September 5, 2014

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Schneiderman 2015 Annual Campaign Lion Chair

September 5, 2014 10 Elul 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 51

This Week

Pristina, Kosovo Page 6

Honey cakes delivery volunteers wanted Page 7

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Jan Schneiderman, longtime community volunteer and dedicated lay leader, will be recognized this weekend with the 2014 Kipnis-Wilson Friedland Award by the Jewish Federations of North America.

Schneiderman will accept the award at the International Lion of Judah Conference in New York City, on Sept. 8.

This year marks the 41st anniversary of the Lion of Judah, an extraordinary group of dedicated Jewish women philanthropists who donate $5000 or more each year to the Annual Campaigns of their local Federations.

Describing herself as “someone who will never retire,” Schneiderman’s community involvement reads like a who’s who of Jewish Omaha philanthropy. She is a lifetime member of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Omaha section and was its President from 1976-1980.

She was elected to the NCJW Central District Board where she served as President from 1982-1983. From there, she served as a national board member for eight years and then served two terms as a national VicePresident, and finally, National President from 1999-2002.

Inspired by her first trip to Israel in 1987, she has since made over 30 trips with the Jewish Federation of Omaha, NJCW and the Council of Presidents of Major American Organizations and remains a staunch advocate of the Jewish State.

“I have great admiration for and

The legacy of Ephraim Marks Israeli tech firm aims to detect Gaza tunnels Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Week Rosh Hashanah See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

8 10 11

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press How do you summarize a man like Ephraim Marks in 1,000 words or less, especially when he is no longer here to share his thoughts? Does one focus on his work, his career, maybe his law firm? Does one mention the endless volunteer work, the leadership, or his relationships with friends, family, colleagues? Recently, the estate of Ephraim Marks left a sizable donation to the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, as well as Temple Israel; we should remember him with immense gratitude. Ephraim’s estate was distributed after his partner, David Rice, died last year. We spoke with Steve Riekes and Dirk Block, partners at the law firm Marks, Clare and Richards, who worked closely with him and can perhaps best shed light on Ephraim’s personality.

Ephraim Marks was born and raised in Omaha, and became a very prominent trial attorney. Together with Truman Clare, he founded a law firm in 1951; in mid 1994, the firm merged

Ephraim Marks with Richards, Riekes and Zabin to become Marks, Clare and Richards.

“He was well over six feet tall,” Block remembers. “He was a very active member of the Jewish community and went on a mission trip to Israel in 1981. Both he and Truman Clare were honored by Israel Bonds as well as the Jewish Federation of Omaha.” He was concerned about Israel and the future of the Jewish community. They were, by all accounts, as different as they could be: Continued on page 2

Jan Schneiderman fully support NCJW because of what they do. The national platforms seek to provide support for women, children and families. They tackle tough

issues we must face,” she stated.

She served as President of Temple Israel when an illness cut short her term. She also served on the Federation Board two separate terms and chaired the Annual Campaign, once with Gary Javitch and Carl Riekes and the Women’s Campaign with good friend, Maxine Kirshenbaum “I will never say no when asked. I take the job very seriously. The Federation is what makes everything possible in Jewish Omaha. Every Jewish entity in this town receives some type of Federation support.”

She added, “It is a privilege to help people maintain Jewish lives. It’s very rewarding to volunteer and support our community. I truly believe there’s never a reason for a Jewish person to want in this community.”

“Jan is the consummate lay leader.

She cares so much about Jewish Omaha and it shows in the time and effort she puts into all she does. We are so fortunate to have her talents for the 2015 Annual Campaign,” said Continued on page 2

Here’s the scoop!

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Does Phish Food, Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey ring a bell?

What about Chubby Hubby or Half-Baked?

Ice cream lovers everywhere recognize these iconic labels.

They are the trademark flavors created by Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc., one of the most successful and beloved ice cream brands worldwide.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha kicks-off its 2015 Annual Campaign with guest speaker entrepreneur Jerry Greenfield, cofounder of Ben & Jerry's. An accomplished philanthropist, he is also co-author of the best-selling book, Ben & Jerry's Double-Dip: Lead with Your Values and Make Money Too. Greenfield will share his unique personal success story at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s community event at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Champion’s Run, 13800 Eagle Run Drive. It’s rumored he never leaves an event without dishing out scoops of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Campaign Chairs for the 2015 Annual Campaign are Norm and

Suzy Sheldon.

"We’re expecting Champion’s Run to be filled with a lot of people ready to MOOOOOVE our community forward with a successful Annual Campaign," said Chair

Norm Sheldon. "Together, we are a family; a world-wide Jewish family.

In everything we do, especially in our fundraising, we strive to take care of our own.”

“We can’t wait for everyone to join us. It’s going to be a COOL evening,” said Co-chair Suzy Sheldon.

The story behind the $300 million ice cream empire begins with the friendship between Jerry Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | September 5, 2014

Going on a Vacation? The legacy of Ephraim Marks Don’t leave your four legged friends in a kennel.

Call to reserve your vacation times soon!

House Sitting/Pet Sitting

402-422-0365 Cell: 402-517-6444

References Available

Foundation donors enable many needy Jewish Omahans to receive gifts of food for Rosh Hashanah and other Jewish holidays.

More support is needed to help more people.

Establish an endowment fund today!

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org | www.jfofoundation.org

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Continued from page 1 “When I joined the firm as a clerk in the 1980s,” Block remembers, “I saw all these awards in Truman Clare’s office.

They said ‘Jewish Federation,’ and ‘Israel Bonds,’ and I worked up the courage to ask him if he was Jewish. His answer: “Good heavens, No!” Although Truman Clare was a devout Irish Catholic, he was as invested in the Jewish community as Ephraim was.

Ephraim was the youngest of five children, born in 1910 to Joseph and Sara Marks.

Joseph came to Omaha from an area near Kiev around 1881, immediately after the Kiesheneff Pogrom; Ephraim’s grandparents decided that it was time to get out of Russia.

Back then, Joseph’s last name was Horevich.

“When my grandparents went to the real estate man to close the transaction on a building they wanted to purchase,” Ephraim said in a 1986 interview, “he asked, ‘What’s your name,’ and my grandfather said it was Mark Horevich. He said, ‘Well, you can’t take title under that name, you’re in America now. Let me suggest a good name for you.’ He said ‘We have a family in Omaha, a gentile family, that’s in the saddler business, Marks Brothers Saddlery Company.’ And so that’s how our name got to be Marks.”

He attended Howard Kennedy School, then transferred to Lothrup School for the remainder of his elementary education. “I was very studious in those days,” he said, “and I skipped a couple of grades. I guess schools were overcrowded anyway.” After Omaha Technical High School, he enrolled at Creighton University. In both high school and at Creighton, Ephraim excelled at debating, ultimately becoming the coach of Creighton’s debate team at the impressive salary of $350 per year.

“This was really quite a reasonable wage in those years,” he said, “and it was only a part-time job. We scheduled debates with such teams as Harvard, Oxford University, Princeton and Yale.”

Ephraim graduated in 1932, during the height of the depression.

“Having no relatives, no social contacts, no persons of influence, I was left to my own devices to break into the law practice. Ben Kaslow and Milt Abrahams had already formed a partnership. I couldn’t find any openings in the law business. In 1934 I finally got a break and became an associate of a firm called Reid, Ramaciotti and Robinson. I was the sole Democrat among this group of strong Republican lawyers. I began to make what would today be considered petty cash, but it was enough to keep going.”

Then Hitler came to power, and Ephraim eventually traded his law career for a military one: he served during WW II as a Major in the South Pacific, and was a member of the Officer’s Strategic Service (OSS), which was a predecessor of the CIA. He eventually obtained the rank of Colonel. When he came back to Omaha in late 1945, he found that his old law firm had been dissolved. He rented space from Harry Silverman in the old Brandeis Theater building; they worked together for five years and did quite well.

In 1951, he moved over to the old First National Bank building on 16th and Farnam: “Another Creighton graduate named Truman Clare, who was a CPA as well as a lawyer, joined me. First it was a loose office arrangement and then we became partners.”

Although Ephraim had a general law practice, he specialized in divorce cases, particularly representing women. He served as a deputy Douglas County attorney, was a member of the Omaha Housing Authority and chairman of the Douglas County Democratic Party. In addition, he was involved with the Nebraska AIDS project, Opera Omaha and the Bemis Foundation. The David Rice-Ephraim Marks Scholarship for LGBT students was eventually founded at Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College.

Ephraim died in 1998; his life-long partner David Rice passed away in 2013. They spent 46 years together, and David summarized it well when he said: “Though our lives were sometimes difficult, we were happy and successful: we valued the chance to live together.”

Here’s the scoop!

