Vol. LXXXIII No. 46 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
27 Tamuz, 5764 July 16, 2004
An Open Letter to the Community Tel Aviv Bombing Adds Deadly Injury by JAN GOLDSTEIN Executive Director Jewish Federation of Omaha What I thought would be an exhausting, three-day whirlwind trip to Israel for meetings with our Partnership Area in the Western Galilee turned into an extraordinary journey. I have visited our Partnership many times before, but this visit touched and moved me in a profound way and I want to share my experience with all of you. As many of you know, the Jewish Federation of Omaha has invested significant Campaign dollars to fund Partnership projects over the last seven years as part of a Central Region Consortium. The Partnership started out as a new model for cooperation, but over time it’s become more like a bridge that connects us to our Israeli partners through exchange programs, regional development and other initiatives that are mutually beneficial. The sparkling Mediterranean coastline is the westBut, I truly began to understand ern border of our Partnership area in the Western just how far we have come when Galilee. I stood on the coastline and looked upon the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, which borders this beautiful region. On this warm, sunny morning, in the tiny marina of the ancient city Akko, I could feel the struggles of 5,000 years of history that has brought the Jewish people to our challenges of today. Moments later, walking into the shuk (marketplace) of Akko’s Old City, I realized just how much we as American Jews are a part of this history, of Israel’s struggle to survive, and I felt proud that our Partnership with Israel has become a relevant part of this journey. Continued on page 2
to Insult of The Hague Ruling on Fence by DAN BARON TEL AVIV (JTA)--The International Court of Justice may have ruled it illegal, but Israel’s West Bank security barrier has at least one new supporter. For Sammy Masrawa, it was more baptism by fire than conversion, after Masrawa witnessed a bombing that killed an Israeli woman and wounded at least 20 others in Tel Aviv Israeli policemen collect evidence from a bus stop in Tel Aviv where a Palestinian bomb exploded, July 11, 2004, killing a on Sunday. “I am an Arab from Jaffa, 19-year-old Israeli woman. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said a leftist, and I was opposed the attack proved the need to continue building a West Bank to the separation fence until barrier declared illegal by the International Court of Justice. Credit: BP Images/JTA today,” said Masrawa, who survived the attack at a downtown bus first to have occurred under the auspices stop with mild injuries. “But the terrorists of the opinion of the International Court do not distinguish between Jews and of Justice in The Hague,” Prime Minister Arabs. After what I saw today, I hope to Ariel Sharon said in opening remarks at his weekly Cabinet meeting. “I want to set up a lobby in favor of the fence.” The Al-Aksa Brigade, the terrorist wing make it clear: The State of Israel comof Yasser Arafat’s Fatah faction, said its pletely rejects the International Court's men planted the bomb, which they det- opinion. This is a one-sided opinion onated by remote control, to avenge based solely on political considerations. Israel’s killing of its leaders. The blast The opinion completely ignores the reawas the first terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in son for the construction of the security more than six months. It left Bat Yam fence: murderous Palestinian terrorism.” For months, Israel had been bracing resident Sgt. Ma’ayan Nayim, 19, dead. For Israeli government officials, the for a negative ruling on its West Bank attack added deadly injury to the insult of security barrier from the International last Friday’s ruling at The Hague that the Court of Justice at The Hague. When it came last Friday, Israeli officials said fence is illegal and must be dismantled. “This morning’s act of murder is the Continued on page 3
Beth Israel to Commemorate Tisha B’Av with Video Be Good for Nothing by BETH COHEN Executive Director Beth Israel Synagogue Tisha B’Av, this year falling on Monday evening July 26 and Tuesday, July 27, is traditionally a time for focusing on Ahavas Yisrael--the bond that connects all Jews to each other. This year, the Beth Israel Synagogue challenges you to be Good for Nothing. In a Rabbi Tzvi Hersch video presentation prepared by Weinreb the Orthodox Union (OU), you Orthodox Union will be given the opportunity to Executive Vice-president explore how to bring chesed (kindness) into your heart and into your life in simple ways. According to Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka, OU Executive Director of Programming, the program challenges its viewers to perform acts of kindness toward their fellow man, expecting “nothing” in return. According to Rabbi Krupka, the theme Good for Nothing was inspired by the Talmud which states that the second Temple was destroyed due to acts of baseless hatred. To counter “baseless hatred,” he explained, man must focus on pursuing “baseless kindness.” It is for this reason that the OU decided that Tisha B’Av presented the perfect opportunity to encourage chesed, or interpersonal kindness. “We had been talking about doing a video on chesed for quite some time,” said Rabbi Krupka. “Then we thought about it in the context of Tisha B’Av and felt that it would be
Inside
Jewish Groups Call for Action on Sudan Crisis
extremely moving.” Rabbi Krupka added, “Even if we do chesed--and many Jews tend to be involved in some form of chesed--we tend to compartmentalize it. The goal of this video is to inspire people to think about why they do it and to internalize the message of why chesed is so important.” The video will feature prominent rabbis, including he OU’s Executive Vice-president, Rabbi Tzvi Hersch Weinreb, as well as human-interest vignettes, all focused on improving interpersonal attitudes and behaviors. Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av, which commemorates the destruction on that date of the two Temples in Jerusalem 656 years apart, as well as other Jewish tragedies that occurred that day, falls this year on Tuesday, July 27. Besides the recitation of the Kinot and the Book of Lamentations, Tisha B’Av is observed by a sundown to sundown fast beginning on the evening of July 26, and other aspects of mourning. The three-week period of sadness that culminates in Tisha B’Av began with the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz on July 6. The intensity of the sadness increases after the first day of the month of Av for the following nine days. This year, the Nine Days begins on Sunday evening, July 18. The video presentation will begin at Beth Israel Synagogue on Tuesday, July 27, 7 p.m. Mincha will follow at 8:15 p.m. When the fast breaks at 9:33 p.m, a dairy dinner will be served at no charge. The entire community is invited to attend, but please make reservations if you plan to stay for the break-the-fast dinner by calling the synagogue office at 556.6288.
This Week: More on the IB Singer Centenary: Page 6 World Court Says Fence is Illegal, but Israel Rejects Opinion: Page 3
Recent Graduate Describes “Life After College”: Page 4
Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, calls for action on the genocide threat in Sudan during a June 29, demonstration at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington. Credit: Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism See op-ed on page 10
Coming Next Month: Simchas Issue on Aug. 6 Jewish Wesbite Column Features Jewish Internet Rumors & Hoaxes: Page 7
Jewish Genetic Testing Completes First of Two Test Dates: Page 11
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2004
An Open Letter to the Community
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JULY 16 Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Shabbat Services and Picnic, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel C L I P & S A V E
SUNDAY, JULY 18 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 3 p.m. BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JULY 19 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.
