Vol. LXXXIV No. 16 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
12 Tevet, 5765 December 24, 2004
Cutbacks Hit Israeli Poor Hard
Joe Kirshenbaum Elected to UJC National Leadership Post by PAM MONSKY efit from his experience and Federation Communications balanced input.” Director As for Alperson’s appointJoe Kirshenbaum, lifement to the JDC Board, he long Jewish community had this to say, “JDC perleader and philanthropist, forms some of the most was elected to the Board of heroic and badly needed Trustees of United Jewish work in the world for Jews Communities, the national who cannot fully help themumbrella organization for selves. I’m excited about 183 North American Jewish having the opportunity to Federations, including the work such a great organizaJewish Federation of tion.” Joe Kirshenbaum Omaha. Kirshenbaum was Federation Executive elected to a two-year term and holds one Director Jan Goldstein is also slated to of only thirteen seats allotted to interme- fill an influential national position when diate-sized Federations. she becomes the Chair for the “I’m very pleased to have been elected Intermediate sized Federation Executive to the UJC Board of Trustees and I look Director’s group in November 2005. forward to working with the other Made up of the top executives of 58 Intermediate Federations,” said Federations in the United States, Kirshenbaum of his new post. Goldstein will be responsible for bringKirshenbaum is the second Omaha ing the concerns of the Intermediate Jewish community member to hold a Federations to UJC’s executive leaderposition on the UJC Board of Trustees. ship. Joel Alperson was named to the nation“The Jewish Federation of Omaha now al Board in 1998, one of many influential has the opportunity for our voices to be national positions he’s held. In fact, due heard through our consolidated efforts to his broad leadership experience, of speaking together on both the profesAlperson was recently invited to join the sional and lay level. We are all greatly national board of the Jewish Joint invested in our UJC national system, and Distribution Committee (JDC), one of I am proud of the history and accomUJC’s overseas partners. plishments of our Omaha Jewish comAlperson said that in appointing munity. Kirshenbaum to the Board of Trustees, “The exceptional leadership of Joel UJC and the entire Federation system Alperson and now Joe Kirshenbaum will benefit from his vision and guid- proves that Omaha has much to conance. “I’m happy that Joe will be repre- tribute in terms of vision and commitsenting the Omaha Federation on UJC’s ment to our Jewish world,” said Board of Trustees. I know they will ben- Goldstein.
by DINA KRAFT ment on her apartment, located in a ASHDOD, Israel (JTA)--Gabriella block of run-down concrete buildings in Friedlander recently stopped paying her an impoverished Ashdod neighborhood, mortgage. is out of the question. “It was either paying the mortgage or Meanwhile, Friedlander, who immihaving electricity, water and gas,” said grated to Israel from Argentina in 1997, the 38-year-old single mother, her hands is sinking into debt. clasped tightly together on a small croAccording to Israeli government stanchet-covered table in her dimly lit apart- dards, Friedlander is floating just above ment. the poverty line of $640 a month for a Friedlander, who works part time as a household of two individuals. care-giving assistant for the elderly, is The number of poor in Israel rose by among the swelling ranks of Israel’s working poor. She works five hours a day, six days a week, for a monthly salary of $451. Government assistance brings her income each month up to about $700, but she still struggles to make ends meet. Massive government cutbacks in social spending over the past year have hit the working poor especially hard. Homeless single mother of six, Rina Bachar, stands near her Friedlander now receives shack outside the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, Dec. 13. about $225 less in aid Bachar who is employed by The School for Tourism in Tel Aviv, than she did before the does not earn enough to rent an apartment and lives with her cutbacks. three youngest children in a one-room shack which is slated to “It’s killing us,” she be destroyed in the near future. Bachar and other homeless said. people have set up camp near the Ministry to draw attention to Her reduced income Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA their plight. means she can no longer afford physical therapy for her 11-year- 7.4 percent in 2003 to 1.42 million peoold son who suffers from a rare connec- ple, according to the National Insurance tive tissue disorder. It also means that Institute 2003 poverty report. making the $383 monthly mortgage pay- Continued on page 12
Making Confrontation Cool ‘101’
Manhigim participants: Marty Nachman, left, Sean Bernstein, Lindsay Belmont and
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
Shayna Kurland make their class presentation to the 15 other Omaha participants.
by SHARON BRODKEY Communications & Community Development for the Anti-Defamation League The 19 Omaha area high school students who were accepted into the ADL’s first Manhigim youth leadership training program were challenged by a series of exercises that required them to develop constructive ways to confront antiSemitism. Their November session was facilitated by visiting educator Nina Sundell, Director of the Holocaust Awareness Institute at the University of Denver and former Assistant Director of Education in the ADL Mountain States regional office. “We know from research that there is a strong correlation between positive Jewish identity and our willingness to confront and respond to anti-Semitic incidents,” explained Manhigim Program Director, Jordana Glazer. The Manhigim Institute is designed to strengthen Jewish high school students’ knowledge and provide them with tools to feel more secure and less isolated when faced with difficult situations. “The Manhigim program comes from the Hebrew word for leaders,” Glazer continued. “The ADL is a leading organization in anti-bias training and human
This Week: Results of Genetic Testing: Page 3 Temple Families Learn Together at Family School: Page 2
Review of the Movies for 2004: Page 5
relations skills. For the Manhigim Institute we have taken a successful, proven program curriculum and made it relevant to our high school-age children to cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders. “Our goal,” she added, “is to guide these students in developing the confidence and skills they need in school and social situations now, when they go to college and beyond.” The eight-month Manhigim program provides a safe environment for Jewish students to explore, challenge and discuss topics that impact the Jewish community. In addition to the November training on confronting anti-Semitism, the Manhigim Institute also presents topics such as Israel advocacy, separation of religion and state and enhancing public speaking skills. Upon completion of the program, these young people, many of whom are already considered to be influential among their peers, will become excellent role models and resources in their schools and extracurricular activities. Additionally, Manhigim students are required to make peer-topeer presentations at the end of the year. Continued on page 4
Next Month: Guide to Tax and Financial Planning on Jan. 14 Federation’s Community Connection Column: Page 7
Tension Between Israel and UNRWA: Page 9
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 24, 2004
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Temple Israel OTYG NFTY Winter Chavurah Dec. 24-27 C L I P
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 BBYO Winter Regional Convention Dec. 26-29
&
& S A V E
C L I P
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 “Kosher Kitchen” Class, 7:30 p.m. at the Hoffman home
S A V E
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 TLC “Growth Through Torah”, 7:30 p.m. at private residence
Temple’s Family School Builds Jewish Identity and Community by CLAUDIA SHERMAN stration of this family’s comTemple Israel mitment to Jewish educaCommunications Coordinator tion, it’s also “a chance to “The shared experiences spend time with Dru and a between parent and child, nice way to be part of her and sometimes grandparent, education,” explained generate more excitement Beach who is learning than any other Jewish expeHebrew as an added benerience I know,” said Temple fit. Israel’s Rabbi Craig Marantz. Once a month, the entire Welcome to Family School Family School meets for an where generations meet on informal educational proTuesday evenings to learn gram. Last month, parents together in both formal and and children did an exercise informal settings. to evaluate their personal Kerry Hollst and her son Ryan, nine-years-old, learn togethPromoting the concept of levels of giving to others er at Family School at Temple Israel. family beyond close relaand how to show appreciatives, Temple Israel’s Family School reaches toward the tion to one another. The first night of Hanukkah, Dec. extended congregation. “The spirit of fellowship often 7, brought the opportunity for a latke cooking class and makes the learning environment warm and fun,” con- the lighting of each family’s Hanukkiah. tinued Rabbi Marantz. “What’s perhaps best is that adult In the formal classroom settings, parents and children and child learn to communicate Jewishly with one first meet together for Hebrew instruction at 6:15 p.m. another on a regular basis. No one is just dropped off. During the second period, parents and students sepaEveryone, every week, contributes actively to the shap- rate for Jewish studies. This year, parents have been ing of each other’s identity. This helps each person meeting with Rabbi Marantz to study the 350th anniverinvolved feel a little more comfortable with Jewish sary of Jews in America. The children have been conexpression which, in turn, nurtures greater Jewish prac- centrating on Jewish studies specific to their grade levtice and a stronger Jewish self, not just at Temple but els with their teachers Leigh Goodman, Rini Gonsher, at home and in the world.” Ann Noodell, Justin Cooper, Maya Wertheimer, Colleen As one parent explained to Rabbi Marantz, “If I Kennealy and teen madricha, Jessica Danon. expect being Jewish to be worth my daughter’s time, it Teresa Eirinberg and her daughter Anna, 11, a fifth has to be worth my time too.” grader, are enrolled in Family School for the third year. Joan Cooper, coordinator of Temple’s Religious “I’m not Jewish, and this gives me an opportunity to School, believes that “learning Jewishly is something to learn Hebrew and Jewish teachings as well as spend do as a family. If we expect our kids to become adults time with Anna,” Eirinberg explained. “I’ve gotten a committed to their Judaism, what better role model tremendous amount of education at Family School, and than their own parents? The Family School community I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie. It’s great for that.” helps build meaningful ways to worship, to participate She believes that someday Anna will look back at in Jewish ritual and mitzvot, and to encounter the Family School “as a treasured time with her family as sacred in our lives.” well as with other families.” Family School originated at Temple Israel in 1996 An average of 15 families, about 45 people, enroll in when Ann Kibel Schwartz was director of education. Family School each year. “These families are setting Cooper recalls, “Ann had a dream and saw Family aside the time to either reconnect or strengthen their School as the next generation of Jewish education.” connections with each other,” Cooper added. “Family Temple is one of a few congregations participating in School has definitely built its own community within this growing phenomenon. “In offering Family School,” the Temple community. It has its own personality and Cooper said, “Temple is truly ahead of its time.” culture.” Students in grades three through six and members of For the last three years, Temple Israel has been servtheir families, as well as all adult learners in the con- ing dinner for a small fee so families can eat together gregation, are eligible to participate in Family School. before classes begin. “This very social time is yet anothAn educational sitter service for younger siblings is also er opportunity for community building. The informaliavailable. Religious School students who participate in ty is as powerful a way of making Jewish connections Family School attend regular Sunday morning classes as being in the classroom,” according to Cooper. with their peers. “What makes me the most proud is the sense of For Ron Beach and his wife Mona Jones, the impor- shared responsibility felt by Family School particitance of Jewish education outweighs the four hours of pants,” said Rabbi Marantz. “There is a shared commitdrivetime each week from Harlan, Iowa. Their nine- ment to learning by the family. Everyone is a teacher. year-old daughter Dru attends Family School and Everyone is a student. There is strong devotion by parSunday morning Religious School with her seven-year- ents, whether Jewish or not, to model positive learning old brother Wil. Family School is not only a demon- behavior.”
