the
ewish Voice J
TM
Deuteronomy 32:1
Celebrating 125 Years! Story on Page 9
M AY T H E E A RT H H E A R T H E WO R D S O F M Y M O U TH
October 28, 2011, 2011| 21 Tishrei 5772 Vol. 7, Iss. 38
JERSEY SHORE JCC FACES FORECLOSURE
By Daniel Perez
www.JewishVoiceNY.com
Bloomberg Dedicates MDA Station in Jerusalem
$1
ARAB SPRING LEADS TO TYRANT’S FALL NTC TROOPS GUN DOWN GADDAFI
Photo by JV Staff
The Ruth Hyman JCC in Deal, New Jersey remains open despite a foreclosure lawsuit by TD Bank. The Center was originally scheduled to be sold by the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department on Monday afternoon (Oct. 24), but their attorney, Timothy Neumann of Broege, Neumann, Fisher and Shaver LLC, located in Manasquan, requested an adjournment, effectively delaying the sale. Cynthia Scott, spokeswoman for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department said that the defendants can request up to two adjournments. rior to the sale, the 110,000-squarefoot facility, which sits on 12 acres, was valued at a little over $6.5 million. JCC board chairman Donald Epstein says that monthly utility bills average around $20,000. A series of setbacks over the past few years has placed the JCC in its present state of financial jeopardy. In particular, a dramatic reduction in camp and pre-school enrollment, as well as declining membership revenues and waning ticket sales by the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, have been blamed. Also, the collapse of the JCC’s gym roof during the blizzard of December 2010, which left parts of the center closed for six months. In a report by the New Jersey Jewish News, board president Stephen Levy explains that the Deal JCC’s camp “has traditionally provided critical income
P
Continued on page 23
By Fern Sidman
Photo courtesy of NYC Mayor’s Office via Flickr
By Elad Benari New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in Jerusalem on Sunday, where he inaugurated the city’s new Magen David Adom station. he station is named after Bloomberg’s father, the late William Henry Bloomberg. The new station was partly funded by Bloomberg’s personal fortune, along with generous donations of the American Friends of Magen David Adom organization. In the nearly five decades since William Henry Bloomberg passed away, the same year in which the previous MDA station in Jerusalem was opened, Jerusalem’s population has grown many fold and diversified, and Magen David Adom’s Jerusalem Region has become the busiest of all MDA regions. Bloomberg was received by Magen David Adom Director General Eli Bin, MDA President Prof. Yehuda Skornik, Interior Minister Eli Yishai, Israel’s chief rabbis and Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat. Bloomberg affixed the mezuzah at the entrance to the building, and this was fol-
T
lowed by a special inauguration ceremony. Prof. Skornik said during the ceremony, “Respect for parents is the most basic commandment that makes us human. This is the commandment that separates us from the other species on earth. Our parents sacrifice a lot for us during in their lives, and we ask ourselves all our lives whether we are worthy of their great investment. Mr. Bloomberg does, has done and will continue to do so much for the Jews in his country and great city. But tonight, at the inauguration of this structure which will be used to save the lives of many Jews, here in the Holy City and in Israel in general, Bloomberg does for his father, William Henry Bloomberg, and responds to his father’s investment in his son.” Bloomberg himself also spoke during the ceremony and said, “For Marjorie and I, it is the most significant moment since we became donors for Magen David Adom. If it were not for our dear father, I do not think we would have been exposed to the many activities of this organization, which is unique in its ability, desire and purpose of its work for all nations and all countries without any distinction between nationali-
Continued on page 9
Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi's life came to an end in the very same place that it started 69 years ago, when on Thursday October 20th, National Transitional Council forces captured him after overrunning his last bastion of resistance in his hometown of Sirte. Bloody images of Gaddafi, being taunted and beaten by his captors have raised questions about whether he was killed in crossfire as suggested by government officials or deliberately executed. n autopsy completed Sunday in Misratah showed that Gaddafi was killed by a shot to the head, said Libya's chief pathologist, Dr. Othman alZintani. He would not disclose further details or elaborate on Gaddafi's final moments, saying he would first deliver a full report to the attorney general. The circumstances surrounding the death of Gaddafi, who had vowed to go down fighting, remained obscure. Grainy video showed a man with Gaddafi's distinctive long, curly hair, bloodied and staggering under blows from armed men, apparently NTC fighters. The brief footage showed him being dragged by his hair from the hood of a truck. To the shouts
A
Continued on page 4
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
BREAKING NEWS
PAGE 3
Grapel to be Freed in Swap for 25 Egyptian Prisoners By Chana Ya'ar Egypt has agreed to free Israeli-U.S. citizen Ilan Grapel, held prisoner in Cairo since June. he dual national is to be released in exchange for 25 Egyptian prisoners being held in Israeli prisons, including three minors, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement Monday night. None of the inmates to be released are security prisoners, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed.
T
Grapel, described as an ardent Zionist who also loves Arabic culture, has said he believes peace is possible between Israelis and Arabs. The third-year law student had traveled to Cairo on a grant from his university to work during the summer months, but was arrested by Egyptian officials on suspicion of spying for Israel. Although this is not the first time Egypt has reportedly agreed to a swap, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's spokesman, Mark Regev, told Arutz Sheva Monday night that this time "it's real."
However, Regev declined to give specific details about when Grapel might be released. Nor would he offer any information about whether Negev Bedouin shepherd Ouda Tarabin, who has been held prisoner in Egypt for the past 11 years, would be freed as well. Deputy Minister for Development of the Negev and Galilee, MK Ayoub Kara (Likud), has worked non-stop trying to secure Tarabin's release as part of any deal to free Grapel.
Ilan Grapel (Facebook image)
Israel National News
McCain: NATO May Have to Strike Syria By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu Sen. John McCain says NATO might have to move from Libya to Israel’s back yard in Syria now that Gaddafi is gone. ow that military operations in Libya are ending, there will be renewed focus on what practical military operations might be considered to protect civilian lives in Syria," McCain said at the World Economic Forum in Jordan. "The Assad regime should not consider that it can get away with mass murder,” he added. Gaddafi made that mistake and it cost him everything. Iran's rulers would be wise to heed similar counsel.” McCain, a Vietnam War veteran and
"N
considered a hawk, did not specify whether he meant that NATO or American forces should take aim at Syria, where
Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces have gunned down and tortured more than 3,000 protesters the past several months. The Obama administration so far has made it clear it is not interested in more military interventions, particularly during a year before the next president election that will focus on economic issues and a growing isolationist sentiment among Americans. However, McCain has argued that during his travels throughout the Middle East, “I have met with heads of state, young democratic activists [and] business leaders, and nearly every single one wants more American leadership and not less." NATO intervention helped opposition forces topple Muammar Gaddafi, who was shot in the head late last week. NATO repeatedly bombed his compound in
Tripoli and provided cover for opposition forces, on the grounds that Qaddafi was committing genocide against protesters. As much as Assad is hated by Israel and by a growing number of American officials, there is concern that his ouster might be followed by the same kind of autocratic military regime that has replaced Hosni Mubarak in Egypt. Foreign intervention in Syria could set off a defensive war by Iran and Hezbollah, which along with pro-Syrian parties effectively dominated Lebanon. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have helped Assad suppress protests, and McCain has accused the Islamic republic of trying to “hijack” the Arab Spring uprisings. Israel National News
Obama Expands Housing Aid President Barack Obama announced a new program to boost the stagnant U.S. housing market, as part of a campaignstyle tour of three Western states bama traveled to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, one of the most severely depressed real-estate markets in the country. After meeting local residents, he spoke about a plan by federal regulators to help homeowners lower their mortgage payments to avoid foreclosures.
O
The plan does not require congressional approval. Officials say the plan by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, called the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) will make it easier for borrowers to switch to cheaper interest rates even if they owe far more on their home loans than the properties are worth. The agency also plans to waive some fees charged by mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac "If you meet certain requirements, you
will have the chance to refinance at lower rates, which could save you hundreds of dollars a month, and thousands of dollars a year in mortgage payments," the president said during his speech in Las Vegas The Obama administration hopes that helping homeowners avoid foreclosures will encourage consumer spending and revive the economic recovery President Obama is also using his threeday trip to Nevada, California and Colorado to raise money for his 2012 re-election cam-
paign. He is attending fundraisers in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver. Republicans accused the president of focusing more on fundraising than helping the unemployed. The U.S. jobless rate has remained at nine percent or higher for much of this year The White House says Obama will announce a plan to help students repay federal college loans during his stop in Denver, Colorado.
WikiLeaks Suspends Publishing to Fight Financial Blockade WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has announced the organization is suspending the publishing of secret documents in order to concentrate on fundraising to ensure its future survival.
A
t a news conference in London, Assange said a financial blockade by American companies such as
INDEX
Visa, Mastercard and PayPal means WikiLeaks will have to aggressively focus on raising funds. The U.S. companies took the action when WikiLeaks released hundreds of thousands of classified documents lifted from the computer files of U.S. diplomatic and military operations. Many of the documents released related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Defense News
11
while others were controversial U.S. embassy cables that contained sensitive information and sometimes embarrassing assessments of world leaders. Assange says WikiLeaks is taking legal action against the blockade, but if it remains, WikiLeaks will "simply not be able to continue." Assange is currently free on bail in Britain while trying to avoid being extra-
dited to Sweden for questioning in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct. He has denied the allegations and says the extradition to Sweden is politically motivated. He has voiced fears that Sweden will turn him over to the United States to face charges in the release of the documents. VOA News
International News
7
New York
9
Art & Culture
34
Dining Guide
31
Israeli News
5
Op/Ed
19
Auto
32
Editorial
18
Jewcy News
27
Parsha
35
Breaking News
3
Education
40
Kashrut
30
Politics
12
Business & Finance
21
Holiday
28
Letters to JV
18
Real Estate
14
Calendar of Events
26
Health
33
National
8
Travel
42
Community
22
Home
36
News in Review
24
War on Terror
10
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 4
October 28, 2011
Arab Spring Leads to Tyrant’s Fall... CONTINUED FROM COVER of someone saying "Keep him alive," he disappears from view and gunshots are heard. "While he was being taken away, they beat him and then they killed him," a senior source in the NTC told Reuters. "He might have been resisting," he added. Libya's information minister, Mahmoud Shammam said one of Gaddafi's sons, Mutassim, was also killed on Thursday, having been hiding with his father. Earlier reports had suggested that he had been captured alive but injured. Another son, heir-apparent Saif al-Islam, was variously reported to be surrounded, captured or killed as conflicting accounts of the day's events spread among news networks of NTC fighters rejoicing in Sirte. Gaddafi's body, as well as that of his son Mutassim were placed on public display in a commercial meat freezer in a shopping center in Misratah, as adults and children lined up to get a glimpse of his remains. The insurrection against the 42 years of Gaddafi's draconian regime erupted in February, as part of anti-government revolts spreading across the Middle East. Neighboring Tunisia, which set off the socalled Arab Spring with mass protests nearly a year ago, has taken the biggest step on the path to democracy, voting for a new assembly Sunday in its first truly free elections. Egypt, which has struggled with continued unrest, is next with parliamentary elections slated for November. Libya's struggle has been the bloodiest so far in the region. Mass protests quickly turned into a civil war that killed thousands and paralyzed the country for the past eight months. Even after revolutionary forces captured the capital Tripoli in late August, a fugitive Gaddafi and his supporters fought back fiercely from three regime strongholds. Gerard Longuet, France's defense minister, said French warplanes had fired a warning
shot to stop the convoy of vehicles carrying Gaddafi before he was killed. Consisting of several dozen vehicles, the convoy "was stopped from progressing as it sought to flee Sirte but was not destroyed by the French intervention," Longuet told reporters. Libyan fighters then intervened, destroying the vehicles, from which "they took out Colonel Gaddafi," he said. A U.S. defense official, however, told AFP that a U.S. drone along with a French fighter jet had attacked the convoy that the French believed was carrying Gaddafi. As news of Gaddafi's demise spread, people poured into the streets of such Libyan cities as Sirte, Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi in jubilation. Joyous fighters fired their weapons in the air, shouting "Allahu Akbar." Others wrote graffiti on the parapets of the highway outside Sirte. One said simply: "Gaddafi was captured here." Libya's then-acting prime minister, Mahmoud Jibril, who has said he plans to resign after liberation, said Libya's National Transitional Council must move quickly to disarm former Libyan rebels and make sure huge weapons caches are turned over in coming days. The interim government has not explained in detail how it would tackle the task. Jibril told the BBC that "at the personal level I wish (Gaddafi) was alive" so he could face questions from the Libyan people buckling under decades of his harsh rule. He also said he would not oppose a full investigation under international supervision into Gaddafi's death. Asked what would be done with Gaddafi's body, Jibril said, "It doesn't make any difference, as long as he disappears". Reading what he said was a post-mortem report, Jibril said Gaddafi was hauled unresisting from a "sewage pipe." He was then shot in the arm and put in a truck which was "caught in crossfire" as it ferried him to a
nearby hospital. "You should only embrace honesty, patience, and mercy," NTC chairman and de facto president Mustafa Abdul-Jalil told a flag-waving crowd of several thousand at the declaration ceremony in the eastern city of Benghazi, the birthplace of the uprising against Gaddafi. He then laid out a vision for a new Libya with an Islamist tint, saying Islamic Sharia law would be the "basic source" of legislation, and that existing laws that contradict the teachings of Islam would be nullified. He also outlined several changes to align with Islamic law, including putting caps on interest for bank loans and lifting restrictions on the number of wives Libyan men can take. The Muslim holy book, the Quran, allows men up to four wives. Thanking those who fought and fell in the war, Abdul-Jalil said they "are somewhere better than here, with G-d." Displaying his own piety, he then stepped aside from the podium and knelt to offer a prayer of thanks. President Barack Obama, in a veiled dig at the Syrian and other leaders resisting the democratic movements behind the Arab Spring, declared "the rule of an iron fist inevitably comes to an end." He added that, "Across the Arab world, citizens have stood up to claim their rights. Youth are delivering a powerful rebuke to dictatorship. And those leaders who try to deny their dignity will not succeed. Gaddafi's death, however represents a setback to campaigners seeking the full truth about the 1988 bombing over Lockerbie in Scotland of Pan Am flight 103 which claimed 270 lives, mainly Americans, and for which one of Gaddafi's agents was convicted. Jim Swire, the father of one of the Lockerbie victims, said: "There is much still to be resolved and we may now have lost an opportunity for getting nearer to the truth." French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who
spearheaded a Franco-British move in NATO to back the revolt against Gaddafi hailed a turn of events that few had expected so soon, since there had been little evidence that Gaddafi himself was in Sirte. Sarkozy alluded to fears that, without the glue of hatred for Gaddafi, the new Libya could descend, like Saddam Hussein's Iraq, into bloody factionalism: "The liberation of Sirte must signal the start of a process to establish a democratic system in which all groups in the country have their place and where fundamental freedoms are guaranteed," he said. UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-Moon said Gaddafi's death marked "a historic transition for Libya". Speaking from New York, Ban said that, "In the coming days, we will witness scenes of celebration as well as grief for those who lost so much. Now is the time for all Libyans to come together. Libyans can only realize the promise of the future for national unity and reconciliation." NATO officials said the alliance's governing body would meet to decide to end the seven-month bombing campaign over Libya. "NATO and our partners have successfully implemented the historic mandate of the United Nations to protect the people of Libya," Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in a statement. "We will terminate our mission in co-ordination with the United Nations and the National Transitional Council. With the reported fall of Bani Walid and Sirte, that moment has now moved much closer". Most Libyans weren't concerned about the circumstances of the hated leader's death, but rather were relieved that Gaddafi was finally gone, clearing the way for a new beginning. "If he (Gaddafi) was taken to court, this would create more chaos, and would encourage his supporters," said Salah Zlitni, 31, who owns a pizza parlor in downtown Tripoli. "Now it's over."
WAS YOUR FAMILY’S PROPERTY TAKEN DURING THE HOLOCAUST?
Contact Project HEART immediately to learn if you are eligible for restitution Project HEART currently seeks direct contact with all eligible persons, Jewish Holocaust victims and their heirs worldwide who lost Jewish property assets from the Holocaust era. If you or your family owned movable, immovable, or intangible property that was confiscated, looted or forcibly sold in countries governed or occupied by the Nazi forces or Axis powers during the Holocaust era, and you or your relatives received no restitution for that property after the Holocaust era, you may be eligible to participate in the Holocaust Era Asset Restitution Taskforce (Project HEART).
Family property may include – but is not limited to: Real Estate Judaica Professional Tools Precious Stones
Stocks Insurance Policies Art Bonds
Savings Accounts Jewelry Precious Metals And More…
NOW ON VIEW “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” Emma Lazarus was a fourth generation Sephardic-American whose poetry gave voice to the Statue of Liberty. Be inspired by her life’s story. MEDIA PARTNERS
download the free walking tour app of Emma’s New York.
Please Don’t Delay. Find Out Now if You… or Someone You Know…May Qualify! For fastest access to information or to download the Questionnaire, visit www.heartwebsite.org now or call toll free 1-800-584-1559 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., EST, Monday through Thursday, except Jewish Holidays Project HEART is a nonprofit initiative of the Jewish Agency for Israel, funded by and in cooperation with the Government of Israel. Photographs: Gift of Ruth Mermelstein, Yaffa Eliach Collection donated by the Center for Holocaust Studies, Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York, U.S.A. Gift of Eric S. Morley, Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York, U.S.A. Gift of Ronnie Hamburger Burrows, Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York, U.S.A.
EDMOND J. SAFRA PLAZA | 36 BATTERY PLACE | NY, NY 10280 646.437.4202 | WWW.MJHNYC.ORG/EMMA IMAGES: L TO R COURTESY OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, NEW YORK, NY AND NEWTON CENTRE, MA; ANTOINETTE GEYELIN HOAR; NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
ISRAEL
Abbas Celebrates Mass Murderers as ‘Freedom Fighters’ Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, welcoming returning Palestinian prisoners from Israel, stood alongside Hamas leaders and hailed the Palestinian terrorists as “freedom-fighters.” bbas also said Palestinians were still waiting for the release of Marwan Barghouti, a leading member of his Fatah party, serving life sentences for highlevel planning and funding of terrorist attacks; Ahmad Saadat, secretary-general of the secular Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine convicted for planning the assassination of an Israeli government minister in 2001; Ibrahim Hamed, a Hamas military com-
A
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
mander in the West Bank responsible for killing dozens of Israelis and five us citizens Americans; and Abbas Sayed, responsible for the suicide terror massacre in the Park Hotel in Netanya in which 30 people were killed
TM
and another 140 injured, during a Passover holiday Seder. At the same ceremony, Hamas’ West Bank leader Hassan Youssef called for Palestinian unity against the Israel, the Zionist enemy. Hamas, an Islamic fundamentalist group, is armed and financed by Iran. Listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Community, Hamas has vowed to destroy Israel. Its Charter calls on adherents to kill Israelis and Jews wherever possible. Speaking to representatives from The Israel Project, one Israeli government official said “People who call murderers freedomfighters – that is unacceptable.”
Bridge for Jews to Temple Mount May Disappear By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
“temporary” bridge, building a new one and/or financing a new structure. The last thing Israel wants is Jordanian and Palestinian Authority workers entering the Western Wall plaza. The Arab world objects to any Jewish presence in the Old City and previously has warned that a “Third Intifada” will break out if Israel tears down the current structure and builds a new one.
The same site has been the focal point for arguments following an archaeological dig under the bridge. Muslim clerics and the Palestinian Authority have alleged that all Israeli activity in the Temple Mount area is aimed at undermining the foundations of the Al Aqsa mosque so that it will collapse. Israel National News
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
PLAZA JEWISH COMMUNITY CHAPEL
POLICE & HATZOLAH
(212) 769-4400
FIRE
NYC/Five Boroughs/Catskills
Candle Lighting: OCT.-NOV. 2011
4 NOVEMBER
11
18
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER
25 NOVEMBER
NEW YORK CITY 5:40 pm 5:32 pm 4:24 pm 4:18 pm 4:14 pm BROOKLYN NEW JERSEY DEAL
FLORIDA MIAMI
Hebrew Calendar
5:41 pm 5:33 pm 4:25 pm 4:19 pm 4:15 pm 6:25 pm 6:20 pm 5:16 pm 5:13 pm 5:12 pm
Deal Lakewood North
Jersey
TISHREI
7
14
21
28
CHESHVAN CHESHVAN CHESHVAN CHESHVAN
Candle Lighting: TISHREI-CHESHVAN - 5772
911 212/718.387.1750 212/718.230.1000 732.531.9988 732.370.3600 973.773.9988
SHOMRIM Borough Crown Flatbush
Park Heights
718.871.6666 718.774.3333 718.338.9797
CHAVERIM Brooklyn Five Lakewood
POISON
30
www.JewishVoiceNY.com DAVID BEN-HOOREN Publisher AVI BEN-MORDECHAI Editor-In-Chief DANIEL PEREZ News Editor NORMA OROPEZA Editorial Assistant STUART KATZ Sales Manager
All material in this newspaper has been copyrighted and is the exclusive property of THE JEWISH VOICE and cannot be reproduced without the due consent of the publisher.