C L I P & S A V E
TUESDAY, JULY 20 Lunch & Learn “The Guy and Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Israeli Scouts Performance, 7 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
C L I P
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m. “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy” Class, noon Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El
&
C L I P &
THURSDAY, JULY 22 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
S A V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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Continued from page 1 More About Omaha’s Partnership with Israel A few hours earlier (with no time to waste, meetings Partnership with Israel begin at 7:30 a.m.!) we had been briefed on some excitis a program sponsored by Western Galilee ing new Partnership initiatives funded by Federation the Jewish Federation of dollars and directed by lay and professional experts on Omaha’s Annual both sides of the ocean. This team has implemented a Campaign. It promotes people-to-people relationplan to address the economic, demographic and politiships between our commucal crisis that this diverse region faces. nity and Israel’s Western The Western Galilee, and particularly Akko, has one Galilee through cultural, of the largest and poorest Israeli Arab populations in social, educational and the country. The area has great potential for business economic programs. development and attracting new immigrant populaOmaha, along with 12 tions; however, there is a desperate need to create jobs other cities in the central and businesses that will attract high tech industry to the U.S., is linked with the Western Galilee, located in the northernmost area. The concerns of the Israeli Jews in our region are part of Israel along the Mediterranean Coast. the same as Omaha Jews--how to keep the young peoRecent Partnership programs have included: ple from moving to the larger cities, and how to pro• Omaha doctors participated in the Emergency Response Group to help staff at the Western Galilee Hospital in the event doctors are vide employment to new olim (immigrants) and other called for military service during a national emergency; Israelis who want to move away from the intensity of • Hafuch al Hafuch (“Turning the Tide”), based in a coffee house urban life. in Acco, serves as a safe place where Israeli Jewish and Arab teens Our Partnership area has always been a model of come to talk, meet with counselors and get peer support; peaceful co-existence between Jews and Arabs, but this • Four young athletes from the Western Galilee came here to parexistence has been significantly challenged during ticipate in the Omaha 2002 JCC Maccabi Games; the experience was these last few years of Intifada, and it’s taken a huge so successful that every year since then, we include Israeli athletes toll on the average Israeli. The Western Galilee used to from our Partnership on Team Omaha; be a popular place for vacationing Israelis, but during • Faculty from the Western Galilee College’s art department our mission just last November, the normally bustling helped create four large murals during the 2002 JCC Maccabi streets of the Old City were virtually empty and lined Games here; the murals now hang in various places around the JCC; • $18,000 from Omaha’s Israel Terror Relief Campaign went with closed shops and desperate merchants. directly to aid victims in the Western Galilee. What a difference a year makes! This time as I walked For more information about Partnership with Israel, contact Pam through the now very crowded alleyways of the shuk, Monsky, 334.6431 or e-mail her at pmonsky@jewishomaha.org. I could see that vibrancy and life were returning to the city. Well into the labyrinth of the alleyways in the shuk, I happened upon a tiny shop I had frequented in my past visits, referred to locally as the Spice Shop of the Old City. Stepping into the shop, I took a deep Jan Goldstein and breath to take in the Simcha Stein examine scent of spices and oils plants at a moshav in the that always remind me of Western Galilee. ancient Israel and modperson. As I talked to the ern Israel all at once. I people in our region, I was warmly welcomed recognized something in by Abdul, the shop their eyes that hadn’t been owner who’s better there for quite some known as “The time...it was the return of Spiceman.” Before too hope and belief in future long, I found myself prosperity. enthralled with his stories But our work doesn’t and lore, as he described stop here. In this one the rich history of his area of economic develpeople who have popuopment, funded with lated this market place dollars from our consorfor generations. Monthly bazaars, a Partnership project to revive the local econotium’s allocation, we are Knowing how despermy, attracts thousands of people to the Arab shuk (marketplace) helping to guarantee ately he needed the busiin the Old City of Akko. The crowds are a sharp and welcome conloans to banks through ness, I intended to purtrast to the desolation we saw during a mission last November. the Jewish Agency for chase all I could from “The Spiceman”, so I selected some interesting roots Israel (JAFI). These loans will help Israelis at the botand received the rich oils he poured into small vials for tom of the economic ladder, new olim (newcomers to me. As I handed him my shekels he immediately Israel), young people and economically disadvantaged dropped them back into my bag saying, “do not pay, I Israelis. These are the people who will receive the have already been paid for what you have done for us.” working capital they need to start small business, and He was referring to the recent resurgence of business who would have no ability to do so otherwise. in the shuk, which was due to the new marketing ini- Another one of our Partners, the MATI, (Small Business Development Center) is working with us to develop tiative funded by our Partnership. Determined to jump start the local economy, we devel- business plans and training programs to help new busioped a plan to promote the local merchants by holding ness owners succeed. Future development in the region will build on what regular “bazaars,” including an artists’ colony and street performances. The first bazaar drew 25,000 visitors from we’ve accomplished so far. Our Federation communiplaces like Haifa and Carmiel as well as locals, and since ties are currently brainstorming ways to network then they’ve been steadily gaining momentum through Western Galilee high-tech companies with each other and companies in the U. S. continued publicity and word of mouth. Along with the optimism of the Israeli people that The success of the bazaar project created a turning point, not only for the people who conceived of the things can get better, these initiatives and others will project and worked to make it happen, but in the life serve as a catalyst for economic recovery and restore and livelihood of “The Spiceman” and all the other confidence in the local population. The changes happening in our Partnership are the merchants and artists in the region. Like all of our Partnership projects, the success of the bazaar is the most dramatic I have ever seen and you will be hearresult of the relationships we’ve created combined with ing more about these exciting projects in upcoming hard work and a healthy dose of creative American and issues of the Jewish Press. But what pleased me the most was the feeling of cautious optimism that our Israeli thinking. It’s incredibly satisfying to realize that our work in the Israeli friends shared with us. I was proud that at this Partnership is directly responsible for the success of the moment, I represented you, the Omaha Jewish comAkko bazaars. Our project was a catalyst for optimism munity. We have stood by Israel through three very difand I saw for myself that people’s lives were improv- ficult years and I know that we all pray for peace, prosing because of us. Our progress is measured person by perity and security for the Jewish people.
July 16, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
World Court Says Fence is Illegal, but Israel Rejects Opinion by LESLIE SUSSER Despite criticism on the desirability and legality of arising from the construction of the wall JERUSALEM (JTA)--The building the security fence, newly released statistics in the Occupied Palestinian territory.” Jews were outraged, perIsraeli officials say the language of the show that the fence is saving lives in Israel. A close haps, but not surprised. For look at the statistics regarding terrorist attacks car- request essentially prejudged its outmonths, Israel had been ried out by the terror infrastructure in the Northern come: The Palestinians call the barrier a bracing for a negative ruling West Bank prior to the erection of the fence, com- wall though over 90 percent of it actualon its West Bank security pared with attacks by the same groups following com- ly is a fence and could be moved. Israel barrier from the pletion of the fence, illustrates a sharp decrease in also does not consider the West Bank International Court of attacks against Israeli civilians. From August 2003 to “Occupied Palestinian territory” but Justice at The Hague, and June 30, 2004, the terrorist infrastructure in the rather “disputed territory” whose status last Friday it came--with no Northern West Bank managed to carry out three sui- must be determined in negotiations, as criticism of the Palestinian cide attacks in Israel (all of which occurred in the sec- per Security Council Resolution 242, terrorist onslaught that ond half of 2003), killing 26 Israelis and wounding 76. In the 34 months since the beginning of the conflict, which has guided Israeli-Arab peace talks prompted Israel to build the this terror infrastructure succeeded in carrying out 73 attacks, in which 293 Israelis were killed and 1,950 for the past 25 years. fence. Dore Gold, a former Israeli envoy to were wounded. Terrorist attempts to infiltrate into Israel are mainly launched from areas in the West Bank Israeli officials rejected where the security fence has not been completed. In addition to the security benefits of the fence, the IDF is the United Nations and now an adviser to the ruling that the barrier is now taking the war against terror to the terrorists themselves. This action has to be taken as the Palestinian Sharon, told JTA that while Israel respects illegal and said they had no leadership still make no effort at all to rein in the militants. Copyright: ISRANET international law, it opposes the politiintention of dismantling it. cization of international bodies such as Though it's only partially complete, the fence already face of such a criminal campaign,” he said, adding that the International Court of Justice. has saved thousands of lives, they say, pointing to sta- since the portions of the fence have been built, the “The terms of reference that the court was given by tistics that show a dramatic decrease in Israeli casual- number of victims has dropped sharply. “The fence the U.N. could only result in a decision that was tantaworks,” Peled said. “It is a temporary, non-violent secu- mount to the outlawing of the shield, while condoning ties since construction of the fence began. American Jewish officials were outraged by the ruling rity measure and it saves lives.” the continued use of the sword,” he said. The General Assembly sent the issue of the separaon the fence. Gold pointed out that more than 30 countries, most The struggle now moves from The Hague to the U.N. tion fence to the court last December, asking it to pre- of them Western democracies, were opposed to having General Assembly and the Security Council in New pare an advisory opinion on the “legal consequences the court deal with the issue. York. Palestinian Authority officials, who hailed last Friday’s ruling as “historic,” said they were determined to bring the matter to the United Nations, where they will seek sanctions against Israel. Any such move is Continued from page 2 According to diplomatic sources, the Palestinian almost certain to encounter an American veto in the they would ignore the representative at the United Nations, Nasser alSecurity Council. ruling and continue conKidwa,also plans to ask the General Assembly to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met Sunday with his struction on the fence. demand the immediate removal of Israeli settlements Cabinet and top advisers to discuss Israel’s next moves. The Al-Aksa Brigade is in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The main focus for Israel now will be limiting dam- backed by Hezbollah, the Such U.N. resolutions are binding only if approved age in the General Assembly and preventing any oper- Lebanese militia, whose by the Security Council, where the United States likeative steps by the Security Council. The challenge will leader Saturday called for ly would veto such a resolution. be to get as many Western countries as possible to Palestinians to step up “Israel continues to have an ongoing dialogue with oppose a sharply worded anti-Israel resolution in the attacks on Israelis. our friends, the Americans, to enlist their cooperaGeneral Assembly, or action in the Security Council. “What removes the bartion in preventing the Palestinians from once again A Palestinian resolution demanding that Israel dis- rier,” said Hezbollah’s exploiting the United Nations for their political gain,” mantle its West Bank security barrier is slated for a vote leader, Sheik Hassan said Yonatan Peled, a spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Friday. The U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday Nasrallah, “is the will, Ministry. received a formal request from the Palestinians to intro- determination and resistThe international controversy amplifies Israel’s curduce the legislation, Michele Montas, spokeswoman for ance of Palestinians, with Sgt. Ma’ayan Nayim, 19, of Bat Yam, rent domestic political tumult. the General Assembly president, told JTA. The resolu- the backing of the” Arab who was killed in a Palestinian ter- On Sunday, Sharon fired Infrastructure Minister Yosef rorist bombing in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Paritzky after Paritzky was caught conspiring to frame tion demands that Israel comply with the July 9 advi- people. sory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which The Palestinians also July 11. At least 20 people were a fellow Shinui Party member for bribery. A successor said Israel's fence is illegal and must be dismantled. It are banking on Arab sup- injured in the early morning bomb- for Paritzky’s post was not immediately named. also said Israel must pay reparations to Palestinians port on the diplomatic ing, some seriously. The firing marked the fourth Cabinet change in Credit: IDF/BP Images/JTA recent weeks. Last week, Likud Party stalwarts took impacted by the fence. front--specifically, the Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom discussed the issue United Nations General Assembly, where this week over the Cabinet seats of three right-wing Israeli miniswith U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell during a they plan to try and parlay the International Court’s rul- ters who left due to their opposition to Sharon’s Gaza recent visit to Washington, and Shalom reportedly was ing into sanctions against Israel. Strip pullout plan. reassured. In White House comments after the court ruling, spokesman Jim McLelland hinted that the United States did not consider the United Nations an appropriate forum for resolving the fence issue. It was, he said, a political problem that should be resolved in an Israeli-Palestinian political process that already exists. In its non-binding advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice, a U.N. body, ruled that the barrier contravenes international law, that parts of it built on Palestinian land must be dismantled and that Palestinians whose land was confiscated must be compensated. The court said that the barrier could impede the Palestinians’ right to self-rule. “The Court considers that the construction of the wall and its associate regime creates a ‘fait accompli’ on the ground that could well become permanent, in which case, and notwithstanding the formal characterization by Israel, it would be tantamount to de facto annexation,” the court said. But Israel argues that the fence is a legitimate means of self-defense and that the court had no jurisdiction to rule on what is essentially a political conflict. The court acknowledged that Israel has a right to selfdefense, but ruled that it doesn’t include building parts of the fence beyond the Green Line -the armistice line that served as a boundary between Israel and the West Bank from the 1948 War of Independence to the 1967 Six-Day War--or causing the Palestinians humanitarian hardship. In a statement made last Friday afternoon while the court president was still reading the ruling--the gist of which had been leaked earlier--Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yonatan Peled noted that more than 1,000 Israelis have been killed in more than 20,000 Palestinian terror attacks since the intifada began in September 2000. “No other country would have acted differently in the
Tel Aviv Bombing
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2004
“The More things Change...”