JELS Wraps Up Classes for Fall
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. C L I P & S A V E
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. “Meaning of Life” Class, 1 p.m. at TLC “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading”, 7:30 p.m. at TLC 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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by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator for Jewish Educational and Library Services Guy Matalon, center, wrapped up Part III of a Maimonides class, originally scheduled as a six-week class and extended for Parts II and III. Among the participants were: Nancy Wolf, left, Mary Sue Grossman, Sandee Friedman, Shirley Cemaj, Prof. Matalon, Ann Goldstein, Gilda Pieck, Suzanne Singer and Susan Rothholz. Matalon thanked the participants for their commitment and for providing him with “the opportunity to go a great mitzvah--teach Torah.” Others who participated in the Maimonides classes were: Bonnie Bloch, Katherine Finnegan, Debbi Josephson, Julee Katzman, Dorothy Kaplan, Deborah Kronick, David Kutler, Pam Monsky, Lourdes Secola, and Judy Vann.
Family Now has Two Eagle Scouts by Jewish Press News Service A second Nachman has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Ben Nachman, 14, son of Beth Staenberg and Gary Nachman, joins his older brother Marty as the second Nachman son to earn this prestigious award. Nationally, fewer than one out of 100 scouts earn this honor. Ben, 14, a freshman at Westside High School, raised sufficient funds and organized a group of 30 volunteers to plant more than 80 trees at Ben Nachman Beth El Cemetery. The trees will help fill in around the perimeter where new growth is needed. He also earned the Etz Chaim religious award this year, working with Dr. Ben Nachman. Together they researched and wrote a description and brief history of Jewish cemeteries in the Omaha area. Ben is currently an assistant at Beth El Talmud Torah Sunday School, as well as Senior Patrol Leader for his Scout Troop, #552.
December 24, 2004
Jammin’ at Hanukkah by JOE SHYKEN ot (Israeli jelly donuts) and good compafor Beth Israel ny. During Shabbos Hanukkah, Beth Israel On Thanksgiving day, Beth Israel hosthosted two special celebrations. A ed the First Annual Kosher Bowl. About Hanukkah lunch followed Shabbat 25 fathers, sons, and friends battled it morning services, where 75 people out, with the final score: Matzo Balls, 28, enjoyed traditional meal of brisket and and the Farfels, 23. latkes. That evening, people were treated to a melave malka/Hanukkah party and music jam with Josh and Daniel Grossman on the guitar, Donald Gerber, star vocalist singing classic Hanukkah songs, and Dik Weiner on the drums. Rabbi Gross took over from Weiner for solo jam on the drums. The kids played dreidel games and won cool prizes. Some 40 people enjoyed this relaxed Josh Grossman, left, on guitar, joins vocalist Donald Gerber evening filled with music, and drummer Dik Weiner to entertain children and families Hanukkah games, sufganiy- at Beth Israel’s Hanukkah party.
Chabad Rolls Out Hanukkah on Wheels
Shani Katzman, right, lights the menorah at a Hanukkah party at Chabad House for Israeli guests. Chabad of Nebraska also
sponsored the lighting of the menorah at area malls and a Hanukkah on Wheels program at Skateland.
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Results Released in Jewish Genetic Testing by CAROL KATZMAN viduals, who had been told years ago Editor of the Jewish Press they carried the gene for Tay-Sachs, The family of Gershon Brickner in were not, in fact, carriers,” Platt Newton, MA, lives with a daily reminder explained. “Today’s testing, using a comof what a Jewish genetic disease can do. bination of biochemical and molecular In addition to its debilitating effects on testing, is more accurate than the testing Gershie, who is now 10-years-old, done years ago. The results of this curCanavan Disease Condition # of Carriers Carrier Expected Carrier has made an impact Identified Frequency Frequency on the Duitchin Study Bricker family. Tay Sachs Disease 7 1 in 15 1 in 30 Jean Duitch, Canavan Disease 5 1 in 21 1 in 40 Gershie’s grand- Gaucher Disease 4 1 in 27 1 in 13 mother, has Familial Dysautonomia 5 1 in 21 1 in 30 watched over the Cystic Fibrosis 4 1 in 27 1 in 26-29 years as the disease Bloom Syndrome 2 1 in 54 1 in 100 has taken its toll on Niemann-Pick Disease 1 1 in 108 1 in 90 Gershie and the rest Fanconi Anemia 0 0 in 108 1 in 89 of the family. And she wondered why more Jewish com- rent study have important public health munities had not tested its young mar- implications for those who were tested rieds for Canavan and other Jewish in the past--and for their children. genetic diseases found more commonly “Our recommendation is that all peoamong the Ashkenazi community. ple tested with an older method for TaySo last year, a group of women, led by Sachs should be retested using the more Duitch, collaborated in an effort to raise modern enzymatic and DNA tests.” funds for the genetic testing of 100 In all, 108 individuals were tested; 27 members of the Jewish communities of were identified as carriers of one disease Omaha and Lincoln, Des Moines and and one individual as a carrier of two Sioux City, IA. altered genes. BTNRH is now in the The results are in, and there were some process of analyzing the data regarding surprises, according to Kristal Platt, M.S. the hearing loss genes as well. She’s one of the staff members of the In addition to Platt, Dr. William Boys Town National Research Hospital Kimberling, Dr. Edward Cohn and Toba (BTNRH) which collected the blood Cohen worked on the project for needed for testing the diseases noted in BTNRH, with Cohen acting as the liaison the chart, as well as for three conditions to the Jewish Federation and the causing hearing loss believed to be more Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing. common among Ashkenazim. For more information, call Kristal Platt “The testing showed that several indi- at 498.6365.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 24, 2004
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Making Confrontation Cool Continued from page 1 Members of the 2004The Manhigim Institute draws upon 05 Manhigim class are: resources and experts from multiple Leah Chapman, fields and disciplines. Visiting educator Nimrod Ginsburg, Sundell is only one of many professionals Corey Green, Daniel who will facilitate the various programs. Murow, Zach Muskin In October, JELS Executive Director Guy and Rebekah Priluk Matalon led a discussion on Israel advofrom Burke; Lindsay cacy using the HBO documentary Death Belmont, Josh in Gaza. Matalon broke the film down Finnicum, David into segments so the students could Sukienik and Shira address some of the many issues and Kronick from Millard Michael Crabb, left, Rebekah Priluck and North; David Bresel, questions raised in the documentary. Omaha’s resident shaliach from Israel, Jacquelyn Neesman (back to camera) discuss Alex Cemaj, Michael Uri Levin, has also lent his experience their presentation to the group. Crabb, Ariel Levin, and expertise to the program. December’s meeting stu- Marty Nachman, Jacquelyn Neesman and Chelsea dents features UNO School of Communication associate Taxman from Westside; Shayna Kurland from professor and political activist Hollis Glaser who speak Abraham Lincoln High School; and Sean Bernstein about leadership and advocacy. from Elkhorn High School. The 19 students accepted into the program were “The positive response to the announcement of the required to answer probing questions about their views Manhigim Institute and number of applicants was overon issues such as separation of religion and state, and whelming,” said ADL Regional Director Bob Wolfson. personal experiences with anti-Semitism, in addition to “This shows how much we need this program here. demonstrating leadership skills and a commitment to We look forward to making the Manhigim Institute a community and volunteerism. regular part of our program offerings each year.”
