Jume 26, 2026

Jewish Press

The Ice Cream Finally Arrived Community Invited to Celebrate Camp Gan Israel's Summer Finale

MUSHKA TENENBAUM

Chabad of Nebraska

What began as a Shavuot promise turned into a summer-long adventure.

The ice cream that campers (and adults) were eagerly awaiting for Shavuot found itself unexpectedly delayed in New York due to the sinkhole disruption on the runway at LaGuardia Airport. Now, after quite a

Notes from Jerusalem

NANCY COREN

Our phones started flashing warnings around 5 p.m. that Iran would be sending more ballistic missiles our way before dawn tomorrow morning. Yet, we already had plans to host 8 individuals at our apartment this evening to celebrate my math student’s mechina graduation. My student,

who is also now a dear friend, grew up in a Chareidi household, attended yeshivot that didn’t teach any secular subjects, and at age 29 decided he wanted to learn at a college preparatory program so he could apply for nursing school. We studied math and chemistry together and after only 12 months, he graduated from the program and got accepted to the nursing school.

Despite the warnings of impending war, all the individuals who lent emotional support over the years to my student showed up for the gathering in our apartment. The idea of celebrating such an accomplishment seemed See Notes from Jerusalem page 2

journey, the ice cream has finally arrived in Omaha— and the community is invited to help enjoy it. Chabad and Camp Gan Israel will host a free end-ofseason celebration on Friday, July 3, from 1–3 p.m., marking the conclusion of another memorable Camp Gan Israel summer. The location will be shared upon RSVP.

See Ice Cream page 2

TYPEWRITER POETRY

MAGGIE

CONTI

RBJH Director of Activities and Volunteer Services

A wonderful new program recently came to RBJH: Typewriter Poetry with Ella Young. Ms. Young is an Omaha-based poet, mental health therapist, and author who creates one-of-akind poems on the spot using a vintage family typewriter. Ella recently published a collection of these heartfelt poems in her book, To Listen is to Love.

Gathering words, memories, feelings, and prompts from participants, she crafts spontaneous verses that capture each individual's unique essence. Residents enjoyed sharing their thoughts and stories while listening to the familiar click, click, click of the type-

Ice Cream

Continued from page 1

Families, friends, and members of the Jewish community are invited to stop by for an afternoon of fun featuring inflatables, cotton candy, Israeli snacks, and, of course, the long-awaited soft serve ice cream. Guests will also have the opportunity to view a special display showcasing projects created by campers throughout the week.

If you experience antisemitism, there are ways to report an incident or hate crime:

IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, MOVE TO A SAFE AREA AND DIAL 9-1-1

CALL the JFO’s Safety and Security Team 402-334-6446

EMAIL JCRCreporting@jewishomaha.org

SCAN the QR code below to fill out the Incident Reporting Form

We work directly with law enforcement, Secure Communities Network, and the Anti-Defamation League. EXPERIENCE ANTISEMITISM?

If you see something, say something.

This summer's Camp Gan Israel program included Mini Gan Izzy for young children, Camp Gan Israel for ages 5–11, and the Pioneers division for ages 11–13. Throughout the camp season, campers explored Jewish values and traditions while learning about the Ten Mitzvah Campaign, discovering practical ways to bring more acts of kindness, Jewish pride, mitzvot into their daily lives.

The July 3 celebration offers the community a chance to see firsthand the energy, creativity, and Jewish spirit that filled camp this summer. It also provides a meaningful way for families to spend part of Erev Shabbat together while supporting the children who have worked hard, learned, created, and grown throughout the season.

Adding to the excitement, campers may even have a special surprise for guests to take home — fresh challah for their Shabbat tables.

The event is free and open to the entire community. To RSVP and receive location details, ochabad.com/ icecream

This special program has been made possible in part through the generous support of the Albert and Eleanor Feldman Family Israel Foundation and Kaiman Family

Join us as we celebrate a magical Camp

enjoy a sweet treat that was worth the

and send our campers into Shabbat with joy, pride, and

ing memories.

Standing on Their Shoulders: Rediscovering Federation Presidents

Ernest A. (“Ernie”) Nogg (1962–1963)

MARTY RICKS

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Advisory Board

Some leaders are remembered for a single accomplishment. Others are remembered for their steady commitment to strengthening the community around them. Ernest A. “Ernie” Nogg was one of those leaders. When Ernie became president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha in 1962, Omaha's Jewish community was entering a period of growth and optimism. The generation that had established many of the community's institutions was giving way to a new generation focused on expansion, planning, and investment in the future. Jewish life in Omaha was thriving, and community leaders were looking ahead to what would come next.

