July 29, 2016

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

One Jewish Heart

JU L Y 2 9 , 2 0 1 6 | 2 3 T AMMU Z 5 7 7 6 | V O L . 9 6 | NO . 4 6 | C A nd leli g h ti ng | FRID AY , JU L Y 2 9 , 8 : 2 6 P. M.

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Annette vAn de KAMp-Wright Editor of the Jewish Press here is no doubt that a visit to Israel can, and usually does, have tremendous impact. This was obvious during the recent Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project’s MOMentum trip, when 10 Omaha women joined a total of 400 women for this experience. Under the guidance of Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects Louri Sullivan, the Omaha delegation traveled around, studied, danced and were inspired by the expert programming JWRP offered.

The itinerary included two nights in Tiberias

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SponSored By the BenjAMin And AnnA e. WieSMAn FAMily endoWMent Fund

and six nights in Jerusalem. We visited a Mikvah in Tzfat, Independence Hall in Tel Aviv and the Bet Elazraki Children’s Home. We celebrated Shabbat with 400 women in one room and welcomed Havdalah on the roof of the Aish HaTorah building, overlooking the Kotel. In addition to the programming, there were study sessions and lectures, allowing participants to put their experiences in context and grow their Jewish souls.

The trip was a great success, but what is equally important is what the participants bring

home to their families and to their community.

For that reason, we will be publishing profiles.

That way Jewish Press readers can get to know all of us a little better over the next few months.

As one of the presenters said (and I’m paraphrasing): “We are all different, and we each have our individual Jewish Journey. But we all share one Jewish heart.”

See more photos on pages 6 and 7.

TiYPE’s past, present, and future page 5

Israel’s right-wing laws page 12

August programs are hot

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

8 10 11

ozzie nogg Mainstreeters never run out of fun ideas to fill your calendar.

Check out these August events.

Community Concert with Bill Chrastil: Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 1:30 p.m. in the Silverman Auditorium at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Sponsored by Jewish Social Services, there is no admission fee.

Everyone is welcome. An awardwinning Branson, Missouri entertainer, multi-talented Bill Chrastil has been captivating audiences for over 30 years. A musician, songwriter, producer, and skilled instrumentalist, his high-energy performances salute music legends Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee

Bill Chrastil brings his not-to-be-missed, high-energy show back to Mainstreeters in August.

Lewis, Buddy Holly, Tom Jones and more. One of Mainstreeters’ most popular programs, we book Bill whenever he’s in town from Branson. Bill creates spectacular experiences you do not want to miss. Free ice cream sundaes with all the trimmings follows the concert. If you have questions, please call Mary Heiman at 402.334.6531.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Werner Park. Omaha Storm Chasers vs.

See Mainstreeters page 2

My Broken Doll: The play

donnA WAlter Education Coordinator, Institute for Holocaust Education In 2014 the book, My Broken Doll: A Memoir of Survival of the Vichy Regime was first published.

As cover states: “By Bea Karp as told to Deborah Pappenheimer.”

Deborah, Bea’s daughter, interviewed her mother over several years.

The Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) and The Circle Theatre are proud to announce that the book is now a play. Ernie Nolan, a Chicago based playwright, was commissioned to adapt the book into a play. Fran Sillau, a well-respected member of the Omaha theater community and Artistic Director of The Circle Theatre, is directing the production. Fran was the driving force for telling Bea’s story in play form and an invaluable resource connecting us with Ernie Nolan. Bea and her family, along with Fran Sillau and the IHE, were involved in reviewing and editing the vari-

ous drafts of the play.

My Broken Doll is a 35 minute play designed to be performed in a single class period in schools. The brevity of the play allows time for follow-up discussion. The play is very travel friendly, with a cast of three and a minimalistic set design. Some cast members play more than one role.

During the 2016-2017 school year, the play will travel to approximately 12 different schools across Nebraska. Educational materials will be provided to those schools for pre - and post-lessons. The play will be performed in the metro area as well as in areas of the state where special opportunities for Holocaust education may be limited.

Bringing Bea Karp’s story to life on the stage provides yet another lens through which students may examine and learn from the Holocaust. Students will witness Bea’s story in dramatic form and gain a better understanding of the events See My Broken doll page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016

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Sandy nogg JFS Assistance Coordinator It feels like mid-summer and already it is time to get ready for school. For the third year, Jewish Family Service is providing funds to buy school supplies and/or school clothes for 18 children from 10 families who would be financially strapped to obtain these things which many of us take for granted. Due to job loss, medical expenses, and a myriad other issues leaving families short of funds, JFS can assist these families with their back to school needs. You may have children of school age, or you may remember the excitement of get-

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ting new things for the school year. That excitement has not changed, and seeing these kids get to pick out their new school supplies is wonderful. Their parents are most appreciative, as noted on the day they shop, through phone calls, emails, and thank you notes.

This program can be provided thanks to Jewish Family Service’s generous donors and friends. Please know that through your thoughtful giving, many children proudly go toward the future with new school supplies for the 2016-17 school year. If you would be interested in sponsoring a child or children, please call Sandy Nogg, 402.334.6493.

As we have stated in previous articles, Jewish Family Service does Project Dreidel for Chunakah to provide gifts for children in families who can provide the essentials but might not be unable to provide those special Chanukah gift wishes of their children. Last

year we served 21 families with 36 kids. Community members can sponsor a family, or a parent and child, or a child. Sponsors can receive a wish list and shop for the family or child, or they can donate a sum and JFS volunteers will do the shopping, or a general donation toward this project can be made. There are many options available and we hope you will join us in November for this project. Once again, Sandy Nogg, 402.334.6493, should be contacted by nov. 21, for those interested in sponsoring Project Dreidel.

to Jewish Social Services and send reservation with full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154

denizens in the world of high finance who predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight. The Big Short was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Bale, and won in the category of Best Adapted Screenplay. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli in the Rose Blumkin Home Auditorium before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m. For questions call Maggie Conti.

Mainstreeters welcome all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed-bag of social events and learning opportunities that give participants the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, take part in new activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest.

Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, said “Mainstreeters continues to offer diverse programs every month, and we invite community members to join the August excitement.”

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Continued from page 1 Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Game begins at 7:05 p.m. Special group rate is $12 per ticket. Take advantage of the free transportation sponsored by Jewish Social Services. Depart from the JCC at 6:15 p.m. and return to the JCC by approximately 10 p.m. Dinner is on your own. Werner Park has seven permanent concession stands and plenty of portable concession kiosks throughout the ballpark. These stands offer a wide assortment of fan favorites like Hebrew National hot dogs, nachos, Valentino’s pizza, La Mesa Mexican restaurant, Omaha Steaks burgers, popcorn and soda.