The “Mughrabi” bridge is now considered a safety hazard
S P O N S O R E D B Y:
28
1-800-998-0885
2154 East 4 th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223-4037
Correction: In last week’s Israel news section, the captions accompanying the images of prominent terrorists being freed in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit were out of order. The image of Abdel-Aziz Salha, the “butcher of Ramallah” made famous by a photo wherein he proudly displays his blood-drenched hands for a cheering Palestinian crowd, is accompanied by a description of Ahlam Tamimi, Hamas’ first female recruit and architect of the bombing of the Jerusalem Sbarro restaurant in 2001. We are sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
OCTOBER
2154 East 4 th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223-4037
Copyright © The Jewish Voice, Inc (ISSN- 2155-434X) Published Weekly by The Jewish Voice, Inc.
T
English Calendar
EDITORIAL AND EXECUTIVE OFFICES
SCOTT W. BAKER Photographer
Jerusalem’s engineer demands that the ”Mughrabi” bridge for Jews to the Temple Mount be repaired or closed because of dangers. he complaint of its stability could not come at a worse time for Israel. The bridge, also known as the Rambam Gate, has been a potentially explosive subject involving Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. Jerusalem engineer Shlomo Eshkol wrote a letter to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation and demanded that the safety hazard in the temporary structure be fixed within 30 days. Although “temporary,” the structure has existed for several years after the collapse of the old permanent bridge. Eshkol said authorization for a new bridge was granted last May, but action has been stalled because all parties involved disagree over who has the authority to tear down the current bridge and finance a new one. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation and the Western Wall rabbi's office told Arutz Sheva it received Eshkol’s letter Monday evening and still its implications. Jordan claims authority over the bridge and wants to have responsible for tearing down the
PAGE 5
Toll New
York
718.431.8181 718.337.1800 732.370.2229
Towns
CONTROL
Free
212.340.4494
Medstar Medical Referral Service ECHO Medical Referral Service
800.333.1222 / 764.7667 718.787.1800 718.859.9800
Periodicals Postage Pending at Brooklyn, New York.
POSTMASTERS: Send address changes to: 2154 East 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223-4037 Classified Department: (718) 627-8600 E-mail: classified@JewishVoiceNY.com Press Releases: press@JewishVoiceNY.com Deadline for all publicity material, Monday 5 p.m., 8 days prior publication. Deadline for display ads and classifieds, Monday, 5 p.m. pre-publication date. Per issue ................... $1 Per Copy NY, NJ, CT, PA, FL ...... $52 Per Year All other states ........... $60 Per Year Canadian, Foreign (U.S. Currency Only) .... $70 Per Year The views and opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the editor’s point of view. We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment advertised in THE JEWISH VOICE.
PAGE 6
ISRAEL
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Dead Sea Divers Discover New Forms of Life
Danny Ionescu holding a rock covered with white biofilm. By Karin Kloosterman A massive algae bloom that turned the Dead Sea red in the 1980s convinced scientists that there was life in that famous inland salt lake after all. A new set of studies by underwater researchers indeed shows that Israel's Dead Sea holds a vast number of living secrets waiting to be revealed. ositioned in the lowest spot on earth, more than a thousand feet below sea level, the Dead Sea offers plenty more than a nature lover's vista. Its black and slimy mud is a remedy for skin disorders, its salty air a tonic for chronic disorders from asthma to Crohn's disease. And now—while they didn't find Cleopatra's slipper or old rowboats from Roman times—the divers did come across a new series of underwater springs that feed the Dead Sea. Remarkably thriving at the mouth of these underwater springs are new varieties of microorganisms, some never before described by science. "We went into deep springs up to 150 meters from shore. One wouldn't expect to find artifacts there," says Danny Ionescu, an Israeli doing research at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. After several dives, he and his research partner, Christian Lott, took pictures and brought up evidence of carpets of bacteria in many of the places surrounding the springs. "This is not the typical algae that one finds in the Dead Sea," he tells ISRAEL21c.
P
Big mats of bacteria "We found that most of the biological biochemical pathways -- all of these things that would occur in a normal environment -- are also found in the Dead Sea. Nobody found photosynthetic microbial mats [before], big mats covering rocks." He is quite sure that these microbes could not survive if they weren't surrounded by a layer of fresh spring water. "The system is very diverse," he adds. "Just how many species are there is difficult to say because what defines a species is under debate. We have results, which will be published soon." Ionescu's team also included scientists from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion University in Beersheva. Biologists haven't put too much emphasis on finding life in the Dead Sea, assuming that its hostile environment, which can kill swimmers if the water is ingested, did-
n't harbor much. "In general there is not a lot of work to do in the water of the Dead Sea, but now our work shows it is worth studying," Ionescu reports. "On the bottom, which is made of a core, a thick layer of salt, one didn't expect to find life." Diving deep into the waters of the Dead Sea required extreme diving equipment with an unusually large number of weights to counteract the effect of the super-buoyant surface. However, working in extremes is Ionescu's forte, as he previously researched thermal springs in nearby Jordan. The divers took samples of the underwater mats, which they are now studying with the aim of issuing more reports on the species and behavior of the microorganisms that seem to derive their energy source from sulfur. Red-Dead? Ionescu says that the novel scientific find could reveal additional environmental information on consequences should the proposed Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal be built. This controversial project, which would bring Red Sea water up to the Dead Sea via a series of canals, is one possible answer to the Dead Sea's retreat. On the northern tip, Jordan River water no longer runs to the Dead Sea as it once did, due to a prolonged drought. On the south shores of the inland lake, chemical industries from both Israel and Jordan have impacted the Dead Sea's delicate balance as well. The result is a major net loss of water every year, causing deadly sinkholes and a threat to the thriving Dead Sea hotel industry. But environmentalists have argued that bringing in Red Sea water would upset the delicate balance of salt and minerals that have made the Dead Sea a unique ecosystem. Could this new research by Ionescu give more firepower to environmentalists seeking to protect the Dead Sea? He believes so. "I agree that the Dead Sea is a national resource and environment unique worldwide and that should be preserved," he says. "There should be a balance between exploiting its minerals for economic purposes and keeping the Dead Sea [from shrinking]. It's an environment worth maintaining with a lot of potential for research and for other purposes." Israel21c
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
INTERNATIONAL
PAGE 7
Turkey Accepts Foreign Aid, even from Israel, as Quake Crisis Grows By Dorian Jones The Turkish government has agreed to accept offers of international aid to help it cope with the aftermath of the devastating October 23 earthquake in the southeast of the country. n Ankara, a Foreign Ministry official told Reuters that Turkey had requested prefabricated housing and tents from more than 30 countries, including Israel, with whom it has been in a diplomatic crisis.
I
______________________ Ankara is already being criticized for waiting 48 hours before agreeing to accept offers of help ______________________ "We informed all countries who offered help, including Israel, of a request on specific items for postemergency material, such as prefabricated houses, containers, and tents," the official told Reuters. Ankara's decision to accept aid is a reversal of its stance of the last two days, during which it refused all offers of help from foreign governments except Iran
still trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. In at least one location, their frantic efforts have been rewarded. A two-week old baby, Arza Karaduman, was rescued from the rubble of her home, along with her mother and grandmother, after being buried for nearly two days. But along with jubilation, there is frustration, as a relative of tiny Arza told Reuters: "We have been waiting for almost 48 hours. She was rescued after almost 48 hours. I hope my mother and aunt will also be rescued." The IDF also played a major role in the The epicenter of the 7.2. recent recovery efforts in Haiti in 2010. magnitude earthquake was (IDF) the city of Van. Turkish authorities say more than and Azerbaijan, which border the quake- 2,000 rescue teams are operating in the stricken region. region, where the weather forecast preA statement issued by the Israeli gov- dicts the arrival of the first winter snows ernment said Defense Minister Ehud in coming days. Barak had "instructed the defense estabTent cities and field hospitals have lishment to fly special aid to Turkey fol- been set up in Van and surrounding lowing the earthquake and after receiv- towns, but there is concern for people in ing a request from the Turkish authori- outlying villages. Most of the structures ties." in those villages are made of clay and In the devastation zone, survivors mud, and offered little protection from began a third freezing night as rescue the quake and powerful aftershocks. workers raced against time to find people Those villages that have been reached
have been devastated. Many survivors are fearful, and frustrated, like Mehmet Belin, a survivor who spoke with Reuters. "We need tents. We have not received aid for two or three days now. Aid material is being delivered to rich people. Rich people obtain aid and poor ones are staying outside," Belin said. "It is a sin because aid material is coming to us, but rich people benefit from it. Nothing is left for us. Look, a village with a population of a 1,000 is now left [to stay outside]. They just gave us 20 tents." Tents, prefabricated homes, and containers for shelter should begin arriving later on October 25 in the first shipments of foreign aid. But Ankara is already being criticized for waiting 48 hours before agreeing to accept offers of help. Parallels have been drawn to the devastating 1999 quake that struck near Istanbul, killing nearly 20,000. The then coalition government initially rejected many offers of international help, until the magnitude of disaster became overwhelming and they reversed the decision. Observers say the delay probably cost many lives. Copyright (c) 2011. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
PAGE 8
NATIONAL
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Jewish Org Denounces Republican Presidential “Brazen Anti-Semitism” at Hopefuls Voice Support for Occupy Wall Street Protests Israel, Hard-Line for Iran SPARRING ON MOST ISSUES, GOP FIELD UNITES ON ISRAEL
ASKS PROMINENT JEWISH FIGURES TO RE-CONSIDER THEIR SUPPORT OF PROTEST MOVEMENT
Support for Israel and tough talk about Iran united the Republican presidential primary candidates on Tuesday at their ninth debate which was marked by sharp personal exchanges on domestic policy.
The a national Jewish umbrella organization called the National Conference on Jewish Affairs (NCJA) issued a statement last week voicing its concern over what they perceive as the increasingly antiSemitic rhetoric on display at the Occupy Wall Street protests. The following is the full text of their statement: n light of the accelerated and vociferous anti-Semitic and anti-Israel pronouncements emanating from the Occupied Wall Street groups – at times urging the expulsion of Zionists and Jews from the United States – we urge President Obama to publicly denounce these remarks. “Furthermore, we ask David Axelrod and Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, and other fellow Jews enthusiastically tied to the protests, to remember that the scapegoating that results from class warfare rhetoric has historically made Jews a target and endangered our community. “There has always been anti-Semitism, but in our lifetime we have never heard in this country, as we are hearing now, such open and brazen calls against Jews. “We ask them to reconsider their support
ven as the GOP field was largely divided and often testy on domestic issues like immigration and the economy, the CNN Western Republican Presidential Debate highlighted the candidates’ strong pro-Israel stances and vows to stop Iran from acquiring and using nuclear weapons. The issue of Israel came up during a discussion of the future of American foreign aid amid a tight economy. Yet most candidates said that continuing American aid to Israel, a close ally, was essential. “If we clarify who our friends are, clarify who our enemies are, and stop giving money to our enemies, then we ought to continue to give money to our friends, like Israel,” former business executive Herman Cain said in response to a question. “We should not be cutting foreign aid to Israel,” Rep. Michelle Bachmann said. “Israel is our greatest ally.” The debate was the latest in a series
E
“I
A scene from the “Occupy Wall Street” L.A. Protest. Sign tells readers to search online for the phrase: Zionists Control Wall Street. for these protests given that many are using it as a platform to spew the most vile antiIsrael language.” For more information about the National Conference on Jewish Affairs, please contact natlconference@gmail.com
ahead of the Republican caucuses and primaries which begin in January to pick the party’s nominee to face President Barack Obama in the November 2012 election. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, considered one of the stronger contenders for the nomination, raised the issue of U.S. funding for the Palestinian Authority as they bypass real negotiations in favor of seeking full United Nations membership – a drive currently stymied because of lack of support in the Security Council. “When you think about the Palestinian Authority circumventing those Oslo Accords and going to New York to try to create the conflict and to have themselves approved as a state without going through the proper channels is a travesty,” Perry said, referring to the 1993 agreement between Israel and the Palestinians that laid the groundwork for negotiations. The earlier this month of a foiled Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S. and blow up the Israeli embassy in Washington also figured into the debate. The disclosure underscored the urgency of standing up to Iran, the candidates said. “The president of Iran is a genocidal maniac. We need to stand up against Iran,” Rep. Michelle Bachmann said.
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
New Exhibition at Museum of Jewish Heritage 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF STATUE OF LIBERTY’S DEDICATION
Emma Lazarus
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." Millions have been moved by these words on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, but few know the story behind them. Emma Lazarus: Poet of Exiles, which marks the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, is the first major museum exhibition about Lazarus, and includes rare artifacts that explore her unique story and message. It will be on view through summer 2012. his exhibition brings new insights into the world of Emma Lazarus—writer, advocate, and fourth-generation Jewish American. It explores her Sephardic background, her family's participation in American life, and her work for Jewish causes. Visitors learn how Emma Lazarus was
T
inspired to craft an iconic message that addressed exile, immigration, and the promise of America. Melissa Martens, the director of Collections and Exhibitions, curated the exhibition. She says, "The Museum of Jewish Heritage–which overlooks the Statue of Liberty and explores Jewish experiences of immigration, exile, and home—is the perfect context in which to present the life and works of Emma Lazarus. As New York celebrates the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, we are reminded of Emma Lazarus's enduring message of welcome. Her words turned the Statue into a beacon of hope for newcomers." Highlights of the exhibition include: the manuscript notebook containing Emma Lazarus' famous sonnet, "The New Colossus," and other works. The exhibit also features an original letter to George Washington from Moses Mendes Seixas (Emma's great-great uncle). On loan from the Library of Congress, this key document illustrating America's history of religious liberty is making a rare public appearance for the exhibition. In it, Seixas articulates a government "which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance." The words are a foundation of religious freedom in America, and are rarely seen by the public in original form. A section of the exhibit about Emma's legacy includes the manuscript by Irving Berlin for the 1948 song "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor." Berlin, a Jewish immigrant from Russia, set Emma's poem to music for the show Miss Liberty. It is still commonly performed by school choirs today.
Bloomberg Dedicates MDA Station in Jerusalem... CONTINUED FROM COVER ties. The new facilities in this new building are intended to serve the needs of the Magen David Adom organization, to serve the needs of blood donors in Israel and to bring the public closer to the MDA.” “I am proud that my father’s name will be forever associated with the leading medical organization in the world - Magen David Adom in Israel,” Bloomberg added. “Thank you all: the people involved, the organization’s management and the precious donors.” The new William H. Bloomberg MDA Jerusalem Station has been renovated and expanded to factor in the vast growth of the population. It is built to meet modern engi-
neering standards in the event of an earthquake as well as threats of conventional and non-conventional war. The new station is a modern and spacious facility that will serve Jerusalem and its residents for generations to come by making it easier and more comfortable for MDA’s heroic staff and volunteers to do their job. In addition to upgrading and renovating the original building and adding a new five-story wing, the new station includes a blood donation center, separate sheltered parking for dozens of ambulances, a visitors' center and a conference center. Israel National News
NEW YORK
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
WAR ON TERROR
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
WAR ON TERROR Hezbollah: Next War to Target Tel Aviv LEBANESE TERRORIST ORG. HAS “MANY SURPRISES” PLANNED FOR NEXT WAR The Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah will aim its vast arsenal of rockets and missiles directly at Israel’s largest city of Tel Aviv where they can cause maximum civilian casualties and damage rather than at northern Israel in the next conflict, the group’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has said. he war would be waged without any red lines, he said. “[Hezbollah] has many surprises that will change the face of the region,” Nasrallah was quoted as saying during a meeting with Hezbollah members as reported by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akbar Friday. “If Israel decided to wage a war against Lebanon, we will not only break the Israeli soldiers’ bones, we will smash them,” he said. Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim militant group that dominates Lebanese politics and receives vast amount of aid from Syria and Iran. It has more than 40,000 missiles hidden in Southern Lebanese civilian towns ready to be fired at Israel. It is not clear what prompted Nasrallah’s comments now. The Israeli-Lebanon border has been mostly quiet in recent times. But Hezbollah’s ally and patron, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is under growing pressure from a pro-democracy movement that he has failed to crush, despite deploying all his military might against the mostly unarmed civil-
"T
ians. Over 3,000 people are estimated to have died in the conflict. Nasrallah, as well as Assad, no doubt reacted with alarm to the bloody end of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi on Thursday.
________________________ In September, Hezbollah detained four of its own members on charges of spying for Israel while a fifth fled. ________________________ The United States, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Egypt, Israel, Australia, and Canada classify Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah fought a one-month war in which Hezbollah bombarded northern Israel, including the populous city of Haifa, with between 3,970 and 4,228 rockets at a rate of more than 100 per day. Nasrallah also downplayed recent reports that Israeli spies had infiltrated Hezbollah, saying that the group would conduct an internal investigation. In September, Hezbollah detained four of its own members on charges of spying for Israel while a fifth fled.
IDF Enters PalestinianGoverned Area to Search for Ramot Terrorist LARGE IDF CONTINGENT PURSUES TERRORIST AFTER STABBING OF 17 YEAR-OLD IN JERUSALEM By Chana Ya'ar and Hezki Ezra A large force of IDF soldiers has entered the Palestinian Authority Arab village of Beit Iksa, in Area B, to search for the terrorist who stabbed 17-year-old Jerusalem yeshiva student Yehuda Ne'emad. he 17 year old was sitting on a bench chatting with a friend on Zarchi Street, a peaceful street of villas and gardens in the northwestern Jerusalem neighborhood of 60,000, at about 3:00 PM Shabbat afternoon. A helicopter and police on horseback helped forces search the rocky and hilly terrain leading to the village. Doctors at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center who treated the teen on Saturday night told Arutz Sheva that it was a miracle Ne'emad survived the attack. The village, about a five minute walk from the Jerusalem neighborhood of
T
Ramot, is located about a third of a mile from the site of the stabbing. Eyewitnesses spoke with police and provided numerous details about the attack. One witness, Aharon Rabin, also spoke with Arutz Sheva TV. A number of arrests were reportedly made in the village earlier in the evening. Jerusalem police have since issued a gag order against publishing further details on the investigation into the attack, however. The village is located in Area B, designated as the area jointly administered by the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government, and under the security control of the IDF. Beit Iksa is situated between Ramot and the suburban community of Mevasseret Tzion. Dozens of Jewish youths who heard about the attack earlier in the day reportedly tried Saturday night to reach the Arab village via the same riverbed path apparently used by the terrorist, but were warned by police to return to Ramot.
IDF: Maritime Terror ‘Daily Occurrence’ By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu The IDF’s Ashdod-based Navy unit deals with terrorist activity on a daily basis, security reconnaissance commander “D” said in the military’s Mahane magazine. The routine security reconnaissance company of the Ashdod base was assigned the responsibility of maintaining Israel's maritime closure on Gaza since the completion of Operation Cast Lead. Israel clamped the embargo on Hamascontrolled Gaza to prevent the smuggling of more advanced weapons and terrorists. Captain “D” explained that the soldiers train with mock ships attempting suicide attacks against IDF vessels, terrorist boats out at sea, and even terrorist activity on shore. "Our threat is constant. We deal with occurrences like these on a daily basis," he explained. "At the [maritime] border, there aren't any fences, just open spaces," he added. "When we locate a vessel at the closure line we first shoot in the air.” “D” explained that “We see Grad rockets fired from Gaza and understand that each
missile may harm Israeli civilians. This is a difficult situation, especially for soldiers who live in southern communities. Spending days at sea, they see missiles launched at their homes unable to contact their families.” The United Nations Palmer committee recently declared that the naval blockade is legal. It stated its conclusions in its report on the clash between Turkish terror activists and Israel Navy commandos on the Mavi Marmara ship in May 2010, when its sixship flotilla tried to break the embargo. The IHH passengers, who had claimed to be unarmed and on a humanitarian mission, clubbed and kidnapped the commandos until the Navy soldiers were able to overcome the ship. Nine Turks were killed in the clash. After the Mavi Mamara was brought to Ashdod, investigators discovered there was no humanitarian merchandise on board but that there were knives, two revolvers and equipment used to improvise lethal weapons. Confiscated videos showed IHH leaders encouraging their members to attack the commandos. Israel National News
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
U.S. Dismantles Last of Huge Cold War-Era Nuclear Bombs It was the end of an era Tuesday when experts near Amarillo, Texas dismantled the United States' oldest and biggest nuclear bomb, the B53.