Ernie was well prepared for that responsibility.

Born in Council Bluffs in 1904, Ernie was part of a family whose story reflected the experience of many Jewish families who helped build communities throughout the Midwest. His older brother, Nathan (“Nate”) Nogg, was born in Russia in 1898 and immigrated to the United States as a young child. The family eventually settled in southwest Iowa, where the Nogg brothers built Nogg Paper Company into a successful business serving customers throughout Iowa and Nebraska. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Ernie, I do remember Nate. As a young kid, since both of my parents worked in our family store in Missouri Valley, I spent a lot of time there. I vividly remember Nate stopping in on sales calls for Nogg Paper Company. It is a small memory, but one that reminds us how closely connected the Jewish communities of Omaha, Council Bluffs, and western Iowa often were.

Camp Site Special Committee, which worked toward establishing a permanent Jewish camp facility for Omaha's Jewish youth.

That effort would ultimately lead to Camp Esther K. Newman.

Today, generations of Omaha Jews have memories of summers spent at Camp Newman. During Ernie's presidency, however, the camp was still taking shape. Construction plans moved forward, bids were received, and fundraising efforts continued as the community worked to bring the project to life. The camp project reflected the community's desire to invest in its youth and create new opportunities for future generations of Omaha Jews.

The camp project reflected something larger than a construction effort. It embodied the optimism of Omaha's Jewish community during the early 1960s. Community leaders were not simply preserving what earlier generations had built. They were investing in what the next generation might become.

That spirit of growth could be seen throughout the Federation. During Ernie's presidency, youth programs expanded, social service agencies continued their work, and the Jewish Community Center served as the center of an increasingly active community. Women's organizations including Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women, Beth El Sisterhood, Temple Israel Sisterhood, and B'nai B'rith Women played essential roles in supporting programs, raising funds, and strengthening Jewish life across Omaha.

Notes from Jerusalem

Continued from page 1 to outweigh the threats being broadcast across the internet. Perhaps that’s what makes Israel so special. Life goes on before the sirens and after the sirens.

The people who came did not know one another, but found it easy to share stories with one another about their backgrounds. We had Orthodox Jews, reform and masorti Jews, Jews who grew up in Chareidi homes, and a Benedictine monk sitting at the table, sharing a meal, and discovering the humanity that we all share. If peace is to ever be achieved, it must begin with small groups of individuals who are willing to sit together and get to know one another. Just learning to listen to one another and not make assumptions about individuals based on how they dress or speak is a necessity for co-existence.

There’s no way of knowing whether we’ll be under attack again after going to bed tonight. We’ll know soon enough, but if there’s anything I hope it is that the positive feelings spurred by tonight’s gathering in our apartment will not dissipate.

TYPEWRITER POETRY

The Nogg family became known not only for its business success but also for its dedication to community service. Both Ernie and Nate were active members of Beth El Synagogue. Nate served as president of Beth El, while Ernie served as president of the Beth El Men's Club. Ernie also served as president of Highland Country Club. In a coincidence family members still remember, both Ernie and Nate married women named Ruth. Together, the families became deeply involved in Jewish and civic life throughout Omaha.

Long before becoming Federation president, Ernie demonstrated his commitment to the community through Federation leadership. He chaired the Federation's 1955 annual campaign and later chaired the New

The Federation's professional staff, led by longtime executive director Paul Veret, coordinated a growing network of community services, programs, and agencies. Alongside dedicated volunteers and lay leaders, they helped support a community that was becoming increasingly active and engaged.

The leadership surrounding Ernie reflected that same spirit. Federation board members included many of the men and women whose names would become familiar throughout Omaha Jewish history. Together, they guided a community confident enough to think not only about present needs, but about the generations that would follow.

During Ernie's presidency, the community also paused to recognize Paul Veret for twenty-five years of service. It was a fitting tribute, reminding community members See Federation Presidents page 4

Continued from page 1 touched by her powerful words and the meaningful way she transformed thoughts and emotions into poetry. The result was a truly heartwarming experience that celebrated creativity, connection, and the stories that make each resident unique.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS

The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch our email for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com ORGANIZATIONS

Sensational

Jewish Omaha to march in Pride Parade, Celebrating Ahava (Love) and Inclusion

HEIDI HEILBRUNN

JCRC Program and Communications Manager

Returning to the powerful theme of ahava (love), Omaha’s Jewish community is proud to march once again in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community on Saturday, July 18. Organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO), our annual participation reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to inclusion, allyship, and building bridges across our diverse community.

