Sun Times Issue 03 23 23

Passover Seder 101

Does Your Bread Have An Ego?

Contact your local Chabad or Synagogue to join the Seder nearest you

The Eight-Day Festival of Passover is celebrated this year from sundown on Wednesday evening, April 5th, 2023, until after nightfall on Thursday, April 13th, 2023, with its highlight, the festive “Seder” dinners on the first 2 nights of the holiday. The Festival of Passover commemorates the freedom of the Jewish nation from enslavement in Ancient Egypt, some 3,335 years ago, in 1313 BCE. After many decades of slavery to the Egyptian Pharaohs, G-d sent Moses to Pharaoh with a message to: “Let My People Go.”

When Moses’ warnings were dismissed, G-d sent upon Egypt ten plagues, the last one being the killing of the Egyptian firstborn while “passing over” the Jewish homes—hence the name of the holiday.

To commemorate the unleavened bread that we ate when we left Egypt, we don’t eat—or even retain in our possession—any leavened grains known as Chametz during the holiday. Chametz includes any food or drink that contains even a trace of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives and which wasn’t guarded from leavening Seder 101, Page 8A

Dania Beach Arts & Seafood Celebration Returns

A Generous Mix Of Concerts, Mouthwatering Seafood And Art Show

Something is cooking in Dania Beach! Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Of Dania Beach proudly present the Ninth Annual Dania Beach Arts & Seafood Celebration on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 and Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., on Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, at Frost Park, 300 Northeast 2nd Street, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 next to The Casino at Dania Beach.

Admission $5.00, children under 12 years old admitted free and free parking at the casino. The Award-Winning event

includes live music and entertainment from various genres, mouthwatering culinary chef showcases and tastings, visual arts, a juried art exhibition, interactive activities, culinary vendors and food trucks, dessert artisans, children’s activities and

Swim For Jenny Week

Safety And Drowning Prevention Program Kicks Off

One of the locations is the Hallandale Beach YMCA Family Center at 501 SE 1 Avenue

South Florida Water Safety And Drowning Prevention Program Kicks Off the season With Free Swim Lessons. Registration is now open for five days of free lessons for children, teens and adults as part of the Drowning Prevention Program at participating YMCA locations.

According to The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children but while they are at the highest risk, anyone can drown. Florida still leads the nation in child drownings of all ages with Broward and MiamiDade Counties having the most drowning deaths in the state.

Media Categories

Ceramics or Clay Original clay and porcelain work other than jewelry. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, the artist must sign each piece. No machine-

2023 “Art On The Plaza”

MOCA Announces Four New Public Art Installations

“We’re thrilled to present these four public art installations to the community as part of MOCA’s ‘Art on the Plaza’ series,” said Adeze Wilford, Curator at MOCA North Miami

The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) is excited to announce the artists selected for this season’s “Art

engaging and connecting the community with their unique and inspiring works of art.

Dania Beach, Page 5A

In total, 64% of African American, 45% of Hispanic/ Latino and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability and for every child who loses their life to drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. It has been reported that formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. That’s why it is crucial for parents and caregivers to encourage young children to participate in Water Safety Education And Drowning Prevention Programs.

Jenny Week, Page 4A

The Season will kick off midMarch with Edison Peñafiel’s Installation, “Run, Run, Run like the Wind.” This colorful display of nine banners will hang from the highest point of the palm trees throughout MOCA’s Plaza, showcasing characters on the run and accompanied by text taken from Latin American protest songs. Peñafiel’s work will highlight the act of escape during political turmoil, speaking to themes of human migration, displacement and social justice.

Following Peñafiel’s Installation, LIZN’BOW (Liz Ferrer and Bow Ty)’s “El Mundo Es Magico,” Sterling Rook’s “Almost Home” and Chris Friday’s “Narcissist” will each offer their own captivating experience for visitors when they go on view throughout the season.

“We’re thrilled to present these four public art installations to the community as part of MOCA’s ‘Art On The Plaza’ series,” said Adeze Wilford, Curator at MOCA North Miami. “Each artist has been selected for their unique style and thought-provoking approach and

we can’t wait for the community to see their inspiring Installations.”

Chana Sheldon, MOCA North Miami’s Executive Director, underscored the importance of

the “Art On The Plaza” Series as a means to engage with the community. “The ‘Art On The Plaza’ Series is an exciting

On The Plaza’’ Series: Edison Peñafiel, LIZN’BOW (Liz Ferrer and Bow Ty), Sterling Rook and Chris Friday. Beginning in March 2023, site-specific works from a different artist will be highlighted for three months at a time, MOCA, 7A

The event features Live Music, Food and Art & Craft Festival will be held at Frost Park in Dania Beach

By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil

A Warning From The Inspector General

Offers To Increase Your Social Security Benefits Are from Criminals

That unexpected offer from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to activate a benefit increase is from a criminal and not the real SSA. Do not share personal or financial information. Do not click on links or respond. Report suspected scams to: oig.ssa.gov/report

Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies in an attempt to obtain personal information, money, or download malware onto phones.

Recent reports indicate that criminals are trying to trick people into sharing personal and financial information over the phone or through deceptive text and email messages that lure recipients to a fake Social Security website. Criminals falsely advise recipients to apply to receive Social Security benefits or extra money, such as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), or to set up an online account. The message may also provide fake contact information for SSA.

“Scammers are relentless in

their attempts to lure you to their fake websites or to get you to respond in any manner to their fictitious offers. I urge members of the public to ignore unexpected messages and unsolicited offers. This simple step will help protect you from a scam,” said Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “Also, be alert for unusual business practices and contact Social Security directly with questions or concerns regarding SSA matters. Never click on the link.”

“We are deeply concerned that fraudsters continue to find new ways to impersonate government agencies to deceive people into providing personal information or money,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security.

“I strongly urge people to be vigilant and ignore suspicious emails, texts, or letters. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any links or attachments.” Ignore suspected scams and report them to: oig.ssa.gov Reporting these

“Move It, Move It!”