Continued from page 1 Greenfield and Ben Cohen, two boys born four days apart in the same hospital. They met in junior high school in Merrick, Long Island, attended Hebrew school and had their Bar Mitzvahs at the Reform Congregation of Merrick.

Greenfield graduated high school with a National Merit Scholarship and enrolled at Oberlin College to study premed. It was at Oberlin that he first entered the ice cream industry, as a paid scooper in the college cafeteria.

Post-graduation, he and Ben shared a New York City apartment where he worked as a lab technician. With the realization they were both dissatisfied professionally, they embarked on a dream of running a food business. After an initial $5 investment in a Penn State University correspondence course in ice cream making, they opened Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor in a Burlington, Vermont gas station in 1978.

Ben and Jerry soon became known throughout Vermont for their rich, unusual flavors, creative naming strategies and community-oriented approach to business. They sponsored festivals and outdoor movies and celebrated corporate anniversaries with a Free Cone Day. By 1986, franchises sprang up. With their success gaining momentum, the enterprise built a manufacturing plant in Waterbury, Vermont, made plans for its initial public offering and instituted, as part of its corporate culture, donations of 7.5% of the company’s earnings to the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. In 2000, Greenfield and Cohen sold the company to Unilever with a unique provision. The ice cream giants secured the continuity of Ben & Jerry’s extensive philanthropic efforts and the brand integrity they worked so hard to build.

Gifts to the Annual Campaign fund vital programs and services in Omaha, Israel and over 70 countries around the world. Money raised provides emergency assistance and counseling, cares for the elderly, supports Jewish education, connects teens to Jewish life, engages our senior adults, provides for our broader community and funds Jewish life in

Israel and abroad through our global partners.

The entire community is invited to attend the Annual Campaign Community Event on Tuesday Oct. 7.

MOOOOOve quickly and save your scoop, er, spot by calling Campaign Director Sharon Kirshenbaum at 402.334.6485 or email skirshenbaum@jewishomaha.org.

Schneiderman Campaign Lion Chair Continued from page 1 Campaign Director Sharon Kirshenbaum.

Schneiderman recalls being the “3rd or 4th Lion in Omaha. “Anne Shackman solicited me on Ammunition Hill in Israel. There’s nothing like being cornered while on tour, on top of a hill, visiting Israel. You just don’t say no.”

There are 75 Lions of Judah in Omaha, an impressive number nationally, given the size of our Jewish community. Last year, their gifts accounted for 24% of the total dollars raised for the 2013 Annual Campaign.

Previous Kipnis-Wilson Friedland award winners from Omaha include Zoe Riekes, Anne Shackman, the late Dorothy Riekes, Maxine Kirshenbaum and Nancy Noddle.

Schneiderman has devoted her time to both the ADL Great Plains regional and national Boards, the allocation committee of the United Way of the Midlands, and the board of Planned Parenthood of Omaha.

A lifelong resident of Omaha, Jan and her husband Les have three married children, Scott and Heidi Schneiderman in Omaha, Robin and Ken Baer in Dix Hills, NY and Debbie and Steve Trenton in Mission Hills, KS. They are proud grandparents to seven.

The International Lion of Judah conference takes place this weekend, Sept. 7-10 in New York City.

September 5, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3

The “Reunion” ladies will be here!

by SHERRIE SAAG from home. I’ve been away a long time but know was lucky enough to have the nurturCommunications, Jewish Federation of Omaha when anyone asks me where my home is, its ing and rich childhood that we had growing Reunions. Camaraderie, friendship, mem- always ‘Omaha.’ We have all lost people in up Jewish in Omaha, Nebraska. To hang on ories. For this exceptional group of friends, our lives which is why sharing our history, at to that, to reminisce and to appreciate the gathering together from homes across the reunions, brings us all ‘home.’” women we’ve all become is precious to all of country is worth the effort.

Frankie Harding Kasin, Rocky Lipp Lewis, Marlyne Friedman, Penny Krasne Endelman, Janie Feintech Batt, Francie Hornstein, Gloria Decker, Izzy Hurwitz Leverant, Aileen Rimmerman Kaye, Gloria Raznick Decker, Jaynie Smeerin, Harriet Dolgoff Fischel, Carol Altsular Cohen, Ellen Bank, Judy Nogg.

They arrive in Omaha by Sept.

12 to reunite during the Omaha Jewish Reunion weekend!

Although four in the group are Omaha residents, the rest live in seven different states, from Front row: Penny Krasne Endelman, left, Carol Altsular Cohen, Gloria Raznick Decker, Francie California, Oregon and Arizona, Hornstein; back row: Izzy Hurwitz Leverant, left, Jaynie Smeerin, Aileen Rimmerman Kaye, Rocky Lipp to Colorado and Texas. Next weekLewis, Harriet Dolgoff Fishel, Frankie Harding Kasin, Jane Feintech Batt, Judy Nogg, Ellen Bank. end marks the third time in over 15 years all these childhood friends from the Frances Hornstein recalled the original us. A lot of it goes unsaid and some in the Bagel neighborhood will be together. idea to reunite. “I think it was just some- group are closer than others, but we value the They’ve known each other since grade thing that came up in conversation at our old gang and are quite lucky to be able to school and graduated from Central High 30th Central High School reunion. We have these reunions.”

School in 1965. Next year marks their 50th wanted to spend more time together and our “We all have strong connections to the high school reunion. They frequented 50th birthdays were coming up in a year or PLACE (Omaha), even if not everyone still Highland Country Club together, celebrated two, so we just did it.” has family there. When the Omaha Jewish each other’s Bat Mitzvah’s and were members “These reunions have been great and I’ve Reunion came up, we figured it would be a of BBYO’s Ediar Chapter at the JCC. come to really appreciate them. For one good excuse to go back. Rocky Lewis, Penny These women share a reason to return; they thing, I don’t keep in close touch with every- Krasne Endelman and Frankie Harding consider each other family and Omaha home. one. I’m closer with some more than others. Kasin provided the details and all of us are A few of them took a moment to share But the reunion is a chance to reconnect with showing up!” what a Reunion means to them. Harriet those I have been out of touch with. And, I’ve “Some of us will make time for relatives Fishel wrote, “I lost my Mother two years actually re-established closer relationships still residing in Omaha. We are also hoping ago. She was the last of my birth family to live with friends I had not previously kept in to see friends from BBG, AZA and Central in Omaha, which gave me reason to come close touch with. We’ve even met up in High School classes. I love having any back home several times a year. Frankie and between reunions and it’s been nice.” excuse to go back to Omaha, both because I Sandy became my “family”, my home away Hornstein continued, “Not everyone we still have family there and because its home

Preserving the Jewish Press for the next generation.

to me, even though I haven’t lived there in 50 years. There’s something about the air, the smells, the familiarity; it just feels like home the minute I land at Eppley Airport.”

Several of the group are looking forward to

“I was born and raised in Omaha and lived in Bagel for many, many years. It really was like living on a Kibbutz without having to do all the work!”

–Aileen (Rimmerman) Kaye seeing Paul Landow, an old friend and one of the Reunion’s panel speakers. They are looking forward to a few tours and Saturday night’s HavDalaGala. Collectively, they wanted to thank all the volunteers responsible for making this weekend a reality.

If you grew up with any of these women and are interested in connecting with them, please contact Mary Bernstein of Events Inc. at 402.391.0708. Mary is happy to make the connection for you.

Patty Nogg is the very enthusiastic Outreach Chairman of the Reunion and her message is simple. “The Omaha Jewish Reunion Is For Everyone! It isn’t just a time to greet old friends you haven’t seen in a long time. It is the time to Celebrate Omaha, this amazing city and Jewish community we live in! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Dozens of people have put in hundreds of hours creating, planning and working very hard to make the weekend a hit! Do yourself a favor and join us.”

“Make it a family affair and come with mothers, fathers, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. Get a group of friends together and make it an in-town vacation. It’s a not-to-bemissed opportunity for hundreds of us to get together.”

Club Giving levels:* Reporter: $36 Editor: $72 Publisher: $180

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Reporters, Editors and Publishers receive $5, $10 and $20 Press Cash respectively in $5 denominations. Press Club members can use Press Cash at the Star Deli.

Giving Levels choose one O Reporter $36 O Editor $72 O Publisher $180 Send check to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

4 | The Jewish Press | September 5, 2014

Come learn at Beth El with Danny Siegel, the “Pied Piper of Tzedakah”

by MARGIE GUTNIK Beth El’s annual Selichot program Saturday Beth El Synagogue Program Director night, Sept. 20 at 8:30 p.m. when he will Charismatic leaders make us think, “Oh, if discuss, What do Bruce Springsteen, Steven only I could do that, be like that.” True lead- Spielberg, Paul Newman, David Copperfield, ers make us think, “If they can do that, Ben & Jerry, and Liz Taylor Know About then...I can too.”

