Vol. LXXXI
No. 41
Omaha, NE
UTammuz, 5762
June 21,2002
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN SOWA FOR 81 YEARS
Argentine Jews Head for the Exits as-Country's Economic Crisis Persists by FLORENCIA ARBISER -
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BUENOS AIRES (JTA), ' ; , ' * . .;, : the recent combination - A gray winter weighs ., s . j " <j of inflation and financial heavily on the streets of ";j*-~ - "•'-. devaluation ruined Argentina—a sadness • -"J" • Pendeti's business as an electronic materials that stems from living in salesman. a country suffering from seemingly unmanageable The family has been liveconomic problems. ing without medical Exacerbated by the insurance, and Zouvi's parents have been prostunning failure o viding them with approxArgentina's national socimately $110 a month. cer team to advance past the first round of this Daniel Pendeti and Silvia Zouvi, with their sons, Asked about the vioyear's World Cup, the Guido, 13, and Gianni, 3, in Argentina shortly before lence in Middle East, melancholy can be heard moving to Israel. Photo by FtorenciaArbiseMJTA Zouvi --a shorthand clerk in the country's pizzerias, move theaters and homes. and former bank employee-answered that "terrorism For many of Argentina's 200,000 Jews, the ongo- exists in Argentina too; it is economic terrorism." ing economic crisis, which thrusts an estimated Their son, Guido, 13, is less sanguine about the 25,000 people into poverty each day, is increasingly move: "There is a war" in Israel, he says. provoking thoughts of emigration. In fact, on the day JTA interviewed Guido's famiFor one married couple, Silvia Zouvi, 41, and ly, the largest Argentine daily paper, Clarin, feaDaniel Pendeti, 43, the economic crisis was the last tured a front-page photograph of a terrorist attack straw. "Israel for us is the No. 1 choice, the only in Israel that killed 19 people. Despite Guido's qualms, the family moved to place that can give us the opportunity now," Pendeti told JTA. "Although I have Spanish and Israel last week-and they are not alone. During the 1990s, between 300 and 1000 Italian roots, I could not wait for four years until I Argentine Jews left for Israel annually. Last year, could get visas and work." The couple and their two sons have been grap- that number increased to 1400. (Continued on page 2) pling with economic problems for several years. But
Part IV
Tears of Terrorism by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director
" Tears of Terrorism" documents real-life personal accounts of Israelis and how they are affected by the wake of unrelenting terrorist attacks. These stories are glimpses into how some Israeli Jews who face extraordinary circumstances. Contributions to the Jewish Federation of Omaha's Israel Terror Relief Fund will provide aid and services to victims and survivors of terrorist attacks in Israel. But like ripples in a pond, the effects of every suicide bombing radiate from the ruins of every explosion, growing wider as it reaches further, encircling innocent people caught in a senseless chain of events. In the wake of increased terrorism, tourism to Israel has become non-existent, creating another wave of victims—the thousands of people who have lost their jobs as scores of hotels, shops and restaurants are forced to close their doors. As patient loads soar, the ripples of terror are felt in the hospitals. There is not enough money to buy the latest in modern, life-saving medical equipment, and as a result, the standard of patient care begins to suffer. Schools can't afford to outfit their buses with bulletproof glass or install protective fencing around their playgrounds, leaving the children vulnerable to attacks. The ripples continue to expand across the land until every Israeli, indeed,every Jew, is touched by terrorism. The Israel Terror Relief Fund has a goal of $1 million. To contribute, please mail your donation to: the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or call 334-6432. What follows are real stories of real Israelis-these are not fictionalized accounts. On the evening of April 3, the seventh and final day of Passover, Dr. David Zangin, a senior pediatrician at Hadassah Hospital, gave his wife and children an extra long hug and an extra kiss goodbye before leaving his Jerusalem home for Jenin. Just half an hour earlier, his company commander had appeared at his door with a T s a v 8" (emer-
gency mobilization) letter in his hand. Entering Jenin that night, David's IDF unit helped to launch Operation Defensive Shield in what was to become the most brutal battle of the military operation.
Dr. David Zangin, a senior pediatrician a t Hadassah Hospital, was called to Jenin with the IDF. David, a veteran of the Lebanon war who has spent countless hours in Hadassah's ER treating victims of terror attacks, was affected very deeply by what he saw in Jenin: "We had so many terrible casualties, and I was responsible for treating the wounded. As my friends~men my age with families at home~would enter the crowded center of the city, going from home to home searching for terrorist cells, I trembled with anxiety." Having spent difficult days watching IDF soldiers confront the daily threat of suicide bombers and booby-trapped homes in Jenin, David was immensely frustrated by the attitude of the media. (Continued on page 8)
Twenty Years Together is a Generation Blessed by OZ2IE NOGG —
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On May 19, more than 600 people joined together at Beth El Synagogue for "An Evening to Remember", in honor of Rabbi Paul Drazen, his wife, Susie and their children, Gila and Yoni. The tribute was Beth El's way of saying todah rabah (thanks) to the Drazens for the remarkable 20 years they gave to the congregation and to the Omaha Jewish community. Like most events of this type, the evening included speeches and the awarding of plaques. Jokes and tears. But-because music and parody and show-biz are part of the Beth El spirit—the evening was also filled with songs. The lyrics were written by Joanie Jacobson and Andee Scioli. I thank them for their words which have been freely and shamelessly lifted for this article—O.Z.
The Drazens a t Camp Ramah. Packing boxes were stacked against the walls and a few shelves were already emptied of books when I sat down in Rabbi Paul Drazen's office a few weeks ago to talk with him and his wife, Susie. Paul's office is a multi-purpose room where he's taught Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids, held counseling sessions for congregants, presided over Beth El staff meetings. But today, the office was more like a living room where three old friends could sit and reminisce about the Drazens' 20 years at Beth El, and talk about how they felt, just a few weeks before their scheduled move to the Twin Cities. So, what were their thoughts after 20 years in Omaha? How did it feel to be leaving? Never one to pull her punches, Susie said, "It's like I'm being exiled from my homeland. It's scary and wrenching—like going off to college." Paul stared out the window. "To a great extent," Susie continued, "Paul and I grew up at Beth El Synagogue. When we came here, Paul and I were kids. Gila was only 18 months old. The other day, I was packing up the photo albums and I stopped to look through some of the pictures and I came to one snapshot and I said to myself, Why is Gila holding that baby?' And then I realized it wasn't Gila holding a baby. It was a picture of me holding G i l a - . . . " . . . . Reluctantly, Paul added, "I've spent more time in (Continued o n page 10)
COMING NEXT WEEK: In honor «f the Fourth of July? "LaoiS <.J* Opportunity", an essay written by tr.t; late Maurice Katz. An interview with Bob Greene, author of Once Upon a Town, the story of the North Platte Canteen, and Omahan BAorrie Shapiro, who was there. An interview with comedian David Brenner, appearing in Omaha June 28-29.
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Jewisii Press, Omaha, NE
June 21,2002
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MONDAY, JUNE 24 YES Program, 10 a.m.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 25 Visions Joslyn Tbur, 12 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Beth Israel Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 Chabad House Jewish Learning L Institute, 7 p.m. i P
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THURSDAY, JUNE 27 Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
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A f) All euenis held at ths JCC unless otherwise indicated. Tills Jewish „ " PreS3 is no! responsible for the accuracy of eveitfs. To kesp calendar _ K £ accurate or for questions, call Marleras Hert at 3344437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmerui.org (click on catend>ir)
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by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE — — « — — — » — — Parashat Hukat
Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers e Postcards
SATURDAY, JUNE 22 L Beth El B'nai Mitzvah Graduation, 1 10 a.m. p
Saiyte to a Sui-Hornicifle Bomber You are a dupe. They've caught you in a scam any half-brained idiot could have seen through. You are expecting to be ushered proudly into the Gates of Heaven, and you were dragged in shame and dumped at the Gates of Hell. You are expecting eight or 10 beautiful virgins for your pleasure, and you get 10 or 20 of the Devil's best brood to torment you. Your sponsors there are Hainan and Hitler, Amalek and Agag, the Skunk and the Rat and other vermin. You were expecting to be welcomed with comforting lotions and you get burning applications of white hot coals from Hell's hottest eternal fires. You were told you were to do laudable work and you get condemned by everyone decent and everything human. You were told you would be honored by all religious people, but you've struggled under loads of contumely. You were told that nothing would hurt, and you found that every tissue in your body, separately and together, produced unbearable pain. Not for long, to be sure, but for long enough for you to wish you hadn't listened to those deceivers. And now, now you are nothing but a chunk of offal. The whole background ought to be re-evaluated. Here are my brothers, a small people, hard working, intelligent and respecting of life. And here are you, a descendant of a once proud and brilliant people, who are now~alas~degenerated into 20 or so independent nations, none prosperous by its own means, because no one knows how to live in the modern world, all living in a 13th century world, but without the art, culture, belles lettres and thought of that world, all casting jealous eyes at the western world of commerce and industry, but with no idea of how to enter that world, all jealous of the world of peace and progress, but with no talent except for war and bloodshed and regression, all enemies of civilization and exploiters of its discontents, all eager to destroy and litter, none willing to seek peace and love it, all hating life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My ancestors, in, say, the 10th-13th centuries, especially in Spain, had a Golden Age of science, mathematics, poetry and language studies; their Golden Age was all inspired by the wonderful mushrooming of culture, belles lettres, science, mathematics and the classics, in Arabic translation from ancient literature. Indeed, my ancestors wrote many of their best productions in Judeo-Arabic, just as later, borrowing German, they wrote and spoke in JudeoGerman, commonly called Yiddish. Most Jews are surprised to learn that the famous Guide for the Perplexed, the Moreh Nevukhim of Maimonides, was written in Arabic, not Hebrew. My ancestors did not collapse into Dark Ages. Yours, alas, did. And so far, as your people face the burgeoning Western World, they have not emerged from their Dark Ages. And you, you homicide killer, are the prized production of your ancestors' Dark Ages. You bring blackness, darkness, and ignorance, where the world needs light, enlightenment, and joy. By all definitions, you are pure essence of rottenness. You are, plainly speaking, a throw-back to ancient, mindless man. Decent people are ashamed to die along with you.