PAGE 11
200 Militants Killed or Captured in Afghanistan NATO says Afghan and coalition forces killed or captured about 200 militants during two operations last week in eastern Afghanistan. oalition spokesman Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson told reporters in Kabul Monday that due to the recent Afghan-led military campaigns, insurgent activities have been greatly impacted ahead of the coming winter months. Jacobson said at least 200 insurgents with the al-Qaeda-linked Haqqani network were killed or captured, including militant leaders, facilitators and bomb makers. The Haqqani network has carried out several high-profile attacks on U.S. and Afghan forces fighting the Taliban insurgency. The militant group is believed to be based in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region, which borders Afghanistan's eastern Khost and Paktika provinces. Meanwhile in the Afghan capital, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets Monday to protest against a proposed U.S.-Afghan strategic security agreement. The agreement will outline American troop presence in Afghanistan once combat forces leave the country in 2014. Protesters say the the deal will allow the
C
fficials say dismantling the bomb involved separating 136 kilograms of high explosives from a uranium “pit” at the heart of the weapon. The Cold War relic, which was put into service in 1962, weighed 4,500 kilograms and A B53 nuclear weapon at the Pantex Plant in was the size of a minivan. Amarillo, Texas is prepared for dismantiling. Military experts say its large size was meant to make up Source: National Nuclear Security Administration for its lack of accuracy. They say it was hundreds of times U.S. experts refuse to say how many more powerful than the atomic bomb B53s were built before they were retired in dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945. 1997. The weapon was the last in the arsenal Tuesday's dismantling ceremony was of the B53 nuclear bombs. They were built part of President Barack Obama's goal to at the height of tensions between the reduce the number and role of nuclear United States and Soviet Union, but are weapons in America's arsenal. now obsolete because of the end of the Cold War, better technology, and arms conVOA News trol treaties.
O
New Commander Appointed for Judea and Samaria Division By Elad Benari Brigadier General Hagai Mordechai was appointed on Tuesday commander of the IDF Judea and Samaria Division in a special ceremony. he ceremony was held at the division headquarters in Beit El, and conducted by GOC [“General Officer Commanding” –Editor] Central Command, Major General Avi Mizrahi. Brigadier General Mordechai is replacing Brig. Gen. Nitzan Alon who held the position for over two years. Brig. Gen. Hagai Mordechai said during the ceremony, “We must look at our reality with our eyes wide open and understand that the people of Israel need a strong defensive force. A force that will defend with moral values, working according to the tradition of the Jewish people and the tradition and ethical code of the IDF, the ‘spirit of the IDF.’ An Israeli defense force, leaning on its love of its people, its country and mankind. A force that operates out of commitment to defend its nation. A determined, moral
DEFENSE NEWS
T
Brig. Gen. Hagai Mordechai (Left) Appointed as the New Commander of IDF Judea and Samaria Division (Photo: IDF Spokesperson) and professional defense force.” Alon’s tenure as commander of the Judea and Samaria division was a controversial one, due to his comments against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria.
Continues on page 39
Coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Carsten Jacobson told reporters that at least 20 insurgents with the al-Qaida-linked Haqqani network were killed or captured. United States to set up permanent bases in Afghanistan. The U.S. has said it is not seeking a permanent military presence in the country. U.S. and Afghan officials are still working out the final details of the plan. Also Monday, NATO says a bomb attack killed one of its service members in southern Afghanistan. The coalition did not give details. VOA News
PAGE 12
POLITICS
The Jewish Voice
EU, U.S. Threaten Tehran over "Nuclear Drive" CLINTON TO IRAN: DO NOT “MISCALCULATE” OUR DEPARTURE FROM IRAQ Amid growing concerns over the nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program, European Union (EU) leaders warned about a new round of sanctions against the Iranian regime if it does not return to international talks. The EU also cautioned Syria that it would impose further, more comprehensive, sanctions if the regime continues repressing its citizens. hese latest developments follow the revelation of an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States and blow up the Saudi Arabia and Israel embassies in Washington. The ‘5+1’ Group, comprising the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom and Germany, sent a letter to Iran on Friday (Oct. 21) stating their willingness to negotiate with Iran so long as the talks are “constructive and substantial,” Reuters reported. Iran has skirted inspections into its nuclear and missile programs from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). EU and U.S. leaders are not convinced Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and the Iranian regime has been accused of not complying with inspections because of the non-peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Washington and the EU have already pushed four rounds of sanctions at the
T
United Nations. They have also tried to deter investment into Iran’s lucrative oil sector. Despite these moves, Iran and Iraq are set to ink a major gas deal within the month. Tehran Times reported: “Some 170 kilometers [105 miles] of the pipeline, which will transfer gas from Iran to Iraq, will be built in Iran and it will extend 190 kilometers [118 miles] into Iraq, the NIGC [National Iranian Gas Company] head [Javad Oji] stated.” Oji added that the deal will supply four power plants in Iraq with natural gas. And, negotiations for finalizing the construction of the planned Iran-Iraq-Syria gas pipeline, known as the ‘Islamic Pipeline’ will continue. The gas deal comes amid news that the U.S. is withdrawing all its troops from Iraq by year end. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday (Oct.21) that Iran should not “miscalculate” the U.S. decision to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Speaking on the weekly political show, Meet the Press, Clinton said Washington has a “continuing commitment to and with the Iraqis going forward.” She was hinting at growing speculation that Iran, a predominantly Shi’ite Muslim country, will seek to destabilize the newly democratic country via its deep connection to Iraq’s Shi’ite population.
October 28, 2011
Israel not about to talk to Hamas, says Israel’s U.S. Ambassador OREN: HAMAS REMAINS A TERRORIST GROUP The prisoner swap that freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from five years of captivity in Gaza will not lead to further talks with the terrorist group Hamas, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States told Foreign Policy magazine earlier this month. amas remains a terrorist organization. It doesn't meet any of the Quartet's criteria for negotiating. Its charter still calls for the destruction of the State of Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish people worldwide,” Oren said in the interview. Shalit was captured in a cross-border raid in 2006 by Gaza-based terrorists. Hamas, which has fired thousands of rockets into Israel since it gained control of the coastal enclave in 2006, kept the soldier in nearly complete isolation in a basement, and refused Red Cross requests to visit Shalit in violation of international law. After a deal between Hamas and Israel was struck that freed 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, the gaunt but generally healthy Shalit was released Tuesday and reunited with his family. Oren also said that despite street celebrations in Gaza that greeted some of those released, their return would not improve the quality of life there, where the terrorist group
“H
rules with an iron fist. "They may celebrate for a few hours, but the people in Gaza are going to wake up tomorrow in the same position that were in today, and that's not a very favorable position at all," Oren said. "There's no obscuring that fact.... It's not a victory for them." The swap for Shalit has generated controversy within Israeli society for the high price of the soldier’s freedom, and Israel now has to contend with the fact that convicted murderers responsible for the death of hundreds of Israelis are free. Among those released were Nasser Yateima, who planned the 2002 Hotel bombing which killed 30 Israelis; Walid AbdelHadi, who was serving 36 life terms for his role in several attacks including a March 2002 suicide bombing in a Jerusalem cafe that killed 11 people, and Amna Muna, a Palestinian woman who in 2001 lured a teenage Israeli boy to a West Bank city where he was killed by terrorists waiting for him. But Oren said that the swap cut to the core of the Israeli state’s obligation to its citizens. The deal “showed a gap between Israeli society and Palestinian society. We celebrated life. They celebrated death," Oren said. "They celebrated the release of people who have killed dozens of men, women, and children. And it's a huge ethical difference."
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 13
REAL ESTATE
PAGE 14
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Best Buildings for Watching NYC Marathon by Carter B. Horsley Editor, CityRealty In anticipation of the New York City Marathon, scheduled this year for Sunday, November 6, CityRealty Editor Carter B. Horsley announced his list of the top 10 apartment buildings for viewing the world-famous event. ore inspirational than most parades and street fairs, the New York City Marathon has become an international event in which viewers cheer on thousands of runners representing nations throughout the world,” points out Mr. Horsley. “But for those lucky enough to be in any of these 10 buildings, they are also treated each year to birds-eye views of the best of human strength, athleticism and competition.”
“M
Considered a leading authority on New York City apartment buildings, Mr. The Sovereign 425 E. 58th St. Horsley’s storied career includes reporting about architecture and real estate for of its stepped plan, landscaping and strong such publications as The New York Times, The horizontal banding. With 370 large apartInternational Herald Tribune and New York ments, this co-op building is one of the city’s Post. largest luxury towers, and its views remain fantastic. Top 10 Manhattan Apartment Buildings for Viewing the New York City Marathon 2. Bridge Tower Place, 401 East 60th Street 1. The Sovereign, 425 East 58th Street This 38-story tower, completed in 2000 by From this 47-story behemoth, spectators the Brodsky Organization, offers a view of will watch runners enter Manhattan as they runners turning up First Avenue. A condominidescend the Queensboro Bridge. Although the um building with 218 apartments, Bridge building’s enormous bulk startled the Sutton Tower Place relates in no way to its surroundPlace community when it was erected by ings, but its bold glass facade is pleasantly patSigmund Sommer in 1971, it actually helped terned and bright. to serve as a noise buffer from bridge traffic. It was also quite distinguished looking because 3. Evans View, 303 East 60th Street
With a similar vantage point, Evans View is one of the city’s delights due to its little, pitched red roof. The design by Gruzen Samton Steinglass and Abraham Rothenberg is very sharp, crisp and clean. Completed in 1985, this 40-story condo was developed by Aaron Green and has only 157 apartments because it is quite skinny. Evans View is by far the most attractive residential tower in the vicinity of the Manhattan approach to the Queensboro Bridge. 4. The Landmark, 300 East 59th Street What’s in a name, one might ask. In this case, wishful thinking, as this 30-story building is definitely not a landmark. The handsome, clean cut, 220-unit apartment tower, which was converted to a cooperative in 1983, is a cut above most of those of its generation, but it is not an archi- The Time Warner Center tectural gem. Its real claim to After navigating the Bronx, runners head historical importance is that in 1971 it was the south along Fifth Avenue, passing the 15-story first major new tower to be erected at the Brisbane House. This neo-Romanesque structure was built in 1929 by Arthur Brisbane and Manhattan entrance to the Queensboro Bridge. designed by Schultze & Weaver. The building has a four-story limestone base with a large arched window above the attractive, canopied entrance. The arched first floor windows have 5. Brisbane House, 1215 Fifth Avenue, at slightly indented top corners, a subtle touch. It 102nd Street was converted to a cooperative in 1978 and CONTINUES ON PAGE 38
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 15
The Many Faces of the Occupy Wall St. Protest The Occupy Wall Street Movement has attracted a highly diverse crowd, raising banners for an equally diverse variety of causes. Some argue that the protestors’ lack of leadership, a coherent message, or, in many cases, sanity, is hampering its effectiveness. But it certainly makes it more entertaining for the rest of us. Here are some photos taken by Jewish Voice reporters at the ongoing demonstrations in Manhattan.
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 16
October 28, 2011
Unjustified Pessimism Regarding Israel By Robert Weissberg Jews seem naturally drawn to pessimism and their sky-is-falling mentality is especially true when it comes to Israel. Jews have a passion for uncovering the latest, no matter how obscure attack on Israel. If a dozen scruffy students petition their university to divest stocks of firms doing business with Israel, woe-is-me Jews will know it. If some inconsequential UN agency condemns Israel for imaginary human rights violation, they will immediately circulate this outrage on the Internet. Similar examples are endless. A cynic might suggest that wallowing in such outrages is a habit carried over from our wellknown fund-raising skills—cry wolf and out come the checkbooks. he self-imposed political masochism is not only unhealthy, it is almost entirely factually wrong. Israel is thriving and on all fronts. Unfortunately, panicked Jews conflate the futile but highly public desperation of Israel’s enemies with genuine threats to its existence. Think about it—will a boycott of Israel by a few minor British academics really hurt Israel? Reality is just the opposite—those who notice such political ephemera will probably condemn the boycotters while the boycott, even if successful, will not even rise to the level of being a nuisance. To be blunt, Jews overreact. Lowering one’s blood pressure begins by recognizing how chronic Israel haters now substitute political rhetoric for tangible outcomes. While victory was once measured by enemy casualties and territory capture; in today’s perverse world, “victory” goes to those most skilled at fabricating political
T
reality, regardless of whether this “reality” has any impact. Some background. Attacking Israel has gone through multiple stages and Israel has won each one, usually decisively. There were traditional military campaigns (1948, 1967, 1973, and 2006), paralleled by state-sanctioned economic boycotts (off and on since 1948), which were then followed by intifada terrorism within Israel itself (1987-93, 200005). Now, after sixty years, Israel is stronger both militarily and economically; its Arab enemies are even weaker and more internally divided than ever, so what’s next in the “resistance” repertory? The answer, we can assuredly predict: mounting a political assault as if a UN conference resolution equating Zionism with racism will accomplish what Arab armies, homemade rockets or suicide bombers failed to achieve. “Going political” is typically a sign of weakness, a strategy that appeals only after exhausting far better alternatives and it seldom works as hoped. The chief allure of ramped up political rhetoric is that the cost is so low. It is far easier to attend a rally demanding jobs than to look for one. Politics is also dishonesty friendly (an Arab specialty) so inconvenient facts can be painlessly disguised with rhetorical hype. For a dictator worried over local unrest, compare the burden of promoting a modern, job-creating economy versus mobilizing thousand to demand death to Uncle Sam. Building a modern economy requires years of expensive effort, transparency, delayed gratification and risks failure; political rallies require only minimal organizational and intellectual talent and can be infused with crowd-pleasing lies. Raving and ranting, let alone getting a
UN resolution passed, is also a snap compared to winning a shooting war. No need to worry about positioning thousands of troops and their supplies, or devising a sound strategy let alone incurring horrific casualties. Real wars also risk national humiliation. Winning the battle of public opinion, as certified by today’s mass media, typically entails only making sure about a dozen civilians are “mistakenly” killed with cameras rolling to record the dead bodies, the wailing relatives plus some bogus official explanation that the target lacked any military value. The lure of politics is extraordinarily seductive for nations like Syria and Egypt who know from hard experience that its dilapidated military is helpless against Israel. After all, a modern army demands arduous training, mastering technical skills and perhaps most distressing, promoting soldiers according to merit not family connections. It is no wonder then, that these nations “fight” their “wars” by summoning the U.S. ambassador to explain that “Jewish intransigence” is an insurmountable roadblock to a lasting comprehensive Middle East peace. So, when an Israeli Apache helicopter with great skill and concern for collateral civilian damage destroys a Hamas bomb factory, our enemies respond by round up the usual agitated mobs, issue blistering diplomatic communiqués about how these attacks make peace “impossible” and demand an emergency UN Security Council session to condemn attacks on innocent civilians. And, no doubt, Jews seeing this well-scripted show on TV will sink into depression seeing “another setback for an increasingly isolated Israel.” Here’s the bottom line for despondent Jews: take heart, revving up the publicity
machine confirms that traditional, and far deadlier, options have been abandoned. Though it may not appear so, the enemies have surrendered. In the final analysis, all the raving and ranting, even the Arab street rioting, are nuisances compared to what previously transpired. Arab armies once killed thousands of Jews though they lost the war. Today, these same enemies annoy millions with their duplicitous political machinations and given a choice, I’ll take the latter—having one’s blood boil is better than having it spilled. Moreover, with time and repeated failure, these largely harmless but seriously annoying political tactics will become even more aggravating. What’s next—a boatload of crippled children and senile old folk trying to run the blockade? The dynamic is simple: futility generates exasperation and among the weak this escalating hysteria results in ever more Jews sinking into an unnecessary depression. So, next time you witness the Arab street going wild on the BBC demanding that Israel be punished for crimes against humanity, don’t fret. These histrionic behaviors are a sign of weakness, a tacit admission that wars, boycotts, and suicide attacks have failed. To update a familiar adage, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but cockeyed special reports from the UN Council on Human Rights can never harm me.” Robert Weissberg is a professor emiritus of political science at the University of Illinois, and is the author of numerous books on politics and pedagogy. His work has also appeared in such publications as Forbes Magazine and The Weekly Standard.
PAGE 18
EDITORIAL
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
THE PEOPLE’S VOICE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL
End the Monopoly of Magen David Adom!
Editor: believe Israel must take a great deal of blame for the hostile international consensus against
I us.
Israeli leaders voluntarily accepted an atrocious mass release of murderers that no other state would even consider. Not for a single moment. So how can we expect the international community to Editor: he entire civilized world can breathe a sigh of relief now that Libyan dictator Muammar Al-Gaddafi is dead. I will, however, miss the laughs, as the eccentric Gaddafi may be the closest thing the international community had to an actual, live cartoon character. What’s more, I fear for the future of the region, as the transitional council is now proclaiming that it will institute a government based on Sharia (Islamic Law). That can mean a lot of different
T Despite the fact that social protest proponents in Israel have heaped excessive amounts of criticism on the idea of privatization of business, there is no doubt that the entrepreneurial spirit has been a boon to the flagging Israeli economy. Israeli consumers themselves are the living and breathing attestation to the fact that opening the doors to vigorous competition has been a welcome respite for their wallets. he fact that the continual dispute between Magen David Adom, the nation’s official primary emergency medical service, and the different volunteer organizations is still raging is nothing new, but its efforts to thwart any attempts for other competent agencies to provide quality care and thus, obtain a slice of the pie in this arena, demands a debate in the public square. MDA has assumed a contemptuous stance toward such agencies as Ichud Hatzalah (“United Rescue”). With a network of over 1600 volunteers nationwide, along with an impressive array of scooters, motorcycles, marine units, ATV units and more, Ichud Hatzalah is often the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency with its fleet of nationwide first-response units. It is also noteworthy that they do not charge for their services, while MDA (despite its massive fundraising capabilities and government funding) is quite costly. Growing haughty over the years in its exclusive role as the nation’s EMS provider, MDA never took heed of the fact that other agencies like Ichud Hatzalah and Zaka could fill a gaping void considering the fact that in addition to Israel facing existential threats to its populace on a daily basis there are a staggering number of vehicular accidents annually. This past summer, in a desperate attempt to strike out against the burgeoning competition, MDA cut off the pagers of Ichud’s volunteers, leaving a critical segment of first responders marginalized and out of the loop. MDA would do well to “get with it” and accept the fact that it is only a matter of time until the current system
T
undergoes a complete overhaul which will, hopefully, result in a switch to a national 911 system and a national Office of Emergency Management. Adopting the American 911 system and combining dispatch services under one roof would obviate one from having to phone three separate emergency agencies, such as police, fire, and ambulance. The fact that the modern State of Israel still compels one to call police (100), MDA (101) and fire (102) instead of one central emergency number is completely absurd. Israel’s Deputy Minister of Health Yaakov Litzman has formed a committee that is studying the situation, and exploring the possibility of yanking MDA’s monopoly on EMS services. If the committee deems it appropriate to grant authorization to other emergency agencies, it may well deliver a fatal blow to MDA, not to mention its well-oiled fundraising mechanism that exists worldwide. While the others maintain first-response units, only MDA is currently authorized to transport a patient to a hospital, and if the system is opened to others, this unique MDA advantage will be gone as well. The clear implications here are that, in essence, this initiative represents the introduction of quasi-privatization as MDA has been declared a monopoly in the business sense and that sanctioning competition from a variety of challengers is being weighed. The nation of Israel still needs the invaluable experience, broad logistical infrastructure and technical support that only MDA can provide and they should not be relegated to just another competitor among several. But this does not mean that there is no room for others who have proven that their agencies also maintain the highest caliber of service. Resolving this conflict requires courage and prescience from all parties. As the venerable veteran, MDA must take the lead in helping to implement a standardized coordination and synchronization among all rescue providers, from all agencies, that would function according to clearly imposed and rigorously supervised guidelines. Our lives and the lives of our children depend upon it.
Editor: found your decision to cover the Gilad Shalit deal by listing the names and sentences of some of the terrorists being released to be bold, and unusual. Considering that Israel typically adds on a life sentence for every life a terrorist ends, the amount of blood on the hands of those people who were welcomed home as conquering heroes, and
I
respect Israel when we act with such a blatant lack of self respect? The lunatic Shalit deal depicts Jews as children of death. Israel must end the lunacy once and for all. Sincerely, Chaim (Received via e-mail)
things to different people, but let us not forget that Afghanistan’s Taliban regime is a prominent example of Sharia-based government. Have we helped the Libyan’s rid themselves of one evil, only to replace it with something even worse? Only time will tell. All I know is that we in America, and our brothers and sisters in Israel, can’t drop our guard at this pivotal moment. Respectfully, Joseph S. Brooklyn, NY
are now free to resume their horrific deeds, is simply staggering. Kudos to the Jewish Voice for spelling out clearly the danger Israel has brought upon its own people, albeit in the pursuit of a noble cause.