Mitzvahs That We Don’t That quote, by educaKnow? — How to Be a tor John Holt, aptly Mitzvah Hero. describes Danny Siegel, There is a charge for a true leader in the Shabbat dinner and arena of Mitzvot and reservations can be Tzedakah.

Often made on Beth El’s webcalled the Pied Piper of site, www.bethelTzedakah, a Mitzvah omaha.org.

Siegel’s Maniac and, The visit to Omaha and World’s Greatest Expert Beth El has been made on Microphilanthropy, possible by a generous the well-known author, donation from the Ilse lecturer, and poet will and Marcel Kahn be a Scholar-inFamily Endowment Residence at Beth El Fund.

Synagogue the weekend The author of more of Sept. 19-21. He will than 25 books on such be speaking at a contopics as Mitzvah gregational Shabbat heroes and practical dinner on Friday and personalized night, Sept. 19, followTzedakah, Danny has Danny Siegel ing 6 p.m. Kabbalat also produced an Shabbat services when his subject will be anthology of 500 selections of Talmudic How to Solve All the World’s Problems by quotes about living the Jewish life well called Making Just One Phone Call, Sending One E- Where Heaven and Earth Touch. Siegel is mail, Or Surfing One Website. sometimes referred to as The Most Famous Siegel will also speak at a Kiddush lunch Unknown Jewish Poet in America. Among following 9:30 a.m. Shabbat morning serv- his not-well-enough-known poetry books ices on Saturday, Sept. 20 on the topic, are A Hearing Heart and Unlocked Doors.

There’s No Such Thing As a Small Mitzvah: His volume Healing: Readings and More Than 36 (2 X Chai) Easy Ways To Meditations combines poetry and prose and Make a BIG Difference With Just a Little classical Jewish texts for those in need of Tzedakah Money And/or a Minimum of healing words. His most recent books in Time, Effort, Stamina, Talents and Personal prose include 1 + 1 = 3 and 37 Other Strengths and Preferences.

Mitzvah Principles For a Meaningful Life, Additionally, Siegel will be the speaker at Heroes and Miracle Workers and Good

People, collections of essays about everyday people who are Mitzvah heroes and great Menschen, Tell Me a Mitzvah, Tzedakah stories for children ages 7-12, and The Humongous Pushka in the Sky, a story book for little children, and From the Heart — Love Poetry.

Ziv Tzedakah Fund, the non-profit Mitzvah organization he founded in 1981, has distributed more than $3,750,000 to worthy individuals and projects. Siegel has a B.S. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University’s School of General Studies, and a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Hebrew Literature from the Jewish

Theological Seminary of America. He is one of three recipients of the prestigious 1993 Covenant Award for Exceptional Jewish Educators.

A Norman Cousins quote describes how Danny lives his life: Each man has inside him a basic decency and goodness. If he listens to it and acts on it, he is giving a great deal of what it is the world needs most. It is not complicated but it takes courage. It takes courage for a man to listen to his own goodness and act on it.

We invite the entire Jewish community to join us when Danny Siegel shares with us how we can learn to both listen to our own goodness and take steps towards acting on it.

Livingston Foundation Fund grant applications

by JANET HENTHORN Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation In 2012, the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, Inc. converted from a private foundation to a donoradvised fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation administers the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund. The former Trustees of the private foundation are now members of an advisory board responsible for recommending grants from the Fund.

The annual meeting of the advisory board will be held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014.

The primary interest of the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund is to support Jewish institutions and projects.

The Fund has a secondary interest in supporting health, education, cultural and

social services in the Omaha Metropolitan area.

Grant requests should be submitted in writing, using the appropriate forms, to Janet Henthorn, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

Guidelines are as follows: 1. Grants will be limited to organizations located within the Omaha Metropolitan area and the State of Israel.

2. No grants will be given for capital or endowment campaigns.

3. Organization representatives may contact Howard Epstein at 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org, or Janet Henthorn at 402.334.6551or jhenthorn@ jewishomaha.org for a grant application form. The deadline for submission of grant applications is Friday, Oct. 24.

Club [August 2014 MEMBERS] P UBL ISHER Bruce Belgrade Marlene & David Cohen Mimi & Scott Farkas Fran & Sam Fried Amy & Sandy Friedman Karen & Gary Javitch Fran & Rich Juro Gloria & Howard Kaslow Marsha & Milton Kleinberg Sharon & Howard Kooper Alice & Harold Kosowsky

Jody & Neal Malashock Julie & Mark Martin Patty & Steve Nogg Iris & Marty Ricks Memorial Howard Silber Mimi & Mike Silverman Kathy Simon Joodi & Norman Veitzer Nancy & Phil Wolf Jeremy Wright

E D I TOR Beth Cohen & Harry Berman Randi Friedel Jablin Julee Katzman Debbie, Alan, Sam & Rachel Kriscsfeld Abigail & Adam Kutler

($72)

Sandy & Greg Meyerson Marina & Mike Sadofsky Wayne Schwarz Memorial Howard Silber Suzanne Singer Esther & Jim Wax

RE P O RTER Marcia Arch Claire & Lawrence Blass Molline Cassman Janey Dann Sharon & Howard Epstein Liz & Yonatan Feldstern Judith Feigin Annette & Cantor Leo Fettman Lois N. Friedman Jordana & Jim Glazer Alan Goodman Jerry Gordman Myrna Grumer Margie & Bruce Gutnik Bea Karp Sara & Ari Kohen

($180)

Discover your Jewish roots through the miracle of DNA testing

($36)

David Lercher Judy & Van Marcus Elinore Penner Debbie & Lloyd Roitstein Susan Rothholz Lynne & Errol Saltzman Caryn Scheer Phyllis Schwartz Claudia & Mark Sherman Memorial Howard Silber Susan Silverman Jan & Phil Wayne Andi Wilensky Lois & Norman Wine Phyllis & Harold Zabin

Expert Bennett Greenspan, a native Omahan, founded Family Tree DNA, the largest non-medical DNA testing in the world. He will be here to share his journey of discovery, and wonder of modern technology that has uncovered his family’s ancestral origins. Check him out at www.familytreedna.com.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Omaha Jewish Community Center Admission: $50.00 - includes week-end admission to all events of the Omaha Jewish Reunion www.omahajewishreunion.com

September 5, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5

Backyard Concert Series kicks off

by JUSTIN ZACHARY SPOONER really enjoy my older students,” Whipkey said. “Usually as an Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha adult, if you’re committing yourself to doing this, you have a The annual Backyard Concert Series returns for a fourth certain sense of focus, dedication and willingness to learn season to the Campus. With gratitude to the Karen Sokolof and practice. It’s really interesting though. You pick up on Javitch Music Fund, the Herbert Goldsten Trust, the Special things a little faster as an adult compared to a third-grader.”

Donor-Advised Fund and In 2013, Whipkey and his Foundation Grants band released their CD Penny Committee Funds, the Jewish Park: Omaha, NE: Summer Federation of Omaha is excit1989. The band states, “We are ed to welcome three great acts quite honored to find, Penny to the 2014 Backyard Concert Park: Omaha, NE: Summer Series.

1989, in many best of 2013 On Sept. 7, at 5 p.m. the Lil’ lists. The Omaha World Slim Blues Band returns to Herald placed the double our campus for the second album number 5 in its top ten time to kick-off this year’s of 2013, amongst many highly three part series. regarded national releases.

In 2012, the Lil’ Slim Blues The Lincoln Journal Star also Band was named semi-finalplaces the album in its top ten ists at the International Blues of Nebraska music for 2013.”

Challenge. The IBC is an Music review website Lazi-i annual challenge put on by says Whipkey is “hands down The Blues Foundation. one of the best guitarists” and As described on its that he “does it without even Facebook page, “Shawn “Lil’ trying, as simple and complex Slim” Holt is the son of legas breathing.” endary blues master Magic The Lil Slim Blues Band takes Slim, AKA Morris Holt. the stage Sunday Sept. 7 and Shawn started playing the Matt Whipkey and his band blues at the age of 17, when he on Sunday Sept. 14. Make went on the road with his sure to be by the pavilion at father and his Teardrops, the JCC with your lawn chairs where he acquired the name and picnic baskets at 5 p.m. from his late Uncle Nick Holt, You won’t want to miss this. If Top picture: The Lil’ Slim Blues Band; bottom picture: Matt ‘Lil’ Slim’.” you don’t bring your own, Whipkey.