by JEWISH PRESS News Service
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Ten Jewish women's organizations have formed One Voice, a unique coalition representing a broad spectrum of Jewish political and religious views in a united effort. On Wednesday, June 26, these groups are asking their members to call congress and urge continued support of the beleaguered State of Israel. "We stand in solidarity with the State of Israel and its people and for a strong and enduring USIsrael relationship. We support Israel and America in the fight against terror and commit to fighting the scourge of anti-semitism, bigotry and racism wherever it appears," One Voice announced in last week's press release. Coalition Members include: Hadassah; Women's Zionist Organization of America; Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance; Jewish Women International; NA'AMAT USA; National Council of Jewish Women; Task Force on the Jewish Woman of the UJA-Federation of New York; Women of Reform Judaism; Women's American ORT; Women's Branch of the Orthodox Union; and Women's League for Conservative Judaism. "On June 26, we ask you to 'Take Five and Take to the Phones'. Five minutes, that is, to call your two Senators and one Representative to ask for their continued support of Israel," explained Madeline Brecher, co-chair of One Voice, representing the National council of Jewish Women. "These are critical times for Israel and the Jewish people. We cannot afford the syndrome of complacency. Thousands of Jewish women around the country are empowered to make a difference. If not now, when? If not us, then who?" she continued. "Your vote is a powerful tool," added co-chair Adena Berkowitz, representing the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. "Senators and Representatives listen to the views of their constituents. Please thank the supporters for their past support of Israel and urge all to continue to stand with Israel and against anti-semitism. Call both of your Senators and your Representative at 202-224-3121 or can find their direct line at www.Senate.gov or www.House.gov. "Please leave the following message," Brecher added. "'Hello. This is (your name) calling from (town.city). [(When applicable) I would like to thank the Senator (Congressman/woman) for his/her past support for Israel.] "Today, I would like to urge the Senator (Congressman/woman) to stand in solidarity with the State of Israel and support Israel's right to defend itself against violence, suicide attacks and all forms of terror. "In addition, I hope that he/she will speak out against anti-semitism, bigotry and racism and commit to fighting this scourge whenever and wherever it appears. Thank you.'" (If you are asked to give your mailing address, please do so.) For more information contact: One Voice: Jewish Women for Israel, 6 E. 39 St., 10th Floor, New York City, NY 10016; call Sari Strulowitz, at 212792-6295, or visit the coalition's website at: WT»Tv.onevoice4IsraeLorg.
Argentine Jews (Continued from page 1) — — — — » — — Between January and May of this year, 2150 despite its own difficulties, opens its generous hand made aliyah, according to the Jewish Agency for to give back hope," says Diego Melamed, the author Israel. In all, 5000 to 6000 are expected this year, of a recent book, Leaving: How and Why Argentines according to agency officials. Are Leaving the Country. Some of the push can be seen in the same issue of Kito Hasson, the Jewish Agency's Latin America the paper that featured the terror attack in Israel: representative, told JTA that Argentines who make also featured photos of the desperate faces of aliyah are "impelled to leave due to the social, ecoArgentines standing on long lines to buy dollars, nomical and political crisis," like other emigrants. and articles about wealthy people kidnapped for But there is also an ideological component-a belief exorbitant ransoms. in the Jewish state. No matter the reason for the departure, Fifty-two percent of those making aliyah are Argentine Jews know they can find refuge in younger than 35, he says. More than 250 have chilIsrael. dren between the ages of 18 and 20 who will have "The threat might be anti-Semitism or misery. to serve in the Israeli army. But what is certain is that there is a home that, "They go to build a future, not to end their days."
June 21,2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
SYNAG0GUIS FRIDAY: Men's Club, 11:45 ajnou All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation! Family Service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:80 cum., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue our study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The Amidah. Services in the Sanctuary, 10:30 sum. Avi Nathan Wolfson, son of Sara and Doug Wolfson, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, June 27: Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m. The focus is on the writings of the Scholars-in-Residence who will join us this year.
Teens Organize for Middle East Peace by BEN DELMAN
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Recent events in Israel have spurred the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization to organize an international awareness and fund-raising campaign called "BBYO 4 Israel." In co-operation with this global push, the local Cornbelt Council will sponsor a walk and auction at the JCC on Sunday, June 30, 2 p.m. The Council hopes for community support to reach their goal of $4000. Among the scheduled speakers will be Jamie Konigsberg, B'nai B'rith Girls International N'siah and former members of the Israeli Army. Music and food will follow the walk. The proceeds from the event will go to Magen David Adorn, a medical service organization in Israel. Founded in 1930, this organization strives to provide auxiliary service to Israel's Army Medical Corps in wartime, including emergency medical care for the wounded and war refugees. It also offers civilian emergency care, medical/first-aid services, and temporary shelter in emergency situations. It maintains a blood bank for civilian use. Magen David Adorn is non-discriminatory and assists people regardless of race, creed or religion. The organization has been involved in humanitarian missions not only in Israel, but in many world-wide crises. They have provided aid in Indonesia, Kosovo and Eritrea. "BBYO is trying to help because Magen David Adorn is really lacking funds," said Cornbelt Council Aleph Gadol Keith Graul. "They do not receive funds from the International Red Cross because they use the Star of David as their symbol,. They are only funded by events such as ours and through individual donations." The purpose of the walk is to show the community that teens in the Midwest care about what's happening in the Middle East. "We want to show that just because we are teens, doesn't mean we can't help," said Lana Kinarsky, co-coordinator of the event. BBYO is asking local businesses to donate items for the auction and walkers will be solicited. For more information about donations or to sign up to walk, call the BBYO hotline at 334-6508. "This has to be the most ambitious project that BBYO in Omaha has ever undertaken." Graul said.
CandleSsgSitsng Friday, June 21
8:43 p.m.
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRD3AY: Kaballat Shabbos, 7 p.m. The West Minyan is at the home of Howard Gendelman and Bonnie Bloch, 8 pan. SATURDAY: Parsha Chukas/Balak Shacharis, 8:45 a.m., free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch in honor of Bob Oberman's 50th Bar Mitzvah. Anniversary, sponsored by Gwen and Eric Goldfarb and Joy and Stuart Oberman, Mincha, 8:35 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:51 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:45 p.m. TUESDAY, June 25: Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat IArvit I'shabbat, 6 pjn. SATURDAY: P'sukei D'Zimrah, followed by Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; The Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class of 2002 will participate in services; Free sitter service starts at 10 ajn. and runs through the' conclusion of services; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El;' Humask Class with Rabbi Drazen, 8:25 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, Havdalah services, 8:55 p.m., in the Chapel. SUNDAY: Shaharit, 9 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 5:30 pan. WEDNESDAY, J u n e 26: Installation of Sisterhood, 7:30 p.m. in the West Court. SATURDAY, J u n e 29: Beth El's new officers and Board of Trustees will be installed during Shabbat morning services.
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SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Greenberg in the RBJH Chapel, followed by Kiddush.
f#nstp;Sp^ FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker Marcel Kahn will relate "The Story of a Recent Visit to Germany: the atmosphere, the politics, the attitudes, the meshpoocha." Oneg Shabbat following services.
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Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Summer camp: June 24-July 5; Torah Tots, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors, 9 a.m.-4p.m. Delicious lunches, snacks, and drinks Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. served daily. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 aon. WEDNESDAY: JU at the JCC, 7-8:30 pan. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. TUESDAY, J u n e 25: Aleph Bet, 7:15 p.m.; Intro to Judaism, 8:15 p.m.