Sincerely, Binyamin G. New York, NY
Letters to the Editor are the opinions of our readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Voice editorial staf f. We welcome readers to express their opinion about an ar ticle or share their ideas by writing our main of fice (see page three), or by sending an e-mail to editor@jewishvoiceny.com. Please include your full name and contact infor mation for verification purposes.
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
After the Exchange: What Israel Should Do Now The Real Price Tag By Sherwin Pomerantz Gilad Schalit, who has been held by Hamas in Gaza for over five years, has now been returned to Israel and the waiting arms of his parents. In return Israel will release 1,027 convicts and 81 Egyptians jailed here at which time Ilan Grapel, the Israeli-American Emory University law student held in Cairo since June will also be released. his exchange has elicited very strong feelings on both sides of the political spectrum and questions remain as to whether it was the right thing to do, although I personally remain convinced that it, indeed, was the right thing to do. However, in order to minimize the chances of this type of thing occurring again, Israel must take specific actions in the future to dissuade terrorists from killing our citizens. In a word, once the full exchange has taken place, our government should make it known to one and all that the penalty for terrorism that results in the death of our citizens, once the perpetrators are found guilty by Israeli courts, will be execution. The world community may think this is a harsh response but people who decide to blow up pizza parlors where normal citizens of Israel are enjoying lunch, must understand that the same punishment they have meted out to our citizens will be meted out to them as well. My guess is that if we do that once or twice when such situations occur, God forbid, again in the future, terrorists will think twice about engaging in such activities. This was, of course, my big personal disappointment after the pullout from Gaza in 2005. It was my hope that our government would have said to one and all, that now that we are out of Gaza there is a clear international border between Israel and Gaza. Given that, should rockets start coming at us from Gaza, for each attack we will simply obliterate one square kilometer of land around the place from which the rockets were fired. I thought then, as I do now, that it was a strategic error on our part not to have done this. And, of course, not having done so, our citizens in the south of the country paid a huge price for our ineptitude. Taking a position on future terrorist acts that once the accused person has been found guilty, he or she will be executed, will at least give some small measure of solace to those parents who have previously lost children in
T
terrorist acts and who are now witness to those who are guilty being released back to Arab society. We owe them that much as we do those in the future who might also suffer such losses. And to the perpetrators of these crimes we, of course, owe nothing, except a fair trial before punishment. The first and second time we carry out such executions we can be sure that the world press will spread those pictures across five columns on page one of the next day’s edition. Nevertheless, I am pretty confident that the risks of there being a third or fourth time will be reduced dramatically in the face of such swift and final justice. We do not ever want to have to witness what we will witness this week, the release of hundreds of unrepentant criminals back into society where they will be able, should they desire to do so, to continue their errant ways.
________________________ “I remain happy that Israel did the moral thing and rescued one of our young men from the hands of the enemy” ________________________ I remain happy that Israel did the moral thing and rescued one of our young men from the hands of the enemy. But we now must do everything possible to make sure we never have to do this again. That’s the price tag for such action and people who contemplate terror should understand what it will cost them personally. Anything less on our part will be an insult to the memory of those who gave their lives here only because they were Jews. Martin Luther King Jr, whose memorial was dedicated on Sunday in Washington DC once said: “A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men, purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.” The message should be clear to one and all that we here in Israel pay cash! Sherwin Pomerantz is a 28 year resident of Jerusalem, President of Atid EDI Ltd., an economic development consulting firm, Chairman of HADAR-Council for Civic Action and a former National President of the Association of Americans and Canadians
OP/ED
PAGE 19
OP/ED
PAGE 20
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Israel Must Have a Death Penalty for Terrorists By Rabbi Shmuley Boteach No Jew, and indeed no decent person in whom there beats a human heart, could fail to be moved to tears by the reunion of Gilad Shalit and his family in Israel. Looking pale from years of being held in a cell and deprived of sunlight, and extremely shy due to years of being denied virtually all human contact, Israel welcomed home a hero for whom they had traded one thousand murderers, terrorists, and criminals committed to its destruction to keep true to its promise, that no soldier is ever forgotten or left behind. s Hamas and the Palestinians ululated and celebrated the return to their society of killers who had taken the lives of so many innocent men, women and children guilty of no other sin than going about their daily business, Israel cheered at the restoration of one of its sons who was kidnapped while trying to protect these innocent lives. The conflicting values systems of the two opposing camps—one dedicated to the life and the other, tragically, having been overtaken for decades by a culture of death—could not have been drawn in more stark terms than watching our Palestinian brothers and sisters welcoming terrorists home with parades while Israel reembraced a soldier whose first words to the world media, after having been treated
A
like a caged animal for five years, were his hopes for lasting peace. It also goes without saying that when Israel is prepared to trade a thousand predators for one lonely soldier it is because of Israel’s commitment to the infinite value of human life Still, the question remains whether the deal was worth it. Much comment has been made both pro and con, so I will here limit myself to a different angle of the story entirely, one that would obviate the need to trade killers for captured soldiers in the future. It is high time that Israel finally instituted a death penalty for terrorists. In the United States Timothy McVeigh, who murdered 160 people in Oklahoma in April, 1995, was dispatched after a fair trial and an appeal with no public outcry whatsoever. No man who takes that many lives may be permitted to live. So why would Israel lock up the most rancid, heartless, and coldblooded mass murderers in its jails just so that they can serve as a lure for Israelis to be kidnapped in order that these killers be paroled? A very partial list of terrorists now released by Israel, and who were previously fed three warm meals a day in an Israeli prison for years, includes Ibrahim Jundiya, who was serving multiple life sentences for carrying out an attack that killed 12 people and wounded 50. There is Amina Mona, an accomplice to the murder of 16-year-old Ofir Rachum. She lured him over the internet to a meeting where terrorists were waiting to kill him. Jihad Yaghmur and Yehia Sanwar were involved in the abduction and murder of Nachshon Wachsman, which also led to the murder of Matkal Unit member, Nir Poraz, head of the rescue mission sent to save him. I am an acquaintance of Nachson’s mother and can only imagine her
pain at seeing her son’s killers celebrated as returning conquerors. Also released are Ahlam Tamimi, the 20year-old student accomplice to the Sbarro restaurant bombing in 2001 that left fifteen dead and 130 wounded, Aziz Salha who was famously photographed displaying his bloodied hands for the mob crowd below after beating an Israeli soldier to death, and Nasser Yataima who planned the 2002 Passover massacre that killed 30 and wounded 140. The question this despicable list of the murderers being released begs is this: why were they still alive in the first place? Why were they not given fair and impartial trials and the right to appeal, and if found guilty of murder and especially mass murder, executed by the State? Some will argue that this will only invite the Arab terror organizations to execute the Israeli prisoners they hold. It is therefore worth recalling that this is what the Palestinian terror organizations do overwhelmingly anyway and that Gilad Shalit is the first living soldier to be returned to Israel in more than a quarter century. In July 2008, Israel arranged another prisoner exchange in order to obtain the release of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, captured two years earlier, sparking Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, only to tragically discover they had been dead all along. Others, especially Europeans, will argue that the death penalty is cruel and Israel is more humane for banning it. I disagree. While there is a robust debate here in the United States related to the death penalty over individual acts of murder, there should be no such debate whatsoever when it comes to premeditated mass murder and terrorism. The Europeans powers like Britain
and France participated in the execution of Nazi leaders in the Nuremberg trials of 1945-1946, with no compunction whatsoever in mandating state-sponsored executions of mass murderers. Indeed, I argue that it is cruel and unusual punishment against the families of Israel’s terror victims to leave these terrorists alive in Israeli prisons with the families not knowing day to day if they will even serve out their sentences should another Israeli soldier fall into captive hands. The families deserve closure. For those who argue that if Israel puts its terrorists to death there will be nothing left to bargain with should an Israeli soldier or citizen become captive, I respond that other deals can always be made, be it with money, international pressure, or the exchange of Arab prisoners who are not guilty of terrorism. And it’s not as if Israel has no precedent in taking the life of a mass murderer, having put to death one abominable soul, the architect of the holocaust itself, Adolf Eichmann, at midnight in a Ramla prison on May 31, 1962. Eichmann’s body was then cremated and his ashes polluted the Mediterranean a day later beyond Israel’s territorial waters. And the last words of one of the most wicked monsters of all time? “I die believing in God.” Let’s make sure that others like him whose crimes make a mockery of G-d meet the same end. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach has just published “Ten Conversations You Need to Have with Yourself ” (Wiley) and in December will publish “Kosher Jesus” (Gefen). He is in the midst of creating the Global Institute for Values Education (GIVE). Follow him on his website http://www.shmuley.com and on Twitter @RabbiShmuley.
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Egypt Resumes Gas Deliveries to Israel RESUMPTION OF EGYPTIAN GAS SUPPLIES SHOULD LOWER PENDING 5% ELECTRICITY RATE HIKE By Amiram Barkat Israel's Ministry of National Infrastructures has announced that Egypt has resumed natural gas deliveries to Israel. Deliveries began gradually on Thursday night, beginning with small quantities to test the pipeline, with continuous flow beginning later. Deliveries to Israel began after Egypt resumed deliveries to Jordan last week. he resumption of Egyptian gas deliveries should lower, or at least delay a pending 5% electricity rate hike. The quantity of gas deliveries is still not clear. During this year, Egypt's gas deliveries have been just 30% of the contractual amounts. Egypt's natural gas pipelines and facilities in Sinai have been attacked several times this year by Bedouin hostile to the Egyptian government. The latest attack was in September. Gas deliveries to Israel were halted altogether after an attack in July. The first attack in
T
February came shortly after President Hosni Mubarak was ousted from power. Egypt supplies 40% of the gas needs of Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) (TASE: ELEC.B22). The lack of Egyptian gas forced the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) to raise electricity rates by almost 10% in July, and another price hike is due next month. Egypt supplies gas to Israel via East Mediterranean Gas Company (EMG) in which Yosef Maiman owns 20.6% through Ampal-American Israel Corporation (Nasdaq: AMPL; TASE:AMPL) and his private company Merhav Group.
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
PAGE 21
iPhone 4S First Weekend Sales Top Four Million Apple announced it last week that it sold over four million of its new iPhone 4S, within the first three days following its launch on October 14. In addition, more than 20 million customers have signed up for iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and push it to all connected devices. iPhone 4S is available today in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the UK, and will be available in 22 more countries on October 28 and more than 70 countries by the year’s end. Phone 4S is off to a great start with more than four million sold in its first weekend—the most ever for a phone and more than double the iPhone 4 launch during its first three days,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “iPhone 4S is a hit with customers around the world, and together with iOS 5 and iCloud, is the best iPhone
“i
The new iPhone 4S ever.” The iPhone 4S is the most technologically sophisticated iPhone yet, with all new features including dual-core A5 chip for faster performance and enhanced graphics; an all new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video recording; and an “intelligent assistant,” a program called Siri that responds to voice commands. The new iPhone comes in either black or white and is retailing in the U.S. for $199 (for the 16GB model), $299 (for 32GB) and $399 (for 64GB).
El Al Cancels Ukrainian Routes CEO: SKYROCKETING OF JET FUEL PRICES, SECURITY COSTS, AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS FORCED DECISION
BUSY. BUSY. BUSY. BUSY. BUSY.
By Sapir Peretz El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. (TASE: ELAL) is cancelling two more unprofitable routes, to the Ukrainian cities of Odessa and Dnepropetrovsk. The last flight to Odessa will depart on December 6 and the last flight to Dnepropetrovsk will depart on December 8. n August, El Al cancelled its route to Sao Paolo, two years after inaugurating it.
I
El Al CEO Eliezer Shkedi said, "The sharp and continuous rise in fuel prices requires El Al to focus on its destinations as other airlines are doing." He added that the weekly flights to Odessa and Dnepropetrovsk did not fit in with El Al's strategy to fly several flights a week to key destinations. "The unprecedented skyrocketing of jet fuel prices, security costs, and the global economic crisis forced the decision. The decision was taken as part of an adjustment of operations and streamlining measures to cut El Al's costs in order to optimize its fleet of plans and destinations. This reality forces
us to reevaluate the feasibility of every destination and every flight," said Shkedi. In a separate development, a dispute has arisen between El Al and the Israel Security Agency over the strictness of security arrangements for the carrying of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims to Israel beginning in late October, El Al said, "We want to carry out the flights to bring the Nigerian pilgrims to Israel and we hope to obtain all the necessary permits for this as soon as possible." Globes - Israel Business News
RobPerelmuter Rob Perelmuter,r,Agent 169 169A Avenue venueU U Brooklyn,NY11223 Bus: Bus:718-627-4500Fax:718-645-4144 718-627-4500Fax:718-645-4144 www.robagency.com www.robagency.com
Life L ife iinsurance nsurance shouldn’t shouldn’t wait. wait. Even though Even though life life is is busy, busy, ttake ake a moment moment to to reflect reflect on on what’s what’s m most ost important. important. F For or p peace eace of of m mind, ind, p protect rotect your your family family w with ith ® S State tate F Farm arm life life iinsurance. nsurance. Like a g ood n eighbor, Like good neighbor, ® State F arm is is there. there. State Farm CALL C ALL M ME ET TODAY. ODAY.
SState tate Farm Farm Life Life Insurance Insurance Company Company (Not ( Not licensed licensed iinn MA, MA, NY NY or or WI) WI ) State State FFarm arm LLife ife aand nd A Accident ccident A Assurance ssurance CCompany ompany ((Licensed Licensed iinn NY NY and and WI) WI ) 0 9 010 3 8 0901038 Bloomington, IILL Bloomington,
PAGE 22
COMMUNITY
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
AMBASSADOR YEHUDA AVNER TO ACCEPT ISRAEL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT EMUNAH BENEFIT DINNER Ambassador Yehuda Avner, an Israeli former diplomat, prime ministerial advisor, and author of the new best-seller “The Prime Ministers,” will receive the Israel Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming EMUNAH Benefit Dinner on Saturday evening, November 12 at the Brooklyn Marriott. Ambassador Avner, who has served as speechwriter to Israeli Prime Ministers Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, and adviser to Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres, will also deliver the Keynote address at the Dinner. ince Israel’s birth, EMUNAH of America has distinguished itself as a leader in providing critical support and excellent care to the people of Israel. At the Benef it Dinner on November 12th, friends and supporters of EMUNAH – an Israel Prize Recipient - will gather to celebrate its enormous accomplishments in social welfare, education, cultural and humanitarian efforts throughout every corner of Israel. According to Fran Hirmes, EMUNAH’s National President, “the reality facing Israel today is that the sharp rise in the cost of living has had a
S
(Left to Right) Ambassador Yehuda Avner – Lifetime Achievement Award and Keynote Speaker, Marcia Genuth – Guest of Honor and Honorary National President, Wendy & Mordy Dicker – Englewood, NJ – Ahavat Tzion Awardees, and Jonathan Struhl – New Generation Awardee devastating effect on social service programs.” She reflected that EMUNAH was facing an uphill battle keeping up with the growing need for EMUNAH’s services. This is a special year for the EMUNAH organization. They will have the privilege of paying tribute to the Guest of Honor, Marcia Genuth, esteemed Honorary National President who has tirelessly devoted decades of loyal service to EMUNAH’s children and families
in Israel. In addition, Wendy & Mordy Dicker from Englewood, NJ, a couple staunchly involved with EMUNAH’s children through hands-on efforts and leadership positions, will receive the AhavatTzion Award; and Jonathan Struhl, a dynamic young man who is an inspiration, will receive the New Generation Award. Mindy Stein, Dinner Chairman and EMUNAH Chairman of the Board added “The EMUNAH Building the Future for
Israel’s Children at risk Dinner is especially exciting because we are all helping children in great need who are being cared for by EMUNAH. That’s the best part of all!” The evening’s Journal Chairman is Shaynee Kessler. For reservations, journal ads and information please call EMUNAH at (212) 564-9045 x 303 or register online at www.emunah.org.
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
COMMUNITY
PAGE 23
FORMER NYC MAYOR URGES THE PRESIDENT TO RELEASE JONATHAN POLLARD As the bi-partisan movement to free Jonathan Pollard continues to grow, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins recently wrote to President Obama and asked that he commute Pollard's sentence to time served. onathan Pollard has spent 26 years of an unprecedented life sentence languishing in a federal prison for passing classified information to Israel, an ally of the United States. The median sentence for this offense is 2 to 4 years. Next month, on November 21, 2011, Pollard will enter his 27th year in captivity. No one else in the history of the United States has ever received a life sentence for this offense. In his letter, Mayor Dinkins noted that he first appealed to President Clinton in 1993 to commute Pollard's sentence to time served, but in light of the fact that Pollard is still in prison, he is now urging President Obama to release him. Mayor Dinkins also stated that, "Pollard is the only person in the history of the United States to receive a life sentence for passing classified information to an ally."
J
"Mr. Pollard is currently serving the 26th year of a life sentence - seven of the 26 served in solitary confinement," wrote Mayor Dinkins in his letter to the President. "He was indicted on one count of passing classified information to an ally without intent to harm the United States – an offense that ordinarily carries a two-to-four year sentence. He pled guilty under a plea agreement with which he fully complied but that was apparently ignored by the sentencing judge."
"Mr. Pollard has repeatedly expressed remorse for his actions and, by all accounts, has been a model prisoner," continued Dinkins. "It has been reported recently, nevertheless, that he was denied compassionate leave to attend his father's funeral, and now, after more than two decades of confinement, Mr. Pollard's health is said to be declining." "It is in light of the above that I ask that you consider commuting the sentence of Jonathan Pollard to time served," Former NYC concluded Dinkins. Dinkins David Dinkins, who served as the Mayor of New York City from 1990-1993, is the only African-American to ever hold that office. From 1986-1989, Dinkins was the Manhattan Borough President. Prior to that, he spent time as the New York City Clerk, president of the New York City Board of Elections, and as a member of the New York State Assembly. David Dinkins currently serves as a Professor in the Practice of Public Affairs at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs ("SIPA"). Dinkins also serves on SIPA's Advisory Board, chairs the Earth Institute's NYC Sustainable Development Initiative, and hosts the annual Dinkins Leadership and Public Policy Forum.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE HOSTS “ART OF TRANSITIONS” WORKSHOP The Friendship Circle of the Upper East Side, a local Jewish non-profit organization that provides support programs for Jewish children with special needs and their families, will host an introductory workshop with Keri Bowers providing power tools for creating a roadmap for the future of children with special needs. This workshop will present moms, dads, and professionals with ideas and “power tools” to improve options and possibilities for transitions from early childhood through adulthood. Based on her workbook, “Mapping Transitions to your Child’s Future,” Keri Bowers uses her experience as an advocate, service provider, parent, and filmmaker to lay the foundation of this workshop. eri is the co-creator of Normal People Scare Me, a film about autism, and The Sandwich Kid, a film about siblings of people with disabilities. Her new film, ARTS, about possibilities, disabilities & the arts, features Steven Wiltshire, Donna Williams, Joey Travolta, Temple Grandin, Geri Jewell, Mary and Jerry Newport, Stephen Shore and other talented artists who live and work in disabilities everyday. This mapping workshop is a culmination of over 22 years work in the field of disabilities and in working with her son and co-filmmaker, Taylor Cross. This lecture will take place at the Chabad of the Upper East Side – 419 E 77th St. on
K
Mayor Dinkins' letter to President Obama comes in the wake of numerous calls for clemency for Pollard from prominent government officials, high-ranking individuals in the national intelligence arena, leading professionals in the legal world, and renowned religious and communal leaders. In addition, a number of prominent leaders close to President Obama have called upon him to release Pollard. Former CIA Director Mayor David James Woolsey, former White House Counsel Bernard Nussbaum, former Deputy Attorney General and Harvard Law Professor Philip Heymann, and former Senator and Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Dennis DeConcini, each of whom had the opportunity to thoroughly review Pollard's classified file and is fully familiar with the circumstances of his case, have called for Pollard's release. Henry Kissinger, who served as United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and who was a member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board at the time of Pollard's sentencing, sent a letter to President Obama requesting that he commute Pollard's sentence to time served. In addition, a wide array of American leaders have called for a commutation of Pollard's sentence, including former Vice President Dan Quayle, former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Senator John McCain of Arizona, former Arkansas governor and former Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, former Senator and Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Arlen Specter, Senator Charles Schumer of New York, former Assistant Secretary of Defense Lawrence Korb, Congressman Allen West of Florida, former Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming, former New York City Mayor and former Republican Presidential candidate
Rudolph Giuliani, Congressman Michael Grimm of New York, former Republican Senator Steve Symms of Idaho, former Republican Congressman Matthew Salmon of Arizona, well-known conservative leader Gary Bauer, Rev. Theodore Hesburgh of Notre Dame, well-known Christian leader Pat Robertson, and Pastor John Hagee. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also sent a letter to President Obama calling for Pollard's release. In addition, thirty-nine members of Congress submitted a "Dear Colleague" letter led by Congressman Barney Frank in support of commuting Jonathan Pollard's sentence. Further, a broad-based interfaith coalition comprised of more than 500 members of the clergy and community leaders sent a letter to President Obama in January 2011 in which they called on the President to commute Pollard's sentence. Several months ago, Jonathan Pollard wrote a letter containing a personal appeal for clemency to President Obama, which was hand-delivered to the President by Israeli President Shimon Peres. Peres also raised the issue of clemency for Pollard in a recent White House meeting with President Obama. Despite numerous pleas by Israeli leaders and people throughout the United States and Israel, President Obama recently refused to grant Pollard "compassionate leave," which would have enabled him to visit his ailing father, Morris, on his deathbed, and rejected countless appeals asking the President to allow Pollard to attend his father's funeral following Morris Pollard's death. Jonathan Pollard has repeatedly expressed his remorse publicly and in private in letters to many Presidents and others. His health has deteriorated significantly during his two-anda-half decades in prison. Pollard's life sentence is grossly disproportionate when compared to the sentences of others who have spied for allied nations. Despite the fact that Pollard entered into a plea agreement and fully cooperated with the prosecution in his case, he nonetheless received a life sentence and a recommendation that he never be paroled, which was in complete violation of the plea agreement he had reached with the government.
