Israel and Omaha To Exchange Youth ^COUNCIL BLUFFS. LINCOLN, OMAHA Omaha, Neb.. Fri.. May 2,1380
A Jewish boy and girl from Omaha will be able to visit and work In Israel while their counterparts do the same in Omaha as part of the Counselor Exchange Program. The round trip to Israel will be funded by the 1980 Zalkin Youth Leadership Award, now in its second year of operation and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The only expense to the participating youth will be pocket money. Home hospitality will be extended by the host community. The program is designed to strengthen the bonds between Centers In Israel and the United States, and to enhance Day Camp programming by an exchange of capable counselors.
two from Omaha going to Is- average rael, and two from Israel com3) Active^ participation in ing to Omaha, who can bring Jewish Youth Group to the host camp and commu4) Participation in Jewish nity, the flavor of their home Community Activities community. 5) Positive leadership role ' The educational and social model consequences will be positive 6) History of continuing for the camp participants, Jewish education . hosting families, centers, and 7) Personal references especially for the individuals The Omaha JCC is one of 20 involved in the exchange pro- centers affiliated with the gram, the announcement Jewish Welfare Board that is stated. participating in the exchange Those interested in applying program. must respond to Mark GreenThose selected to represent berg, JCC youth director, by Omaha will leave early in May ID, 5 p.m. June and return in early AuApplicants should met the gust. following criteria: Families interested in act1) Completion of 11th school ing as host families for the Isgrade, 1980 raeli boy and girl may contact 2) 3.0 High School academic Mr. Greenberg at 334-8200.
Exploding Myths A program of myths and facts about Israel and her Arab neighbors
Greetings Sen. Edward Zorkinsky had an opportunity to chat with Prune Minister Menachem Begin last month during a coffee hosted by Senators Church and Javlts for members of the Foreign Relations Committee. From left are Sen. Jacob Javlts, Prime Minister Begin, Ambassador Ephram Evron, Sen. Howard Baker and Sen. Zorlnsky.
FestiveLook Turns Gym To Entertainment Center By Yolanda Leraer Shimmering lights and silver screens provided a festive look to the halls of the Jewish Community Center Tuesday night. The 32nd Israeli Independence Day celebration was truly a celebration for all, as 700 gathered and waited for the gym doors to open. The wait proved worth It, as Shartl LachArtzl, (I Sang For Thee, My Country), one of Israel's top entertainmenl groups, captivated the audience through the use of song and visual effects. Black velvet draped the sides of the giant screen and rows of chairs faced the elevated stage. Utilizing the running track, spot lights and sound equipment were arranged, transforming (he gym into an ideal entertainment center. The first half pf the program explained the Jewish settlement of Eretz Israel from 1850 to the present, in an almost story-book type fashion. Red, green and yellow lighting combined with the spot lights added to the mood of the dramatic slides and narrative presentation. One couldn't help notice the Americanized fashions worn by the four Israeli guests, complete with Lcvi Jeans and Adidas sneakers. The three singing members, Nurit Galron, Yocl Lcrner,and Danny Litanny, carried through the themes narrated by moderator, Dan Almagor.
Children handled the sale of orange soda and record albums during a brief intermission". The second half of the program gave an opportunity to let the performers individual talents and personalities shine through. Lovely to look at, as well to listen to, solo female member, Nurit Galron, sang beautifully alone as well as combined with the other two singers. Curly-haired, fair skinned, and boyish looking Yocl Lerncr, showed much versatility as he played the p i a n o , strummed the guitar, and sang with a crisp, clear voice. Danny Litanny, stood out as the groups "star". He had composed some of the music he sang. Seemingly quite comfortable entertaining the audience, Lattany provided bits of humor throughout the program. Emotionally swaying the audience, Dan Almagor, served as moderator for the historical trip of the Israeli people. He serves as the groups' director, writer and producer. The opening and introduction of the program was presented by JCC President Jay Lerner. Obviously pleased by what Mr. Lerner described as a "fabulous turnout", he thanked members of the Cultural Arts Department and the Israeli Independence Day committee members for their combined - efforts.