FRD3AY: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY: Havdalah get-together. SUNDAY: Booh Club activity, 1 p.m., in the Kripke Library. Reading and analysis of "Communings of the Spirit" by Mordecai M. Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionism.
• The American Jewish Congress welcomed a resolution adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors condemning Palestinian terrorism. Approved Monday at their annual meeting in Madison, WI, the resolution declared that the "deliberate killing of civilians is an abomination and cannot be rationalized or justified as the result of any situation or circumstance." Applauding the resolution, AJCongress President Jack Rosen said the move "will be truly heartening to Israel." The AJCongress and Israel's Foreign Ministry sponsor an annual conference in Jerusalem that brings together mayors from around the world to discuss common problems. • Israeli officials reportedly decided not to expel Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat following the latest terror attack. The decision was reached Tuesday after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Benjamin BenEliezer discussed Israel's response to Tuesday's suicide bombing in Jerusalem, according to the Israeli daily Ha'aretz. PERSONAL Please join us for a Kiddish lunch following services on Saturday, June 29, at Beth El Synagogue in honor of Cheryl Cooper and her family. Ann and Don Goldstein
Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Monday: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m. Thursday: Board Workshop, 6-9:30 p.m.; Hebrew with Rabbi Milder, 7:30 p.m.
tSttsililiffliiSSi FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
Anne Rips, daughter of Jane and Harlan Rips, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 22 at Temple Israel. A seventh grade student at Lewis and Clark Middle School, Anne enjoys tennis, arts and crafts, and attending Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp in Wisconsin. For her mitzvah project, Anne is making challah covers for Shabbat dinners at Temple Israel. She is the granddaughter of Helen and Milton Glazer of Sioux City, IA, and Barbara Rips of Omaha and the late N.J. Rips.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 21,2002
It Alone The Jewish community of Omaha is the only community of its size to still publish a weekly newspaper, 52 weeks a year, with no break, year after year. Portland, Seattle, Tampa, Rhode Island, Jacksonville, New Orleans and Tucson, are just a few of the larger Jewish communities who publish every other week, monthly, or even just 10 times a year. We're very proud this community wants a weekly Jewish newspaper and has supported that ideal since 1920. But it takes a lot of work...and we need your help. Several calls and letters to this office last week have made it evident that an explanation of how things work here is still needed. Case in point: members of the Jewish community assume we know when (and to where) our readers have moved. We don't. Either the U.S. Post Office sends us a forwarding label (for which we are billed 600 per issue) or readers have to call the Press office (334-6448) with their old and new addresses. It takes about two weeks to make the change once we've received the information, so please let us know in advance. Another example: the photos of high school graduates can only be published if parents (or grandparents or the high school seniors themselves) send the photo and relevant informa-
tion to our office. We run 6-8 ads prior to the deadline and follow up with letters or phone calls to the names on our list provided by the synagogues and Jewish Community Center. If your teen isn't on one of those lists, we have no way of knowing; Omaha may be small, with only 6500 Jews, but we don't know everyone, or the ages of their kids. Finally, we received a thought-provoking Letter to the Editor last week. We would have printed it, but since it was unsigned it didn't (and won't) appear. (To the author: if you'd like to sign your name, however, we'd be happy to print your letter!) Our goal is to serve this
community—and that means doing whatever we can to assist our readers-and our advertisers. If you leave a message on voice mail, well call you back as soon as we can. If your bill is incorrect, well take the time to go through line-by-line until it's right. If we've made a mistake in a birth announcement or an obituary, we will
print a corrected version. That's a promise. No matter how great the content of the Jewish Press continues to be, if we don't provide good service, then we've failed. We can't do it alone, and frankly, we don't want to; we want your and need help. And that's a promise, too!
Harvard Loves JIhaci by DANIEL PIPES — .
Imagine the month is June and the year is 1942, just a few months after Adolf Hitler declared war on the United States. It's commencement time at Harvard University and a faculty committee has chosen a German-American to give one of three student orations at the festive ceremony. He titles his talk "American Kampf, purposefully echoing the title of Hitler's book, Mein Kampf ("My Struggle") in order to show the positive side of "Kampf." • The talk prompts protests but a Harvard dean defends the planned talk as a "thoughtful oration" that defines the concept of Kampf as a personal struggle "to promote justice and understanding in ourselves and in our society." The dean promises that "the audience will find his oration, as did all the Harvard judges, a light of hope and reason in a world often darkened by distrust and conflict." When it turns out that the student is past president of the Harvard German Society, a group with a pro-Nazi taint, the university administration is still not bothered. Nor is it perturbed that he praised a Nazi front group-one shut down by the president of the United States, no less--for its "incredible work* as well as its "professionalism, compassion and dedication to helping people in dire need," then raised money for it. Sound far-fetched? It sure is. But exactly this scenario unfolded last week at Harvard. Just replace "German", "Nazi", and "Kampf with "Islamic", "militant Islamic", and "jihad." Faculty members chose Zayed Yasin, 22 and the past president of the Harvard Islamic Society, to deliver a commencement address. Yasin earlier
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had sung the praises of and raised money for the the example of Hamas: while President Bush has Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, called it "one of the deadliest terrorist organizaa militant Islamic organization closed down by tions in the world today," a Harvard spokesman President George W. Bush. replies "no comment" when asked if it is a terrorist Yasin titled his talk "American Jihad," echoing organization and the university has allowed Osama bin Laden's jihad against the United fundraising on its premises on behalf of Hamas. States. (Curiously, both Kampf and jihad translate Even today, militant Islamic groups have full as "a struggle.") Yasin declared an intention to access to university facilities and the right to convince his audience of 32,000 into believing that advertise their activities. Oh, and Harvard has "Jihad is not something that should make someone two Fellowships endowed by Bin Laden's family, feel uncomfortable." each worth $1 million. Oh no? The authoritative Encyclopaedia of Islam Contrarily, the Reserve Officers Training Corps begs to differ, defining jihad as "military action (ROTC), a training program for the U.S. armed with the object of the expansion of Islam" and find- forces, is the only student group at Harvard to be ing that it "has principally an offensive character." prohibited access to university facilities (students The scholar Bat Ye'or explains for non-Muslims enrolled in ROTC must travel to another university that this has meant through history "war, dispos- for classes) and is disallowed from advertising its session, dhimmitude (second-class status), slavery, activities. and death." Unfortunately, Harvard,s stance is typical of Jihad does indeed sound like "something that nearly all North America universities. Almost should make someone feel uncomfortable." every Middle East specialist hides the truth about Sadly, this commencement episode is not an aber- jihad and (as shown by a chilling report from the ration but indicative of two important develop- American Council of Trustees and Alumni, ments at Harvard. "Defending Civilization") almost every campus Apologizing for militant Islam. Hiding jihad's drips contempt for the U.S. war effort (typical awful legacy of is standard operating procedure. A statement: "the best way to begin a war on terrorprofessor of Islamic history portrays jihad as "a ism might be to look in the mirror"). struggle without arms." The Harvard Islamic "You are with us, or you are against us." Harvard Society's faculty adviser defines true jihad as no and other universities need to look hard into their more fearsome than "to do good in society." All this soul and decide on which side they stand. is part of a pattern of pretending Islam had nothDaniel Pipes, director of the Middle East ing to do with 9/11. Forum, received his A.E. and Ph.D. from Neutral in wartime. Harvard appears neutral Harvard and taught history there. He can be in the current war, as Pat Collins points out. Take reached at: www.DameIPipes.org.
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JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Howard Silber; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
June 21,2002
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WASHINGTON (JTA) - National Public Radio has mounted a public relations campaign among Jews and Arabs in an effort to avoid being known as National Protest Radio. At the same moment that the president of NPR was addressing Jewish newspaper editors in Chicago about coverage of the Middle East, the ombudsman for NPR was talking about the very same thing to an Arab group in Washington. The speeches that Friday were part of an outreach effort by the nonprofit radio organization to convince its listeners that its reporting of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis is both fair and unbiased. NPR, along with other major media outlets, has been accused by both Jewish and Arab audiences of unfair coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The outreach comes after Jews boycotted some major newspapers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post because of a perceived anti-Israel bias. Arabs have complained bitterly as well, citing what they see as a proIsrael slant to many stories in the Times and Post, among other media. Kevin Klose, president and CEO of NPR, acknowledged the complaints against his organization. "We're not immune to that," he said in a telephone interview. "We pay a great deal of attention to criticism." Klose is looking for more dialogue with both communities and he believes NPR is trying to be as careful as possible about its reportage. "But we're not indifferent to errors," he said. "We change; we correct the record." Part of the problem is the nature of the story, Klose told Jewish newspaper editors gathered last week in Chicago at the annual meeting of American Jewish Press Association. "This has been nothing but a terrible story for 20 months," said Klose, a former reporter and editor at The Washington Post. And people with close ties to the issues, he said, listen with an extraordinary intensity." NPR has hired a public relations firm, DCS Group, that does work for Arab arid Jewish groups, including Birthright Israel,- to help with its outreach to both communities. NPR serves an audience of more than 19 million Americans each week via 680 public radio stations and the Internet and in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa through, NPR Worldwide. Jeffrey Dvorkin, the NPR ombudsman, says the outreach effort is to help the organization understand the communities better and to encourage people to help NPR do its job better. "If there's a boycott, then it's too late," he said. Last month, the NPR Web site started posting full transcripts of its reports from the Middle East so people could see the full text, officials said. While most of the critics respond with letters, e-mail and voice mail complaints, there have been some financial repercussions as well. Some major donors to a public radio station in the Boston area stopped their funding because of what they saw as an anti-Israel bias in NPR..