Jersey Shore JCC Faces Foreclosure... CONTINUED FROM COVER
Wednesday, November 2nd, at 8:00 p.m. The evening will allow parents to discover and describe what is important to and for their child in everyday life and then learn tools and strategies to help get results including strategies for improved advocacy, futures planning, developing social and life skills, and more. There is a $10 fee to attend the lecture and no affiliation is necessary. Prior reservations are necessary and can be made by calling: 212.717.4613 ex. 6 or by e-mailing: FriendshipNYC@gmail.com
to the JCC.” In past years, there were waiting lists for camp enrollment, whereas this summer, enrollment dropped to just one fifth of capacity for grades one through ten. Levy explains that the dwindling numbers result from the influx of many competing camps to the area. The upper grade camp was canceled altogether, he said, and preschool camp revenues can’t compensate for the loss. The aforementioned financial tribulations caused negotiations between TD Bank and the JCC to break down, leading to the present legal battle. But the latter has hardly thrown in the towel. “We have legal rights to protect us,” says Epstein. “We have invested a lot of community dollars into this facility. It will be very difficult for a bank to close out on a charitable organization that serves so many people of all ages and has the potential to generate revenues and prosper in the future. If they honor those rights without a bankruptcy, that would be terrific. We intend to use its rights to ensure the JCC can relaunch its programming for the betterment of the community.” Though it manages to present a unified front to the public, the JCC’s predicament has caused a fair amount of internal tension. Employees say that their salaries are weeks
behind, leading to numerous resignations, and in turn, an increased workload for those employees who stay on. Despite all this, the JCC’s leadership remains optimistic that it will be able to remain open. Referring to the JCC’s troubles as “small deficits,” Levy told the Asbury Park Press that “This is a legal proceeding, not the end of the road. It’s a step in the negotiations between the bank and the center.” Similarly, in an official statement on the JCC website, Levy clarifies that “At this point in time, we have no plans to close the JCC.” “While we are exploring several options at our disposal,” he explains, “we will do the best we can to make sure the building is safe, viable, and that we maintain as many programs and services as possible.” He goes on to say that the JCC, the Monmouth County Jewish Federation, and communal leaders are in the process of developing a finite plan to deal with the current predicament. “At this time,” says Levy, “I would ask all of you to continue your support for our agency while we work through this difficult period.”
PAGE 24
NEWS IN REVIEW
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
NEWS IN REVIEW INTERNATIONAL King Abdullah II Swears in New Government ing Abdullah II of Jordan swore in Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh and his Cabinet on Monday, which is being marketed to the Jordanian people as a 'reformist government.' In the Letter of Designation, King Abdullah, whose push for political reform in the country began before the Arab Spring, instructed the new government to give priority “the completion of legislation and laws that regulate political life," including the "elections and political parties laws." The cabinet convened shortly thereafter for its first meeting, during which the new premier outlined several of his foreign policy positions. In his comments to the media, Khasawneh declared that the kingdom would continue "to support the Palestinian people in their quest to regain their rights and establish their independent state, and will also continue to safeguard the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Palestine." He made no reference to King Abdullah's remarks on Monday that Israel's security must be ensured in any future agreements with the Palestinian Authority. The government is the 94th since the Hashemite kingdom's founding in 1921, the ninth since Abdullah ascended the throne in 1999, and the second since the Arab Spring came to Jordan earlier this year. Sacking governments during periods of political unrest, called the "Hashemite Shuffle" by some commentators, is a common means of shifting pressure from the Crown.
K
Sarkozy: No Such thing as a ‘Jewish State’ rench President Nicolas Sarkozy says that “a Jewish state has no meaning because a state is neither Jewish nor Catholic.” He made the same remark several times this week in interviews on two Jewish radio stations and with a French news agency following the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, whose parents are French citizens. Sarkozy earlier this month said on another occasion that Israel cannot be defined as Jewish no more than “this table is Catholic.” He was raised as a Roman Catholic but his grandfather was Jewish. Asked about a “Jewish state,” Sarkozy
F
replied, “A Jewish state – I don’t know what that means. Speaking of a state of the Jewish people is already more interesting." "A Jewish state has no meaning because a state is neither Jewish nor Catholic.” Nevertheless, the French president favors a “two-state” solution in which Israel will be bordered by the Palestinian Authority, which PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has stated will be cleansed of Jews and thereby be a country only for Arab Muslims and a small and dwindling Christian population. "Two states for two peoples would mean that nobody is losing face. As far as I know there are millions of people who are not Jewish in Israel today," says Sarkozy. Sarkozy also expressed views shared by many people who support Jews when they are down-trodden. ""Frankly, I prefer to be on the side of those who are victims of anti-Semitic abuse than with those who profess these kind of behaviors," he said.
ussia warned the United Nations on Tuesday against publishing its report on Iran’s nuclear program, saying that publishing the report could harm the efforts to negotiate with Iran. According to a report on Kol Yisrael radio, the foreign ministry in Moscow said that publishing the report would sour the atmosphere and could prevent the start of serious discussions with the Islamic Republic.
Islamic Party Claims Victory in Tunisia Election
ISRAEL
unisia turns to creating a new constitution and interim government, as election results on Tuesday confirmed a first-place finish by the moderate Islamic party Ennahdha. Two days after casting their ballots in a peaceful, ebullient vote, Tunisians are back to work Tuesday. Or at least some of them. Outdoor cafes are packed with women and men. Streets are snarled with honking traffic. One middle aged woman, who only gave her first name, Emla, voted for a leftist party. But she is still satisfied with the outcome. Emla says what is essential is the elections were democratic and transparent, and that voter turnout was high. She says democracy is about accepting the results. International observers have hailed Tunisia's elections for a new Constituent Assembly. Just as Tunisia inspired the Arab Spring uprisings, some believe its first democratic vote may be another model. But Fedia Trabelsi, wearing a maroon hijab and black gloves, is among those who did not go to the polls. Trabelsi says even if she is veiled, she is against Ennahdha. She believes in a separation of religion and politics. The new assembly is tasked to write Tunisia's next constitution. Eric Goldstein, a deputy director for Human Rights Watch, says that alone will be a major challenge. "Writing a constitution is a huge job because it's going to be the roadmap for laws that are going to be revised and the way the people relate to their government. How much
T
presidential system, how much parliamentary," said Goldstein. The assembly must also appoint an interim government to run daily affairs. And it must deal with the many problems that fueled Tunisia's January revolution - including the faltering economy and high unemployment.
Russia Warns UN against Publishing Report on Iran
R
150 Get Citizenship near Temple Mount group of 150 new immigrants to Israel who arrived Monday formally received citizenship Tuesday. Several dozen got their ID cards in a ceremony at the Kotel (Western Wall), the closest site to the Temple Mount. The immigrants, most of them from Western Europe, came to Israel on a special aliyah (immigration) flight organized by the Jewish Agency. They are headed to a variety of destinations within the country; new homes are to include cities from Eilat to Haifa as well as kibbutzim and other small communities.
A
Anarchists Accused of Helping Terrorists oreign and Israeli anarchists are helping terrorists to gather intelligence, Yehudah Hendler of Esh Kodesh accused in an interview with Arutz Sheva. The anarchists help Palestinian Authority Arabs force their way into Jewish towns, ostensibly to harvest olives – an activity that has served as cover for terrorism on past occasions, he said. The murderers of five members of the Fogel family used the olive harvest as an excuse to gather information on the victims’ town and to plan their attack, Hendel noted. “Now these people are bringing terrorists
F
to more towns in order to help them carry out attacks,” he declared. “The claims that they came to harvest olives are lies, they ‘harvested’ from old and sick trees and barely had a single bucket of olives after three hours.”
Report: Swedish Anarchists Vandalize Sukkah wo Swedish women who vandalized a sukkah with anti-Israel slogans have been sent back to their home country, according to the hareidi-religious news outlet Kikar Shabbat. The women used spray paint to deface the sukkah in the Shimon Hatzaddik neighborhood of Jerusalem. Among the slogans they sprayed on its walls were, “Make love not war,” “Free Palestine,” and “God Natt Israel.” Many anarchists and other far-left activists oppose the Jewish presence in Shimon Hatzaddik, a historically Jewish neighborhood that fell into Jordanian hands in 1948 and was populated by Arab families as part of Jordanian policy. Since the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967 several Jewish families have returned to the area.
T
Chinese Educators Tour Yad Vashem he Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial project in Jerusalem began a special two-week course Tuesday for 30 educators from China. The course will include indepth Holocaust studies and guidance on teaching youth about the Holocaust. Several experts in history and Holocaust education will address the group; the educators will also tour the Yad Vashem museum and will speak to Holocaust survivors. When the course ends, they will return to China and teach students there about the Holocaust.
T
Marzel: Send Turkey Aid on the Mavi Marmara and of Israel activist Baruch Marzel called Tuesday for aid to be sent to Turkey aboard the Mavi Marmara. The ship was previously used by Turkish activists in a failed attempt to break an IDF blockade of Gaza. “I suggest we send the Marmara so that our suck-up gift to those who hate us, to Erdogan, at least sends another message as well,” he suggested. Israel has offered help to Turkey in the wake of an earthquake that killed hundreds in
L
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
NEWS IN REVIEW
PAGE 25
NEWS IN REVIEW the country. Several mobile shelters for those left homeless are to arrive in Turkey on Wednesday.
IDF General: We Will Contain Killers t the ceremony of the Judea and Samaria command change, IDF Central Command General Avi Mizrachi addressed the release of hundreds of killers in the Shalit deal. “We will contain the killers who are back in the area. We will not allow terror to affect us of the citizens of Israel.” Mizrachi condemned the right wing attacks on General Nitzan Alon.”You led the bond with the Jewish towns with sensitivity and determination. You were treated unjustly. I condemn individuals who heeded unsubstantiated rumors and made fabricated remarks about you. We know your record is flawless.”
A
NATIONAL Report: Obama Wants 'Silent Freeze' in Judea, Samaria he Obama administration reportedly wants Israel to implement a "silent freeze" of Jewish homebuilding in eastern Jerusalem and the mountains of Samaria and Judea to coax the Palestinian Authority (PA) into agreeing to negotiate with Israel. According to Israeli daily Maariv, the United States wants the freeze to be undeclared and partial. The idea is that Israel will not build new neighborhoods but will be allowed to build within existing ones. Any transgression of these terms will result in "harsh steps" against Israel by the U.S. MK Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) was quick to shoot down the idea. "After ten months of a loud and unprecedented freeze, it is outrageous to see that the Obama administration still believes that construction in the settlements is indeed an obstacle on the road to negotiations," she said. "There is no difference between a silent and loud freeze," she added. "The public's clear choice of the right wing will not allow a second freeze of construction in Judea and Samaria, no matter what statement comes out of the Prime Minister's office." The PA has insisted that Israel freeze all construction in Judea and Samaria as a pre-
T
condition for negotiations. However, when Israel did freeze construction for 10 months, he did not sit down at the negotiating table, yet demanded that the freeze be extended.
Statue of Liberty to Unveil Internet Views ew York's iconic Statue of Liberty is joining the Internet age as its 125th birthday is celebrated. Five webcams have been placed on Lady Liberty's torch that will give viewers around the world distinctive views of New York Harbor, the tablet in her hands and the grounds around the statue on Liberty Island. The cameras will be switched on Friday, marking the anniversary in 1886 the statue first opened, and operate around the clock. The statue was donated by France to the U.S. and has long stood as a symbol of freedom for immigrants migrating to the U.S. Many Americans associate its significance with a 19th century poem by Emma Lazarus, depicting the statue calling for “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” The webcams were donated by the U.S. company Earthcam and will provide the best views from the statue for most of the next year. After Friday's celebration, the U.S. government's parks agency is closing the statue for a $27 million renovation to upgrade its stairwells, elevators and mechanical systems. The work will take up to a year, but while the interior of the statue is being made safer, the Liberty Island park will remain open to visitors.
N
Police Clear anti-Wall Street Protesters from Oakland City Hall olice in the state of California have begun clearing dozens of anti-Wall Street protesters from a plaza in front of Oakland's city hall. Officers began arresting demonstrators early Tuesday morning, placing them in plastic handcuffs and tearing down their makeshift shelters. The demonstrators camped out in the area for two weeks as part of the national Occupy Wall Street movement. Initially city hall officials were supportive of the demonstrators allowing them to occupy the plaza. But the city later issued orders for them to vacate the area citing concerns about fire hazards, sanitation, and acts of violence at the site.
P
The Occupy movement has sprung up in outdoor parks and squares in major cities across the United States. Goals of the demonstrations have varied, ranging from an end to U.S. foreign military action, raising taxes on the wealthy, more emphasis on government social spending and learning how to live in a donation-based outdoor community. Protesters have said they hoped the movement would last until at least the next U.S. presidential and Congressional elections in November 2012.
Suspect in Saudi Assassination Plot Pleads Not Guilty ne of the suspects accused in a plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States has pleaded not
O
guilty. Manssor Arbabsiar, a naturalized U.S. citizen holding Iranian and American passports, entered his plea in a New York court Monday. He is charged with trying to hire a Mexican drug cartel to kill Saudi envoy Adel al-Jubeir by bombing a Washington restaurant. U.S. officials have alleged that Arbabsiar was part of a $1.5 million plot by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds force to kill the Saudi ambassador. A second suspect, Gholam Shakuri, is at large, but is believed to be in Iran. Iran has denied involvement in the case. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told the CNN television network on Sunday that “we never have any intention to hurt Saudi Arabia.” The 56-year-old Arbabsiar has lived for many years in the U.S., working as a used car salesman in Texas.
Businesses Predict Slow U.S. Economic Growth .S. businesses say the American economy will continue to grow, but predict expansion will slow down. The National Association of Business Economists published a survey of companies across the country on Monday. Most said the nation’s output will have increased 2 percent or less by the end of 2011. That is less expansion of the Gross Domestic Product than the U.S. central bank has been predicting. The reduction in expected growth has hurt hiring, and less than one-third of companies say they expect hiring to increase in the next
U
six months. While most companies expect tepid growth, the world’s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment reported rising revenue, profits and sales Monday. Caterpillar’s profits grew 44 percent during July, August and September. Third-quarter revenue expanded almost as much. The firm has added almost 5,000 workers in the past few months. U.S.-based Caterpillar operates around the world and exports much of its output.
U.S. to Withdraw Troops from Iraq This Year .S. President Barack Obama has announced that American troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year. The president made the statement last Friday after a videoconference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. In remarks in the White House press briefing room, Obama said he and Maliki were in agreement on that decision. Mr. Obama said the U.S. relationship with Iraq will enter a “new phase” based on mutual interest and mutual respect. About 39,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, down from a high of about 165,000 in 2008. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said later Friday that the United States will negotiate with the Iraqi government after the end of 2011 about a possible American role to train Iraqi forces. About 150 U.S. troops will stay behind after the end of the year in Iraq, where some will be part of the U.S. embassy's security force. Before Friday's announcement, the possibility had remained that U.S. troops would extend their presence in the nation past the December 31 deadline set in 2008. Mr. Obama and Mr. Maliki had been negotiating that issue. Republicans sharply criticized the planned withdrawal. Senator John McCain, who was Mr. Obama's rival in the 2008 presidential election, described it as “consequential failure” of both the U.S. and Iraqi government. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Mr. Obama's decision not to push for U.S. troops to remain in Iraq is, as he put it, an “astonishing failure.” The war, begun in March 2003, is one of the longest military conflicts in U.S. history. More than 4,400 U.S. troops have died in the conflict.
U
PAGE 26
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Gilded Age New York: Through the Eyes of Emma Lazarus HOSTED BY THE MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE SUNDAY OCT 30 2011, 2:00 PM LOCATION: UNION SQUARE, MANHATTAN
Walk with us as we explore Emma Lazarus’ 19th century New York and learn more about her lively intellectual and artistic social circles, her family, and what inspired her to write the famous poem that graces the Statue of Liberty. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Emma Lazarus: Poet of Exiles, opening October 26. Space is limited to 60. Pre-registration is required and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Walking tour begins in Union Square and ends at Madison Square Park. Bus transportation is not provided. For more information, visit www.mjhnyc.org, or call 646-4374200
_________________________________ Acclaimed Israeli Author Meir Shalev SUNDAY OCT 30 2011 3:00 PM VENUE: FOREST HILLS JEWISH CENTER 106-06 QUEENS BLVD. FOREST HILLS, NY 11375
An internationally best-selling and critically acclaimed author, Meir Shalev is one of Israel's best loved novelists. Shalev's "Blue Mountain" was one of Israel's five top best-sellers ever. In his hilarious new memoir, Shalev tells the story of his family and the generation of halutzim who gave his childhood on a moshav its spirit of wonder. He remembers the grit and humor of people rebuilding their lives in a harsh new land. This event is sponsored by the Central Queens YM & YMHA Cost: $18.00 - $23.00
_________________________________ THE DELEGITIMIZATION CHALLENGE: THE FORECAST FOR THE JEWISH STATE NOVEMBER 2, 2011, 7:30 PM VENUE: PARK EAST SYNAGOGUE, 163 EAST 67TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10065 COST: $15 IN ADVANCE, $25 AT THE DOOR CONTACT: MARILYN GOLDMAN, 617-428-0012 EXT. 1146 OR MG@DAVIDPROJECT.ORG
The David Project invites you to a lecture on Israel's current crisis and future prospects by the internationally renowned Israeli author, Yossi Klein Halevi, at Park East Synagogue in Manhattan. Lecture followed by dessert reception. Limited space available; reservations strongly recommended. To register, visit www.thedavidproject.org/events. _________________________________________________
Talmud Megillah Study with Reb Joey Warren MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
dom of our sages. No experience necessary, but all levels will enjoy this class. Don’t miss it! Every Monday, 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Contact: 212-473-3665
7:00 - 7:30 PM - Introduction to Halacha with Moshe Schwartz
_________________________________________________
7:30 - 10:00 PM - Open Beit Midrash, Chavruta Learning Partner Learning You pick the subject and we will match you with a chavruta.
YACHAD DINNER AND AWARDS PRESENTATION
7:45 - 8:30 PM - THE WOMEN’S CHABURA: Join the women from the community as we study the classic work of Sefer Hachinuch. With Rabbi Akiva Willig.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2011 6PM RECEPTION; DINNER AND PROGRAM: 7:30 PM VENUE: BOHEMIAN NATIONAL HALL 321 EAST 73 STREET NEW YORK CITY, NY 10021
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Yachad National Dinner & Awards Presentation, a gala evening of tribute. The event will be l’zecher nishmas Marilyn David a”h. The IVDU High School will be renamed in her memory by her family. Sarah Taub will receive the Professional Leadership Award, and Dr. Ron Hoffman will receive the Our Way Award. Invitation and online registration to follow! For more information, contact grossmane@ou.org
_________________________________ Jewish Genetic Screening Event NOVEMBER 13, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM LOCATION: NCJW NEW YORK COUNCIL HOUSE 241 WEST 72ND STREET, 2ND FLOOR, MANHATTAN
1 in 4 Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier of a Jewish Genetic disorder; carrier couples are at increased risk of having a child affected by one of these diseases. Join us for a community genetic screening event to determine your carrier status. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED Contact Information: GeneTeamNY@gmail.com _______________________________________________
The Koren Mesorat HaRav Siddur Landmark Publishing Event MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH AT 8:00 PM VENUE: THE JEWISH CENTER 131 WEST 86TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10024
OU Press and Koren Publishers cordially invite you to a celebration in honor of the publication of The Koren Mesorat HaRav Saiddur, The Berman Family Edition. With a Commentary based on the teachings of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and an address by Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter. Long-awaited, this magnificent Siddur presents the Rav's brilliant and inspiring insights on tefillah, complemented by an elegant presentation of the tefillot in the renowned tradition of Koren Publishers Jerusalem, translation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, and extensive introductions to the thought of the Rav by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Rabbi Sacks and others.