Reservations for the game appreciated

by Wednesday, July 27. Make Checks payable to Jewish Social Services. Send Reservation with full payment to: Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

For additional information, call Harry Alloy at 402.697.8709. What a fun night this will be!

Lunch with Alan Potash, CEO Jewish Federation of Omaha: Monday, Aug. 15, at 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium.

You’ll want to hear Alan share information about the upcoming Community Study designed to understand the demographic, social and Jewish characteristics and needs of the Jewish population in Omaha. Alan likes to call it a “Who we are and what does our future look like” study. You’ll want to hear Alan’s presentation. For lunch choose either Broccoli Swiss Quiche or Panko Crusted Cod, served with corn chowder, roasted baby red potatoes, melon garnish, plus Banana Crean Pie for dessert along with a beverage of your choice. Cost is $10 a plate. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Aug. 8. Make check payable

Join Us at the Movies: The Big Short. Friday, Aug. 26, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. No charge for the film or for unlimited bags of fresh, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a pal. Featuring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, the film follows four

My Broken Doll

Continued from page 1 and emotions during the Holocaust.

Through watching My Broken Doll, we hope that students will learn to celebrate differences and recognize commonalities. By doing this, they will be citizens of the world who treat others with dignity and respect.

The entire Omaha community is invited to attend the premier per-

formances of My Broken Doll at the JCC Theater on Aug. 18 (7 p.m.) and Aug. 21 (3 p.m.). Tickets may be purchased online at www.ihene.org Questions? Contact the IHE at 402.334.6447.

The play was made possible by funding from the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment and Humanities Nebraska.

A

New President at Temple Israel

Now it is my turn to contribute to this congregation.

ScoTT LITTky Program Director, Temple Israel I lived away from Omaha for 18 years, and I was alt this year’s 145th Annual Meeting, ways looking for a congregation just like Temple Israel.

Rosie Zweiback was installed as Presi- I never found anything even close. When my husband dent of Temple Israel. She follows Dr. Mace Hack and I returned to Omaha in 2000 with our Michael Halsted who will now serve as three kids, I couldn’t wait to join Temple. It has exPast-President. Ms. Zweiback becomes ceeded my expectations as we have found community President at a very exciting point here, and our kids have a very in the history of Temple Israel. strong Jewish identity.

Ms. Zweiback enters her presAt the installation of our new idency with a lifetime of involveBoard of Trustees, I read the ment in Temple Israel and the names in the program of the greater Omaha community. In Presidents who preceded me as high school she served as both a far back as 1871, and I was Temple Israel youth group officer awestruck by the history of our and as a regional officer as Westcongregation. I am proud to add ern President. She attended my name to the list. seven summers of Jewish camp When I was asked to be Presiat Esther K. Newman and Shwaydent elect back in 2014, I was der and then worked for two told that my Presidency would summers as a camp counselor. coincide with the arrival of our Professionally, Ms. Zweiback new senior rabbi. That is not exworked as the program director actly how it has unfolded! During at Temple Israel for seven years. my tenure, I will welcome three Rosie Zweiback Currently, she is employed fullnew rabbis to Temple: our intime at UNMC as a program evaluator for programs terim Rabbi Crystal, our assistant Rabbi Sussman and that serve at risk young children. For the last 12 years our next senior rabbi who we are searching for right she has been a member of the Westside School Board. now. Assisting our new clergy in meeting the congreMs. Zweiback has been on the Board of Trustees of gation and being successful leaders is one of my top priTemple Israel for many years and last served on the orities. I would also like to build more opportunities for executive level as President Elect. congregants to participate in synagogue life through When asked to explain what being President of Tem- committee work, volunteering and innovative programple Israel at this time means to her and what her goals ming. Our neighbors will be arriving soon on the Trifor the next two years would be, Ms. Zweiback stated: Faith campus, and this is an exciting development that “Being President of Temple Israel is a tremendous honor will engage our congregation in new ways. We are in a and responsibility. I have been an ardent congregant time of exciting transition and my goal is to support the since we first moved to Omaha in 1972 when I was Temple community in embracing change in a way that eight years old. The Temple leadership at that time is comfortable, positive and inclusive. made sure that we had a vibrant religious school, a For more information on all that Temple Israel has meaningful B’nai Mitzvah program, a compelling confir- to offer, please visit our website and templeisrael mation class and a strong youth group. I benefitted from omaha.com or contact, Scott Littky, Program Director all of it, and it made me a committed Jewish adult. at 402.556.6536.

The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016 | 3

The annual ADL Supreme Court review EmILy NEwmAN On July 6, the Omaha ADL office hosted its annual Supreme Court review. This event took place in the Omaha JCC auditorium; over 40 guests attended this year’s review. The review featured several scholars who commented on major cases and issues

being affected by the rulings of the cases, and how having one less judge has affected the outcomes of the rulings. The controversy regarding whether or not President Obama should put forth a new Justice despite coming to the end of his last term was also a key issue, with a unanimous conclu-

regarding the Supreme Court over the past year. The topic that was first and foremost in everyone’s mind was what has happened and what will happen to the Supreme Court after the unexpected death of Justice Scalia.

Important cases were dissected as well, including Edenwel v. Abbot, Fisher v. University of Texas, Frederick v. California Teachers Association, and United States v.

Texas. Other cases included were also Whole Women’s Health v. Hellersteadt and Zubik v. Burwell. A common theme throughout the discussion with the scholars was how civil rights have been and are

sion among the scholars being that he should indeed put forth a new Supreme Court Justice. It was stated that even though he only has a few months left, he is still the President of the States and it is still not only his right but his duty to put forth a candidate.

All of us at the Omaha ADL-CRC office wish to extend our gratitude for the fabulous turn out at this community event! We posted a photo of our full auditorium on twitter – and it was re-tweeted by the National ADL! Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at our future upcoming events.

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4 | The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016

calendar August 2016

All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the events.

FridAy, July 29 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH

sAturdAy, July 30 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

sundAy, July 31 Friedel Family Day at the Zoo, 9 a.m.

Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El Cooking/Serving at Stephen Center, 5:30 p.m. at 2723 Q St. Yachad Pool Party with Ollie Webb, 6 p.m.

MondAy, August 1 Federation Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH

WednesdAy, August 3 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon at RBJH Monthly Kids Learning Chabura, 3:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

thursdAy, August 4 Beth Israel Monthly Ladies Class, 7:30 p.m. at Jordana Kurtzman home Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Blumkin Home

FridAy, August 5 Beth El Tot Shabbat and Picnic at the “J”, 5:30 p.m.