Make sure to order your newly designed 2026 Nebraska Love is Love T-shirt. Order before June 21: https://stores.inksoft.com/jewish_federation_om aha/shop/home

The JCRC and JFO are proudly partnering with Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel Omaha, and B’nai Israel (Council Bluffs) to bring our community together for a meaningful day of pride and unity.

Register to participate today: igfn.us/form/G5mn

VA For security purposes, the location for Rise & Pride Shabbat will be emailed to registrants closer to the event. Private security is funded by Etta and Harold Epstein Security Fund.

Event Schedule & Details

Want to march or celebrate with us? Here is how you can participate:

• 8:30 AM | Rise & Pride Shabbat

Start the morning with a soulful, 30-minute service filled with spiritual reflection, followed by a light breakfast.

• 9:00 AM | Parade Lineup

We will gather and line up as a group to get ready for the parade route.

• 10:00 AM | Pride Parade

The parade kicks off! We will be marching and passing out candy to share our message of Ahava and love with the greater LGBTQIA+ community.

Registration: To order a T-Shirt:

Free ASAPP training offered to community

LYNN BATTEN

JFO Content Coordinator/Gallery Manager

The Jewish Federation of Omaha, in partnership with the FBI Violence Reduction Unit, is offering Active Shooter Attack Prevention & Preparedness (ASAPP) Training the evening of Monday, June 29. Training is free and open to the community. Advanced registration is required. Full event details will be shared upon registration. Registration can be completed online at jewishomaha.org or by scanning the QR code.

The goal of ASAPP training is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive an active shooter incident in any environment. The course will be led by experienced instructors who share information without causing fear or apprehension. ASAPP combines lessons learned from years of research into active shooter incidents with interactive training techniques to create a concise, impactful, and relevant course. During the course, attendees will actively participate in an informative multimedia presentation. Addi-

tionally, they will observe in-person demonstrations and complete scenarios to practice the decision-making process and actions necessary to survive an active shooter incident. Attendees will also learn and practice procedures to control bleeding and otherwise assist the injured until proper medical care becomes available.

ASAPP Training is provided by the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Community Security Initiative. The goals of the initiative include analyzing the physical security of the Omaha Jewish community and making improvements where necessary, increasing security awareness for community members, building relationships and bridging the gap between the Jewish community and other businesses / organizations, and building relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to help with intelligence sharing and threat reporting.

If you would like more information on this training, please contact James Donahue at jdonahue@jewish omaha.org

Federation Presidents

Continued from page 3 that the growth they were experiencing rested on decades of dedication from leaders and professionals who had come before.

The broader world also influenced local planning. During the height of the Cold War, both the Jewish Community Center and the Dr. Philip Sher Home were designated as civil defense fallout shelters, reflecting the concerns of the era and reminding us that local Jewish life was shaped by events far beyond Omaha.

Family members remembered Ernie as a devoted husband and father who cared deeply about both society and the Jewish community. His daughter-in-law Sandy described him as “the salt of the earth.” His son Alan recalled a man who was respected throughout the community, enjoyed golf, and generally avoided confrontation.

Those qualities earned him the respect of family, friends, and fellow community leaders throughout his life.

Ernie passed away in 1985, but the institutions he helped support and the community he helped lead continued to grow in the years that followed.

Ernest A. Nogg may not be among the most widely remembered names in Omaha Jewish history, but his leadership came during an important period of growth and planning. Through his service to the Federation and his commitment to community institutions, he helped

strengthen the foundation upon which future generations would build.

The programs, institutions, and community life that flourished during Ernie's era continue to shape Omaha Jewish life today. For that, and for his commitment to strengthening Jewish life in Omaha, he deserves his place among the men and women on whose shoulders we stand.

Series Note: We thank the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society for preserving these stories and invite readers to share memories, photographs, or family connections that can help us rediscover the lives of those who built our community. Standing on their shoulders, we continue their work.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha past presidents series is a collaboration between the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) and the Jewish Press. For questions and/or more information about the NJHS, please contact Executive Director Jane Rips at jrips@jewishomaha.org or visit nebraskajhs.com

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Wicked Returns to Omaha

WILLIAM FISCHER

Creative Director, Jewish Press

When MGM adapted L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to film, they didn’t just make the Wizard and his whole fantastic realm into a dream. They also confused his roots as a son of Omaha, Nebraska, by needlessly having him declare himself “an old Kansas man...born and bred” despite his Omaha-branded balloon. With Wicked — book, musical, and movie — taking far more from MGM’S The Wizard of Oz than Baum’s books, there’s similarly no mention that the crafty humbug is a Nebraskan.