He directed special thanks to "Cultural and Performing Arts chairman Fred Simon, Special Events Chairman Randi Katelman, CPA music chairman Barb Hurwitz, radio personality Dave Wlngert,. and Cultural Arts Director Judl Rosenblatt. Ending the show with a potpourri of classic Hebrew and ° Yiddish songs, such as Hava Nadgela and Tsena, the audience Joined in singing and clapping as the familiar tunes were heard. As the audience walked out of the JCC gym-past the shimmering lights and silver screens—the sound of Israel went with them—a lovely sound. Laughs were exchanged at a post-concert gathering at Julio's restaurant where Mrs. Rosenblatt described the warmth and genulness exuded from such "beautiful Israeli people".
You have heard and read, over and over again, statements such as the following: —Israel is a racist state —Israel's illegal occupation of terrorists in the West Bank —East Jerusalem is not part of Israel —Recognition of the PLO would relax international tensions —The Israeli government Is intransigent in its dealings with the Arabs Such statements are only a small portion of the myths that are circulated in the world in regard to the Arab-Israel conflict. Israel's Image suffers because these myths are accepted as facts. Beth Israel Synagogue will be "EXPLODING MYTHS" at a program of extraordinary importance to all Jews on Friday evening, May 16, said Rabbi Isaac Nadoff. "It is important and urgent that the myths which are circulating be refuted, the record straightened out, and the facts be presented correctly and accurately," he added. Chavura will present a panel discussion following the service on Friday, May 16. Its responsibility will be that of "EXPLODING MYTHS" and the separation of myth from fact in the Arab-Israeli struggle. The panelists will concentrate on another area of the Arab-Israeli struggle and will present a Jewish response to many of the Arab claims. Dan Cattau, religious-page editor of the World Herald, will serve as moderator. This program will provide the Community with information to respond to many of the Arab accusations. Among the special areas of the Arab-Israeli conflict upon which the panel will concentrate are: —The City of Jerusalem and its annexation by Israel —The West Bank and Israeli settlements there —The four wars fought between Israel and its Arab neighbors - T h e PLO: Their stated goals for the "future" of Israel
The guests were very pleased with the Omaha Jewish Community Center. They' felt they had the best technical equipment, the best audience turn-out and felt encouraged for thelr.future tour of America, according to Mrs. Rosenblatt. "Shartl Lach Artzi" feel it is Important to present a historical and entertaining program and because of Omaha's reception, they felt their approach would be accepted and appreciated by future American audiences, she added.
Volunteer Ambassador Phil Cofman, executive director of the Jewish Community Center, congratulates Him! Waldbaum upon her being selected as an outstanding volunteer In the Volunteer Ambassador category by the Voluntary Action Center of the United Way of the Midlands during a luncheon last Thursday at Peony Park.
Israel Trip Joseph Soshnik, presiding co-chairman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Midlands Chapter, has announced that applications are being accepted for a delegate to the 1980 International Youth Conference in Israel. "Israel and Jewish-Christian Relations" is the theme for this event. Conference dates are August 17-28, 1980. Deadline for receiving applications is May 16. Criteria for selecting the conference participant will include: Education requirement — applicants must have completed the llth grade, and be currently enrolled in an area high school or college; an interest in rellgion/s and cultural differences with a willi n g n e s s ( o p e n n e s s ) to participate in discussion of those subjects; an interest in Jewish-Christian relations and related subjects, e.g. Middle East; time, ability and willingness to share perceptions/experiences with youth and adult groups following return; positive leadership role model; and no prior visit to Israel. Conference opportunities will provide for both study and work participation. The following topics will be addressed: Jewish self-understanding — the meaning of the State of Israel to the Jewish p ;ople; Christian attitudes toward Judaism, Zionism, the State of Israel; the significance of the Holocaust — for Jews, Christians and in Jewish-Christian relations; the political situation in the Middle East and its effect on JewishChristian relations; and Judaism, Christianity and other faiths. Conference participants will represent 16 countries from all parts of the world. This biennial conference is a program of the international Council of Christians ancfjews. Application forms and/or additional information can be obtained from the NCCJ office, 423 Center Building or 346-3357.