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Jewish Federation announces Esther and Maurice Becker...
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S h e p Englander, CEO of the J e w i s h C a r i n g . Federation, Connnecting. showed a preDiscovering. The view of what Jewish Federation the Jewish comof Cincinnati has munity of taken these words Cincinnati to a whole new would be like in meaning with their 2020. He said, Cincinnati 2020 “Cincinnati is campaign. unique with rich Cincinnati Jewish history. 2020 is the comWith the highest munity-created membership of plan to achieve the synagogues vision of within our city, Cincinnati in the we need to keep year 2020 as a people here and model community reaching out so that attracts indimore people viduals and fami- The crowd listens to Andy Berger, President of the Jewish Federation as he conducts the annual meeting. will want to live lies with its broadhere.” “The biggest donor of the camthoughts on the campaign. ness and quality of Jewish life. Andy Berger then announced “The Cincinnati 2020 campaign paign has been the Jewish the generous gift the Federation At the Federation annual meeting on May 23, approximately 350 is helping to foster partnerships that Foundation of Cincinnati. With new received this past year from memcommunity members were given benefit the whole community. The energy from them, solicitors and bers of the community and how green, gold or blue stickers with “I Federation is willing to provide cer- donors, I’m sure we can exceed they plan to fund a new Cincinnati care,” “I connect” or “I discover” to tain community needs with the even more with our donations for 2020 initiative with it. With the genlocal needs,” Fisher said. represent their committment to the campaign,” Berger said. erous gift, the Jewish Federation A community-wide volunteer plans to build the Esther and Berger continued the meeting Cincinnati 2020 campaign. The recognizing the past tribute took place for 35 people rec- Maurice Becker Networking and meeting began with the singing of with the American National Anthem and Federation presidents, the nominat- ognized by their congregations and Mentoring Center. This center will Hatikvah, the Israeli National ing committee of the newly elected agencies. The 2013 professional help the Jewish Cincinnati commuAnthem, led by the Cincinnati board members and all of the cur- award winners were recognized as nity attract young people and help Hebrew Day School and Rockwern rent board members. He proudly well. Beth Guttman won the Robert grow the young Jewish professional explained the four-star rating that V. Goldstein “Volunteer of the community as well. Academy choirs. Andy Berger, president of the the Jewish Federation received Year” Award for her efforts as a vol“We want to make Cincinnati Jewish Federation, introduced a from Charity Navigator. The four- unteer leader with a significant the most highly networked city in video that highlighted the achieve- star rating shows that the Federation impact in the Jewish Federation and America for young adults and we ments of the community’s past year. outperformed other charities in the Jewish Cincinnati community at hope the new center will help do large. Danielle V. Minson won the that. In order to move forward with The video recapped the Israel@65 America. The annual campaign chair and Harris K. and Alice. F. Weston Sr. our Cincinnati 2020 campaign, we six-month long celebration, the performance of the Israeli choir—the new president-elect of the Jewish “Avodah” Award for being an out- must connect our priorities with Ankor Choir—at the 2012 World Federation, Suzette Fisher, came up standing Jewish communal profes- certain projects,” Englander said. Choir Games, the Dead Sea Scrolls to address the crowd. She explained sional with 10 or more years of Following the meeting, a cupexhibit at the Cincinnati Museum the development efforts of the cam- experience within the community. cake reception was held where Center, the opening of the Barbash paign and said that the donations Sarah Ganson won the Harris K. members of the community were Family Vital Support Center at have already exceeded last year’s and Alice F. Weston Jr. “Avodah” able to write down their thoughts, Hebrew Union College-Jewish results even with a week left to go. Award for also being an outstanding ideas and priorities for the Institute of Religion’s campus and The efforts of the campaign are try- communal professional with fewer Cincinnati 2020 campaign. The more community-wide programs. ing to connect fundraising strategies than five years of experience in the cupcakes were color-coordinated With the Cincinnati 2020 campaign with donors, wanting to provide community. All of these people with the “I care,” “I connect” and “I moving forward, Berger asked com- services for other agencies and were recognized for the hard work discover” stickers given to memmunity members what kind of proj- leadership development within the they put into helping the Jewish bers of the community when they ects they would like to see and their community. first walked in. Cincinnati community.
MatureLiving A SPECIAL SECTION of SUMMER 2013.
REACH THE JEWISH SENIOR COMMUNITY WITH YOUR ADVERTISING MESSAGE DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JULY 19 Publishes on Thursday, July 25 To advertise or for more information, contact Ted Deutsch at 621-3145 or publisher@americanisraelite.com
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The JCC Wolf Center for Arts & Ideas announces 2013-14 season The third season of the Mayerson JCC’s Wolf Center for Arts & Ideas offers inspiring music, comedy, modern dance, award-winning films, a children & family series and a group of thought-provoking conversations. The continuation of the successful Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival is included in this outstanding line-up. “For the first time, our season will include a modern dance performance. We have established ourselves as presenting programs with superb artists and thinkers, and we are very excited to add another discipline,” said Courtney Cummings, JCC Cultural Arts manager. The season opens on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 and runs through Thursday, June 26, 2014 with events at the JCC, the Aronoff Center for the Arts and various local movie theaters. Tickets for the opening event are on sale now, with a special offer for purchases before July 1. The season opens on Tuesday, Sept. 17 with Peter Sagal, host of the popular National Public Radio game show “Wait, Wait... Don’t Tell Me,” and host of the new Public Television show, “Constitution USA with Peter Sagal.” This presentation will take the audience behind the scenes of “Wait, Wait...” to explore the show’s beginnings, some of its more memorable moments, and a look at today’s news stories. Sagal has been a writer for the Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, and a regular contributor to The New York Times Magazine’s “TrueLife Tales” column. Tickets are now available online to see Peter Sagal at the Mayerson JCC. When you purchase tickets for this opening event by July 1, you get a discount voucher toward future 2013-2014 shows. Daniel Pearl World Music Day uses the universal language of music to encourage fellowship across cultures. This year’s concert on Sunday, Oct. 13, will feature Cincinnati’s Young Professionals’ Choral Collective, a group of energetic singers between the ages of 21-45 who live and work throughout Cincinnati. This new collective was founded by Kelly Ann Nelson and Christopher Eanes, who act as the artistic and managing directors. The repertoire for the concert will include music from many different countries, further instilling the idea of “Harmony for Humanity.” Ethan Bortnick is a pianist, singer, composer, songwriter, actor, musician and one of the youngest philanthropists in the world. The 12-year-old child
prodigy began playing keyboard at the age of 3 and was composing music by the age of 5. Bortnick has been featured on national and international television programs and he has helped raise nearly $30 million for charities around the world. He holds the Guinness Book of World Record title as the Youngest Musician to Headline a Solo Concert Tour. The concert is on Thursday, Nov. 7. Abandon the same ol’ song
film industry from contemporary dramas to documentaries, as well as international films by established as well as emerging filmmakers. The Festival brings films presented in theaters, community centers, and museums throughout the world in their original language with English subtitles. The Festival will be Feb. 8–27, 2014. The Doo Wop Project features leading cast members from the Tony award-winning Broadway
“We have established ourselves as presenting programs with superb artists and thinkers, and we are very excited to add another discipline.” and dance with Broadway’s Next H!t Musical on Saturday, Dec. 7. In this fully improvised musical comedy show, every lyric, melody and jazz hand is made up on the spot to create a show that is energetic and absolutely hilarious. The show’s first act is an award ceremony spotlighting songs from four “Best Musical” nominees based on audience-created song titles, and the second act is the entire musical based on the winning song from act one. Be a part of the improvised musical comedy you’re bound to love – after all, you created it! Koresh Dance Company, a professional dance troupe based in Philadelphia, was founded in 1991 by Artistic Director Ronen (Roni) Koresh. The troupe’s choreography blends dance styles from a variety of backgrounds and genres including ballet, modern dance and jazz. Through their more than 20 year history, Koresh’s Israeli heritage has continued to differentiate the company, producing unique works that range from humorous and eloquent to passionate and explosive. The dance company’s residency in Cincinnati will include a lecture presentation as well as two fulllength performances and is copresented by the Mayerson JCC and Contemporary Dance Theater. The performances will run Thursday, Jan. 30 until Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. The JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival presents the diversity of Jewish culture and Israeli life to challenge, explore and celebrate similarities and differences with other people, religions and countries. In existence for more than 15 years, this Film Festival features the best of Israel’s thriving
smash, “Jersey Boys.” The Doo Wop Project is a night of songs mixed with individual stories and references to their upbringings and experiences in the business, particularly backstage at The August Wilson Theatre, home of “Jersey Boys,” where the idea for the group was conceived. This evening is an homage to classic Doo Wop with contemporary hits sprinkled in, to appeal to every generation. They will perform Saturday, March 8, 2014. Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast-paced, 90 minute show. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Jim Furmston, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Greta Garbo, Marx foil, Margaret Dumont and MGM’s Louis B. Mayer. A show perfect for all ages! It will be performed on Thursday, May 15, 2014. Additionally, the JCC Wolf Center season includes a Children & Family Series with two familyfriendly plays presented by Playhouse in the Park, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, and a special visit from Madcap Puppets. To end the season, the Summer Cinema Series is an extension of the Jewish & Israeli Film Festival, featuring an encore screening of the audience favorite and two other new films about Jewish culture and Israeli life.
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B’nai Mitzvah vendors directory FABULOUS FREDDY DJ & MC He provides music for any occasion including weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, reunions, birthdays and more. His music includes party & dance music, rock, hip - hop, oldies, pop, latin, swing, disco and funk. Book Fabulous Freddy for all of your fun, dancing and Bar/Bat mitzvah game needs. Dance the night away with DJ Freddy’s jams. He’ll make sure to keep the party hopping all night. For information, please contact Fabulous Freddy directly. JEFF THOMAS CATERING This prize-winning caterer offers custom menus with a
flair for the unusual. Jeff Thomas work closely with his clients to design a menu specifically suited to their needs and tastes. Buffet, Seated and Station menus are available with a wide selection of options. Thomas prides himself in the fact that his world travels allow him the luxury of infusing new and different cuisine ideas to the Tri-State area. It is his belief that each event is a performance with its own unique theme. No cookie cutter events with this company! Thomas and his courteous staff allow you the luxury of enjoying your own event as a guest. From food and tableware to linens and centerpieces, Thomas is the only one to have!
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USY Noodle Night and Talent Show every year because it’s so much fun. Between the dinner and the show, people certainly feel they get their money’s worth, and all proceeds go to tzedakah (charity) projects of the joint Northern Hills/Ohav Shalom youth group.” For more information or to make reservations, please contact Chava Farb, NCUSY Director or the Northern Hills office.
Rockwern welcomes new board of trustees members The Rockwern Academy Board of Trustees has a new slate for the 2013-2014 school year. The individuals who are joining the board each bring a unique set of skills that will enable Rockwern Academy to deliver their mission of integrating Jewish values, history, literacy and culture into a rich general and Judaic curriculum, which encourages and
fosters a passion for a lifetime of learning and growth, a strong Jewish identity and a connection to Israel. Ending their service as a board member includes Steve Miller, Chris Vigran, Ben Schneider, Rabbi Irv Wise and Brent Epstein. The Board of Trustees for the 2013-2014 school year are Guy Peri, president; Gayle Warm, sec-
retary; Cory Pollock, treasurer; Kim Heiman, vice president; Ernesto Levy, vice president; Gila Naveh, Cassie Altman, Andrew Davis, Sam Joseph, Cindy Guttman, Michelle Kohn, Beth Kotzin, Stephanie Gilinsky, Nina Paul and MJ Guttman as general board members. Emeritus members include Howard Mayers, Dr. Jeff Zipkin and Miriam Bernstein.
At the annual meeting, the Board of Trustees will provide an update on the significant progress they made with their strategic plan, discuss the state of the school, share exciting plans for next year and officially induct the new board members. The annual meeting is June 12 at 7 p.m. in the Boymel chapel. Refreshments will be served.