Shabbat Service and Picnic, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel sAturdAy, August 6 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

sundAy, August 7 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Temple Israel Omaha Storm Chasers Game, 5 p.m.

Omaha Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m.

MondAy, August 8 JFO Employee Recognition Event, 10 a.m.

Jewish Press Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. tuesdAy, August 9 ADL Board Meeting, noon Omaha Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m.

WednesdAy, August 10 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH

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thursdAy, August 11 Women’s Class with Project SEED, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Yachad Yoga, 6:30 p.m.

Beth Israel Talmud Learning with Project SEED, 8 p.m. at Blumkin Home

tuesdAy, August 16 Omaha Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel

FridAy, August 12 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH

thursdAy, August 18 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Bea Karp’s Play, My Broken Doll, 7 p.m.

Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Blumkin Home

sAturdAy, August 13 Temple Israel OTYG Retreat Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El sundAy, August 14 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Tri-Faith Picnic, noon at Countryside Community Church Musical Theater Auditions A Kidsummer Night’s Dream for Adults, 1 p.m. and for 8-18yrs old, 2:30 p.m.

YJO Pool Party/Back to School, 6 p.m. at Broadmoor Hills Omaha Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m.

MondAy, August 15 Mainstreeters Lunch, 11 a.m. at RBJH ADL Meeting, noon Temple Israel Golf Outing, noon at Shadow Ridge Country Club Friedel Back to School Picnic, 5 p.m.

WednesdAy, August 17 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH

FridAy, August 19 Yachad - Weekend Camp at Mahoney State Park Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Temple Israel TiYPE Program, 7 p.m. sAturdAy, August 20 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 1 0:45 a.m. at Beth El sundAy, August 21 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El LOVE Game Day, 10 a.m.

Book Club, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Tots Sunday, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Bea Karp’s Play, My Broken Doll, 3:30 p.m.

Backyard Concert Series, 5 p.m.

Omaha Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m.

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tuesdAy, August 23 JSS Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH WednesdAy, August 24 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel thursdAy, August 25 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Yachad Yoga, 6:30 p.m.

Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Blumkin Home FridAy, August 26 Temple Israel Youth - LTI in Kansas City thru Aug. 28 Beth El Serves Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m. at 2723 Q St. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Mainstreeters Movie, 1 p.m. sAturdAy, August 27 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

sundAy, August 28 Blood Drive, 8 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel TED Talk, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Performing Arts Academy Acting Class, 2 p.m.

Backyard Concert Series, 5 p.m.

YJO Backyard Concert Series, 5 p.m.

Omaha Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m.

MondAy, August 29 Federation Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH tuesdAy, August 30 An Insider’s Guide to the High Holy Days, noon at Beth El WednesdAy, August 31 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 at Beth El An Insider’s Guide to the High Holy Days, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El Kehilla Cup Kick-Off, 6:30 p.m.

Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. Temple Israel

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The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016 | 5

community tiyPe’s past, present, and future

a

aliyah lasky Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement, Temple Israel nother exciting year begins for Temple Israel Young Adults! TiYPE, which is Temple Israel’s Young Professional Engagement is continuing their second year, with some very exciting upcoming programs and projects. First, our summer programs have been and will continue to roll in with great participation and enrichment of Jewish programming. Starting on June 26, we invited all of our college-age participants to kick off the summer with some good food and fun at the Embassy Park Apartments’ clubhouse.

This led into July, having all of our young adults 18+ at Stinson Park for a concert and to hang out with some old and new friends with TiYPE. As we start vamping up for the school year, we invite all of our young adults for our upcoming program at the Temple Israel Cemetery to participate in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) at our program “Mitzvah Day” on Sunday, July 31. We will help clean up the cemetery and make it look nice for our community. Lunch will follow.

As we look forward to August, we invite all of our young adults to join us for Services on Friday, Aug. 19 at Temple Israel, followed by making s’mores and catching up with old and new friends. As we say goodbye to our college-age participants, we will be in close communication with them to show that wherever they go, they will

always have a home to come back to.

As the school year begins, we start to prepare for the first distribution of our college care packages. Please contact me if you know someone at college who would like to receive a care package from Temple Israel. There will be three different distributions sent throughout the school year. During the school breaks, there will be

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programs specifically to reach out to our college-age participants; more updates will come as these breaks approach.

One huge piece that has been missing from our Jewish young adult community is a place of common ground for all of our young adults to enjoy on a regular basis, whether it is for Shabbat dinners, or going somewhere for the High Holy Days, or even to celebrate, other Jewish festivities with friends. We do have a house where these programs will take place. More details about the project will be sent out as the school year approaches. We are currently putting together a committee of Jewish young adults to plan

ADL-CRC condemns alleged hate crime Mary-Beth Muskin ADL-CRC Regional Director The Anti-Defamation League (ADL-CRC) today strongly condemns the alleged hate crime against an Indian Immigrant yesterday at the Kurry Xpress restaurant. This crime comes in the wake of a spate of anti-Muslim rhetoric, hate incidents, and hate crimes that have occurred across the country and world since the terrorist attacks.

According to reports in the news media, the perpetrator yelled, “ISIS mother---. Get out of my country” just prior to the attack. Mr. Subburaj was found behind the restaurant by a co-worker who called the police.

Mary-Beth Muskin, ADL-CRC Regional Director, issued the following statement: We strongly condemn the alleged hate crime.

When a person is targeted for a crime because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, it not only harms the individual victim,

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but also deeply affects entire communities. We must all stand together against bigotry, hatred, and prejudice. We urge law enforcement to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime, and

hope that the perpetrator will be apprehended swiftly and brought to justice.

Working with more than three dozen national civil rights, civic, religious, and cultural organization partners, ADL has initiated the #50states againsthate campaign, which is designed to improve hate crime training and response across the country.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry.

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would be interested in joining our volunteer committee, please contact me at the number below.

As Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement, my passion is to reach out to our Jewish young adults.

That means build those relationships, help them connect to this amazing Jewish community and provide them with the support to further build on their Jewish identity.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in getting involved with our young adult programming or just wants to get coffee sometime, feel free to contact me by text, email, or a call me at alasky@templeisraelomaha. com, 720.347.5064 or 402.905.0409.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers Maj. dan Feferman, (IDF Reserves) an Israeli journalist visiting Omaha will discuss Iran’s post nuclear deal-breaking activities on Wednesday, July 27, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

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6 | The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016

The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016 | 7

photogallery One Jewish Heart

Top, from left: Jenny Patterson and Louri Sullivan during their camel ride; Jenny enjoys the view of the Mediterranean; Sara Kohen and Jill Idelman during the flight to Tel Aviv; Jenny, Adrianna Benton and Holly Weill; Marcee Rogers at Masada; Annette van de Kamp, Adrianna, Sonia Tipp, Jill Idelman, Holly and Sara Kohen float in the Dead Sea. Second row, from left: We shared our bus with women from San Antonio and Manhattan; The Omaha delegation visited the Bet Elazrakri Children’s Home in Netanya, with Director Yehuda Kohn on the far right; Holly, Sonia, Jenny and Adrianna talk to some volunteers at Bet Elazraki; Louri is filmed for the JWRP video (which you can see on the Jewish Press facebook page); Sonia and Jill during their camel ride; Marcee and Sara ; Sonia shares gifts with an IDF soldier; Adrianna in Tzfat.