8:30 - 9:10 PM - AHAVAT YISRAEL FOR WOMEN with Dr. Nava Silton-Brandwein. 8:30 - 9:30 PM - UNDERSTANDING THE DAVENING: The Vocabulary of Prayer. Hebrew Class with Joel Goldman. Learn Hebrew and become familiar with the key and common words of the prayer book to make your prayers more meaningful. 8:30 - 9:30 PM - GUEST SPEAKERS: To be announced— Check your e-mail inbox for updates. 9:00 - 10:00 PM - CHABURA CLASS FOR MEN with Rabbi Akiva Willig. _______________________________________________
TALMUD WITH REB JOSEPH WARREN EVERY MONDAY 9:00 PM VENUE: SIXTH STREET COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE, 325 E. SIXTH STREET, NEW YORK, NY CONTACT WEBSITE: SIXTHSTREETSYNAGOGUE.ORG/CLASSES/
The Sixth Street Community Synagogue will be offering a Talmud class taught by Reb Joseph Warren, for men and women. Masechet (tractate) Megillah is a wonderful excursion through many fascinating topics. These include, of course, the background to the institution of the Purim holiday, but also the nature of sacred writing in general, torah reading, translation, the role of women, and even a classic rabbinic discussion on the use of alcohol… plus many side trips through the byways and backwaters of the stories and wisdom of our sages. No experience necessary, but all levels will enjoy this class. Don’t miss it! _________________________________________________
Shaharit Minyan at Mt. Sinai Hospital WEEKDAYS AT 6:45 AM, SATURDAYS AT 8:30 AM LOCATION: 1190 FIFTH AVENUE (AT E. 101ST STREET), MANHATTAN
Minyan Babli of Manhattan (MBM) is holding daily prayer services at 6:45 AM at the Jewish Chapel of Mount Sinai Hospital, in the Guggenheim Pavilion, second floor. Shabbat services will start at 8:30 AM. All services will be Nusach Babel. Please join us, all Jews are welcome—Sephardim, Ashkenazim, and Hasidim! For information and confirmation call Dr. Haddad at 212427-1246 or e mail to hmhaddadmd@aol.com
ONGOING EVENTS
For more info: (212) 294-8330. The Sixth Street Community Synagogue offers a Talmud class, taught by Reb Joseph Warren, for men and women. Masechet (tractate) Megillah is a wonderful excursion through many fascinating topics. These include, of course, the background to the institution of the Purim holiday, but also the nature of sacred writing in general, torah reading, translation, the role of women, and even a classic rabbinic discussion on the use of alcohol… plus many side trips through the byways and backwaters of the stories and wis-
TUESDAY NIGHT LEARNING PROGRAM AT OZ TUESDAY 7:00 PM VENUE: CONGREGATION OHEV TZEDEK - OZ 118 WEST 95TH STREET NEW YORK, NY CONTACT 212.749.5150 WEBSITE: WWW.OZNY.ORG
If you would like your event listed in the Jewish Voice Calendar, send details to editor@jewishvoiceny.com
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
JEWCY NEWS
PAGE 27
team. Since then, Koppel has worked at Discovery Channel, NPR, and the BBC. Koppel will be in good company, with several veteran newshounds including former “Early Show” anchor Harry Smith, former “Today” show and “The View” co-host Meredith Vieira and Kate Snow.
Safra Collection Brings in over $40 Million at Sotheby’s
is an international movement working to promote a solution between the two groups. The American comedian and the delegation have other scheduled stops during their weeklong visit including a meet with the One Voice movement's Israeli and Palestinian youth activists and to attend a town hall meeting in the West Bank Palestinian city of Kalkilya. When Alexander asked caucus members why pro-settlement Israelis want to be in the West Bank, Labor Party lawmaker Daniel Ben-Simon responded that it is because the land is "biblical."
peek at her son while she left a friend’s house in LA.
Ted ‘Rocks’
Zuckerberg, a Best Man
Antique commodes belonging to the late billionaire and philanthropist Edmund J. Safra and his widow, Lily Safra, raised $45.9 million, exceeding the anticipated amount of $40 million. The couple’s collection was placed in an auction block as part of a four day sale at Sotheby’s New York called “Property from the Collections of Lily and Edmund J. Safra.” The top lot of the marathon auction was a Louis XVI era ormolu-mounted Japanese lacquer with secretaire which sold for a whopping $6.9 million, just missing the top estimate of $7 million. Another ebonized ormolu-mounted Japanese commode from the Louis XV era sold for $3.4 million, falling in between the estimated sale price of $3 to $5 million. This was the second auction of collections from the Safra’s homes in the U.S, Switzerland, and France. The first took place in 2005 and summed $48.9 million in sales. Edmund J. Safra founded Republic New York Corp. and Safra Republic Holdings SA. In 1999, he sold his holdings to HSBC for $10 billion. He regrettably died in a fire in Monaco in 1999.
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, served as a best man at the wedding of Aaron Sittig, the top designer who developed some of the website’s best features. The youngest billionaire even joined in a sing-along of Broadway tunes the night before the wedding of Sittig and top Facebook executive Jessica Bigarel at the Ace Hotel in the Palm Springs last week. Zuckerberg spent the weekend with his girlfriend and friends playing golf and receiving spa treatments before the big wedding. Napster founder, Sean Parker, was also present at the wedding.
Mazel tov, Natalie!
Former Seinfeld Star Talks Peace
Comedian Jason Alexander, who played the role of George Costanza in the sitcom ‘Seinfeld,’ met on Monday afternoon with a Knesset caucus to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Alexander is part of a delegation of over 30 philanthropists and international business leaders from the U.S. visiting Israel as part of the ‘One Voice’ campaign. The campaign
If there is one thing you should give thanks for, it’s for a healthy baby. Academy award winning actress, Natalie Portman, could not agree more. The Black Swan star took her 4-month-old son Aleph to synagogue at the Ohr HaTorah Temple this past weekend in Culver City, California. The 30year-old Jewish actress held her baby tightly while he was strapped into a baby carrier. Portman was also accompanied by her fiancé Benjamin Millepied, who followed Portman and Aleph out of the temple carrying a baby bag. Earlier this week, Natalie allowed a first
Ted Koppel, former NBC “Nightline” anchor, is joining Brian Williams on NBC’s “Rock Center” which premiers next week. Koppel will join the show as a special correspondent. “Rock Center” will replace the show “The Playboy Club” which was canceled by NBC after just three episodes. Koppel was anchor in “Nightline” for 25 years before leaving the show in 2005 when the show changed its format and to a multi-anchor
Take it back, Susan Sarandon! The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called on “Thelma and Louise” star Susan Sarandon to apologize to the Catholic community for calling the current pope, Benedict XVI, a Nazi. Sarandon reportedly told an audience that while working on her 1995 film “Dead man walking”, she sent a copy of the book the movie was based on to the pope, clarifying that it was for “the last one”, referring Pope John Paul II, and “not this Nazi one we have now” referring to Pope Benedict XVI. The ADL believed the comment to be “disturbing, deeply offensive and completely uncalled for.” Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director called on Sarandon to have the “good sense” to apologize to the Catholic community and anyone else she may have offended with her comments. “Ms. Sarandon may have her differences with the Catholic Church, but that is no excuse for throwing around Nazi analogies. Such words are hateful, vindictive and only serve to diminish the true history and meaning of the Holocaust,” Foxman said in a statement last week.
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 28
October 28, 2011
C:L '%&' ?::E
<G# 8=:GD@:: '%% IDJG>C< A6G:9D C:L '%&& 8=GNHA:G
6JID! 6$8! ELG$L>C9H$AD8@H! HI@ 8'-&! BHGE ''!(**
6JID! ELG$L>C9H$AD8@H! @:NA:HH :CIGN! HI@ 8'.+! BHGE (&!-'%
&&. &..
aZVhZZ aZVhZ [dgg
E:G BDCI= ;DG (. BDH
aZVhZ [ddg [dg
E:G BDCI= ;DG (+ BDH
'!... 9J: 6I >C8:EI>DC! % H:8JG>IN 9:EDH>I# EAJH I6M! I>IA: BK ;::H#
'!... 9J: 6I >C8:EI>DC! % H:8JG>IN 9:EDH>I# EAJH I6M! I>IA: BK ;::H#
C:L '%&& 9D9<:
C:L '%&& 9D9<:
6JID! 6$8! ELG$L>C9H$AD8@H! HI@ 8&%+! BHGE (-!'**
6JID! 6$8! ELG$L>C9H$AD8@H! (!.** 9:BD B>#! HI@ 8%(.! BHGE )'!+,%
G6B &*%% 9JG6C<D HAI FJ69 867 8>I69:A
.%%% &'!%%%
H6K: JE ID
H6K: JE ID
D;; BHGE
D;; BHGE
L>I= 6EEGDK:9 8G:9>I EAJH I6M! I>IA: BK ;::H# A:6H:H >C8A &%@ B>$NG 6I '*– :68= 699ÉA B>A:# A:HH:: G:HEDCH>7A: ;DG B6>CI:C6C8: 6C9 :M8:HH L:6G I:6G# IIA ENBI$EJG8= DEI/ '%% )!+)&$ &%!%*.#,*! L>I= 6EEGDK:9 8G:9>I EAJH I6M! I>IA: BK ;::H# A:6H:H >C8A &%@ B>$NG 6I '*– :68= 699ÉA B>A:# A:HH:: G:HEDCH>7A: ;DG B6>CI:C6C8: 6C9 :M8:HH L:6G I:6G# I IA ENBI$$EJG8= DEI/ '%% )!+)&$ &%!%*.#,*! <G6C9 8=:GD@:: ,!&+)$ &,!&-'#-%# E>8IJG:H ;DG >AAJHIG6I>DC EJGEDH:H DCAN# 9:6A:G CDI G:HEDCH>7A: ;DG INED<G6E=>86A :GGDGH# D;;:GH :ME>G: &%$(&$&&# 9BK ,&&'%&+! 986 &(-*()'# <G6C9 8=:GD@:: ,!&+)$ &,!&-'#-%# E>8IJG:H ;DG >AAJHIG6I>DC EJGEDH:H DCAAN# # 9:6A:G CDI G:HEDCH>7A: ;DG INED<G6E=>86A :GGDGH# D;;:GH :ME>G: &%$(&$&&# 9BK ,&&'%&+! 986 &(-*()'#
--'* *i] 6kZcjZ ™ 7gdd`anc! CN --'* *i] 6 6k kZcjZ ™ 7gdd` `anc! CN n !
,&-"-(+"'+%% , &-"-(+"'+ -(+ '+ +%% <^j[[gZ8?9#Xdb <^j j[[gZ8?9#Xdb b
BdcY BdcYVn"I]jghYVn YVn"I]jghYVn . .Vb".eb ;g^YV Vn HVijgYVn ;g^YVn HVijgYVn . .Vb"+eb HjcYV Vn &&Vb"+eb HjcYVn &&Vb"+eb
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
PAGE 29 www.Allstate-flooring.com
Located inside Disco Bath
WALLPAPER IS BACK!! We’ve been Enhancing Homes with Style & Personality for Decades
Just Arrived ‘12 Designer Collection HOURS: -ONDAY &RIDAY A M P M s 3ATURDAY A M P M
AAA Decorating Center 3517 Quentin Road s Brooklyn, New York
718-787-9255
KASHRUT
PAGE 30
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Kosher Q&A – Kashrut and Science By Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson (Courtesy of Chabad.org) Question: Is genetically grafted produce kosher? In recent years, genetic engineers have been splicing genes from one species to another species for the benefits of producing hardier crops. The Torah forbids sowing one type of seed with another in one's vineyard and grafting one type of tree with another is also forbidden. The only way I know for sure that the food supply of which I eat is free of genetic alteration is to eat all organic foods, but this is difficult. Am I to concern myself with this? Answer: You've brought up a great point.
First the basics: The prohibition against sowing together seeds of different plants only applies to crops planted in the Land of Israel. The exceptions to this rule are the prohibitions against planting the seeds of a vineyard together with other seeds, and the actual grafting of trees, both of which apply outside of Israel as well. However, even in Israel, it is permitted to eat the—albeit unlawfully—grown product, with the fruit of the vineyard planted together with another seed constituting the only exception. Now, while there is much discussion amongst contemporary Halachic authorities regarding the laws which apply to genetic engineering, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel ruled that produce grown via genetic grafting, including the fruits of the vineyard, is not forbidden by the above rules. Their reasoning is that the prohibition
only applies to seeds which on their own could have grown into a unique plant, as opposed to the grafted gene alone, which could not have grown on its own. Question: Can a cloned animal's meat can be eaten together with milk? Answer: The ethical position of the Torah with regards to cloning, as well as its Halachic ramifications, is of great discussion among contemporary scholars of Jewish law. I will limit this response to the actual question you asked—cloned animals vis-à-vis the prohibition of eating milk and meat. It is important to note, that at this point in the scientific revolution of cloning, the cloned creature has a gestational mother. Even if the animal bears none of the DNA of the mother, it is carried by a mother and born from a womb.
According to Torah law, if a kosher animal gave birth to an animal which did not have the appropriate kosher symbols, e.g. a cow which gave birth to an animal that does not chew its cud or have split hooves, such progeny is considered Kosher and may be eaten. Based on the above ruling, the majority of Halachic authorities have ruled that a clone's identity is determined by the mother in whose womb it developed. Accordingly, an animal born from a cow has the Halachic status of a cow and its meat would be forbidden to be eaten together with milk. The above information is for research purposes only. As in all issues that are subject to Halachic debate, before acting on such information, one must consult with the rabbi of the community. I hope that this information is of help to you.
The Changing Demographics of Kosher By Menachem Lubinsky Editor-in-Chief, KosherToday.com
restaurants. In a Florida supermarket, a young woman with two children in tow, was buying fancy frozen desserts, a bag of tacos, and three bottles of exotic sauces.
In an upscale restaurant in Boro Park, a group of 20ish Chasidic Jews were using chopsticks to eat tempura and other sushi dishes. In an Upper West Side eatery, a modern Orthodox Jew of about 25 was eating Cholent, the traditional Shabbat dish that has emerged as a daily staple in many
am not suggesting that these young people have abandoned the more traditional foods. Indeed, the sale of these prepared foods continues to soar. You can still see many of these consumers at the take-out counter but their basket is likely to include dips and sauces as well as such
I
deli items as turkey cubes for salads and turkey-pastrami While many in the kosher food industry have taken notice and adjusted their shelves accordingly, some are still not tuned in to these dramatic changes in the profile of the kosher consumer. One young couple exiting a Flatbush store, labeled it as “very bland.” Their argument was that the store did not sell sushi and high-end chocolate in bulk. One direct benefit of the movement towards healthier ingredients and foods is
that it crosses age lines. Many younger consumers suffer from celiac disease or other intestinal disorders which has made gluten-free such a major category in kosher stores. There is an overall movement towards healthier foods by all groups. But there is a huge “cholent” crowd who also covet good meat products. Many of these younger consumers enjoy exotic cheeses and especially great tasting wines. Yes, it is time to smell the coffee, particularly if it is of the Green Mountain variety that comes out of the Keurig.
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
S’mores Tart or Bars- An Easy Anytime Dessert By Shirley Dana S’mores don’t have to end with the summer. Here is an amazing recipe for gooey, melt-in-your mouth s’mores bars that are truly appropriate all year round after any type of meal. I’ve made this recipe in a pyrex and cut the bars into squares after they cool. Last week, I even made it in a tart pan, and drizzled chocolate on top for a “fancy” s’mores tart. Enjoy this incredibly easy, irresistible dessert! S’mores Bars or Tart: makes 24 bars (9”x13” in pyrex, or one 10” tart) ½ cup of butter, room temperature or use Earth Balance to make it pareve 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 ½ cup chocolate chips melted 1 cups marshmallow fluff (not melted marshmallows) 1 bag mini marshmallows Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined.
KASHRUT
PAGE 31
MANHATTAN Abigael’s KOSHER
Taam Tov
CUISINE: Modern American 1407 Broadway (at 39th St.)
Cuisine: Authentic Bucharian Cuisine
212-575-1407
41 West 47th Street (Between 5th & 6th Avenue) New York, NY 10036
www.abigaels.com
212.768.8001
Circa Restaurant FREE COUPON Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour melted chocolate over dough. Place in the fridge until the melted chocolate becomes hard enough to be able spread the fluff on top of it in an even layer without them mixing together. Sprinkle with a few handfuls of mini marshmallows. Crumble the remaining dough in pebble-size pieces on top of the marshmallows. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the dough is lightly browned, and the marshmallows are golden and puffed. Cool completely before cutting into bars, or removing from tart pan. Optional- toast sliced almonds, sprinkle the tart with the almonds, and then drizzle melted chocolate on top. Enjoy! Recipe courtesy of TheJewishHostess.com
22 W 33rd St NY 10001 212-244-3730
FREE FALAFEL SANDWICH with this ad K
EAST VILLAGE
FALAFEL SHWARMA SKEWERS SABIAH JAHNUN SHAKSHUKA SAHUN SALADS SWEATS
23 3RD Ave, New York NY 10003 212.254.0300 www.TahiniNYC.com
Eden Wok 43 E. 34th St Corner Madison Ave
212-725-8100 Chinese, Sushi Bar, Vegetarian Soups
GREAT AMERICAN HEALTH BAR 35 W 57TH STREET (5TH &6TH AVE) NYC
(212)-355-5177
www.great americantogo.com
DINNER SPECIAL 3 COURSE MEAL- $15.95 CHOICE OF SOUP, SIDE SALAD, AND SANDWICHES, PASTAS, PANINIS, QUESADILLAS, OR PERSONAL PIZZAS. UNDER STRICT ORTHODOX RABBINICAL SUPERVISION. OPEN SUNDAYS FOR BRUNCH, LUNCH AND DINNER.
Kosher Deluxe
The Prime Grill
CUISINE: Steak House & Sushi Lounge
212- 692-9292 60 East 49th St (bet. Park & Madison)
Vabene
Exclusive Italian Cuisine Pastas, Vegetable Dishes & Diserts 1589 2nd Ave
212-517-4448
www.vabenerestaurant.com
Village Crown To-Go
GLATT KOSHER
Cuisine: Moroccan & Italian
10 West 46th Street
212-207-3888
212-869-6699
216 E. 49th Street, 2nd floor
www.KosherDeluxe.com
(Bet. 2nd & 3rd Avenue)
Mon-Thurs: 7:30 am - 10:00 pm Fri: 7:30 am - 2:30 pmSun: 12:00 noon - 8:30 pm
New York, NY 10017
PAGE 32
AUTO
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Nissan to Host Taxi of Tomorrow 'Design Expo' in New York City DISPLAY OPEN TO PUBLIC NOV. 1-5 New Yorkers will get their first peek inside the Nissan NV200 Taxi, New York City's exclusive Taxi of Tomorrow, at the Nissan Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo, Nov. 1-5. The exhibit, featuring an interactive display showcasing the vehicle's planned interior, will be hosted on the pedestrian plaza across from the Flatiron building at Broadway and Fifth Avenue. During the Design Expo, visitors will have the chance to experience first-of-a-kind interior features that incorporate ideas gathered from thousands of New York taxi owners, drivers, passengers and residents. issan's NV200 Taxi will be the first taxi in the world to offer new and iconic features developed for, and with, New Yorkers," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Fleet & Commercial Vehicles. "The Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo will offer a first look at these one-of-a-kind amenities, which include increased legroom, plenty of interior lighting, and materials that reduce odors and germs while supporting sustainability." The Taxi of Tomorrow project began in 2007 as an initiative to establish the vision for a next-generation New York City taxicab. Following a rigorous evaluation process, Nissan's NV200 Taxi was selected
"N
Nissan’s “taxi of tomorrow” in May 2011 as New York City's exclusive Taxi of Tomorrow beginning in late 2013. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution and the Design Trust for Public Space have engaged with Nissan and the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission in the vehicle's design and development. The Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo will be open to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 1, noon-9 PM; Wednesday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 4, 8 AM-9 PM; and, Saturday,
Nov. 5, 8 AM-6 PM About Taxi of Tomorrow In 2007, City officials convened a group of stakeholders, including representatives of taxi drivers, owners and passengers, to create a set of goals for the next New York City taxi cab, a project called the Taxi of Tomorrow. Taxi of Tomorrow was the result of a groundbreaking effort by the Design Trust for Public Space and the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission to re-imagine the
entire taxi system -- including the vehicle -- for the 21st century. In December 2009, the TLC issued a "request for proposals," inviting auto manufacturers and designers to submit their best ideas for a purposebuilt vehicle to serve as a New York City taxicab. At the end of the evaluation, the Nissan NV200 was selected and will be the next New York City taxicab for ten years, beginning in 2013. About Nissan Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of 8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion U.S.). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, massmarket, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award and 2011 World Car of the Year.