Wise members start summer with social action projects Wise Temple members will begin the summer of 2013 by having the opportunity to volunteer for several WiseUP social action projects. WiseUP is the Wise Temple program to fulfill the mission of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, and to bring greater meaning to their lives and the lives of others. WiseUP social action projects provide congregants with opportunities to help those who are disadvantaged or in need. Temple members will cook and serve lunch at the Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen on Sunday, June 9, feeding over 150 Over-the-Rhine residents who look forward to this
home-cooked meal. Project leaders Stacey Bie, joined by her son Reed Bie and Lewis Ebstein begin by purchasing all the groceries. They transport them downtown on Sunday morning when other temple volunteers join them. To feed such a large crowd, the volunteers need to begin cooking approximately two hours before serving. Wise Temple volunteers also put together a “bagged” lunch consisting of a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a cookie, which the guests can take home with them for a second meal. In continuing the commitment to help the homeless, from June 2-
9, Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) guests will be spending the night at Wise Temple. IHN is a city-wide program dedicated to allowing families to remain together as they face homelessness. Wise Temple member Steve Rock and his “set-up” crew will transform Wise Temple’s classrooms into cozy rooms with cots, curtains and lamps. Temple member Phyllis Tenenholtz, along with her daughter Sherri Tieger, will shop for food used by the IHN guests for breakfast and lunch. IHN co-chairs Deb LaFrance and Lisa Cooper will schedule and coordinate over 50 additional Wise Temple volunteers
who will help guests feel welcome as they share meals and spend the week at Wise Center. Sisterhood members will serve dinner and socialize with the guests on Monday, June 3 and Brotherhood members will cook out with the guests on Thursday, June 6. All members of the Temple can be involved. Behind-the-scenes volunteers do laundry and donate toys and bedding. And because it’s summer, several mothers and daughters are not only serving dinner and socializing with the guests, they are hosting a day at King’s Island for all the IHN adults and children! Registration is online.
How to turn Jewish teens into tomorrow’s leaders
Natania Lipp, Maggie Rosen, Daria Penner, Kelsey Bardach and Halle Herman at Camp Campbell Gard for KIO’s AIT MIT Convention.
pluralistic Jewish youth group and for the past 100 years it has been turning out teens that go on to change the world. BBYO alumni are 250,000 strong and represent a disproportionate number of the Jewish leaders in business, poli-
tics, education and the not-forprofit arena. And this past week, a whole new generation of future leaders attended their very first BBYO AIT/MIT New Member Convention in Hamilton, Ohio at Camp Campbell Gard.
The Convention brought together nearly 150 teens from BBYO’s Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio region, known as KIO, which includes teens from Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis and Louisville. Because BBYO is a teen led organization which focuses on building Jewish leaders, older more seasoned members were charged with teaching the younger ones some of the organization’s important customs and traditions. They also put them through a simulated election process where they learned the ins and outs of voting, and introduced them to the basics of making motions and other procedural processes involved in chapter meetings. The convention also included engaging Shabbat and Havdalah services, an induction ceremony for new members, and a dance with a DJ and other social activities. TEENS on page 19
The American Israelite “LET THERE BE LIGHT” THE OLDEST ENGLISH-JEWISH WEEKLY IN AMERICA - EST. JULY 15, 1854
VOL. 159 • NO. 45 THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 21 SIVAN 5773 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 8:39 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 9:30 PM THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE CO., PUBLISHERS 18 WEST NINTH STREET, SUITE 2 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-2037 Phone: (513) 621-3145 Fax: (513) 621-3744 publisher@americanisraelite.com editor@americanisraelite.com production@americanisraelite.com RABBI ISAAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900 LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher GABRIELLE COHEN JORY EDLIN Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager e Oldest Eng Th
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“My whole life I’ve been loud and crazy. And even though I’ve never had a problem talking, BBYO was one of the first places I feel like I was actually heard,” says Daniela Reuter of Louisville’s Jay Levine Chapter. “In BBYO, my opinions matter and I have a voice which allows me to stand up for causes I believe in. Thanks to BBYO, I have found my Jewish and personal identity,” she continues. “Not only have I learned a lot about myself through BBYO, I’ve learned a lot about other people too. Everyone in BBYO is in it for a different reason. Mine is to inspire at least one person and to do something amazing!” Daniela’s story is just one of hundreds of others, each unique in their own way, but exactly the same in the passion they all share for BBYO and what it has done to help shape their young lives and inspire them to make a difference in the lives of others. BBYO is the world’s leading
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Miller singing “USYerville,” Marissa Witt on guitar, Claire Lee on French flute and singers Jeri Fish and Maureen Schwab. Terry Brodof, Scott Aronoff and Hank Lerer will reprise hits from the smash Purim musical “Schmalz.” The inimitable Hank Stern will serve as emcee. Claire Lee, who is organizing the entertainment, observed, “Everyone looks forward to the
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held at Congregation Ohav Shalom. There is a fee to attend the event. All proceeds raised will benefit the chapter’s Social Action/Tikkun Olam Fund. Tikkun Olam means repairing the world, and the fund is used to support worthy social action projects. The lineup for this year includes both teens and adults. The lineup will include Judy
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North Cincy United Synagogue Youth, a joint effort of Northern Hills Synagogue and Congregation Ohav Shalom, invites the entire community to its annual Noodle Night on Sunday, June 2 at 6 p.m. The evening will feature an Italian dinner prepared by the USY teens, with pasta choices, garden salad and dessert, followed by a talent show, plus a silent auction. The event will be
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North Cincy USY holds Noodle Night
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THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
KY politician Jonathan Miller speaks at JCRC annual meeting The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m., at the Mayerson JCC. The keynote speaker will be former Kentucky State Treasurer Jonathan Miller, author of The Liberal Case for Israel. The entire community is invited to attend this free event. Since its founding, the State of Israel has championed progressive issues. In spite of this, over the past several decades, some of the loudest voices on the American Left have directed much of their foreign policy outrage against the Jewish State. Jonathan Miller blames this disconnect on deep factual misunderstandings, media
The Liberal Case for Israel
Jonathan Miller
disinformation and the perpetuation of “Eight Crazy Lies” by those who seek the Jewish State's
destruction. These “Crazy Lies” – which range from “apartheid” to “pinkwashing” to “vulgar capitalism” – will be exposed by Jonathan Miller at the JCRC’s annual meeting.
Miller is a former two-term elected Kentucky State Treasurer. He is also founder of the bipartisan political blog, “The Recovering Politician,” cofounder of the national grassroots movement No Labels and a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. In his nearly two decades of public service, Miller held several other senior positions in state and federal government, including serving in Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s Cabinet as Secretary of Finance and Administration, as Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Energy, as Legislative Director for Congressman Jim Cooper (D – TN) and as a longtime aide to Vice
President Al Gore. Also at the annual meeting, outgoing JCRC board members will be honored and new board members will be installed. Outgoing President Gary Greenberg will reflect on his three years leading the organization and will welcome incoming President John Youkilis, who will share his vision for the JCRC. Attendees will learn about the organization’s achievements in the past year in its three principal areas of community and government relations; Israel advocacy and Jewish security; and education. A dessert reception will accompany the event, with dietary laws observed.
Hadassah holds new young member event Approximately 25 young women met at the home of Sarah and David Wise on Wednesday, May 22, for a casual evening of wine, cheese and sweet nibbles, and to learn a little more about Hadassah. Sarah Wise and Laura Berger are the new Membership Chairs of the Cincinnati Hadassah Chapter Board, and with the help of President Bonnie Juran Ullner, they planned and held this third new member event to further acquaint young Hadassah members with the organization’s mission and local programming, as well as encourage other attendees who are not currently members to join. This was the third event in a planned series of three, the first taking place at
the clothing store, Vintage in Montgomery last October, and the second at the Art of Entertaining in O’Bryonville in January. Each event has attracted 2530 women, some of whom have attended more than one event but each one also including new faces. After an hour of schmoozing and noshing, Sarah and Laura briefly shared with the attendees why they chose to join and got further involved with Hadassah, and why they would encourage the other young women to join as well. National Board member Carol Ann Schwartz then told the group that Hadassah “saves lives around the globe” with its cut-
Hadassah new young members Etti Scheier, Laura Berger, Sara Kaufman, Julie Torem and Sarah Wise
Datina Juran, Stephanie Rubin and Jessica Carroll
ting-edge research and care of patients worldwide. She spoke of the Chagall windows, which depict the 12 tribes of Israel, that were originally installed in Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in 1962. They were destroyed during the Six-Day War but Marc Chagall later repaired the windows, leaving one bullet hole as a reminder of those who had fought to protect Israel’s safety and statehood. “You take care of the war,” he famously said. “I’ll handle the windows.” Schwartz also asked the group if they were familiar with Cincinnati’s sister city Netanya, which they were, but were not aware that Hadassah has a Youth Aliyah Village for at-risk
teens in a town right next to Netanya. It is called the Hadassah Neurim Youth Aliyah Village, and was established in 1948 to serve students evacuated from the Ben Shemen agricultural village during Israel’s War of Independence. Hadassah opened the first youth aliyah village in 1934 after helping to rescue tens of thousands of children from war torn Eastern Europe, North Africa and Middle Eastern countries. Today Youth Aliyah assists disadvantaged native-born Israeli children, abused and neglected children, children with learning problems and recent immigrants from locales such as the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and Argentina, in
three youth villages: Meir Shreyah, Hadassah Neurim and Ramat Hadassah Szold. Bonnie Juran Ullner told the group briefly why she chose to become involved with Hadassah, and ultimately to become chapter president, which was due to Hadassah Hospital saving her daughter’s life almost four years ago. She stated that they should all consider joining not only because of all the wonderful work Hadassah does in Israel, but because it is changing the lives of people across the globe with its research, development of new technologies and treatment of people from countries around the world. HADASSAH on page 20
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After botched probe, Jewish Federation announces Claims Conference Esther and Maurice Becker Networking and Mentoring Center chairman Julius Berman On May 23, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati held its 117th Annual Meeting, “Cincinnati 2020 LIVE: From Vision to Reality,” at the Mayerson JCC. Over 350 community members, representing every congregation and local Jewish agency, were in attendance. The evening’s festivities also included a Silver Circle reception honoring donors who have supported the Community Campaign at any level for 25 years or more. Over the past two and a half years, agency executives, board members, congregational representatives and community members have collaborated with Federation leaders and professionals to organize Cincinnati 2020 into three pillars—Caring, Connecting and Discovering— that form the foundation of its strategic initiatives. Federation CEO Shep Englander presented highlights of Cincinnati’s pivotal role in American Jewish history and how that history led directly to these three pillars. “In order to build the community we seek, we must understand our remarkable history and the assets it has given us,” Englander said. “The truth is that for over 150 years, Cincinnati has been setting national standards.” The Federation then announced two new Cincinnati 2020 projects. First, the newly formed Milton and Frances Schloss Special Needs and Services department at the Mayerson JCC offers inclusive programming for individuals with special needs, reducing their isolation and giving them meaningful ways to connect. The department was created through a gift from Milton and Frances Schloss that was secured by the Federation. It has become a model for the development of new Cincinnati 2020 programs: identify a need in the community; connect a passionate donor; and create a collaborative, innovative program that addresses the need. Second, the Federation announced a Cincinnati 2020 program in development, the Esther and Maurice Becker Networking and Mentoring Center. Federation President Andy Berger said, “This innovative initiative will allow us to become the best networked community for young adults in America. It will enable us to attract and retain talented young Jewish people to Cincinnati by connecting them with successful leaders, professionals and mentors who can help them become mean-
addresses accountability
By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Maurice and Esther Becker
ingfully established in our local Jewish community.” In addition, the Center will assist with Cincinnati-Israel professional exchanges and programs, to ensure advocates for Israel among the next generation of Federation and community leaders. The Esther and Maurice Becker Networking and Mentoring Center will collaborate with and expand upon the Federation’s existing Young Adult Division (YAD), as well as other community efforts, including the new JVS Career Services and The Mayerson Foundation’s Access and Shalom Family programs. The creation of the center is the result of the generosity and vision of Esther and Maurice Becker, who established the Esther and Maurice Becker Endowment Fund with a very generous gift to the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. “Esther and Maurice Becker lived a relatively modest life,” said Berger. “However, they were consistent supporters to the Jewish Federation and were, in fact, Silver Circle Society members, having given for over 25 years. They were true members of the community, benefitting from and appreciating what it has to offer. They participated in many
community organizations throughout their lives, including Golf Manor Synagogue, the JCC and Cedar Village. And when the time came, they were able to give back to this community that had enriched their own lives and to leave a precious legacy that will enrich our future for generations.” The Federation is fast becoming the Jewish community’s facilitator of donor-directed major gifts like those given by Milton and Frances Schloss and Esther and Maurice Becker. Berger said, “If you have a dream and want to leave a lasting impact on our community, the Federation will help match your vision to a project or agency that can implement targeted solutions.” The annual meeting also included a business portion, in which a slate of new or re-elected board members for 2013–2014 was approved: President-elect Suzette Fisher and Dr. David Bernstein, Nina Croog, Mike Dattner, Cindy Guttman, Ronnen Isakov, Tovah Kirshcner, Michelle Rothzeid, Scott Samuelson and Mark Sass. The Federation’s 2013 Campaign will officially close on May 31, which is the last day that new gifts and increases will be matched by the Foundation.
