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flewish Press Serving Nebraska and Iowa Since 1920
VoL LXXI No. 2 Omaha
9 Tishre, 5764, September 24,1993
The historic handshaice
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As millions of Americans and other millions throughout tlic world watched the historic handshake of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel and Yasir Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organization on television, Jerry Slusky, president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, representing the Jewish community of Omaha as a guest of Congressman Peter Hoagland, viewed the event live. The photo of the handshake is by Robert A. Cumins, commissioned by the United Jewish Appeal, and the photo of Mr. Slusky and Rep. Hoagland is by Rabbi Arthur Starr of Manchester, N.H.
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By Morris Maline
of the Diplomatic Corps — all hopeful that the handshake would take place," Mr. Slusky said. He also pointed out that it was interesting to see There was a hush, and tremendous respect for the moment as Rabin and Arafat moved toward one President Clinton interact with Israel's Prime another — then a spontaneous explosion of relief as Minister and the chairman of the PLO. The Prime Minister's displeasure was evident, yet he was comthey shook hands." This is how Jerry Slusky, president of the Jewish pelled by events to offer his hand to Arafat, Mr. Federation of Omaha, described the historic hand- Slusky said. In a telephone interview. Rep. Hoagland told the shake of Israel's prime minister and the chairman Jewish Press that while "enormous details" of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Mr. Slusky had been invited to represent the remain to be worked out, he was extremely hopeful Omaha Jewish community at the Sept. 13 White that with America's supporting role the agreement would prove to be a "remarkable breakthrough." House ceremony by Congressman Peter Hoagland. He stressed that while the opportunity for peace Mr. Slusky and Rep. Hoagland were seated in the third row of the Congressional Section next to between Israel and the Palestinians is "clearly Rabbi Arthur Starr, from Manchester, N.H.( a doable," there is a need to proceed with the democfriend of Rabbi Sidney Brooks) and former ratization of the area so there will be no safe haven for the PLO to return to. ^ California Congressman Mel Levine. He pointed out also that the breakdown of the There was a feeling of humility on the part of everyone there as we observed the entire Congress, Soviet Union has to be watched over so that anothCabinet, former Secretaries of State and members er totalitarian regime doesn't appear.
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In a letter of thanks to Rep. Hoagland, Mr. Slusky said, "Thank you for your kind invitation to represent the Omaha Jewish community at the Israel-Palestinian peace agreement... our Jewish community appreciates your continuing sensitivity to issues that concern and touch our people. You provided me the opportunity to witness the most significant history making event of our time, and I thank you again for allowing our community to be represented at such an important event." The White House program given to guests attending the signing ceremony contained excerpts from the Declaration of Principles on Interim SelfGovemment Arrangement as follows: "...it is time to put an end to decades of confrontation and conflict, recognize their mutual legitimate and political rights, and strive to live in peaceful co-existence and mutual dignity and security and achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement and historic reconciliation through the agreed political process."
Mark Epstein cancer fund nears goal By Morris Maline The Jewish community's fund-raising drive to raise $150,000 for the hospitalization and treatment of Mark Epstein is nearing a successful completion. With an estimated $120,000 collected in the first month of the campaign, the goal appears reachable in the next several weeks. Meanwhile, physicians are proceeding with Mark's treatment preparing him for a high dose of radiation — the only option left to halt the spread ofcancer Because insurance will not cover the medicn) care, the Jewish Press has been covering this story to let everyone know that the Epstein family needs help to pay for the ongoing treatment. And the Jewish community has responded with an outpouring of affection, concern and money. Various fund-raiiing projects have been conducted; others are in the works. On Sunday, Oct. 10 from 4 to 9 p.m., Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai H'rith is sponsoring a bcnr fit basketball tournament at the Jewish Community Center. Area Jewish youth groups will participate in the tournamant and players are being asked to make a $26 donstion nr secure that nmounl from friends and famil ThoM altendlns the toumaiu no asked to donate $6.
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Two-year-old Audrey G«rber, daughter of Maggie and Donald Crrbcr, gives (ho family txednkah boxes to Hhi'Idon llernitcin, executive director, Federation Foundation, for the
Mark Rpitetn cancer fUnd.
The program is being called,"Hoop It Up For Mark," and the invitation reads, in part, as follows:
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"... 80 don't sit on the sidelines. Help Mark Bounce Back. JUMP at this chance to KEY in on a real Mitzvah. "Don't PASS up this opportunity — take some TIME OUT to SHOOT some BASKETS You will have a BALL, and you will do your part to HOOP IT UP FOR MARK' On Monday, Oct. 11, the Mark Epstein Rolfbonpfit will take place with tee-off at noon at ),he Shoreline Golf Course, 210 Locust St., Carter Lake, Iowa. Arranged by Andy Zimmerman, assiatant pro at Sunset Valley Country Club, the format is a fourperson Texas scramble with a donation of $50 per person. Singles and teams may participate. A rnin date of Monday, Oct, 18, has been scheduled. Those unable to attend events, and who would like to make a contribution may make checks pnynblc to the University of Nebmska Medical ('ontcr and mail them vJo Hholdon llcrnstt'ln, Frdcration Foundation, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 0H154.
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