Feds Target Illegal Imports of Auto Headlamps U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Import Safety Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center (CTAC) is on the lookout for illegal imports of noncompliant High Intensity Discharge (HID) conversion kits, light sources, and ballasts. Since receiving a commercial allegation in December 2010, CBP has identified hundreds of shipments for examination at various ports of entry across the U.S. including Los Angeles, Anchorage, Cleveland, San Juan, Miami, Detroit, Champlain, Orlando and Seattle. ost recently, on Sept.12, CBP officers at the port of Newark, working closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), seized a shipment of 10,740 imported HID conversion kits. The domestic value of the shipment was approximately $570,000. CBP officers seized the shipment following the determination that the equipment failed to meet DOT requirements that headlamp replaceable light sources be marked with the light source type, the light source manufacturer's name or trademark, and the DOT symbol indicating certification of compliance with governing regulations. Other DOT compliance issues exist as well. The shipment arriving from China had been targeted by the CTAC because of the potential safety threat to the American public. Automotive headlamps, and replacement light sources and ballasts for those lamps, are regulated by DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. HID conversion kits are custom light sources and ballasts manufactured to be installed into headlamps that were not designed to use them. When these kits are installed, they pose potential glare hazards to other roadway users. The street value for HID conversion kits can run anywhere from $150 to
M
High intensity discharge light source seized by CBP officers at the port of Newark $500 per kit. Since October 2009, CBP has seized more than 400,000 HID conversion kits and components for violating DOT regulations, equaling a total combined domestic value of approximately $5 million. A significant portion of those shipments arrived into the United States via the air cargo or express mail environment, shipped from numerous southeast Asian countries. CBP and DOT work in close collaboration to help protect public safety by examining, sampling and testing imported products that may be hazardous. The CTAC combines resources and manpower from several government agencies, including DOT, to protect the American public from harm caused by unsafe imported products. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
PREFERRED AUDIO EXCELLENT
Sound & Security INC
iPod Interfaces • Custom Audio & Video Systems • Satellite Radio XM & Sirius • HID Conversions • Paint Protection • Truck Accesories • Neon Car Kits • Bluetooth Kits • Window Tinting • Remote Starters
718.677.9449
2023 McDonald Ave
BROOKLYN, NY 11223
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
HEALTH
PAGE 33
MAIMONIDES OPENS NEW BREAST CANCER CENTER
Maimonides Medical Center recently celebrated the opening of its new Breast Cancer Center to accommodate the growing need for these highly-specialized services. The stunning $8.6 million facility is located at 745 64th Street, Brooklyn, down the block from the main pavilion of the Maimonides Cancer Center. amela Brier, Maimonides president and CEO, along with Dr. Patrick Borgen, Director of the Maimonides Breast Cancer Center, greeted community leaders and elected officials in attendance, including: NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, as well as a number of City Council Members, NYS Senators and Assembly Members. Ms. Brier commended Ms. Quinn and the NYC Council for supporting the development and growth of the Maimonides Cancer Center from the beginning, along with community leaders and NYS elected officials. In addition, Ms. Brier thanked the dedicated staff at the new pavilion for providing superb services to patients from all walks of life. “We knew these services were needed here in the most populous borough,” said Ms. Brier. “So we recruited the best and set about providing Dr. Borgen and his team with the tools and resources they needed to bring all the components together under one roof.” Under the direction of Dr. Patrick Borgen, the Maimonides Breast Cancer Program has seen steady growth over the
P
last five years. “The word is out that the most advanced diagnosis and care for breast cancer can be found right here in Brooklyn,” said Dr. Borgen, who also is Chair of Surgery at Maimonides. “We are providing the absolute highest level of services across the board, and we now have a facility that matches that caliber of care.” Dr. Borgen recognized his outstanding staff of experts, and then introduced the event’s true guests of honor: a dozen breast cancer survivors who posed for photos to the delight of all in attendance. The new Maimonides Breast Cancer Center comprises 14,750 square feet of space in an eco-friendly facility with LED lighting and energy efficient heating/ventilation/air-conditioning systems. What patients appreciate most, though, is the spalike décor with interior landscaping that includes a waterfall feature. “Everyone who enters feels immediately at ease,” confirmed Dr. Christina Giuliano, Director of Breast Imaging at the Center. “It makes the experience of getting your mammogram or other breast exam less stressful, knowing you are getting the best available care in a serene and beautiful environment. We offer the most advanced technology available – anywhere.” That technology includes: a new 3T MRI with advanced breast imaging and biopsy capability; three full-field digital mammography units – including tomosynthesis; Breast Specific Gamma Imaging unit; stereotactic breast biopsy unit; and three ultrasound units optimized for breast imaging and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.
ZELMA HAIR & BEAUTY SALON “by women for women”
347-866-2284 Specializing in: • Cuts • Blowout • Coloring • Perm • Hair Extensions • Special Occasion styling And much more at the most reasonable price in town…
Maimonides Cardiac Institute, will be giving a special presentation on “Women’s Breast and Heart Health” at the Sephardic Community Center, 1901 Ocean Parkway, on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 11 AM. For more information, please contact Frieda Tawil at 718-954-3146. Services provided by the Maimonides Breast Cancer Program include: comprehensive screening, diagnostic, medical and Pamela Brier, President & CEO of Maimonides breast services, (left), is joined by Dr. Patrick Borgen, Director of surgical as well as nutrition and Breast Services and Dr. Christina Giuliano, genetics counseling, and a Director of Breast Imaging, at the festive opening full array of psycho-social support for patients and of the stunning new Maimonides Breast families. The team of experts is Cancer Center. comprised of medical oncologists, dedicated “The Maimonides Breast Cancer Program recently achieved NAPBC accredi- breast surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, tation, placing it among an elite 5% of pro- radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgrams nationally,” said Dr. Borgen. “This geons, specialty-trained nurses and physifollowed closely on the heels of the cian assistants, genetics counselor, nutriAmerican College of Radiology designating tionist, social worker and other personnel our Program a ‘Breast Imaging Center of working collaboratively. Research is conducted by the Excellence.’ Our patients are in the best of Maimonides Breast Cancer Program, fundall possible hands when they come through ed by numerous Susan G. Komen and NIH our doors.” It was announced at the opening that grants. For more information about its staff clinical experts from the Maimonides Breast and clinical services, visit our website at Cancer Center, along with those of the www.maimonidesmed.org/breastcancer.
PAGE 34
ART & CULTURE
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Film Depicts How Paris Mosque Sheltered Jews During WWII By Lisa Bryant A newly released film in France depicts for the first time how the Paris Mosque saved Jews and Muslim resistance fighters during World War II. roves of books, movies and articles have been released over the years in France describing almost every facet of World War II and the Nazi occupation here. But one historical nugget has been largely overlooked the role played by Muslims during that dark period of French history. A new movie aims to right the record. Released two weeks ago in cinemas across the country, "Les Homme Libres" - "Free Men" in English - describes how the former rector of the Paris Mosque, Si Kaddour Ben Gabrit, offered shelter and Muslim identity to Jews and resistance fighters. Just how many Jews is a matter of dispute. Some say very few. What is certain, is that gesture saved them from deportation and death. The current rector of the Paris Mosque, Dalil Boubakeur, is no stranger to this story.
T
Boubakeur says he has tried for years to focus public attention to Ben Gabrit's acts through public conferences and the media. But he says he has had a hard time digging into the past. Many first-hand witnesses have died.
A scene from "Les Hommes Libres" Photo: Pyramide Productions
Documents remain buried in government offices. There have been a handful of accounts of the role played by the Paris mosque and Muslims in wartime France. But this is the first
time it has been depicted in a movie. Benjamin Stora, a North Africa expert who was a consultant for the film, say it is a first in other ways. "Through the movie, French have learned
that nearly 100,000 North Africans lived in France in the 1930s and '40s," Stora says. "Most were from Algeria. Some collaborated with the Nazis, but others joined the French resistance. Many French are only aware of the massive immigration of North African workers here after the war." Stora says one reason that French know so little about the Muslim community of that era is that many later became resistance fighters during Algeria's war of liberation from France. Their World War II past was buried. "Sephardic, or North African Jews, also lived in Paris during Nazi occupation. Like their Muslim counterparts, they spoke Arabic," said Stora. "The two communities shared the same food and love of Andalusian music." Today, the relationship between French Jews and Muslims has deteriorated - reflecting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Paris Mosque rector Boubakeur is among a number of religious leaders trying to improve ties between the two communities. Boubakeur believes the movie might improve relations between Muslims and Jews here - changing the way each looks at the other. And for French citizens in general, it highlights a time when Muslims here reached out a hand to help those in great danger. VOA News
Newly Discovered Memoirs Record Vivid Recollections of Rebbe’s Mother By Joshua Runyan She was, in her own words, “not a writer, nor the daughter of a writer,” but the recently-discovered second volume of handwritten recollections of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, of righteous memory, provide a moving portrayal of some of the most gut-wrenching persecutions to befall one of the most illustrious scholars of previous generations. s wife of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, of righteous memory, and mother to the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, Rebbetzin Chana was a witness to the self-sacrifice displayed by her husband – a noted Talmudic scholar and Kabbalist who served as chief rabbi of what is today Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine – and son, who at the age of 9 jumped into the frigid waters of the Black Sea to save the life of a boy who had fallen from the deck of a moored ship. But prior to the discovery five months ago of a new volume of her highly-detailed prose – written in a combination of Yiddish, Russian and Hebrew – some of the only sources available to historians and adherents of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement were previously published excerpts and articles by the journalist Nissen Gordon that appeared in the journal Di Yiddishe Heim. Gordon based his articles on interviews with Rebbetzin Chana, who began her diary shortly after arriving in the United States in 1947. According to Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook, director of Lahak Publications and supervisor of the team that will release, week by week, the complete memoirs in Yiddish, alongside authoritative translations in English, Hebrew, Russian, French and Spanish, the discovery of this second note-
A
Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson sits beside her son and the future Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, at a Chasidic gathering in Paris where he went to care for her and bring her to the United States. (Photo: Lubavitch Archives) book shines a light on some of the more personal details of the Rebbe’s life and those of his family members. As valuable, he explains, are the private thoughts Rebbetzin Chana recorded. Throughout, it’s clear that she’s trying to shield her son from the pain of what she and his father went through. “I took the notebook in hand, and I was undecided,” she writes in the late summer of 1958. “Should I tear up what I wrote earlier? If my son, may he be well, will read it at some point, why should he be hurt? But nevertheless, I didn’t do it.” (Beginning today, the 47th anniversary of Rebbetzin Chana’s passing on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, each installment of the memoirs can be viewed online at Chabad.org.) “For 16 years, she relived all the details of both happy moments from her children’s childhoods and the pain of her husband’s
imprisonment in 1939 at the hands of Soviet authorities and later exile, in the harshest of conditions, to Kazakhstan,” says Brook. “The pages of the diary, though, can move quickly from day to day, while at other times, she went as much as half a year without writing.” Begun on the Fast of Gedalyah on Sept. 17, 1947, the diary opens with Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s arrest and imprisonment in the days before Passover in 1939. The chief rabbi had spent the previous months securing local government cooperation in ignoring previously-established flour quotas so that he could preside over a local communal effort to produce the unleavened bread known as matzah. Produced to the strictest of kosher standards, the matzah’s mere existence challenged Soviet authorities’ own release of a Russian government matzah that was kosher
in name only. In the weeks leading up to her husband’s arrest, Rebbetzin Chana began to notice men loitering in their Dnepropetrovsk courtyard late in the night. She concluded later, as the NKVD agents rummaged through Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s papers, priceless manuscripts and scholarly volumes that the men she saw must have been spies. “At first I dismissed my fears as speculative,” she writes, “but a month later I understood all too well what they had been doing.” The night of his arrest, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was able to secure permission to carry two kilograms of his matzah to prison. Throughout the holiday, he lived solely on the dry, circular matzah and water. Although she called the local prosecutor twice a day and each morning went to the prison to obtain information about her husband, Rebbetzin Chana spent five months not knowing his fate. “I would go to the prison to bring him food or a change of clothing, but they would always tell me that he was not there, although the prosecutor would tell me that he was,” she recalls. She later joined her husband in Kazakhstan, where he passed away in 1944. Throughout his ordeal, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak continued writing glosses on scholarly Jewish works, using ink that Rebbetzin Chana home-manufactured from grasses and roots she gathered in the fields. Happiness and Pain From his office in Brooklyn, N.Y., Brook recalls the day that he first set eyes on the previously-unknown second volume of Rebbetzin Chana’s memoirs. “I didn’t believe my eyes,” he says. “Many hours I sat with this notebook, not
CONTINUES ON PAGE 38
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
Parshat Noach NOACH'S TECHNOLOGY LESSON By Rabbi Berel Wein The rabbis were not so much critical of Noach – as he is paid the highest of compliments, throughout the Torah as a righteous person – but they were wary of him. I have often felt that this attitude is born of the idea that Rashi himself states in commenting upon the origin of Noach’s name. Rashi makes a point that the name Noach should not be construed as a derivative of the Hebrew word “nacheim” – meaning to comfort - but rather it is derived from the other Hebrew word “noach” – meaning, rest, leisure, comfortable but not comfort as in consolation. ashi attributes this understanding of Noach’s name to the fact that he was the father, so to speak, of modern agricultural technological advancement and progress. The iron plow, the first great essential tool for farming developed for humans, enabling settlers to abandon a nomadic existence, was an invention of Noach. This was his great contribution towards the advancement of human technology. Noach therefore becomes the source of human technological progress which grants us leisure, eases our physical workload and gives us many physical comforts in life. However, technology alone with all of its attendant blessings does not guarantee us any sort of mental, spiritual or social comfort. It does not console us in our hour of grief nor does it strengthen our spirit in our moments of self-doubt and personal angst. If Noach could have achieved these goals then Rashi points out that his name would have been Menachem – the one who brings true consolation and comfort to troubled souls. Hence Noach is viewed in tradition as being incomplete – technologically advanced but spiritually wanting – in short a pretty accurate description of our current human society. The Rabbis of the Talmud taught us that if “one tells you that there is wisdom, knowledge and skills present amongst the nations of the world you should believe him.” However, if one tells you that there is Torah amongst the nations of the world, then do not believe him.” Judaism and Jewish society has no basic argument against the advance of technology. We are not the Amish nor are we
PAGE 35
Parshat Noach and the Malady of Self-Deception By Rabbi Appel, Aish HaTorah of Cleveland Yiddish humor defines "chutzpa" as the case of a child who murders his parents and then asks for leniency from the court because he is an orphan! hile such exaggerated self-deception is hard to imagine in real life, the capacity for human beings to lose touch with their actions can be truly remarkable. A true story which illustrates this took place in a suburb of Warsaw about 70 years ago: A woman had come from out of town, bringing her family's meager savings with her, searching for profitable business transactions. As it happened, while she was staying at the local Jewish inn, thieves stole her money. When the local rabbis saw how distraught the woman was, they hit upon an unusual plan - to talk with the "leading" thieves in the area, whom these rabbis knew, and see if the money could be retrieved. Surprised at being summoned by the rabbis, the thieves agreed to a meeting. One of the rabbis explained to them the difficult straits the victimized woman was in, and, though he was not at all certain what their response would be, suggested that the thieves keep 30 percent of the loot and give the rest back to the poor woman. Upon hearing this, one thief fell into a rage, shouting, "We worked hard for the money! It belongs to us! We're not going to keep less than 60 percent!" Self-deception plays a role in this week's Torah portion. Much of the parsha revolves around the story of the Great Flood. As is well known, the Biblical narrative describes how mankind had become so evil that the Almighty felt no choice but to destroy the human race and start over again. Only Noah and his family were spared when G-d brought a flood upon the world and returned it to the chaotic watery state that existed at the start of the original creation. In fact, in many ways the Bible makes clear that what is occurring is nothing less than a "second creation." Aside from the reemergence of the primordial waters, and the renewed mixture of light and darkness, when Noah emerges from the ark, he receives pronouncements from the Almighty virtually identical with those given to Adam - e.g., to care for the world and to propagate it. What is less clear, however, is what exactly was the transgression that "broke the camel's back" and caused the Almighty to bring a flood upon mankind. The Bible actually offers a number of possibilities. One possibility is that people of the time were guilty of sexual licentiousness of a most base type. The Midrash graphically describes the flood as being a case of measure for measure. Since an improper flow of sexuality poured forth from men everywhere, they were punished in turn with a flood of water. Theft and violence are also described in the Bible as being rampant, and Rashi and many other commentaries see this as the ultimate cause of mankind's demise. While the Almighty was willing to withhold punishing them for their sexual immorality (since much of that activity was done consensually), He could not tolerate the stealing and victimizing of one another. Conflict between one's children is one of the most disheartening and aggravating experiences that parents face. In fact, in Jewish tradition, this phenomenon is described as the most upsetting thing to the "Parent of us all," the Almighty. The Midrash notes that in the
W
R
Noah's Ark, painting by Edward Hicks, 1846 (Philadelphia Museum of Art) willing to be consigned a back seat in the drive to physically improve the human condition of life on this planet. Yet Judaism realizes that true psychological and spiritual comfort cannot be found in the latest version of the iPod. Noach’s technology can be enormously beneficial in a society that adopts Avraham’s values and beliefs. But bereft of any spiritual focus or restraint, technology run wild makes our world a more fearful place to inhabit and forces many to yearn for the good old, less technologically advanced, eras that preceded us. Noach’s grand technology could not save the world from the ravages of evil that brought upon humankind the great flood described in this week’s parsha. Avraham’s grand values and holy behavior almost saved the seat of world evil, Sodom. The world is Noach’s world but its survival is dependent upon the survival and eventual triumph of Avraham’s children, ideas and beliefs. D’var Torah courtesy of Torah.org
Haftarah for Parshat Noach ISAIAH 54:1-10. Forsaken Jerusalem is likened to a barren woman devoid of children. G-d enjoins her to rejoice, for the time will soon come when the Jewish nation will return and proliferate, repopulating Israel's once desolate cities. The prophet assures the Jewish people that G-d has not forsaken them. Although He has momentarily hid His countenance from them, He will gather them from their exiles with great mercy. The haftarah compares the final
PARSHA
Redemption to the pact G-d made with Noah in this week's Torah reading. Just as G-d promised to never bring a flood over the entire earth, so too He will never again be angry at the Jewish people. "For the mountains may move and the hills might collapse, but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace collapse." Haftarah summary by Chabad.org.
Self-deception plays a role in this week's Torah portion. time of King David, the Israelites did not meet with the same success in battle as they did under the later leadership of King Ahab. But why should this be - in David's era the nation worshipped G-d faithfully, while in Ahab's time they worshipped idols!? The Midrash explains that during David's life there was much dissension among the people while in Ahab's time the Israelites loved one another. Though they were unfaithful to G-d, the Almighty still rewarded his children for the love they showed to one another by granting them victories on the battlefield. Much of the book of Genesis is devoted to this conflict between brothers. Ishmael and Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, are all stories of bitter sibling rivalries. Yet all these stories end in reconciliation. Together, Ishmael and Isaac bury their father Abraham. Jacob and Esau become reconciled when they meet after a 22-year separation. And Joseph forgives his brothers for their allowing him to be sold into slavery. In the era of the Flood, the Sages suggest a deeper malady associated with the rampant thievery. The Midrash reports that often many thieves would descend on their victim together, but each of them would take only a very small quantity of goods to insure their individual exemption from prosecution. The thieves would repeat this over and over again. The end result was that though they had become enriched, the thieves could rationalize they hadn't really done anything wrong, since after all, no court was demanding they stand trial. With this understanding, the error of the flood generation was more than simply a case of people constantly stealing. It was a situation in which people had so lost their moral compass that they'd become embroiled in self-deception and could no longer recognize that they'd done wrong. It was because their self-deception had become so extreme that they were beyond repair and the Almighty had no choice but to start His creation all over again.