Third row, from left: Sonia, Crystal Smith and Jill during one of our study sessions; Dancing at Decks; arrival at the airport; Jill at dinner in Tiberias; The entire group at Deck’s during the first night.

Bottom row, from left: Adrianna in the ARI Ashkenazi synagogue in Tzfat; Holly, Sonia and Crystal during a visit to the Mikveh bridal room; Jill bonds with an IDF soldier; Crystal, Jenny and Sonia at dinner; Sara, Sonia, Crystal and Adrianna at Independence Hall; the front of Independence Hall in Tel Aviv with the Statue of Meir Dizengoff.

8 | The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016

viewpoint thejewishpress

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Scott Farkas; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz; Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob.

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Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view.

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But is it safe?

ANNETTE vAN DE KAMP-WRiGhT Editor of the Jewish Press t’s a common question one gets when traveling to Israel: “Is it safe? Aren’t you afraid?”

After fielding some concerns from various people, and just as I was contemplating the issue, a friend who was in Israel with me posted an article on her Facebook page by Rabbi Tzvi Nightingale, titled Is it safe to visit Israel? (Thank you, Sonia Tipp; I think we share a brain.)

I know we are not the only ones who have ever had to answer that question.

The long answer comes with statistics. Numbers about how many murders there are annually per 100,000 citizens (1.5, as many as in London, versus 59 in St. Louis and 44 in Detroit), and the crime index.

“Caracas is the worst of the 277 cities studied with an index of 85.9. Detroit comes in at number 12 with an index of 75.75, Miami at 66 with a score of 57.41, London at 120 with a score of 47.24 and Jerusalem way down at number 236, 24 slots below that war-torn city of Calgary that has a higher crime rate and is listed at number 212,” Nightingale writes. (Aish.com). You get that? Jerusalem is safer than Calgary. Calgary!

But beyond the numbers lies the shorter, more direct answer. Do I feel safe in Israel? Yes, I do.

Fear is not a rational concept. We don’t consciously decide, based on numbers and statistics, whether we feel afraid or not. It’s instinctive; it lives in your gut and your heart, not in your head. Naive? Perhaps, some people might think that, but the fact remains I just don’t feel the fear when I’m over there. I never have.

Instead, I feel at home. I feel ecstatic, content, happy; all those things which are just as irrational and emotional. And unless you have been to Israel yourself, it’s kind of hard to explain. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that security in Israel is the best in the world, and the calmest. The Israelis know what they are doing and they exude that confidence. Contrast that with the panicky mode one experiences at many US airports and you’ll begin to see what I mean.

A more sinister explanation for the “Israel is scary” nar- in the first place? rative is that it fits very well with the larger prejudice. Israel Israel is not scary; Israel is home. It’s a place that feeds is a bad place, Jews don’t belong there, and everyone should your soul and holds your hand, embraces you and reminds boycott and criticize it. The image is of Israelis as gun toting you of who you really are. A place where you can finally, unaggressors who occupy and abuse the Arab population, and apologetically, be yourself, and where fear has no business thereby invite and incite violence. Of course, it’s not true, interfering. but it’s such a convenient and simple tale. When we convince ourselves that things are black and white, we don’t have to exercise our brain.

Israel is not perfect, and yes, sometimes buses blow up. People get stabbed and security checkpoints are necessary.

There is no point denying that, just as there is no point denying that we have a problem in America with poverty, gun violence and xenophobic language.

And just to be clear, I am in no way minimizing the pain that accompanies the atrocious terror attacks Our very capable security guard doing double duty as he demonstrates the ancient that continue to occur. But water system at Masada. does it mean we shouldn’t live here?

The fact remains that the safety of Israel should not be the only question that comes up.

We should also ask: Is it beautiful? Is it inspiring? Does it feel like home? Is the Kotel as amazing as it sounds? What is it like to be surrounded by so many other Jews, confronted by shared heritage, immerse one’s self in a Judaism that can be found around every corner, seeped in every stone? What’s it like when you spend so much time talking to your security guard about daily life, history, architecture, customs—you name it -- that you forget why he is with you

Don’t believe their hype: BDS is a marginal phenomenon

DAviD BERNSTEiN NEW YORK | JTA Ever since the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel began picking up steam three years ago, its proponents have brazenly declared the movement’s inevitable triumph. In April, for example, a pro-divestment group at the University of Chicago issued a statement proclaiming that by the school’s student government passing a BDS resolution, the university ‘finally put (itself) on the right side of history.’

BDS proponents interpreted the momentum in progressive circles, such as student government and academic bodies, as a sure sign from the political gods that BDS will gain acceptance in wider and wider swaths of American society.

Eventually, they assert, Americans will realize that their supposed ally Israel is an apartheid state and will cease their support.

I must admit to the occasional bout of exasperated resignation. There’s no denying that increasing numbers of progressives were embracing the BDS cause. A number of student governments that had initially rejected BDS had later endorsed it.

Momentum had turned in the movement’s favor.

Could there be, as the BDS proponents alleged, an unfolding historical dialectic at work here -one as unmistakably foreseeable as the eventual triumph over apartheid South Africa -- that would culminate in Israel’s ultimate delegitimization in American society? Is it just a matter of time?

Not so fast. In the past several months, the tables have turned. Anti-BDS bills have passed in state legislatures by huge margins and BDS resolutions have gone down in defeat at several progressive institutions.

At last count, 19 states have passed anti-BDS bills in this past legislative session alone. Some of the legislation merely condemns BDS and encourages a negotiated solution. And some measures

place companies that accede to a BDS campaign on a state no-buy list, forcing them to think long and hard before pulling out of Israel. In the Illinois House of Representatives, the anti-BDS bill passed

conflict prepared before the conference was accompanied by a series of more balanced amendments passed during the conference.

The PCUSA pretty much endorsed Zionism,’ said Ethan Felson, executive director of the Israel Action Network, a joint project of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Jewish Federations of North America.