In 2009, Holt hooked up food will also be available for with some of his old band mates and new ones too and creat- purchase from Star Catering. BBYO will be selling parve ed The Lil’ Slim Blues Band. In 2011 the band released Still in desserts, with proceeds going to BBYO Jewish programthe Game. Kent Wolgamott of the Lincoln Journal Star wrote ming. Jewish Family Service will be taking donations for that Lil Slim “gets the emotion of the ‘you done me wrong’ their food pantry: Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, songs that typify the record with an aching vocal smoothness deodorant, facial tissues and toilet paper are appreciated. that complements his fluid, naturally traditional guitar work.” Look for the blue bins! Please, no expired items.

The next week, Sunday, Sept. 14, Matt Whipkey and his For more information contact Esther Katz, JCC Dance band will be jamming at the second of three Backyard and Cultural Arts Director, at 402.334.6404 or ekatz@jcc Concerts. The concert begins at 5 p.m. and goes until 7 omaha.org. p.m. -- perfect for a wonderful fall evening.

Matt Whipkey has had quite an exciting few years. Not only did he and his band win the 2013 Omaha Entertainment Award for artist and album of the year, they also were a top band at this year’s Maha Music Festival at Hollie and Glen Fineman announce the engagement of Stinson Park. their son, Nathan Gabriel, to Brooke Michelle Badzin, The Omaha World Herald wrote about Whipkey as a gui- both of Chicago. tar instructor before he began his rise as one of Omaha’s The bride-to-be graduhottest local talents. He spent time at Dietze Music focusing ated from the University of on teaching adult students. The World Herald reported, “I Kansas with a degree in

Engagement

Netanyahu, Abbas met secretly

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met secretly in Amman days before the current cease-fire with Gaza, a Jordanian daily reported.

The meeting reported by the independent Ammanbased Arabic newspaper Al-Ghad was part of a gathering of senior Israeli and Palestinian officials, held at the invitation of King Abdullah II. No Israeli officials have confirmed the report.

As part of the Egyptian-brokered, open-ended ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian Authority will coordinate reconstruction efforts in Gaza with international donors.

business marketing and is currently an account manager at Intouch Solutions in Chicago.

She is the daughter of Jim and Fern Badzin, Leawood, KS and the granddaughter of the late Murray and Eda Litton, Fern Badzin, Minneapolis, and the late Bernard Badzin.

Her fiancé graduated from Indiana University with a degree in economics and political science and is a property tax consultant at Ryan, LLC, in Chicago.

He is the grandson of the late Mortimer and Naomi Miller and the late Sydney and Juanita Fineman.

An October wedding is planned in Kansas City, and the couple will make their home in Chicago.

Snowbirds

Family Is Our Business!

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6 | The Jewish Press | September 5, 2014

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Pristina, Kosovo: Bill Clinton, 2 Jews (including an Omahan), Albanian Muslims, and a new country

by RICH JURO in securing their independence. Of course, the sculptor was Why did we decide to journey to the little country of apparently trained in a Soviet art school, because Mr. Kosovo and its capital city Pristina? We were on the way to Clinton definitely looks like a Russian. Still, it’s a nice tribute Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzogovinia, to join a for Americans to see.

World War I tour, and Kosovo is a new country right “in the 90% of the people of Kosovo are ethnic Albanians who neighborhood”. So Fran and I flew in for a brief but interest- practice a very moderate form of Islam. For example, we ing visit. Here’s the story: were there during Ramadan, Pristina (pronounced the Islamic holy month when Prish-teen-ah) is a city of Moslems are supposed to nei500,000 that is the capital of ther eat nor drink from sunKosovo. A landlocked counrise to sunset. Yet the cafes try in the Balkans of were full during the day!

Southeastern Europe, Kosovo The Moslem religion was was formerly a province of introduced over the 500 years Serbia, which itself was part of Ottoman Turkish rule of of Yugoslavia. The Kingdom the area. The other 10% of the of Yugoslavia was created people are mostly Serbian when the old AustroOrthodox, although there Hungarian Empire collapsed were many more when at the end of World War I. Kosovo was still a province of Many people remember Serbia. Many Serbians regard Marshal Tito, the maverick Kosovo as their historical Communist who led heartland. This cultural and Yugoslavia for 35 years after religious attachment, along World War II. After he died in with the significant number 1980, Yugoslavia began to fall of Serbs who live there, and apart. There were religious large coal and mineral and ethnic wars from 1991reserves explain why Serbia 1995. Unfortunately, not just continues to oppose Kosovo’s military battles, but civilian independence. Indeed, the Bill Clinton is imposing over Fran. Statue erected to comatrocities and even an ethnicborder between the two counmemorate Pres. Clinton’s sending American and NATO warcleansing genocide were the tries is still very restricted. planes to bomb the Serbian forces surrounding Pristina in tragic result. Six autonomous We had a brief guided tour 1996, which led to Kosovo’s formal independence in 2008. republics -- Slovenia, Croatia, of Pristina the afternoon we Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and got there: the 15th century Imperial Mosque, the 19th cenHerzegovina -- became separate nations. tury clock tower, the Parliament building, a small ethnoKosovo, still a province of Serbia in 1991, voted over- graphic museum and the Skanderbeg Monument, dedicated whelmingly in favor of an independence referendum. The to Albania’s hero (we’re not sure if he still rates higher than movement for independence gradually escalated from non- Bill Clinton). There has been a massive amount of new conviolent protests to aggressive encounters, which prompted struction in the last few years, along with a big increase in an increasingly fierce Serbian military response. President population.

Bill Clinton had American and NATO planes bomb the Then we returned to our very nice Swiss Diamond Hotel Serbs in 1999. The Serbs withdrew, and a United Nations and were soon picked up by Rand Engel. Raised Jewish in transitional administration was instituted. In 2008, Kosovo Omaha, successful in business elsewhere, Rand Engel deciddeclared itself an independent country that is now recog- ed in 1999 that he wanted to volunteer his time and energy nized by 107 nations. It has not been admitted to the UN, to helping people. He heard about a non-profit organization probably because UN Security Council members Russia and called Balkan Sunflower, contacted them, and soon found China do not like ethnic minorities declaring their inde- himself on the way to Albania to work in refugee camps pendence. Russia also has ancient ties with Serbia: both serving the almost one million Kosovar Albanians who fled countries are primarily Slavic peoples of the Christian Kosovo in the 1999 war. Fifteen years later, Rand continues Orthodox religion. Ironically, another international com- his good work in Pristina, primarily helping Roma and mission is now looking into whether the Kosovars them- other minorities with schooling, health and other essentials. selves committed war crimes against local Serbs or Roma Quiet and unassuming, Rand exemplifies what thousands of (gypsies). people from developed nations do in helping improve the What was the first large statue we saw in Pristina? None lives of millions of others in less-developed countries. other than President Bill Clinton, in appreciation of his part Continued on page 7

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September 5, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7

Honey cakes delivery volunteers wanted

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel A sweet new year! One of happiness and prosperity, full of only good things! As we approach the Jewish New Year I hope that we all see the world as our glass being half full. There are many different customs that we see during the High Holy Day season. We enjoy the sweet round challah, eat apples and honey and look forward to the sounding of the Shofar. Some buy new clothes and in our houses of worship our Torah scrolls are wrapped in their white mantles.

We cast away our sins during Tashlich and we prepare ourselves to be better people in the New Year.

Temple Israel for many years has had a wonderful custom of delivering honey cakes to all members of the congregation who are 80 years or older. This year over 140 cakes will be delivered. Members of the congregation along with the professional staff assist with the delivery and visit our most senior members.

The custom of using honey represented good living and wealth. The Land of Israel is often called the land of “milk and honey” in the Torah. There is no better way for the members of Temple Israel to honor our senior members than wishing them “l’shanah tovah tikatevu ve techatemu” (May you be inscribed and may you have a good year, one of happiness and sweetness.

This year our deliveries will take place during the weekend of Sept. 19. Volunteers will be delivering anywhere from three honey cakes to ten depending on their availability. If you would like to assist with the mitzvah of visiting our senior members and giving them a honey cake, please contact Scott Littky at Temple Israel, 402.556.6536.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Sept. 10, noon, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

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Pristina, Kosovo Kosovo, and he took us to see him. He is a tall man named Ilir who runs a very good restaurant called “Renaissance 2”.

To find it, you walk along Geo. Bush Bulevar (I’m not sure whether the street is named after Bush I or II) till you pass the “Green Pharmacy”, then go down the adjacent alleyway 100 feet till you come to a building with two big wooden doors. There are no signs on the street, nor even on the building itself, but this is the “Renaissance 2”. Once inside, Ilir greeted Rand warmly, and seated us at a big wooden table. We were quickly served two pitchers of alcoholic beverages: one of local red wine, the other of raki, a local variation of slivovitz. Both were very drinkable, although we were wisely moderate in consumption.