NEW YORK – Now that it's clear that the top leaders of the Claims Conference were involved in investigating an anonymous accusation of restitution fraud in 2001, the question is who bears the responsibility for failing to detect that a broad fraud scheme was underway. The person at the center of the 2001 allegations, Semen Domnitser, turned out to be the ringleader of the $57 million fraud; he was found guilty at trial on May 8. For most of those who played a role in two botched probes in 2001, the question is academic. Karl Brozik, the director of the Claims Conference's German office who oversaw the initial internal organizational probe in June 2001, died in 2004. Gideon Taylor, the then-chief of the Claims Conference who commissioned a second, independent probe of the anonymous allegations, has quit Jewish organizational life and now works in real estate. But Julius Berman, who as counsel to the Claims Conference in 2001 oversaw the second probe, is
Courtesy of Yeshiva University
Julius Berman
now the restitution group's chairman – a position he has held for more than a decade. That probe was conducted by a paralegal in Berman’s law office of Kaye Scholer and resulted in an eight-page report filed on Sept. 4, 2001. In the report, which was obtained exclusively by JTA, paralegal Ryan Tan recommends further questioning of Domnitser and calls for more investigation. There is no evidence that its recommendations were implemented. BERMAN on page 20
Seeking Kin: From a mother’s devotion, the perfect picture By Hillel Kuttler Jewish Telegraphic Agency BALTIMORE – Four generations of Lieberman boys stare out from a collage that hangs from a corridor wall in Johannesburg, South Africa. Each boy is 7 – a significant number in the life of the first boy, from whom the others descend photographically and genealogically. An ordeal that befell Israel Lieberman at that age would spur him to safeguard his sons against disaster, and they have done the same for their sons. The collage attests to Lieberman’s scars, but also to his mother’s unquenchable devotion. Lieberman, known as Izzy, knew how to make money as an adult. He bought properties that became the real estate company his descendants still operate. Izzy also owned shops selling timber, hardware and bicycles. His survival instincts and street
smarts were developed almost immediately upon reaching South Africa in 1899. Izzy Lieberman and his father, Avrom Yossel Lieberman, had departed their native Vilnius, Lithuania; Rachel Lieberman and the couple’s four other children remained behind until Avrom Yossel could send for them. Minutes after stepping off the boat in Cape Town, Avrom Yossel told his son to wait with the suitcases, then set off to purchase some food. This was at the dawn of the Anglo-Boer War, and Avrom Yossel sported short hair and a long red beard. He had no idea his appearance pegged him for a Boer, or farmer, presumed to be among those rebelling against British rule. Avrom Yossel would get only a few blocks before he was seized by colonial authorities, his pleas for understanding about his waiting son ignored. SEEKING on page 21
NATIONAL • 7
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
Top Claims Conference officials carried Pressing Poland on restitution poses dilemma out own botched probe of 2001 fraud for U.S., Jewish groups By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency
By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON – Poland is a stalwart American ally in Europe, a bulwark against an increasingly belligerent Russia and, with the recent opening of a major new Warsaw museum, is enjoying a flush of accolades for its belated embrace of its Jewish roots. But there’s a thorn in the bouquet: Poland is seen as having the world’s worst record on the restitution of Jewish property lost during the Holocaust. Officials of Jewish groups seeking restitution say they will be making a renewed push to put the restitution issue on Congress’ agenda and expect new pressure to advance the issue. But ratcheting up the pressure on Poland poses an acute dilemma for U.S. policymakers. The country’s outlier status – it is the sole European country that does not offer private property restitution to survivors of the Holocaust or their heirs – makes it an obvious target for Jewish activists. But Poland is also among the most reliable U.S. allies and has close relations with Israel and American Jewish groups. Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, will be featured next month as a guest at the American Jewish Committee’s annual conclave. Perhaps as a result, few Jewish officials or members of Congress were willing to discuss the issue on the record. Requests for comment from the Polish Foreign Ministry
National Briefs Louis Farrakhan ‘satanic Jews’ speech condemned by Michigan congressman and ADL (JNS) U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) apologized for anti-Semitic statements made by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in a speech Conyers attended at a Detroit Baptist church on May 17. Conyers condemned the speech, saying in a statement, “It was my expectation that Minister Farrakhan’s speech would focus on the many challenges facing the city of Detroit… Regrettably, he used this opportunity to promote views that have no place in civilized discourse.” “It is deeply disappointing that so many Detroit leaders are apparently so willing to turn a blind eye to Farrakhan’s anti-Semitism,” said Heidi Budaj, the Anti-Defamation
Courtesy of Lawrence Jackson (Official Whitehouse Photo)
President Obama and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaking at a news conference in Warsaw, Poland, May 2011.
and the Polish Embassy in Washington were not answered. Efforts to pressure the Poles have remained largely in the realm of the rhetorical, with no legislation proposed to address the problem as was done in the past on other thorny issues of Holocaust restitution, like unpaid Holocaustera insurance policies. In January, during confirmation hearings for U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Sen. Ben Cardin (DMd.), the co-chair of the congressional Committee on Security and Cooperation in Europe, sought reassurances that Kerry would continue to press Poland on the issue. Cardin noted that Poland tells heirs seeking compensation to turn to the country’s courts, an arduous and expensive process. It’s also a process likely to fail because the government refuses to advance legislation that could underpin such litigation. DILEMMA on page 20 League (ADL) Detroit Regional Director, in a statement. Senate, in unanimous vote, urges Obama to enforce Iran sanctions, support Israeli self-defense (JNS) The U.S. Senate on Wednesday unanimously voted in favor of a measure supporting the “full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran,” urging President Barack Obama to “continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation,” and affirming Israel’s right to self-defense. Los Angeles elects its first Jewish mayor (JNS) Eric Garcetti will be the first elected Jewish mayor in the history of Los Angeles after winning 54 percent of the vote in a race decided early Wednesday morning. Garcetti, a 42-year-old Democratic city councilman whose mother is of Russian Jewish descent and whose father is Mexican American, defeated city controller Wendy Greuel.
NEW YORK – The Claims Conference in recent days has blamed a now-dead regional director for bungling an early warning in 2001 about a massive fraud scheme that wasn’t halted until 2009. But a document obtained by JTA shows top conference officials were sufficiently concerned by the allegations that they launched their own probe in 2001 that failed to detect there was a wider fraud. Those involved in the second investigation included the organization’s chief professional at the time, Gideon Taylor, and its counsel, Julius Berman. The probe resulted in an eightpage report that raised questions about the handling of several fraudulent cases by Semen Domnitser, a Claims Conference employee who was found guilty on March 8 of orchestrating the $57 million scheme. The revelation of the report leaves unanswered the question of whether Claims Conference leaders showed gross negligence in failing to detect that Domnitser was orchestrating a widespread fraud, as some critics contend, or whether Domnitser, who was questioned in the two 2001 probes, was such a shrewd operator that Claims Conference officials couldn’t help but be fooled. [UPDATE: Jewish Agency
Courtesy of JTA
A previously unknown document obtained by JTA shows that concern in 2001 about fraud at the Claims Conference reached the highest levels of the organization.
chairman Natan Sharansky adds voice to calls for an independent investigation of allegations against Claims Conference leaders.] The first probe was sparked by an anonymous letter in June 2001 alleging that five fraudulent claims had been approved for restitution payments. The letter reached the director of the Claims Conference office in Germany, Karl Brozik, who conducted an assessment that included questioning Domnitser about his handling of the claims. Domnitser responded to Brozik by fax, acknowledging some inadvertent errors but lying about other facts to cover up his criminality. Brozik shared Domnitser’s responses with the staffer he had assigned to look into the matter, who marked
them up with a lot of question marks. But there is no evidence in the public record indicating that the inquiry was taken further, and last week Claims Conference spokeswoman Hillary Kessler-Godin blamed Brozik, who died in 2004, for failing to pursue the matter. However, it turns out that the Claims Conference’s top leaders launched a second probe of their own. The investigation was assigned to a paralegal at Berman’s law office, Kaye Scholer LLP, who went to the Claims Conference office in New York on Aug. 27, 2001 to review the five fraudulent claims and question Domnitser. CONFERENCE on page 21
8 • NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL
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Funders, advocates, providers rally around inclusion of people with disabilities in Jewish life By Maxine Dovere JointMedia News Service NEW YORK – When Pascale Bercovitch took a chair next to the podium at ADVANCE: The Ruderman Jewish Disabilities Funding Conference, she lifted herself from a sleekly designed wheelchair onto the same slightly uncomfortable chair on which each member of her audience sat. “I am who I wanted to be. I set out to be a champ,” said the Israeli Paralympic athlete. More than 100 members of the Jewish Funders Network (JFN) gathered in New York to attend the annual ADVANCE conference in early May. The conference brought together funders from around the Jewish world passionate about the field of special needs and disabilities, and discussions included inclusion of people with disabilities in Jewish communal life. For three days, JFN members – prospective funders – met with advocates and providers of services for people with disabilities, and visited supported worksites. “When the continuity of our community is paramount, we need to find a way to be more inclusive of the people with disabilities in our midst,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family
Courtesy of Maxine Dovere
Jay Ruderman (left), president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, with Israeli Paralympic athlete Pascale Bercovitch on May 8 at ADVANCE: The Ruderman Jewish Disabilities Funding Conference, which focused on inclusion of people with disabilities in Jewish communal life.
Foundation, the conference’s sponsor. “At nearly 20 percent of the Jewish community, they are a strategic asset and very much part of our future and our long-term success as a people.”