Yachad Hanukkah Party Brings Out a Crowd by PAM MONSKY derful connection to our Federation Communications Festival of Lights. Director Yachad members were More than 50 participants especially appreciative of celebrated Hanukkah the BBYO volunteers together with fun, food, and who assisted with the song. party and Uri Levin who Yachad, a social program provided his skills at dedicated to the developplaying the guitar. mentally disabled members Yachad recently hired of our community, sang, Duane Pieper as the new played games, and heard program leader and, the Hanukkah story as told under his direction, looks by Rabbi Allan Gonsher in a forward to a fun and fun and entertaining afterexciting year. For more noon. Hosting the party information about Jake Bleicher, center, a teen volunteer from the new was the VSP Club, a newly Yachad, a Jewish social Shiputznick volunteer program organized by BBYO, plays dreiopened facility that is program for very special del with Alan Friedman, left and Michael Parsow. designed for those with spemembers of our Jewish cial needs. Playing games and lighting the candles on community, or to volunteer your time, please call the Hanukkah menorah helped the group make a won- Jewish Family Service at 330.2024.
Beth El’s Second Kadima Shabbaton Promises Kids a Memorable Weekend by JILL BELMONT ative leadership training sesBeth El Publicity Coordinator sion led by 4-H personnel, After last year’s wildly thanks to a grant from the successful Kadima Lazier Singer Foundation. A Shabbaton for Beth El’s Havdalah service, complete sixth, seventh and eighth with singing and dancing graders, the synagogue’s around a campfire will bring weekend retreat will be Shabbat to a close. reprised during the weekParticipants will meet at end of Jan. 28, at the 4-H the synagogue on Friday, Campsite in Gretna. Jan. 28, 3:45 p.m., for the Reservations are being bus ride to Gretna, and taken now for a meaningful, return to the synagogue on memorable and fun-filled Sunday, Jan. 30, 1 p.m. Shabbaton with Cantor Cost is $65 per child; regisGastón Bogomolni. trations must be received by The Shabbaton will com- Beth El Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, second from right, joins Jan. 5, and may be sent to bine friendship and togeth- in the snowy winter antics of his Kadimaniks during last Beth El, 14506 California St., erness, rest and renewal. A January’s Kadima Shabbaton. Omaha NE 68154. relaxed Friday night service and brief Shabbat morning For more information, please contact Cantor Gastón service will prepare the way for Shabbat afternoon, or Youth Advisor Rachel Katskee at 492.8550, or BESTT highlighted by indoor programs with Jewish themes Education Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or via eand such outdoor activities as hiking, sports and a scav- mail at ritual@bethel-omaha.org, youthdir@bethelenger hunt. In addition, attendees will enjoy an inform- omaha.org, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org.
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December 24, 2004
Oy Vey, What a Year in Movies!
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT by MICHAEL FOX It began with Judas, and ended with Shylock. All in all, 2004 was not exactly a warm and fuzzy year for Jews at the movies. The good news? The most talked about documentary of the year did not feature a dysfunctional Jewish family of accused pedophiles, like 2003’s Capturing the Friedmans. Mel Gibson set the tone in February with The Passion of the Christ, a brutal slog through the New Testament that denigrated Jews at every turn. Judas, the ostensible villain of the story, was a milquetoast and a pawn in Gibson’s adaptation compared to the Jewish elders. But the action hero-turneddirector lavished his greatest “love” on Jesus, reveling in an excruciatingly prolonged whipping scene leading up to a fetishized crucifixion. By the end of Passion, Mel turned the King of the Jews into a tortured rag doll. In comparison, the moneylender Shylock’s demand for a mere pound of Antonio’s flesh seemed almost gentlemanly. Michael Radford’s splendid adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, which opens around the country in mid-January, establishes a climate of Venetian anti-Semitism from the outset--complete with a Jewish “geto”--that provides a powerful context for Shylock’s mad desire for vengeance. Such a sympathetic historical view notwithstanding, it’s still tough to make a case for Shylock as a Jewish role model. Though one could hardly consider them persecuted, a trio of unpopular Jewish movie moguls paraded their egos off screen in business journals and courtrooms. Disney honcho Michael Eisner thumb-wrestled with Miramax founder Harvey Weinstein over the future of their related companies, while a suit brought by Disney shareholders exposed Eisner and his extravagantly compensated former employee Mike Ovitz to further scrutiny and embarrassment. Woody Allen took some jabs at these modern-day Sam Cohns in the New Yorker, but the venerated filmmaker was absent from American screens for the first time in more than a decade. As a result of the vagaries of distribution, Allen’s latest, Melinda and Melinda, won’t reach theaters until March. (Since the prolific auteur is currently prepping his next movie, we may get a double dose in 2005.) Clearly desperate for a nerdy, wisecracking Jewish hero, audiences embraced a younger and less manic version in the person of Zach Braff. The star of TV’s Scrubs made his feature writing and directing debut with the droll Garden State, a modest film that (with Braff play-
ing the lead) was a hit with the date crowd. Braff’s breakthough somewhat offset the agony of watching the once-promising Ben Stiller methodically shred his career. Or have you already forgotten Along Came Polly, Starsky & Hutch, Envy, Dodgeball and Anchorman? Stiller hopes to erase any lingering memories with Meet the Fockers, arriving next week. The comedy also features Dustin Hoffman and--deep breath--Barbra Streisand,, in her first screen role since The Mirror Has Two Faces in 1996. One imagines that a sublimely witty script lured La Streisand off her deck--or a Brando-sized paycheck. Although none of the year’s Jewish-themed foreign films matched the box-office success of 2003’s Nowhere in Africa, the deeply satisfying Hungarian romantic drama Gloomy Sunday enjoyed a belated, long run. Unfortunately, the wonderfully crafted Valentin (Argentina), Facing Windows (Italy) and Rosenstrasse (Germany) failed to find audiences, although all three are well worth catching on DVD. American audiences were treated to an unprecedented bounty of Israeli movies, ranging from the piercing yet accessible social satire of James’ Journey to Jerusalem to the quirky family dynamics of Broken Wings and Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi. Alas, none made a dent at the box office, and moviegoers had to hustle to see them before they vanished from theaters. Another trio of Israeli dramas heads our way in 2005, with Eran Riklis’ The Syrian Bride and Eytan Fox’s Walking on Water likely to have higher profiles than Savi Gavison’s Nina’s Tragedies. It was a relatively quiet year for Jewish-themed documentaries, with the usual contingent of films from the Mideast overshadowed by the election-year parade of American political docs. Checkpoint, Gaza Strip and Ford Transit were provocative films about “the situation” that did manage to draw some attention. Keep an eye out next year for The Ritchie Boys, which made the short list for the documentary Oscar and has an excellent shot at scoring one of the five nominations. The German-Canadian film spotlights a group of Jewish refugees who received U.S. training in intelligence and propaganda during World War II, then returned to Germany to wage psychological warfare against the Nazis. Every year claims prized artists, and some Jewish figures left us forever in 2004. Count the composers Elmer Bernstein and Jerry Goldsmith, who wrote countless memorable film scores, among them. Alan King and Rodney Dangerfield, stand-up comics who went on to successful but vastly different careers in the movies, also died this year. To honor their wisdom and wit, I suggest you skip The Passion of the Christ and revisit Enemies: A Love Story and Caddyshack.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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From Bangkok to Bali in 30 Minutes by THERESA & BYRON LAURSEN (Harvard Common Press, $14.95)
R EAD IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN A flavorful armchair trek and wonderful dishes for your table for dinner or dinner parties. Experience the author’s “culinary adventures and flavorful infatuations”. Travel with them bite by bite as they discover and experience the foods of Southeast Asia. Reproduce the lively flavors with this selection of easy-to-prepare recipes in thirty minutes. You’d have a much longer wait in the lines at the airport! Thing “sanuk” in Thai a something that is fun, light hearted and rewarding. The Asian Pantry is described for you to buy in local Asian markets or grow in your garden from anchovy paste to yard long beans...vegetables, sauces and spices in between. Nine chapters and 175 recipes include headnotes and chapter introductions give helpful information, background and suggestions. The instructions are numerical, well written and easy-to-follow. At a recent gathering of friends I served Savory Yellow Rice and Thai-Style Barbecued Chicken...both were enjoyed by all. In the comfort of your kitchen nibble on these spicy nuts and discover the reimagined and traditional Asian dishes
SPICY STIR-FRIED CASHEWS 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil 1/2 pound raw cashews 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic 2 teaspoons finely chopped small Thai chilies or crushed red pepper to taste 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-low heat until hot, add the oil, and rotate the pan a bit to coat it evenly. When the oil is hot, add the cashews, garlic and chilies and stir-fry until the nuts are browned, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and salt and mix well. Transfer the nuts to a platter or shallow serving dish and serve warm.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 24, 2004