Ilir came and chatted, using “Shalom” plus some broken Above: Fran Juro and Rand Engel at the old Jewish cemetery on a hilltop overlooking Pristina, right: One English. He conof the old Sephardic gravestone slabs. firmed that as Jews started coming to the area late in the 15th century far as he knew, he was the only Jew in Pristina. Rand told us and all through the 16th, after Spain and Portugal gave the that whenever any UN or NGO execs, or other prominent Jews the choice of conversion to Catholicism, exile or death. people, want a great meal, they find Ilir’s place.

Thousands left, heading for Holland, the Americas, Next, a basket of assorted breads appeared, then a large Morocco, Italy, or even further east, like the Balkans. Sultan salad bowl of fresh tomatoes, cukes, etc., then seven plates of Bayezid II welcomed the Jews into that part of the Ottoman different appetizers: hummus, eggplant, olives, and some othEmpire, where they became traders of salt and other goods. ers we didn’t know, but all really tasty. Finally, big platters There were never a lot of Jews in Kosovo. A census in 1921 filled with grilled chicken and veal. There’s no oven or stove recorded less than 500 in the province. During WWII they in the restaurant, the meat is all charcoal grilled. Finally, a were protected by the Italians and Albanians, but after Italy delectable dessert: Crenshaw-type melon covered with a was defeated and Germany took over the area, half were sent sauce made of crushed local berries. There’s no choice, it all to concentration camps. After the war, over half the surviv- just appears on your table, but it was all delicious. We’re not ing Jews in Yugoslavia emigrated to Israel. During the sure why it’s called “Renaissance 2”, but it was a great meal.

Kosovar War of Independence, the Jews in Pristina, who Walking up the dark alley was tricky, but we made it back to pretty much identified with the Serbians, fled to Serbia. Geo. Bush Bulevar, and then Rand drove us back to our hotel.

About 50 Albanian-speaking Jews still live in Prizren, The next day we drove 11 1/2 hours from Pristina among another city of Kosovo. They are poor and have been aided the beautiful mountains of Kosovo, across the Albanian by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. countryside, through the byways of the spectacular beaches Israel sent massive humanitarian aid during and after the and hills of Montenegro, finally crossing the border into 1998-99 war. However, Israel has not given diplomatic Bosnia and Herzogovinia and the city of Mostar. But more recognition to Kosovo. It has been described as a “delicate about that later. It would have been more direct to drive situation” by Israeli diplomats. The bottom-line may be that through Serbia, but, as you now know, that’s not possible.

Our short visit to Kosovo was interesting and educational.

Israel has significant trade and other relationships with We need to go back to see more, do more, and learn more Serbia and may not want to jeopardize them.

Rand Engel told me there is at least one more Jew in about this fascinating new nation.

Continued from page 6 Rand picked us up and drove us to see some other sights, including driving outside Pristina to a Serbian town to visit an 800 year old Serbian Orthodox monastery that’s still in use. Another highlight was a stop at the old Jewish cemetery on a hilltop overlooking Pristina. There was a large metal fence with a Star of David on the gate. Inside are about 100 old Sephardic gravestone slabs, mostly lying on the ground, but not seriously vandalized.

8 | The Jewish Press | September 5, 2014

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Design flaws ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor There are two reasons for people to act anti-Semitic. One, because they are, and two, because they are ignorant. Often, the two go hand in hand. As is the case with Spanish clothing company Zara, which recently marketed a blue-andwhite striped toddlers’ shirt with a yellow star of David on the front. It was meant to look like an old-West Sheriff shirt, it just didn’t really come out that way. Since very few people seemed charmed by the idea of dressing their threeyear-old in Holocaust-inspired garb, it didn’t go over well.

It’s not the first time the company faces criticism: in 2009, Zara had to remove Christmas trees from the windows of its stores in Israel, and in 2007, it was forced to discontinue a handbag covered in swastikas. Made in India, where for many years the Hindu swastika has been thought to bring good fortune: “The right-hand swastika is one of the 108 symbols of the Hindu god Vishnu as well as a symbol of the sun and of the Hindu sun god, Surya. The symbol imitates, in the rotation of its arms, the course taken daily by the sun, which appears in the Northern Hemisphere to pass from east, then south, to west. The left-hand swastika (called a sauvastika) usually represents the terrifying Hindu goddess Kali, night and magic. However, this form of the swastika is not "evil" and it is the form most commonly used in Buddhism.” (religionfacts.com) However, in the rest of the world the swastika has a different meaning, and someone along the way (I don’t know, the buyer, maybe?) should have caught on. The fact that these things make it to market is troubling.

Zara isn’t the only company who has made more than one fashion faux pas. Umbro had to apologize in 2002 for nam-

ing one of their shoes Zyklon and Adidas had to discontinue a shoe featuring shackles reminiscent of those used on slaves. Also in 2002, Target pulled a clothing line off the shelves: it featured the number 88, slang in some circles for Heil Hitler. That same year, “Abercrombie & Fitch recalled a

In case you missed it: Zara's offensive shirt line of T-shirts after receiving hundreds of complaints about graphic designs portraying Asians through caricatured faces with slanted eyes.” (SFGate.com) There are many more examples out there; call it racist, call it insensitive, call it ignorant, but it all leads to the same conclusion: we need better education. About the Holocaust, and

the events and attitudes that led up to it. About slavery, about the mass murder of Native Americans, about hateful stereotypes and about those who seek to perpetuate them.

Anywhere hate speech pops up, regardless of whom it targets, there is an ignorance that feeds it. And ignorance coupled with hate is a very dangerous thing.

When we see examples of insensitivity, as with the Zara shirt, many of us tend to laugh it off. It’s ridiculous, we say; we’ll click ‘like’ on whichever meme our friends post about it on Facebook. But are we really worried? Should we be? Or are we right when we decide we can’t get upset over every single instance of hate, racism and stereotyping? I mean, where does it stop? Maybe we shouldn’t be so sensitive.

After all, it’s just a shirt. And it was pulled off the shelves, and the company apologized. No real harm done, right?

Wrong.

Intolerance always matters, even when it’s silly, seemingly innocent, or downright laughable.

At my house, we have a rule: don’t throw things when you are mad. “What if it’s just crumpled up paper?” the kids will ask. “It doesn’t hurt anybody..”

They are correct, a wadded up ball of paper does not hurt.

But if you get used to throwing what’s in front of you, the day will come when you will grab something heavier and more harmful. What if it’s a piece of Lego? What if it’s a rock? The best way to avoid that is to get into the habit of not throwing anything at all.

Zara, and companies like it, may just be throwing balls of paper. But if we don’t put them in the spotlight, they will eventually start making more serious mistakes. It is our responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen, by calling attention to it, and continuing to educate.

Losing patience with Students for Justice in Palestine’s anti-Semitism

Behind the headlines ELLIOTT HAMILTON (JNS.org) A grand paradox exists within Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The group markets itself as a movement to “restore the self-determination of Palestinians” while simultaneously denying the self-determination of Jews. Operating under the premise that the Jewish state is “illegally occupying Palestine,” SJP tries to spread awareness of the hardships faced by PalestinianArabs claiming that Israel treats them unfairly compared to Jewish citizens.

By showing images of the security fence that was built out of necessity—to limit the number of Palestinian-Arab terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians—SJP claims that Israel is an “apartheid state” and holds Israel to a higher standard than every other country in the Middle East. But SJP is far from the “social justice” movement it claims to be, as it partakes in some of the worst instances of anti-Semitism on college campuses.

SJP activists shouting Jew-hating slogans such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” highlight the hypocrisy that surrounds the organization. Some activists associated with the group contend that the slogan does not call for Israel’s destruction, but rather that “Palestine” will be “free from colonialism.” Such arguments, however, do not hold true when members of the same SJP chapter call for the “Zionist state” to be torn down. In an attempt to save face, SJP activists will immediately go on the defensive and argue that what they say is not anti-Semitic, and then go on to criticize those who “cry anti-Semitism” as oldfashioned.

The reality that SJP refuses to acknowledge is that the

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U.S. State Department considers any demonization and double standards against the Jewish state to be antiSemitic. This would include comparing Israeli policy to the Nazis, something that Vassar College SJP did when posting a Nazi-era cartoon on its Tumblr page. Pro-Israel students are often referred to as “baby killers,” which demonstrates a modernized incarnation of the ancient blood libel that has targeted the Jewish people for millennia. The blood libel claim says that Jews killed non-Jewish babies to bake their matzot for Passover. By arguing that all Zionists “kill babies” and making ridiculous claims that Israel is committing “genocide” against Palestinian-Arabs, SJP continues to enable such vitriolic Jew-hatred to continue onward in the name of “social justice.”