NPR officials said they were not aware of any other stations that have lost funding as a result of their Middle East coverage. And NPR's president, Klose, said that in general, financial support for public radio is up. Two of those who withdrew their support in Boston were members of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America, or CAMERA, a group that has long criticized NPR reporting. CAMERA has called for people to end their support of their local stations because of NPR's "anti-Israel distortions." According to a CAMERA study of NPR coverage during two months in late 2000, less air time was afforded to Israeli speakers, and many programs excluded Israeli voices entirely. In an updated survey from March and April 2002, CAMERA evaluated 57 segments and found 16 Israeli speakers, 43 Arab speakers, 21 neutral commentators and six pro-Arab speakers. CAMERA also charged that NPR did not do human interest stories on Jewish victims of terrorism. Aside from a story on Jewish victims last month, CAMERA doesn't see any recent alterations to NPR's coverage and believes NPR continues to skew its stories. "People are more concerned about the Middle East and NPR is subject to heightened scrutiny," said Alex Safian, CAMERA'S associate director. "The Jewish community is not as willing to overlook this sort of thing." NPR's Dvorkin questions the group's findings and says his evaluations of coverage have shown different results. Jewish organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs have been meeting with NPR for several years to discuss concerns about Middle East coverage. A recent study by the ADL said that NPR is not fundamentally biased against Israel, but that it had "significant imbalances in coverage," particularly when Israel responded militarily after Palestinian suicide bombings. "NPR has demonstrated that it can be objective and fair-minded in its presentation in terms of giving Israel's perspective as well as that of the Palestinians, in terms of personalizing the suffering on the Israeli side as well as the Palestinian side, and in terms of interviewing as many mainstream Israelis as Palestinians," said the report, which ADL decided not to release. For their part, some Arab Americans also take issue with NPR's coverage of the conflict. Hussein Ibish, communications director for the American-Arab AntiDiscrimination Committee, said NPR does not have an anti-Arab bias, but its reporting can be problematic and there is a "radical imbalance" in its commentary. Michael Kotzin, the executive vice president of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, called for a constructive dialogue between the Jewish community and the media. Speaking alongside Klose at the American Jewish Press Association meeting, Kotzin said the media needed to take a serious look at how they are treating the Middle East conflict.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NF
June 21, 2002
ORGANIZATIONS Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10:15 am, with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 1O.30 a.m. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 sum. Join us for the Summer Kick Off Party with special musical guest Kim Eames. For transportation call 330-4272. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.
Festival Features Multicultural Tales by JEWISH PRESS News Service — — — — Born in a shtetl (village) in White Russia before World War II, Roslyn Bresnick Perry came to the United States at the age of eight. As a young adult, she worked in New York's garment industry as a designer. Her stories about "the Big Apple" and her workshop, "Personal Stories Become Cultural Sharing" are part of Omaha's 16th Annual Storytelling Festival, June 27-30 at the College of St. Mary.
YIDDISH GROUP Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Yiddish Group will meet on Thursday, 1-3 p.m. at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information, 343-1638: VISIONS Reminder: Joslyn Art Museum docent-led tour of Andrew Wyeth's Helga Pictures: An Intimate Study is Tuesday, June 25, Lunch at 12:15 p.m. at Joslyn's Le Cafe Durham (on your own). Tour will begin at 1:30 p.m. BTMAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS An end-of-the-year awards luncheon will be held at the weekly Breadbreakers get-together on Wednesday, J u n e 19, noon, at the Park Inn Regency. Volunteers who have worked for the Lodge during the past year will be honored. Cost for lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. The program is open to the community.
Roslyn Bresnick Perry A "Jewish grandmother," Bresnick-Perry is well versed in the history of the Jewish people, with a NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN repertoire of tales of Jewish myths, rabbis and Any members who wish to have their e-mail poshete menchen (plain people), legends, folklore address included in the next NCJW yearbook, for adults and children alike. She is a published should e-mail that information to author, workshop leader, and educator. BresnickNCJWOmaha^iewishoinaha.org. All addresses Perry has performed at colleges, conferences and received by June 21 will be listed in the 2002-03 festivals across the country. yearbook. In addition to Bresnick-Perry, these storytellers will be appearing at the Festival: Cynthia OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Changaris of Kentucky, Dayton Edmonds from There will be no Lunch'n-Learn discussions next Washington, Jamal Koram from Virginia, Michael week. Rabbi Aryeh Bloom, OCTL's new rosh kollel, Parent of Maine and Liz Weir from Northern will begin leading the weekly class on the Torah Ireland. Events include workshops and storytelling portion on Wednesday, July 3, noon at the for families, children and adults-only. Kripke Federation Library. For ticket information and registration, visit the For information on upcoming OCTL programs, Festival website at: www.storygalore.com or call call Allan Gonsher, 330-4014 or 558-2767. 551-4532.
MEYERSON/ENDELMAN Jamie Beth Endelman, daughter of Randy and Penny Endelman, and Troy F. .«.;'"*"?, j , Meyerson, son of '• Larry and Deenie ' - •. Meyerson, were married May 26 at Temple Israel. Rabbis Josh Zweiback and Aryeh Azriel officiated. A reception followed at the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens. The bride is a project coordinator at Marianna Inc. The groom is an attorney with the law firm of Frazier, Stryker, Meusey, Olsen, Boyer & Bloch. Heidi Schneiderman, sister of the groom, was the matron of honor; best men were Scott Meyerson and Lance Meyerson, the groom's brothers. The bride is the granddaughter of Peggy and Chris Krasne and Lois and Bob Endelman. The groom is the grandson of Sonia Forbes and Leo Meyerson. The couple resides in Omaha.
by ART GROSSMAN
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Our members who attend our Monday lunches and social events are pretty much witness to entertainment of one sort or another featuring children or elderly talented folks. However, it has been quite awhile since we have been addressed by financial advisors. Ted Singer and Danny Noonan, representatives of Carson Wealth Management Group, did so at a recent meeting. They presented "Ten Ways to Wealth", a comprehensive long-range plan to reach one's financial goals. OT/Y.E.S. hasn't undertaken a demographic study of the average age of our membership in a long time. I am inclined to believe a fairly accurate age would range between 70 and 90. Consequently, a puzzlement about a "long-term" plan. Nevertheless, we listened attentively and perhaps some in the audience did obtain some useful advice. At the Early Bird discussion, we commiserated with Gov. Mike Johanns, who is preparing to call a special session of the Legislature to figure a way to meet budget requirements. We also checked on the youngsters appearing in the Jewish Press and their college selections. Some are grandchildren of our members. Shalom.
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Grub and Pub with the "Jew ( W (Omaha's new young Jewish singles group). Wednesday, June 26,2002 7:00 P J . Dinner al La Casa Pizzeria 4432 Leavenworlh Street then on to Drinks and fun at Castle Barrett 4330 Leavenworth Street Please RSVP by Monday, June 24 to Sharon Kirshenbaum, skirshenbaum@jewishomaha.org or Lisa Coren, Iisabci99@hotmail.com Everyone will pay for their own food and drinks. Castle Barrett will provide great drink specials. estions? - Call Sharon Kirshenbaum, Young Leadership Direct at the Jewish Federation of Omaha at 334-6485. Committee Lisa Coren Jennifer Hoturoan Paul RoffraaB JoeyShykai JDSfosburj
June 21, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, ME
Page 7
With Digital Library, Y^c- ish Socks totcme Accessible to AI by AMY SARA CLARK —•
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NEW YORK (JTA) -- Until recently, it seemed you could find Yiddish books only in obscure libraries or the attic of someone's grandparents. But last month, Yiddish became one of the most accessible literatures on earth. The National Yiddish Book Center launched the Steven Spielberg Digital Yiddish Library, an online bookstore that makes more than 12,000 out-ofprint Yiddish titles available for purchase directly over the Internet. Readers can search the catalog of titles and order books for $29 each; members of the center pay less. The order is routed to a production facility in Pennsylvania, where a digital printer accesses the previously scanned pages of the requested book and generates a new paperback copy within minutes. Offering 12,000 of the 18,000-20,000 titles that compose modern Yiddish literature, the digital library has turned Yiddish into the most in-print literature available, said Aaron Lansky, founder and president of the National Yiddish Book Center. Most of the titles available through the digital library have been out of print since the 1950s. Popular writers include I.L. Peretz, Sholem Aleichem and Sholem Asch. According to Lansky, the digital library is the only major publisher of Yiddish books today. "A small press in Israel puts out a few titles, but besides us, that's it," he said. Lansky began his quest to save Yiddish books 22 years ago, when he was a 23-year-old graduate student in Eastern European Jewish studies. When the class readings were assigned, the students would "race to the Jewish Public Library in Montreal," Lansky said. "Occasionally one of us would find something in the university's library, but the rest of us had to make do as best we could because the literature was literally out of print."