To Shows The Entire Family Will Enjoy

Favorite stories from movies, TV and children’s books come to life onstage as Slow Burn Theatre Company and the The Bahamas Imagination Series present shows the entire family will enjoy at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Parker.

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way. Cameron Macintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins comes to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Slow Burn Theatre Company Production from Saturday, March 25th, 2023 - Sunday, April 9th, 2023. Everyone’s favorite, practicallyperfect nanny will take audiences on a Supercalifragilisticexpiali docious musical adventure. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins, the musical delighted Broadway audiences during more than 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Get ready to experience an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft that will mesmerize audiences of all ages. The 2022/2023 Slow Burn Theatre Season is presented by American National Bank. Performance times vary. Tickets start at $49. The matinee performance on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 at 1 p.m. will be open captioned in which a text display located to the side of the stage scrolls words in synchronization with the performance. Open captioning for Slow Burn Theatre Productions is generously sponsored by the Amaturo Family Foundation. A sensory-inclusive

From Page 1A

Sign Up For FREE Swim Lessons

In preparation for the onset of warmer weather, participating YMCA Of South Florida Locations are hosting “Swim For Jenny Week,” five days of FREE Swim Lessons and Water Safety Instruction to children and adults of all ages from Monday, March 20th, 2023 to Friday, March 24th, 2023. During the year, 11,000 children and adults are taught Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Techniques at the YMCA Of South Florida.

Since the lack of proper attire can also be a hindrance to kids learning to swim, the Y will also be accepting swim suit donations through their Annual Swimsuit Drive at all YMCA Of South Florida Locations, in an effort to provide additional support during “Swim For Jenny Week.”

scams helps us identify emerging scam tactics and trends and protects others.

How A Government Imposter Scam Works

Recognizing the signs of a scam can help you avoid falling victim to one. These scams primarily use telephone to contact you, but scammers may also use email, text message, social media, or U.S. mail. Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust. Scammers say there is a problem or a prize. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

Tips To Protect Yourself

1. Do not take immediate action. If you receive a communication that causes a strong emotional response, take a deep breath. Hang up or ignore the message. Talk to someone you trust.

2. Do not transfer your money! Do not buy that gift card! Never pay someone who insists that you pay with a gift

card, prepaid debit card, Internet currency or cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or by mailing cash. Scammers use these forms of payment because they are hard to trace.

3. Be skeptical. Do not believe scammers who “transfer” your call to a government official or law enforcement officer, or who feed you a number as proof. Scammers can create fake numbers and identities. Do not trust your caller ID.

4. Be cautious of any contact claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement, telling you about a problem you don’t recognize or an unsolicited offer. Do not provide your

personal information, even if the caller has some of your information.

5. Do not click on links or attachments. Block unwanted calls and text messages.

Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics and messages to trick people. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook or subscribing to receive email alerts.

Visit the: ftc.gov/scam to read about common scams.

performance intended for kids and adults on the Autism Spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or Developmental Disabilities will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. with tickets priced at $20 with $5 lap tickets for chil dren 12 months of age and younger. The Broward Center’s sensory-inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of The Batchelor Foundation, JAFCO Children’s Ability Center, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and The Taft Foundation.

Stone Soup comes to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts this April in two exciting audience experiences. In this heartwarming musical adaptation of the classic European folktale of trickery and friendship, Peter, a hungry sailor, has no luck getting a free meal from the stingy citizens of a tiny village so he decides to turn the table. He invites the villagers to enjoy his famous delicious Stone Soup whose recipe is known only to seafarers and legendary adventurers. He promises to provide the main ingredient if the villagers provide all the other ingredients. Join Peter and his trusty parrot, Admiral, as they teach the villagers a lesson in friendship and sharing.

Meet And Greet with the cast.

JM Family

Enterprises Smart Stage Matinee performances are Friday, April 28th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. with tickets at $10 and $3 lap tickets for children 12 months of age and younger.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Presents the Family Fun Series performances of Stone Soup on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. with tickets that include pre-show activities at $16 in advance and $18 the day of the performance

Registration for “Swim For Jenny Week” is available by phone at: (954) 334-9622 or in person at any of the following participating YMCA Locations:

• Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center 3161 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• Hallandale Beach YMCA Family Center 501 Southeast 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009.

• Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center 501 Southwest 172nd Avenue, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33027.

• Pembroke Pines Aquatic & Program Center 1361 Northwest 129th Avenue, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33028.

Named after Jenny, a one-ofa-kind child who was energetic, beautiful and blessed with a loving family but lost her life because she did not know how to swim, “Swim For Jenny Week” seeks to strengthen local com-

with $3 lap tickets for children 12 months of age and younger. Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2022/2023 Season in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts culminates with the Tony AwardWinning Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical, from Saturday, June 10th, 2023 - Sunday, June 25th, 2023. Set in turn-ofthe century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right. Based on the 1992 Motion Picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award Winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying The Banner,” “Seize The Day” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills perfect for the whole family. The 2022/2023

munities, impacting the lives of thousands by teaching Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Techniques.

The Y is hosting kickoff events at select locations including at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, located at 1409 Northwest 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 and at the Weston YMCA Family Center located at 20201 Saddle Club Road, Weston, Florida 33327 on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Annual YMCA Beach Ball set for Saturday, October 14th, 2023 will once again raise funds for water safety education and drowning prevention programs.

As the date gets closer, visit: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/ events

Lesson times may vary by location and the complete schedule for all locations can be

Slow Burn Theatre Season is presented by American National Bank. Performance times vary. Tickets are $49-$65.