ORGANIZATIONS TORAH LEARNING CENTER (TLC) All classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman. Please call 981.0569 for details. Monday, 7:30 p.m.: “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading”--learn to read Hebrew in just a few weeks, at the JCC. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.: “Growth Through Torah”--personal Growth through studying Jewish philosophy from the Torah at a private residence. Thursday, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life & Other Business”--based on the Kabbalistic text Way of G-d by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, in the Kripke Library. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Jeff Spinner-Halev, will be the guest speaker at our Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 29, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Steve Riekes, Chairman. Spinner-Halev is the Schlesinger Professor of Political Science and Judaic Studies at UNL and will discuss “Israel After Arafat.” Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC main entrance at 8:45 a.m. VISIONS Join us for a show at the IMAX to see Alaska: Spirit of the World on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Meet in the lobby of the IMAX at the Henry Doorly Zoo at 10:30 a.m. Following the show join us at the Bohemian Café. Lunch includes four choices for the main dish, a yummy dessert plus soup, potato or dumpling, vegetable, and drink. The cost of $15.00 per person includes show, lunch, tax and tip. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline for reservations is no later than Dec. 29. Send to Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda Street, Omaha, NE 68144.
At the 10th Annual Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology conference this month, Dr. Magda Peck was honored with an award for Outstanding
More than 90 members of Visions gathered for a Hanukkah party at the JCC earlier this month. Members enjoyed Eastern European music and Yiddish favorites with Anna Mosenkis and Lev Shechtman. The party committee included: Ethel Goldston, left, Jean Elkon, Florence Hauss, Betty Sanford, chairman, Sally Masnek and Rose Pitlor.
MARRIAGE
IN THE NEWS The Origins of the Final Solution by Christopher R. Browning has won the prestigious National Jewish Book AWard in the Holocaust category. The awards are issued to acknowledge authors of books of exceptional merit in a variety of Jewish literature categories and carry honoraria for the winning authors. This year’s awards were presented at a ceremony on Dec. 1 in New York City. The Origins of the Final Solution is the first book in the monumental Comprehensive History of the Holocaust series--15 books to be published over the next decade by the University of Nebraska Press and Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority in Jerusalem. Appearing in English, Hebrew, and several other languages, books in the series will present authoritative studies of how the Holocaust unfolded throughout Europe. The series editor for the English-language editions is Alan E. Steinweis, Rosenberg Associate Professor of History and Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Publication was made possible by a gift from the Ike and Roz Friedman Family Foundation.
Visions Celebrates Hanukkah
Leadership. Dr. Peck is the CEO/ Executive Director of CityMatCH, based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is also professor and associate chairman of pediatrics. She has lent her expertise to an array of local and state initiatives, from Head Start to Healthy Start, and serves of the Governor’s Women’s Health Council. Dr. Peck is a public health scientist trained at the Harvard School of Public Health, whose work focuses improving the health and well being of women, children and families. Dr. Phil Rich won first place and honorable mention awards for his unique panoramic photographs at the recent Omaha Artists show, now on exhibit in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center. The exhibit is open through the end of December. Betsy Baker Heyman has been named chairman of the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Coronation Ball Committee by Coronation Ball Chairman Dick Bell. Together, the two will plan the 109th coronation on Oct. 15, 2005, at the Qwest Center. Baker currently serves on the Westside Community Schools Foundation and the Omaha Performing Arts Society Leadership Committee.
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BORODIN/CHANDLER Sara Borodin and Dan Chandler were married Sept. 5 at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, Canada. Rabbi Jill Borodin, sister of the bride, officiated; a reception at Holy Blossom followed the ceremony. Attendants included: friends Yael Cockayne and Brian Savoie; the bride’s sister Talia Borodin, the bride’s brother Josh Borodin, the groom’s sister Jennifer McKeag, and the flower girls was the groom’s niece Rachel McKeag. The Ketubah witnesses included Lindsey Paige Savoie and Yael Cockayne. The bride, daughter of Judy and Allan Borodin of Toronto, is a Diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Her grandmother is Blanche Fersh, Washington, D.C. The groom, son of Barbara and Allen Chandler of Phoenix, AZ, is a Software Engineer with Perot Systems. His grandparent are Bennett and Zena Fishbain, Las Vegas, NV. Following a wedding trip to Israel, the couple resides in Silver Spring, MD.
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Hello, Baby! approaches to community development. The Omaha Jewish community is not alone in our desire to bring our young people back. It’s an excellent time to promote how great our community is, simultaneously with the city and state. by JANIE MUROW On that note, I am thrilled to introduce to you one of our newcomer families, Josh, Amanda (Mack) and Jeana Leah Gurock. There is no better life cycle event Amanda is originally from Omaha. After high school, than the birth of a baby. Many Federations around the country have special programs to welcome a new baby she spent a year in Israel and came back to the states to the Jewish community. Now, thanks to a Foundation to attend Stern College in New York. She received a Special Donor Advised Fund grant and the participa- bachelors degree in psychology and went on to earn a tion of the synagogues and many Federation agencies, masters in social work from Columbia University. It was in New York, while playing frisbee with friends in Omaha will have “Shalom Baby”! “Shalom Baby” is the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Central Park, that she met Josh. Josh grew up in New Jersey, also went to Israel after unique way to welcome new babies born in the Jewish high school and graduated community and offer a from Yeshiva University hearty mazel tov to their with a degree in English. proud parents! New parents The couple was married in will receive a gift basket 2003. They were living in filled with books, a CD, a Queens, where Josh was soft stuffed Torah, a t-shirt, working for Enterprise-Rent Jewish parenting resource -A-Car. When their daughguides and much more. All ter, Jeana Leah, was born at babies born after Sept. 1, the end of May, they decid2004, in the Omaha Jewish ed they were ready for a community are eligible to change. receive the Shalom Baby Several factors played a gift basket. The first Shalom part in their decision to Baby gift baskets will be come to Omaha. First, delivered by the end of Amanda and Josh Gurock with baby Jeana Leah. Amanda’s family is here and December. If you know of a baby born after Sept. 1, here, please let me know at they knew it would be great for the baby to have her grandparents nearby. Josh had the ability to transfer jmurow@jewishomaha.org or call 334.6566. Last month, the Federation hosted a diversity semi- with Enterprise. And third, Rabbi Jonathan Gross had been hired by nar for the Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Omaha class. It was an opportunity for 45 young lead- Beth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Gross is a longtime ers to be introduced to the work of the Federation as friend of Josh’s older brother and knowing the rabbi well as to tour the JCC campus. Bob Wolfson, and his wife, Sara, would be in Omaha clinched the Executive Director of the ADL/CRC led a session on Gurock’s decision to move here. Amanda and Josh are very happy in Omaha. They leadership strategies to address inclusivity. The seminar was well received and is just one of the Omaha love the lifestyle, the beauty of the city and having business community development projects we’re family and friends nearby. Amanda is working at the Child Saving Institute as Assistant Coordinator for Kids working on. As you may have read recently in the Omaha World Cottage, a temporary shelter for children up to 18Herald, the Nebraska Economic Development Group years-old. They have both become involved at Beth held a job fair in Denver for ex-Nebraskans who may Israel and Josh is currently serving on a Federation be interested in moving back to the state. It was quite planning committee. Please welcome this wonderful successful and what they discovered is that the young family to our community. In previous columns I’ve written that it will be a younger age bracket 25-30 year olds, not 33-40 (as they expected) want to return to Nebraska. challenge to attract people from New York and Los Employment, cost of living and quality of life were all Angeles to Omaha. Well, we now have the Gurocks and I’m happy to report that we also have a newcomreasons given for why they would like to return. In addition, the Nebraska Community Foundation er family from Los Angeles. You’ll be introduced to has created strategies like “Come Back--Give Back” as them next time!
