part of this fantastic community effort,” Sandy Epstein said. “This is my Home. This is your Home. The ‘New Beginning’ impacts each and every one of us, and every dollar helps make it a reality. Contact us before we contact you. Make it your mitzvah.” Continued on page 2
Don’t forget to enter the Jewish Press contest at: www.jewishomaha.org (click on ‘Jewish Press’) for a chance to win a Grandparents’ membership to the Omaha Children’s Museum!
Coming Next Month: Health & Wellness on July 13 Despite setbacks, love flourishes: Page 5
Funders look at damage and progress in Israel: Page 12