Y.E.S. Volunteers Thanked
Members of the Young Energetic Seniors Steering Committee were recently recognized for their countless hours of volunteer work and dedication to the club: Hilde Gottlieb, Hospitality, left; Charlotte Kaplan, Historian, Kay Ferer, Hospital Report; Ilene Pachman, President; Norm Zevitz, Vice President; Millie Altman, Recording Secretary; Frieda Krizelman, Membership; Gerald Meyer, Treasurer and Reva Oruch, Contributions.
hen Beth Israel sold the synagogue building on 52nd Street, all religious items (laining tables, shtenders, artwork, stained glass windows, etc.) and historical items (memorial plaques, plaques from donated items, pew plaques, etc.) were removed and brought to our new building. Some of these items are being used in the new building. Any items not being used will be available to the families who donated them. You may pick these items at the synagogue on July 19, 20, 21 or 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
W
Items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the synagogue will not be responsible for determining who may take possession of available items. Beth Israel Synagogue 12604 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Phone: 402/556-6288 Fax: 402/556-5759 E-mail: BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
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because I usually bash their favorite shows (ER, Friends, etc). My second column, a monthly DV1 review column, is entitled “H-Def v2.0.” I really like that name, H-Def. I’ve thought about just going by that, the rest of my life, but I’m scared that J-Lo will sue. Oh well. Aside from the above, nothing huge has happened since getting out of school. When I was younger, I had these grandiose thoughts about what I’d do when I got out of school. Come on, when you’re a kid, what thoughts aren’t grandiose? What I really wanted to do was go to film school at NYU and become the next Spielberg. As it stands now, I have two screenplays written. And that’s about it. What I’m probably going to end up doing--not that this is a bad thing--is go back to school in a year and get a teaching degree and teach high school Journalism. But then again, who knows? So, at this point, you’re probably wondering what the purpose of this seemingly purposeless diatribe is. Well, there are two purposes actually (and I promise not to use the word “purpose” again in this piece). First, I wanted to write a piece that says, “Ya know what? After college, life doesn’t always go the way you originally planned. The real world isn’t that much different than the place you were living before. You just pay more bills. It is what you make of it.” And second? Well...anything for mom. See? It really it true what they say: the more things change, the more they stay the same. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, well... I guess I’ll just have to wait...and see.
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by HAL G. SENAL In December, 2003, I graduated with honors (magna cum laude, for those interested) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I received a BS (go figure...) in Journalism. And if you can believe it, the day was, well, just like any other day. In fact, I didn’t even go to my commencement ceremony. Instead, I worked my usual eight-hour Friday shift at Marriott Reservations as a Lead Agent. Pretty unremarkable, huh? This is how I saw it: college was so much different than high school. I didn’t know that many people from my class in college. And, honestly? From what I had heard, the ceremony was, like, a bajillion hours long, so I thought to myself, “Hey! I can earn some extra dinero since I’m finally dipping my feet into the ‘real world’ after today, It’s not like the Dean is going to keep my diploma. I’ll get it in the mail anyway.” So, like I said, just like any other day, I worked. In the last six or so months since graduating, I’ve been hard at work at Marriott as well as writing for a local alternative weekly called--maybe you’ve heard of it-The Omaha Pulp. It’s a satirical paper, sort of like The Onion. We write fake news stories, movie and music reviews. Now, me? I have two columns for the Pulp. One of them--the original, my baby--is called “Hal Definition.” This is a weekly TV column. Think of it as a sort of raunchier version of the “Roush Review” in your TV guide. I’ve gotten into a lot of trouble with my friends,
572-1212
Do you ever wonder where certain expressions come from? Phrases that may sound odd but which refer to something specific. Let me give you some examples. In reading the biography of a well known figure in history, I came across a line which said, “He’s such a conservative figure, it’s hard to picture him as the roué he was in his salad days.” Now how the heck do you suppose that expression came into usage, and also, why? I know the time of life it refers to, but for what obscure reason would it be called salad days? I started to think how many other oddities there are in our language in the form of phrases we use. It was only a few days earlier when I phoned a friend and was told by her husband she was “under the weather”. Of course I knew that meant she wasn’t feeling well, but how did that expression come to indicate illness? Or who was the first one, upon seeing an old friend after a very long time to say “I haven’t seen you for a month of Sundays”. A month of Sundays? What kind of weirdo thought that one up? We know what is meant but does that refer to something sensible or what? Somebody might understand the derivation of that, but not me. Nor do I know what was meant the first time somebody said, “Just cool your heels,” meaning “sit down and wait”. Maybe that referred originally to a runner of some kind, you think? At least it’s possible to relate that to something real,
whether or not it’s the explanation. What do you think would make a person driven to exasperation about a miserable turn of events say, “That’s a fine kettle of fish?” Or describe anger as “mad as a wet hen”? That one might not be too hard to understand, since I imagine if a chicken got wet it probably wouldn’t like it. But I’m only guessing. And if we’re into poultry, how about the description of somebody who always orders others around--somebody who “rules the roost”. I’d think that originally referred to the rooster in a coop full of chickens, but again, I’m just guessing. On the other hand, do you know where that one came from? One of the oldest of this type of expression is that old saying: “he got up on the wrong side of the bed.” That meant the person was in a bad temper or grouchy, but why or what did the wrong side of the bed have to do with anything? These are all old phrases, used so long ago there probably aren’t too many around who could explain them. But what about present day phrases? Do they make any more sense? I don’t know, because none come to mind at the moment and I don’t have any young folks around for help. It doesn’t matter anyway. Those of us who speak English find plenty of ways to express ourselves, whether or not we use oddball phrases. No matter the language, I’d bet such expressions are in usage. I’ve got to go now because it’s very late and I’m so tired I could “sleep for a week.” Let’s get together and “do” lunch, okay? Bert Lewis can be reached at: Bertlewis39@aol.com.