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
ENGAGEMENT KRUPINSKY/BRUCHERSEIFER Dena Krupinsky and Dr. Martin Brucherseifer of Atlanta, GA, have announced their engagement. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Jerry Krupinsky and the late Jean Ann Krupinsky. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in television journalism and is currently a director for Turner Classic Movie Channel. Her fiancé is the son of Helga Brucherseifer and the late Alfons Brucherseifer. He earned a doctorate in electrical engineering from RWTH in Aachen, Germany, and is presently a research scientist at Georgia Tech University. A spring wedding is planned in Atlanta.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
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Spirit CD to Feature Beth El Cantor by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A musical piece performed by Beth El’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni has been selected for the upcoming CD The Spirit of Passover, released through the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) and the Cantors Assembly. The recording, a lullaby-style rendition of “Ki Lo Na’e” originally appeared on his “Passover Songs” CD, produced in 1999 in the Dominican Republic. “It is a real honor for me to be selected among other great hazzanim for a CD that will last forever,” Cantor Bogomolni said. He also noted that this is the second time an Argentinean cantor’s song has been chosen to be included in a “Spirit” CD. The Spirit of Passover is part of the Spirit Series CDs; it is scheduled for a March release and will be available for purchase at Beth El’s Judaica Shop or by special order.
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Elinor A. Whitman Book Contest Entries Due by GARY KATZ Library Administrator Just a reminder that The Elinor A. Whitman Memorial Book Appreciation Contest is currently underway. The contest is divided into two categories: Book Jackets (Ksixth grade) and Book Reports (first-sixth grade). Students can pick up forms from teachers or the education director of their school. All reports must be submitted by Jan. 17, 2005. Participants will be listed in the Jewish Press and receive a certificate of participation; winners will receive beautiful books as prizes. There will be an award ceremony on May 15, at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library during the community Yom Ha’Azmuat celebration.
This annual contest, which first started in 1991, has been made possible by the Elinor A. Whitman Book Appreciation Fund created by Norman Whitman, the Kripke Library, and Jewish Educational and Library Services. The contest was created to perpetuate goals that Mrs. Whitman had during her lifetime of devoted service to the youth of the Omaha community. She served for many years as a member of the Kripke Library Board and on the faculty of both Beth El and Temple Israel Religious Schools. Whitman had been interested in promoting Jewish literature for children and the contest is dedicated in her memory. For more information please contact me at at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 24, 2004
Opinion How Can There Be Jewish Poor? In this day and age that there should be poor Jews among us, is, as our bubbes would say, a shanda--an embarrassment. But one only has to read the article on the front page from JTA--the agency from which we get much of our national and international news-to know that it is an unfortunate fact. In Israel, Jews have been hit by a combination of factors: the four-year-old intifada-which started in September of 2000--cut the rug out from under the Israeli tourist economy, the bottom dropping out of the tech market--a worldwide phenomenon, which coincidentally occurred the summer prior to the intifada (and affected Jews in this country as well), and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and the subsequent rise in oil prices. The Israeli economy has been rocked by these events. The fact that it is still a socialist economy hasn’t helped, though Bibi Netanyahu--Israel’s Finance Minister--has pushed very hard for reforms that would encourage more privatization and growth. Reforms are still needed--especially with regard to labor union contracts. The Histadrut, Israel’s largest labor union, has a stranglehold on the state’s economy and has forced closures of its ports, the airport, garbage collection and even teaching staff at various times. It’s not that we’re not sympathetic to the plight of workers in the State of Israel, but no one group can be allowed to dictate economic policy. Some say that one group in Israel is dictating policy--large Israeli families, many of whom are fervently Orthodox, and yeshiva students. Let’s look at both. Six million Jews were murdered during World War II. Our world-wide population is still not at the level it was prior to 1938. Though it is difficult for may of us to imagine raising 10 children, shouldn’t we be happy and proud of those Jewish parents who choose to do so--especially when the birth rate of the American Jewish community is
(Founded in 1920)
actually falling below replacement level? Even with a high birth rate among observant Jews, it may yet take generations to achieve the pre-World War II level of Jewish population. As to yeshiva students--admittedly, not all young Jewish men are cut out to be full-time bochrim--but the culture of the Orthodox community has trapped many of these nonacademic types into situations when they’re forced to stay in yeshiva for appearance’s sake. Some rabbis have begun to recognize this and are actually encouraging many of these young men to learn such skills as computer programming or business management. This approach will allow those who truly are Torah scholars to stay in yeshiva and add to the body of knowledge of the Jewish people, while others who are not such academic superstars can actually obtain jobs that will allow them to support their families. The beauty of this solution is that it’s internal; it comes from the community’s highest authorities--its rabbis--and will therefore be more acceptable to those this policy affects most. Regardless of these two issues, there are others in Israel--and in the American Jewish community--who are living below the poverty line. In some cases, it’s due to similar stories as the ones in the JTA article--single mothers trying to make ends meet without the help of their children’s fathers, a mountain of medical bills, the loss of jobs for twoparents households. In the end, the reason doesn’t matter. What matters is whether or not we help. There are dozens of funds--the primary one being the Federation’s Annual Campaign--that provide support to our fellow Jews in need in Israel and here in Omaha through Jewish Family Service. One Israeli charity--Meir Panim--actually serves hot meals to needy Jerusalemites--in a restaurant-like setting, complete with floral centerpieces and wait staff, so that hungry Jews do not have to feel like beggars when
they come for what may be their only meal of the day. Here in Omaha, JFS makes sure that families are not just given essentials (like funds for heat or coupons for food), but an occasional treat like candy for the children or personal care items for the women in the household. (Did you know that feminine hygiene products, disposable diapers, and the like are not covered by food stamps?) It’s our responsibility to care for those among us who do not have the means to support themselves. Maybe it’s only temporary; maybe illness or disability means the situation is permanent. But if we’re not on the receiving end (thank G-d), then it’s our responsibility to be on the giving end--so that it shouldn’t be a shanda--just a mitzvah that we can help.
hawked sour-dough pretzels, and there was even a cotton-candy man. My daughter Rebecca has been Jerusalem’s champion runner for a few years now. Before this year’s race Rebecca’s friend Merav joked: “I heard that they already wrote Rebecca’s name down for first place.” And Noa, one of Rebecca’s basketball teammates, saw me and said: “With God’s help [b’ezrat Hashem], Rebecca will win.” (Aside: Noa comes from a secular family, but in the Jewish state, secular Jews may access Jewish tradition and terminology freely and at will.) Across the sound-system the call came for all runners in the girls 3,000-meter race to go to the starting point on the grass. And then they were off. Rebecca had shrewdly lined up right behind the police-escort motorcycle, and so she, unlike many of the 50 or so other runners, did not have to take any unnecessary
The festive-like atmosphere continued. Several hundred junior-high and high-school students, runners and classmates, chattered away while basking in the sun. Some of the boys, who had already run their races, went provocatively shirtless. Two old men carrying bags of produce from the shuk strolled by, unhampered and oblivious, on the race path. And then the motorcycle came into view and it was immediately clear that Rebecca was going to win. Rebecca crossed the finish line with a time of 13.21.98--about 15 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. During the awards ceremony there was one moment, out of the many medals that were awarded, when the announcer said something unexpected: “And in first place, from Evelina da Rothschild High school, and I would almost say ‘as always,’ Rebecca Ross.” For an immigrant like myself who is trying to raise his family in the Jewish religious tradition, it’s absolutely crucial to emphasize the fact that this was not a meet for religious schools but an area-wide all-schools meet. No special provisions needed to be made for Rebecca because she is religious or studies at an all-girls religious high school. Rebecca and the other Jewish religious girls and boys who ran that day were simply there to run, to compete, and to have fun. It was a wonderful day to be in Sacher Park in the city of Jerusalem in the State of Israel. We have these kind of days too in Jerusalem. I wanted to tell you about one of them. Teddy Weinberger is a freelance writing living in Givat Ze’ev; he can be reached at: weinross@netvision.net.il.
