Vol. LXXXII
No. 47
Omaha, NE
25 Tamuz, 5763
July 25, 2003
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 82 YEARS
Jewish Press Wins Three Rockowers at Annual AJPA Convention by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor A record number of awards has brought recognition to the Jewish Press this past year. At the annual convention of the American Jewish Newspaper Association (AJPA) late last month, this paper picked up three more awards, adding to the three awards won at the Nebraska Press Association (NPA) meeting in the spring. It is the highest number of awards garnered by the Press in a single year, since its founding in 1920. Two second place awards were given: one in Excellence in Editorial Writing for a three-part editorial series last January on “The Costs of Being Jewish”; and another for Excellence in Special Sections or Supplements for the Sept. 6, 2002, New Year’s issue: “A Salute to the 100th Anniversary of the Jewish Federation.” In addition, an Honorable Mention was also awarded for the July 12, 2002, Healthy Living issue’s front page story, “Friends for Life”, which featured the powerful story of Cheryl Cooper’s donation of one of her kidneys to her best friend, Ann Goldstein. “I’ve been associated with the Jewish Press, either as a writer, coordinator for the TeenAge page or member of the Press Committee for more than 10
years,” said Joanie Jacobson, Chairman of the Jewish Press Committee, “I couldn’t be more excited to be serving as chairman of this award-winning newspaper because, it’s a fact, the Press just gets better and better. “While it’s only human to take certain things for granted now and then, it’s good to remind ourselves that the Jewish Press shouldn’t be one of them,” Jacobson added. “It’s the one and only connection we have to e a c h other-s y n a g o g u e news; Federation and other organizational news; regional, national and international news from a Jewish perspective; Jewish special events and life cycle events, and, of course, good news, like winning awards.” Interestingly, the three awards given by the NPA were for different features and issues. In the 2002 Better Newspaper Contest, the Jewish Press won a third place award for Leo Adam Biga’s story about Swedish diplomat Carl Lutz, “A Rescuer’s Story”; a third place for the monthly full-page feature TeenAge in the Youth in Community category, and second place for Special Edition or Insert for its Passover issue: “Jews in Sports: Omaha Hosts the 2002 Maccabi Games.” (Continued on page 2)
Nebraska Attorney General Makes Israeli Prime Minister a “Husker” by JOAN K. MARCUS
Release of Diary Entries Harms Jews’ Fondness for Truman’s Show by PETER EPHROSS NEW YORK (JTA)--All children must come to grips with the news that their parents aren’t infallible. For many American Jews, something similar may be happening following the recent revelations that President T r u m a n made antiSemitic comments in his diaries, discovered last week at the President Truman in November, T r u m a n 1945. Photo courtesy of the Harry S. Library in Truman Library his home state of Missouri. “I think we’re all upset to hear it because it’s so much easier to hold the view of him as the great defender” of Jews and of Israel, said Deborah Dwork, Director of the Strassler Family Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University in Worcester, MA. “It was comforting to hold that view, and now that view is challenged.” Before the diary comments were released, Truman was best known in Jewish circles for making the United States the first country to recognize Israel after the Jewish state was declared in 1948-and for passing refugee acts that allowed many Jews languishing in displaced persons camps to immigrate to the United States. But the diary entries reveal another side to the buck-stops-here Truman, who succeeded Franklin Roosevelt as president in 1945 and served in the White House until 1952. “The Jews, I find, are very, very selfish. They care not how many Estonians, Latvians, Finns, Poles, Yugoslavs or Greeks get murdered or mistreated as” displaced persons, “as long as the Jews get special treatment,” Truman wrote in 1947. “I know anti-Semitism when I see it. And that’s anti-Semitism,” said Deborah Lipstadt, the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Emory University in Atlanta. Such comments were not out of character for Truman. In 1946, he reportedly asked his Cabinet, “If Jesus Christ couldn’t satisfy the Jews while on earth, how the hell am I supposed to?” said Warren Bass, author of Support Any Friend: Kennedy’s Middle East and the Making of the U.S.-Israel Alliance. Truman was not a particularly dedicated Zionist, Bass said. But he was “someone who was committed to alleviating the plight of refugees.” And that he did: The 1948 and 1950 Displaced Persons Acts allowed 200,000 additional European refugees, more than 80,000 of them Jews, to enter the United States. (Continued on page 8)
INSIDE: Beth El Introduces ‘New Service’ ........ page 3 Monthly Calendar ............................. pages 6-7 Jon Bruning, State Attorney General for Nebraska, was in Israel last month as part of a mission funded by the American-Israel Friendship League and the Association of States’ Attorneys General. When the group met with Ariel Sharon, Bruning made the Israeli Prime Minister an honorary Husker with a gift of an official University of Nebraska Cornhuskers hat and t-shirt. Complete story on page 9.
Bruning Visits Israel .............................. page 9 Red Cross/Magen David Adom Issue Simmers .................................................. page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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SPARKS FROM THE WORD Anticipating Deuteronomy by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashyyiot Mattot/Masei With these two Sidrot we bring the book of B’Midbar to its close. And when we have said that, in one sense we have brought the Torah to its close. I say that because the Book of Deuteronomy which follows is largely, first, a repetition of the Law (as the name Deuteronomy means), and second, a series of passionate addresses by Moses. He was eager to impress upon his fellow Israelites, who were about to cross the Jordan into Canaan and change it into the Land of Israel, that their future lay in loyalty to their God and the way of life He had laid out for them. It was a way of life of lofty moral values, attained in a rich and variegated set of rituals, with the moral values held stoutly in mind and heart and body. This was the foundation layer upon which rabbinic centuries erected the structure which we know as Judaism. Our two Sidrot include praise for Phineas who had reacted with sudden violence, unrestrained, at the sight of gross immorality, the war against the Midianites, and the beginning of settlement in the Land. Two-and-a-half tribes settled east of the Jordan in the northern plateau known as Gilead. The rest (including the fighting men of the two-and-a-half tribes) invaded Canaan itself, invaded successfully. The Land was divided among the tribes by lot, giving attention to the need for larger areas for greater populations. Although the text gives detailed accounts of the march from Mount Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land, we cannot identify the stopping places nor map the line of march. In Canaan, the Israelites were to destroy the places and appurtenances of Canaanite worship, which included revolting rituals such as child sacrifice. Provision is made for modest living areas for the Levites, who were to own no land, and for cities of refuge for anyone who had killed his fellow in a regrettable accident. Moreover, the Land is described by its boundaries, from the Mediterranean to the Jordan, and from an area in what is now southern Lebanon to the great River Euphrates, south to the Negev and the road to Egypt. The details in these Sidrot give us pause if we are enticed to believe, with some, that all of this is a fictional approach to ancient Israel and its settlement in Canaan. It is true that we cannot identify the route of the Exodus nor even the fact of an Exodus itself. But Israelites didn’t arise in a vacuum, and the historicity of King David and the inept kings who followed in Israel and Judah is not doubted, at least in its broad outlines. The bible scholar knows that the events of biblical history fit in well with the history and social environment of the Middle East. We may not know everything about our ancestors, but what we need to know, essentially, is that they left us a Torah. It is not without problems that we cannot pierce with full understanding. But we glory in the moral heights which are our heritage. Note, at this point, that our religious calendar involves itself with Tisha B’Av. The current Haftarot include passages of warning and reproach before the great day of mourning, and then Haftarot of consolation and comfort following it. Now, in conclusion, we remind ourselves again that the two Sidrot before us close the book of B’Midbar. We say Hazak and anticipate the moving experience of the last Book of Torah.