PAGE 36
HOME
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011
CON EDISON EYES LOWER WINTER GAS BILLS ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS GIVE CUSTOMERS A CHANCE TO SAVE EVEN MORE Con Edison’s residential customer gas heating bills are expected to drop 3.8 percent this winter due to lower fuel prices, and customers can save even more by taking advantage of the company’s energy efficiency programs. “The combination of lower natural gas prices and the availability of our energy efficiency programs gives customers a chance to save money in their bills,” said Rebecca Craft, director of energy efficiency programs at Con Edison. “You don’t have to be an expert to take advantage of our programs. They’re tailored to every customer.” Replacing older equipment with highefficiency technology can cut heating costs dramatically. In addition, an eligible customer in a one-to-four family home may qualify for a Con Edison rebate of up to $1,000 for an energy-efficient furnace, boiler or hot water heater that uses natural gas. The rebate can be as high as $15,000 for a residential property with five to 75 units. More information on Con Edison’s energy efficiency programs is at www.conEd.com/greenteam or by calling the “Green Team” at 1-877-870-6118. The 2011-2012 average gas-heating customer residential winter bill from November
to March (based on monthly usage of 236 therms) is expected to be approximately $350 per month, down from $364 last year. Con Edison has adequate natural gas supplies for its 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester County and parts of Queens. About 279,000 of those customers use gas for heating their homes. To keep its gas service reliable, the company is replacing 150 miles of gas mains between 2011 and 2013. The company is also adding 15 miles of new mains. Con Edison’s Level Payment Plan helps customers even out their bills over the entire year. HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) grants are available for qualified New York state residents, and EnergyShare funds are available for qualified customers. The company also gives consumers the chance to shop for an alternate energy supplier through PowerYourWay (www.poweryourway.com). Customers who choose an alternate supplier by enrolling in PowerMove will save 7 percent on their energy costs for an introductory period. The company offers customers tips for saving on their bills during the cold weather: • Set your thermostat at 68 degrees
Continues on following page
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
Continued from previous page
An eligible customer in a one-to-four family home may qualify for a Con Edison rebate of up to $1,000 for an energy-efficient furnace, boiler or hot water heater that uses natural gas during the day and 60 degrees at night. Turning the thermostat back 10 to 15 percent eight hours a day can trim seasonal heating costs up to 10 percent. Thermostats in homes with infants, elderly, or ill individuals should be set higher. • Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by a qualified contractor. A clean, well-maintained system operates more efficiently and uses less fuel. • Prevent heat loss by sealing air leaks around window and door frames with caulk or weather stripping. Retain heat by installing storm or thermal windows and doors, double-paned glass, or plastic sheeting over doors and windows. • Keep shades and curtains open during the day so the sun can make your home warmer. Close them in the evening to keep the heat in. Move drapes or furniture from around radiators so that heat can flow. • Insulate the attic properly to prevent heat from escaping. • Remove window air conditioner units in the winter. If you can’t, enclose the unit with an air conditioner cover to stop drafts. Con Edison wants customers to be safe during the winter and offers these tips: • Do not heat rooms with your range or oven. These appliances aren't designed for space heating. Using a range or oven can cause a fire. Using the appliances for heating can also deplete oxygen levels and cause a buildup of lethal carbon monoxide.
• Be sure heating and cooking appliances are properly adjusted, and working to manufacturer’s specifications and local building codes. Never operate a portable generator indoors. • All heating systems, vents, and flues should be inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified technician. • Never extinguish a pilot light. Blowing out the pilot doesn't stop gas from escaping and can create a dangerous inlet for natural gas. Don't create a gas leak to save a few pennies. • If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the premises immediately and take others with you. Do not strike a match, use a phone, switch on electrical appliances, lights, or even a flashlight in the area where you smell gas. • Report all indoor and outdoor gas leaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling toll-free 1-800-75-CONED (1-800752-6633). Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $36 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit us on the Web at www.conEd.com, at our green site, www.coned.com/thepowerofgreen, or find us on Facebook at Power of Green.
HOME
PAGE 37
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 38
October 28, 2011
Newly Discovered Memoirs... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 knowing what to do.” He would eventually go to the Old Montefiore Cemetery in nearby Cambria Heights to visit the resting places of the Rebbe and his mother. There, he expressed his gratitude to the Almighty for the discovery, and after consultation with his colleagues, set out to publish the complete memoirs under the aegis of the Kehot Publication Society. “This second volume contains new stories about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, as well as previously unknown stories about their home and children,” says Brook. “There are also accounts of the Rebbe’s Chasidic gatherings
in New York. In a word, these pages are priceless.” Brook is quick to point out that the five months of work that went into the printing and translating, a job that is far from over, couldn’t have happened without the financial support of Benyomin and Rochel Federman, Yossi and Nechama Dina Katz, Uri and Bassie Laber, and Sholom and Esther Laine. He also highlights the many hours spent toiling over the manuscript by Rabbis Aharon Leib Raskin, Yosef B. Friedman, Menachem Mendel Kaplan, and Yisroel Shimon Kalmenson as key to the project’s success. Rabbi Elkanah Shmotkin, director of
Jewish Educational Media and co-author of The Rebbe’s Early Years, serves as an advisor to the project. He sees in the complete memoirs both a confirmation of details from the Rebbe’s life and new insights into his parents’ leadership under duress that would ultimately provide a model for his own shepherding of a modern worldwide revolution in Jewish life and outreach. “While we previously knew these stories to be true, as they were published in her name and during her lifetime by a journalist she granted access to, here you have it in her own handwriting,” he explains. “And there are things there that had not previously been
known, such as a very descriptive account of a Passover Seder in her home with her three boys sitting around the table. “This provides a new layer of detail,” continues Shmotkin. “Anybody who is interested in history can now get their hands on this new documentation and appreciate the nuances and specifics,” continues Shmotkin. “It provides a new layer of detail.” The Kehot Publication Society, which is releasing the diary entries week by week in pamphlet form, will publish bound volumes of the diary at the conclusion of the project.
9. Time Warner Center, 80 Columbus Circle At Time Warner Center—a huge, mixeduse, twin-towered, reflective-glass-clad project—viewers will have the luxury of stunning views as the runners enter Central Park for the final stretch. Designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and completed in 2004, the complex replaced the former New York Coliseum. The 80-story development contains 225 condominium apartments. Perhaps its best feature is that its base facing Columbus Circle is curved and the retail lobby and jazz facility have spectacular, very large windows looking across Columbus Circle to Central Park South.
Building by Donald Trump and his partners, Daniel M. Galbreath and the G. E. Pension Trust. The new building was designed by Costas Kondylis with Philip Johnson Ritchie & Fiore as the design architect. Johnson’s new and very sleek glass curtain wall is magnificent. Often recognized by its huge stainless steel, skeletal globe of the world, the building has 166 condominium apartments starting at the 23rd floor, above the hotel.
Best Buildings for Watching NYC Marathon... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 contains 62 apartments. 6. 1107 Fifth Avenue, at 92nd Street Spectators will see the stream of runners continuing down Fifth Avenue from this 14story co-op building that once held the spectacular 54-room, triplex penthouse apartment of Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton. The apartment was built as a re-creation of her townhouse that was previously on the site, and was reported to include a private elevator, silver room, wine room and cold storage rooms for flowers and furs. The building has 26 apartments, and was developed in 1925 by the George Fuller Company and designed by W. K. Rouse & L. A. Goldstone. 7. Trump Parc, 106 Central Park South, at Sixth Avenue Although Trump Parc’s tower is spectacular, runners may not notice since they’ll be well into their 25th mile as they pass it. Erected in 1930 as the Barbizon Plaza Hotel, the building’s side top pillars extend upwards to create
an uneven, but very impressive, row of teeth around the top, and the entire top has been gilded. This 38-story building was acquired by Donald Trump, who had the foresight to recognize its architectural merits. He applied his normal dosage of glitz to its entrance and converted it into a 340-unit condominium in 1988. 8. 200 Central Park South, at Seventh Avenue From this 35-story tower--one of the most distinctive in the city with its curved arc corner and continuous bands of balconies in its base—spectators will see the runners right before they turn into Central Park. Built by Bernard Spitzer and Melvin D. Lipman and designed by Wechsler & Schimenti, the beigebrick building commands marvelous Park views, and its curved façade permits more apartments to have those views. 200 Central Park South was erected in 1963 and converted to a cooperative in 1984, and it has 309 apartments.
10. Trump International Hotel & Tower, 1 Central Park West This 52-story tower overlooks mile 26, offering views of runners racing (or struggling) toward the finish line. This sparkling and impressive mixed-use tower was converted in 1997 from the drab Gulf & Western
About CityRealty.com CityRealty.com is a New York City apartment search and real estate site established in 1994. CityRealty.com streamlines the apartment search process by matching buyers and renters with qualified real estate agents who are screened for market knowledge, expertise, professionalism and client compatibility. Additional information about CityRealty is available at www.cityrealty.com or by calling (212) 755-5544.
GARAGE CLOTHING
Better Men’s Suits and Sportswear
Everything for Men and More The Highest Quality Designer Brands Always the Lowest Prices Suits A Sport Jackets A Pants A Jeans A Shoes Ties A Leather Jackets A Coats A Sportswear
Store Hours Monday thru Friday 12:00 - 5:oo p.m. 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m.
We accept all Major Credit Cards
\HZ
COME IN AND SEE OUR LOW PRICES 1903-1909 Stillwell Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11223
718-449-6872 < 718-996-2342
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 39
Cornell and the Technion to Partner in Groundbreaking NYC Tech Campus... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 provide students with an unparalleled breadth of studies from which they may choose. “I launched Qualcomm's first international R&D Center in Haifa, Israel, in 1992, staffed entirely with Technion graduates and purposely located near the campus to take advantage of its great education and research,” said Irwin Jacobs, the founding chairman and CEO of Qualcomm. “Technion, with its many contacts, was a great help in our subsequent worldwide expansion. The Technion’s demonstrated success in translating basic and applied research to job creation complements Cornell's deep academic strengths and translational activities, providing an extraordinary partnership for the benefit of New York City. Technion and Cornell, working in close collaboration on the new campus, will inspire a next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue innovations by forming start-ups and expanding existing businesses.”
Technion is a global leader in applied research, technology transfer and commercialization and a major force behind Israel’s emergence as the home of one of the greatest concentrations of high-tech start-up companies anywhere in the world. In partnership with a strong community of incubators, private investors, venture capitalists, angel groups and entrepreneurs, the Technion’s tech transfer arm, Technion Technology Transfer (T3), has filed 300 average annual patents and nurtured scores of innovative startups in sectors such as clean-tech, cell therapy, drug delivery, nanotechnology and others. Companies including Intel, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Qualcomm, Broadcom, Yahoo! and Hewlett-Packard have established their operations near or on the Technion campus, where they can take advantage of the Technion’s research power and outstanding students and graduates. Technion graduates head 59 of 121 Israeli companies on the NASDAQ, and these com-
panies have a combined market value of over $28 billion. More than 70 percent of Technion graduates are employed in the high technology sectors that drive Israel’s economic growth. Today, Israeli companies headed by Technion graduates employ 85 percent of Israel’s technical workforce. And the Technion also has an established presence in New York City with the American Technion Society (ATS) , which maintains a national network of thousands of alumni and supporters and has raised more than $1.65 billion since its founding in 1940, the majority raised in the last decade. Cornell is known worldwide for its top programs in engineering and computer science, and for its interdisciplinary approach to technology that spans fields from the social sciences to the arts and humanities. Cornell's entrepreneurial culture and deep connection to every aspect of New York’s tech sector – start-ups and entrepreneurs, existing industry leaders, and venture capital – will make the
NYC Tech Campus uniquely positioned to serve as a catalyst for the creation of new technologies, jobs and industries in New York City. Cornell’s portfolio in New York City includes the world-class Weill Cornell Medical College – where Cornell is now engaged in a $1 billion capital project that includes construction of a new state-of-theart medical research facility – as well as Cornell Cooperative Extension-New York City, Cornell’s Industrial and Labor Relations in NYC in Midtown and its Architecture, Art and Planning Center in Chelsea, Cornell Financial Engineering Manhattan off Wall Street, Cornell-sponsored Food and Finance High School on the West Side, and various programs in disciplines ranging from labor and employment law to human ecology. The city is now home to almost 50,000 Cornell alumni – including thousands already working in the tech sector – and about 5,000 Cornell employees.
New Commander Appointed for Judea and Samaria Division... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Most recently, in an interview he gave to The New York Times, Alon expressed concern over “increasing violence” by “radical Israeli settlers,” colloquially called ‘price tag’ operations, which he called “Jewish terrorism.” He also called on U.S. Congress not to freeze aid to the Palestinian Authority in response to the unilateral PA statehood bid, saying such a step would lead to instability and insecurity - for Israel, although commenting on political issues is not the mandate of IDF personnel. Previously, Alon distributed a letter to commanders in his division in which he asked them to investigate soldiers who are residents of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The reason for the request, according to Alon, was a concern that these soldiers may leak information regarding future evacuation of outpost communities.
His comments and actions resulted in heavy condemnations by Yesha’s leaders and protests by residents outside his home. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz condemned the attacks against Alon in an appearance at the Or Etzion yeshiva in July. During Tuesday’s ceremony, Maj.Gen. Avi Mizrahi praised Alon, calling him “a true commander and leader. His professionalism, humility, level-headedness and sharp thinking led the division during a challenging and complex time, and he steered it safely and without hesitation towards achieving its goals with a clear understanding of its main priorities.” Mizrahi rejected the criticism directed at Alon, calling it “unjustified” and condemning it. “I f ind it appropriate to take this opportunity, as you leave this position, to
denounce them, including those which were made by senior public officials, who chose to believe rumors, publicly making statements that are far from the truth,” Mizrahi told Alon. “You are true to your principles and to the policy that was determined for Judea and Samaria,” he added. “You led the relations with the Israeli communities with sensitivity, yet you demonstrated determination and took no shortcuts.”
Alon’s leaving of his position was praised by some nationalists on Tuesday, including longtime land of Israel activist Baruch Marzel. Marzel said Alon is “the most leftwing commander the IDF has ever had,” adding, “The political persecution that Brigadier General Alon created is what pushed people to support ‘price tag.’ ”
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU
Israel National News
The Jewish Voice
EDUCATION
PAGE 40
October 28, 2011
Cornell and the Technion to Partner in Groundbreaking NYC Tech Campus Cornell University and The Technion Israel Institute of Technology announced on Sunday a new partnership to create a world-class applied science and engineering campus in New York City, as outlined by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. he NYC Tech Campus on Roosevelt Island will combine the full spectrum of both institutions’ academic strengths, as well as Cornell’s entrepreneurial culture and deep connection to the city’s emerging tech sector and the Technion’s global leadership in commercialization and technology transfer. This partnership will transform New York City into a world hub of innovation and technology commercialization. “By joining forces in this groundbreaking venture, our two great universities will employ our demonstrated expertise, experience and track record of transforming new ideas into solutions to create the global avenues of economic opportunity and tech leadership that Mayor Bloomberg envisions,” said Cornell President David Skorton. “The Technion is the driving force behind the miracle of Israel’s technology economy. Its academic rigor in computer science and engineering and its leadership in technology transfer has helped create one of the largest concentrations of start-ups anywhere and attracted the world’s leading technology companies to Haifa to leverage Technion’s research and its outstanding graduates.” “We are very proud of the many strengths we bring to this endeavor, and we are excited to be a partner with another of the world’s
T
The two presidents, Prof. Lavie (right) and Prof. Skorton (left) great research universities,” said Technion President Peretz Lavie. “Cornell‘s globally recognized research and graduates are fueling new technologies and innovative startups at the center of New York City’s current tech boom. Cornell is uniquely positioned by its deep connection to the city’s emerging tech sector to serve as a catalyst for the creation of new technologies, jobs and industries in New York City.” The key attributes of the partnership between Cornell and the Technion underscore the distinctive and practical dimen-
1st Class Home Delivery of The Jewish Voice
SUBSCRIPTION FORM Please fill in all information and mail to:
The Jewish Voice 2154 E 4th Street,Brooklyn, NY 11223
Yes!
I WOULD LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE JEWISH VOICE. PLEASE ENTER MY SUBSCRIPTION AS FOLLOWS:
NAME:_____________________________ ADDRESS:____________________________________ CITY: ______________________________ STATE: ____________________ ZIP:______________ HOME PHONE: ( ) ________________ WORK PHONE: ( ) ________________EXT. _____ A L L
S U B S C R I P T I O N S
RATES IN NY: VISA
1 YEAR - $75
MASTERCARD
M U S T
B E
P R E P A I D
2 YEARS - $150
AMERICAN EXPRESS
CREDIT CARD NUMBER______________________________ EXPIRATION DATE:___ /____ /____
SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________________ Home delivery by 1st classs mail in envelope only
CALL (800) 998-0885
or FAX:
sub@JewishVoiceNY.com
(347) 922-7366
sions of the proposed NYC Tech Campus and its specific focus on strategies to spur innovation and commercialization. An integral part of the campus will be the TechnionCornell Innovation Institute (TCII), a 50-50 collaboration between the two universities to form a graduate program that will focus on commercialization of immediate relevance to the city’s economic growth. Second, the campus’ academic hubs will provide an interdisciplinary environment to better prepare
students for careers in tech companies, large and small, where the problems to be solved involve using technical knowhow and also expertise in other domains at the heart of the city’s key industries. Finally, for their degrees, students will be required to take courses that prepare them to be entrepreneurs and early stage investors, fueling the rapid expansion of the tech ecosystem in New York. The partners will be joining in a full-scale campus – not a satellite of either school – to open in 2012, initially in either leased space or existing Cornell facilities in New York City. The NYC Tech Campus will eventually grow to more than 2 million square feet on Roosevelt Island, accommodating, at full build-out, nearly 2000 graduate students and 250 faculty, as well as visitors and corporate researchers. Cornell and the Technion will collaborate in teaching, educating and advising students. The sustainable campus will include academic and commercialization space, as well as housing and community gardens. Initially, the NYC Tech Campus will offer Cornell degrees in technical fields such as computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and information science, but the academic programs for these degrees will have unique interdisciplinary requirements related to each of the campus’s academic hubs. Once the proper New York State approvals are received, students also will be able to pursue a dual degree from both the Technion and Cornell. These programs will
Continues on page 39
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
PAGE 41
October 28, 2011
The Jewish Voice
TRAVEL
PAGE 43
MASSIVE COUNTDOWN CLOCK IN TEL AVIV URGES TRAVELERS TO VOTE FOR THE DEAD SEA
A massive clock counting down the remaining hours for travelers to vote for the Dead Sea in the finals of the New7Wonders of Nature competition was last Sunday on Tel Aviv's Azrieli Tower by Israel Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov. aking place through November 11, 2011, the New7Wonders of Nature competition is an international online competition ranking the top seven natural wonders of the world. The Dead Sea advanced to the final round by placing among the top 28 tourist sites, as determined by more than one billion votes around the world. In addition, 6,000 Christian travelers from more than 100 countries around the world arrived in Israel this week as part of the annual Feast of Tabernacles convention, considered the largest tourism event in
T
Israel, and voted for the Dead Sea. "Winning this title will significantly increase the numbers of tourists visiting Israel in general and the Dead Sea region in particular, boosting the local economy, creating thousands of new jobs and improving Israel's image overseas," said Stas Misezhnikov, Israel Tourism Minister. "We urge you to spread the word: Vote for the Dead Sea as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature". Travelers can vote for the Dead Sea on the official campaign website, www.votedeadsea.com, or through its social media sites, www.facebook.com/VoteDeadSea, www.twitter.com/VoteDeadSea and www.youtube.com/VoteDeadSea, through November 11, 2011.
AVENTURA MALL HOTELS
For more information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com.
CENTRALLY LOCATED BETWEEN MIAMI & FORT LAUDERDALE
Residence Inn • Located behind Aventura Mall • Long-term stay rates available • Studios, one and two bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchen • Complimentary breakfast • Evening hospitality hour (Mon - Thurs) • Free grocery shopping service • Pets are welcome • Free high speed internet access • Swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness center
at Aventura Mall www.residenceinn.com/miara (786) 528-1001
• • • • • • • •
Hampton Inn
Courtyard
Complimentary hot breakfast buffet Onsite 24 Hr. Steak ‘n’ Shake Restaurant Free local calls, calling card & 800# Two dual line telephones with speaker, voicemail and dataport In room coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Free high speed internet, HBO and expanded Cable TV Outdoor heated pool and fitness center 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee
• Two blocks from Aventura Mall • Located beside Loehmann’s Fashion Center • Restaurant with healthy breakfast • Cocktail bar • Complimentary in-room coffee & tea • All rooms with work area and free high speed internet access • Swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness center
Hallandale Beach ~ Aventura www.hamptoninnaventura.com (954) 874-1111
at Aventura Mall www.courtyard.com/miaav (305) 937-0805
PAGE 44
The Jewish Voice
October 28, 2011