Audiences will “Move It, Move It!” to get tickets for Madagascar

The Musical in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at 7:00 pm Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. This brand new musical from Dreamworks (Shrek

The Musical) features everyone’s favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This family friendly event is part of The Islands of The Bahamas Imagination Series. Tickets are $29.50-$55.00 with $10 Lap Tickets for children 12 months of age and younger and $110 VIP Tickets that include a

The Islands of The Bahamas Imagination Series continues as fans of all ages spend time with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli as they’ve never seen them before in Bluey’s Big Play in the AuRene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 and Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day.

Based on an original new story

Written by Bluey Creator Joe Brumm and Music by Bluey Composer Joff Bush, the Heelers first live theater show features puppetry, live actors and iconic sets. Tickets are $25-$74.50. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www. BrowardCenter.org Or: www. ParkerPlayhouse.com Or: www. Ticketmaster.com By phone at: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility.

found HERE and for more information, visit: ymcasouthflorida .org/event/swim-for-jenny-week

About

inks and washes applied by pen or brush. Printed works for which the artists hand manipulated the plates, stones or screens and which have been properly signed and numbered as a limited edition may be entered in this category. Printmakers are required to disclose both their creative and printmaking processes. Digital art applicants may apply in this category.

Fiber and Leather

All work crafted from fibers, leather including basketry, embroidery, weaving, tapestry and papermaking. No machine-tooled, machine-screened patterns or miscellaneous forms of mass production are permitted. All factory-produced wearable items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artists, are not accepted in this category.

Glass Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln formed or have been crafted by glass blowing, molding or casting. Works may be etched or engraved. No forms of mass production are permitted.

Jewelry

All jewelry, whether produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials. No commercial casts, molds or production studio work allowed.

Metalwork

Includes all non-sculptural, non-jewelry works crafted from metals. No production studio work is allowed.

Mixed Media

Two and three-dimensional works that incorporate more than one type of physical material in their production. This includes non-sculpture work as determined by the artist.

Painting Works created in oils, watercolors and/or acrylics.

Photography

Photographic prints made from the artist’s original negative that have been processed either by the artist or under his/her direct supervision. Photographers are required to disclose both their creative / printing process.

Sculpture

Three-dimensional original work done in any medium.

Woodworks

Original works that are handtooled, machine-worked, turned or carved.

Chef Showcase

Chef Showcase

Chef Cher

Chernéy Amhara is an Emmy®-Award Winning Journalist who joined NBC 6 in February 2022. She currently Anchors the Station’s Weekend Morning Newscasts, NBC 6 News Today at 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays and NBC

6 News Today at 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays, from the Station’s Miramar-based studios. She is also a weekday reporter.

Amhara has also worked in Las Vegas, where she covered the high-profile trial of David Copperfield, the Las Vegas Raiders move and Las Vegas mass shooting tragedy. She also won an Emmy®-Award for her in-depth coverage of Las Vegas gang culture. In her spare time, Amhara loves to cook and loves to travel. She will typically take a cooking class whenever she visits new countries or regions. Amhara even has an Instagram page @ChefNCher dedicated to her cooking.

Chef Johnny Alarcon Ruiz

A native of Lima, Peru, Johnny Alarcon Ruiz was destined to communicate his passions, through the language of

fine cuisine. Coming from a family of food-lovers within the culinary rich country of Peru, set him on course to hone his culinary skill at the prestigious Laureate International University. There, he was certified with the “Seal Of The Blue Cord.” Emigrating to the dynamic country of Panama heightened his inspiration and brought opportunity as he was hand chosen to oversee the food and beverage program at the most luxurious casino in Central America, the Ocean Sun Casino. He later opened four restaurants, with the highlight being the “Panaviera,” an acclaimed highend fine dining restaurant in the Trump Hotel. Panaviera is also known as the “Highest Restaurant in Panama” as it sits on the 66th floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Panama. During his time in Panama, Chef Johnny was a professor at prestigious universities including Ganexa Art University, Panama Hotel School and his alma mater, Laureate International University.

Chef Dherlie Guirand

Chef Guirand is a culinary Chef and Founder and CEO of Kiskeya Farm. As a certified culinary chef, she brings her

Caribbean style cooking to every event that she caters, from celebrities to families. Chef Dherlie recently had the pleasure to cater and serve up her exquisite Caribbean/Haitian Cuisine at a private party hosted by Miamibased New England Patriot’s Star Running Back Sony Michel, who scored the only touchdown of Super Bowl 2019. In addition to creating exciting meals, Chef Dherlie founded Kiskeya Farm, a company that distributes authentic Haitian inspired condiments. She is passionate about creating rich flavors from the Caribbean and desires to share them with the rest of the world. Her Kiskeya Farm Pikliz, which is a staple topping for most dishes, is currently distributed in 35 supermarkets across South Florida. Her goal is for Kiskeya Farm products to reach supermarket chains internationally. Chef Dherlie is also a woman of faith who serves her community relentlessly through her passion for food.

Chef Shanna Benson Shanna started baking as a way to calm the chaos of her job

in PR and Marketing, realizing that the moment she stepped into the kitchen she found her zen. The more stressed Shanna was, the more desserts came out of the oven and into the hands of lucky clients. In 2010, Shanna was begged by one of her clients to join a charity baking competition and won Best Overall Cupcake – taking the crown over all the professional bakers. Word on the street spread fast about South Florida’s dopest dessert dealer and soon No Regrets Dessert Co. was born, turning a passion into an obsession and from a recipe of equal parts hope, dreams and faith, with a sprinkle of sarcasm and a lot of love. Since then Shanna has competed and won several local baking competitions and in 2022 was featured on Season 4 Of Holiday Wars On Food Network.

Two Days Of Fun

This is a two-day event which showcases over 100 Fine Craft Artists and includes children’s activities, wine and beer gardens, seafood, a signature sand sculpture and community nonprofits. Attendees will be treated not only to Arts & Craft Artists, but to live musical entertainment, refreshments and a variety of great food in our Food Truck Roundup and Tented Food Vendors.