Women of Rosh Hodesh Group to Explore ‘Destruction’ by DIANE AXLER BAUM The Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group of Beth El Synagogue will share an evening of friendship and spirituality on Tuesday, July 29, at the home of Eadie Tsabari, 2515 So. 100 St. Rhonda Saferstein is co-hosting the session. A half-hour of socializing and refreshments will begin at 7 p.m. so the meeting can start at 7:30 sharp. Participants will explore the “concepts of destruction” within a framework of the Jewish observance of Tisha B’av. Tisha B’av falls on the ninth of Av, this year corresponding to Aug. 7-8. All Beth El women are invited to the Rosh Hodesh Group. To make reservations or obtain directions, please call Kathy Schmitt at the synagogue, 4928550; Rhonda, at 333-3565; or Eadie, 390-0192.
DEATHS IRVIN GENDLER Former Omahan Irv Gendler died July 19 in Seattle, WA, just a month short of his 76th birthday. Memorial services were held July 23 at Temple de Hirsch-Sinai in Seattle. He was preceded in death by his brother, H. Lee Gendler. A graduate of Yale University, Gendler served in the U.S. Coast Guard, eventually becoming the navigator of the cutter ‘Tamaroa’, the ship that later was featured in the movie The Perfect Storm. He moved to Seattle in 1997, but remained active in the family real estate business in Omaha. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Natalie Kaplan Gendler; daughter J. Ruth Gendler; daughter and son-in-law, Beth Gendler and Rob Zisette; grandchildren, Emily, Rachel, and Sam Zisette; sister and brother in law, Goldie and Don Silverman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Daniel and Renee Kaplan; and sister-in-law, Carol Gendler. Memorials to First Place, an Educational Program for Children in Transition, PO Box 22536, Seattle, WA 98122-0536, or charity of choice. HARRY ABRAHAMS Harry Abrahams died July 13 at the age of 83. Services were held July 15 at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Lincoln with full military rites. Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum officiated. A U.S. Army veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, Abrahams was a retired salesman for the Lincoln Poultry Company. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, David; son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Teresa; daughter, Sindee of California; and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Rose Abrahams of Omaha. Memorials to charity of choice.
@@@@@@@@ Jewish Press (continued from page 1) “Carol Katzman leads the way,” Jacobson continued. “She’s an extremely intelligent, responsible and focused editor with great vision, energy, passion and unquestioned commitment to the welfare of the Jewish community-at-large. “Allan Handleman and Ray Pred, our very capable and effective sales staff, continue to keep the Press operating ‘in the black’, while Richard Busse brings years of experience and expertise to the job of Creative Director, enhancing our format and improving our day-to-day operation. “Our bookkeeper Tim Ketelsen keeps a close eye on our finances and financial record-keeping,” she added, “and for the last five years, the many talents of Jen Gates, Production Assistant and current editor of TeenAge, complete our team.” These are not the first awards won by the Jewish Press. The paper was noted and recognized under the editorship of Morris Maline, as well as under previous editors before him. “The point is this,” Jacobson insisted. “The Jewish Press is a great little newspaper, not to be taken for granted. How would you feel if it didn’t show up in your mail next Friday? Or the following Friday? You’d miss it! (Believe me, the phone rings off the hook on Monday from ‘people without a Press’!)” Besides constantly looking for ways to serve its readers through new features and stories, updated graphic design and editorial commentary, the Press staff and Committee are working on three major projects this year: updating the media kit used by Press salesman for their advertising clients, creating a “crisis plan” to insure the publication of the Press in case of a major catastrophe or long absence of a key employee, and starting an endowment with the Foundation of the Jewish Federation for future funding for Press operations. “It’s a thrill for me to congratulate the Jewish Press staff on receiving these well-deserved awards,” Jacobson concluded. “The Press remains a valuable connection and source of pride for all of use living in this Jewish community...where life is good...very good.”