According to a Myers-JDCBrookdale Institute study provided by JFN, approximately 1 million people with disabilities of working age are living in Israel – including Bercovitch, whose well-muscled body and attitude convey confidence. She is in a committed relationship, a mother of two, a writer, and a sportswoman. At 16, Bercovitch came to Israel as a volunteer on an army base near Ashkelon through SAREL, a program similar to Taglit-Birthright. Her katzeen (supervising officer) was Alon Davidi (later head of the Security Council of Sderot in Israel’s south). At the end of that volunteer summer, she returned to France to complete high school, with plans to make aliyah and join the Israel Defense Forces. At 17, running to catch a train to her school, she fell. Both of her legs were severed at the mid-thighs. When Davidi learned of the accident, he came to France. Bercovitch told JNS his encouragement made her more determined. “I decided to do it my way – to follow my dream to become an Israeli and go to the IDF,” she said. “I so badly wanted to do it. You know what happened? I did it!” DISABILITIES on page 21
Can Jordan’s monarchy hold on, or will it become the next casualty of the Arab Spring? By Sean Savage JointMedia News Service Bordering the attention-grabbing countries of Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Jordan is sometimes overlooked by the media and by policy experts because of its peace with Israel, its close alliance with the United States, and its relatively liberal socio-economic system. Underneath this façade of stability, however, is a country plagued by a number of economic and social issues that threaten to plunge Jordan into the chaos of the “Arab Spring” upheavals. “If there is to be another country, other than the ones that are already in play, and I include Yemen in that, and Bahrain… if there is to be a new country in play [in the “Arab Spring”], it is most likely to be Jordan,” Dr. Daniel Pipes, president and founder of the Middle East Forum, told JNS. Jordan has long been a unique country in the Middle East, an aberration of sorts in a chaotic region and a holdover from a different era in the region’s history. Jordan was established by Great Britain postWorld War I from the original Mandate of Palestine. In return for the support of Ali bin Hussein, the
leader of the Hashemite tribe from the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, during the British-led Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the British installed his sons, Abdullah and Faisal, as kings of British-controlled Transjordan (later Jordan) and Iraq. But when Jordan was formed in 1922, the country was largely desolate and populated by Bedouin or “East Bank” tribes. With the support of the British, King Abdullah formed a close alliance with those tribes that became the foundation of the modern state of Jordan. According to Professor Asher Susser, a senior fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University, it is precisely this unique history that has given Jordan’s monarchy more ethnic stability and legitimacy than some of its neighbors like Syria, who have been ravaged by the Arab Spring. “First of all the country in religion terms has a relatively homogenous population, unlike other neighboring countries like Syria, Iraq and Lebanon that are deeply divided on a sectarian basis,” Susser told JNS. JORDAN on page 22
As European soccer racism festers, British pros coach Israelis in tolerance By Cnaan Liphshiz Jewish Telegraphic Agency Itzik Shanan and Abbas Suan watched last week as 100,000 English soccer fans sang along to a live performance by a multiracial quartet at London’s Wembley Stadium. Shanan, who started a campaign to eliminate racism from Israeli soccer, and Suan, a well-known ArabIsraeli player, were in Britain for five days of anti-hooliganism training in advance of Israel’s hosting next month of a major international soccer tournament. For Shanan, the operatic rendition of “Abide With Me,” a Christian hymn that has become something of a soccer anthem, was a reminder of the sport’s potential – and its pitfalls. “It was amazingly cultural,” Shanan told JTA. “It showed me soccer can be truly a cultural event, but [also] reminded me of the long road that lies ahead of Israeli soccer until we catch up to England.” The ground Shanan believes
Israeli soccer needs to cover is not on the field. For the past decade, England’s Football Association, or F.A., has trained dozens of Israeli activists who hope to re-create what they view as the F.A.’s success in reducing widespread displays of racism that tarnished the image of English soccer. Shanan and Suan were part of a delegation of 10 Israeli Jews and Arabs in Britain last week for F.A. training. England is described as “a world leader in dealing with soccer racism and hooliganism” on the website of the New Israel Fund, the U.S.-based social justice group that created and bankrolls Shanan’s nonprofit, Kick Racism Out of Israeli Football. But a recent spate of anti-Semitic incidents in English soccer, and the F.A.’s refusal to fully adopt new European countermeasures, are making some question the association’s suitability to instruct others in countering racist tendencies among fans RACISM on page 22
INTERNATIONAL • 9
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
In Senegalese bush, Bani Israel tribe claims Jewish heritage By Cnaan Liphshiz Jewish Telegraphic Agency BANI ISRAEL, Senegal – He will welcome you into his earthenfloor home, introduce you to his three wives, and let you sample their cooking. But Dougoutigo Fadiga does not want foreigners to come near the sacred tree of his village deep in the Senegalese bush. “The tree is holy grounds,” says Fadiga, president of this remote settlement of 4,000 souls. “Our Jewish ancestor, Jacob, planted it when his people first settled here 1,000 years ago.” The lush kapok tree towers over the parched shrubbery at the edge of Bani Israel, a dusty community in eastern Senegal near the border with Mali. The residents, all Muslims, are members of a tribe whose name means “sons of Israel,” and they trace their lineage to two clans – Sylla and Drame – they say are descended from Egyptian Jews.
Courtesy of Cnaan Liphshiz
Dougoutigo Fadiga, president of Bani Israel, outside his Senegal home with his three wives and one of his sons, May 2013.
“We are all practicing Muslims and we don’t want to become Jewish,” Fadiga says. “In fact, we don’t like to talk too much about our Jewish background, but we don’t hide it either. We know our people came from Egypt to Somalia, and from there to Nigeria, where they split about 1,000 years ago. One branch of the two families went to Mali, another to Guinea, and we settled here.” The truth of such claims is difficult to establish, but West Africa
has had a documented Jewish presence since at least the 14th century, when several Jewish merchants set up shop in Timbuktu, in western Mali. Jews kept trickling in from Spain and Portugal during the Inquisition of the 15th and 16th centuries, and later from Morocco. Gideon Behar, Israel’s former ambassador to Senegal, says Jews maintained a constant presence in the area until 1943, when the last Jewish settlement was uprooted from Guinea-Bissau, Senegal’s southern neighbor, then a Portuguese colony under the rule of pro-fascist dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar. “Bani Israel is a striking example because of its name, but there are many, many other ways in which this area’s little-known but rich Jewish presence has influenced it,” says Behar, one of the few Westerners to have visited Bani Israel. TRIBE on page 22
Will Iran see a renewed ‘Green Revolution’ erupt next month? By Sean Savage JointMedia News Service On May 21, Iran’s Guardian Council released a list of “approved” candidates for the upcoming June 14 presidential election. As expected, the list of eight candidates included a number of hardliners loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, crushing any hope that Iran’s next president would bring about new policies that would end the nuclear standoff with the West, economic sanctions and domestic political repression.
Nevertheless, many in the West are interested in the upcoming election. The last election in 2009 launched major protests that became known as the “Green Revolution,” after reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi lost to incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Many in Iran accused the Guardian Council, which is a constitutionally mandated 12-member council of Islamic jurists with wide ranging powers over the country, of rigging the election in favor of the hardliner, Ahmadinejad. But despite weeks of protests, the government brutally quashed the revolution.
With many of Iran’s 2009 opposition movement in jail or under house arrest, the current line-up appears to signal that Iran will continue its move away from the West. Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi, who considered running on a reformist platform for Iran’s presidency but decided not to submit his candidacy, is now launching a new initiative called “A Campaign for a Better Iran.” He spoke exclusively with JNS about his recent experience in Iran, the presidential election, and Iran’s future. GREEN on page 22
Jacob Ostreicher’s wife laments: ‘They will never let him go’ By Suzanne Pollak Jewish Telegraphic Agency (Washington Jewish Week) – Jacob Ostreicher, a haredi Orthodox father of five who remains under house arrest in Bolivia, does not believe he will ever be free and often unplugs his home phone because he is too depressed to speak with his family, according to his wife, Miriam Ungar. He just can’t see himself ever coming back to his home in Brooklyn, she said. “We all feel that. I really know they will never let him go,” she said, adding that Bolivian officials “make up reasons” to detain Ostreicher indefinitely. “This could go on for
life. I want him to come home.” The Brooklyn man had a flooring business in New York. He invested money with a group of people involved in a rice-growing venture in Bolivia and was managing that business when he was arrested on suspicion of money laundering. He is accused of doing business with people involved in drug trafficking and money laundering, but no proof has ever been provided in court. “He’s starting his third year. It was his third Shavous that he missed, and there is no movement at all,” Ungar said. Her husband is ill, suffering from what appears to be Parkinson’s disease, but is too afraid to take any
medicine, fearing it’s not the correct type or has expired, she said. May 20 marked Ostreicher’s 718th day of imprisonment in Bolivia. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (RN.J.) spent the afternoon holding a congressional hearing that featured Academy Award-winning actor Sean Penn. “The record – including their testimonies – established that Mr. Ostreicher is innocent and is the victim of an elaborate, high-level government extortion ring that has fleeced approximately $27 million worth of assets from the rice operation that he had been managing,” Smith said. OSTREICHER on page 22
International Briefs Syrian rebels apparently fire on Hezbollah (JTA) – Two rockets believed to be fired by Syrian rebels struck an area controlled by Hezbollah, sparking fears that Lebanon will be dragged into its neighbor’s civil war. The rockets landed in southern Beirut on Sunday. Four people were injured and residential buildings were damaged. Dozens of Hezbollah fighters were killed in continuing battles between government forces and rebels in the Syrian border town of Qusair, according to The Associated Press.
Palestinian film wins Cannes prize (JTA) – A film funded by the Palestinian Authority won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. “Omar,” directed by Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, was filmed in the West Bank and presents Israel and its military in a negative light. It tells the story of three Palestinian childhood friends. Italian Jews salute ex-lawmaker Nirenstein before she moves to Israel (JTA) – Rome Jewish community leaders praised Fiamma Nirenstein, a journalist and former Italian Parliament member, in a sendoff ahead of her move to Israel. The Rome Jewish Community board, along with representatives of other Jewish organizations and the Israeli ambassador to Italy, toasted Nirenstein on Friday at a ceremony ahead of the Sabbath.
10 • ISRAEL
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To haredim, Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman now a turncoat By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraphic Agency TEL AVIV – Dov Lipman has staked his budding political career on his reputation as a moderate haredi Orthodox leader, someone uniquely positioned to broker compromise between Israel’s increasingly polarized secular and religious communities. The problem is that Israel’s haredi leaders say he’s not actually haredi. Once seen as a possible bridge between Israel’s growing haredi community and the secular majority, Lipman, a freshman member of Knesset from the centrist Yesh Atid party, has weathered a torrent of criticism aimed at discrediting his haredi bona fides since his election in January. “He calls himself haredi and advocates positions that are universally rejected by the leading halachic representatives of the community and the community at large,” said Jonathan Rosenblum,
Courtesy of Miriam Alster/Flash90/JTA
Dov Lipman, an American-born haredi Orthodox Knesset member for the centrist Yesh Atid party, speaking on the Knesset floor, March 2013.
a columnist for the haredi Mishpacha magazine. “It’s very hard for me to understand someone who is haredi being part of a party that signs off on these positions on [Jewish] conversion and homosexual marriage.”