July 16, 2004
Jewish Internet Rumors and Hoaxes PEOPLE
BYTE by MARK MIETKIEWICZ
OF THE
Did you get just get an e-mail about that company that’s decided to boycott Israel? Or did someone message you about what that anti-Semitic actor said? Or did you hear about that politician who trivialized the Holocaust? Actually, those events may never have happened. You may be on the receiving end of an Internet hoax. I regularly get emails warning me not to patronize a certain multinational corporation because it has just adopted some odious policy toward Israel. After a bit of investigating, the rumor usually turns out to be just that. Aside from wasting some time to check out the email, an innocent organization or individual has been maligned. Israel and world Jewry have enough real enemies without adding guiltless names to the list. So this week and next, I’ll tell you where to look to check out whether that accusation really is true--or merely unsubstantiated lashon hara. Of course Internet hoaxes are not solely a Jewish phenomenon. However a disproportionate number of rumors making the circuit do seem to have Jewish or Israeli themes. For example, one repellent e-mail tells of an ad campaign for Nike shoes that shows an apparent suicide bombing in Israel. The text of the ad next to Nike’s trademarked Swoosh reads, “You may not survive the blast. But your shoes will.” The AntiDefamation League has an entire section on its website geared to debunking rumors and calls the e-mail a forgery. Nike says it “was not authorized by Nike and has no affiliation with the company.” [www.adl.org/ Internet_Rumors/] How can you spot a hoax in your email inbox? Urban Legends at About.com’s says there’s no foolproof way to tell but it has a few tips: Look for the telltale phrase, “Forward this to everyone you know!” The more urgent the plea, the more suspect the message. Look for statements like “This is NOT a hoax.” They typically mean the opposite of what they say. Watch for overly emphatic language, as well as frequent use of UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points! [http://urbanlegends. about.com/msubabt.htm] In addition to the ADL and UrbanLegends.about.com, here are some other debunking websites to visit. Search them for the words “Israel” or “Jewish” and you’ll find the rumors they’ve investigated. TruthOrFiction debunks accusation that the Marriott hotel chain classifies portion of Jerusalem as “Occupied Palestinian Area.” Marriott did send out letters with that phrase because of a mailing list it had received and has since corrected the error. [www.truthorfiction.com] Snopes tackles the infamous report that 4,000 Jews stayed home from work at the World Trade Center on 9/11. [www.snopes.com] Hoaxbusters is particularly interesting because it is run by the U.S. government’s Department of Energy. One piece of advice: if in doubt, do not forward that suspect e-mail to friends and colleagues. Most hoaxers want nothing more than to gum up the Internet with worthless messages and warnings. [http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/] For more truth and rumors, take a look at BoycottWatch. [www.boycottwatch.org] Of course not all urban legends are pernicious. Here’s one apocryphal story that actually predates the Internet but has been given new life by the Web. [www.snopes.com/ college/exam/trickanswer.asp] The story goes that a wise but unworldly Harvard professor was known for asking the same question on every final exam: “Who, in chronological order, were the Kings of Israel?” Students counted on the question and were never disappointed. Except for the year when the professor decided to change the question to: “Who were the Major Prophets and who were the Minor Prophets?” The baffled students handed in their papers without even attempting the question. All except for one inspired student who wrote the following: “Far be it from me to distinguish between these revered gentlemen, but it occurred to me that you might like to have a chronological list of the Kings of Israel.” See if you can determine which of the rumors making the rounds are true, which are false and which were once true but are now outdated. 1. Starbucks pulled out of Israel in sympathy with Arab boycotts. 2. BMW omitted Israel from a regional map of the Middle East. 3. The kosher slaughter of animals has been banned
in Holland. 4. Students in Tennessee collected six million paperclips to construct a memorial for victims of the Holocaust. 5. An Israeli satellite successfully photographed the Space Shuttle Columbia as it exploded over Texas. 6. Clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger admitted on the Oprah Winfrey Show that he wishes African-Americans, Hispanics, Jews and Asians would not buy his clothes. 7. On-line bookseller Amazon.com is partnered with the website Intifada.com. 8. In response to Mel Gibson's film, “The Passion of the Christ,” Steven Spielberg is planning to direct a film about the Crusades. 9. The Canadian Government has stripped Canada’s Magen David Adom (CMDA) of its nonprofit status for political reasons. 10. As a teenager, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell learned Yiddish while working at a Jewish-owned store in New York. Answers: 1. False. Starbucks has indeed closed shop in Israel but says that this was strictly a business decision. The Snopes website explains that Starbucks was a latecomer to the already saturated Israeli market and offered little to distinguish themselves. [www.snopes.com/politics/ israel/starbucks.asp] 2. Outdated. The automaker did omit Israel and has apologized. “As a car manufacturer we are not involved in Middle East politics, do not support any of the given political attitudes and did not aim to make any kind of political statement.” [www.adl.org/Internet_Rumors/ default. htm] 3. False. The government of the Netherlands says that it has never banned the ritual slaughter of animals. It is true that under Dutch law, animals must be under anesthesia for slaughter. However exceptions are made for methods used under Jewish or Muslim law. [www.truthorfiction.com/ rumors/k/kosherslaughter.htm] 4. True. The project was carried out in the town of Whitwell which has 425 students none of whom were Jews. It was a way to help teach about the enormity of the Holocaust. However for the sake of accuracy, it should be noted that the students actually collected 28 million paperclips. [www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/s/studentmemorial.htm] 5. False. The rumor is not true nor are the accompanying four photographs ostensibly showing the explosion of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The photographs are actually from the science fiction film Armageddon and depict that shuttle’s calamitous encounter with asteroids. [www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/columbiapix.htm] 6. False. In a detailed denunciation of the rumor on his own website, Hilfiger includes statements of support from Oprah Winfrey, the Anti-Defamation League in addition to his own comment, “I am deeply upset that a malicious and completely false rumor continues to circulate about me. I create my clothing for all different types of people regardless of their race, religious or cultural background.” [www.tommy.com/help/rumor/] 7. Outdated. Amazon.com does run “associates programs” with many websites that link to the online retailer. However, Amazon.com has “suspended” its relationship with Intifada.com and no links remain between the two sites. [www.snopes.com/rumors/ amazons.htm] 8. False. Calling it a “vicious, totally fabricated story,” Spielberg representative Martin Levy said “nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone who knows Mr. Spielberg would know that he is dedicated to doing what he can to rid the world of hatred and intolerance wherever it exists.” [http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/ bl_spielberg_crusades.htm] 9. Outdated. After losing a court case, the CMDA was told it would lose its charitable status. Negotiations with a government agency were successful and CMDA continues to operate as a nonprofit organization. [www.adl.org/ Internet_Rumors/outdated_email.htm] 10. True. Powell’s family “moved to a largely Jewish neighborhood in the Bronx, where Powell picked up some proficiency in Yiddish from his neighbors and through working at Sickser’s baby equipment store in his teenage years.” When Powell was asked about his Yiddish skills at an American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference, he responded, “Well, yes, I do understand a bissel.” [www.snopes.com/glurge/powell.htm] So how did you do? 0-3 Correct: You understand a bissel about hoaxes. 4-6 Correct: Rumor has it you’re learning. 7-8 Correct: You’re almost an urban legend yourself. 9-10 Correct: E-mail Maven! Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.
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New Book Helps Immigrants Learn German--and Some Yiddishkeit by TOBY AXELROD “Rabbi Rosen,” explaining the laws of BERLIN (JTA)--Why not pick up a kashrut to “Michail Kogan.” little Judaism while learning As Germany’s Jewish population has German? tripled to more than 105,000 since 1989 For the first time, a new textbook due to the arrival of Jews from the former for Russian-speaking Jewish immiSoviet Union, it’s about time such a text grants here will offer just that comwas available, Kramer said. bination. “It’s the first such textbook for a lanPluspunkt Deutsch fuer juedische guage course with a focus on religious Einwander er--Extra-Cr edit matters,” Kramer said. “It combines the German for Jewish Immigrants-important task of learning the German will add a twist to the standard lan- On page 58 of Pluspunkt Deutsch fuer language with promoting Jewish basics. Einwanderer--Extra-Credit Language and religion are our major chalguage text by the Berlin-based juedische German for Jewish Immigrants, a photo lenges in terms of integration.” Cornelsen Publishing company. of a Lubavitch rabbi in Germany illus- The project shows that the Central The project is the brainchild of trates a discussion about kashrut. The Council is interested in “the future of small Rabbi Gesa Ederberg, leader of the new textbook for Russian-speaking Jewish congregation in Weiden, a communities,” Gabrielle Brenner, a vice small city in Bavaria, since 2001. It Jewish immigrants to Germany teaches president of the Weiden Jewish communiis supported by the Central Council Judaism and the German language. ty, said. Brenner oversaw the Jewish conCredit: Toby Axelrod/JTA tent, while the adult education college of Jews in Germany and the School for Adult Education in Weiden. oversaw the secular material. Instead of merely introducing newcomers to life in In many ways, the Jewish community of Weiden, popGermany, the book opens with a welcome to the Jewish ulation 42,000, reflects general Jewish trends in Germany. community and includes information about the synagogue At the end of the 1980s, the Jewish congregation had and community center, kosher food and Jewish holidays. only 26 members. By 1994, the first group of RussianEderberg’s text doesn’t favor any one Jewish denomina- speaking Jewish immigrants had arrived. Many were tion, nor does it purport to train rabbis, Stephan Kramer, housed initially in former U.S. Army barracks. Most ended general secretary of the Central Council, said in an inter- up leaving Weiden because of the lack of jobs. view. Rather, the goal is to help speed the integration But the congregation grew and today has 300 members. process and step in before Christian missionary groups An additional 150 non-Jewish relatives have attended varhave a chance to gain a foothold among the immigrants. ious classes. The Central Council, Germany’s Jewish umbrella organIntegration has proved both a challenge and a boon. ization, will purchase part of the initial run of 6,000 books Many new immigrants arrive with little feeling of connecwhen they come out later this year. Each 96-page text will tion to Judaism, but those who do pursue the Jewish concost about $10. nection have enriched the community, Brenner said. In the one chapter made available at a recent press conThe book promises to be a useful tool, she said. In a ference, kosher food and Jewish cuisine are described in recent pilot study of the text with 18 Jewish adults, “they a simple, direct manner. all became involved in the Jewish community,” she said. “According to Jewish regulations of kashrut, one cannot When newcomers show up for help in practical matters, eat milk and meat together,” begins one text, followed by like jobs and language, “it’s the job of the Jewish commuan exercise in which the reader separates meat, dairy and nity to make them feel welcome,” said Ederberg, who was pareve foods in a refrigerator. ordained in Jerusalem in 2002 by the Conservative move“Cholent is a Sabbath meal. It can cook slowly on the ment's Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies. stove,” begins a selection in which students are asked to And, she said, the Jewish community in Germany has pen shopping lists for Bella Nudman and her son, Jakov. an obligation “to offer them-- even if they haven’t asked Though fictitious names are used, one photo in the for it--an encounter with their own Jewish identity, an invichapter is unmistakably that of Rabbi Yehudah Teichtal, a tation to experience Judaism in a way that is personally Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi in Berlin. Here, however, he is relevant.’’