July 25, 2003
SYNAGOGUES
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Candlelighting Friday, July 25 .............................................. 8:30 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
1502 No. 52 St., Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net
14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB--www.bethel-omaha.org
FRIDAY: Men’s Club, 11:45 a.m. All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation; Shabbat Evening Service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz will officiate and give the D’var Torah. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center; Morning service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE During the months of July and August, available for the 5:30 p.m. Shabbat Services. There will be no sitter service Saturday mornings. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. West Minyan, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Leon and Dani Shrago. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Jane Cohen, Toba Cohen-Dunning & Eric Dunning in honor of Eleanor Hadassah’s 18-monthbirthday. Mincha, 8:20 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma’ariv; Havdalah, 9:35 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., except where noted below. TORAH TOUR TUESDAY: Yeshiva University’s Torah Tour kicks off tonight with a lecture, 8 p.m. followed by Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Torah Tour breakfast following morning minyan. Individual learning times, 8:3011:30 a.m. Men’s Lunch and Learn, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum, Noddle Development; Women’s Lunch and Learn, noon at the home of Sandy Kohll. Israel Night Picnic at the JCC, 6 p.m.; Mincha, 7 p.m., followed by learning sessions for adults and NCSYers. Ma’ariv, 8 p.m. THURSDAY: Torah Tour breakfast following morning minyan. Individual learning times, 8:3011:30 a.m. Lunch and Learn, noon at the JCC. Italian Dinner at Beth Israel, 6 p.m.; Mincha, 7 p.m., followed by a lecture and Ma’ariv. Friday, Aug. 1: Torah Tour breakfast following morning minyan. Individual learning times, 8:3011:30 a.m. Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. followed by a festive Shabbos dinner. Saturday, Aug. 2: Morning service, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; kiddush lunch following services, followed by learning sessions for men, women and NCSYers. Pirkei Avot class, 7:45 p.m., Mincha, 8:15 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot, Ma’ariv and Havdalah. Make reservations for meals with the synagogue office.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. FRIDAY: A musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services at 9:30 a.m. The D’var Torah will be given by Andrew Greenberg. Beth El will host the Kiddush. Evening services at 8:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION Sunday, July 27: Sunday Morning Adult Learners, 11 a.m. in the Library. MEN’S CLUB & HAZAK Men’s Club and HAZAK are meeting for a ball game at Rosenblatt, Sunday, July 27. Before the game, lunch at Beth El, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Reservations, call Natalie Rubin, 334-5893.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday: Men’s Group at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, call Yale Gotsdiner at 423-7066, or the office.
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 NEW e-mail: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg will follow.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement
1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.nebraskajudaism.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday: Services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Services at 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services at 8:30 a.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org Rabbi Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9-5 weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 6 p.m., with Rabbi Debbie Stiel. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, 7 p.m. in the Library or Social Hall. THURSDAY: Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes. All services are held in the Herbert Goldsten Chapel and are open to the community.
An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
3012 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68139
P.O. Box 390352 402-592-4082
FRIDAY and SATURDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
Beth El Plans Exciting Approaches to Shabbat
SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244
by DIANE AXLER BAUM
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
Beth El has made plans for exciting approaches to Shabbat observance and celebration for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8 and 9. The full Shabbat experience is aimed at offering connection, passion and spirituality to all members of the congregation. For starters, members are invited to dine, dance and daven on Friday evening. At 6 p.m. they will gather for a dynamic session of Israeli dancing followed by hors d’oeuvres of humus, pita and veggies. At 6:45 p.m., they will enter the chapel for a lively, participatory service in which they will welcome Shabbat with prayer, music and song. The next morning, two parallel Shabbat services will take place. The regular service will be conducted, as usual, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. At 10 a.m., in the chapel, a more participatory morning service will feature intense energy, singing, and spirituality. There will be no sermon during the service in the chapel. Instead, “we will engage in animated discussion to explore the timelessness of the Torah,” said Rabbi Mordechai Levin. Future plans, he noted, call for parallel services one Shabbat morn-
ing a month. Beth El’s decision to conduct parallel services once a month grew from the enthusiastic response to the participatory, music-based Friday night services which Rabbi Levin instituted almost a year ago, with the help of Cantor Emil Berkovits and then ritual director Gaston Bogolmoni. Since then, Bogolmoni has assumed the role of cantor. Beth El’s new emphasis on Shabbat alternatives represents the philosophy of Rabbi Levin and the tireless efforts of the Long-Range Planning Committee, co-chaired by Gloria Kaslow and Larry Raful. Working together, they are bringing to reality at Beth El the trends of options and choice which, according to Levin, “have become deeply rooted in contemporary religion and culture in America.” In recent years, the rabbi added, many congregations have started to offer parallel services with different characteristics. Beth El’s plans for Aug. 8 and 9 are aimed at providing members of the congregation a full range of Shabbat observance, including celebration, joy, song, meditation, peace, and rest.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
MEMORIALS The unveiling of the gravestone for Sarah Lewis will be Sunday, July 27, 1 p.m. at Beth El Cemetery, 84th and L.
The unveiling of the gravestone for Sam Eveloff will be conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner on Sunday, July 27, 1 p.m. at Bikur Cholim Cemetery in Council Bluffs.
Donations for Mitzvah Project For my Mitzvah Project in preparation for my Sept. 6 Bar Mitzvah, I am collecting canned food for the Omaha Food Bank. If you would like to donate any non-perishable foods, you may put them in the box in front of the Youth Lounge at the JCC. If you need assistance, call me at 330-4861, and we can arrange a date and time to collect the food from your home. Thank you. Zach Spooner
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25, 2003
EDITORIAL Election Time Already? Two reporters from the London Times showed up at the Jewish Press office last Thursday. That’s London, as in England. Go figure. Assigned to follow Joe Lieberman’s presidential campaign, the two reporters wanted a comment on his candidacy, looking, we suppose, for either a vote of confidence from the Jewish community or candidate-bashing--either of which apparently has news value. The truth is, however, this newspaper doesn’t comment on any particular candidate or political party. Our readers know that because we’ve repeated it in every Election Preview issue prior to the primaries or general election. And we’ll keep doing it. Though the Press receives very little funding from the Jewish Federation of Omaha (only $6740 for this current fiscal year--down from $28,650 in 1996), the Federation does still “own” the paper. Since the JFO is a non-profit organization (so its contributors can take a tax deduction for their donations), taking a stand on a candidate-or political party--could jeopardize its tax status. Most Jewish organizations
and synagogues are aware of this and are careful to invite all candidates running for a particular office. Whether the candidates show up or not is not important (except to the voters), but a charitable organization cannot show favoritism for one over another. It’s true, we have profiled Lieberman in this paper, however, his candidacy was newsworthy--as the first ever Jewish Vice-presidential candidate (with former Vice-president Al Gore in the 2000 race) and today, as a presidential candidate. We’ve also, however, featured stories about other candidates with “Jewish” links. And, we regularly interview current elected officials, like Nebraska State Attorney General Jon Bruning (see page 9), who have visited Israel or are involved with an issue of concern to the Jewish community. If the London reporters were looking for something juicy, we’re sorry to disappoint them. Individuals--even those who work for the Federation--are free to vote any way they like and make public statements about who they support and who they don’t. The Press, however, can’t and won’t.