"They used to say the only way to find a Yiddish book was to go to a rare book dealer in Amsterdam or a garbage can in Brooklyn," he added. Lansky feared that books that had survived the Holocaust and Russian pogroms soon would be thrown out by a younger generation that couldn't read them. So he took what he thought would be a two-year leave from his graduate program and set out "to save the world's Yiddish books before it was too late." Working from an unheated factory loft in Northhampton, MA, Lansky made a public appeal for unwanted Yiddish books. The result was staggering, yielding thousands of books and a slew of volunteers. The young mavericks~in the beginning they were all in their early 20s~soon were traveling the country collecting books from abandoned buildings, old synagogues, basements and attics. When the center began in 1980, scholars estimated there were 70,000 Yiddish books in the world
Breads, Soups & Salads by Sharon Winstein (Smoothstone Press, $19.95) Review by LOIS FRIEDMAN —
Years ago in Sioux City, IA, the author, who was 10-years-old at the time, learned to cook when her mother was sick. And so began Winstein's involvement in cooking and continuing the tradition of teaching and handing down recipes which include "elaborate methods assure that the time involved will be well spent." Long, detailed recipes are for readers that like lots of details and how-to information. The author's goal was "to leave no questions unanswered" and to create "lengthy recipes with no reasonable stones left unturned." Short versions, "At a Glance" for fast cooks (even these often have between five and 12 steps) and Notes for Curious Cooks are included. The author's personal family tidbits and stories are everywhere even in the equipment descriptions in the Tips chapter. Breads and Challahs, Soups and Salads are the three chapters as the name of the cookbook implies. One of 52 recipes here is a short version of borscht for you to try. Be a role model; the person you want your
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MOM BAIZER'S COLD BEET BORSCHT In 4- to 6-quart pot, combine: 5 or 6 medium beets, partly cooked, peeled and shredded 1 medium-large onion, shredded 6 cups water 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt Bring to a foamy simmer, uncovered, over high heat. Reduce heat; cover and gently cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and add: 1 or 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, if needed Transfer to a glass or stainless steel bowl. Let cool; cover and refrigerate. To ensure food safety, refer to Tips (page 5) for cooling methods. Serve chilled borscht topped with a dollop of Plain nonfat yogurt or dairy sour cream (optional) Borscht can be frozen. Serve thawed borscht within three days. Yield: 8112 to 10 cups.
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that could be recovered. To date, however, the center has recovered more than 1.5 million books, and hundreds more arrive each week. The birth of the center coincided with a trend to study Yiddish language and literature, especially among Jewish college students seeking a connection with the generation of Jews lost in the concentration camps of Nazi Europe. "Yiddish literature is a gateway into a world that was lost during the Holocaust," said Rachel Levin of Steven Spielberg's Righteous Persons Foundation, which made the lead donation on the digital library project. "A new generation is beginning to realize how cut off we are from our recent history." " The center's permanent home opened in 1997 on the campus of Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. It now has a paid staff and a network of more than 200 volunteers and some 30,000 members. Four years ago, the center decided to digitize the collection both to preserve it and to make copies of the books more widely available. After the Righteous Persons Foundation provided a $500,000 grant, other donors joined in, including Max Palevsky, who founded Xerox and Intel. The digital library eventually became a $3.5 million project. (The Steven Spielberg Digital Yiddish Library can be accessed at www.yiddishbooks.org.)
402/331-8920
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(Continued from page 1) - ~ > > « - - ° » » » w » ^ i » . "It's amazing," he said, "they were simply reporting lies. They were looking for massacres that never occurred. The IDF did everything it could to prevent civilian casualties. Do you know how many Palestinians I personally treated with Islamic Jihad tattoos on their arms?" Two months later, in the calm of his office on Mount Scopus, he wonders what's ahead. "The patient waiting outside my door is a little boy from Ramallah named Jihad (holy war). His father pays me by bringing vegetables from the family's garden. I will treat Jihad today. My fear is that in 15 years my son may confront him on the battlefield. My hope is that they may yet live in Dr. Doron Weiss, a d e n t i s t i a llehavia, surpeace." Doron Weiss stopped by Moment Cafe to pick up vived t h e bombing a t t h e Moment Cafe. "The other evening I sat on the porch with my some takeout food on Saturday evening, May 10, on his way home from his dental office in Rehavia. two-year old son. He looked up at the sky and said, While he was waiting for his order, a suicide 'Moon, stars, boom. Moon, stars, boom, boom.' He's bomber entered the cafe and detonated the bomb grown up in this situation. He sees soldiers all the strapped to his body, destroying the popular time, and guns and the sound of gunfire are, for Jerusalem hangout, killing 11 people, and injuring him, just another part of the Jerusalem scenery." more than 50. In spite of the raised level of anxiety and concern, Miraculously, Doron escaped with only broken Doron is resolved to continue to live as normal a ribs and damage to his hearing. life as possible. For him, "normal" includes spendDoron, who made aliyah at age 26 from his native ing one day every two weeks in Ramallah where he Australia, has flourished in Israel: he served in the dons army fatigues and a bullet-proof vest and Israel Defense Forces, built a successful dental heads for reserve duty, an M-16 in one hand and a practice, married and had two children. bag of dental instruments in the other. Like most Israelis, he doesn't want to dwell on "I have come to learn that this is part of life in the violence of the past 18 months. But since the this country," he says. "I feel a tremendous privinight of the Moment Cafe" bombing, Doron admits, lege in living here. And that is the bottom line, to he has become obsessed with the safety of his fami- just keep on living and going about our daily lives. ly: "I literally think about Devorah and the kids all If we come through this difficult time, and I know the time. I worry about whether they, and I, will we will, it is the absolute proof of our solid resolve come back home safely each day. to build our Jewish homeland."
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by SUSAN PALEY, Melton Director—— — "Israel: Today's Issues Today," a roundtable Co-presenter Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of forum co-sponsored by Jewish Educational and the ADL, said, "The most important issue is makLibrary Services (JELS), the Kripke Jewish ing sure we don't lose track of whatever action is Federation Library, the Anti-Defamation League taken has an impact on the geopolitical situation in (ADL) and B'nai B'rith concluded with a resound- the entire region. You can't talk about an Israeli ing "thumbs up" for future lunch discussion groups. peace plan without taking into account Iraq. This five-part lecture series helped define and Solving the Palestinian problem doesn't solve (the clarify for participants many of the complex prob- problem of) Saddam Hussein or the Iranians. lems which Israel now faces. "The fundamental question is 'Do we start today According to facilitator Prof. Guy Matalon, "The and go forward or do we go back?'" Wolfson posed. series focused on the history of the Israeli- "We Jews have some responsibility to acknowledge Palestinian problem from both a geopolitical and the Palestinians living in the land. We are living in an historical perspective, beginning with the U.N. the same neighborhood. The implications for world resolution in 1947. We talked about the founding of Jewry are enormous. The Arab press is full of viruthe State, 1947-66; the 'difficult' years, 1967-94; lent anti-Semitic images, the likes of which we from Oslo to Ramallah, 1995-present; and finally, have not seen since World War II. It's blatant. It's the future and advocacy. There was such a huge in their school curriculums and in their childrens' interest that we decided to extend the series by a text books." week just to have a question-and-answer session. Matalon added, "Nineteenth century antiT h e main issues are: one, do we trade land for Semitism focused on individual Jews. The new peace?" Matalon continued, "two, what does Israel form is now focused on the Jewish state. Jews do about the refugee problem? It is a completely aren't being attacked because of their religion but unrealistic demand to allow the Arab right-of- because they are they physical representations of return under the Camp David accord. Three, what the Jewish state." is the future of Jerusalem? This is very complicatWolfson concluded, "The rise of anti-Semitic acts ed; and four, what about the settlements? The we are witnessing in Europe is of a new form. It Palestinians want the isn't based settlers to leave. The on antiIsraelis say that Judaism but means that Jews are on antinot allowed to live in Israelism. certain parts of the This isn't worlds. It smacks of just about the Nazi 'Judenrein being an (a place rid of Jews).' advocate for ';.? Israel doesn't expel Israel. This Israeli Arabs who are is a war of citizens. civilizations. "Another far-reachOur task is ing issue is the estabto create a lishment of an indeworld which pendent Palestinian is more tolfor a recent discussion in the Kripke Library are: erant and state," Matalon PGathered added "Where doTit r o f ' Gu* Matalon, left, Hannah Schwalb, Steve Riekes, and Nate Schwalb. . and end? A sovereign state must" have clearly defined borders. plans to continue the Tuesday Lunch Series and is Then there are the issues of normal sovereignty interested in knowing what issues are of interest to like air space, municipal works and a police force. the community. Please direct suggestions for future If the Palestinians do have a state, what exactly topics to JELS Executive Director Carolyn Novicoff does that mean?" at 334-6560. •
June 21, 2002 THE place for the Omaha Jewish community to come for concise, clear and factual information about the increasingly complex issues in Israel and the Middle East.