This is why it comes as no surprise that an SJP-affiliated student, on Aug. 20 at Temple University in Philadelphia, shouted anti-Semitic insults and punched a pro-Israel student in the face during an orientation event. SJP historically bullies pro-Israel students and invites vehemently antiSemitic speakers to campus under the pretense of “dialogue.” But SJP activists have done far more than just harass Jewish students. In addition, they use the false language of “human rights” and “social justice” to get various student groups to assist their struggle for such causes. SJP deliberately misleads the LGBTQ, feminist and African American communities, as well as many other minority groups, claiming that it sympathizes with their struggle for legitimacy against “white, cisgendered male” communities that stand in their way. Thus, these groups take part in SJP events and call out any pro-Israel student who offends them.

What many of these minority groups fail to recognize, however, is that the “Palestine” that SJP defends is not only anti-Semitic, but also misogynistic, homophobic, racist,

anti-Christian, and fascist. SJP defends a place where women are subject to honor killings, where members of the LGBTQ community face persecution, torture and death, and where Jews are not allowed to live, build homes or purchase land. SJP does not discuss these injustices, nor do they care when Hamas murders opponents and drags them through the street. In SJP’s mind, none of this matters, because “Israel is the oppressor.” Such deception, manipulation and lies have led to the collegiate community tolerating SJP. The pro-Israel community has had enough with SJP’s Jew-hatred. Zionist college students cannot allow this organization to continue bullying the Jewish community under such socially unjust premises. What they stand for bastardizes those who truly fought for freedom and those who actually fight oppression. To continue defending a fascist entity while demonizing the only country in the Middle East where Arab citizens are free to express themselves however they please only highlights the true nature of SJP’s hypocrisy.

Pro-Israel students should refuse to be subjected to SJP’s bullying, which seeks to ensure our silence. We will spread the truth about the group’s malicious purposes. We will tell the story of who is causing problems for Palestinian-Arab self-determination. We will no longer be controlled by fear.

SJP’s days of harassing the Zionist community are numbered.

Elliott Hamilton is a rising senior at Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif. He is a Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA) fellow, the co-president of Claremont Students for Israel, and the Jewish identity chairman of the AEPi fraternity’s Chi Chi colony.

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As school resumes, how to talk to children about the Gaza war issue. In reaction to the overemphasis on the Holocaust in the 1960s through the 1980s, the pendulum of American Jewish fashion has swung away from discourse about antiSemitism. Now, with the blatantly negative media coverage of Israel’s prosecution of the war and the resurgence of antiSemitism around the globe, the subject warrants considerably more attention.

The dilemma facing schools in addressing the new antiSemitism is how to avoid reviving what historian Salo Baron

rant about the Gaza war and others who have been exposed to it up close. Students who spent part of the summer in Israel undoubtedly will attest to what it was like to run to JACK WERTHEIMER bomb shelters or sense the fear aroused in Israel’s populace NEW YORK (JTA) -- With the new school year upon us,

by Hamas tunnels. Teachers will face the daunting task of Jewish educational leaders are scrambling to prepare their bridging differences in what students heard from their parteachers to discuss this summer’s Gaza War. The most pressents and absorbed elsewhere about the war. The diversity of ing challenge is to design age-appropriate conversations: At students and their families adds a considerable measure of which grade level might classroom discussions include complexity to an already challenging situation. All of this potentially frightening topics, such as the wounding of places a great responsibility upon teachers to prepare difnon-combatants, kidnapping of young Israelis and sirens ferentiated responses to a broad range of students. warning of incoming rockets? And how should teachers Second, when teaching about Israel, it is imperative to address the tough issues of civilian casualties in Gaza and work with students’ minds as well as their hearts. Jewish the flagrant hostility toward Jews and Israel that has schools have focused their attention especially on the laterupted in many parts of the world? ter, an understandable approach with younger children.

These questions are difficult enough, but are especially But by their middle school and high school years, stufreighted with anxiety because they hold the potential to dents deserve to be exposed not only to the joyous revive stereotypes of Israel that North American Jewish dimensions of the Jewish state, but also to the complexischools have been trying to counter. When Israel was ties within Israeli society and outside of it in the tough forced to wage three major wars during its first quarter neighborhood of the Middle East. century, its image as an embattled enclave overshadowed And third, teaching about other Jewish communities -everything else about its existence. their achievements and challenges -- does not detract In recent decades, though, Jewish schools have endeavfrom a connection to Israel but strengthens the ties of stuored to present a more rounded picture of Israeli life. dents to the Jewish people and also Israel. In some parts Without denying the existential challenges facing the of the world, notably in several European countries, Jewish state, teachers have drawn attention to the rich Jewish communities are under siege. American Jewish A class at the Lippman School, a Jewish day school in Akron, Ohio, tapestry of Israeli culture -- its diverse inhabitants, culistudents should not be shielded from these ugly realities. in August 2013.

Credit: Uriel Heilman nary treats and eclectic music, for example -- and, of This is the time to teach students about the interconnectcourse, its technological wizardry. School trips to Israel have once described as “the lachrymose [tearful] conception of edness of all Jews, a lesson that will also strengthen their highlighted the country’s natural beauty and its enjoyable Jewish history.” The saga of the Jews is about a great deal engagement with Israel and its people. recreational scene, even while exploring the strong connec- more than persecution. Yet with the barely concealed aniThe Gaza war presents Jewish schools with a teachable tions between the land and the Jewish religion. Educators mosity toward Jews evident in some quarters here in moment, a time to explore with their students (in an ageare understandably loath to resurrect the earlier imagery America and abroad, alas, the need to teach young people appropriate manner) the asymmetrical struggle in which that simplistically portrayed Israel as a country permanent- about the insidious nature of anti-Semitism has become per- Israel is engaged and the surge in hatred confronting Jews ly on war footing. tinent again.

- including children -- in many parts of the world.

Responses to the Gaza war require North American As they formulate a school response to the war, educators Jack Wertheimer, a professor at the Jewish Theological Jewish schools to address a second topic that had been might consider three important lessons derived from Hearts Seminary, co-authored Hearts and Minds: Israel in North pushed to the background in recent years -- anti-Semitism. and Minds, a recent report on Israel education in North American Jewish Day Schools, published last spring by the Students in all likelihood are not oblivious of the virulent American Jewish schools: AVI CHAI Foundation. Download the report at hostility to Israel and Jews surfacing in the media and on the First, one size does not fit all students. Classrooms this http://avichai.org/knowledge_base/hearts-and-mindsWeb. It’s not clear how prepared schools are to address this September will contain some students who are largely igno- israel-in-north-american-jewish-day-schools/.

Focus on issues

After Gaza war, helping traumatized Israelis heal

Letters TO THE EDITOR

Focus on issues CHELSEA POLANIECKI (JNS.org) “You know what’s worse than being stabbed 13 times? Being stabbed 14 times. It can always be worse.”

In 2010, Kay Wilson, a Jerusalem tour guide who had emigrated from London, was brutally attacked by a terrorist in the Jerusalem Forest. After being stabbed 13 times, she fooled her attacker into thinking that she had passed on, and he left her for dead. In the moments that followed, Kay watched in horror as he murdered her best friend, Kristine Luken, right before her eyes.

Four years later, Kay has a new lease on life and an impossibly positive attitude. She truly feels that “it could have been worse,” and she motivates others with those words.

This summer, I interned at OneFamily, Israel’s leading national organization solely dedicated to the rehabilitation of victims of terror attacks and their families. In a few short weeks on the job, I met hundreds of victims of terror, most of whom appeared courageous and strong. Slowly, I learned that they -- like Kay -- underwent a slow and painful process that brought them peace, clarity, and ultimately, strength.

The road from trauma to resilience is a long and arduous journey that requires extensive therapy and the constant support of a family, whether biological or one born out of tragedy. My experiences at OneFamily this summer taught me that caring goes a long way. In fact, becoming the “family” that a victim of terror needs to heal can make all the difference -- without a strong support system, the victim may never find strength.

Over the course of the summer, I did everything I could to empower these brave but broken individuals.

I held a mother’s hand as she called home to check that her husband and children were allright after several sirens had sounded in their hometown.

I played with children who had not been out of their local bomb shelter for days.

I sang and danced with bereaved mothers as they taught me how to prepare the recipes that their children—fallen soldiers and victims of terror—had enjoyed the most.

I listened to story after story, provided unlimited hugs, and gave away as much of my own strength as I could muster so that those affected by terror could find their own.

As the war in Gaza reaches its conclusion and the plight of the victims of terror and their families once again fades into

the background, it is our responsibility to stand with these individuals so that they can begin to heal. We must help them develop the positive outlook required for true recovery, and enable them to realize that “it could have been worse.”

