JEWISH PRESS
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SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR SO YEARS
NOW Forms Coalition to Bring Attention A Pinch of Optimism Returns as Mideast to Domestic Violence by JEWISH PRESS News Service
The issue of violence between couples has staggering effects. When individuals become involved within the victimization cycle, it is exceedingly difficult for them to change their self perception and behavior and cease the cycle. Of extreme concern are the children who live within these relationships: they become at risk for abuse themselves and further are at risk to become involved in similar, unhealthy relationships. The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) has long been involved in the effort to stop domestic violence. Dr. Patricia Newman, child psychologist, has announced a series of innovative, therapeutic productions intended to prevent domestic violence through NCJW, Omaha Section. The Section, with support from several other agencies and organizations, is bringing to Omaha several productions of The Yellow Dress (grades 912), and Remote Control (grades 7-8.) Productions are targeted for several Omaha sites the week of Feb. 19, 2001. "These are therapeutic, interactive and learning productions developed especially for teens," Dr. Newman said. "Each production is followed up with an immediate panel discussion and information- sharing session. The goal is to obtain the student's attention, initiate an emotional response and help them to arrive at a way in which to identify relationship cues of concern and thus formulate a healthy response to the indicators. "Further follow-up components, including additional discussion, family/parent involvement and information sharing, will be in place."
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Dr. Newman added that one of the most rewarding aspects of researching and implementing this initiative has been the hugely positive, collaborative response of those who have joined NCJW*s effort," To date, NCJW cosponsors are: Jewish Family Service, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, YWCA Women Against 'Violence Program, Nebraska Health and Human Services (Child Abuse T-^ T* ^ • -VT Prevention Board). Dr. Patema Newman Support h a s also been obtained from the Pennie Z. Davis Family life Education Foundation, the Herbert Goldstea Trust, the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, Howard and Gloria Kaslow, Harriet Singer and Diane Lozier. Additional sponsors, to date, are: Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel, Beth Israel Synagogue and Westside District 66 Schools. The productions were conceived, organized and are being maintained by Deana's Fund, located in Woburn, MA. The fund was established by Deana's family, a young girl who was the victim of teen domestic violence. Additional information about appearances scheduled at The Rose, Girls' Inc., the Jewish Community Center, and District 68 schools, is available by calling Dr. Newman at 391-2477.
Peace TaiksKesume
by .DAVID LANDAU
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JERUSALEM (JTA)~A sense of-cautious optimism, not .experienced for many iH0ntfass was palpable this week in Jsusalem, Gaza and Washington as Israeli and Palestinian negotiates launched a new itrand of peace talks in the 0niteu States. Despite the commntioaai wisdom that llweeks of violence can only have aardened positions on both sides, seasoned observers of the region discern more complex effects on public opinion among Israelis and Palestinians. While fear and hatred have deepened, so has the realization--among Israelis and at least some Palestinians—that a negotiated settlement is the only way to end this confiicL The breakthrough for the Washington talks apparently came Saturday night after Israeli Foreign Minister SMoma Ben-Ami met with senior Palestinian officials. U.S. Middle East envoy Dennis Ross is leading the U.S. team in separate talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials, including Ben-Ami and top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. In Israel, the political right has gained strongly in opinion polls since Palestinian violence began in late September. At Hie same time, the poHs still reflect broad support for a deal establishing a Palestinian state that lives peacefully beside Israel. For their part, Palestinian groups, including Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat's mainstream Fatah faction aad the Islamic movements, went on strike this week to protest the resumption-of peace :talks. (Continued OH page 7)
The Project Dreidel Chronicles by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director
(The story you are about to read is true. The names of the family have been changed to respect their privacy.) The Project Dreidel Chronicles depict actual situations faced by real Jewish families in Omaha. "Project Dreidel" is a tzedakah program sponsored by Jewish. Family Service that has been providing Hanukkah gifts and Jewish holiday meals to families in our area who eannot afford them. But, sometimes, families and individuals have unexpected emergencies that require immediate intervention. Jewish Family Service is there to provide the financial and emotional support they need to get back to normal, and that support costs money year-round. Your gift to the J e w i s h Federation of Omaha's 2001 Annual Campaign is what allows us to take care of each other. Despite our best efforts, our community's needs continue to outpace the increase in gifts to the Annual Campaign. Your increased Campaign gift ensures that every Omaha Jewish community member will have access to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish environment. In this week's story, a mother of four faces the challenge of rebuilding her life after her husband walked out. Life had thrown Jennifer Scher some major curveballs before, but this one was almost too much. After 11 years, her husband, Justin, decided he'd had enough of marriage, kids and responsibility. This past summer, he left Jennifer and their four children, ages 5, 6, 8 and 9, and walked away from the comfortable, middle-class life they had built together. Jennifer was confused and hurt* but she remained optimistic and tried to pull herself together for the children's sake.
Photo by Jen Gates While Justin's departure was unexpected, it was not a total shock. He had been depressed lately and, in true mid-life* crisis fashion, said that he needed time to "find himself," A strong and confident woman, Jennifer suddenly had to worry about how she'd provide for her family without Justin's income. Although he promised to send money, the fact that Justin had walked away from his job, as well as his family when he moved to a Montana ranch, left Jennifer doubtful that he'd fulfill his promise. She had no one to depend upon except herself. Jennifer's salary from her job as a sales clerk was enough for the little extras, but Justin was the family's main breadwinner. She and the kids would never be able to survive on Jennifer's salary alone. She talked to her supervisor about a position that paid more. Her boss encouraged her and indicated that she was a good candidate for the promotion. In
the meantime, she was forced to take a part-time job to stay afloat. The hours at her sales job allowed Jennifer the time to volunteer at the kids' school and to be there for them when they came home. But the part-time job cut into that time. For Jennifer, whose children are her first priority, the time away from the kids was agonizing. But what other choice did she have? Meanwhile, as she had feared, Justin hadn't sent any money. Things got worse when her promotion didn't come through, and the bills began piling up. Eventually, Jennifer had to sell their house and rent it back from the new owners. On top of everything else, her son's seventh birthday was'fast approaching, and Jennifer couldn't afford to buy hi™ a gift. She had the heartbreaking task of telling him that there wasn't enough money for a party, a cake or even a present. On the rare occasions that Justin would phone, he told the Mds that he wanted them to live with him. The children would cry and beg Jennifer to let them stay with her and not go to Montana. It took several hours for Jennifer to calm them down after these phone calls. They still loved and missed thenfather, but they didn't want to leave their mother and their home. (Continued on page 8)
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