At the United Methodist’s General Conference in May, the church body rejected four divestment resolutions. In June, members of the American Anthropological Association narrowly defeated a resolution calling on the association to refrain from formal collaborations with Israeli academic institutions.

These wins show that when the Jewish Demonstrators outside the offices of New York Gov. Andrew community effectively organizes, builds Cuomo protesting his executive order calling for New York com- strong ties before the vote with key peopanies to divest from organizations that support the BDS move- ple in the institutions targeted by BDS ment, June 9, 2016. campaigns, and appeals to the sensibiliCredit: Erik McGregor/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images ties of people sitting on the fence of the by a vote of 102-2, and in the Florida Senate it was BDS debate, it can prevail over Israel’s detractors.

38-0 with 2 abstentions. In every state legislative Strategic advocacy and relationship building acbody that had a roll call taken, the anti-BDS bill tually work. These victories turn the BDS ‘right passed by decisive if not overwhelming margins. side of history’ narrative on its head, for if BDS The state-level anti-BDS onslaught demoncan’t win over the anthropological association, strates that BDS is a marginal phenomena, conwho can it convince? fined to the extreme left. BDS proponents have This is not to say that maintaining long-term picked their battlefields carefully, looking for American support for Israel is any more pre-orplaces where they have a shot at winning. But dained than America’s ultimate embrace of BDS. once the battlefield is widened to state legislaHalting the BDS train is not inevitable and will tures representing mainstream sensibilities, BDS not happen on its own. But the victories of the not only fails to persuade, it is utterly repudiated. past several months should give us tremendous Even in progressive circles, where BDS had confidence in our ability to maintain and grow been gaining ground, it has suffered a series of support for Israel. We, too, can be on the right significant setbacks. At the Presbyterian Church side of history.

(USA) General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, in David Bernstein is the president and CEO of June, a slanted report on the Israeli-Palestinian the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

we now have a choice to make

The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016 | 9

Landmark conversions ruling is a victory for religious freedom in Israel

where, will continue to be treated as second-class Jews and second-class Uri reGeV JTA citizens, denied the basic civil right of marriage. They will be joining some The Israeli Supreme Court’s recent landmark ruling on conversion is a truly 660,000 Israeli citizens -- including immigrants from the former Soviet Union historic decision – for Israeli and American Jewry. and gays and lesbians -- who cannot marry in the Jewish state because neiWhile the case only concerns a few individuals, the general rules and un- ther civil nor non-Orthodox weddings are allowed. equivocal language have wide significance for both Israeli and American Add to that the number of children growing up in the Jewish community in Jewry. The ruling represents another blow to the Israeli Chief Rabbinate’s the United States whose mothers are not Jewish or whose parent underwent monopoly on religious affairs; it strengthens a pluralistic approach to Judaism; a non-Orthodox conversion: None would be eligible to legally marry in Israel, and it upholds the principles of religious freedom and the rule of law. so long as the Chief Rabbinate controls the personal status of Jews.

In the narrowest sense, the ruling This situation is a far cry from Prime affirmed that Orthodox conversions Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s promise taking place in Israel outside the official at the Jewish Federations of North framework of the Chief Rabbinate are America’s General Assembly last Noconsidered legitimate for the purposes vember, when he pledged his commitof allowing an individual to become an ment to ensure that ‘every Jew, Israeli citizen under the Law of Return. whether Reform, Conservative or OrthoBut everyone understands that it paves dox, would feel at home in Israel.’ the road for further recognition of In recent months, we have seen steps modern Orthodox and Reform/ Consertoward change taken by a number of vative conversions. It also reaffirms key U.S. Jewish federations, the that converts to Judaism, whether American Jewish Committee and a converted in the Diaspora or in Israel, group of activists and other organizaare equally eligible to enjoy aliyah tions, including modern Orthodox ones. rights under the Law of Return.

But much more will have to be done That would explain the all-out, imto effectively bring about a fully pluralmediate assault on the decision by the istic society.

Chief Rabbinate and Orthodox politiAccording to Hiddush’s public opinion cians, who are now demanding legis- A bride and groom in the center of Tel Aviv, Nov. 4, 2015. polling, the overwhelming majority of Credit: Flash90 Israeli Jews opposes the monopoly of lation that would undo it.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Miriam Naor rejected the govern- the Chief Rabbinate, view it as alienating Jews from Judaism, criticize the ment’s arguments that the Chief Rabbinate should retain exclusive authority government’s policies in matters of religion and state, and want to see the over conversions in Israel. Instead, she quoted a key decision by former Chief promise of Israel’s Declaration of Independence, for freedom of religion and Justice Aharon Barak. Israel, Barak wrote, is not the state of the ‘Jewish equality, fully realized. community’ headed by the Chief Rabbinate, but rather the state of the Jewish So what may seem to be a ruling on individual cases of conversion in Israel people as a whole, with its diverse religious expressions, streams and move- is about Jewish pluralism, the rule of law and core principles of democracy. ments. Then as now, the court rejected the state’s misguided claim that even The time is now, in Israel and the Diaspora, to build on the decision. In addifor civil purposes, only those Israeli conversions sanctioned by the Chief Rab- tion to safeguarding the court from attempted castration by its haredi oppobinate merit recognition. nents, we need to call on Israel to move forward and ensure that converts Deputy Minister of Health Yaacov Litzman and Knesset member Moshe to Judaism not only enjoy civil recognition, but also the right to legally marry Gafni, leaders of the Ashkenazi haredi Orthodox party United Torah Judaism, and enjoy the full dignity of their Jewish identity. responded immediately to the decision.

Rabbi Uri Regev heads Hiddush-Freedom of Religion for Israel, ‘We will not allow for the Justices of the Supreme Court to decide who a transdenominational, nonpartisan, Israel-Diaspora partnership will be accepted as a Jew in Israel, against the Jewish tradition throughout for religious freedom and equality. the ages,’ they said.

Minister David Azoulay of the haredi Orthodox Sephardic party Shas said: LeTTer To The ediTor ‘The Supreme Court is trying to uproot the Jewish foundations of the State of Israel.’

Dear Editor, Their threats to nullify the court ruling through legislation represent an asAfter being gone from Omaha for one year (July 29), Carole and I can sault on the Supreme Court and liberal Judaism. They also signal that the announce that we do NOT miss Omaha. How can we? - as we took 25 tide might be turning against haredi control of Jewish lifecycle rituals, from years of great Jewish living with us to South Florida! conversion to marriage to burial. Haredi parties were already seeing their We are writing this to thank the entire Jewish community for molding control slipping after rulings that created an egalitarian space at the Western us into who we are today. People are amazed as to our knowledge of Wall and another allowing non-Orthodox converts to immerse in public mik- Jewish practices, the ability to teach (primary, high school and adults), vahs, or ritual baths, as part of their conversion process. lead services, serve on boards, advisory and search committees and be But those in Israel and the Diaspora who support pluralism shouldn’t cel- a sought after speaker of Jewish topics. ebrate just yet. As significant as the ruling is, it is limited to the civil aspects Omaha is the best Jewish community of the 5 different cities we have of ‘Who is a Jew’ -- eligibility under the Law of Return and registration as a lived in. To Beth El Synagogue, The J and of course the CDC and all our Jew in the civil population registry. It does not infringe upon the Chief Rab- friends we thank you for all you have done to make us who we are. binate’s monopoly over marriage and divorce.