Omaha Celebrates Isaac Bashevis Singer Centenary
THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK Isaac Bashevis Singer was born 100 years ago. Omaha’s celebration of the achievements of the Nobel Prize winner started last month with a klezmer performance by Tuffy’s Klezmorim band accompanied by Beth El’s Cantor Gastón Bogolmoni Singer wrote for all ages. He especially liked to write for children. He had 500 reasons for this which he reduced to 10, headed by Number One: “Children read books, not reviews. They don’t give a hoot about the critics.” Many have read and reread Zlateh the Goat. Singer received the National Book Award and the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Kripke Jewish Federation Library contains at least 27 books by Singer. Singer wrote in Yiddish, a language he thought had a quiet humor and a gratitude for every day of life, every crumb of success, each encounter of love. Several scholarly studies analyze Singer’s work. Those classified under the Dewey Decimal System are appropriately followed on the shelves by books about shtetls. Academic studies include Fear of Fiction (1985) a play on Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying. Then there was The Brothers Singer (1983) a play on The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoievsky. Isaac’s brother, Israel Joseph and his sister were also accomplished writers. Perhaps there is wisdom in language. Leo Rosten wrote about the Joys of Yiddish, another play on titles. Our house has a book, Yiddish Wisdom for Marriage (2002), in a prominent location. As Singer grew older his views of love changed. His obituary reported that Singer observed “the love of the old and the middle-aged is a theme that is recurring more and more in my works of fiction. Literature
has neglected the old and their emotions. The novelists never told us that in love, as in other matters, the young are just beginners and that the art of loving matures with age and experience.” Translation from Yiddish does not always retain the writer’s voice. For example it is hard to conjure up a Texas village; they probably would prefer to be characterized as a small town. Libraries create community by housing books and sponsoring reading groups. Library books published before 1970 contain charge out cards that reveal who read the book. Before computerized library records and the USA Patriot Act you could identify who checked out the book, thus revealing a community of readers. Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, of Beth Israel, read The Family Moskat (1950) in 1969. Rabbi Ralph De Koven, education director at Beth El in the late 1950s, read Gimpel the Fool (1957) in 1958. Rabbi Sidney Brooks of Temple Israel read The Magician of Lublin the year it came out, 1960. Donia Temple merits a gold star for reading all three books. Yiddishist and epigramist Harry Mendelson, and Helene Schwartz, former president of the Mameloshen Society, appear on the charge cards as do many other avid Omaha readers. Singer was critical of Barbra Streisand’s rendition of his story “Yentl the Yeshiva Boy” onto the screen as Yentl (1983). He complained, “I did not find artistic merit, neither in the adaptation nor in the directing.” He wrote in 1984, “There was too much singing, much too much.” Nonetheless the audience at the JCC thoroughly enjoyed Tuffy’s Klezmorin’s musical performance. Check out Singer from the Kripke Library or the Omaha Public Library. OPL Director Rivkah Sass, assisted by Cynthia Vann and Linda Traut, have organized several Singer festivities. For further information contact www.omahapubliclibrary.org. Historian, attorney and writer Oliver Pollak can be reached at: OBPOmni@aol.com
July 16, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Looking for fun? All seniors are welcome on Monday at the JCC with special musical entertainment, The Pat and Pat Show! Lunch will begin at noon at $6 per person. Play bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. in the auditorium; exercise at 10:30 a.m.; discussion group at 11 a.m. Make reservations with Maggie Conti at 334. 6521 for the day trip to WinnaVegas Casino on July 29 (no charge). If you would like to be on the mailing list, please call Maggie. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330.4272. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a “Freylichen Tog”? Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information. VISIONS Visions Summer Picnic is Sunday, July 25, 12:30 p.m., at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Join the festivi-
IN THE NEWS
ties and summer fun with musical entertainment with Robyn Lensch. Cost is $6 per person. Send reservations to Sally Masnek, 1314 No. 113 Ct., #4601, Omaha, NE 68154 by July 19. Join Visions for our first Dinner Cruise on the River City Star on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m., for a buffet dinner, live music and the cruise down the Missouri River. Don’t delay, or you'll miss out! Cost is $28 per person. Send to Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 68144. No accommodations possible after Aug. 12. The Producers comes to Omaha on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005, 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater Cost is $67 per person. We have only a limited number of tickets, so first come, first served. Send reservations with payment to: Jean Elkon, 1005 No. 63 St., Omaha, NE 68132. For information, call Ethel Goldston at 393.7358. Make all checks payable to Visions.
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Father John Schlegel, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, July 21, noon, at Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, July Chairman. Schlegel is President of Creighton University. He will discuss his book, Building Wisdom’s House: A Book of Values for Our Time, co-authored with a rabbi, a priest, a sociologist, and a bishop. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service. Breadbreakers is open to the community. TORAH LEARNING CENTER Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will teach the following classes: on Tuesdays, 7 p.m.--Jewish Philosophy--ongoing discussions on self-growth, and on Wednesdays, noon-”Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy” in the Omaha Room of the Jewish Community Center. New home-study groups and classes and individual study sessions are available. Please call me at 981.0569 for more information.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America, announced that John K. Boyer, partner in the law firm of Fraser Stryker Meusey Olson Boyer & Bloch, PC, was recognized as its “Citizen of the Year” at the 34th annual luncheon. Nearly 450 people attended the Citizen of the Year Luncheon last month. Other recognitions presented were: Achievement of meeting the 2004 “Friends of Scouting” campaign goal of $1.4 million to Sid Dinsdale, president of Pinnacle Bank; Roy Smith, president of Old Mill Toyota, Major Gifts chairman; and 50-Year Scouting Veteran Pin to Lloyd E. Roitstein, Scout Executive/President. Luncheon associate sponsors included Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP, Barnhart Press, Durham Resources, and the Fraser Stryker law firm. Girls and Boys Town is offering a series of Common Sense Parenting classes, starting this month at Girls and Boys Town National Research Hospital, 555 No. 30 St. Among the class offerrings are those for parents of children, ages 6-16; for parents of toddlers and preschoolers; and for parents of ADHD children. For information and the complete schedule, call 402.498.1059.
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In keeping with its theme for the 2004-2005 season, the Lied Center for Performing Arts will explore new Artistic Territory by launching a programming series entitled “Free at 6”, which will include five free public performances at the Lied Center by local artists. The Lied Center is currently taking applications from Lincoln/Lancaster County artists interested in being featured in this new performance series. All disciplines of performance art are being considered for “Free at 6”: musical acts, theater groups, dancers, comedians, and more. Individuals or groups are encouraged to apply. Artists need not be professionals, but are required to have a demonstrated ability as a performer (previous public performances or recordings). “Free at 6” performers will be asked to submit a sample of their performance on audio tape, CD, video tape, or DVD, as well as a current resume and other publicity information along with their application. There will be no live auditions. Interested artists can call the Lied Center at 402.472.4700 for more information or visit the Lied Center’s web site at: www.liedcenter.org to download an application. Applications must be returned to the Lied or postmarked by Friday, July 30, 5 p.m.
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2004
Opinion No Justice from International Court Supporters of Israel didn’t even both holding their collective breath last Friday waiting for the opinion of the International Court of Justice on whether or not Israel’s security fence was “legal.” It was a sham proceeding, with only the Palestinians and their followers whining about the “injustice” and “hardships” cause by the fence. None of their witnesses, however, bothered to admit that the dence would not have been built in the first place if the Palestinians and their cohorts hadn’t been so intent on destroying ISrael and killing its citizens through terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. JINSA, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs sent out a brilliant expose on the real attempt of the Court--to isolate Israel. Tom Neumann, Executive Director of JINSA, pointed out the following cases where other countries had built fences or security barriers for a variety of reasons--and of course, not a single one has been brought to the biased United Nations jurisdiction in The Hague: • The U.S. has one on the Mexican border, keeping out mainly jobseekers, not terrorists; • North and South Korea are divided not only by a fence, but by mine fields; • Turkish Cypress & Greek Cypress have one; • The British built one in the middle of Belfast, Northern Ireland; • The friendly Dutch built one around the harbor area of Hoek van Holland to keep illegal immigrants where the government wants
them; • India and Pakistan have 450 miles of fence. (Maybe it’s a good thing.); • Spain has a barbed wired one, guarded by soldiers, at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which is surrounded by Moroccan territory; • Botswana residents living near Zimbabwe apparently cheered as their government built a 10-foot-high electrified fence on the border. (Maybe we don’t blame them.); • Saudi Arabia, a petitioner to the Court at the Hague, built 60 miles of security fence on the border with Yemen; • Turkey built one on land Syria claims. So now what? The Israeli government announced it will ignore the ruling and keep building the fence. Officials did bow to the ruing of Israel’s Supreme Court, which ordered construction in Jerusalem to deviate from the original plan in order not to impose “undue hardships” on Arab residents there. That makes sense--as do the statistics that have come out of Israel recently: Sunday’s death of the beautiful 19-year-old soldier, Ma’ayan Nayim, was the first death in six months. Attacks are down dramatically, especially from terrorists in the northern West Bank, where many of the terrorists seem to live. The fence is temporary, as Israeli
(Founded in 1920)
officials have repeatedly stated. It will come down when Arafat or Quirea disarm their own terrorists, eliminate the influence of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Al Aksa Brigade, and show Israelis that they are indeed ready to run their own country. Until then, “good fences make good neighbors.”