But every now and then, a touring company blows through town (much more safely than a tornado), and the Wizard and the rest of the cast of Wicked find themselves back in the Cornhusker state. This is one of those times; Wicked has been back at the Orpheum Theater since June 18. That may be a homecoming for the Wizard, but for Ethan Kirschbaum, who plays Fiyero in the touring company, it’s his first visit to Nebraska — probably. “I was on tour with Kinky Boots a handful of years ago,” he told the Jewish Press, “[but] I don’t believe we went to Omaha.”

If he’s a stranger to Nebraska, however, Kirschbaum can claim to share an experience with many kids currently enrolled in J-Camp. Growing up in Arizona, he spent 11 summers in Jewish summer camp, an experience he looks back on fondly. “It was a huge part of my childhood...it was a big part of exposing me to other Jewish people and other kids my age who have a similar upbringing. I had so much fun during those summers.”

Other than a few short plays and activities, though, summer camps weren’t how Kirschbaum got the acting

JEWISH PRESS READERS

bug. He pins that on his sister. “I would see her do some of the youth shows like Peter Pan and Annie and stuff, and so I thought ‘oh, that looks fun.’” His mother encouraged him to join in on the fun, and he went on to major in musical theater at the University of Arizona. A move to New York City followed, and it was there Kirschbaum got attached to the touring production of Kinky Boots. He moved to Los Angeles after the tour wrapped, where he auditioned for Wicked. “I felt like I did a good job and they kept calling me back in, and for the next three months after that I was basically auditioning over Zoom calls.” That kind of wait is never easy for an actor, but at the end of the process, he was Fiyero.

“It’s been the best time of my life,” Kirschbaum says of the tour. “It’s a dream role, honestly...it’s just such a magical show, and Wicked was actually the first show I ever saw on Broadway in New York, so it’s pretty full circle for me too.”

The original Broadway cast album of Wicked, and the two-part film adaptation, offer two widely-seen and popular takes on the character of Fiyero, the former stressing his journey away from his empty-headed party boy persona through his relationship with Elphaba and the latter presenting him as more heroic up-front. There’s a lot of space between those takes for interpretation, and many actors have stepped into Fiyero’s Winkie prince

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shoes over the last 25 years. Kirschbaum said that he wasn’t necessarily looking to go in a different direction with the character, and that he relied heavily on Wicked’s director for guidance, but he did appreciate the “leniency” in interpreting the role. “I try to bring myself to the role a little bit,” he said. “I think that’s kind of what I try to do in every role.”

Kirschbaum’s Fiyero, the doesn’t-say-he’s-from-Omaha Wizard, and all the rest of Wicked will be at the Orpheum until July 5, with shows playing every day except Mondays. Tickets are available at https://www.orpheumtheateromaha.com/wicked-tickets/

RON FELDMAN

2026 Awards Night & Annual Meeting

Jewish Federation of Omaha Board Chair

It’s hard to believe that nearly a year has already passed. The time has gone quickly — filled with meaningful work, important milestones, and a deep sense of purpose for our community.

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our outstanding professional staff. We are fortunate to have exceptional leadership in Bob Goldberg, our CEO, whose vision and steady guidance continue to move our Federation forward. I am equally appreciative of Phil Malcom, our COO, for his operational leadership, and Jessi Taylor, our Executive Assistant, whose dedication and organization keep so much running smoothly behind the scenes. Their collective efforts — and those of our entire professional team — are the foundation of our success.

I am also excited about the future as we welcome Stacy Feldman as our new Chief Impact Officer. Stacy will play a critical role in shaping how the Federation defines, measures, and delivers meaningful outcomes for our community.

She will work closely with our staff to identify needs, set priorities, and ensure that our efforts translate into real, measurable impact. Her leadership will help us think more strategically about how we serve and strengthen Jewish life in Omaha.

In addition, we are pleased to welcome Ellie Novak as our Senior Director of Development. Ellie will be instrumental in ensuring that our community has both the resources and the opportunities to build a strong sense of identity, connection, and purpose. I look forward to working closely with Ellie and her team as we continue to grow our culture of philanthropy and engagement.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes to our lay leaders and volunteers. Your commitment of time, energy, and passion is extraordinary. You show up not because you have to, but because you care deeply about this community and its future. Whether you are serving on boards and committees, supporting programs, mentoring others, or helping to lead initiatives, your contributions make a lasting difference. You bring ideas, leadership, and heart to everything you do, and we are stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient because of you. Simply put, we could not do this work without you. I also must thank Jon Meyers, Mike Siegel and Nancy Schlessinger for their ongoing advice and support.

This past year has been marked by significant developments. I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight a few. Last June, we broke ground on a new addition to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, marking the final phase of its Enhancing Quality of Life project. This expansion will add 32 private rooms, providing residents with the comfort, dignity, and care they deserve. It will also include a dedicated shortterm rehabilitation floor, enhancing our ability to meet a broader range of needs. We look forward to the project’s

completion later this summer.