LETTER FROM ISRAEL by HARRY ALLEN “Summer time, and the living is easy,” so goes the melody from Gershwin’s epic musical, Porgy and Bess. How goes “easy living” in the Jewish state this summertime? A short answer is that it’s a bit easier these days than it was in the wintertime. For one thing, summer is travel time for Israelis. Some 700,000 are expected to take trips out of the country this summer. Tours to places like Cyprus, Turkey, Italy, England, and now Ireland, with the inauguration of Arkia Airline charters to Dublin, are fueling the exodus. Travel to America has become somewhat problematic with new U.S. visa regulations. The immigration service has become rather paranoid about visas and Israelis must now have a personal interview, submit a myriad number of forms, show what their Israeli incomes are, among other nonsensical requirements. Denying visas is now a whimsical act of very low level beaurocrats in the consulate. It’s a nightmare. Fortunately for us, we have American passports so we do not need a visa to enter the U.S. However, we understand that people carrying American passports issued in Jerusalem receive a rougher going-over when entering the country than those citizens with passports issued in America. Such is the fear fueled by 9/11. But ordinary Israelis are not the only ones on the hustings. The Prime Minister is off to Norway where one of the ultra-leftist parties wants him
FOCUS ON ISSUES arrested for “war crimes”. Another silliness. The foreign minister was in Italy to see the Prime Minister of that country. Israel did not view Belasconi’s remarks about a German parliament member sufficiently grave to consign him to harem. President Katsav was in one of the former Soviet republics and will participate with officials and others at Kishinev in a memorial service on the 100th anniversary of the Kishinev pogrom--an event which gave much impetus to the Zionist movement. With everyone in the government off on junkets one wonders who is minding the store. But not only Israeli officialdom is flying the friendly skies. President Bush was in Africa and spoke in South Africa despite the snub by Nelson Mandella and the South African president over Iraq. Colin Powell is surely somewhere on the planet other than Washington and no one is sure where Dick Cheney is. He hasn’t been seen since he was holed up after the fall of the WTC, (except in Omaha!). The only official, it seems, who is not going somewhere is Yasser Arafat. Israel offered to let him go to Gaza but he preferred to stay where he is--in what is left of his headquarters in Ramallah. Some of the suicide bombers are still traveling, but much less so than in the past and more tourists are coming here--though far from what we need. So enjoy the summer, travel to Israel--there is plenty of room at the inn this year.
Case Closed by HOWARD KOHR, Executive Director, AIPAC For more than three decades, Israel has been hounded by slanderous claims that its attack during the Six Day War on a U.S. spy ship was perpetrated with the full knowledge that it was American. In fact, the assault was the tragic result of misidentifying the vessel as an Egyptian warship. The case is now closed. The definitive proof that the Israelis indeed believed they were attacking an Egyptian ship has finally come to light. The National Security Agency (NSA) released transcripts last week of intercepted conversations between two Israeli Air Force pilots flying above the damaged ship. Their words, and a recording of orders from superiors at a nearby air base to search for survivors from the “Egyptian warship,” confirm the case of mistaken identity. To unbiased observers, the claim that Israel knowingly shelled an American ship never made sense. Why would Israel knowingly attack a vessel belonging to its closest ally? Weird motivations were ascribed to Israel for acting so irrationally: One theory had the Israelis attempt to sink the ship to prevent Washington from learning that they were about to invade the Golan; yet Israel’s preparations for the attack were open. The other theory claimed the Israelis tried to cover up a massacre of Egyptian war prisoners in Sinai; yet no such
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massacre took place. Thousands of books, articles and websites have propagated the libel, causing untold damage to Israel’s reputation. The authors of these stories seized upon the confusion that led to the Israeli action, similar to the confusion spawning “friendly fire” incidents in all wars to stitch together elaborate conspiracy theories of Israeli premeditation. In one such book, James Bamford actually claimed that the tapes held by the NSA proved that the Israeli pilots knew they were attacking an American ship. Had the conspiracy theorists been motivated by a quest for the truth rather than by hatred of Israel, they would have conceded their error upon last year’s publication of The Liberty Incident: The 1967 Israeli Attack on the U.S. Navy Spy Ship, by Florida federal judge and former U.S. naval aviator A. Jay Cristol. The book, based on 14 years of meticulous research, painstakingly reconstructs the chain of errors that led to the tragic incident, and describes the numerous U.S. and Israeli investigations that cleared Israel of the charge of premeditation. Will the NSA’s newly released conclusive evidence stop the conspiracy theorists? Probably not. But from now on, fair-minded Americans will no longer have the slightest reason to take them seriously.
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; Steve Simon; Melanie Weinstein; and George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
July 25, 2003
has to be good on Israel,” said Buttenwieser, who is Jewish. “But all of these candidates are good on Israel.” The nine Democratic presidential hopefuls, as well as President Bush, each released fund-raising details for the second quarter of this year on July 15. Dean raised the most money among Democrats in the last quarter, $7.5 million, thanks largely to small donations raised over the Internet. But Bush raised more than all nine Democrats combined, garnering more than $34 million. Lieberman’s campaign, which raised $5.1 million in the last quarter, the second highest, announced a shake-up in its fund-raising staff, reportedly because of the campaign’s poor showing in the first quarter and differences of opinion over how to move forward. Under new campaign finance laws, donors can give up to $2,000 to a single candidate, and up to $37,500 total for candidates for president, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Campaign fund-raisers say several factors have led to an increase in the “double dipping” phenomenon, especially in the Jewish community. One of the most significant is the candidate roster: Many veteran political donors have long relationships with several of the lawmakers vying for the Democratic nomination, and have heard appeals from multiple candidates. “To me, political fundraising is all about relationships,” said Lonnie Kaplan, a former president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee who is on Lieberman’s finance committee. “When I ask my friends for help, I am guessing that other people have asked them for help as well.” Many candidates are seeking support from the same regions: Both Lieberman and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) are vying for Jewish support in Massachusetts, and Lieberman is seeking to take Jewish support from Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL) in Graham’s home state. One donor who spoke on condition of anonymity said he was invited by good friends to Dean and Lieberman fundraisers in New York, and gave to both candidates. Campaign officials say they don’t ask donors whether they are supporting other candidates, but they hear about multiple support anecdotally.