As Critic of Israel--and Spoiler for Democrats--Nader Irks Jews
AMERICA DECIDES 2004 by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--Jewish communal officials are trying to ensure that Ralph Nader does not play the same role in the 2004 presidential election as he did four years earlier. Nader, the 2000 Green Party candidate who some say took key votes away from Democratic candidate Al Gore in a razor-tight election, again is seeking the White House, this time as an independent. An outspoken opponent of aid to Israel and a constant critic of U.S. policy in the Middle East, Nader for years has been a thorn in the side of many liberal and conservative Jews. While his domestic policy views, which traditionally have focused on consumer rights, align closely with those of most Jewish voters, Jews largely have avoided Nader because of other differences with him and his style. As the Democratic and Republican candidates vie to prove their pro-Israel credentials-long a staple of American presidential races-Nader has chosen to voice views harshly critical of Israel. If he establishes himself as a credible candidate, those views could spark more public discussion of positions associated with diehard critics of the Jewish state, such as those that say Israeli interests dictate U.S. foreign policy, and with the Israeli peace movement, such as opposition to the route of Israel's West Bank security barrier. Some recent controversial comments are giving Jewish communal officials an excuse to criticize Nader. But while there is genuine fury at what Nader is saying, some liberal Jews may also want to discredit Nader to minimize the Jewish vote for him in key states, aiding the presumptive Democratic candidate for president, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, against President Bush.
In an interview last month, Nader told American Conservative magazine that he believed Congress and successive U.S. administrations, beginning with Ronald Reagan’s, have been “puppets to Israeli military police.” In the interview with Pat Buchanan, a critic of Israel, Nader said the United States was ignoring the Israeli and Palestinian peace movements and that Democrats and Republicans defer to the pro-Israel lobby in Washington because of political considerations. Nader often has used the issue of Israel to demonstrate his belief that both major political parties are too similar. Nader has some Jewish backers. Some of his most loyal activists are Jewish, including Alan Morrison, director of the Public Citizen Litigation Group, the legal arm of Nader's consumer advocacy group.
Nader said the United States was ignoring the Israeli and Palestinian peace movements and that Democrats and Republicans defer to the pro-Israel lobby in Washington because of political considerations. Calls to Nader’s campaign seeking comment, and information about Jewish support for his candidacy, were not returned. But Nader's recent comments on Israel prompted rebukes from several Jewish figures. “Nader’s diatribes send the wrong message, because there are too many in the Arab world who use any sign of weakness in the U.S.Israel relationship as a justification for hardening their opposition to the Jewish state,” Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) said. The Anti-Defamation League wrote Nader a letter calling his comments “offensive hyperbole.” “One may disagree with America’s Middle East approach, but to assert that U.S. policy in such a complex and volatile region is the
product of wholesale manipulation by a foreign government fails to take into account important U.S. interests that are involved,” the letter read. “Moreover, the image of the Jewish state as a ‘puppeteer,’ conRalph Nader trolling the powerCredit: Nader for President 2004 ful U.S. Congress, feeds into many age-old stereotypes which have no place in legitimate public discourse.” As a non-profit organization, the ADL does not endorse political candidates, and officials say the group’s rationale for coming out against Nader is not political. Rep. Israel, who is backing Kerry, also said he was not motivated by partisan politics in criticizing Nader’s remarks. “For me, this isn’t about pro-Kerry or anti-Kerry,” he told JTA. “It’s anti-Nader because of Nader’s castigation of U.S.-Israeli relations. I’ll let the chips fall where they may.” But Nader’s comments allowed one group, the National Jewish Democratic Council, to merge politics with support for Israel. The group, which is backing Kerry, is working to highlight Nader’s Middle East rhetoric in a bid to keep Democrats from defecting to Nader’s camp. “The NJDC will be committed to making sure that the American Jewish community knows where he stands on Israel and other issues,” David Harris, the group’s deputy executive director, said of Nader. Certainly, Jews are not the only liberal constituency worried about Nader’s impact on the upcoming election. Concerned that Nader would take votes away from Kerry in key states, the Green Party chose a different candidate for president this year. The party’s nominee, David Cobb, has said he will not campaign in swing states.
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Micahel Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Equal Rights for Arabs Require Equal Responsibilities
OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT Haifa - Because of the needs of this country's national security, most Israeli youth who are physically fit, upon reaching the age of 18 are subject to draft into the military service for a period of three years or more. There are certain exceptions. Women serve for a shorter period. Haredim (ultra-Orthodox) have hitherto been exempt, but a framework has now been established which enables more and more of them to assume part of the military burden. Orthodox women are offered opportunity to fulfill their national obligation by serving in a civilian capacity as teachers, counselors in community centers or other public welfare institutions. Some of the young people are afforded opportunity to defer their service until they have completed academic studies, but must then fulfill their military obligations. Minority groups, such as the Druze and Circassians, usually serve like their Jewish compatriots. The major exception are the Muslim Arabs who, though full Israeli citizens in every other aspect, and who constitute a sizeable proportion of the population, are not subject to compulsory military service. No questions are asked. It is obvious that in any military confrontation, when Israeli soldiers would be called upon to fire at Muslim members of hostile forces, the Israeli Arabs would be faced with a serious personal conflict. Bedouins and Christian Arabs are afforded opportunity to volunteer, however, and the former do so in large numbers. The Bedouins serve with distinction, particularly as trackers and in border units. At one time they were enrolled in special minorities units, but these were abolished in favor of full integration into the Israeli forces. Such volunteers are not accepted in the air force, navy, intelligence and some other exclusive units. No statistics have been kept, but during the term of Rafael Eitan as Chief of Staff (1978-83) he approved the additional enlistment of four or five Arabs a year. The figure may have risen since then. In 1992 the first Arab Muslim volunteer was accepted in uniform. The thousands of young Muslims who are not drafted constitute a national/social problem. At the age of 18 they are free to enter the labor market or to pursue an academic career. By the time their Jewish fellow citizens doff their uniforms and seek to begin civilian careers, the Arabs have already had three years of opportunity to establish themselves. Israel governments, going as far back as David BenGurion, have periodically sought to introduce changes in the law so that Arabs, too, will fulfill their obligations as citizens by giving three years of public service, while their Jewish fellow citizens are protecting the state in uniform. As a result of vigorous opposition from the Arab community, however, no progress has been made in this direction. It will be recalled that four years ago Israel’s Arabs engaged in bloody demonstrations, demanding that they be afforded greater equality in such aspects of the life of the country as the economy, social welfare, education, etc. A committee which was set up to consider their complaints did find that there was need for improvement, and the government has been taking steps to correct the situation. A parallel move to assure that the Arabs also shoulder equal duties and responsibilities has now resulted once again in a recommendation by a government cabinet committee that Arab youth who are exempt from military duty, should invest that time in nationally organized public service in their own communities, thereby helping to raise the standards there. The reaction from the Arab leadership has been almost universally negative. The opposition is based on the grounds that until Israel’s Arabs are assured that they are receiving all the rights and advantages of citizenship, it is unfair to ask them to assume such responsibilities. At the moment, therefore, the matter is frozen. So long as the Arabs remain adamant in their opposition, few in the government are prepared to push ahead with the recommendation of the substitute for military service. Carl Alpert can be reached in Israel at: alpert@techunix.technion.ac.il.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
U.S. Sanctions on Sudan Have Holocaust Precedent
B EHIND THE HEADLINES by DR. RAFAEL MEDOFF Within 24 hours of the Bush administration’s threat to impose sanctions on Sudan, the Sudanese government has announced the outlawing of the Janjaweeb Arab militia and other groups involved in the mass murder of more than one million Christian and other non-Muslim blacks in the southern provinces of that country. This U.S. action has an important parallel to the Roosevelt administration’s belated intervention to stop the mass deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz, sixty years ago this week. And the Hungarian precedent carries an important lesson for responding to today’s crisis in Sudan. As in Sudan, the genocide of Hungary’s Jews took place in full view of the international community. There was no CNN in those days, but other major media reported the situation in detail as the Germans occupied Hungary in March 1944 and Adolf Eichmann began preparations for shipping the country’s Jews to the death camps in neighboring Poland. In April, United Press International reported that 300,000 Hungarian Jews had been rounded up by the Nazis and were being held in detention centers. On May 10, five days before the deportations began, a New York Times dispatch disclosed that the authorities were “now preparing for the annihilation of Hungarian Jews,” and eight days later, the Times reported that the first trainloads of Hungarian Jews were on their way to “murder camps in Poland.” During the earlier phases of the Holocaust, while some five million European Jews were being murdered, the Roosevelt administration refrained from intervening, contending that humanitarian action to aid refugees would distract from the war effort. FDR’s State Department went so far as to deliberately obstruct some rescue opportunities, fearing that saving the Jews would put pressure on the United States to grant them haven. But under intense pressure from Congress and Jewish activists, Roosevelt reluctantly agreed, in January 1944, to establish a War Refugee Board. Thus as the Hungarian catastrophe unfolded, there was one U.S. government agency whose sole purpose was to intervene on behalf of Hitler’s victims. Roosevelt never intended the WRB to be much more than an election-year gesture to avoid an embarrassing public confrontation with refugee advocates. The WRB was given no government funding. Yet with funds contributed by Jewish groups and a small but dedicated staff, it energetically used every means at its disposal to save Jews from Hitler, including financing the life-saving work of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who sheltered Jews in Budapest to keep them from deportation.
