SERVING NEBRASKA, IOWA Vol. LXI Ho. 25
Omaha, Neb., Fri., March 4,1983
Focus on France:
Parisians tremble at Klaus Barbie implications
A French soldier guards the entrance to Elysees Polece in Paris — the French equivalent to the White House.
Bcate and Serge Klarafcld — in their Paris apartment.
The doors to the Holocaust Memorial in Paris — bullet holes arc a sign of the times.
Editor'* Note: The following article contains opinion of the author. Information for the article was obtained on a press mission to Paris and Israel, sponsored by the United Jewish Appeal and the American Jewish Press Association. A subsidy was provided also by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. By Morris Matins
Paris is also a city of stress. Its continuing acceptance of a Palestine Liberation Organization office — and all that goes with it — cause many to think of this 'paradise' in other terms: Is Paris the terrorism capita! of the world? is Paris bad for the Jews? These were the principal questions in the thoughts of some 20 editors who visited the French city last month on the way to Israel in a study mission arranged by the United Jewish Appeal in cooperation with the American Jewish Press Association. Were it not for the backing and prestige of the UJA, the AJPA, and the Joint Distribution Committee, we probably would have left Paris with more questions than answers. These groups, however, made it possible for us to conduct press conferences with government officials and conduct interviews with leaders of the French Jewish community. Among those with whom we met were: "Claude-Geraard Marcus, assistant to Jacques Chirac, Mayor of Paris, member of the French National Assembly,
and the highest ranking Jew in city government. •Jean-Louis Bianco, secretary general of Elysees Palace, who is Jewish, and Jacques Attali, special advisor to French President Mitterand. 'His Excellency Meir Rosenne, Israel Ambassador to France, and His Excellency Evan Galbraith, United States Ambassador to France. Other meetings were held with Shimon Samuels, European Director of the Anti-Defamation League, members of the French Section, World Jewish Congress; Sociologist Edgar Morin and Jacqueline Keller, executive director of Foods Social Juif Unific, the local Federation. Perhaps the most enlightening meeting was a breakfastpress conference with Claude Cheysson, French Minister for Foreign Affairs. There also were visits to an ORT school, a unique Jewish school, a tour of the old Jewish quarter and a session with the leadcni of Rcnouveau Juif, a growing activist movement in France. (continued on page 2)
Paris is a city of beauty. Its architecture, sculptures, paintings, and historic neighborhoods make Paris an 'art lover's paradi&e.
Two synagogues combine their religious schools By David Bittncr The presidents of Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues have announced that the efforts of eight years have found fruition in a mutual decision of the synagogues to combine their religious schools into one Talmud Torah. "The merger is truly a milestone for the city of Omaha," said Beth El President Kenneth Sacks. "It gives the young people of our congregations the opportunity to become socially involved with each other as well as gain a solid Jewish education." Morton Glass, president of Beth Israel, . called the merger "a unique opportunity to broaden and enhance the Jewish education of the youth of both our synagogues." According to Mr. Sacks, the plan1 began to near culmination when ho and Mr. Gl&sa were elected presidents of their respective congregations. As has been the custom in the past, he said, tho newly elected president/) met to discuss mutual problems and made it one of their goals to merge their two Hebrew schools, which have felt the effects of declining enrollments and rising costs. In December 1982, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Glass both formed committees to see if they could "agree to agree" on a definite merger plan. Mr. Sacks headed a committee made up of Bonnie Horwich, Rabbi Paul Drazen, and Howard Rubock. Members of the com-
mitteo headed by Mr. Glass included Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, Dr. Paul Shykcn, Barry (continued on page 3)
Jewish professional and business women are invited to attend a special Women's Campaign event on March 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Marlcno Hcchtraan. This evening coffee and dessert function was planned to occomodate all whose schedules preclude daytime attendance. Guest speaker will be Betty Chrustowski, a professional woman with a lengthy history of involvcment in Jewish activities. A resident of Milwaukee, eho is connected with the Jewish Federation, the Milwaukee JCC, Israel Bonds, AIPAC, Holocaust Resource Center and several business and professional committees. A busy speaker on many subjects pertinent to Israel she is often called to lead Methods and Techniquo Training Sessions. Ms. Chrustowski will also speak on March 18 at 9:16 tun. at the home of Lyra Ann Monasce. This morning affair is a Young Leadership Breakfast, and tho invited guests are women 35 and under whose minimum campaign gift is $365. ' Chairmen for this division are Carol Katzman and Carol Parsow. Chairmen for the Business and Professional Division are Robyn Click and Denny Greenberg.
Men stress importance of Washington Mission By Ellen Gordnmn Federation Staff Building of the success of lost year, the Men's Division of tho 1983 Federation Campaign is again sponsoring a Mission to Washington, D.C. According to Bob Kully, Mission chairman, tho participants will attend briefings with officials from the State Department, tho Defense Department, the Israeli Embassy and tho American Is-..,.. *acl Public Affairs Bob Kully Committee. Meetings have also been arranged with Senators Edward Zorinsky and James Exon and Reprcftentatlve-Hdl Dnuh Tho Mitmionwill leave Omaha on Monday morning, March 21 and return Tuesday evening, March 22,1983. Last year's mission proved that it is important for people to travel to Washington, D.C. to become educated about the United Suites government and its relationship with Israel. "We all read a great amount of conflicting information about Israel," said Mr. Kully. "The opportunity to attend these briefings and meet with influential pcoplo allows us to clearly sort out the facts. Then we can react appropriately. "It is important for people to travel to Israel and to understand what is going on in the country. But it is also important for people to trave} to Washington and learn
about our government's attitude toward Israel." Because the leaders of tho Men's Division think this trip is so important the minimum pledge has been lowered for this year. Any man who pledges a minimum of $750 can participate on the Mission. "Education is an important part of. the Mission," aaid Mr. Kully. "People only give because they are educated to the needs. They have (o learn to give." "I am excited about making arrangements which will encourage more men to accompany us on the Mission. We must broaden tho base of giving in our community and one way to accomplish this is to broaden a young man's knowledge on American-Israeli relations." The cost of the_trip is $150 and is tax deductible. This includes all travel arrangements, hotel room and meals. For further _infannation-Contact-Bob—Kully—Missionchairman, at 733-8370.
Elie Wiesel visit rescheduled Noted author Elie Wiesel will be in Omaha Monday, May 2. Mr. Wiesel, whose punned February visit was cancelled duo to inclement weather, will speak at 8 p.m. at Rigge Hall OP the Crclghton University campus. Thin ie the second annual Catholic-Jewish dialogue sponsored by Creighior,' )niverait> and the ADL/CRC onr\ ha;; beer funded by a grant from tho Ncbrrtatr * Committee for the Humanities.