Despite the obvious competition, however, fund-raisers for several campaigns-including those of Kerry, Dean and Lieberman--say they are doing very well in the Jewish community. One Jewish donor said she had expected to support Lieberman, but gave a donation to Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-MO) when he made a personal plea for support. “He called me early in the game, when he had just presented his healthcare proposal,” said the contributor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. When Lieberman called several months later, the contributor said she gave, but not as much as Lieberman wanted. Lieberman’s candidacy has made the choice for Jewish donors more difficult. Many longtime donors have solid relationships with the former vice presidential candidate, and support the idea of a Jewish candidate. Yet Lieberman’s positions on domestic policy--his support of faith-based initiatives and school vouchers--are out of step with those of many liberal Jewish donors. Lieberman’s camp says the Jewish community comprises a large part of his fund-raising base. Other campaigns say Lieberman fund-raisers have been “playing the Jewish card,” appealing to the shared heritage of the donors and asking donors to preserve the viability of a Jewish candidate. “A lot of them felt an obligation to give some amount to Lieberman,” one political fund-raiser said. The Lieberman campaign denies that it is using the candidate’s religion as a fund-raising tool. “The pitch has never been one of entitlement,” a source close to the Lieberman campaign said. “If anyone expected the American Jewish community to flop behind the Jewish guy, it’s ridiculous.” Spokesman Jano Cabrera said the Lieberman campaign is asking for the support of the Jewish community and other communities as well.“It’s always easy for anonymous sources to make wild accusations,” he said. “We are pleased with our Jewish support, but we recognize we can do better.” Sources close to the campaign acknowledge that they face trepidation on the part of some older Jews-mostly born before World War II-- who
are concerned that having a Jewish president might spark anti-Semitism. But that sentiment is counterbalanced by a sense of pride and energy among younger Jews, the campaign says. Complicating the fund-raising efforts of several candidates is the strong support in the Jewish community for President Bush’s actions against terrorism and on behalf of Israel. Kaplan, the Lieberman fund-raiser, said raising money for Democratic contenders among pro-Israel Jews has been tougher than normal. “There’s a segment of the community that would be a natural for Joe that is either sitting and watching right now or supporting the president,” he said. Steve Grossman, National Co-chair of Dean’s campaign and another former AIPAC president, said Dean has had to look for Jewish donors that do not place Israel at the top of their agenda, because so many of them are pleased with Bush’s stance on terrorism and disappointed with Dean’s criticism of the U.S. war in Iraq. Grossman said Dean has done better in the Jewish community lately as many Jewish leaders get to know him and he receives positive media attention, as well as support from several significant players in the American Jewish community. Alan Solomant, an active fund-raiser for Kerry, said he believes there is still plenty of Jewish money for Democratic contenders, because so many in the Jewish community are disappointed with Bush’s domestic and economic policies. “I haven’t had a single phone call from a single donor in which they have turned me down because they are enamored with the president,” said Solomant, a former DNC finance chair. “The Jewish community is very unhappy, and I don’t think I have experienced a time with such alienation for a sitting president from this group.” Matthew Brooks, the Executive Director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, rejected this assessment and said that the financial support for the president proves the point. “The amount of money the president is receiving in the Jewish community from old supporters, a large number of Democrats and people who haven’t supported him before is eye opening.”
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With Presidential Race So Crowded, Jewish Donors Pulled Different Ways
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor and 2004 presidential hopeful, recently spent the night at the Philadelphia home of Peter Buttenwieser. That’s surprising, considering that Buttenwieser has given $2,000 to the presidential campaign of Sen. John Edwards (D-NC)--and to Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT). A retired educator and fund-raiser for Democratic Senate candidates, Buttenwieser says he has given political contributions to six major Democratic contenders for the White House this year, including $2,000 to Dean. Personal relationships fostered over the years with the candidates and their supporters have led him to spread his wealth among the candidates and refrain from endorsing any one person, Buttenwieser said. “It’s a little hard when someone says, ‘Will you be with me?’” Buttenwieser said. “But I honestly feel that with this group of people, all of them are good people.” He’s not alone. Faced with a plethora of candidates and a complex set of political issues, many Jewish Democratic political contributors have chosen to support more than one candidate in the 2004 presidential primaries. While it’s impossible to know exactly how much of each candidate’s war chest comes from Jews, Jewish donors traditionally have been active political givers to Democratic candidates. Fund-raisers in the Jewish community for several Democratic candidates report that some donors are offering small donations but are reluctant to give the maximum $2,000 individual donation to a single candidate, while others are giving the maximum to two or more candidates. Among the famous names giving large amounts to multiple candidates are entertainment magnate Haim Saban and Daniel Abraham, founder of the Slim Fast Foods Company and an activist for Middle East peace. Donors say that they support the policy positions of more than one Democrat hopeful, and have formed relationships with people on different campaigns over the years, creating a sense of obligation to several candidates. “A litmus test for me is a candidate
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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25, 2003
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Visions’ Group Has ‘Laugh a Minute’ Trip by HOWARD SILBER for Visions It has been suggested that laughter is therapeutic. If so, 27 members of Visions returned recently from Minneapolis in good health as well as good humor. While in Minnesota the 27 Omahans, members of the organization of Jewish seniors, enjoyed the hilarity of Meshuggah Nuns, a sequel to the hit comedy Nunsense. Meshuggah Nuns lived up to its name and more. The Visionnaires were treated to two hours-plus of mostly Jewish-themed songs and staged antics at the Chanhassan Dinner Theater in suburban Minneapolis. When it was over, the Omahans responded by giving the five-member cast a standing ovation. The musical comedy was a highlight of the threeday excursion, which also included ample time for shopping at the Mall of America. The travelers spent two nights at the five-star Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. The trip was one of numerous year-around activities planned and conducted by Visions for Jewish seniors residing in the Omaha area. Visions, which welcomes participation by individuals or married couples 60 to 80 years old, is sponsored by Jewish Senior Services. For more information, contact JSS Older Adult Program Director, Maggie Conti, at 334-6521.
IN THE NEWS Former Omahan Cory Tichauer graduated from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR. He earned a doctorate in naturopathic medicine last month. The son of Carl and Gayle Tichauer, former Omahans who now live in Peoria, AZ, Dr. Tichauer plans to practice family medicine in the Northwest. He is the grandson of Helena Tichauer and Lillian Lerman and the late Walter Tichauer and George Lerman. Albertson’s supermarket has recently opened a kosher bakery at its 120th and Center Street store, according to the Va’ad HaKashrut. Rabbi Howard Kutner, Rav Hamachshir of the Va’ad, said that Albertson’s kosher bakery is a “great asset for the Omaha Jewish community. Albertson’s has been incredibly cooperative and dedicated to making this kosher bakery a reality.” For more information about the Va’ad Hakashrut of Omaha, please contact the Jewish Federation at 334-8200.