Earlier today we officially opened the new Kaiman Family Pavilion which will enrich the J Camp experience by fostering more opportunities for shared activities, and I am also pleased to share with you that the Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center will undergo an expansion and remodel starting next year, with more details to come in the near future.

Something very significant to me was the 100-year anniversary of the Staenberg Omaha JCC. My connection to the JCC runs deep — my teenage years were spent at the old location on 20th and Dodge, where I played countless games of basketball and volleyball and built friendships that have lasted a lifetime. I was also fortunate to be among the first groups to play in our current gym when it opened in 1973. The JCC continues to be a cornerstone of our community, offering state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding programs, and a welcoming environment for individuals and families at every stage of life.

Today, we also celebrate another important part of our impact — the work we do through the Institute for Holocaust Education, which proudly marks its 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, the IHE has led powerful and essential efforts to preserve the memory and lessons of the Holocaust and to combat antisemitism through education and outreach. We are incredibly proud of its lasting impact and all it continues to achieve.

Another major step forward this year was the Board of Directors’ approval of our Financial Sustainability Plan. This thoughtful and forward-looking plan is designed to guide the responsible distribution of future operating surpluses while strengthening our long-term financial health. Key elements include building fully funded campus-wide contingency and depreciation reserves, addressing deferred maintenance, reducing both internal and external debt, and investing in new initiatives — particularly those that expand Jewish experiences and support education. Over time, this plan envisions the creation of endowment-like funds that can sustain both capital needs and community programs through investment income, helping to secure a strong future for generations to come.

As we look ahead, I remain deeply optimistic about where we are going. With dedicated professionals, passionate volunteers, and a shared commitment to our mission, the Jewish Federation of Omaha is well positioned to continue making a meaningful and lasting impact.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the unwavering support I receive from my wife, Pam. Her encouragement, understanding, and partnership make it possible for me to dedicate the time and energy this role requires. I am deeply grateful for her constant support.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

SP O TLIGHT

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org

Voices

The Jewish Press

(Founded in 1920)

David Finkelstein

President

Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Editor

Will Fischer

Creative Director

Claire Endelman

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Sam Kricsfeld

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Jewish Press Advisory Board

David Finkelstein, President; Margie Gutnik, Ex-Officio; Toby Dresdner, Andrea Erlich, Dana Gonzales, Mary Sue Grossman, Hailey Krueger, Avery Lubin, Sara Rips, Seth Schuchman, Stewart Winograd and Bob Yaffe.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world.

Agencies of the JFO are:: Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE), Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS), Jewish Press, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH), Jewish Family Service (JFS), Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center (JCC).

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Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Advisory Board, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

Press Club Pet Push

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor

For quite a while, you have seen cats and dogs (and one stuffed sheep) in our paper, imploring you to give generously to our Jewish Press. First, I’d like to thank the pet owners who were kind enough to send photos and participate. We have enjoyed featuring your furry family members!

While the initial weeks were fruitful, as in, we received daily mail and support, we are not quite at our goal yet. And so, I’m making one last big ask: if you are reading this, and you have not yet given to the 2026 Jewish Press Club Campaign, please do so. I’ll share my reasons why.

The Jewish Press is more than a weekly paper. For almost 106 years, it has told the story of our community, and it has done so in great detail. Did you know, for instance, that in June of 1921, a Miss Bess Fox visited her friends at Rock Island, Illinois? Or that in the same month, Mrs. Jess Pregler visited her parents in Chicago? Before there was TikTok and Instagram, there was the local newspaper-the original social media.

Times have changed, and we no longer announce it in the paper when Aunt so-and-so goes out of town. We don’t print as much (inter)national news, because you have many other sources for that. We often don’t identify photos, because we are more aware of privacy concerns-that wasn’t a thing before we were all online. Those types of changes also tell a story. As our Jewish community has changed and evolved, so has our paper.

I love this paper.

Every single issue immediately becomes part of this bigger, amazing story that is Jewish Omaha. Every minyan, every service, every brick is represented on these pages. Last year, I spent a somewhat unreasonable amount tracking the building of the first Jewish Community Center. From the fundraising through the groundbreaking to opening day, it all felt incredibly familiar-even though it happened almost half a century before I was even born.