Since the Germans were heavily dependent on the collaboration of the Hungarian government to carry out the deportations, the WRB launched a campaign of psychological pressure aimed at the Hungarian authorities. Threats of Allied retribution were repeatedly broadcast via the Office of War Information, published in the European press, and printed up in pamphlets that were dropped over Hungary by Allied planes. The WRB was even able to wrangle a public statement from President Roosevelt, who until then had almost never publicly mentioned the plight of the Jews. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee issued statements warning the Hungarians to stop collaborating, and pressure from the War Refugee Board eventually persuaded Pope Pius XII and the International Red Cross to appeal to Hungarian leader Mikloz Horthy to halt the deportations. There was an additional source of pressure. The Hungarian authorities intercepted messages sent from European Jewish rescue activists to Washington, asking for the bombing of buildings in Budapest used in connection with the deportations and railways leading from Hungary to Auschwitz. Although the Roosevelt administration turned down the bombing suggestions without ever studying their feasibility, the Horthy regime feared such bombings might be in the offing. Besieged by the barrage of U.S. threats, the growing pressure from other world leaders, and the imminence of Allied victory as demonstrated by the D-Day landings, the Horthy regime halted the deportations in early July, just before the deportations from the capital, Budapest, were about to begin. An estimated 440,000 Jews had already been sent to their doom; but more than 200,000, in Budapest, were spared. A drop in the bucket compared to the six million whom the Nazis murdered--but 200,000 more than would have lived if the U.S. had not intervened. Belated U.S. action in 1944 saved some lives. Earlier intervention would have saved many more. In such situations, timing is the difference between life and death. The impact of the initial U.S. intervention in Sudan this week remains to be seen. After all, the Arab death squads that the Sudanese government says it has outlawed were operating with government support. If the banning is just a cosmetic step for p.r. purposes, the Bush administration may need to take further steps, rather than wait for the United Nations Security Council to act, which could take weeks. In Sudan today, as in Hungary 60 years ago, weeks mean lives. Dr. Medoff is director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, which focuses on issues related to America’s response to the Holocaust. Log on to his website at: www.WymanInstitute.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home
July 16, 2004
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Beth El Synagogue. K’tantan Plus (K-2), activities will include exploring the Siddur in an age appropriate fashion, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:50 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SITTER SERVICE During Friday night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SPECIAL PROGRAMS COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance Lessons Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Cheryl Lerner, 334.8430 or cldancer@ aol.com. TUESDAY, July 21: Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group will meet to commemorate the month of Av at 7 p.m., at the home of Phyllis Hoffman, 971 So. 95 St. For reservations, contact Phyllis Hoffman at ezbubbe@cox.net. HONEY FOR THE HOLIDAYS: What better way to wish loved ones a sweet New Year than through a festively-wrapped sixounce bottle of honey accompanied by a special New Year’s greeting? Support Beth El Sisterhood’s annual honey sale! Place your orders by Aug. 6; order forms will be sent in the mid-month mailing and are also available in the synagogue office.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. Led by Dave Willis and Glenn Ledder with Oneg to follow provided by Lon Hollibaugh. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. SATURDAY, July 17: Bob Wolfson, Plain States Regional Director of the ADL will be addressing the congregation at Tifereth Israel at 10:30 a.m. It will will be part of the “No Place for Hate: Nebraska Diversity Campaign.” Services begin at 9:30 a.m. He will begin speaking between 10:30-11 a.m. The rally is at Pioneers Park at noon. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: Beginning Hebrew Prayers, using the book Hineini, at 9 a.m. on July 11, July 25, Aug. 15 and Aug. 29.
BEYT SHALOM
SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat services, 7 p.m., . SATURDAY: Shabbat services, followed by a festive kiddush, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m., followed by Havdalah.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
TIFERETH ISRAEL
FRIDAY: Outdoor Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. The evening begins with a bringyour-own picnic supper, followed by a worship service led by Rabbi Craig Marantz. Bring any sporting equipment you might like to use. An alternative indoor service will be held at Temple at 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE During the months of July and August, sitter service will be available at each Friday evening service. Please make a reserva-
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. TUESDAY: The Ladies’ Lunch Bunch will meet at Lone Star, 70th and “O” Streets, noon. Call Marcia Kushner, 423.5959, if you need a ride or did not receive a call for reservation. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. If you do not receive a call, contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.
FRIDAY: Family Service, 7 p.m.
Shabbat
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
Temple Israel
Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m-noon.
Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her
The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
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to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.
Friday, July 16, 8:37 p.m.
FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by the Sisterhood. Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 8:30 p.m. and Havdalah, 9:44 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 7 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 7 p.m.. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: plaques from the 52nd St. building, along with other objects, may be picked up at the synagogue. Items are first-come, firstserved basis; Beth Israel is not responsible for determining who may take possession of any items. TISHA B’AV Monday, July 26, 8:35 p.m. Mincha; Fast begins at 8:45 p.m., Following Ma’ariv at 9:05 p.m., Eicha (Lamentations) and Kinnos will be recited. Tuesday, July 27: a video will be shown at 7 p.m. , followed by Mincha at 8:51 p.m. and a free dairy dinner (see full article on page 1).
333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
tion through the Temple office.Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. SUMMER SERVICE TIMES Continuing through Aug. 27, all Friday evening services will begin at 6 p.m. in the Livingston Chapel. Saturday morning services remain at 10:30 a.m. NOURISH THE SOUL NOURISH THE BODY Part I of a two-part Shabbat series Friday, July 23 at 6 p.m. Acclaimed author of Kaddish, Nuclear War Nuclear Peace and Against Identity, Leon Wieseltier will speak at Temple Israel in October. His lecture is sponsored by the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at UNL. To prepare us for this distinguished visitor, Cantor Wendy Shermet will explore Wieseltier’s life and ideas in the first of two sermons.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC
UNMC to Participate in Clinical Trial for West Nile Virus Medication by TOM O’CONNOR UNMC Center Public Affairs Department The University of Nebraska Medical Center is one of 62 sites nationwide and in Canada that is enrolling patients in a clinical trial, supported by the National Institutes of Health, to test a new treatment for West Nile Virus. Alison Freifeld, M.D., an infectious diseases physician at UNMC
who specializes in treating infections in patients who have received organ transplants or who have cancer, is hopeful that the medication being tested, OmrIgG-amTM, will provide a better treatment for those affected with West Nile Virus. The NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is supporting the clinical trial.
A Centennial Birthday in Lincoln by PINKIE HANSEN Bernice Diamond Katskee will celebrate her 100th birthday tomorrow, July 18. She was born in McCook, Nebraska, to Rae Lillian and David Diamond and was one of six children. All were University of Nebraska graduates. She was a teacher in Julian, NE, and later became a social worker who licensed day care centers across the state.
In 1926 she married Edwin Katskee and they had two children: Alan Katskee of Los Angeles, CA, and Gail Wishnow of Lincoln. Though her husband has since died, today, Katskee has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Both she and her sister, Ruth Levinson, 93, reside at Eastmont Towers in Lincoln. Cards may be sent to her there at: 6315 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510.
“UNMC is excited to be a participant in this study. Right now, no therapy has been proven to be effective for West Nile Virus infections,” said Dr. Freifeld, Alison Freifeld, M.D. the principal investigator for the grant at UNMC. “We’re hopeful that this medication will make a positive impact in the treatment of severe West Nile.” Only those patients who might suffer from the most severe complications from West Nile Virus, or who already have those complications such as encephalitis or myelitis (paralysis), will be admitted to the clinical trial. “It is important for people to understand that if they do enter this clinical trial, there is a 60 percent chance that they will receive Omr-IgG-amTM and a 40 percent chance they will receive a place-
bo or other agent,” Dr. Freifeld said. “It is extremely important to do this type of randomization in order to know whether or not the new drug is really better and safer than other similar drugs, or no drug at all.” In 2003, 1,942 cases of West Nile Virus were reported in Nebraska, second only to Colorado’s 2,947 cases. The deaths of 29 Nebraskans were attributed to the disease. The reported case numbers do not account for all people infected with the disease, Dr. Freifeld said. She explained that 80% of those people who are infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms of the disease and never know that they have it. Twenty percent of those infected acquire West Nile fever, a flu-like illness that can last several days. People interested in enrolling a patient in the study should contact Kimberly Bargenquast, research nurse coordinator at UNMC, at 402.559.8650 or kbargenquast@unmc.edu.