The Starfish Main Stage, sponsored by The Casino at Dania Beach, provides live music throughout the two days that will keep you on your feet. Headlining on Saturday is The Long Run Eagles Tribute Band and on Sunday is Greggie and the Jets, Elton John Tribute. Other performances include The Copper Tones, Whipping Post, Deep Fried Funk, Andrew Morris Band, Catabella Music, Hoodoo Blues Band, Simply Shania, Speaker Box and School of Rock. DJ Royce will fill in between shows.

Bring your appetites to feast on a cornucopia of delicious seafood and other specialty treats available through vendors, food trucks and local culinary artists at the Chef Showcase where you will find the following chefs, cooking live and offerings complimentary tasting to the audience: Johnny Alarcon Ruiz, Dherlie Guirand, Cher (Chernéy Amhara), Shanna Benson, and Darrel Johnson.

There is more than just browsing and purchasing from a variety of artists booths, watch and interact with local artists as they take center stage at the street art live theater including a giant sand sculpture being built over the two days.

For schedule and performance information visit:

https://daniabeachartsandseafoodcelebration.com - For both information visit: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=10820

The Starfish Main Stage provides live music throughout the two days

Bring your appetites to feast on a cornucopia of delicious seafood and other specialty treats

The Numbers Have Increased What Can Be Done About Hate Crimes

By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper

Over the past years there has been a major increase in hate crimes. There are many organizations that follow these types of crimes but for years the agencies have not been reporting on the same platform. Some incidents just remained internalized in police departments. This was brought to our attention sadly when one of our local Rabbi’s was being harassed at his home here in Hallandale Beach and we had no way to see if this individual was harassing others.

In 2020 the FBI started gathering reports for agencies on the new Nation Incident-Based Reporting System NIBRS. Even with this implementation there were many agencies not reporting. Some of the largest cities including Los Angeles and New York which meant the 2021 numbers were under-reported. Even with this lag in reporting, in 2022 it was found that 12,411 people were victims. 65% were targeted for their race or ethnicity. 15.9 % were targeted for their sexual orientation and 14.1%. These numbers increased from 8,120 to 9,065.

So, what can be done about hate crimes? First is, “If you see something. Say something.” The next is education. Ignorance and apathy fuels hatred. We all have heard about the fringe Right Wing’s push to promote hatred. Recently they pulled a stunt called a National Day of Hate. Governor DeSantis called on FDLE to address and push back against any possible treats.

For the past years unrest in our county is reminiscent of pre-WWII. Political leaders in the highest offices in and around the nation have been fueling the flames of fear and hate. Some have even exacerbated problems by not nationally calling these groups out. Not only have they been mute on standing up against them to preserve their base, they have emboldened hate groups by saying “they are good people.”

COVID-19 has also hindered the ability to educate our youth on the history of the Holocaust. For years the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center here in Broward would provide a day of education at our High Schools with Holocaust survivors. I have been fortunate to attend them as well as to serve on their Board. Many survivors who were children at the time are passing away so there are organizations here and around the globe

picking up the baton to ensure “We will never forget!”

Last week, Commissioner Paul Kruss of Aventura invited local officials to attend an eye-opening event which was hosted by the JCC. HATE ENDS NOW: The Cattle Car Stepping Into and Out Of Darkness. This event is a Shadow Light Partnership between the Jewish Student Union and the Nation Council Of Synagogue Youth. NCSY is a world-recognized organization founded in 1954 to provide Jewish teens with an opportunity to build a strong connection to their Jewish roots through inspiration and leadership skills. NCSY has many regional boards. Our local one

Here Is How It Works

Do You Need A Ride?

Hollywood Testing Sun Shuttle West On-Demand “Fixed Stop” Shuttle Service

The City Of Hollywood’s Sun Shuttle Micro-Transit Service has expanded west. The Sun Shuttle West is a two-month pilot Community Shuttle Service operated by Circuit. During the trial period, from March 27th, 2023 until May 31st, 2023 the “Sun Shuttle West” will operate 6-days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Upon request, a 12-person passenger van will pick up and drop off passengers at any of the 18 predetermined high-volume locations in Hollywood, west of I-95 between Johnson and Washington Streets to the Florida Turnpike. The Sun Shuttle West is an on-demand service, meaning shuttles will only visit Designated Pick-Up/DropOff Locations when a ride has been requested for that location. Riders are discouraged from waiting at a location without first making a request via the Mobile Application.

Riders can download the “Ride Circuit” Application to request a ride. Fares will be set at $2.00 per person per ride, however if space is available, a person can ride to wherever the shuttle is already going free of charge.

is right in Boca Raton. They have and continue to support virtual tours of Auschwitz and Birkenau for teens, schools and organizations in its service area from Florida to North Carolina. Due to the generosity of a Holocaust Survivor who sponsored this traveling exhibition they have brought the vision to life.

The cattle car is a replica of the ones that transported 6 million Jews to Concentration Camps. Jews were not the only target of hate. Between 250,000 to 500,000 Roman Gypsies, up to 250,000 individuals with Disabilities, 1,900 Jehovah Witnesses and 70,000 Homosexuals called asocials. These numbers

• Download the Ride Circuit Mobile Application from Google Play or the App Store.

• Request a “Sun Shuttle West” ride via the Application. Nonsmartphone users may request a ride, by calling: (954) 303-9057.

• Go to your Designated Pick-Up/Drop-Off Location and wait for the shuttle to arrive.

Designated Pick-Up And Drop-Off Locations

During this Pilot Period, the following locations have been identified as the designated Sun Shuttle West Community Shuttle Service Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations:

• Hollywood Tri-Rail, 3001 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33021.

• Target, 3251 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• Publix, 3251 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• Memorial Regional Hospital, Internal Medicine, 1150 North 35th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• CVS, 4400 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• Walmart, 301 South State Road 7, Hollywood, Florida 33023.

• Miramar Bakery, 370 South State Road 7, Hollywood, FL 33024.