Lipman supports a number of laws now being formulated that would roll back privileges long enjoyed by haredim in Israel, notably exemption from the military draft and the public funding of their schools. He favors the creation
of an egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall and belongs to a party that advocates the legalization of same-sex marriage. And on top of all that, he wears a blue suit – not the traditional haredi black. The attacks, Lipman says, show that haredi leaders are more interested in leveling personal attacks than debating policy. Laws under discussion – including one mandating the teaching of some secular subjects in haredi schools – benefit the haredi community, he says, without posing a threat to its way of life. “It’s not a question of who’s haredi or not haredi,” he told JTA. “Let’s talk about the issues. Why should an ultra-Orthodox male not have math and English and enter the workforce?” Lipman was a teacher and principal in Cincinnati and Maryland before moving to Israel in 2004 with his wife and three children. The Lipmans settled in Beit Shemesh, a Jerusalem suburb
where simmering tensions between haredi and secular Jews erupted in 2011 after haredi men harassed an 8-year-old Modern Orthodox girl they believed was not dressing in a sufficiently modest manner. Taking on the role of peacemaker, Lipman worked to find common ground between the sides. But local haredi leaders, the city’s mayor among them, believed he was opposing Beit Shemesh’s haredi sector. In 2012, Lipman joined Yesh Atid, a new party that galvanized the Israeli middle class, in part with its promise to end the longstanding haredi draft exemption. For the party, Lipman’s membership was a powerful symbol, a sign that Orthodox opposition to the draft was not universal. But Lipman’s support for the Yesh Atid agenda led to charges that he was being disingenuous and not truly a member of the community he claimed to represent. LIPMAN on page 19
For West Bank tourists, a cocktail of religion, politics and wineries By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraphic Agency ALLON, West Bank (JTA) – Wearing a brown tunic and headscarf, a man who introduces himself as Eliezer invites visitors to sit on low benches covered by carpet in a makeshift Bedouin tent. Brandishing a map of Canaan, he traces the route his master Abraham walked on his way here from Babylonia. He describes a land dispute between Abraham and his nephew, Lot, over shepherding rights. Then he leads visitors on camelback to a nearby tent
for meat, wine and freshly cooked pita. “When you say that Abraham stood here, it makes an impression on everyone,” said Yair BenDavid, the tour guide playing Eliezer, Abraham’s manservant in Genesis. “The view here hasn’t changed. Everyone talks about it, but this is where it actually happened.” Ben-David works at Genesis Land, a somewhat hokey tourist attraction deep in the West Bank that aims to provide a taste of what life was like in biblical times. Besides hearing stories of
the Jewish patriarchs and riding camels, visitors learn how to make pita, herd sheep and draw water from a well. “We believe that Israel’s unique tourism is biblical,” said Ben-David, who lives in a nearby settlement. “Tel Aviv is about 100 years old. We have 3,800 years of history here.” In recent years, settlements in the West Bank have increased their efforts to attract tourists to a territory more likely to conjure images of intractable conflict than a peaceful vacation destination. Settlers, who call the region by
its biblical names, Judea and Samaria, are eager to portray it as the cradle of Jewish civilization. Left-wing groups, meanwhile, bring visitors to West Bank cities such as Hebron and Bethlehem to understand the ongoing costs of Israel’s control of the territory. “It’s hard to separate between political and not, if you say it’s the heart of the land,” said Miri MaozOvadia, spokesperson for the Binyamin Regional Council, where Genesis Land is located. “We bring people to show them that we’re pro-settlement in Judea and Samaria. We’ll say it’s impor-
Gliding through history on Jerusalem’s light rail By Malcolm Ginsberg JointMedia News Service The Holy City of Jerusalem, sacred to the world’s three great monotheistic religions, naturally attracts millions of tourists every year. Most cities whose economy thrives on tourism have doubledecker buses that follow circular routes with stops at all the major sightseeing attractions; Jerusalem is no exception. The Egged bus company’s Route 99 runs in a two hour loop through both East and West Jerusalem, with a hop-on, hop-off feature enabling passengers to get on and off throughout the day. A taped audio guide in eight languages enhances the impressive visual experience. While certainly recommended to any tourist as an excellent introduction to the city, Jerusalem’s Route 99 has a particular problem: a great part of downtown has been
Courtesy of Matanya/Wikimedia Commons
Jerusalem’s light rail on the Chords Bridge.
off-limits to vehicular traffic since the new light rail system was inaugurated in 2012. Fortunately, the Jerusalem’s light rail is now a terrific complement to the roundrobin bus tour – and quite a bit cheaper. For 6.60 shekels ($1.90), one can buy a ticket that is good for 90 minutes on the train; passengers can “jump on and jump off” at will during this time period, your ticket must be validated when on the train. Since the light rail is meant
primarily for residents and commuters, there is obviously no audio guide. But any decent guidebook – or downloadable city guide app – will explain the sights along the route. The line – controversial during its construction, because of the years-long disruption to daily life and enormous cost overruns – is 8.6 miles long, with 23 stops between Mount Herzl, in the city’s southwest, and Pisgat Ze’ev, a northeastern Jewish suburb built on land liberated by Israel in the wake of the Six-Day War. Thus, it also serves the Arab residents of eastern Jerusalem, as the tracks wind their way past the Old City walls on the way to Jaffa Street, in the heart of West Jerusalem’s city center; station names are announced in Hebrew, Arabic and English, as they scroll across LED screens in the cars – in the same three languages. Trams are air
conditioned, with large windows. The section of the light rail which most interests tourists extends between Mount Herzl – Israel’s equivalent of Arlington Cemetery, also adjacent to Yad Vashem, the international Holocaust Museum – and Mount Scopus, the famous Har HaTzofim, with its spectacular views of the Old City. A round-trip between the two ends of this stretch takes about one hour and forty minutes. Starting from the Mount Scopus end, the train passes Ammunition Hill, site of one of the fiercest battles of the Six-Day War, fought in June 1967. It is now one of several official memorials symbolizing the reunification of Jerusalem. Battleground fortifications have been preserved, and an underground museum honoring the fallen tells the story of the savage fighting.
tant to stay here for its historical implications, and security and water.” Settlement leaders do not have statistics on overall West Bank tourism, but Binyamin, the region which occupies the central swath of the West Bank, attracted more than 150,000 tourists in 2012 by branding itself “The Land of the Bible.” Guides at key sites such as Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood before the First Temple was built in Jerusalem, say that about half of foreign tourists are Christians eager to visit religious sites.
Israel Briefs Air-raid sirens sound across Israel for homefront drill (JNS) Israel’s nationwide homefront defense exercise reached its peak on Monday, with two air-raid sirens going off midday and in the evening. Along with the sirens, citizens received messages on cellphones and other communication devices with instructions, according to Israel Hayom. The exercise is intended to test Israelis’ responses to emergencies at workplaces, schools and homes. If there were no safe rooms in the vicinity when the sirens went off, citizens were asked to seek the most protected area they could find and stay there for 10 minutes.
SOCIAL LIFE • 11
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
Fusion Family lets good times roll during Friday Night Skate Date A capacity crowd of more than 120 parents and children let the good times “roll” January 18 when Fusion Family took over Castle Skateland in Loveland for a Friday Night Skate Date. Families enjoyed appetizers and skating while the DJ led them in games like the Hokey Pokey, the Chicken Dance and other old-school favorites. Then the group gathered for a traditional Shabbat dinner with a ‘50s diner twist, featuring challah, meatloaf, green beans and lots of other popular menu items from back in the day. Young participants got to participate in an interactive Shabbat singalong, and after dinner everyone headed back out to the rink for more skating fun. Fusion Family is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation for families in which one parent is Jewish and the other is not, or in which one or both parents have converted to Judaism. For more information about Fusion Family, please consult the community directory in the back of this issue.
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12 • CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE
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Adath Israel’s Ceremony Sunday Sunday, March 3, Adath Israel Congregation’s young members took part in our annual Ceremony Sunday celebration. We recognized students in kindergarten, third and fourth grades. The youngest were Consecrated, signifying they have begun their formal religious school education. The third graders took part in Siddur Dedication and were recognized for their ability to actively participate in Shabbat services. The fourth graders participated in Torah Induction showing their readiness to learn as well as their emerging skills of Torah study. We also had the privilege of hearing several songs, including Hatikvah, by our third, fourth and fifth graders under the direction of our music teacher Mitch Cohen.
Our Siddur Dedication class putting on a play called Sharei Tefilah, the Gates of Prayer—they recited several prayers to be able to “open” the gates, including the Shema, Adon Olam and Modeh Ani.
Our Fourth grade class rehearses for their program for Torah Induction. They performed a play called Sharei Tefillah, or Gates of Prayer for the families and schoolmates.
“Moses” makes an appearance after spending time on Mount Sinai.
Shaking the Rabbi’s hand before receiving their certificate.
The Kindergarten Consecration Class. With their teacher, Debbie Lempert, their teaching assistants, Nina and Ben (not picture) and Rabbi Wise. Consecration signifies the formal start of their Jewish Education.
Mitch Cohen, music teacher, begins our program leading our school in Modeh Ani.
Our kindergarteners sing the Shema as a part of their original song, “I am Jewish,” written in part by their teacher Debbie.
Our two narrators for our play, Sharei Tefillah, introduce their play.
A third grader receives his gift, Siddur Shema Yisrael and his certificate for Siddur Dedication
Family members and schoolmates fill the room getting ready for the program to begin.
One of our kindergartners receives his gift, a miniature Torah and his certificate from his teacher, Debbie Lempert.
A fourth grader receives his gift, the book Torah the Growing Gift, and certificate for Torah Induction.
CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE • 13
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
Family celebrates Consecration.
Several generations celebrate Consecration.
Jarson Education Center third-fifth grade choir sings Israeli songs to entertain the guests. They also led everyone in Hatikvah to end the program.
Some of the sixth graders enjoying the reception after the ceremonies.
Rabbi Wise blesses the children in Kindergarten, third and fourth grades.
Celebrating Torah Induction.
14 • DINING OUT
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Tastes of Thailand borrow, link Asian Cuisine traditions By Bob Wilhelmy Dining Editor Think Asian cuisine, and what comes to mind? If you are like me, it’s Chinese. Chinese takeout in those classic white cartons with the wire handles. Or you dine out, in a restaurant with dragons all over the place and paper lanterns and fortune cookies and pots of hot tea. Chinese is but the tip of the chopstick when it comes to Asian foods, however. Sukhothai is delicious proof of that. Sukhothai features the cuisine of Thailand, as its name implies. Thai food is one of the most distinctive in all of Southeast Asia. Americans generally knew little of Thailand before the Vietnam War flamed across the national psyche in the 1960s. But the war led to exposure, and exposure led to appreciation of the foods of Southeast Asia, in addition to Chinese cuisine. Thai food is gastronomically linked to those of its distant western neighbor, India, and its more proximate neighbors to the north and east, China and Vietnam, respectively. Thai dishes are prepared in the wok for the most part, with sauces similar to those found in Chinese recipes. Many of the flavors are the same as those found in Chinese foods. But Thai cuisine features curry dishes, similar to those found on Indian menus. And Thai dishes can easily be taken to the 5-alarm-fire stage, with spiciness that rivals the vindaloo and madras entrée items of India. The ingredient list for Thai recipes includes items not typically found in either Chinese or Indian dishes. Coconut milk is used in many Thai recipes, for instance. There is a heavy emphasis on basil as an herb as well. In fact, Thailand has an indigenous basil plant not widely found outside its borders. Also, there is an emphasis on freshness that is not as apparent in cuisines that intersect with Thai foods. One to try is the “summer” roll, which is a seasonal advance on the “spring,” or egg, roll. I have no idea whether there is a seasonal connection to these rolls, but one is deep-fried in oil in the wok (the spring roll); the other features fresh ingredients inside the roll, and the wrapper is rice paper. No cooking is involved for the veggie versions of the summer roll. The flavors tend toward delicate and tasty, and the rolls are delightful in texture and wholesomeness. Toi Fuengdhongmanee, the owner and head chef of Sukhothai, is a Thai native. He returns to his native land periodically to scout
(Clockwise) A fish entrée in brown sauce with mushrooms and a slew of other vegetables and herbs; The main room of Sukhothai Thai Cuisine; “Jerry’s Room,” one of the additions from nine years ago; The front of Suhkothai Thai Cuisine.