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(Continued from page 1) Indeed, Abraham Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, remembers passengers on a ship of fellow displaced persons collecting money to send a cable of thanks to Truman for opening up U.S. shores to them after the war. The entries show “how Truman reacted to being pressured. He would often express anger and exasperation when he was under pressure,” said Mitchell Bard, author of The Water’s Edge and Beyond: Defining the Limits to Domestic Influence on United States Middle East Policy. Right before the United Nations voted to partition Palestine in 1947, Truman received 35,000 letters from Jews supporting the plan, which eventually led to the State of Israel. Truman reportedly said, “If the Jews would just keep quiet, everything will be all right,” Bard said. But Truman still committed the United States to vote for the partition plan, and even named a proIsrael envoy, James McDonald, as the first U.S. ambassador to Israel. “What’s more important is the substantive decisions that he made. He really is the person who in many ways was responsible for the creation of Israel,” Bard said. But there’s little doubt that even his supporters will cringe at some of the diary statements. “The Jews have no sense of proportion,” Truman wrote after former Treasury Secretary Robert Morgenthau called to lobby him to intervene for 4,500 Jewish refugees aboard the Exodus ship, which had been seized by British soldiers as they were seeking entry into Palestine. “Nor do they have any judgment on world affairs.” Many Jews today might wish that Truman, known for his no-nonsense style, had held his tongue a little more. “Wouldn’t it have been great to remember Harry
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Truman as the man who helped” create the State of Israel and alleviate the plight of Jewish refugees, Dwork asked. But the reality is different: Truman, a Missouri haberdasher before he entered politics, both imbibed and embodied the anti-Semitism of many Americans at the time. “He was certainly anti-Semitic, he certainly had racist views of all kinds of people--and at the same time, had both personally friendly and commercial relationships with Jews,” Dwork said. As the diaries also show, Truman didn’t single Jews out. “Put an underdog on top it makes no difference whether his name is Russian, Jewish, Negro, Management, Labor, Mormon, Baptist he goes haywire. I’ve found very, very few who remember their past condition when prosperity comes,” he wrote. But the equal-opportunity criticism in such comments failed to mollify Foxman. “To compare us to those who were killing us makes it a bit worse,” he said. Truman is not the only former U.S. president whose reputation has suffered from anti-Semitism in recent years. President Nixon made disparaging comments about Jews while he was in office. In 1996, declassified White House tapes indicated that Nixon urged his aides to go after Jewish Democrats and at least one Jewish Republican campaign official, according to a story in the Jewish Bulletin of Northern California. After Watergate, however, Nixon was never held in the same public esteem as Truman--who now appears to have slipped a few steps off his pedestal. “Here was another hero who crumbled,” Foxman said. Truman is still a friend, “but a blemished friend.”
July 25, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Nebraska Attorney General Visits Israel by JOAN K. MARCUS Attorney General of Nebraska Jon Bruning traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, members of parliament and other top government and justice officials during a week-long trip. The American-Israel Friendship League and the National Association of Attorneys General sponsored the trip that included attorneys general from Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and Utah. Before leaving on June 28, Bruning said, “I am grateful for the chance to meet with Israeli officials and look forward to addressing many topics of interest for Nebraska and the United States!” At age 37, Bruning is the youngest attorney general in Nebraska’s history and the youngest in the United States. He was twice elected to the Nebraska Legislature from the Gretna area as a state senator-once in 1996 and again in 2000. He is a fifth generation Nebraskan who was born in Lincoln. He attended the University of Nebraska College of Law and received his J.D. with distinction in 1994. While an undergraduate at UNL, he was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 2001, he was elected by his legislative colleagues to chair the Retirement Systems Committee, one of only 14 standing committees in the Unicameral. He became known as a senator who has a no-nonsense, zero tolerance approach to violence and crime. As attorney general, he carries the reputation as an aggressive, effective leader in the fight against crime. He focuses on an agenda that includes tougher penalties for violent offenders and increased prosecution for the manufacturing and trafficking of drugs. Shortly after Bruning was elected in 2002, a trip that had been cancelled because of the political situation in Israel, was rescheduled, he explained during the interview with the Jewish Press. “Obviously things were still in a condition where people still could have decided not to go,” Bruning admitted. “However, even though I was slightly nervous, I trusted Israeli security.” He assumed the group would be surrounded. “I’ve been on these types of trips before where we had (obvious) security around us constantly. In Israel, we didn’t have it and we didn’t need it!” In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, he always felt safe. He went into the old city on a daily basis and took walks by himself. “Like any other big city, I’m sure that there are places that you don’t go,” he acknowledged. “Certainly, during this trip, our hosts encouraged us not to go to Bethlehem because they were not able to
control the situation there. themselves. “One of the things I am most pleased about is my “Since my trip, I’m so much more pro-Israel and ability to learn more about Judaism,” he admitted. “I have an unbelievable respect for the Israeli governhave plenty of Jewish friends. However, in ment and what they’re giving up,” he said. “(Israeli Nebraska, there are very few ultra-Orthodox Jews, a Prime Minister) Sharon is extremely courageous to small segment of modern let some of these Palestinian Orthodox--but most people pracprisoners (murderers) go tice Reform and Conservative free. Many people inside his Judaism. It was very interesting own government are arguing to participate in a Shabbat dinstrenuously that he shouldn’t ner and go to the Wall on do it.” Shabbat.” The Attorney General He described the beginning of admits he expected to see solShabbat and his experience diers on every street corner singing and praying while in in Israel. Instead, there just Israel, adding “I’ve had dinner were soldiers at the with Jewish friends on Friday entrances to the major cities Nebraska Attorney General night, but it was nothing like and security personnel at Jon Bruning having it there.” hotels and restaurants. At In addition to spending time in Tel Aviv and least the obvious security personnel could be seen. Jerusalem, he visited the Golan Heights and the “If you have a bag, they look through it but they West Bank. He also visited the Dead Sea, Galilee, don’t look very hard if you’re a woman over 40, a the West Bank and the Syrian Border. man over 60 or if you don’t fit the profile of a terrorThe group also met with Reuven Merhav, former ist. They didn’t bother me very much because I Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs looked like an American tourist with a camera and a board member of the Council for Peace and around my neck. And, I have a light complexion and Security. The group also visited Yad Vashem no beard.” Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Memorial of the Holocaust and Israelis do a lot of “profiling” which has become a participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the dirty word in The United States. “When you look at Remembrance Hall. Before leaving, they had dinner the terrorists of 911, they were all Saudi, Yemeni or with Professor Moshe Arens, Former Defense Arabs,” Bruning insisted. Minister and Ambassador of Israel to the United He now has a deeper respect for the struggles of States. the Jews over the centuries. “Because of my trip and Attorney General Bruning explained that he “was my opportunity to talk with people who have been in a supporter of Israel before this trip” but “this expe- the middle of that struggle for the last 30 years, we rience really strengthened my support. were able to meet people who have been central to “One of the things that is interesting to me is the the struggles and spent their whole adult lives way Americans view Osama Bin Laden,” he added. struggling for a better Israel. It is the only state in “There aren’t too many of us who feel badly about us the Middle East that truly has freedom--of speech-actively trying to kill him because he is a direct of religion--of the press. threat to our soil. That’s the same way Hamas (and “As a Christian, I could go over there and openly its leaders) are viewed by the Israelis. Hamas is a practice my religion. These Palestinians have more terrorist organization trying to kill Israelis, who are freedom in Israel than they will have in any other just trying to defend themselves--I never quite saw Palestinian state. Israel offers its citizens a situation the parallel before.” that is similar to what we have available in the When he watches CNN (which he now believes to United States,” he added. be very biased) he realizes that it is trying to cater to “If the purpose of the trip was to solidify my supthe bigger audience. Or, in other words, he believes port of Israel--it was accomplished. It is an oasis of that CNN is trying to cater to 200 million Arabs as freedom in the Middle East.” opposed to 10 million Jews. Before he left, Bruning presented Sharon with a “The news is very slanted. Even what we see here Husker football t-shirt and hat. Sharon, stocky as a makes it seem like the Israelis are the aggressors linebacker, thanked him and replied, “Perhaps you and they’re not,” he insisted. “They’re only defending want someone like me to play football for this team!”
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Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25, 2003
Jews Protest Planned Pro-Palestinian Conference at Rutgers by JOANNE PALMER, New Jersey Jewish Standard TEANECK, NJ--Posted on www.njsolidarity.org: “Any organizations that believe divestment from Israeli apartheid is a necessary and worthwhile strategy, that stand for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, the right of return for Palestinian refugees to their homes and homeland, and full equality under law and the abolition of Israeli apartheid; and that reject racism and all forms of oppression are welcome to be part of the organizing process for the Third Conference!” That’s the Website of New Jersey Solidarity, which plans to host the National Student Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement on Rutgers University’s New Brunswick campus in October. About 600 Jewish students from Bergen County are enrolled at Rutgers, according to Andrew Getraer, Executive Director of Hillel there. New Jersey Solidarity, “is located in New Brunswick, but it’s not strictly speaking a student organization,” said Getraer. “Last March, they founded a student organization, and I’m guessing they have about 15 members. It’s not a large student effort.” Its leader, Charlotte Kates, a Rutger’s graduate, is now a student at its law school in Newark.
The group may not be large, but is active. “They’ve done a number of different Palestinian events over the past two years,” Getraer said. “They haven’t had any success in their larger agenda, having the university divest from Israel, but they’re very good at creating an atmosphere of intimidation.” They are also extreme. Charlotte Kates was quoted in the New York Post, in response to a question about whether Israel has a right to exist, as saying, “Israel is an apartheid colonial settler state. I do not believe apartheid colonial settler states have a right to exist.” When asked if she supports homicide bombers, she said, “I personally support Palestinian resistance in all its forms, from armed struggle to mass protest.” “The university is in all likelihood compelled under the first amendment to allow the conference to occur,” said Shai Goldstein, New Jersey regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. His group is asking “that the university condemn any anti-Semitic or anti-Zionist statements made by any group on campus as a manifestation of racism and bigotry. Rutgers must disassociate itself from the rhetoric and indicate they’re allowing the conference only because they feel compelled by the First Amendment.”
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ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Paul Landow will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, July 30, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, July CoChairman. Landow is Chief of Staff to Mayor Fahey. Cost is $9 for lunch; $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum will give his weekly parasha shiur tomorrow afternoon, July 26, 6:30 p.m. Time for Talmud is Monday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. The Beit Midrash meets on Tuesday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. The Wednesday Women’s Class is July 30, 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. Join OCTL for the weekly discussion of Torah Topics at Lunch ’n Learn, Wednesday, July 30, noon, at the Kripke Library. Save the date: on Thursday, Aug. 7, OCTL will present a special two-video series, including the renowned documentary, Relentless, to commemorate Tisha B’Av. For information about OCTL, call Rabbi Aryeh Blum at 320-8055. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, the JCC Dance Ensemble will perform. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to Bluff ’s Run Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want a place to brush up on your Yiddish? Join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m. at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638. VISIONS Join us for the Summer Picnic at Chalco Hills on Sunday, Aug. 17, 12:30-4 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Main course and drinks provided. Please bring a side dish to share. Enjoy Musical of the Rat Pack with Michael Walker following lunch. Send reservations to: Betty Sanford; 9205 Western Ave., #127, Omaha, NE 68114. Deadline is Aug. 8. Broadway in Omaha presents Mamma Mia! at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m. The cost is $58 per person. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting take of love, laughter and friendship. Send reservations to: Jean Elkon at 1005 No. 63 St., Omaha, NE 68132. For information, call Ethel Goldston at 3937358. Deadline is Aug. 1. Visions presents a Jewish theme cruise “Catskills in the Caribbean” aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines “Enchantment of the Seas”, Jan. 5-10, 2004. Cruise only price of $689 (double occupancy) and $1125 (single occupancy) for inside cabin and more for outside cabin or balcony. For information call Betty Sanford at 399-2001. NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY The NJHS has set the date for its annual meeting. On Sunday, Aug. 24, 3-5 p.m., NJHS will install its new officers and present an oral history documentary. The event will be held in the JCC Theater, followed by a dessert reception in the JCC Gallery. The program is open to the entire community.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Dining