• New England Mobile Park, 600 S. 62nd Ave, Hollywood, FL 33023.

• Bravo Market, 6767 Pembroke Rd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33023.

• Kay Gaither Center, 6291 Funston St, Hollywood, FL 33023.

• Burlington, 755 South State Road 7, Hollywood, Florida 33023.

• Zinkil Park, Washington St. & S. 54th Ave, Hollywood, FL 33021.

• Hillcrest Number 2, 5100 Washington Street, Hollywood, FL 33021.

• Hillcrest Ct. Building 8, 1101 Hillcrest Court, Hollywood, FL 33021.

come from estimates. Documentation only began in the later part of the war so there were many many more killed.

The car in itself transcends visitors into the darkness. The car is meant to literally hold cattle held by approximately 100 men, women and children. Once in the car, visitors are immersed in a 360 degree virtual historic tour including videos of two survivors who share their heart wrenching story. On the cars for days without anything but two buckets, one for water and the other for defecation. Once the journey was over families were ripped apart only to face certain death.

In the words of Shadow Light. Today there are still genocides and mass killings taking place around the world. And there are extremists in our country who blatantly engage in activities influenced by bigotry. Their rhetoric and conduct are not just warnings for the future, but they are repetitions of history. Paying attention to these signs will not only help us to draw parallels from the Holocaust and current events, but they will also motivate us to explore ways to prevent future tragedies against humanity.

In honor of Israel’s Independence Day, the traveling exhibit is traveling throughout the Nation. NCSY is working to reproduce these cars as a way to educate our youth and future generations. For more information, you can visit their website at: www.hateendsnow.com I also encourage everyone to visit and support The Holocaust Documentation And Education Center in Dania Beach. There you will see an actual cattle car and many displays including the living history of many survivors. For info, visit: www.hdec.org

In celebration of Israel’s Independence Day, on Sunday April 30th, 2023 there will be a parade starting from The Big Easy Casino and ending on Hollywood’s Young Circle. Rolling Thunder will be biking from the site up Federal Highway beginning around 12:30 p.m. The parade line up will begin at 11:00 a.m.

As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place! Please feel free to reach out at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org.

Upon request, a 12-person passenger van will pick up and drop off passengers at any of the 18 predetermined high-volume locations in Hollywood

• Arrow Wood, 1500 Tallwood Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• Hillcrest Building 20, 919 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• Hillcrest Building 21, 4400 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, FL 33021.

• Hillcrest Building 23, 4330 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, FL 33021.

• Hillcrest Building 25, 3800 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, FL 33021.

Ridership will be evaluated during this Pilot Program and used for a Feasibility Study for a Permanent Community Shuttle Service in Hollywood.

For more information visit: https:// www.hollywoodfl.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1242

Last week Commissioner Paul Kruss of Aventura invited local officials to attend and eye-opening event which was hosted by the JCC.

opportunity for visitors and passersby to have access to experience art outside of the MOCA’s walls. Programs like this one, as well as ‘Welcome to Paradise,’ our new commissioning Public Art Program in MOCA’s Paradise Courtyard and Exhibitions like the ‘South Florida Cultural Consortium’ that MOCA will host later this Spring, reaffirm MOCA’s longtime commitment to creating space and highlighting the talented Local Artists from South Florida.”

• Edison Peñafiel’s “Run, Run, Run like the Wind” goes on view from mid-March to late May 2023

• LIZN’BOW (Liz Ferrer and Bow Ty)’s “El Mundo Es Magico” June to late August 2023

• Sterling Rook’s “Almost Home,” September to November 2023

• Chris Friday’s “Narcissist” from late November 2023 to late February 2024.

The Artists

The Artists

Edison Peñafielis Edison Peñafielis a Miami based Artist who bears witness to the experiences of those on the underside of the world’s major conflicts: the migrant, the laborer, the surveilled. His work combines sculpture, photography, animation and video to create immersive installations. These spaces reflect the realities we participate in and witness every day. Peñafiel uses his camera to capture groups of characters that move through physical and digital worlds, often trapped in looping video scenes that underscore the cycles of history. Because the characters are brought to life using motifs from German Expressionism and magical realism, they are able to transcend any specific time, location or group of people. They stand in as universal communicators of human struggle.

Liz’n Bow

Liz Ferrer and Bow Ty’s work spans film making, digital media and sculpture, music, video and

performance art. Through a queer and comedic lens, their work together has been building a reputation for critiquing American and Latin Pop. Their most recent projects together are Feminist Reggaeton Band Niña and New Media Collaborative LIZN’BOW.

Liz and Bow’s work has been featured at Mana Contemporary, Squeaky Wheel, Borscht Film Festival, ICA Miami, The Bass Museum, The Miami Herald, Young At Art Museum, AlbrightKnox Art Gallery, Cunsthaus, Cincinnati Art Museum, The Koubek Center, The Satellite Show Art Fair, MOCA Miami, Davey Fest, Museum Of Modern Art Santo Domingo, Index Performance Art Festival Santo Domingo, Albright Knox Center Buffalo, Burchfield Penney Art Center and The Art Institute of Chicago.

Liz and Bow are Recipients of a Creative Capital Wild Futures Award, Knights Art Challenge Award from the Knight Foundation, Franklin Furnace Grant, Locust Projects WaveMaker Grant, Oolite Arts Ellies Award 2019 and 2022, LMCC Creative Engagement, En Residencia Grant and Borscht Festival No Bro Zone Short Film Commission.

Liz and Bow have attended Atlantic Center For The Arts, Knight Sundance Short Film Miami Intensive, Caldera Arts Residency, Squeaky Wheel, Mana Contemporary Studio Residency, En Residencia, Tempus Projects, Acre, La Sierra de Santa Marta Residency in Colombia and Cannonball.

Sterling Rook

Sterling Rook is a Miami native with Masters in Fine Art from Florida International University. He works out of his studio at the Bakehouse Art Complex in Miami, Florida.