At the Press, we are very aware that we don’t stand alone. For starters, we work side-by-side with colleagues in a variety of agencies and roles; we do our best to tell their stories, we communicate the pieces of Jewish Omaha with you, and together all those pieces create a beautiful mosaic. But we also don’t stand alone in time: countless editors and assistant-editors, graphic designers and staff writers, board members and proofreaders, professionals and lay leaders have made an impact through this paper. Being one in that long list is not a job, it’s a privilege.

events, all the photos, all the impactful stories-and then imagine if we didn’t have that. History is at our fingertips, because at some point during the early 20th century, a few people decided to start a paper. And here we are, and we get to be a part of it. Our Press Club Campaign will run through Au-

Since the first issue in December of 1920, the Jewish Press has been printed roughly 5,275 times. I’d like to give you a witty estimate about how many miles that would cover if you placed them all side by side, but I can’t do the math. Just think of all the

gust 1, and then we will retire all those animal ads and come up with something new for next year. After the high holidays, we’ll place a big thank you ad in the paper with all the names of readers who donated, similar to what we do with the JFO Annual Campaign. And we really, really want your name to be on that list. We’re counting on you, because we know you care as much as we do about this paper-and about this community.

I’ve spent a decade building acceptance for LGBTQ Orthodox Jews.

SAUNDRA STERLING EPSTEIN

JTA

For the past decade, I have been working, along with my colleagues at Eshel, to increase the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Orthodox Jewish world. This is our organization’s mission: to achieve more embracing and validation of those in the queer world who are also religiously observant and just want to be accepted, to be able to observe and to have community.

For years, we were moving the needle steadily and finding more and more synagogues, rabbis and communities — ranging from those completely happy to have our LGBTQ+ religious Jews in their community to those who were guarded and a bit reluctant — willing to learn and join in our work.

We were making progress, with 318 shuls, rabbis and communities in our growing list of resources and places for those seeking community.

My colleagues and I knew from the beginning there would be challenges, setbacks and places we still could not go. But after years of engaging in this important work and seeing progress, I am observing a reverse trend. Our world has become increasingly divided, politically polarized, socially conservative and sad to say, in some cases, less accepting.

Sadly, a political and cultural cloud has spread in recent years. I have had to help individuals and families move to different states in the United States due to legislation that would harm them and to Jewish communities that no longer were able to include them. This is especially true for our gender-diverse population.

I am being contacted more often to help heal those who are profoundly hurt by communities and rabbis that newly reject them. Simultaneously, I am often explaining to our rabbis, educators and community leaders that it is even more important to find spaces that embrace and validate these individuals and families. While meeting with varying degrees of success, I find myself sometimes interacting with shuls and rabbis who were previously very welcoming, and are now suggesting that their congregation may not be the best place for an LGBTQ+ person. They cite the altered nature of their community within the context of these political and cultural changes.

As an educator, advocate, ally and, yes, parent to four children, three of whom are LGBTQ+, I find this alarming. I am grateful that our children are healthy and doing well, with amazing Jewish communities around them, but every day I am painfully reminded that this is not always the case. Many studies have documented that rejection of our LGBTQ+ community members by family and faith

Credit: JTA

community results in increased depression, anxiety, isolation and so much else, including suicidal ideation and death by suicide. I know too many cases where suicide attempts or death by suicide have scarred and traumatized families and communities, or entire families have left shuls and communities they were part of for many years.

How do we respond? Those of us who hold to the basic teaching that “every human being is created in the image of God” must remember and practice that dictum. This is a matter of saving lives, or pikuach nefesh in Hebrew. Medical science tells us that diverse gender and sexuality are part of the fabric of human beings. We have known this for decades, in spite of politicians and lawmakers who assert otherwise.

Our most basic religious teachings adjoin us to not judge each other, to respect differences and to not cause harm to others. Yet that is precisely what is happening now in our world. We must continue to speak respectfully to rabbis, leaders and our communities while explaining the reality of our children, siblings, loved ones and friends who are being harmed by exclusion and placed at increased risk. Our texts remind us that to save a life, one may set aside any commandment that proscribes an action. The sanctity of life surpasses virtually all other

tenets in Judaism.

Consider that 10% to 15% of our general population is diverse in terms of sexuality and 2-3% percent with regard to gender diversity. We all have people in our families, communities and congregations who are born this way. This is not a choice; it is how we are hard-wired.

In situations where rabbis have told me that our LGBTQ+ observant Jews would do better belonging elsewhere, I ask that the rabbi be kind and caring and refer these people back to me or to other communities in their area, preferably with a direct connection to another rabbi.

I remember some time ago when a young man came out to his rabbi and was told to get his things and leave. Needless to say, this was devastating on many levels. I use this as a cautionary tale and remind our rabbis and community leaders that no matter what pressures are prevalent in their community, each and every person is a human being. No one wants to feel responsible for the death of another person.

