THE JEWISH VOICE AND OPINION Promoting Classical Judaism
April 2014
Vol. 27 • No. 7
Nissan 5774
“Celebrate Israel” Parade to Include Thousands of Pro-Israel Marchers and 3 Groups Promoting BDS Against Judea and Samaria On Sunday June 1, the annual
Celebrate Israel Parade down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan threatens to become a media event used by at least three ostensibly Jewish groups that actively support Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Jews and Jewish-owned businesses in Judea and Samaria. As a result, several groups are planning a protest rally as well as other activities to convince the parade’s sponsors at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-
Activists against permitting Jewish BDS groups to march in the Israel Parade point out that, in April 1933, German Nazis carried out their first action against Jews: a boycott of Jewish businesses. “In April 2014, Jewish groups supporting the Arab boycott of Jewish businesses and products made in the Land of Israel, have won permission from the UJA Federation and JCRC to march in the Salute to Israel Parade,” said Beth Gilinsky.
NY) and the UJA to disinvite the BDS-promoting groups. In addition, some rabbis throughout the area, including principals of day schools and yeshivot, whose students make up the bulk of marchers in the parade, are reconsidering their participation and endorsement of the event unless the BDS groups are disqualified. Naming Names At issue is the fact that “Partners for Progressive Israel,” The New Israel Fund (NIF), and B’Tselem have been granted
continued on page 15
Elections in Teaneck Suggest Former Councilwoman Toffler Is Fielding Another Surrogate from the Observant Community On Tuesday, May 13, Teaneck
residents will go to the polls to elect four members of its seven-seat Town Council. Of the eight candidates vying for the four open seats, four are members of the observantJewish community. Three of them are incumbents who have been active in Teaneck civic affairs and political leadership for years, building reputations of trust and respect in elected positions. The fourth would be a newcomer on the
Council, but his own questionable past in a Teaneck leadership position and close ties to a controversial far-left local activist with a history of anti-Orthodox rhetoric and behavior and a series of ethical lapses, is raising eyebrows in many Teaneck circles. The three candidates with solid reputations, not only in the observant community, but well beyond it as well, are current Councilman and former Teaneck Mayor Elie Y
United Hatzalah of Israel in NJ............3 Kol Ami: Recognizing Jewish State?.. 4 The Current Crisis............................... 5 Media Alert—Iran............................... 6 Dry Bones Haggadah.............................10 At Holy Name This Month.................12 Teaneck Pesach Food Challenge......14
Katz, current Teaneck Deputy Mayor Adam Gussen, and current Councilman and former Deputy Teaneck Mayor Yitz Stern. Although all candidates for Teaneck Town Council run individually without party affiliations or official running mates, the fourth candidate from the observant community, Alan Sohn, has chosen to “bracket” himself with another contender, Jason Castle, a 31-year-old former Marine
Inside the Voice
“Never Again Is Now”.............................18 Yachad Shabbaton in E. Brunswick...19 The Benkhens’ Clean-up......................22 The Log..........................................................23 New Classes........................................34 Mazal Tov.............................................34 Chesed Ops.........................................34
who has been a vocal critic of the current Council. Mr. Castle and, by extension, Mr. Sohn are closely allied with the very controversial former Teaneck Councilwoman, Dr. Barbara Ley Toffler In 2012, Mr. Castle ran unsuccessfully against Mr. Gussen in the Democratic primary for Congress in NJ’s 5th district. Ultimately, that seat was won by the Republican incumbent Scott Garrett. In the upcom-
continued on page 36
Ess Gezint: Kids Cook Pesach...............38 On Marcia’s Night Table..................39 Index of Advertisers ........................41 HaZamir High School Choir..........42 Honor the Professional...................43 Letters to the Editor ........................44 Kerry: True Believer..........................46