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.
A Day at the Races
JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER It was a glorious day, the day of the track finals for Jerusalem-area high schools. The weather was absolutely perfect: a refreshingly crisp 60º, sunny, with a slight breeze. It was Nov. 30 and I, playing a little hooky from work, arrived a little before 11 a.m. in order to catch the 10th and 11th-grade girls 3,000-meter final. My trip to the meet had already started on a very pleasant, Israeli note. I did not quite know which bus to take to Sacher Park, the site of the meet. The 34A bus driver said that his last stop was at the Jerusalem Convention Center, which is fairly close to the park, and so I hopped on. As we got to the last stop the bus driver said: “You know what, after this I swing by the Supreme Court before bringing my bus into the depot. You can ride with me and get off there--it’s closer.” And so, though I imagine that there might have been insurance problems with taking a passenger off-route, I rode with the driver for a few minutes, bragging to him a little about my daughter the runner. There was a party going on that day in Sacher Park. Israeli music was playing over the sound system, vendors sold beverages and snacks from three vans parked on the grass, there was no obvious security personnel anywhere to be seen, a Bratslaver hassid
It was a wonderful day to be in Sacher Park in the city of Jerusalem in the State of Israel. We have these kind of days too in Jerusalem. steps in running from the grass to the paved path in the park upon which the bulk of the race would be run. As the girls, led by Rebecca, swung by the viewing area, I cheered along with my son Nathan (who would later be running with the 11th-grade boys). Then the girls ran off and out of sight for a few minutes.
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager 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; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany 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 constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation.
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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December 24, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Tension Rocketing up Between Israel and U.N. Refugee Agency
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by MICHAEL J. JORDAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- Two months after a U.N. official suggested that some Hamas members are on his payroll, the issue is still reverberating in Washington. JTA reported in November that some two dozen members of the U.S. House of Representatives so far have signed a letter calling on Secretary of State Colin Powell “to suspend immediately all U.S. assistance to UNRWA until you can confirm that the agency no longer employs members of Hamas or other terrorist organizations and to work toward a new UNRWA leadership that is verifiably committed to countering terrorism and incitement to violence.” The letter, which refers to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, an agency serving 59 Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza, the West Bank and elsewhere in the Middle East, was to have been delivered to Powell last month. UNRWA chief Peter Hansen drew Israeli ire earlier this fall when he told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that there were Hamas members on the agency’s payroll. “Hamas as a political organization does not mean that every member is a militant, and we do not do political vetting and exclude people from one persuasion as against another,” the Danish official said. Israeli media long have reported that the UNRWA teacher’s union, for example, is dominated by members of Hamas, which calls for Israel’s destruction and the murder of Jews. The United States and Canada--which together contribute 40 percent of UNRWA’s budget--brand Hamas a terrorist group. The U.S. government is bound by law to ensure that no U.S. taxpayer dollars go to groups involved with terrorist activity. Critics say the controversy is the latest example of Hansen turning a blind eye to terrorism and demonstrating antiIsrael bias. The greater damage, they say, is to the effort by Hansen’s boss, U.N. SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan, to work with Israel as an “honest broker” in any peace negotiations. Together with the United States, European Union and Russia, the United Nations forms part of the diplomatic “Quartet” that devised the “road map” peace plan. An UNRWA spokesman later sought to clarify to JTA that Hansen meant to say “Hamas sympathizers.” Hansen contended in a Nov. 3 interview with JTA that he
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meant “Hamas people.” Hansen works in Gaza together with 12,000 UNRWA employees, nearly all of whom reportedly are Palestinian refugees. “Don’t judge people by what you think they may or may not believe; judge them by what they do, in their actions and in their behavior,” Hansen told JTA in an interview at U.N. headquarters in New York. “And there we get back to the very strict behavior code we have in the agency for what staff members are to do and not to do in their behavior.” All U.N. employees, including its leaders, are required to be neutral and impartial. But Hansen’s explanation has not swayed signatories of the Powell letter. “The U.N. has a track record of anti-Israeli bias, and the continued employment of a man like Hansen is no exception,” said Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY). “As long as Hansen is Annan’s point man, Annan will have zero credibility in the peace process. You can’t knowingly include members of Hamas on your payroll and reasonably expect Israelis to treat you as an honest broker.” Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) echoed the sentiment. “I think Kofi Annan, unless he takes a very strong stand on any organization within the U.N. that supports terrorists, is certainly diminished as a leader who can bring about an end to terrorism or have credibility to promote Middle East peace,” Waxman said. A U.N. spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, rejected the charge. “The U.N. expects all its employees to check their political affiliations or feelings at the door. When they come to the U.N., they are expected to come to work in a way that reflects the U.N. charter,” Dujarric told JTA. Israel has pushed to reform UNRWA and moderate its public statements, but not to dismantle its operations. As the formal “occupying power” in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel would be legally obligated to care for the refugee and civilian population if UNRWA weren’t there. The congressional letter comes amid a dispute between Israel and Hansen about his annual report to the world body, which some pro-Israel advocates have assailed as one-sided. It’s not the first time Hansen has riled Israel’s supporters or that there have been threats to suspend UNRWA’s funding.
President Reagan cut off UNRWA’s funding for a spell in 1982 after weapons reportedly were found in an UNRWA camp in Lebanon. Two years ago, Rep. Tom Lantos (DCA) and others accused UNRWA of being “complicit” as its camps in Gaza allegedly were turned into terrorist bases. That came on the heels of the April 2002 battle in Jenin, the culmination of several months in which Palestinian terrorism during the intifada reached its apogee. “I had hoped that the horror stories of Jenin were exaggerated,” Hansen was quoted as saying on April 18, 2002, as he surveyed the destruction in the refugee camp. “Jenin camp residents lived through a human catastrophe that has few parallels in recent history.” Hansen suggested that Israel’s attack in Jenin had killed “hundreds” of Palestinians. However, a U.N. report later rejected Palestinian propaganda of a massacre, corroborating Israeli reports that about 50 Palestinians were killed, half of them combatants. Israel lost 23 soldiers in the battle. The latest dust-up began two months ago with Israel’s claim--which it later retracted--that it had video footage of an UNRWA staffer loading a Kassam rocket into the back of an UNRWA ambulance. Hansen demanded a public apology from Israel, and UNRWA published an Oct. 4 letter sent to Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. “Given the technical means and military expertise at the disposal of the IDF,” Hansen wrote, “it is inconceivable that the IDF could have made this egregiously erroneous allegation in good faith. “It is appalling that, with the serious conflict now raging in the Northern Gaza Strip,” he continued, “the Government of Israel would put out such deliberately inciteful, false and malicious propaganda, encouraging IDF soldiers on the ground” or in the air “to think that UNRWA ambulances and other humanitarian vehicles are transporting terrorists and weapons.” Hansen also hinted that charges against UNRWA provide cover for Israeli incursions into Palestinian areas, and subsequent casualties. The United Nations investigated, agreed with Hansen's early assessment and accepted Israel’s retraction. But the United Nations won’t release its report on the incident, leading some critics to speculate that the conclusions may not be as clear-cut as portrayed.
Israel has convicted a handful of UNRWA staffers over the years for terrorrelated activities but has refused to reveal evidence, citing national security.
Nevertheless, in an Oct. 27 statement about the report, Annan reiterated his “full confidence in the integrity and impartiality of Mr. Peter Hansen.” Just four days later, on Nov. 1, Hansen spoke to a U.N. Correspondents Association breakfast. He suggested there was a smear campaign against him, and demanded an apology from Israel. Later that day, Hansen presented his annual report of UNRWA activities to the U.N.’s Special Political and Decolonization Committee. In a ninepage statement, he detailed Israeli actions and Palestinian hardships. There was only a single reference to Palestinian-initiated violence: The largest Israeli incursion yet in the Gaza Strip followed Palestinian rocket attacks, some of which killed a number of Israeli civilians, including three children, he noted. But the mention came with a footnote: “These rocket attacks came after earlier Israeli targeted killings of Palestinian militants, which were themselves attributed to earlier Palestinian actions, etc. etc.” A few sentences later, Hansen wrote, “The dead include nine UNRWA pupils and two teachers. In the last two years, three young girls have been killed by IDF gunfire while actually sitting at their school desks. I doubt anyone would argue that such indiscriminate and disproportionate destruction, and disregard for life, do not constitute grave violations of humanitarian law.” Felice Gaer, Director of the American Jewish Committee’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for Human Rights, said Hansen distorted reality by leaving out context. “If you were a man from Mars and you were to read his report, you would think that one fine day, the Israeli army woke up and decided to shoot Palestinian schoolchildren,” Gaer said. “There is one reference to Kassam rockets, which is totally bland. This misrepresentation of the situation is both inappropriate for a senior U.N. officer and it’s counterproductive.” Two days after his U.N. presentation, in his interview with JTA, Hansen called Israeli charges against UNRWA “beyond the pale” and “way over the top.” Israel since has handed over a second videotape to the United Nations and said it has 29 new charges. Israel has convicted a handful of UNRWA staffers over the years for terrorrelated activities but has refused to reveal evidence, citing national security. Some Israeli officials criticize this position, saying it undercuts the credibility of Israeli claims. UNRWA officials, for their part, express skepticism about Israeli intelligence and justice.