Rook’s work uses his skills in metalwork and fabric to further expand the language of sculpture and fiber-art. Trained in a variety of fiber-art techniques as well as metalwork, Rook is adept at discovering novel ways to combine very different practices. Forged and welded steel, painted palm fronds and handmade rope from used clothing, all factor in for Rook in as avenues expanding this visual vocabulary.

His practice is enriched through working within a family legacy of fiber-crafts: On the maternal/Peruvian side of his family, his grandmother was a reweaver, and his grandfather was

a tailor. His paternal/British grandfather’s last name was “Stringer,” which is a British historical-occupational name for one who made rope or string.

Rook uses these markers as a compass, bridging gaps within disparate cultural heritages, connecting past to present. These pasts unfold paths to explore artmaking as a regenerative process where inhabiting genealogy is possible by making.

Chris Friday

My work explores themes of rest, privacy and supplementing the archive as a way of advocating and claiming space for Black bodies that are historically excluded from it. Utilizing the internet as an infinite source of archival samples, I compile memories and anecdotes from the shared experiences of people of color to then construct and preserve alternative and imagined historical and personal narratives. Often incorporating a black-and-white “Chalkboard” aesthetic, which plays on concepts of learning and teaching, I identify problematic perspectives and their origins, question their legitimacy and offer possible solutions in my work Recent large-scale drawings depict Black bodies in leisure, at play

and in repose, as a means of “opting out” of stereotypically portraying Black bodies in various scenes of perpetual trauma or hyper/over-sexualization. Accompanied by comic-style graphic illustrations that provide an imagined environment and context, I give my subjects the rest and privacy they are entitled to, even while on display; reflecting the desire to achieve this for myself, my family and community in everyday life.

MOCA

Since 2021, MOCA’s “Art On The Plaza” Series, presented with major support from the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (NMCRA), provides an opportunity for artists to create and showcase temporary public art installations on MOCA’s Plaza. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has also provided additional support for this series.

Where Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) 770 Northeast 125th Street, Miami, Florida 33161

For more information visit: https://mocanomi.org

Edison Peñafielis Liz’n Bow

Proud Of Calling NSE SIB K-8 Their School A Message From The Mayor Of Sunny Isles Beach

By Larisa Svechin, Mayor - www.sibfl.net

Each day more and more families are choosing South Florida as a new permanent home. Sunny Isles Beach is the most desirable location for settling down, for numerous reasons. Our school is a top reason many young families move here. It is also the most overcrowded K-8 in Miami-Dade County.

Like many, I myself moved back to Sunny Isles Beach once my husband and I started thinking about schools for the kids. Back when NSE SIB K-8 was built in 2008, there was a fear that the city did not have enough students to fill the building. By 2010, the school was already over capacity. The argument has always been that “out of district” students were being registered to attend. Actually, in the school’s founding, students from Ojus Elementary were encouraged to attend and Eastern Shores was part of our boundary.

The teachers from Ojus were heavily recruited. Children of teachers and City Staff were allowed to register. The founding principal was fiercely competitive and knew that an A school needed talented teachers, as well as the highest scoring students. Therefore, she curated the school to exceed those standards. We were an A school instantly. And so, the registration continued, sometimes at a rate of 20 new students per day.

When I was first elected in 2016, I knew this was a growing

Seder 101

From Page 1A

or fermentation. Instead, we eat Matzah - flat unleavened bread, at least for the two Seder nights, when it’s a Mitzvah (biblical commandment).

Our Rabbis explain that Chametz is symbolic of haughtiness and egotism - traits so harmful that they are at the root of all negative traits. This is one of the reasons why even the most miniscule amount of Chametz is forbidden - for these negative traits must be completely nullified.

Few Jewish holidays evoke the same warm sentiments as Passover. Memories of family and friends gathered as the four cups of wine are poured, the four questions asked and the Matzah served, all contribute to Passover’s popularity in the Jewish community. Bringing the warmth

problem that required immediate control measures. But the school does not belong to our City; it is governed by the Miami Dade County Public School (MDCPS) System. So, the only option was to force their hand. In October 2017, I wrote an article in this publication about the City’s solution to this problem of overcrowding—strict address verification. That process began at that time and worked – somewhat. Fast forward to today, five years later and the overcrowding has mushroomed. An excerpt

and tradition of this festival to every major city in the world, Chabad is inviting all Jewish residents and visitors to participate in Community Seders to be held on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 and Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at locations throughout South Florida.

This year’s observance will be even more special as Jews around the world celebrate the year of Hakhel. The Hakhel year takes place every seven years, following the Shemita sabbatical year. In temple times it was celebrated by all Jewish peoplemen, women and children - coming together to Jerusalem and hearing the Torah read by the king. He would then inspire everyone to continue acting in a proper way, befitting for the Jewish people. Today Hakhel is celebrated simply by Jewish people getting together. In lieu of the king, we try to inspire each other. How much more so when

from that 2017 article holds true today:

“While we love visitors who enjoy the beach, local restaurants, hotels and City events, our school is for SIB kids first. Our children deserve classrooms that are not overcrowded, aftercare and sports programs that are not sold out and resources that are not overextended.”

History tells us that the school will continue to be overcrowded unless drastic measures are taken. I, along with the Commissioners, parents and

coming together for an inspirational Seder.

The Passover Seder is a feast that includes reading, drinking wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing and other Passover traditions. The central observance of Passover—eating Matzah, the unleavened bread— will take center stage at the Seder, with handmade round Shmurah Matzah, “The RollsRoyce of Matzah,” available to all.

The Seders take participants through the wondrous liberation of our ancestors from Egyptian bondage, while sharing the relevance and beauty of the age-old festival in our modern lives. Included in the Seder will be a delectable catered dinner paired with a variety of fine imported wines and handmade round ‘Shmurah’ Matzah.