Jewish. Press, Omaha, NE
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United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 of the State of Israel and its "right to live in peace 1439 So. and 338 were passed in the aftermath (retrospec- within secure and recognized boundaries, free from It all starts with Newspapers tively) of the 1967 threats or acts of 341-2452 and 1973 Arabforce." The resoluIsraeli wars. tion also called for Resolution 242 (reaf"achieving a just setfirmed in Res. 333), tlement of the The Israel Terror Relief Campaign will officially close refugee problem." was designed to pro* We appreciate Your Patronage vide the framework June 25! Don't miss your last chance to be a part of this Interpretations of • EveryParty or Event is Equally Important to for peace negotia- incredible community effort! To see YOUR name in the the declaration, AAA Rents (from 5 to 500) tions based on a final listing of donors in the June 28 issue of the Jewish however, vary. The ° We Specialize In Party Planning and Arrangements, "land for peace" for- Press, please make your donation by Tuesday, June 25 to: Arab nations Trade Shows, Exhibitions and Special Events mula and has emphasized the Israel Terror Belief Fund Let Us Add That Special Flair become the foundac/o the Jewish Federation of Omaha promises of Israeli and Touch to Your Entertaining tion of all subsewithdrawal and a 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 resolution of the quent peace treaties JACKIE LAW, PRESIDENT Or call: 334-6432 Palestinian refugee in the region. Thank you for your support, Lincoln Omaha Kearney problem, while The resolutions Tom Fellman and Shirley Goldstein (402)467-4151 (402)339-3707 (308)234-1015 Israel and the called for the with- Israel Terror Relief Fund Co-chairs United States interdrawal of Israel 5620 S. 72nd Street » Omaha, NE 68127 preted the call for forces "from territo2700 North 27th Street • Lincoln, NE 68521 ries of recent conflict," and Arab "termination of all "withdrawal from territories" and not "the" territo112 E. 6th St. • Kearney, NE 68848 claims or states of belligerency," and a recognition ries, as a less than complete withdrawal.
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While we were still in Arizona for "the winter", some 3000 people responded to the call of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, to an invitation to come to a rally. As in many cities all over the United States, these people gathered to show their support for Israel, on its 54th anniversary. Yom Ha'Atzmaut is always celebrated joyously and thankfully, but this year was a special one for coming together to show solidarity with our fellow Jews....our sisters and brothers. The crowds were enthusiastically waving flags, carrying signs which proclaimed many obvious messages, such as "Peace Starts Where Terror Ends." There were children everywhere, of every age from infants in strollers to teens, and many wearing tshirts which said "Am Yisroel ChaiV (The people of Israel live!) In addition to those who were expected to be there, were people who clearly were not Jewish. It did my heart good to see a group of Lutheran nuns, one of whom was quoted as saying "Israel is right in fighting terror, and they must see they have friends'." I found this kind of support very meaningful. Of course, there was a i-K* speakers platform and everyone from the mayor to the governor spoke to the crowd, inspiring applause and noisy response at appropriate times. In all, it was a very heartwarming experience, although it had an odd quality also. I found it difficult to describe my feelings and reactions to being in such a tremendous crowd of mostly Jewish people, who were strangers to me. It was very unlike being at such a function in Omaha, where nearly everyone I would bump into might be somebody I know by name. In one way, being in such a crowd had a special feeling however, when I realized that whether I knew them or not, fellow Jews were getting together everywhere, to proclaim their support for tiny, beleaguered Israel. I was glad I had elected to leave a purse in the car, since bags and packages were being carefully inspected as people entered~and I couldn't help but think, "Good; check everybody out." At the same time I felt revulsion that such steps were necessary here in our country.
Some mounted police on the outskirts of the crowds, quietly watched and moved almost noiselessly to circle and observe the goings on of all those people. Again, I was glad to see them, and sad to think they had to be there at all. I laughed at the sight of a young woman, cell phone to her ear, describing to somebody exactly where she was standing, so they could find each other. We were brought to this rally by friends and dropped off at the entrance by the driver who kept going, in search of a parking place. He said, "Go in. I'llfindyou." We gratefully left the car and made our way in, wondering how he'd ever find us in this mass of humanity. After what seemed a long time, he appeared, cheeks pink and only a little out of breath. He explained he would have found us sooner but he had been stopped. A rabbi of his acquaintance had grabbed him and said, "Wait. I need you to help make a minyan, so we can daven." I should explain this was about 6 p.m. and here in Arizona daylight saving time is not observed. My friend was more than happy to oblige and he kvelled about the wonderful feeling he was left with, after the davening. Just the idea of such a normal and usual event to occur in the midst of all that commotion seemed to delight him. Looking at his expression as he talked about it, I could almost feel the pleasure he derived from having participated in this particular minyan.. I don't know how long the crowds stayed....we mature folks left after we felt we had enough of the warm sunshine and the absence of chairs. We all felt glad we had been there-felt it was the right thing for Jews to do. To show up. Be counted among all those who care about the tragic events occurring in Israel every day. I was proud of the sticker I was given when we first entered the park...the colorful sticker depicting the Israeli flag and a woman and child, and the message: "Peace starts where terrorism end. Yom Ha'Atzmaut 2002." We need to pray that next year, when it's Israel's 55th anniversary, the ugliness and tragedies will be history, and that somehow, someway, those who strive to bring peace to the Middle East are finally successful. Amen.
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Page 10
A Generation Blessed
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Omaha than I've spent in any other city. The move? Don't talk about it. It feels like someone let the air out of a balloon..." * ** * * In 1982, when Paul Drazen arrived at Beth El, he found a congregation that was warm and welcoming, housed in a facility that was neither of those things. The old Beth El building on 49th and Famam was cramped and dark. It had limited classroom and social spaces. Almost no parking. The heat and air conditioning systems were temperamental. The roof had seen better days. And worst of all, in Paul's opinion, the building was not easily accessible to older congregants or to anyone with physical challenges. Paul knew that talk of a new building had been floated before. He, knew the plan had met with resistance and that the subject was still contentious. "When I got here," Paul said, "the idea of a new building was not a popular one. After the first attempt failed, lots of people in the congregation were sad and angry. They were tired and beaten up." But Paul Drazen felt passionately that the Beth El family needed and deserved a more fitting home. For ten years he worked, with dogged determination, to make sure they got it. Clearly, that was his vision and his dream. I dreamed last night, just like Joseph & his brothers I dreamed last night, that our shul should move out west. But as I dreamed I just knew we 'd have some doubters And our congregants would put me to the test. And the people all said, Sit down! Sit Down you 're rockin' the shul! Yes, the people all said, Sit down! Sit Down you're rockin' the shul! I can see it now, gorgeous building, lots of parking Big social hall with the daylight shining in. A hi-tech place with an Internet connection! Call the architects! We're ready to begin! And the people all said, Let's go! Let's go, we're movin out west! Yes, the people all said, Let's move! We want Beth El to be best! A big kitchen for our Lucy! A place that's fully accessible! All right! All right! All right! All right! All right, let's build us a shul!