Page 10
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 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
December 24, 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 service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 4:40 p.m.; Note: Junior Congregation and K’tantan will resume on Jan. 8, following winter break. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SUNDAY: Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 10 a.m. Bible Study Class, 11 a.m.; Hebrew Crash Course, 11:10 a.m. PATTER: There will be no PATTER class on Dec. 29. Rabbi Levin’s class, “The Most Important People and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible” will not be held on Dec. 30. BESTT RECESS: BESTT classes will be on winter break from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4; classes will resume Jan. 5.
WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. MONDAY: Senior NCSY returns from Conclave at Indian Lakes Resort (outside of Chicago).
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Dinner at Chabad House for “Jacob and the 12 Tribes” in story and song. Please join us for a moving and inspiring Shabbat celebration. Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Aleph Champion and Little Scholars Programs. Innovative, interactive learning for kids, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: “W.O.W: Women of Redemption--Revisiting the Book of Exodus, with Shani Katzman, 9 a.m. Women only; babysitting available on request. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Ma’ariv and Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 12:45 p.m.; Rabbi’s class, 5 p.m. followed by Ma’ariv; Havdalah, 5:48 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail: dstiel@everestkc.net to set up appointments. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Stephanie Donner with an Oneg following. (Note: No sitter service will be available) SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Joy Arbor.
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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.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
Friday, December 24, 4:42 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m., Rabbi Craig Marantz will officiate and Sara Rips will be giving the D’var Torah. SATURDAY: No Bagels and Sacred Books. SITTER SERVICE: There will be no Sitter Service available on Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31. Adult Education: Contact Program Director Rosie Zweiback, 556.6536 or rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com, for registration and fee information. All classes are sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 12:47 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m. SUNDAYS: (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m. Next Mindstrectcher Series will be held on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements of children becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be printed on the synagogue page of The Jewish Press one week prior to the event if submitted eight days prior to publication. The following information may be included: name, name of parents, grandparents and/or great-grandparents (including late parent[s] and/or late grandparent[s]), names of siblings, date and location of event. In addition, the school which the child attends, honors and hobbies may be included, if space permits, as well as the name of the child’s Mitzvah Project and a short description. A clearly identified photo is welcome if it is easily reproduced. Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues or by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448.
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SUNDAY: No Classes--Lincoln Public Schools break. ATTENTION: SST kids and their parents!! -- The Jewish Federation of Lincoln is sponsoring a trip to Omaha’s Jewish Community Center for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. This fun day is scheduled for Dec. 31, leaving from Tifereth at 8:30 a.m. and returning at 4:30 p.m. The cost will be $15 per child, and scholarships are available for anyone who needs one. Contact Lori Merliss at 328.0414 or email her at lorimerliss@ msn.com with questions or to sign up. UPCOMING EVENTS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE: Please bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Saratoga and Prescott Elementary Schools food pantries. Food items will be collected during the month of December. LUNCH AND LEARN: Rabbi Lane Steinger will speak at a potluck lunch, Jan. 8, 2005, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the South Street Temple. His Lunch and Learn topic will be “350 Years of American Jewry & 180 Years of American Reform Judaism: Glories of the Past & Prospects for the Future.” TEMPLE ANNUAL MEETING: Annual Congregational Meeting on Jan. 23, 2005. Refreshments and babysitting will be provided. Everyone is encouraged to attend. More information will be sent as the date gets closer.
Candlelighting
BAR MITZVAH Discovery, sponsored by Torah Learning Center, wooed about 50 Omahans late into the night on Sunday. Pictured is Rabbi Yitzchak Wyne of Young Israel-Aish HaTorah in Las Vegas, NV, who was one of two lecturers to fly in for the three hour program. Three mathematicians at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa created Discovery 15 years ago. The mathematicians brought a scientific approach to the Torah they hoped would engage uninvolved, even skeptical Jews. Since then, they estimate that more than 100,000 individuals in 50 locations have participated in Discovery.
PERSONALS My sincere warm thanks to my family and friends for their gifts, donations, flowers, and visits during my recent illness. Frieda Krizelman
Jesse Miller Reno, son of Juliana and Rusty, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005 at Beth El. A seventh-grade Gold honor roll student at McMillan Magnet School, Jesse is a member of his school’s cross-country team, and is part of the Chess club. He loves reading and computers.
Jesse has a sister, Rachel. His grandparents are Sherry Miller of Mill Valley, CA, and Gail and Peter Miller of New York, NY, and Ronnie Reno of Baltimore, MD. His great-grandmother is Helen Hyman of Margate, NJ.
December 24, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Israel’s Faith
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MAXIMO SHECHET Parashat Vayechi Our Torah portion this week is powered by a pack of multiple blessings that reveal the future of the 12 tribes of Israel, the Sons of Ya’akov Avinu, Jacob our Father. Ya’akov is nearing the end of his earthly stay and feels the compelling need to charge his son, Joseph, the only one able to comply at that time with his wish of “Do not bury me in the Land of Egypt.” Ya’akov does not want the Egyptians to make his resting place a shrine of idol worship, as Rashi explains in his commentary. In addition, Ya’akov also exercises his blessing of his sons, the 12 Tribes of Israel. He wants to advise them of a time, in the future, known as the “End,” the Messianic time table when the multiple exiles of Israel will come to an end. Ya’akov is prevented from revealing this prophetic vision as the Torah’s scripture format attests to by being a Parasha S’tuma. A Parsaha S’tuma, a closed portion, occurs when there is no space of at least nine letters within its proximity to a preceding parasha. This rare occurrence alludes, as Rashi explains, to the mood of the children of Israel at that moment. Their hopes and hearts closed in expectation of the impending exile, coupled with suffering. As Ya’akov lies dying on his bed, a disturbing thought overtakes his mind. He fears that some of his offspring caused the vision, the suffering’s end, to stop. In frustration, he turns to his sons and says, “Just as my father, Isaac, and my grandfather, Abraham, both fathered unworthy children, maybe one of you is unworthy and thus has been deprived of receiving this prophecy.” The brothers, upon hearing this reasoning, respond in unison, as one unit, and without hesitation, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is G-d, the Lord is One.” Jacob’s mood is relieved by the simple uttering of this Judaic phrase. The 12 brothers convince their father that they are
indeed worthy sons. Whatever possible suspicions Jacob harbored were dispelled upon the declaration of the “Shema.” Yisrael, Ya’akov Avinu, is now assured of a two-fold promise. First, he will be buried in the Land of Israel, therefore establishing the principle that only Eretz Israel was and will be their heritage. Second, the tribes assure him of following in their ancestors’ footsteps by guarding the Torah’s behavioral treasures of teachings. We can relate to that ancient mood, of the Israelite Tribes’ conviction, to a statement uttered in eloquent form and shared with the world by the actions of a Jewish astronaut. Col. Ilan Ramon trained for a U.S. space shuttle mission devoted to an international research project. He was the first Jewish celestial traveler to request a kosher meal in space. “I told them I wanted kosher food, and they told me they’d have to check it out because nobody, until today, asked them for kosher food.” After being queried as to the need of kosher food for the voyage and also being aware of the fact that he was not a particularly religious person, Col Ramon replied, “As Israel’s first astronaut, I’m kind of representative of the Jewish community.” Upon visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C, visitors are moved by the following audio testimony. “One day I saw my friend Chaim praying. It was too late for the morning service and too early for the afternoon service. I asked him, ‘Chaim, what are you praying?’ He responded, ‘I am thanking G-d.’ I asked him, ‘Chaim, look around you; you’re in a death camp; people are being tortured and dying. What do you possibly have to thank G-d for?’ Replies Chaim, ‘I am thanking G-d I am one of us and not one of them.’” This week’s Torah reading concludes Genesis, the first book of the Five Books of Moses. As we proclaim, “Chazak! Chazak! Venischazeik! Be strong! Be Strong! And may we be strengthened!,” let us be assured, regardless of any atypical situation in which we may find ourselves, G-d will provide us with the tools needed to achieve comprehension of His unity and help us in bringing a spiritual element into how we view and live life. A Gutten Shabbes.