Please realize how great you have it and how admired the Omaha Jewish Until freedom of marriage is legislated – allowing Jews in Israel to marry community is around the country. without the literal blessing of the Chief Rabbinate -- these converts and many Sincerely, others, including all non-Orthodox converts from the United States and elseAndy and Carole Greenberg

www.JQoffice.com 402.339.5003 CONTACT

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We now have a choice. We Americans, we men, we women, we Jews, we Christians, we Muslims, we young, we old, we Democrat, we Republican, we citizens, we non-citizens. We now have a choice.

We have been faced with an important choice, a choice that has been forced upon us all due to the emiLy NewmAN events both state-side and abroad.

Intern, Jewish Press We have been faced with violence, with extremism, and with acts so cruel they mean not only to scare us, but to divide us.

And how we go forward from these acts is our choice to make.

Every one of us, in every moment of our days, is now faced with a choice to make. Do we unite with those who we perceive to have a wrong opinion; do we unite with those who we would never otherwise do under any other circumstances? Do we allow the events of the last few weeks, months, and years to seal our fate as a divided, conflicted people of a perhaps not so United States of America?

Do we allow these violent acts, such cruel and unwanted acts of terrorism and hatred, to do what they are meant to do – to bring us apart? For that is the intention beyond the immediate fear they cause. They are meant to divide us, to use the fear they create to incite mistrust, anger, and chaos.

This is my greatest fear. It is something that keeps me up sweating at night, something that goes beyond the fear that a single terrorizing event may cause. It is the fear of chaos, the fear that these events will bring about societal norms that I have been taught throughout my life are neither moral nor lawful. The fear that we can never truly trust someone, because anyone could and may be an enemy. The fear of someone else who may have a slightly different view on the world, or even on a single issue – because that difference may perhaps become enough of a reason to bring about the next attack.

I fear that the world will never be as secure as it was the day before. I fear a society of anxious people, whose own fears bring them to the brink of destruction.

I fear the fact that every person in our society has the power to make a destructive choice – a choice to act in a way that will create such fear and division. Everyone has this massive power, yet at the same time we have no power at all.

I know you probably fear this too.

So, we now have a choice to make. We now have the choice to stand together as a people – every race, every political party, and every religion – or to watch our society descend into fear. We have the choice to show courage in our ability to stand together as a society, or to show our anxiety and fear as we descend into chaos. We have the choice to unite with those who are unlike us in order to stand up against the hatred, the violence, the shootings, the bombings, the murders, the terrorism, and everything else that is wrong in our world. We have the choice to see the bigger picture, to see that there are things we may not understand yet need to unite to stand against.

Republican, Democrat. Liberal, Conservative. Black, white, brown. Jew, Christian, Muslim.

The choice is mine. The choice is yours.

The choice is ours.

The Jewish Press Summer Internship is made possible through generous support of the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Fund.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

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10 | The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016

synagogues B’nai israel synagogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

BeTh el synagogue

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BeTh israel synagogue

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

chaBad house

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

congregaTion B’nai Jeshurun

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

offuTT air force Base

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244

rose Blumkin Jewish home

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

Temple israel

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

TifereTh israel

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’nai israel synagogue

President’s Office Hours, sunday mornings, 10 a.m.– noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreettem ple.org.

BeTh el synagogue

offuTT air force Base

There will not be Friday night services in July and August.

Services and speaker series will resume sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; MiniMinyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. weekday serVices: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Cooking Dinner at Stephen Center, 5:30 p.m.

Tot Shabbat Potluck Picnic, friday, aug. 5, 5:30 p.m. led

by Miss Patty at the JCC Pavilion. This program is designed for children 2nd grade and younger and their families, but all are welcome. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP so we can bring plenty of desserts and drinks.

Kiddush Luncheon, saturday, aug. 6, noon for Executive Director Allison Newfeld.

Women’s Book Club, wednesday, aug. 10, 7 p.m. will discuss Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly at the home of Judith Barnes. Newcomers are always welcome. For questions or directions, contact Darlene at darlene.golbitz@gmail.com.

Shanghai, Thursday, aug. 11, 1 p.m.

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

BeTh israel synagogue

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:26 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Pauline and Hersz Flatowicz in honor of their wedding anniversary; Insights into the Weekly Portion, 7:20 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:30 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Thursday: Monthly Ladies Class, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Jordana Kurtzman; Talmud Learing, 8 p.m. at Blumkin Home.

chaBad house

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. friday: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m saTurday: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. sunday: Minyan, 8:30 a.m. weekdays: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

Tuesday: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. wednesday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

Thursday: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@ unmc.edu.

congregaTion B’nai Jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. friday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m. hosted by the Kaup Family; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:26 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Pinchas; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:55 p.m.

Tuesday: Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m.

Thursday: Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; High Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m.

It’s a mitzvah! The Temple is seeking volunteers willing to provide occasional transportation to services and events for members who are in need of a ride. Please contact the Temple office for details and to sign up by phone at 402.435.8004 or email at office@southstreettemple.org.

friday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

rose Blumkin Jewish home

saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Scott Weiler.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

Temple israel

friday: Shabbat Evening Services, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Crystal, Rabbi Susman and Cantor Shermet. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer. sunday: 5th Sunday Breakfast Service, 7:30 a.m. at Stephen Center; Mitzvah Day with TiYPE, 10 a.m., 6412 North 42nd St. Help TiYPE at the Temple Israel Cemetery to make our space of remembrance nice for our community. Please RSVP to Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement Aliyah Lasky, 402.556.6536.

Thursday: Adult Education Class with Cantor Shermet, 10 a.m.

Shabbat Service and Picnic, friday, aug. 5, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Crystal, Rabbi Sussman and Cantor Shermet. Stay for a Picnic Shabbat Dinner. Bring your own dinner or purchase from Peanut Butter Johnny's. Music entertainment provided by the

George Walker Trio.