July 16, 2004
Hey...Where Are We Going?
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MAXIMO SHECHET Parashiyot Mattot/Mase A journey of people just freed from bondage and who are in route to their promised land is depicted in our current Torah readings of Matos and Masei. The parsha distinctively enumerates the various travels and stops, 42 complicated and tiresome ones in all. These journeys were endured by the Israelites on their way to a small parcel of land, housed in the Earth’s great expanse named Canaan. The Israelites are in pursuit of a long awaited and almost forgotten dream of physical freedom and personal happiness. Their dream also included the inalienable right and quest to worship and serve their eternal deity, G-d, the one chosen by our patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. With the above in mind and heeding a rabbinical explication, “that the Torah does not waste an extra Tag” (a decorative crown-like flourish which appears on top of a letter in the Torah’s scripture format), the following questions surface: A. Why doesn’t the Torah just say, “And the Jews left Egypt and eventually came to Canaan”? B. Why does the Torah use a plural wording of, “these are the journeys”, etc?
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Be a role model;
The Baal Shem Tov, in his teachings of the Kabbala, says that the Torah’s enumeration of the travels found in this parsha are a precursor of a future happening, “That he who understands the meaning of the journeys will know the particular ‘journey’ of his present state as well as all that still lies before him, i.e., how many and which journeys he still needs to travel until the coming of Moshiach (Messiah). The Lubavitcher Rebbe in one of his talks eloquently compliments the Baal Shem Tov’s interpretation by stating, “All these journeys are in order of ascents. “These are the journeys of the children of Israel leaving the land of Egypt--Mitzrayim.” The word Mitzraim shares the same root as restriction or limitation, in the Hebrew language. As any traveler well knows, the hardships, limitations and restrictions encountered during a transit stage but will help us focus on the fruitful outcome which is to be gained at the finish line. We must therefore press on, regardless of past achievements in the continual process of progress and ascension in reaching the Valley of Jericho and enjoy the freedom of Moshiach Tzidkeinu (The Righteous Redeemer). And, at this time as we depart from the Book of Numbers and Rabbi and Rebetzin Howard Kutner and their family embark on their new journey, may the ancient proclamation of Chazakr Chazak! Yenischazeik! (Be strong; be strong! And may we be strengthened) be with them and us forever. A Gutten Shabbes.
Remembering Theodor Herzl Prime Minister Ariel Sharon places a wreath on the grave of Theodor Herzl at Har Herzl in Jerusalem to honor the 100th anniversary of death of the Zionist leader. The founder of Zionism died July 3, 1904, which corresponds to the 20th of Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar. Credit: ISRANET
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DEATHS MARA LEVIT Mara Levit died at the age of 79. Services were held July 13 at Temple Israel Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Petr Ginzburg; sons and daughters-in-law, Ark and Larisa Ginzburg and Mike Ginsburg and Larisa Treskunova; four grandsons; sister and brother-in-law, Lina Levit and Mike Zevakin. DAVID BEN-YAACOV David Ben-Yaacov died July 13 at the age of 36. Services were held July 15 at Beth El Cemetery. He is survived by his parents, Gideon and Miriam Ben Yaacov, and brother, Saul. Memorials to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Memorial Gifts, 386 Park Ave. S., 17th floor, New York, NY, 10016-8804.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Survivors shall be listed, including names of surviving spouse, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren and their places of residence; the numbers (but not names) of great-grandchildren, as well as the name of the spouse or children who preceded the deceased in death. In cases where confusion might arise due to people of the same name either being the deceased or a survivor, maiden names or middle initials shall be added, if known. Nieces and nephews shall be listed when there are no surviving children or grandchildren. Friends of the deceased (companions or life partners) shall be listed. Other pertinent biographical information (including honors or the serving as an officer in a Jewish organization) may be included at the Editor’s discretion. Memorial suggestions are acceptable to any bona fide, charitable organization; addresses will be included to out-of-state non-profit organizations, if provided.
Jewish Genetic Testing Completes First Half of Project
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Forty-nine of the 50 test subjects scheduled did participate in last Sunday’s Jewish Genetic Testing Program, according to Jean Duitch, founder of the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing. Seven staff members from the Boys Town National Research Hospital were on hand to brief each group of participates, draw and collect blood samples and answer questions. “We’re so grateful to the Research Hospital for the participants in this important project,” Duitch said, “as well as to the cooperation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha for their support.” Participants came from as far away as Kansas City, Lincoln and Des Moines to be tested, above left. Above right: Dr. Edward Cohen, left, who is leading this study, was assisted by Larry Hasslinger, whose wife M’Lee has several family members who have died from Familial Dysonatomia. A second testing date is set for Sept. 1, at the JCC; those wishing to be added to the waiting list should call Duitch at 393.1141.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2004
NJHS 24th Street Exhibit Featured at Sunday’s Annual Meeting by RENEE CORCORAN Executive Director Nebraska Jewish Historical Society The annual meeting of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will feature a movable display of “Remembering North 24th Street” with exhibits of this era in the JCC gallery. The meeting is this Sunday, July 18, 2 p.m., in the auditorium of the J e w i s h Community Center. The Historical Society will also be introducing its newest exhibit to the community, “Heroine of the Holocaust”, funded by the generosity of Joan and M a u r e y Above: this case is part of the “Heroine of Udes. the Holocaust” exhibit to be unveiled Following Sunday. the regular business portion of the meeting, including election of officers and new board members, special tribute will be paid to Kevee Kirshenbaum and Doris and Nate Shukert. This event is open to the public and will be followed by a desert reception. For moe information, call the NJHS office at: 334.6442.
Ten Years after AMIA Bombing, Groups Come Together in Memory by FLORENCIA ARBISER its focus. Less than a week before the ceremony, DAIA BUENOS AIRES (JTA)--At 9:53 a.m. this July 18, a leaders also had not chosen a speaker. loud siren will sound in front of 633 Pasteur St., where “No matter who talks, he’ll express the will for truth, the AMIA Jewish community center is located. justice and unity that DAIA feels,” said Jorge The siren will mark the moment 10 years ago on a Kirszenbaum, the DAIA Vice president. Monday morning when a bomb went off, killing 85 Many Jews are concerned that DAIA officials--aside people in the most devastating terrorist attack in mod- from Lei--are still linked to the organization’s former ern Latin American history. Hundreds of Argentines are president, Ruben Barrage. Barrage has been criticized expected to be standing on Pasteur and in nearby by local Jews because of his ties to former Argentine streets to commemorate the anniversary of the tragedy. President Carlos Menem and the former investigative The DAIA political umbrella group, together with judge on the AMIA case, Juan Jose Galea. AMIA and Familiaris de Las Victims--the biggest group Menem has been implicated in media reports of hinof victims’ relatives--jointly organized the commemora- dering the AMIA investigation because of his ties to tion ceremony in Buenos Aires. The next day, DAIA’s Iran, which is believed to have been behind the 1994 president, Gilbert Lei, will be in New York to take part attack. When many Argentine Jews were furious about in a commemoration there of the AMIA attack. the slow pace of the investigation into the AMIA bombThe American Jewish Committee, ing, Barrage refused to which recently gave an award to criticize the authorities. Argentine President Nestor Barrage currently is in Kirchner for his friendliness to prison for developments Jews and Jewish interests, is sendrelated to a bank banking a delegation to Buenos Aires to ruptcy. take part in the local ceremony. Kirchner said he’ll Because of infighting in the comattend the July 18 community, Familiaris at first opposed memoration at the AMIA co-sponsoring the demonstration center, and the day will with local Jewish leaders. be declared a national “We finally decided not to show day of mourning. The our differences to the world on president attended last such a day. We’re privileged to A man pauses in front of a wall of names before the year’s commemoration a honor the victims,” Sergio start of a memorial marking the ninth anniversary of few weeks after taking Bernstein, a prominent member of the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, July 18, 2003. office, and he has been Familiaris, told JTA. praised for his commitment to investigating the attack. Barely a week before the commemoration, Familiaris Two other organizations of victims’ relatives, still hadn’t chosen a speaker. “We need to make sure Memorial Active and Anemia, are not taking part in the we have someone that won’t break down,” Bernstein main celebration. Memorial Active, which for years has said. The Familiaris speech will come after speeches by been harshly critical of the investigation, is holding a representatives of AMIA and DAIA. AMIA President ceremony the night beforehand in front of the city’s Abraham Kabul said he will speak on the 10-year inves- central courthouse and will then hold an overnight tigation of the attack, focusing on how the case has lost demonstration with the group Youth in Guard.
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