LEROY L. CANFIELD LeRoy L. Canfield died Nov. 28 at the age of 81. Services were held Dec. 2 at Beth Israel Synagogue with interment at Gold Hill Cemetery. The founder of Canfield’s Sporting Goods never retired, according to his son, Rick. The original store at 16th and Cass was relocated to 24th and Cuming and then to its present location at 84th and Center, where it has remained for the last 30 years. Though Rick took over the day-to-day management of the business, his father manager Canfield’s real estate business. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Anne Canfield. In addition to his son Rick and daughter-in-law, Sandy Canfield, he is survived by his daughter and sonin-law, Donna and Joel Stender of Chicago; daughter, Debby Canfield also of Chicago; grandchildren Zachary, Alexandria, Gabrielle, and Mackenzie Stender, Matthew Canfield, all of Chicago; Jill and Daniel Canfield. Memorials to Beth Israel.
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DEATHS CONSTANCE ELLEN GORDON WEINER Former Lincolnite Connie Weiner died Nov. 26 at the New York University Medical Center in New York City. A private memorial service was held in Ft. Collins, CO. After graduation from the University of LincolnNebraska and a short stint with KOLN-TV, she moved to Denver, CO, to work for an ad agency and then to New York City. She was well known in the advertising field, having worked for such firms as J. walter Thompson, Young & Rubicam and later as national advertising manager of Seagram Distillers. She was also a prolific writer of puzzles, publishing a column-“Connie’s Cryptos”--in close to 700 newspapers, and wrote a guide to the ins and outs of lottery games: Winning with Numbers. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Merle Gordon. She is survived by her mother, Sally Gordon; sisters, Janet L. Rudolph and Sandra K. Shapo; brother, JAmes E. “Jim” Gordon” and seven nieces. Memorials to charity of choice.
Classifieds
RUTH ALLEN BONDER Former Omahan Ruth Allen Bonder, a key figure in developing youth activities at the JCC of Omaha in the early 1930s, died Dec. 6 in Jerusalem at the age of 94. A native of Denver, Bonder graduated from the University of Denver at the age of 19 and started a teaching career in Violas, CO, at a time when city school systems were not hiring Jewish teachers. In 1932, she accepted the position of Youth Activities Director at the JCC of Omaha and organized the first “round table of Jewish youth”. She left Omaha in 1936 for a distinguished career in social work. Before making aliyah to Israel in 1972, she was director of USY in the greater Chicago area. She and her late husband, Rabbi David Bonder, were founders of Moreshet Yisroel Synagogue--the flagship Conservative congregation in Jerusalem. She was preceded in death by a son, Rabbi Isaac L. Bonder. She is survived by her daughter, Shoshana Ben Dor, brother and sister-in-law, former Lincolnites Harry and Anna Arbitman Allen, all of Jerusalem; and nephews, nieces and grand nieces. MILDRED KAYES Mildred Kayes died at the age of 88. Services were held Dec. 22 At Pleasant Hill Cemetery. She is preceded in death by her husband, Seymour Kayes, and sister and brother-in-law, Sara and Sam Zorinsky. She is survived by her son Dr. Steven Kayes and Harriet Chesney of Mobile, AL; son and daughter-inlaw, Evan and Francine Kayes of Naperville, IL; grandsons, Jonathan and Thomas Kayes; brother, Nathan Berg; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Ralph Katz. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or Beth Israel Synagogue.
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Pictures from the Sept. 10, 2004, New Year’s issue, and from prior special issues, must be picked up no later than Dec. 31 or they will be turned over to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. The Press is open during regular business hours, M-F, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Questions? Call 334.6448.
Send resume or letter of inquiry to: Allan Handleman, Advertising Manager Jewish Press 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 or call 402.334.6451
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 24, 2004
For Israel’s Growing Cadre of Poor, Government Cutbacks Take Tough Toll She didn’t foresee this situation when that the government’s economic reforms she immigrated to Israel. Friedlander have not been coupled with employgrew up in a middle class family in ment assistance. In fact, he said, there is Buenos Aires, attended Zionist schools less money now for job training than and camps and saw her future in the there used to be. Jewish state. In a time of economic recession and “For 40 years my parents gave money social spending cuts, the government to the JNF and Hashomer Hatzair and now I look at myself, having to turn to aid associations for help. It really hurts,” she said. Friedlander said she feels better off than many of her friends who are also single working mothers, because when unexpected costs come up--her refrigerator battery died last month, for example --her family in Argentina often sends money to help. The number of single-parent Israeli households beneath the Single mother Gabriella Friedlander, at her home in poverty line increased by 11 per- Ashdod in December, said she is finding it hard to cent in 2003. Of the 60 percent of make ends meet since the government made major Credit: Dina Kraft/JTA single parents who work, 30 per- cuts in social spending. cent do so only part-time, according to must do more than just tell people to get statistics compiled by the Myers-JDC- jobs; it must help create those jobs and Brookdale Institute in Jerusalem. facilitate the search for those looking for Responding to the poverty report, work, he said. Netanyahu said the answer was to get “Clearly there needs to be a major people back to work. national effort for employment,” Habib “That’s the way to treat poverty--to get said. “There needs to be focused effort to people to go to work,” he said. He has make that happen.” said the previous welfare system in Israel With unemployment reaching 10.7 perwas bloated and helped prevent the cent in 2003, Habib noted that economemergence of a modern, capitalist econ- ic growth in Israel tends to be based in omy. the high-tech sector, which rarely reachThe Finance Ministry said its policies es lower-income groups. were not to blame for the increase in The cycle of poverty feels overwhelmpoverty. In a statement, the ministry said ing, said Vicky, a single mother from poverty grew between 1996-2002, a time Rehovot who did not want her last name when welfare payments were increased used. by 50 percent. She works part time an old-age home. Jack Habib, director of the Myers-JDC- She cannot afford day care, so she works Brookdale Institute, said one problem is half a day and leaves in time to pick up
Continued from page 1 The gap between rich and poor in Israel rises every year and is among the highest in the Western world. Children are especially hard hit: of the 1.42 million Israelis living under the poverty line, 653,000 were children. A financial crisis brought on by the intifada and a general economic downturn has forced Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to engineer national austerity budgets. And politicians of both major political parties have agreed for nearly a decade on the need to drastically reduce Israel’s bloated public sector. But experts say Netanyahu's economic reform policies, which have included dramatic cuts in public spending on items such as welfare payments, have been especially tough on the poor. Not only children have felt the impact: Single-parent families, large families, Israeli Arabs and immigrants also have been hit. They are among the groups that in the past have benefited from child subsidies that now have been greatly reduced. The violence of the intifada and the world economic downturn have hurt Israel’s economy, but the rise in poverty figures are attributed largely to the government cutbacks. Israel’s economy is showing signs of recovery, but full-time jobs paying above the minimum wage can be hard to find for the country’s poorest segments. Furthermore, much of the economic growth is taking place at the top--in the high-tech sector and among those who invest in the stock market. Friedlander has tried to find additional work, posting ads in newspapers and hanging signs on trees, but has had no luck so far.
her 7-year-old son from school. Vicky’s take-home salary from work is $316 a month, and she receives an additional $326 in government assistance. Before the government cutbacks, the received $600 in assistance. “Before the cuts I could make ends meet,” she said, “But what does” Netanyahu “think we should do now?” “He says go to work, but where are the jobs?” she added. The government is exploring new ways to stop the growth in the poverty rolls. Among new initiatives is an experimental welfare-to-work program. In addition, a government committee is looking into providing wage subsidies for low-income workers to increase the incentive to work and reduce poverty, Habib said. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor also is trying to give incentives to single parents by giving bonuses to those who complete their first year at work. In general, though, the market can be tough, especially for single parents, most of whom are women. “The job market is not good for single mothers, it is not sensitive to them, it is harder for them to find work,” said Shiri Regev Messalem, legal director of Itach, Women Lawyers for Social Justice, an organization that provides legal assistance to women of low socioeconomic status. Regev Messalem said that in the year since the government's public spending was cut back, an increasing number of women have turned to Itach for assistance. “We are not getting so many queries from people asking if they are getting what they are owed at work, but whether or not they can survive on the salaries they are earning,” she said.
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