Page 11
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LETTER FROM Y.E.S. by ILENE PACHMAN I picked up the Young Energetic Seniors’ roster last Monday. When I got home and sat down to check it out, I realized there are so many members I don’t know! You pay your dues and we thank you, but would like to put faces to the names. Our programs are wonderful. I’d like the opportunity to sit with you during lunch and hear your suggestions. The weather’s been great--not like last winter when it was freezing and we stayed home. If you don’t drive, call Dee for transportation at 330-4272. Our van drivers, Gary and Dale, will treat you like you’re riding in a limo! Maggie has some great plans for next month, so join us! Bye for now.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Strategic Air & Space Museum has opened an exhibit from the long-running, popular television series, M.A.S.H. Featuring the props from the show, as well as medical artifacts actually used during the Korean War, 1950-53, the exhibit is on loan from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. On July 26, 2 p.m., author Pat Appel, who wrote, MASH, an Army Surgeon in Korea, will be on hand to speak about his father’s experience as the chief surgeon of the 8076th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The SAC Museum is located at Exit 426, off I-80, just 125 minutes from both West Omaha and East Lincoln. The exhibits runs through Oct. 26. Appel will also sign books at the Bookworm in
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necessarily words I use every day, but I know them and could if I wanted to! As I said, I’ve been doing these for a very long time. I have certain favorite puzzles, but of course getting my hands on a New York Times Sunday puzzle means I can look forward to many hours of brain exercise. And, if I don’t happen to have a book going at the time, it’s a welcome challenge. Alright, fine. We’ve established that doing such puzzles is a good idea and I’ve told you I’ve been doing them forever. That just leaves me with one question. How come I forget a word every once in a while? Or, why is it, when I drop my keys in my purse, I never seem to remember in which compartment they’re hiding? I don’t know--maybe all those puzzles just filled time and didn’t make my memory foolproof. Hmmm. I’ll have to think about that one. In the meantime, I have to go now, because I just remembered something: I forgot to take out the section with the puzzle when I threw out the sunday paper. Oh. One other thing. While at the zoo recently, I actually saw a two-toed sloth. And all this time I thought it was just something that lived in my crossword puzzles! Live and learn and think! It’s good for you.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25, 2003
Red Cross/Magen David Adom Issue Simmers, Even as U.S. Releases Funds by LISA SCHERZER NEW YORK (JTA)--The decision to release $11 million in U.S. aid to the Red Cross is putting the spotlight on ongoing tensions between the international organization and Israel’s emergency relief agency. In announcing the decision last week, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Magen David Adom is “not being denied participation in the activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement”--despite the fact that Magen David Adom has been barred from full membership because it uses the Star of David emblem. U.S. Jewish leaders reacted with dismay to Powell’s announcement. “We will be satisfied when Israel is a full member,” Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said. “We shouldn’t give up our leverage until Israel is admitted.” The Red Cross’ official reason for barring the Star of David is that allowing Israel’s national symbol might encourage other countries to press for the inclusion of their emblems. But the exclusion generally is attributed to intense lobbying against Israel by Muslim and Arab members of the International Red Cross. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.), a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ International Relations Committee, also expressed disappointment at Powell’s decision. “The United States should stand by the Israeli humanitarian organization
to ensure Williamson, this injustice a spokesperdoes not go son for the unresolved,” ICRC. he said. “The In 2000, a best leverage solution to Congress has the Star of over the” David dilemInternationma appeared al Committo be close at tee of the h a n d , Red Cross “is Williamson not to release said. The An Israeli accident victim is resuscitated by any money to ICRC spearMagen David Adom paramedics. Photo by TNT pay for the headed the ICRC headquarters.” effort to create a new emblem in the The release of funds appears to be shape of a diamond that could be used the State Department’s way to praise in wartime by any nation within the the Red Cross for its efforts to reach a Red Cross movement. But efforts to compromise with Magen David Adom. resolve the impasse were stymied with State Department spokesman Richard the start of the Palestinian intifada in Boucher said in a statement that Powell’s September 2000. move allows the government to make a “We hope the new climate in the contribution to ICRC headquarters. Middle East could provide us with a Even though Magen David Adom window of opportunity to raise the has not achieved full membership, he issue again,” Williamson said, referadded, it long has participated in the ring to the “road map” peace plan. movement’s activities, and the United “We’re committed to pursuing this.” States “continues to strongly support Last month, Magen David Adom and the efforts that will lead to full mem- the ICRC signed their first cooperation bership of the Magen David Adom.” agreement, which included support for With Powell’s decision, the United the Israeli agency’s activities in emerStates is free to contribute about $11 gency medical service, disaster managemillion to the budget of the ICRC head- ment and tracing of missing persons. quarters in Geneva. The United States The emblem dispute apparently was has an option each year to withhold the a critical factor in the 2001 resignafunds if the secretary of state determines tion of Bernadine Healy, former presithat progress is not being made in inte- dent of the American Red Cross. grating Magen David Adom into the Red Healy angered her board when she Cross movement, said Amanda decided to withhold American Red
Cross dues from the ICRC to protest the group’s refusal to give the Magen David Adom full membership. The American Red Cross has been withholding $20 million in administrative payments to the Red Cross movement for the last four years as a way to put pressure on the ICRC and the federation to include Magen David Adom as a full member, said Devorah Goldburg, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross. Powell’s decision doesn’t affect the American Red Cross position. Martin Raffel, Associate Executive Director of Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said he was concerned that some people might misconstrue Powell’s move as a sign that the Israeli agency had been given full membership. “Looking at the way the law is written, it is true that MDA is involved in activities of the” Red Cross movement, Raffel said, “but it really does not address the ultimate goal of formal recognition.” Indeed, some say the move should not deflect attention from the fact that Magen David Adom--and, therefore, Israel--suffers from discrimination. “We hope the funds sent by the State Department don’t mean they will not press forward. We urge them to press forward even more so to accept the MDA,” said Kenneth Jacobson, Associate National Director of the AntiDefamation League. “This shouldn’t be taken as a sign of any major change in the Red Cross’ attitude toward Israel. The big obstacle is the refusal to treat Israel as any other country.”
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