While I realize that some communities now feel less able to accept LGBTQ+ people, I am looking for kindness, for compassion and for us to remember as a collective that “all of Israel is tied to and responsible for one another.” The challenge is to match this idea with actions, such as ensuring that our synagogues are as welcoming as we say, including and speaking with our LGBTQ+ members and being willing to learn from them.

If we can hold onto this openness and humanity despite the political and cultural tides, perhaps we can preserve the progress that has been a hallmark of our work together.

Saundra Sterling Epstein is the Welcoming Shuls project director at Eshel, which builds inclusive Orthodox Jewish communities by supporting LGBTQ+ Jews.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Synagogues

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766

712.322.4705 www.cblhs.org

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL

SYNAGOGUE

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154

402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646

402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

B’NAI JESHURUN

South Street Temple

Union for Reform Judaism

2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797

402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OFFUTT AIR

FORCE BASE

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123

402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206

402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

TIFERETH ISRAEL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m. with our guest speaker. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information about our historic synagogue, please visit our website at www.cblhs.org or contact any of our board members: David Alloy, Renee Corcoran, Rick Katelman, Gail Kenkel, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Ann Moshman, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon, Sissy Silber and Jenn Tompkins. Handicap Accessible.

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE:

Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Nebraska AIDS Project Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

SUNDAY: Morning Minyan, 9 a.m. Zoom Only — Summer Schedule.

FRIDAY-July 3: Beth El Office Closed; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

SATURDAY-July 4: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

SUNDAY: Morning Minyan, 9 a.m. Zoom Only — Summer Schedule.

FRIDAY-July 10: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

SATURDAY-July 11: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

FRIDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah, 7:45 p.m.; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos 9 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:53

p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

MONDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:50 p.m.

TUESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Smichat Chaver Men's Class, 7:50 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:50 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Character Development, 1:30 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:50 p.m.

THURSDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:50 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 3: Office Closed; Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 4: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah 7:45 p.m.; Mincha 8:30 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos, 9 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tomer Devorah & Kabbalah, 3 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

MONDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

TUESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Smichat Chaver Men's Class, 7:50 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:50 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Character Development 1:30 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:50 p.m.

THURSDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shach-

arit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI 9 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 10: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI 9 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:41 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 11: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah 7:45 p.m.; Mincha 8:30 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos, 9 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:49 p.m.

Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

Join classes via Zoom. Go to ochabad.com/academy. For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: Special Sunday Morning Wraps — Honoring the Life and Legacy of Russ Kaplan on his First Yahrzeit, 9 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 6-8 p.m. with David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Aramaic Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with David Cohen.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Code of Jewish Law Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 3: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; CYP First Friday Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m., ochabad.com/ff; Candlelighting, 8:42 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 4: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:51 p.m.

SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps, 9 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 6-8 p.m. with David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Aramaic Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with David Cohen.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Code of Jewish Law Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 10: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 8:40 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 11: Shacharit 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:48 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI

&

Services are lay-led. All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:44 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI with a Kiddush Lunch following Marcia Kushner family; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Chukat-Balak via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m.

SUNDAY: Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. at Rock 'N' Joe Coffee, 5025 Lindberg St, Lincoln. For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com

TUESDAY: LYJI Movie Night, 6– 8 p.m. at TI.

FRIDAY-July 3: Offices Closed; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 4: Offices Closed; Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study noon on Parashat Pinchas via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. at Rock 'N' Joe Coffee, 5025 Lindberg St, Lincoln. For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group, 12:15 p.m. at Horisun Hospice, 8055 O St #300, Lincoln. We meet in the conference room. Bring your own lunch and beverage. For more information, contact Albert Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com

FRIDAY-July 10: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:307:30 p.m. at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:41 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 11: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Matot-Masei via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:48 p.m.

FRIDAYS: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander.

FRIDAY: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Village Walking Group, 10 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom

TUESDAY: Mah Jongg Made Easy 1:30 p.m. In-Person.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Geography, LITERALLY!: Jewish Immigration to the U.S., 7 p.m. with Ilana Linthicum. FRIDAY-July 3: Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-July 4: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom

TUESDAY: Mah Jongg Made Easy, 1:30 p.m. In-Person.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.; The Music of Israel: Understanding the Modern Jewish Soundscape, 5:30 p.m. taught by Student Cantor Benjamin Brodkey; An Evening with Itay Rahamin, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: The Music of Israel: Understanding the Modern Jewish Soundscape, 5:30 p.m. taught by Student Cantor Benjamin Brodkey; Jewish Geography, LITERALLY!: Jewish Immigration to the U.S. 7 p.m. with Ilana Linthicum.