Summer Tot Shabbat in the Park! saturday, aug. 6, 10 a.m., Zorinsky Lake, 3808 South 156 St. led by Rabbi Deana Sussman and Dani Howell. All children 4 & under and their families are invited to participate in a morning of Shabbat prayers, stories, songs, crafts, and activities.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball Game, sunday, aug. 7, 5 p.m. Cost is $10 per ticket.

RSVP to the Temple Israel Office.

Annual Tri-Faith Picnic, sunday, aug. 14, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Countryside Community Church, 8787 Pacific St. Please join us for food & fellowship! Rain or shine! Halal burgers & kosher hot dogs provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share!

(Please, no pork, shellfish or gelatin dishes) Open to all supporters of the Tri-Faith Initiative! Questions? Contact info@trifaith.org or 402.934.2955.

Temple Israel Golf Outing, monday, aug. 15, noon at Shadow Ridge Country Club. Invite your spouse or friends to join us for cocktails, dinner and awards banquet! Schedule: noon – Lunch, 1 p.m. – Shotgun and 6 p.m. - Dinner with cash bar. Player Options: Includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, driving range and dinner. Cost: Participant $135 (Singles — we’ll find a group for you to join!), Foursome $540, Dinner Only $30.

TifereTh israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: Services, 6:30 p.m. saTurday: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a light Kiddish luncheon.

Please let Nava in the office know of any personal information changes as she is working on the new TI directory. Please inform the office of any landline/cell number, address or name changes ASAP. Thank you.

Paris Grand Synagogue slammed for hosting far-right historian JTA NewS STAff A leader of French Jewry criticized a major Paris synagogue’s hosting of a debate featuring a controversial Jewish historian popular in far-right circles who said France’s pro-Nazi puppet government saved French Jews during the Holocaust.

Francis Kalifat, the president of the CRIF umbrella group of French Jewish communities, told JTA that Eric Zemmour “should not have been invited” to the Grand Synagogue of Paris to a debate about the history of the Vichy regime.

At the June 1 debate with former Chief Rabbi of France, Gilles Bernheim, Zemmour reiterated the gist of his thesis on Vichy, that “there was, effectively, a pact with the devil in which Vichy gave up foreign Jews, or at any rate allowed them to be taken, in order to save French Jews.” He cited criticism by hard-core pro-fascists on the Vichy government over the presence of some Jews in France.

Before Germany invaded France in 1940, tens of thousands of German and central European Jews fled to France. Zemmour claims they were sacrificed by the collaborationist government of Philippe Petain to save French-born Jews.

But Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem, makes no such distinction. It states that Pierre Laval, the prime minister of the Vichy regime, was the initiator of the shipment of Jewish children as part of the July 1942 Val D’Hiv deportation to death camps of 23,000 Jews.

When Jews went into hiding in France, “German and French authorities responded by organizing raids in rural areas,” Yad Vashem writes.

Approximately 22 percent of 350,000 French Jews perished in the Holocaust – fewer percentage-wise than in the Netherlands and Belgium, but more than in Italy or Bulgaria.

Zemmour cited data showing that 90 percent of French Jews survived the Holocaust in hiding -- a proportion he said indicated that the Vichy government had protected them. However, historians

argued that the higher survival rate of French-born Jews in Nazi-controlled France was because their language skills and connections enabled them to hide more easily than could foreign Jews living in the territory. Bernheim noted this argument attempted to deconstruct the polemicist’s arguments.

He also said anti-Jewish laws passed by Vichy made no distinction between foreign and local Jews, and that hatred of both stemmed from xenophobia.

“Zemmour is free to express his opinion, but a synagogue is not a suitable place because his perceived defense of the Vichy government is an insult to victims it murdered,” Kalifat said. “I think the synagogue’s administrators made an error, a mistake, that I cannot understand.”

Jacques Canet, the president of the synagogue, wrote in a statement it was an appropriate venue, because it is a symbol of “French Jewry” and that Zemmour’s claims were confronted “strongly and clearly” by Bernheim.

Zemmour in 2010 said most drug dealers in France were of African or Arab descent and that employers therefore had a right to reject job seekers from those ethnicities. He was convicted of hate speech for these assertions, which, along with his defense of French fascists, have made him a popular figure in some far-right circles.

Sammy Ghozlan, the founder of France’s National Bureau of Vigilance against Anti-Semitism watchdog, joined Kalifat’s criticism, calling Zemmour’s debate last month at the synagogue before a crowd of 1,300 people “unacceptable.”

Ghozlan said Zemmour “basically justified the Vichy regime’s anti-Semitism.”

During the debate, Zemmour said that “it was believed at the time that Jews had too much clout, that they excessively dominated the economy, media, French culture” and that this was “partly true.”

Some Frenchmen, he added, “found that the Jews behaved with the arrogance of a colonist.”

The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016 | 11

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Longtime builder and businessman Millard Seldin turns 90 on Aug. 8, 2016.

He celebrates a storied 68-year career in the real estate, land development and construction business. Millard served twoyears in the US Navy during WWII, and was trained as a radio gunner. He built his first house at 22 - prior to graduating from the University of Iowa. He went on to form several companies and was the founding member of the Omaha real estate based business, which included many entities merged into Seldin Development and Management Company. He was a founding stockholder and Director of Hawkeye Bancorporation. In 1990, Millard co-founded Southwest Value Partners in Scottsdale, AZ - a private real estate and investment firm.

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Millard continues to go to the office, race and breed horses, is a consumment student, and a medical advocate for his wife Beverly and others.

The family of Millard and Beverly Seldin recently donated $50,000 to Scottsdale’s Pardes Jewish School in honor of Millard’s 90th birthday.

Michael Bloomberg set to endorse Clinton

JTA NEWS STAFF PHILADELPHIA | JTA Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will endorse Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.

Bloomberg, a three-term mayor, has expressed alarm at Republican nominee Donald Trump’s broadsides against Latinos as well as his plans to deport undocumented immigrants and severely restrict Muslim entry into the United States.

Bloomberg advocates for a range of policies favored by Democrats, including gun control and addressing climate change, but is more Wall Street friendly.

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Sarpy County and Council Bluffs Jews hold 16th Annual Picnic

Members and guests of the Offutt Air Force Jewish Chapel group recently held their 16th annual potluck picnic. In what has become a tradition, members of the Board of B’nai Israel Synagogue of Council Bluffs were invited. Despite the heat, the 22 in attendance enjoyed each other’s company while sharing lox and bagels, along with salads and sweets. Guests included Carole Lainof, Karen Pollak, Alan Kurland and Wayne Lainof.

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12 | The Jewish Press | July 29, 2016

worldnews

Israel’s right-wing laws: A threat to democracy or much ado about symbolism?