You tried to make sure they got what they needed and wanted. And if a stranger came into the store, you were friendly and helpful so he'd want to come back." "Now, in the Twin Cities, we'll be the customers. We'll literally be shopping for a shul. What we're looking for as consumers might be different from what we gave as service providers. We're not the same people who came to Omaha 20 years ago. We've changed and grown. We're starting all over. We lived in the Twin Cities once with no kids and we're doing it again with no kids. Gila will be at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and Yoni enters the University of Judaism this fall. We're empty nesters. Even if we weren't leaving Omaha, this would be a huge transition point in our lives." Susie Drazen handles transitions well. She puts on different hats and multi-tasks with the best of them. "I come from a small town, and in a small town, if you want something done you often have to do it yourself." T m leaving Omaha with a lot," she continued. "I'm leaving with a clear understanding that if things don't work one way, try another way. Never give up. I learned that in this community people cared. It was possible to make a difference." Make a difference? That she did, and then some. Rebbetzin, RebbetzinSusie, that's you! We can't believe all that you do! It can't be easy in slot Number Two Though you seem to like the view. There's Susie—Program Director! and Susie—in the kitchen at work! Susie, the cantor for Harlow! So how does this woman not go berserk? Rebbetzin, Rebbetzin, pleasing the crowd. Mrs. Beth El! You can be proud! Reading from Torah or singing out loud. Teacher and mom! Steady and calm! Rebbetzin, Wife! Lover of life! Yes! You've made us oh-so-proud! Paul Drazen is a world-class pack rat, and on the afternoon of our visit, much of his personal "stuff" waited to be put into boxes. The poster proclaiming 'Let's vote for Alfred E. Neuman for President!' still hung near his desk. So did the poster of Tweety Bird and a photo of Paul at Purim, sporting a purple wig. The plastic container of Atomic Fireball Candies sat on a shelf, along with sets of tefillin in blue velvet bags, gragers, various notebooks filled with Doodles del Drazen and family snapshots, including one of Paul dancing with Gila. A Mexican sombrero and the Hawkins Construction hard hat that Paul often wore on-site during the building process hung on a hat rack. The orange lava lamp bubbled near the Mr. Coffee maker which sat cheek to jowl with coffee filters, coffee mugs and boxes of computer disks. An article extolling the joys of Java Jolt was still scotch-taped to the wall. So were Happy Face stickers, magnets encouraging Organ Donations and a Gold Credit Card from the World Jewish Congress issued to Beth L. Shule. Calvin and Hobbes cartoons, newspaper clippings, the photo of Paul with President Bill Clinton taken at a White House breakfast were captured under the glass top of the conference table which—as usual— was stacked with magazines, books, more coffee mugs and a Hot Wheels car. "Well," Paul said, to explain his collection, "A spiritual home needs to be just that—homey. Twenty years at Beth El—10 in this room-a man gathers some tsatskes that remind him of certain events . . . " Oh, you can say that again.
So, fine. It didn't happen as easily as the song suggests. But the Beth El building did eventually go up on 144th and California, and Paul Drazen can point to it as one of his most important—and truly concreteaccomplishments . "When we moved into this building we instituted the M'kablei Panim, the greeters," Paul said. "No one should walk into a shul without some acknowledgement of his or her presence. Be it a congregant, a visitor from out of town or from another synagogue—that person should be welcomed. And no one should leave a synagogue feeling ignorant or incompetent. That's why we have H.E.L.P. booklets in every pew. It's a way to make people feel at home and comfortable and confident. It empowers them." Susie agreed. "I always try to put myself in the place of someone new. What if I were a young woman who walked into an unfamiliar synagogue? Would someone there say, 'Hi, how are you? Let me show you where to hang your coat.' Sort of like a Target Cart Starter, you know, a person with a smile who hands me a circular and says, 'Hi, we're glad you're here.' My dad was like that. He always told me there's no second chance to make a good first impression." "Beth El is our spiritual home," Susie added. "From the beginning we made a pact that unless someone was flat on his or her back, the kids and I would be in Twenty years together making mem'ries at Beth El. shul on Shabbat. We needed it. We needed the contact Grateful for the good times with people. And now we're leaving our home." that we've come to know so well. "Leaving this place is to leave something very com- Grateful for a House of God that we can call our own. fortable," Paul admitted. "This building is like a cus- Grateful for a leader who has made Beth El his home. tom-made shirt. Any other place I daven—I'll be going So we say from our hearts, from custom-made to off-the-rack ..." Here's to you, Rabbi Drazen. * We wish you the happiest of days. With that smile of hers, Susie Drazen needn't worry- And for all you have done we have come here together. about making the good first impression that her dad Full of song, full of thanks, full of praise. understood was so important. Working in the family grocery store in Sheboygan, WI, she learned how to "The congregation has 20 years of memories and so make people feel welcome and comfortable~a skill she have we," Susie said. "Our experiences here are like brought with her to Beth El and to the 'customers' those of any other member. We've had a bris here. We who make up the congregation. celebrated Gila's Bat Mitzvah and Yoni's Bar Mitzvah "I started helping my folks in the store when I was here. We've mourned here, too. And everyone was still a little girl," she said. "I was there making sure here for us during the automobile accident. When Gila customers were well served. In the corner grocery and I walked back into services the first Shabbat after store you learn who your customers are. What brands she came home from the hospital, Rabbi Katz stood up they like. What their kids and grandkids were up to. (Continued on page 11)
June 21, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
(Continued from page 10) s==»™«»«==»»^^ Rabbi Katz stood up to greet us with the words, 'Thank You, God, for restoring them to us.' That kind of thing you don't forget."
mentioned earlier. So, I asked them. What will you take with you from these 20 years at Beth El? What have you learned about yourselves? A man to be respected, that's worth its weight in gold. Again, Susie took the lead. She started with the Known throughout the country by colleagues young & old.kids. Scholarly and learned, he has taught us Jewish law. "Gila and Yoni went from being consumers to being Superceded only by his love for Camp Ramah .. . service providers. At Beth El, Gila learned to daven, to 705 North 1!4& Sfeeer read Torah and chant megillot. She sang in the choir. OmaJa, NE 62154 David Brenner "The importance of Camp Ramah in our lives can't be Just yesterday Yoni was a little Md sitting in the front Emmy award warning Conic overstated," Paul said. "When I was a kid in St. Louis, row of the alternative service so he could get to me—fastHBO Special my synagogue helped send me there and the Jewish -while I was acting as the Cantor for Rabbi Harlow, and The Come Bade Kid community in Sheboygan helped Susie get to Ramah. ZAP! Overnight he became the BESTT Sunday office When we were too old to be campers, we both went boy and the guy who ran lunch and then led services for back as counselors. One of my fantasies is to see every little kids on the High Holidays. Both our children grew Jewish kid have the Ramah experience. In my book, it's up in the synagogue. They get it." ZiO'S PIZZERIA the best way to instill Jewish values in our teens." "As for me," Susie continued, "I'm leaving Beth El 7924 Dodge "391-1881 with far more than I had when we arrived. I can now 13463 W. Center • 330-1444 Bris & baby namings, Bar & Bat Mitzvah, he's there. read Torah—a skill I can take anywhere. Thanks to 1213 Howard St.-OId Market 344-2222 Wedding bells are ringing. Cantor Berkovits my davening skills have grown.Tve always -felt fortunate to be able to do all the things All the simchas we have shared. Caring words of comfort when a loved one's laid to rest. traditional Jewish women have always done, but as an educated Jewish woman I can do more." Twenty years together is a generation blessed... Susie was on a roll. "In Omaha, I also learned that Twenty years. one can be a rabbi's wife and be happy and that a Trying to figure out where we'd been and what we'd rabbi's children can be well-balanced~not unmanage- We deliver Midtown & Downtown done and felt and able or insufferable- and thought while the time that they can like their Twenty years together zipped by made me a parents and like each making mem'ries at Beth EL bit loopy, and I wound other." \ip asking Paul and "Over the years, I've Grateful for the good times Susie some less than watched the Russian famithat we've come to know so well. deep questions. lies who came to Omaha Grateful for a House of God and joined Beth EL I In 20 years, how that we can call our own. Authentic Chinese Food watched their kids grow up often did the weather and go off to college and I station correctly pre• Custom Menu for Special Needs Grateful for a leader wondered, will those kidsdict a tornado? In 20 • FULL BAR.. .Featuring Premier Wines ' who has made Beth El Ms home.. when they're adults—will years, how many differ• FREE DELIVERY - BANQUET CATERING So we say from our hearts, they affiliate with a congreent wigs did you wear OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Sun-Thurs 11-9:30; Fri & Sat, 11-10:30 Here's to you, 'Rabbi Drazen. gation? Now, many of those at Purim? How many 17313 West Center Road 697-9888 same kids are married and of Lucy's peanut-butter We wish you the happiest of days... they've joined Beth El-my balls did you eat? shul-and they're coming to Our exercise in Synagogue Statistics has a margin of error, of course, the Kids' Snack and Learn program and giving me their three and four-year-olds to work with and teach. I i JIM & JENNIES GREEK VILLAGE! but it turned up the following data: During his 20 years at Beth El, Paul Drazen deliv- never felt so humbled in my entire life. That's just some Traditional Greek Dishes ered more than 2200 sermons, racked up over four of what I'll take with me from Beth El." • Roast Lamb * SaganaW And finally, "Finding chevra—friends-and the same hundred Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, officiated at more Fish Pfafd * SpanakopKa than fifty weddings, conducted more than 500 funer- comfort level we have at Beth El won't be easy. I t Stuffed Grape Leaves * LambKabob als, 100-plus baby-namings and 125 brit milahs - give learned that, too." I * Chicken Reganato * Chicken Kabob |j • SouviaM Paul's words, in contrast, were few: or take. 4 Seafood Specialties j j * Mousaka * Full Bar "At Beth El, I learned that you can share a dream." "I also figure I made 2300-plus hospital visits and walked about 3900 total miles to and from shul. Also, TAKE-OUT II CATERING ***** in twenty years, I missed only one Shabbat service 3026 No. 90th St » 571-2857 and that was because I was at home, recovering from So, dear Drazen family. surgery. And I didn't conduct services but I was in What more can we say after these 20 years? shul on Shabbat after my mother died . . . " To paraphrase Psalm 20: May the God of Jacob keep you safe. ***** There will be changes for Paul and Susie when he May He grant your desires and fulfill your every plan, starts his new job as Executive Director of the Mid- May the Lord fulfill your every wish. Continent Region of the United Synagogue of And to paraphrase Joanie and Andee's lyrics: Conservative Judaism. "Those 2 a.m. phone calls won't be missed," Susie Twenty years together making mem'ries at Beth El. confessed. "If anyone called between midnight and 6 Grateful for the good times we've come to know so well. a.m. I knew it wasn't for me and it wasn't ever good Grateful for a House of God that we can call our own. news. On the other hand, Paul will be travelling a lot. Grateful fora leader who has made Beth El his home. So we say from our hearts, That will be difficult for me." Here's to you, Rabbi Drazen. CARRY OUT AVAILABLE Paul described what he'll do in his new position. 