Due to the extreme devastation brought about by war, thousands of injured and traumatized Israelis require our support. We must help them come to terms with what they have lost, and prepare them for what still lies ahead. We

A crowd gathers around the Mt. Herzl grave of Max Steinberg, an Israel Defense Forces lone soldier who was killed in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge.

Credit: Sean Savage must share their trauma and help shoulder their burdens in order to keep them moving forward.

This summer, I learned that one should never underestimate the power of love and support. When someone’s life is changed forever by a violent act, there is no telling how long it will take for that person to find peace and regain strength.

But one thing is clear: the involvement of a loving family is a crucial element of the healing process.

As I return home, I will continue to do everything I can to empower these traumatized individuals, and I encourage you to do the same. We cannot allow them to get lost in the shuffle simply because the news cycle has moved on to other things. We must always be there for them because they are our family.

Chelsea Polaniecki is a resident of Woodmere, NY, and a junior at Brandeis University. She is spending the summer interning at OneFamily (www.onefamilytogether.org), Israel’s leading organization solely dedicated to the rehabilitation of victims of terror attacks and their families.

Letter to the community Editor’s note: the following letter, dated August 11, was sent to Mike Silverman. It’s really meant for the entire community, so we are sharing it with you here.

Dear Mr. Silverman, Please find attached a letter from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanking you for standing with Israel along the last operation in Gaza.

I would like to humbly add my voice to the Prime Minister’s one. On behalf of my Consulate, I would like to thank you, your professional staff and indeed all your community for helping us do what we do here -- building a strong bridge between the State of Israel and the Midwest.

Without your experience, stamina and the good partnership you have built with the non-Jewish communities all this would not be possible.

Sincerely, Roey Gilad Consul General Dear Friends, The Jewish people always come together to face shared challenges. Today is no different.

Over the past two months, beginning with the kidnapping and murder of our three teenagers, and continuing into Operation Protective Edge, the support of Jewish communities around the world has been a source of great strength for the people of Israel.

At the same time, we know that this has been a difficult period for Jews around the world, as many of you face increasingly virulent and sometimes violent manifestations of anti-Semitism.

On behalf of the people and the State of Israel, I thank you for your defense of our just campaign to provide the sustained peace and security that all Israelis deserve. I ask that you continue to make your voices heard to counter the lies and libel directed against the Jewish state.

For our part, we in Israel will continue to stand by your side as you confront hatred and intolerance. Jews everywhere must be able to live proudly and without fear.

I have great faith in the Jewish people and the justice of our cause. I look forward to building with you our common future.

Sincerely, Benjamin Netanyahu

10 | The Jewish Press | September 5, 2014

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com Looking for something different? Join us for our High Holiday services. We welcome back Jeffrey Taxman to lead our services. Our speakers for the High Holidays are Dr. Rami Arav on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Dr. Oliver Pollak on Rosh Hashanah morning, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon on Kol Nidre and Marti Nerenston on Yom Kippur.

You’re always welcome at B’nai Israel!

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat, 6 p.m., followed by dinner.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Lauren Kirk, duaghter of Kelly and Thomas Kirk; Miniminyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: USY Car Wash Fundraiser, 8:30 a.m.; Involvement Fair, 9:30 a.m.; Welcome Back Breakfast & Religious School, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:15 a.m.; Kibbutz Chaverim Lunch and Tubing down the Elkhorn River, 12:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Religious School, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m.; Hebrew High School, 6:45 p.m.; Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Dames & Drinks, 7 p.m.

Beth El Cemetery Groundbreaking, Sunday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.

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

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

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 Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Pam Ganz.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Ki Tetze.

SUNDAY: Temple Clean-Up, 9-11:30 a.m.; LCJS Parents bagels and schmoozing, 9:15 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite and Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High and Hallah High Lite orientation for families, 10 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Gan-Grade 7 orientation for families, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 2 p.m. at South Street Temple. Vicki Edwards will be hosting; Meet Your Neighbor Class, 4 p.m. Free of charge; Cantillation Class, 6 p.m.

MONDAY: Temple office closed for Labor Day. TUESDAY: Star City Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS grades 3-7, 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Anniversary planning committee meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: High Holiday Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m.

As part of the Temple’s 130th anniversary celebration, we want to reach as many former members and clergy as possible. Are you in touch with someone who used to attend?

With kids who grew up and moved away? With friends or family with Temple connections? If so, please give their contact information to Barb Straus at barbstraus@gmail.com.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:15 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 8:31 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by Bagels and Beit Medrash.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

THURSDAY: UNMC Chaburah, 1 p.m.; Scholar’s Club for grades 4-6, 3:30 p.m. at the Blumkin Home.

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

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: First Friday Shabbat Service, candle lighting and Kiddush in the Community Court, 5:30 p.m. Service 6 p.m., dinner immediately following. Cost: $5/person, max of $20 per family. Reservations required.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Robert Osborne, son of Ann and Donald Osborne, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Beginning Prayer Study with Elyce Azriel, 11 a.m. - noon. If you have no clue what the prayers in our service mean or if you struggle to keep up with the congregation singing and reciting these prayers, then this class is for you; OTYG Rosh Hashanah Rehearsal, noon; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Family Night, 6 p.m.; Re-Jew Vination with Stephanie Grossman, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the clergy Elul, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Brown.

B’nai Mitzvah Aaron and Leo Norton, twin sons of Susie and Mike Norton, will become B’nai Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Temple Israel.

Aaron and Leo are eighth-grade students at Westside Middle School.

Aaron plays the clarinet and enjoys reading, movies and attending OSRUI summer camp.

Leo plays the baritone, and also enjoys playing football, movies and Aaron Norton attending OSRUI summer camp.

For their mitzvah project, Aaron and Leo volunteered

Candlelighting Friday, September 5, 7:32 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org 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 kiddush luncheon; First Havdalah Havurah Group gathering, 8:15 p.m. All ages welcome to join. Snacks and smoozing will follow havdalah.

SUNDAY: LCJS Parents bagels and schmoozing, 9:15 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite and Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High and Hallah High Lite orientation for families, 10 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Gan-Grade 7 orientation for families, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 2 p.m. at South Street Temple and will discuss The Fortunateteller’s Kiss by Brenda Seratte.

Vicki Edwards will be hosting. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions.

Pew poll: More U.S. sympathy for Israel than Palestinians

by JTA NEWS STAFF LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- More Americans express sympathy for Israel than for the Palestinians, according to a new survey.

A poll released last week by the Pew Research Center for People & the Press found that 34 percent of Americans sympathize with Israel “a lot,” as well as 32 percent who sympathize “some,” versus 11 percent who sympathize “a lot” with the Palestinians and another 35 percent who sympathize with them “some.” Thirty-seven percent sympathize with both sides, while 18 percent sympathize with neither.

As has been common with recent surveys of American public opinion surrounding the conflict in Gaza, responses break down differently along partisan lines.

Seventy-seven percent of Republicans expressed “a lot” or “some” sympathy for Israel, versus 66 percent of independents and 62 percent of Democrats. By contrast, only 29 percent of Republicans expressed “a lot” or “some” sympathy for the Palestinians, while independents were at 50 percent and Democrats at 57 percent.

There were likewise partisan divides on opinions of President Obama’s handling of the Middle East situation.

Just 10 percent of Republicans thought he was favoring Israel too much, versus 45 percent who said he favored the Palestinians too much and 32 percent who said he struck the proper balance. Independents were somewhat more favorable, with 17 percent saying he had overly favored Israel, 22 percent that he had favored the Palestinians too much, and 45 percent saying he had struck the right balance.

Democrats by far were the most supportive of the president’s policy, with 71 percent saying he was striking the right balance. Twelve percent said he favored Israel too much and 6 percent said he favored the Palestinians too much.

Young people were the most optimistic about the two sides reaching a peaceful two-state solution, with 53 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds saying they thought it was possible, versus 42 percent who did not. This compared with a negative overall sentiment among adults, with just 43 percent saying such a solution was possible versus 48 percent saying it was not. Each successively older age cohort was successively less optimistic that a solution could be reached.

To Submit Announcements with Westside Community Schools’ EATS (Eat All Through Summer) program, where they helped make and deliver breakfast, lunch and snack meals to more than 80 sites around the Omaha area, to feed children who might otherwise go hungry during the summer months.

They have two older brothers, Justin and Seth.

Grandparents are Silvia Roffman Leo Norton and the late Larry Roffman, and Pat and Phil Flaherty of Weymouth, MA.

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

B’nai Mitzvah forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: avandekamp@ jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, complete form and click on “submit”.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

September 5, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11

In memoriam STEVEN J. LUSTGARTEN Steven J. Lustgarten passed away on Aug. 25 at age 86.