Passover is not simply a celebration of the historic liberation of an ancient people. Passover is

neighbors, have been fervently working with MDCPS to alleviate the overcrowding. But before you know where to start you need to assess the options and pick the one with the highest return on your efforts. The district took a radical measure to immediately cap the school, which means that except for incoming kindergarteners, no other students may register for this school year. Further, they have begun checking every single address associated with each student. This means each family must bring in

about our own personal liberation – physically, emotionally and spiritually, a message that rings true this year perhaps more than ever before in our lifetimes as we still face the challenges of the Pandemic. Passover inspires us to break free from the shackles restraining us from reaching new heights – in our lives, relationships and connection with G-d.

Chabad’s Community Seder is part of a Global Passover Campaign that began in 1954, when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, launched the Shmurah Matzah initiative. This year, over 600,000 people will participate at Seder at over 4,000 Chabad Centers throughout the world and an estimated four million hand-baked Shmurah Matzahs will be distributed.

We encourage you to contact your local Chabad or Synagogue to join the Seder nearest you. You are of course welcome to

man Edelcup and many others who helped build our community school. Once again, class sizes will be limited as required, teachers will have a lesser load, hallways will be safer, bathrooms cleaner, talented teachers will return and students will once again be proud of calling NSE SIB K-8 their school.

I look forward to meeting with anyone who has questions or suggestions.

You can contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at: mayor@sibfl.net Or: (305) 792-1753.

join us at our Seder in Highland Lakes. To learn more about the holiday, order a ready-made fully-prepared Seder plate, Shmurah Matzah, RSVP for the Seder or need help selling your Chametz, call: (305) 770-1919 Or where you can also download for free a beautiful brand new Haggadah with easy to understand explanations, visit: www. ChabadChayil.org/passover

About The Author:

Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the Ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil .org. If you have any questions visit “Ask The Rabbi” at: https://www. chabadchayil.org/asktherabbi/ default_cdo/jewish/Ask-theRabbi.htm

“Our

children deserve classrooms that are not overcrowded, aftercare and sports programs that are not sold out, and resources that are not overextended.”

Titan Restoration Inc. Is A Company That Cares

By Erika Cartwright

The only thing in life that is certain, is that anything can happen at any time. Such tragedies as; fire, hurricanes, and floods are real and do happen, bringing with them water damage and the potential for harmful mold and bacterial growth. Water damage can occur for several reasons, some you may not notice right away, such as sewer issues, a leaking roof, and clogged or leaking pipes, just to name a few.

During these times you need licensed professionals with a plan of action that can ease the stress and take the headache of dealing with the insurance company off your hands. Allowing you to focus on what is important to you in your time of need.

Titan Restoration Inc., formerly known as 1st Priority, is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation Company proudly serving all of southern Florida. The main office is in Broward County. Technicians are throughout; Collier, Lee, Martin, MiamiDade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties, allowing them to arrive at the site within 45 minutes in times of emergency. With emergency calling 24/7, you are never more than a phone call away from friendly, efficient, caring, knowledgeable professionals.

Whether the water damage in your home or business was caused by a leaking pipe, roof, or major flood, Titan Restoration Inc. is here to help. To schedule non-emergency services or to request a free estimate please visit: www. Titanrestorationfl.com their user-friendly

To assess the situation Titan Restoration Inc. offers state-of-the-art leak detection, using infra-red cameras. This allows for non-invasive, non-messy leak detection. No need to tear up dry wall or floors just to find the source of the leak.

remodels, as well as a wide variety of other services. Throughout this process, Titan Restoration Inc. will be working with your insurance company every step of the way. You should never attempt to remove mold without a licensed professional, it is unsafe, and hazardous to your health.

experts at Titan Restoration Inc. to have you breathing easier, in a mold-free environment.

Once the mold has been identified, the mold remediation process begins. Titan Restoration Inc. will dry out the affected area using fans and dehumidifiers. Followed by thoroughly cleansing and

get your life back. With services such as emergency packing and storing of salvageable belongings, following fire or flood, and standing water removal also available, they handle it all for you from AZ. The cost is most often fully covered by your homeowner’s insurance, leaving you with no worries about chasing down reimbursements from the insurance company.

Face it, you have enough worries, this doesn’t need to be one of them. Titan

Once the leaks have been found, you will be referred to a trusted, licensed plumber. After the repairs’, State-of-the-art specialized equipment is used to detect moisture levels in the air, dehumidifiers are placed in the affected area, and a Florida-

Mold thrives in dark, damp environments such as under the kitchen or bathroom sinks, in unventilated basements, and closed in laundry rooms. It can even be found behind drywall. Because of the heat and humidity which Florida is known for, it

sanitizing the affected areas using antimicrobial agents effective for moldeliminating and prevention. HEPA air purifiers are used to capture any airborne mold spores, leaving you with clean air. Green cleaners are used for mildew removal. Since mold spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye it is necessary to deep clean the air ducts, carpets, furnishings, and upholstery. Homeowners’ insurance covers the cost in most cases following water damage. These services are offered year-round, and it is recommended to have these done once a year to remove allergens, bacteria, dirt, and grime buildup that occurs naturally over time. These services are recommended more frequently if you have pets, suffer from allergies, or are a smoker, to ensure peace of mind and healthier living.

After the repairs are completed and your home or business is restored to its pre-loss condition, a Florida statelicensed Mold Inspector will be sent out to do a final inspection, to ensure all mold concerns were effectively eliminated. Titan Restoration Inc. takes pride in providing the best service experience to its customers from start to finish. Their goal is to have your property back to its pre-loss condition while taking the stress off you.

they are dealing with. Some molds are more toxic than others such as black mold, knowing the type, allows for proper precautions to be taken to ensure effective treatment and removal of the mold. Depending on the severity of the damages, drywall and flooring may need to be replaced to effectively rid your home or business of mold. Titan Restoration Inc. is a full remodeling and restoration company, specializing in kitchen and bath

This causes more damage to your home and health over time. People and pets all respond differently to mold and mildew. For some, it may be watery eyes, itchy throat, cough, or skin irritation. Confusion, disorientation, and even hallucinations can also be signs of mold exposure. For others, exposure to mold can cause very serious, even life-threatening health problems. When it comes to your health and the safety of your loved ones, trust the

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling from drywall and baseboards to cabinetry and flooring. It is not necessary to have damage to your home, to call on Titan Restoration Inc. for all your remodeling needs.

