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KE HIST SOCIETY
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1500 R ST LINCOLN NE
68508-1651
Celebrating More Than 75 Years of Service Vol.LXXV
No. 27
29 Adar, 5758,
Israel 50 Jubilee to feature two speakers by Sara A. Juster, Israel 50 Jubilee co-chairman
In addition to the fun and games traditionally planned for Yom Ha'atzmaut, the Israel 50 Jubilee on Sunday, May 3, will include a keynote address by Gad Ben-Ari, and talk by Professor Zvi Gitehnan. At l(k30 a.m., Mr. Ben-Ari will discuss the relationship between American Jews and Israel. Prof. Gitehnan will discuss "Israel at 50: Achievements and Challenges* at 1 p a , Both talks are free and will be held in the JCC Theater. Ben-Ari is currently Chairman of the Jewish Agency delegation in North America and Executive Vice-president of the Jewish Agency for Israel (FAFI). He served as media advisor for the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and as Labor Party's Campaign spokesman in the 1992 election. Professor Zvi Gitehnan A. sixth-generation sabra, Ben-Ari's family moved to Israel from Russia in the late 1800's. He was born in -Jerusalem and graduated from the Hebrew '" University School of Law after obtaining the rank of Captain in the Israel Defense Forces. - ••.. Ben-Ari was a popular radio and TV broadcaster' when he took a leave of absence to serve as a shaliach. (emissary) in the United States on behalf of JAFlTWorld Zionist Organization (WZO). When he returned to Israel after "three years, he assumed the position of personal advisor to the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. In 1989, he was appointed spokesman j, • ^ ,, y *•• and director of the t press and Public - Relations Division of JAFI/WZO. Gad Ben-Ari Ben-Ari previously visited Omaha in 1988 when he discussed the plight of Soviet Jewry and American Jewry's response. On this return engagement, he promises "an equally challenging discussion." Like Ben-Ari, Prof. Gitelman returns here after a 10-year absence. A professor of political science and Judaic studies at the University of Michigan, he directs its Frankel Center for Judaic Studies and previously directed its Center for Russian & East European Studies. Prof. Gitelman studied at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary before earning his Ph.D. from Columbia. He is fluent in Hebrew, Russian, Yiddish, French and Polish and is the author of numerous books and articles on Israeli politics as well as Soviet and Bast European politics. ,.' In his address, Gitehnan will review the aspirations of the Zionists and founders of the State of Israel. He will examine their accomplishments, assess their failures, and discuss the challenges facing the State after 50 years of independence. Prof. Gitehnan's talk is underwritten by the Ida and Samuel E. Kaimon Memorial Fund. Free child care, by advance reservation, will be available in the JCC Child Development Center. For reservations and more information, call Gloriann Levy at 334-6403.
YV
March 27,1998
For those Omahans who haven't toured Israel yet, a visit to the "Walk Through Jerusalem" exhibit is a must. Sponsored by Jewish Educational and Library Services, the interactive exhibit features the gates of the Old City filling the entire space of the Gallery at the Jewish Community Center. Visitors can climb up to the top of one of the gates and observe "Jerusalem," put notes in "the Wall," look at the views surrounding the "Old City," and go on a scavenger hunt. Tables filled with Israeli food products, crafts and clothing add a hands-on touch to this exhibit, geared for children of all ages, as well as adults. ' > :. • According to Susie brazen, JELS Director, local groups have already booked educational tours of the exhibit, including synagogue religious schools, the Friedel Jewish Academy, church groups and even home-schooled youth and their parents. Space is still available for these docent-led tours and reservations can be made by calling JELS at 334-6445. The exhibit closes April 6. ; "
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Alex Angtjlet, left, Justin Drucber, Ben Delman and Ben Taxman explore the interactive exhibit in the Gallery. JELS trained docents for visitors to the exhibit.
Temple Israel's seventh-grade class used the exhibit as a learning experience: Rachel Langnas, left, Lauren Freeman and Leora Azriel enjoy the activities.
Partnership 2C0O builds bridges . Kaufman joins Federation staff by Pam Monsky between people and communities Federation Communications Director T^^ by Pam Morigky ' Federation Communications Director
Cindy Kaufman has joined the staff of the Jewish Federation of Omaha as Women's Campaign Director. " Her duties include coorPartnership 2000, a Federation-sponsored prol dination of events and gram that links communities in Israel's Western , fund raising efforts in Galilee with Midwest Jewish communities includI conjunction with the ing Omaha, hosted five young Israeli's recently as 1 Women's Division of the they toured the Midwest Consortium. UJA/Federation Annual The purpose of the trip, according to Young ! Campaign. Jewish Omaha Director Sharon Kirshenbaum, is to Kaufman will also be "establish dialogue to encourage personal and busiresponsible for the ness relationships between the Jewish communiMaimonides and Carties in the United States, and Israel. The more, we dozo Society affinity learn about each other, the more we can share groups, as well as workmutually beneficial information." ing with the Foundation • Following their visit to Dallas, Louisville and of the Jewish FederOmaha, the Israeli delegates attended the Young ation on endowment development. Her previous posiLeadership Conference in Washington, D.C. ~ ~ tion was as- Development Director of the AntiWhile in Omaha, each visitor was assigned a men- Defamation League. tor with similar interests to show them around . "I am looking forward to-developing new and Om'aha. Danay Moran, is a student studying continued relationships with the members of our Criminal Justice at the Western Galilee College in community. I am confident that we will continue to Israel. build upon the success of our Annual Campaign She enjoyed her visit to Omaha, and said, 7 was with the help of our Center of Excellence directors very impressed with the Jewish Community in and community volunteers," said Kaufman. Kaufman holds a Bachelor of Science in Omaha. I loved learning about the Jewish social services and I think many criminal problems can be Journalism from the William Allen White School of solved or prevented with social service intervention." Journalism at the University of Kansas. She and her husband, Dr. Lenny Kaufman, have two sons, (Continued on page 2) Mitchell, 2, and Zachary, 5 months.