out new dining trends and tastes for his restaurant, and incorporates them into his menu. But he frankly admits his dining patrons have their favorites, and those tend to be the best sellers on the menu. When asked what native Thai diners order most, he did not hesitate: “Pad Thai is a favorite; more people order pad Thai.” Pad Thai is one of several noodle dishes on the Sukhothai menu. The entree is made with bean thread noodles and the dish packs a lot of flavor. Diners can pick their protein from
a list that includes beef, chicken and tofu, as well as vegetarian and seafood selections. The dish pictured in the photo spread is a fish entrée in brown sauce with mushrooms and a slew of other vegetables and herbs. The fish can be any of four species, including walleye, red snapper and sea bass. For those who love curry, there is a menu section devoted to such entrée items. There are red, green and yellow curries, as well as panang, Massaman and mango curries. Toi stated that the herb
and spice formulation for Thai curries differs from that of Indian curry dishes. The herbs include lemon grass and other herbs indigenous to Southeast Asia, but not necessarily found in India. Curries, and for that matter any Thai dish, can be made to match the palate of the diner where spiciness is concerned. The tiny Thai chili, used fresh, is the main heater in the fiery foods. Also, Toi uses a dried chili that includes seeds and chopped pepper. The combination may place you in a new dimension in the spicy food category, accord-
ing to Chef Toi. Sukhothai’s menu includes appetizers, soups and salads, vegetarian offerings, house specials, seafood entrees, curry dishes, stir fry selections, noodle dishes and rice entrée selections. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday; dinner only (opening at 4:30 p.m.) on Saturday; and closed Sunday. Sukhothai Thai Cuisine 8102 Market Place Lane Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 794-0057
DINING OUT • 15
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
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16 • OPINION
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Church of Scotland needs to take further action to end its war on Judaism By Ben Cohen JointMedia News Service In a recent, exhaustive study of anti-Semitism, the German scholar Clemens Heni explains the significance for Christian theology of the story of Ahasver, a Jewish shoemaker in Jerusalem who, legend has it, refused Jesus a resting place as he made his way to Golgotha bearing the cross on his back. Ahasver’s punishment, says Heni, was to wander the world for eternity, an image that formed the basis for what the Nazis famously called “der ewige Jude” – ”the eternal Jew.” “The attribute ‘eternal’ cries out for redemption,” writes Heni. “For Christianity, it embodies the refusal on the part of the Jewish people to accept the coming of Jesus as the Son of God.” Of course, as Heni points out, this was a particularly strong theme throughout the Middle Ages. What’s notable, though, is that this same noxious depiction of the Jews is enjoying a new lease of life in certain sections of the Church today. At the beginning of May, the Church of Scotland published a document entitled “The Inheritance of Abraham? A Report on the ‘Promised Land.’” Now, doing what I do, I spend a great deal of time reviewing antiZionist and anti-Semitic literature, and I like to think that I am passed being shocked. Reading the Church of Scotland report, was, therefore, something of a rude awakening; so immersed is the text in anti-Semitic clichés and malicious distortions of Jewish theology that I wondered whether I had been transported back to a time when people didn’t wash or brush their teeth, had a lifespan of 30 years or so, and spent their time on this earth living in fear of Jewish devils. Clearly, the Church of Scotland didn’t expect its report to be greeted by a chorus of dismay, led by the Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Daniel Taub. Only a few days after its publication, the report was removed from the church’s website, amid reassurances that, in the words of the anti-Israel newspaper The Guardian, “the church has never challenged the right of Israel to exist.” Anyone who has read the report knows that’s nonsense: the Church of Scotland didn’t challenge just Israel’s right to exist, but the legitimacy of Judaism as well! Much more than a perfunctory apology for causing offense is needed. If the church wants to
declare that its war on Judaism is over, it must ditch the report in its entirety and cut ties with Sabeel, a Palestinian Christian institute whose mission is to attack both Zionism and Judaism, and whose poisonous ideology was cited by the church’s report. The purpose of the report was to dismiss the claim that the “Hebrew Bible” – heaven forbid that these people should use terms like Torah or Tanakh! – provides grounds for a privileged connection between the Jewish people and the “Promised Land,” which we Jews sinfully refer to as “Eretz Israel.” What follows is a frontal assault on Jewish “exclusivism” that deploys the tired old trick of citing a Jew – in this case, Mark Braverman, an arch opponent of Zionism – in order to protect the text from accusations of antiSemitism. But anti-Semitic it most definitely is. Some choice excerpts: “Braverman is adamant that Christians must not sacrifice the universalist, inclusive dimension of Christianity and revert to the particular exclusivism of the Jewish faith because we feel guilty about the Holocaust. He is equally clear that the Jewish people have to repent of the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians between 1947 and 1949. They must be challenged, too, to stop thinking of themselves as victims and special, and recognise that the present immoral, unjust treatment of Palestinian people is unsustainable.” “As long as Zionists think that Jewish people are serving God’s special purpose and that abuses by the state of Israel, however wrong and regrettable, don’t invalidate the Zionist project, they will believe themselves more entitled to the land than the Palestinian people.” “Jesus offered a radical critique of Jewish specialness and exclusivism, but the people of Nazareth were not ready for it... Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple means not just that the Temple needs to be reformed, but that the Temple is finished.” Let’s translate the above lines minus the academic, ostensibly reasonable tone in which they are couched: “Jews! Stop whining about the Holocaust. Stop making us feel guilty about the Holocaust. Repent, every single one of you, for the evil you have committed against the Palestinians. And, oh yeah, enough of the ‘Chosen People’ thing – you people are so arrogant, no wonder nobody likes you. Even Jesus himself ran out of patience with you...” SCOTLAND on page 21
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Do you have something to say? E-mail your letter to editor@americanisraelite.com
Dear Editor, My wife and I went to the Tea Party rally Tuesday, May 21, at Fountain Square. We made our own sign as did most of the others, I would guess 300 to 400 people. No politicians and only saw Fox. My wife was interviewed by a reporter from NPR; we don’t listen to drivel and
propaganda so I don’t know if they played it. We were next to a man who was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal. He was very animated and well-spoken. A good, orderly crowd, no politicians or speeches. Several slogans and a few songs. We saw several people looking out the windows at the Federal Building and the Federal Courthouse and
some really “classy” taxpayer paid IRS people who “flipped us the bird.” Your tax dollars at work. The rally took maybe 40 to 45 minutes, most of us had to go back to WORK. Sincerely, Sid Cohen
Pluralism in Hillel must extend to Israel By Lex Rofes and Simone Zimmerman Jewish Telegraphic Agency Throughout our four years in college, Hillel has been our home on campus. We have been involved extensively, with one of us serving as president on campus and on the Hillel international board. While we both found in Hillel a supportive community, when it came to our relationship to Israel, Hillel was not always so welcoming. One of us often avoided expressing political views in Hillel board meetings for fear of losing credibility. The other openly expressed her political views, which was met at times with harsh criticism. We both remained committed to working in Hillel through moments of challenge, but we know many others who, meeting such obstacles, simply stepped away. In past decades, Hillel faced a similar challenge concerning religious observance. Hillel now strives to ensure that religious practice and background is no barrier to entry, actively working to involve LGBT voices, students from interfaith families, Jewish atheists and others. Yet on Israel, the same pluralism is lacking. Students who express ambivalence toward Zionism or support boycotts of Israeli products often feel they are not welcome in their campus Jewish community. Hillel International’s Israel guidelines contribute to the problem. We know they were carefully crafted by many Hillel leaders, and we can appreciate the necessity and challenge of setting boundaries. While the guidelines appear reasonable on paper, in practice they often restrict meaningful discussion and send a strong signal to some Jewish students that they do not belong. One issue is how the guidelines are interpreted. For example, while they state that Hillel will not host programs that deny Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and dem-
ocratic state with secure borders, some Hillels have hosted speakers that reject the possibility of compromise with the Palestinians, rendering that future unfeasible. Meanwhile, proposed events with former Israeli combatants critical of their service are often met with requests to keep the event “private,” requirements that a less critical voice “balance” the presentation or outright refusals to host the discussion. Such requests are rarely made of more rightleaning speakers. Further, the guidelines prohibit co-sponsorship with groups that delegitimize, demonize or apply a double standard to Israel – terms that are highly subjective. For instance, does B’Tselem’s documentation of human rights abuses in the territories constitute a “double standard” against Israel? Do the soldiers of Breaking the Silence, in describing their service in the West Bank, “demonize” Israel? Such terms are used frequently to slander both organizations. The wide room for interpretation is evidenced by the fact that while some Hillel directors welcome those groups, others cite the guidelines in denying those same voices a platform. Lastly, while we both have campaigned actively against divestment efforts on our campuses, the guidelines’ restrictions on events with any groups supportive of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, or BDS, prohibit much-needed discussions. Though Hillel professes support for dialogue, the guidelines effectively eliminate any possibility of co-sponsorship with Palestinian student organizations, as most support BDS. Our community cannot champion intellectual rigor and inclusivity while avoiding public conversations with those with whom we disagree. Moreover, the guidelines strongly imply that Jewish students who support BDS are not full members of our community. When we have raised this concern
with Hillel leadership, we often hear that while some student groups are not welcome, all students as individuals have a home in Hillel. We would reject this logic when applied to an issue like LGBT rights, and it is flawed here as well. Students who are told their organizations are not welcome understandably feel unwelcome. Too many of our friends left Hillel because they felt alienated and stifled in raising questions or voicing their views on Israel. Too many have opted to disengage entirely rather than conforming to a community that tells them they do not fully belong. As many Jewish organizations frantically try to attract more young Jews into their buildings, it is counterproductive, counterintuitive and, frankly, un-Jewish to deny full participation to any Jews simply because of their political beliefs. Earlier this year, the Progressive Student Alliance at Harvard University launched an effort, Open Hillel, to challenge Hillel’s guidelines. Its petition was signed by more than 800 Jewish students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives who believe that all Jewish students deserve a home in Hillel. At the recent Hillel International board meeting, the signatures were presented to Hillel leadership. While we did not initiate this effort, we believe the Israel guidelines must be reevaluated based on feedback from students across the political spectrum. If Hillel fails to make political pluralism a priority, we fear the ominous vision some have about the Jewish community’s future will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Those alienated will choose to build their families and communities outside of what they see as outmoded institutions or, worse, simply check out of Judaism entirely. This is not a price anyone who cares about Hillel and Jewish life on campus should be willing to pay.
