Beth El begins site preparation "Shehecheyanu" came this week for Beth El Synagogue members as the first dirt was moved at the site of the new building, 144th and Dodge streets. The aite preparation is the initial step in the construction work, according ^ Hawkins Construction executive vice president and Beth El board member Willis Epstein. Mr. Epstein is in the cab of the earth mover; also pictured, from left, Ray Goldstein, president; Carol Greenberg and Barton Greenberg, fund-raising co-chairmen; Merle Potash, executive director. Howard Kooper, chairman of the Beth El construction committee, said, "A concerted effort is underway to contact every member who has not pledged." He said that the official gronnd-breakiiig will be held at a later date.
Omaha women's division plans Sponsor pins The Sponsor program jnitMitad by the National Women's Division of State of Israel Bonds to bring women into a higher echelon of Israel B<MMi involvement will continue, it was announced by Ellen Albin, chairman of the Art Show and Champagne Luncheon scheduled for Sept. 13 at Peony Park Plaza The-
nowned artists have created Sponsor pins that express their views and identification with Israel, Mrs. Albin said. They include Boris Chaliapin, Chaim Gross, Jacques Lipschitz, Salvador DaJi, Yaacov Agam, Yaacov Heller and Michael Ende, who has created the pin to commemorate the 40tb Anniversary of IndeCo-chairroen of the pendence of the State of event are Julse Katzman Israel and Susie Shyken. Michael Ende's creaInternationally re- tions ore in the coUec-
tions of royalty having been presented to the King of Morocco by the Government of Israel, to former President Cater of the United States, to Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and others. His pin entitled "Out of Wilderness" will be presented by Jerome Gleekel. who will deliver the principal address at the luncheon. Reservations can be made by calling Mrs. Albin, Mrs. Shyken or Mrs, Katzaum at 341-1177.
Saranne Gitnick. president of the Jetlnsh Federation of Omaha, announced that the 1990 UJA/Federation Campaign will begin and end earlier than campaigns of previous years. "Leadership for the '90 campaign will be officially announced in the early part of September, and the entire fundraising effort will culminate with the Super Sunday Telethon on January 21," said Mrs. Gitnick.
Third, according to Mrs. Gitnick, a more clearly defined and succinct campaign schedule should be more attractive to future campaign leadership. "These men "It's important to note and women will have a that pledges for the 1990 clear and concise picture campaign may still be of what will be expected paid until December 31 of them and a specific of that year; it's only the time frame in which to do time frame for solicita-. their jobs," she contion that has changed." cluded. Howard Bloom. FodetMrs. Gitnick explained the reasons for the ation executive director; change. "First, the Oma- Chariic Epstein, uaociha campaign will now be ate director; and Ellie in sync with the national Penner, women's diviaioD fundraising effort in ac- director emphasized the cordance with the UJA need for the public to
By Hugh Orgel TEL AVIV (JTA) Yasir Arafat justified the killing of Palestinian collaborators, citing similar acts by the French resis-, tance movement during the Nazi occupation of France. The Palestine Liberation Organization chief, speaking at a news conference in the Jordanian capital of Amman, also said he might convene
Pope's remarlcs anger Jews
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troubled over the remarks made by the fope at his weekly audience, which w«r« similar to remarks he made on Aug. 2 and 9. ' In his statements on the origins of Christianity, the pope discussed the "new covenant" with God that the Christians forged, and also of "Israel's infidelity to iU God." Some Jewish leaders have interpreted these rcmsriu as inqilying that the Ja«riah coveoant with Oo4 is no hmffir in place. B^--sjr-iBJKr»iLi:!3suai
Such a reading would gious Consuitatkana, sakl conflict director with that the recent conVatk:anII,thel966doc- troversial remarks can be txine which modernized interpreted aa doubting the CathoUc Church and "the vaUdity, the authenits attitudes toward ticity and tne legitimacy Jews. It would also con- of Judaiam." While diacMMiqn of Un tradict remarks made by m«y appear esothe pope himself in 1980, 1986 and 1981 teric. Rudin said that Speaking al( the Rome theological anti-Semisynscogue in 1986, the tism can have ssrious impope cdUed the Jewish pllcattons. "Theokigkal toachlngs covenant with Ood "irare very ssrious and canrevocable." . Rudin, who Is also the not be dinniseed."Rucitn current cheirmsn of the sakL "It affecU peopls's International Jewish behavkw toward Jews CatmMm po intfrwU- throughout tha workL" liTTT_^_ -_^/
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clearly understand change. "The only difference is the period of time in which we raise the dollars," reiterated Mr. Bloom. "Contributions will not be due until December 31, 1990." "We think the change will be a refreshing one for the Omaha Jewish community," said Mrs. Penner. ""The goal is to become more efficient at raising community dollars, and for both the men's and women's divisions to be able to plan together more effectively." "We hope that all contributors will remember the campaign has been moved up when a volunteer worker makes that early contact this year," added Mr. Epstein. "This, of course, will be the only year when some diviaiona will be aoHdted twice in kh* riune''3rear. The important thing to note is that the campaign about to be launched is for the year 1990."
Arafat defends Icilling
Third week in row By Alllsoa Kaplaa NEW YORK (JTA) For tiie third oonaecutive week. Pope John Paul II has raised concern among Jewish religious leaders with remarks miieh cast in doubt the validity of the Jewish covenant with Qod. "The time has ooms for a UfMevet clarification from the Catholic leadership," said Rabbi A. Jamee Rudin, director of intemligioua affairs for the Amarlcan Jewish
calendar. This will enable Omaha to share in speakers, events and resources made available only through UJA during these key months. "Second, the new time frame will produce more acciirate figures for the budget and allocation process for the following year (in this case, for 1991). Pledges will simply be in sooner," she said.
the Palestine National Council to reconsider its decision of last year to pursue a policy of peace and moderation toward Israel. He said the peace strategy hasn't worked so far.
Arafat described Palestinians who collaborate with Israel as "quislings" and said actions taken against them by the leadership of the Palestinian uprising v/ere justified.
Passage to Freedom approaching $90,000 Omaha's Passage to Freedom Campaign for helping resettle Russian Jews has reached >88.000 and is pushing toward $90,000, Shirley Goklstein, co-chairman. toU the Federation's Board of Directors Tueed«y night. Mrs. Goldstein said Ihat plans are underway to reeettle additional families in Omaha and that Jewish Family Ssrvtee wiU administer the program. She explained that thare ore four requests being eonaidHed at this tims, all of whom have some connfcUqn II
with Russian Jews currently in Omaha. More than 26 of the resettled Russian Jews met recently at the Jewish Community Center with Rep. Peter Hoagland and pledged their support in helping additional Jews from ths Sovisi Union to settle in Omaha. Saranne Gitnick, Federation preeklsot, toU the Board that approximately half the money raised in the Pasa«ge to Freedom Camoaign will stay fa> Onuha to help fund the reeettlemsnt
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