FRIDAY-July 10: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Village Walking Group, 10 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-July 11: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

Toronto police say young people are being recruited online to shoot at synagogues

PHILISSA CRAMER

JTA

Police in Toronto announced on Tuesday that they believe young adults are being hired and paid online to shoot at local synagogues. The announcement follows a string of arrests in connection with shootings at a range of targets in the Canadian city, including multiple synagogues.

criminals want to create a sense of fear in our communities, including the Jewish community.”

“What we know is bad actors are using criminal elements in our city to carry out these dangerous incidents,” Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw said at a press conference. “It is clear that some of the people hiring these

Demkiw said the suspects were being recruited through online networks and offered payments if they filmed themselves engaging in the shootings.

See Toronto police say page 11

IN THE NEWS Toronto police say

The Old Avoca Schoolhouse in Avoca, Nebraska will be streaming three on line Irish Fiddle Tunes for Two Workshops for violins, violas, cellos, basses, mandolins, soprano recorder, and alto recorder.

The workshop will explore tunes from our Irish Fiddle Tunes for Two book. This collection features 32 reels, hornpipes, polkas, jigs, and waltzes, arranged for two instruments, with chord symbols for guitar accompaniment. There’s a source list included, just in case you haven’t had enough Irish tunes.

The Workshops will be on Tuesday, July 7, 7 p.m., Central Time, Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m., Central Time, and Friday, July 10, 7 p.m., Central Time.

Different tunes will be played at each session. We will read, play, and discuss various survival skills for these tunes. A treble clef version of the sheet music for the tunes being played will be displayed on the screen during the workshop.

There is limited enrollment, and pre-registration is required. The cost for each workshop is $15. The cost of each optional book is $15 (includes shipping if ordered with workshop registration).

To read reviews of the Irish Fiddle Tunes for Two collection, click on the following link: https://www.greenblattandseay. com/book_42_irish.shtml

For more information, and to register for the workshop: https://www.greenblattandseay.com/workshops_irish.shtml

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES

Continued from page 10

“Who’s paying for this?” he asked. “This is what we are trying to determine.”

The methodology and tactics being used in Toronto appear to mirror those laid out in a U.S. criminal complaint against Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an Iraqi man charged last month in New York with orchestrating attacks on Jewish targets in multiple countries on behalf of Iran since the start of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran in late February. (He railed against the United States while pleading not guilty earlier this month.)

Previously, police in Australia, too, said they believed paid criminals, possibly hired on behalf of Iran, were behind a string of non-lethal incidents targeting Jewish communities there.

No one has been injured during any of the shootings on Jewish targets in Toronto, which in addition to synagogues have included schools and at least one restaurant. Last week, a Canadian police officer was killed while executing a search warrant connected to a March shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. The criminal complaint against al-Saadi attributed that shooting to his network.

SUBMIT OBITUARIES TO THE JEWISH PRESS:

Email the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or online at online at www.omahajewishpress.com/site/forms/

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Recent Additions to the Kripke-Veret Collection News

SHIRLY BANNER

JFO Library Specialist

Young Adult:

The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly

Brubaker Bradley

Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute — she sneaks out to join him.

So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan — and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?

Adult:

The Jewish Policeman: Adam Lapid Mysteries by Jonathan Dunsky

World War II was over. But his war was just beginning.

Germany 1945 — former police detective Adam Lapid survived Auschwitz. Now he lives in a displaced persons camp for Holocaust survivors.

Consumed by a desire for vengeance, Adam dreams of hunting Nazis and making them pay for their crimes.

But when another crime strikes closer to home, Adam will need to set aside the role of the avenger and become a detective once more.

Ghosts on the Wall: A Grandson’s Memoir of the Holocaust by Kenneth D. Wald Was the Yom HaShoah speaker

The author’s German-born parents seldom spoke of the Holocaust but a monochrome portrait in the dining room hinted at a connection to a dark past. After his father’s death, a chance discovery lifts the veil of silence, revealing the two ghosts in the photo not as hapless vic-

tims but as grandparents who would have loved him had they not been murdered in a concentration camp. Theirs is a tale of unfathomable loss and a race against time but also of quiet resistance and resilience that would shape his parents’ lives — and his own — in ways he could never have understood. What redeems this tragedy, is the element of rebirth.

As he painstakingly reconstructed his Jewish grandparents’ perilous existence after the Nazis stole everything from them, three men in his father’s hometown enlisted him in their effort to right the historical wrong visited on the Schönwald family decades ago. Joining forces, the activists and the author provide his grandparents an afterlife, as it were, denied to millions of forgotten Holocaust victims.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE

There will be no Jewish Press on July 3, 2026 Questions? Call 402.334.6448