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
Sedra of the Week
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT SHLAH NUMBERS 13:1-15:41
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emanated from the expensive dye taken from the rare hilazon fish; it was worn by royalty and by the aristocracy. Every Israelite male was commanded to wear t’chelet because he was indeed a miniature high priest (the word “tzitzit” is derived from “tzitz”), imbued and emboldened with the command to be a member of a sacred nation and a kingdom of priests/teachers to all of humanity. We dare not forget the high calling with which God charged us to bring blessing and redemption to the entire world. We dare not lose faith in ourselves, because if we do the world will not be redeemed. This is the final message of the portion of Shlah, bidding us to understand that only through our kingship and sovereignty over Israel will we be able to see to it that “Torah will come forth from Zion and the word of God from Jerusalem to the entire world.” Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi – Efrat Israel
T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: SHLACH (BAMIDBAR 13-15) 1. From which direction did the spies enter the land of Israel? a.) West b.) East c.) North d.) South 2. What time of year did the spies go? a.) Rainy season b.) Ripening of the grapes c.) Harvest season 3. How did Hashem threaten to punish Bnei Yisroel for listening to the spies? a.) With destruction
40 years in the desert. But he waited for the sin of the spies to carry it out. Rashi 5. C 14:44,45
our enemies will see us – the 13th chapter of the Book of Numbers concludes. Chapter 14 begins, “And the entire congregation lifted up their voices, gave forth a cry and the nation wept on that night.” Our rabbis teach that this was the night of the ninth of Av. (Ta’anit 29a). Their sin was that they didn’t believe in themselves. I can readily understand why this was the case. After all, the Israelites had just concluded a period of 210 years of enslavement in Egypt. James Baldwin, the well-known champion of rights for blacks in South Africa and America, put it very well when he said: “I can forgive the whites for subjugating the blacks. I can never forgive the whites for making the blacks believe that they were worthy of being subjugated.” This is the well-known syndrome of the battered wife who remains with her husband because she has come to believe that she deserves to be beaten. The Israelites had been persecuted for so long and dehumanized to such an extent that they had lost the image of God within themselves, that they no longer felt the empowerment of free human beings. This is the most profound message of the ritual fringes and specifically of the t’chelet. The ritual fringes, the white threads entwined with the royal blue thread, are reminiscent of the blue-white of the sea, of the bluewhite of the heavens and of the presence of God, whose dwelling place is in the heavens above. The first message of the ritual fringes, therefore, is to remind us – whenever we look at our garment (and in talmudic times they wore fourcornered outer garments which were always punctuated with the ritual fringes) – of God and His commandments, which must follow us wherever we go just as our outer garment follows us wherever we go. But there is a second idea. The High Priest in the Sanctuary wore a tzitz (turban) made of t’chelet with words upon it reading “Holy unto the Lord.” T’chelet was the highest symbol of the high priest and t’chelet was the color that
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b.) To fight many wars in the desert c.) To buy food from other nations 4. In the end,how did he punish them? a.) No more fowl at night b.) To wander 40 years in the desert c.) To wander 40 years in the desert and fight more wars 5. What was Bnei Yisroel's reaction to Hashem's punishment? a.) They repented b.) They cried c.) They tried to enter Canaan
ripening, but Moshe felt the spies would still be impressed with what they saw. Sforno 3. A 14:12 4. B 14:33 By the sin of the golden calf, Hashem had planned for Bnei Yisroel to spend
EFRAT, Israel – “There we saw the giants who were the children of giants; we were in our own eyes as grasshoppers, and so were we in their eyes,” (Numbers 13:33). The most difficult incident in the desert was the refusal of the Israelites to conquer the Land of Israel. Had they left Egypt and made their way directly to the Promised Land, the redemption would have happened immediately. Hence, while the sin of the Golden Calf was forgiven by God as a result of Moses’ entreaties, the reverberations of the sin of the scouts continues throughout the generations. The day they refused to conquer Israel was the ninth day of Av, a true doomsday of Jewish history, on which we commemorate the destruction of both Temples, the expulsion of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition and the Nuremberg decrees that signaled the beginning of the Holocaust. What is the connection between the sin of the scouts and the commandment of the ritual fringes that concludes the portion of Shlah? What comment does it make on the backsliding of the People of Israel vis-a-vis the Land of Israel? The Sfat Emet (Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter, 1847–1905) explains the sins of the scouts in profound psychological terms. He asks how renowned men, princes of their tribes who had just experienced the miracles of the Exodus from Egypt, could lose their faith in God to such an extent that they refused to attempt the conquest of Israel. His response is that their sin was not a lack of faith in God; their sin was a lack of faith in themselves. The scouts made a reconnaissance tour of the land and were struck by the strength of the peoples who lived there and the fortifications they had built. “There we saw the giants who were the children of giants; we were in our own eyes as grasshoppers, and so were we in their eyes” (Numbers 13:33). The scouts seem to have been dumbstruck by the power of the indigenous peoples and by their own impotence. With that sentence of self-deprecation – and with its inherent message that if we see ourselves as being small and powerless that is exactly how
and so were we in their eyes”
STATE
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
ANSWERS 1. D 13:17,22 The South of Canaan was considered the less desirable part of the land and they traveled north towards the better parts. Rashi 2. B 13:20 The fruits of Canaan were only
by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
CITY
18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
JEWZ
IN THE
By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist “THE VOICE” As I write this, MICHELLE CHAMUEL, who is about 23, is one of eight remaining contestants on “The Voice,” the hit NBC reality talent show (airs Mondays and Tuesdays, at 10PM). By the time you read this, you’ll know (or can find out) whether she has advanced beyond the shows airing May 27 and 28. Win or lose, check out her outstanding pipes on “The Voice” website or on Youtube. Born and raised in Amherst, Mass., she lived until recently in Ann Arbor, Mich. where she was a university student and the powerful lead singer (2007-2011) of a locally popular band. She manages to be charming as she acknowledges that she looks “nerdy.” Chamuel, who is an open lesbian, told a lesbian community website in 2011 that she doesn’t define herself, only, as a “lesbian musician or Jewish artist.” I managed to find out that Michelle and her mother, a doctor, attended an Amherst egalitarian synagogue for at least several years (her parents are long divorced). Her father is a businessman, engineer and violinist. I believe he’s Jewish, too. But I haven’t confirmed that. AT THE MOVIES: OPENING FRIDAY, MAY 31 SOPHIE OKONEDO, 44, and ZOE KRAVITZ, 24, co-star, respectively, as Will Smith’s wife and daughter in the sci-fi adventure “After Earth.” An apocalyptic event causes most people to evacuate Earth for a distant planet. A thousand years later, Smith and his son (played by his reallife son, Jaden) crash land on Earth and have to deal with all sorts of dangerous stuff. The Oscar-nominated Okonedo (“Hotel Rwanda”) is the daughter of a Nigerian father and an English Jewish mother and was raised Jewish by her single mom. Kravitz is the daughter of actress LISA BONET, 45, and famous rock musician Lenny Kravitz, 48. Bonet’s mother is Jewish and her father is AfricanAmerican. Lenny’s father was Jewish and his mother was African-American. Long in demand as a fashion model, Zoe has a growing list of increasingly better film and TV roles. She defines herself as a secular Jew, unlike her father, who calls himself a Christian. “Now You See Me” is sort of a Robin Hood story. Four of the of the world’s greatest magicians steal from corrupt business lead-
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ers and then shower their stolen profits on members of their magic show audiences (via their bank accounts). An elite FBI/Interpol squad tries to catch them. The magicians are played by JESSE EISENBERG, 29, ISLA FISHER, 37, DAVE FRANCO, 27, and Woody Harrelson. Mark Ruffalo and MELANIE LAURENT, 30 (“Inglorious Basterds”), play the lead agents after them. Eisenberg, who says he had little interest in magic before making this film, spent months with an expert to learn sleight-of-hand tricks. He says he has largely retained his hard-won ability to do tricks like making a coin emerge suddenly from the top of his hand. NEW ON THE TUBE Many Italian-Americans were livid when a group of crude and often drunk young Italian Americans were featured in the MTV series, “Jersey Shore.” Now, Jews have a chance to be equally upset. The Long Island paper, Newsday, began its review of the new Bravo series, “Long Island Princesses” (starts Sunday, June 2, at 9PM), this way: “Oy vey. This doesn’t look good for Jews or Long Island…Bravo appears to have jammed every cliche about six (mostly) Jewish women of a certain age (late 20s) and provenance [living with their parents in fancy neighborhoods] into a TV blender and hit the ‘high’ button.” Based on names, it appears that four of the six women are Jewish. One, CHANEL “Coco” OMARI, says on her website bio that she comes from an Orthodox Jewish family. Her best friend is blonde bombshell Casey Cohen, who I assume is Jewish, too. Bravo’s official publicity describes a serious series about fairly accomplished women (in terms of career/education). But reviews of the first episode describe a much more vulgar show and that’s understandable: high ratings flow from conflict and outrageousness (sometimes manipulated). For example, when one of the women greets another with “Shabbat Shalom,” she gets an ugly expletive as a reply. The new ABC Family drama, “The Fosters,” is about a biracial, lesbian couple, played by Teri Polo and Sherri Saum, who are raising a biological child as well as several adoptive children. Polo’s character is a police officer who was formerly married to another police officer, played by DANNY NUCCI, 44, and they have a teenage son together. (Starts Monday, June 3, at 9PM). Nucci, an Italian Jew, is still best known for playing Leonardo DiCaprio’s buddy in “Titanic.”
FROM THE PAGES 150 Y EARS A GO Wood’s Theater – As announced, Miss Mary Provost commenced an engagement at this Theater last Monday evening, and was visited by very fair audiences; she is an actress of considerable merit, and in some characters her performance is very striking and natural. She opened with a new sensation drama, “Lucie d’Arville,” which was followed by the prize comedy “Nell Gwynne” in both of which she has attained an enviable reputation. This (Friday) evening she takes a benefit, and we have every reason to expect that she will make it a success. Miss Provost’s engagement will continue the ensuing week, and as this will then be the only regular Theater open in the city, we can safely predict on immense attendance; seats had better be secured early, to save inconvenience during the rush of the night. A hot pie set out by an old lady upon a window-sill to cool, was arrested in Boston for smoking in the street. – June 12, 1863
125 Y EARS A GO Today is “Field Day” at the University of Cincinnati. Several firms have offered gold and silver medals, as did also the Chamber of Commerce, for the champion athletes of this great institution. The competition is strong, and much pleasure is looked for by the many friends of the students who will be in attendance. A lively party left in Cincinnati on Monday to spend the day at the National Soldiers’ Home. Among those who accompanied the party were Mr. and Mrs. Ben Kaufman, of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Marks, Miss Cora Marblestone, Mr. and Mrs. Strauss and a number of others. Mr. John W. Osterday has opened a confectionary and ice cream saloon at 409 W. Seventh Street, between Cutter and Linn, where he will be pleased to serve all with the very best in this line to be had in the city and at the lowest prices. The regular monthly meeting of the Ladies’ Society for the Relief of the Sick Poor will be held Wednesday, the 6th inst., at 2 p.m., in the vestry rooms of the Plum Street Temple, a large attendance is desired – June 1, 1888
100 Y EARS A GO The graduation exercises of the School for Nurses of the Cincinnati Jewish Hospital took place on Wednesday evening, May 28. Rabbi Louis Grossmann opened the exercises with prayer. The report of the school was then read by Miss Mary Hamer Greenwood, the superin-
tendent. Dr. Louis Stricker delivered an address, and President David J. Workum conferred the diplomas and medals, with appropriate remarks. The benediction by Rev. Henry Englander closed the exercises. The members of the graduating class were as follows: Pearl Josephine Bona, Lexington, Ky.; Cora Adelaide Brooksbank, Hillsboro, O.; Mame Beatrice Deitz, St. Louis, Mo.; Lilian Croly MacAdam, Wingham, Ont., Canada; Elsie Magnus, Cincinnati; Elizabeth Charlotte Poppe, Cincinnati; Eva Mabel Sharp, Norwood, O. Dr. Goldschmidt, a German electrician, is reported to have invented a system which will revolutionize the business of wireless telegraphy. Dr. Goldschmidt is still under forty years of age. He lived for several years in England and was formerly a designing electrician in America for the Westinghouse company. – May 29, 1913
75 Y EARS A GO One of the most unusual scholastic records in Cincinnati history is possessed by Miss Betty Jane Spritz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Spritz. A net average of 95.4 for her four high school years at Walnut Hills is her achievement. In addition to being the ranking “cum laude” student at Walnut Hills, Miss Spritz served as editor of the yearbook. Walnut Hills High School awards included: Miss Betty Menderson: citizenship medal. Miss Nancy Stix: essay prize in The Gleam contest. Mr. Kenneth Koch: essay prize in younger students’ contest. Miss Natalie Tennenbaum, Carl Rubin, Carl Weihl; tri-state debate team. Misses Merle Gillman, Betty Menderson, May Orton, Betty Jane Spritz, Natalie Tennenbaum, Carl Weihl, Daniel Singer, Richard Unger: “cum laude.” - June 9, 1938