For a free estimate call 954-280-6950, now offering 10% off a $350 service for out-of-pocket customers.

Titan Restoration Inc. is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation Company proudly serving all of South Florida

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

If you give the government an inch, it will always take a mile. This is how the slippery slope to all-out persecution starts.

This particular slippery slope has to do with the government’s use of Geofence Technology, which uses cell phone location data to identify people who are in a particular area at any given time.

First, police began using Geofence Warrants to carry out dragnet sweeps of individuals near a crime scene.

Then the FBI used Geofence Warrants to identify individuals who were in the vicinity of the Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

It wasn’t long before government officials in California used cell phone and Geofence Data to track the number and movements of churchgoers on church grounds during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

If we’ve already reached the point where people praying and gathering on church grounds merits this level of government scrutiny and sanctions, we’re not too far from free-falling into a total surveillance state.

Dragnet Geofence Surveillance sweeps can and eventually will be used to target as a suspect every person in any given place at any given time and sweep them up into a never-ending virtual line-up in the hopes of matching a criminal to every crime.

There really can be no overstating the danger.

The government’s efforts to round up those who took part in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol protests provided a glimpse of exactly how vulnerable we all are to the menace of a surveillance state that aspires to a God-like awareness of our lives.

Relying on selfies, social media posts, location data, geotagged photos, facial recognition, surveillance cameras and crowdsourcing, government agents compiled a massive data trove on anyone and everyone who may have been anywhere in the vicinity of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Included in that data roundup were individuals who may have had nothing to do with the protests but whose cell phone location data identified them as being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You didn’t even have to be involved in the Capitol protests to qualify for a visit from the FBI: investigators reportedly tracked - and questioned - anyone whose cell phones connected to wi-fi or pinged cell phone towers near the Capitol.

One man, who had gone out for a walk with his daughters only to end up

stranded near the Capitol crowds, actually had FBI agents show up at his door days later. Using Google Maps, agents were able to pinpoint exactly where they were standing and for how long.

The massive amount of surveillance data available to the government is staggering.

As investigative journalists Charlie Warzel and Stuart A. Thompson explain, “This [surveillance] data…provide[s] an intimate record of people whether they were visiting drug treatment centers, strip clubs, casinos, abortion clinics or places of worship.”

In such a surveillance ecosystem, we’re all suspects and data bits to be tracked, cataloged and targeted.

Forget about being innocent until proven guilty.

Although the Constitution requires the government to provide solid proof of criminal activity before it can deprive a citizen of life or liberty, the government has turned that fundamental assurance of due process on its head.

Now, thanks to the digital trails and digital footprints we all leave behind, you start off guilty and have to prove your innocence.

In an age of overcriminalization, when the average American unknowingly commits at least three crimes a day, there is no one who would be spared.

The ramifications of empowering the government to sidestep fundamental due process safeguards are so chilling and so far-reaching as to put a target on the back of anyone who happens to be in the same place where a crime takes place.

Saint or sinner, it doesn’t matter because we’re all being swept up into a massive digital data dragnet that does not distinguish between those who are innocent of wrongdoing, suspects, or crimi-

nals.

Case in point: consider what happened to Calvary Chapel during COVID-19.

Government officials in Santa Clara County, California, issued a shelter-inplace order in March 2020, dictating whom residents could see, where they could go, what they could do and under what circumstances.

County officials imposed even harsher restrictions on churches, accompanied by the threat of crippling fines for those that did not comply with the lockdown orders.

Then Santa Clara officials reportedly used Geofence Surveillance Technology to monitor the concentrations of congregants at Calvary Chapel during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, using their findings to justify levying nearly $3 Million in public health fines against the church for violating the county’s strict Pandemic Restrictions.

At a minimum, the use of Geofence Surveillance to monitor church attendees constitutes an egregious violation of the churchgoers’ Fourth Amendment rights and an attempt to undermine protected First Amendment activities relating to the freedom of speech, the free exercise of religion and the right of the people peaceably to assemble.

Still, the government’s use of Geofence Surveillance goes way beyond its impact on church members and anyone in the vicinity of the January 6th, 2021 Protests.

The ramifications for all of us are farreaching.

Mass surveillance has been shown to chill lawful First Amendment activities, and historically has been used to stifle dissent, persecute activists, and harass marginalized communities.

The chilling effects of pervasive surveillance give rise to a constant, justifiable fear in even the most compliant, law-

abiding citizen.

Of course, that’s the point.

The government wants us muzzled, complacent and compliant.

So far, it’s working.

Americans are increasingly selfcensoring and marching in lockstep with the government’s (and corporate America’s) dictates, whether out of fear or indoctrination, or a combination.

In the meantime, the use of Geofence Warrants continues to be debated in the legislatures and challenged in the courts. For instance, while a California court found that a broad Geofence Search Warrant violated the Fourth Amendment, a Federal District Judge for the District of Columbia upheld the use of Geofence Warrants by police in connection with the events of the January 6th, 2021 Protests.

No matter how the courts rule, however, one thing is clear: these dragnet Geofence searches are well on their way to becoming the eyes and ears of a police state that views each and every one of us as a potential suspect, terrorist and lawbreaker.

As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, this is how technologies purportedly adopted to rout out dangerous criminals in our midst are used to conquer a free people.

Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead’s Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org. Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org

Geofence technology uses cell phone location data to identify people who are in a particular area at any given time