Andrew TobIn TEL AVIV | JTA srael’s government, sometimes called its most right-wing ever, is on a roll.

The Knesset is expected to pass a law Tuesday evening allowing lawmakers to oust their colleagues from office for supporting terrorism or inciting racism -- the third new government-backed law targeting anti-Zionist expression and leftist activism in eight days.

The other laws upped the penalty for desecrating the Israeli flag and required nongovernmental organizations to explicitly declare when they get more than half their funding from foreign governments.

None of the laws, coming ahead of the Knesset’s summer recess, are expected to have much real-world impact. But the left and the right are seizing on their symbolism.

For the right, they set red lines that protect Israel’s sovereignty from foreign meddling and its democracy from those who would undermine it.

Left-wing Knesset members and liberal observers worry they are already harming Israel’s democratic institutions and whipping up public sentiment against Arabs and leftists.

The latest bill, a response to Israeli Arab lawmakers who visited the families of Jerusalem terrorists who were killed carrying out attacks, is an amendment to Israel’s Basic Law. It would allow the Knesset to expel any member who supports armed struggle against Israel or incites racial hatred if a three-fourths majority of its 120 members agreed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other supporters of the law have argued democracy must be protected from itself.

“I praise this since we need to ensure basic standards for behavior so our democracy doesn’t turn, in the words of a great American jurist, into a suicide pact. It needs to look after itself and protect itself,” Netanyahu told the Knesset in response to his coalition unanimously backing the bill in February. The “suicide pact” phrase was used by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson in a 1949 case about inflammatory speech.

Ahead of the vote on the expulsion law, as some are now calling it, Isaac Herzog, the leader of the political opposition, countered that it would be the end of Israel’s democracy.

“The impeachment bill that the coalition is advancing is a bullet between the eyes of Israeli democracy,” Herzog, who heads the center-left Zionist Union, said last week. The coalition, he said, wants to “dismantle what was built here and build a new state that is racist, violent, conflicted and torn apart -a wild west in which every Smotrich is a sheriff with inexhaustible powers.”

Betzalel Smotrich, a member of the religious-nationalist Jewish Home party, has been admonished by members of his own party for his bellicose statements about Arabs.

Aymen Odeh, the head of the Arab Joint List, said in a statement about the law Tuesday that Netanyahu was trying to disenfranchise Israeli Arabs.

“The Prime Minister has a clear objective that this bill is just one part of

Hanin Zoabi, an Israeli Arab lawmaker at the center of a controversial bill to oust Knesset members, seen at the Israeli parliament, July 11, 2016. Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash906

fulfilling,” the statement said. “Netanyahu does not want Arabs to vote and he does not want us to be a legitimate political force. Netanyahu wants politics for Jews only. That is why he is blatantly inciting against the Arab public and against its elected representative.”

A raft of right-wing legislation has been proposed since the hawkish 20th Knesset was sworn in. Most of these bills, though, have not become law, and those that have were softened during the legislative process.

The expulsion bill and the two other laws passed last week are no exception. Even the harshest critics of the NGO law, which was passed last Monday, acknowledge that in the end, it does not require the left-wing groups it singles out to reveal any new information. And the flag desecration law, also passed Monday, simply increases existing maximum sentences.

On its face, the expulsion law looks more serious than the others. The catch is that the bar for impeachment is high. Ten of the 70 Knesset members who initiate the process must be from the opposition, three-quarters of the House Committee must sign off and 90 lawmakers must ultimately vote to make it law. Also, the process cannot be initiated during election season.

Even assuming lawmakers manage to impeach one of their own, the ousted parliamentarian can appeal to the Supreme Court, which is likely to be sympathetic. The Basic Law that the expulsion law amends was previously used by the Knesset Elections Committee to disqualify candidates and parties from running. The Supreme Court only upheld one ban by the committee -of the ultranationalist Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose Kach party was deemed anti-democratic.

At least one member of the governing coalition has complained that such changes render the expulsion law largely symbolic, anonymously telling Haaretz in February that Netanyahu “doesn’t care what the law says, he just wants a law like this on the books. If you check carefully, you find that you will never be able to suspend any MK on the basis of the new version.”

So what’s the big deal?

Critics of the law have said it singles out Arabs and creates a mechanism for Knesset members to harass and delegitimize them.

The main target of the expulsion law seems to be firebrand Arab Knesset member Hanin Zoabi, who has made a political career of outraging Israelis.

The legislation was initiated after she and two other members of her Balad party, which is part of the Joint List, visited the families of Palestinians killed while attacking Israelis and observed a moment of silence in their memory.

Following public outcry, Netanyahu called for action against the Arab Knesset members. He subsequently spoke repeatedly in favor of the expulsion law. After Zoabi called Israeli soldiers “murderers” in a June Knesset addressturned-brouhaha, Netanyahu even considered swapping the law for one focused solely on expelling Zoabi from the Knesset.

The Knesset Ethics Committee suspended Zoabi from addressing the parliament for four months for her February house call and may suspend her again for her June speech.

Amir Fuchs, an analyst at the Israel Democracy Institute, a leading think tank here, noted that she or any other lawmaker could already be prosecuted for supporting armed struggle or incitement to racial hatred. But with the expulsion law, the Knesset has effectively circumvented the justice system, making itself “accuser, investigator, judge and executioner,” he said. Arab lawmakers, he said, will be public enemy No. 1.

According to Fuchs, the expulsion law is part of a “populist wave of nationalist legislation” unprecedented in Israeli history, including under rightwing prime ministers such as Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir.

“I think in the last years, there’s some kind of a circle that the politicians becomes more and more populistic,” he said. “They see that attacking Arabs or the extreme left is popular, so they try to show achievements in this field, and the public is hearing this from its leaders and becomes more and more extreme.”

Yoaz Hendel, the chairman of the Institute for Zionist Strategies, a right-leaning think tank, told JTA he agrees the expulsion law is all about Zoabi. In a way, he said, Zoabi is responsible for much of the legislation decried by the left.

“Hanin Zoabi has become the political reaction center in Israel. She is the character behind all those bills,” Hendel said, “and she becomes an excuse for everything -- for not dealing with poverty or for your political party to come to power.”

Hendel calls the expulsion law a step in the right direction, however. While the Knesset would ideally legislate well-considered “red lines on what is acceptable in democracy and what is not,” he said, in no way do they threaten Israeli democracy.

The real threat in his opinion are the Arab Knesset members “who are strategically damaging the coexistence with Arabs.”

“When Hanin Zoabi is cooperating with terror organizations, what do you think it’s doing for Israeli democracy? It’s damaging more than any bill you can imagine,” Hendel said. “This bill is one small step that can maybe deliver a message and has very limited impact.”

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