Services were held on Aug. 27 at Fisher Farm Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by parents, Ben and Pola Lustgarten; brothers, Al and Chet Lustgarten; sisters, Ida Jordan and Dorothy Riekes.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Thelma; sons, Scott and Michael Lustgarten; daughter and son-in-law, Jill

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

and Tim Dempsey; nieces and nephew.

He was a life-long resident of Omaha. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He received Bachelors and Masters Degrees from UNO and was a 1960 graduate of the Creighton School of Law. He practiced law for 50 years, the last 36 years with the Firm he founded, Lustgarten and Roberts, P.C. Memorials may be made to Beth El Synagogue or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Beth Israel offers youth programming, education, crafts and more JConnect – This great program provides quality supplementary Jewish education for smaller communities, connecting students to Israel, Hebrew language and Torah and building for the future. Open to pre-teens and teens, JConnect connects in a unique, fun and engaging way with the new generation. Eleanor Dunning will be participating in the program again this year. “I am really excited for JConnects again this school year. I enjoyed getting to know Jewish students from around the country and learned a great deal from our teacher, Michal, in Israel. It’s very interactive answering questions on your laptop and cool being able to communicate with people who are in so many different places.”

Latte and Learning - Meeting on the second Monday of the month at 7:45 p.m. at Starbucks at 114 Street and W. Dodge Rd, Latte and Learning sessions offer a chance for teens to talk about Torah topics, current events, teen issues and more. Sessions are coordinated by Rabbi Weiss. The first session will meet on Monday, Sept. 8 at 7:45 p.m.

Teens also met earlier in the month and are planning additional programming as well. “The great thing about Beth Israel youth programs is that everyone can have a say in what they want to see offered to our kids,” Rabbi Weiss commented. “The kids had some great ideas, and we are looking forward to an amazing year.”

After the holidays, Beth Israel will add more youth programming such as the “Campfire” Seudah Shlishit, Shabbat afternoon classes and bring back the popular “PLearVie” featuring pizza, learning and a movie for grades 6, 7 and 8.

The mission of Beth Israel Synagogue is to perpetuate the legacy of Torah Judaism in the modern world and provide a home for those who wish to learn about and observe halacha, Jewish law.

Beth Israel Synagogue welcomes all persons of the Jewish faith to join, and accepts the diversity of practice and thought among its members. Beth Israel offers a variety of religious, cultural and social programs throughout the year.

For more information, please contact Beth Israel Synagogue’s office at 402.556.6288, or e-mail BethIsrael@ OrthodoxOmaha.org.

Lady Gaga going ahead with Tel Aviv concert

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Lady Gaga will go ahead with her Tel Aviv concert date as planned, despite cancellations by other high-profile performers.

The American pop star’s management announced that the concert scheduled for Sept. 13 is still on, Israeli media reported.

The date for the concert in Yarkon Park, part of her “artRave: The ARTPOP Ball” international tour, is listed on

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by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Beth Israel Publicity Chair No matter the age, Beth Israel Synagogue has a variety of activities for children of all ages. Preschool, elementary school, pre-teens and teens can learn, have fun and connect with their peers, both in Omaha and beyond with programming designed just for them.

Shabbat Classes - Each Shabbat morning, Beth Israel is a hub of activity with classes for youth led by a group of dedicated congregation members. These unique learning opportunities are led by Dr. Howard Gendelman, Rikva Shyken, Donald Gerber and Crystal Epstein. Children from each age group have an opportunity to explore the Torah portion, prayers, middot and Shabbat through fun and engaging lessons.

Mishnah L’Neshamah – Every Shabbat following kiddush, kids enjoy a great 15 minutes of singing, learning and having fun led by Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan. The session includes Hebrew songs while learning moral lessons from Jewish tradition in the process.

Monthly Crafts - Once a month, elementary school age kids enjoy a great Sunday morning session with a fun craft, singing and learning. Holidays, mitzvoth, parsha stories and more have are enjoyed at these fun-filled events. The sessions meet 10-11 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Beth Israel. The next event will take place Sunday, Sept. 21 and will focus on the beauty of Rosh Hashanah.

Scholar’s Club - Meeting each Thursday afternoon, Scholar’s Club is a social and educational session for 4th – 6th graders. Scholar’s Club will return this year starting Thursday, Sept. 4 at 3:30 p.m. Rabbi Ari Dembitzer will be joining the Beth Israel team and leading the group through December. Scholar’s Club meets from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. In addition to the weekly exciting lessons, a favorite part of the Scholar’s Club yearly programming is having a local Shabbaton in Omaha at Beth Israel as well as traveling out of town for a fun-filled Shabbaton. Previous trips included Shabbatons to Denver and Chicago. Scholar’s Club is open to the entire community.

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Lady Gaga’s official website.

Tickets remain on sale and tens of thousands of Israeli fans are expected to attend.

Neil Young, The Backstreet Boys, America and Lana Del Rey are among the stars who canceled performances this summer due to Israel’s conflict with Gaza.

Lady Gaga performed in Tel Aviv in August 2009, despite attempts by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement to have her cancel.

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12 | The Jewish Press | September 5, 2014

Using seismic vibrations, Israeli tech firm aims to detect Gaza tunnels

by BEN SALES were not effective.

OR YEHUDA, The IDF said it is Israel (JTA) -now combining Something that those systems and looks like a can of readying them for soda could be Israel’s field testing. high-tech answer to The military exthe network of tunpects deployment of nels that Hamas has the system to take created under the one year and cost Gaza border. between $424 milA sensor known as lion and $565 mila geophone can lion. The IDF would detect underground not confirm whether movement based on those systems were the sound generated developed by Elpam. by the movement, The sensor concept the Israeli defense is not without its firm manufacturing critics.

Palestinians viewing what used to be a tunnel leading from the Gaza An updated version of this system aimed at locating people trapped the device says. The Yiftah Shapir, a Strip into Israel in the Rafah area of southern Gaza, Aug. 5, 2014. in the rubble of downed buildings could help Israel detect subterfirm, Elpam Elecmilitary technology Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90 ranean tunnels from Gaza.

Credit: Ben Sales tronics, says the geoexpert at Tel Aviv phone is capable of finding the location of a person crawling system that can locate tunnel University’s Institute for National Security Studies, said rows activity and differentiate it from other subterranean noise. as far down as 32 feet. of sensors cannot detect tunnels that turn or intersections “Let’s say there’s a suspicion of activity from military intel- between multiple tunnels. Shapir also said the sensors do Israel has grappled with the danger of the Gaza tunnels for years, but the threat has gained greater urgency in the wake ligence or [the sound of] spoons digging,” Koenig said. “You not have the ability to detect tunnel openings, which was of Protective Edge, the military operation launched last put these things in the ground and if someone hears spoons, among the key goals of the ground invasion. we’ll hear it like a bulldozer.” month.

“You think a tunnel starts in one place and ends in anothIn 1988, Elpam created its sensors to assist in search-and- er,” he said. “There are three or four entrances. In the midA ground invasion of Gaza that started five weeks ago had the stated aim of neutralizing the tunnels, 32 of which were rescue operations. The sensors were designed to detect dle there are junctions. It’s never just in one place. [The IDF] sound frequencies in the ruins of destroyed buildings. went in essentially to look at where the other openings are.” subsequently destroyed, according to the Israeli military.

Now the mission is continuing in the research labs of Rescuers could hear people trapped under the debris and Atai Shelach, CEO of the defense firm Engineering Israeli defense firms. Both Rafael Advanced Defense the trapped could respond. Dozens of the kits, which can fit Solutions Group, said the sensors will also have trouble pinSystems and, according to several Israeli reports, Elbit inside a lightweight vest, were sold to the Israel Defense pointing tunnels that are only a few feet wide. At best, he Systems are at work on systems to detect tunnels. Neither Forces. said, the technology will merely complement the military’s Elpam also developed and sold two tunnel detection sys- intelligence operations, not replace them. company would comment on their research.

But Elpam agreed to provide JTA with a look at the tech- tems to the IDF in 2005 and 2006. One was intended to “If [the sensor] will be effective at one point for a very nology it’s been working on for decades and is now adapting detect tunnels along the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt- great depth, it only solves a small part of the problem,” said Gaza border, but the company could not say whether the Shelach, a former commander in the IDF Engineering to address the current threat.

Iky Koenig, Elpam’s CEO, wants Israel to bury hundreds system was ever deployed.

Corps. “If it only finds one tunnel, that doesn’t mean that In a statement to JTA last week, the IDF said it had con- there aren’t other tunnels. Until there’s a broad solution, of sensors in a constellation around the Gaza border. By next year the company hopes to have developed a monitoring sidered two tunnel detection systems in 2005 and 2006 that there won’t be a choice but to rely on intelligence.”

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