'Til be a consultant, a mediator, a resource for syna- We wish you the happiest of days. 498-8833 gogues. My task is to help congregations 'do congrega- And for all you have done we have come here together. Beer and Wine Available tions' better. Help shuls do their work better. I'll Full of song, full of thanks, full ofpraise. make suggestions on mission statements, present vol2068 H. 117 Ave, unteer motivation sessions and give advice on run- Paul, Susie, Gila and Yoni. North Park (117th & Bbndo) Go in good health and peace. ning capital campaigns. The job covers the operaM-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat 11-10:30 • Sun. 134:30 tional gamut. I come to this work with 23 years of And with our love. experience and~bottom line—all congregations are L'hitra-ot. basically the same." "Paul won't be as personally invested in the situation," Susie added, "so he can look at a problem and see light where those in the trenches can't. He can ask, have you considered this option? Have you looked at this possibility?" "It's a matter of thinking outside the box," Paul said. "Shake things up. Even if the pieces fall back the same way, that's okay. The exercise was worth it." "Oh, you third child, you," Susie teased. "You do tend to see the big picture." The Jewish fes office will * ** * * be closed on Thursday, July 4. We needed to wrap things up. Susie was driving The deadline For articles, phoGila to the Twin Cities for her ride to Ramah the next tos and ads are Wednesdays, morning and the car still had to be packed. at noon, as follows: "I might as. well take along the winter coats," Susie Issue Deadline said, almost to herself, "and drop them off at the July 5 June 26 Sun-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. apartment there." The Brazens will be living in temJuly 12 July3 Questions? Call 334-6448. porary digs while doing the "shul shopping" Susie had
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 21, 2002
Green Line Began as Cease-fire Line, Now has Great Political Meaning
Fence-building Arouses Oppositions but Some Say it Will Help Diplomacy by LESLIE SUSSER
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JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his defense minister, Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, insist the fence they officially began building this week, more or less along the old border between Israel and the West Bank, is for security purposes only. But chances are the fence will have major political implications. Already, right-wing Israelis are accusing the prime minister of restoring the borders that existed before the 1967 Six-Day War. Their public relations campaign dubs this boundary, which leaves Israel extremely narrow at points, the "Auschwitz borders." Settler leader Yisrael Harel charged on national television that the fence was just a first step in an impending Israeli withdrawal from the entire West Bank. It was evidence of a defensive, ghetto mentality, and soon Israel would regroup all its forces behind the new line, Harel said. The settlers may be overstating their case, but they have reason for concern. One of the arguments for settlements in the West Bank was that they would contribute to Israel's security. But the very act of building the fence-and leaving the settlements on the other side—is a tacit admission that the settlements contribute little if anything to Israel's defense. On the contrary, the existence of the settlements beyond the fence will force the army to allocate considerable resources to defend them. As time goes by, the fence will become a psychological fact of life, a symbolic divide between Israel and the Palestinians, and public pressure to shorten the lines and give up the settlements is likely to grow. The settlements' raison d'etre increasingly could be called into question. Movements like the Four Mothers, which pressed successfully for an Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon, may well spring up demanding that the "boys be brought home" from the West Bank, too. The debate over whether to build the fence took on added significance Tuesday, when at least 19 Israelis were killed and 52 wounded in Jerusalem by a Palestinian suicide bomber. Many of the passengers were students on their way to school. Following the bombing, police officials warned that there might soon be more attacks in Jerusalem. Ironically, the Palestinians also oppose the building of the fence: They denounce it as a unilateral move that shows Israel is preparing to perpetuate the "occupation" of land the Palestinians claim. Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat went so far as to call the fence, designed to keep Palestinian terrorists from reaching Israel, a manifestation of "racism and apartheid." Indeed, what concerns the Palestinians more than the fence is the "fence mentality": If taken to its logical conclusion, that mentality could lead to a separation not just between the two peoples but between their economies. (Leslie Susser is the diplomatic correspondent for the Jerusalem Report.)
by GIL SEDAN —
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JERUSALEM (JTA) - When the guns from Israel's War of Independence finally fell silent in 1949, Israel signed a series of armistice agreements with its Arab neighbors. With Egypt, Syria and Lebanon, the armistice lines more or less matched the international borders of Mandatory Palestine. The situation was more complex with Jordan, which during the war had occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River. With no previous border to go by, the whole length of the dividing line between the two armies had to be negotiated. Official negotiations in Rhodes were stuck, so Israel secretly completed the negotiations directly with King Abdullah. A line was drawn on the map, depicting more or less the armies' deployment lines at the end of the war. There was one exception: Under Netanya Israeli military pressure, Abdullah ceded certain strips in the coastal plan and in the Wadi Ara hills that CENTj were not actually held by the Heriliyya Israelis. The lines were marked green on the maps, giving birth to the term the Green Line. That winding line, which ran approximately 215 miles from Beit She'an in the north to the southern slopes of the Hebron Mountains in the south, marked Israel's border with Jordan until the Six-Day War began on June 5,1967. In that war, of course, Israel conquered the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem after being attacked by Jordan. Since then, the term "Green Line" has acquired more political than geographic significance. Israel's return to the Green Line became the main demand of the Arab world and the Israeli left. For the right, the contours of the Green Line- which left Israel dangerously narrow along its heavily populated coastal plain—became the main argument for retaining settlements and an Israeli military presence there. But the results of the Six-Day War essentially wiped out the Green Line. Israel controlled the entire West Bank, and the border was opened for free movement of people and trade - and, eventually, for bombs and terrorists. Two factors make the Green Line nearly impossible for Israel to live with: its arbitrary nature and its proximity to Israeli population centers. The line runs west of Beit She'an, separating the Beit She'an and Jezreel valleys from major Palestinian population centers such as the Nablus and Jenin regions. Just south of Afula, the line bends southwest, separating the Arab towns and villages of Wadi Ara-under Israeli control since 1949-from their Palestinian sister villages in the east. At times, the line divided villages down the middle, like the village of Barta'a in the Wadi Ara region and two
Arab villages further south. Just east of Hadera, the line cuts south all the way down to Rosh Ha'ayin, creating the soft belly of the state. At some points, for example near Tulkarm and Kalkilya, it is less than six miles from the Green Line to Israel's heavily populated coastal plain. In other words, in the absence of any natural territorial barriers along the line, Palestinian terrorists coming from any of those towns can reach coastal cities such as Netanya, Herzliya and Kfar Sava in less than two hours on foot, or within minutes by car. Moreover, at this point the Green Line also lies just a few miles from strategic locations such as the electric power plant in Hadera, the fuel tanks of Pi Glilot-the site of a recent terrorist attack which, but for a technical malfunction, could have been of catastrophic scale—and Ben-Gurion International Airport. From near BenGurion, the Green Line pulls east toward Jerusalem and then once again southward, along the Hebron Hills down to the Negev Desert. For years, the Green Line was virtually forgotten. Jews and Arabs alike crossed the line undisturbed, Jewish settlers going to and from their homes in the West Bank and Palestinian laborers seeking work in Israel. Here and there, the army placed roadblocks on the former line, but by and large it was virtually nonexistent. This week, construction work began on a security fence that will run more or less along the Green Line. Proponents of the fence believe it will help stop terrorist infiltrations-and may revive the old border, possibly galvanizing a political settlement with the Palestinians. The opponents comprise several camps. The Israeli right fears that reviving the Green Line may accelerate demands for evacuation of West Bank settlements. The settlers fear, that a fence will leave them more isolated than ever. The Israeli left is concerned that the fence will defer negotiations on a permanent settlement, while still not stopping all attacks. The Palestinians, for their part, claim that the fence will further curtail their freedom of movement, particularly between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and will prevent illegal laborers from finding work in Israel.
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