50 Y EARS A GO Three Cincinnatians were among the students honored at Hillel banquet for contributions to Hillel at Indiana University. The students are Gloria Gehler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gehler, Barbara Kirtchik, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Linder. A special award was presented to Judy as the outstanding student in Hillel program this year. Gloria Gehler has been elected third vice president of Hillel. The Hillel director of Indiana is Rabbi Norbert Samuelson, ordained at HUC - JIR in Cincinnati in 1962. Mr. Lewis Rosin a senior in the Ohio State College of Dentistry, has
been elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon, national dental honorary and society. He also has received the Frank C. Starr award for outstanding efficiency and achievement. The Greater Cincinnati Poodle Club will hold its annual specialty show and obedience trial Saturday, June 1, at the National Guard Armory, Reading Road and Asmann Avenue. Judging will start at 1:30 p.m. – May 30, 1963
25 Y EARS A GO Donald J. Stone, a prominent Cincinnati civil leader and retired vice chairman of Federated Department Stores, has been named chairman of the Mayerson Hall Campaign at the Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. The announcement was made by Dr. Alfred Gottschalk, president. Judy Petricoff and Ronnie Shore will install the 1989 Jewish Federation Women’s Division board on Thursday, June 9, at the home of Mimi Lerner. Eve Pearl, 1988 Women’s Division chairman/president will close the 1988 campaign with remarks concerning her year as chairman/president. Eight college students, residents of the Cincinnati area, have been selected to participate in the premier year of the summer intern program of the National Council of Jewish Women’s Workum Scholarship Fund, in cooperation with the Jewish Vocational Service, Mrs. Kenneth Newmark, chairman of the pilot project announced. A new series of four television documentaries, entitled The Promise of the Future, will be launched on June 5, from 1 – 2 p.m. on WKRC – TV, Channel 12. – June 2, 1988
10 Y EARS A GO For the first time in 66 years the JCC will not offer a summer camp experience for grades K – 6. The decision to close the camps followed a sharp decline in attendance last year after the move to their new temporary facility on Montgomery Road. Enrollment in the camps typically hovered around 350; however, the number of students participating last summer dwindled to 150 with just around 40 signing up for this year. The fourth annual Cedar Village Golf Classic will be held Monday, Aug. 18 at the Oasis Golf Club in Loveland. There will be both morning and afternoon golf sessions with a scramble format and a shotgun start. Following the tournament, there will be a buffet dinner, a raffle and an auction. – June 5, 2003
COMMUNITY CALENDAR / CLASSIFIEDS • 19
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Club 3097 Losantiville Ave. (513) 722-7220
All of May Jewish American Heritage Month May 30 5 p.m. - Eight Over Eighty Adath Israel 3201 E. Galbraith Rd. (513) 793-1800 June 1 6 p.m. - Evening at the Piano Lounge Wise Temple 8329 Ridge Rd. (513) 793-2556 June 3 7:30 a.m. - Jewish National Fund Annual Breakfast Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Rd. (513) 794-1300 June 4 7:30 p.m. - Adath Israel Annual Meeting 3201 E. Galbraith Rd. (513) 793-1800 June 6 Golf 8 a.m. or 1:15 p.m., Tennis 2:30 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. JCC Adams Golf Classic & Tennis Open Losantiville Country
June 11 6 p.m. - Rockdale Annual Meeting 8501 Ridge Rd. (513) 891-9900 June 11 7 p.m. - JCRC Annual Meeting Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Rd. (513) 985-1500 June 12 7 p.m. - Rockwern Annual Meeting 8401 Montgomery Rd. (513) 984-3770
Access (513) 373-0300 • jypaccess.org Big Brothers/Big Sisters Assoc. (513) 761-3200 • bigbrobigsis.org Camp Ashreinu (513) 702-1513 Camp at the J (513) 722-7258 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Chabad (513) 731-5111 • campchabad.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Kollel (513) 631-1118 • kollel.shul.net Cincinnati Community Mikveh (513) 351-0609 • cincinnatimikveh.org Eruv Hotline (513) 351-3788 Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (Miami) (513) 523-5190 • muhillel.org Hillel Jewish Student Center (UC) (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati 513-961-0178 • jcemcin.org Jewish Community Center (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org Jewish Community Relations Council (513) 985-1501 Jewish Family Service (513) 469-1188 • jfscinti.org Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (513) 985-1500 • shalomcincy.org Jewish Foundation (513) 214-1200 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 JVS Career Services (513) 936-WORK (9675) • cincinnaticareer.net Kesher (513) 766-3348 Plum Street Temple Historic Preservation Fund (513) 793-2556
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June 25 7p.m. - JFS Annual Meeting 8487 Ridge Rd. (513) 766-3326 June 25 - 28 Summer Cinema Series Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Rd. (513) 761-7500
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Shalom Family (513) 703-3343 • myshalomfamily.org The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (513) 487-3055 • holocaustandhumanity.org Vaad Hoier (513) 731-4671 Workum Fund (513) 899-1836 • workum.org YPs at the JCC (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 984-3393 • btzbc.com Beth Israel Congregation (513) 868-2049 • bethisraelcongregation.net Congregation Beth Adam (513) 985-0400 • bethadam.org Congregation B’nai Tzedek (513) 984-3393 • btzbc.com Congregation Ohav Shalom (513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org Congregation Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com Congregation Sha’arei Torah shaareitorahcincy.org Congregation Zichron Eliezer 513-631-4900 • czecincinnati.org Golf Manor Synagogue (513) 531-6654 • golfmanorsynagogue.org Isaac M. Wise Temple (513) 793-2556 • wisetemple.org Kehilas B’nai Israel (513) 761-0769 Northern Hills Synagogue (513) 931-6038 • nhs-cba.org Rockdale Temple (513) 891-9900 • rockdaletemple.org Temple Beth Shalom (513) 422-8313 • tbsohio.org Temple Sholom (513) 791-1330 • templesholom.net The Valley Temple (513) 761-3555 • valleytemple.com EDUCA EDUCATION Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (513) 234.0600 • chaitots.com
Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Kehilla - School for Creative Jewish Education (513) 489-3399 • kehilla-cincy.com Mercaz High School (513) 792-5082 x104 • mercazhs.org Kulanu (Reform Jewish High School) 513-262-8849 • kulanucincy.org Regional Institute Torah & Secular Studies (513) 631-0083 Rockwern Academy (513) 984-3770 • rockwernacademy.org Sarah’s Place (513) 531-3151 • sarahsplacecincy.com Yeshivas Lubavitch High School of Cincinnati 513-631-2452 • ylcincinnati.com ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 BBYO (513) 722-7244 Hadassah (513) 821-6157 • cincinnati.hadassah.org Jewish Discovery Center (513) 234.0777 • jdiscovery.com Jewish National Fund (513) 794-1300 • jnf.org Jewish War Veterans (513) 204-5594 • jwv.org NA’AMAT (513) 984-3805 • naamat.org National Council of Jewish Women (513) 891-9583 • ncjw.org State of Israel Bonds (513) 793-4440 • israelbonds.com Women’s American ORT (513) 985-1512 • ortamerica.org
TEENS from page 4 The AIT/MIT convention was planned by a steering committee of dedicated teens, including Eli Profeta from Indianapolis, Phoebe Rose from Dayton, the entire KIO Regional Board and Rebecca Schankerman, Jordan Gerwitz, Daniela Reuter, Jessica Cohen, Melissa Goodman, Rachel Bernstein, Harrison Lippy, Jenna Reis, Zachary Profeta, Matt Gordon, Jon Deutch, Adam Goot, Katie Segal, Ilana Perlstein, Ethan Cohen, Kyle Gordon and Eli Gould. “It’s an amazing thing to watch as these wide-eyed eighth and ninth graders come in as new members and within months transform into confident, community-minded leaders,” explains Matt Steinberg, KIO’s Regional Director. “It’s really exciting to see their self-assurance, creativity, problem solving and leadership skills blossom over the years. I am inspired by these teens every day.” With 500 members, KIO was the first region in the entire BBYO international order to reach its membership goals for 2013! KIO is also in the process of starting a Friends and Alumni Network (FAN) and working to grow its teen delegation at international conventions and leadership conferences. The AIT/MIT Convention is just one example of the numerous activities and programs that BBYO puts on throughout the year. With more than 30,000 members across the globe BBYO gives teens a chance to strengthen their Jewish identity and connecLIPMAN from page 10 “I ask one thing from MK Lipman,” Knesset member Yaakov Asher, of the haredi United Torah Judaism party, said in parliament on May 1. “Don’t speak as a haredi when you’re not really. Don’t make a joke out of people when you entered Knesset just because someone made a mistake and thought that because of how you look, you’re haredi.” Lipman has said his ultimate goal is for Israeli haredim to adopt the lifestyle of their American
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(513) 531-9600 tions to Jewish life through local, regional, national and international programs, conventions, leadership training, summer camp, travel to other countries and Israel and more. BBYO’s broad program menu enables teens to explore areas of leadership, service and civic engagement, Israel education, and Jewish values with the expectation that they will exhibit positive attitudes and behaviors about being Jewish while maintaining the values and relationships that strengthen the Jewish people. According to a recent BBYO Impact Study, commissioned by the Schusterman Foundation, across several measures, BBYO alumni demonstrate a strong sense of Jewish pride and peoplehood, a willingness to play leadership roles and a connection to the State of Israel. They support Jewish organizations with their checkbooks and volunteer time. Alumni also participate actively in Jewish social networks and exhibit a desire and commitment to raising Jewish families. “My favorite part of AIT/MIT was getting to actually experience a BBYO Convention,” explains Liza Randman, a sophomore from Cincinnati’s Ner Tamid Chapter. “It really opened my eyes to what a great community BBYO offers. From the girls of BBG and the guys of AZA, I am so excited to be part of such a wonderful family.” To learn more about the upcoming programs and BBYO in general, please contact Matt Steinberg, Cincinnati’s City Director. BBYO is open to those who are currently in 8-12 grade. counterparts, who often gain some secular education and work fulltime jobs. But even American haredi leaders have lashed out at him. Rabbi Aharon Feldman, who heads the Baltimore haredi yeshiva Ner Yisroel where Lipman was ordained a rabbi, called him “wicked.” And though Feldman apologized soon afterward, he has been unsparing in his criticism, calling Lipman “extremely misguided” and accusing him of eroding the holiness of the haredi community by compelling its students to study secular subjects.
20 • A&E / HEALTH & FITNESS
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Health and Fitness
Summerfair will open for the 46th year from May 31 – June 2 at historic Coney Island. The fair features more than 300 fine artists and craftspeople from around the U.S. and Canada. The fair has seen many changes over the years, including locations, but one aspect has remained constant – the participation of Aaron Rubinstein of Modern Art Jewelry. “Aaron has exhibited at all 46 Summerfairs, and is the only artist to do so,” said Sharon Strubbe, executive director of Summerfair Cincinnati. “We look forward to seeing him and his new pieces of work each year. He has become part of the Summerfair family – a staple, if you will.” Rubinstein’s daughter, Haguit Rubinstein-Towler, recently
stepped in to help with her father’s business. “I love working with the technical and marketing aspects of Modern Art Jewelry, but my first love is design,” Rubinstein-Towler said. “Since I joined my father full time in 2004, I have also designed, polished and assembled jewelry. The last few years have been especially exciting since I started soldering and metal-smithing my own designs, as well as my father’s.” Rubinstein also shared the importance of incorporating religion into their work. He shared that visual art in general has always been important in religious artifacts and ceremonies. Rubinstein and his daughter said they look forward to seeing the volunteers and sharing the
most recent year’s events and experiences with one another. Over the past 46 years he has won 15 1st and 2nd place awards and the special Ashley Award last year, presented to one local Cincinnati Summerfair Artist Exhibitor and hand-picked by Summerfair member volunteers. The award is dedicated to long-time Summerfair member Ashley Heil Oehler who succumbed to breast cancer in August 2011. Rubinstein and his daughter shared that one of the most meaningful aspects of the fair to them is seeing customers who started collecting his work at Summerfair in the late 1960s and continue to come every year to the show. They bring their families and children, who are also collectors now.
HADASSAH from page 5
Avi Rifkind and his team. Rifkind is the head of surgery at Hadassah Ein Kerem, and is considered the foremost expert on the treatment of bomb victims. She also mentioned that Hadassah doctors and nurses were the first responders after the earthquake in Haiti a few years ago. She added that both Hadassah Hospitals treat all patients, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, and also employ people from a wide variety of countries and nationalities, including Arabs and Palestinian Arabs. “There is no political or geographic conflict when you
walk through the doors of Hadassah Hospital,” she said. Bonnie Juran Ullner gave the attendees a handout on ways to get involved in the local chapter once they have made the decision to join. Three women joined that night and a total of 11 young women have joined as a result of the three events. The Membership Committee plans to hold a series of three New Young Member events again, starting in the fall of 2013. They are primarily geared toward women in their 20s-40s. Anyone interested in attending can contact Bonnie Juran Ullner.
continued its work reviewing claims and processing billions of dollars in German payments to survivors. Since its founding, the conference estimates it has handled more than $70 billion. In Wednesday’s interview, Berman stood by comments he made to JTA in late 2011 saying he felt “no fault at all” for the fraud, that the controls in place at the Claims Conference to prevent fraud were “reasonably adequate” and that the deception discovered in 2009 was as impossible to anticipate as the attacks of 9/11. “Until it happens once,” he said at the time. “Then you’re on notice that something you never foresaw can happen.” Asked this week if the 2001 episode qualified as the “one-time” warning that should have put the organization – and Berman – on notice, he said it did not. “Once you set up a procedure you believe covers the situation, you usually don’t go back and review it again and again,” Berman said. “You may have to trust the people you trust. “Only as a matter of hindsight it becomes clear,” he added. “If Y and Z are in cahoots, then you really haven’t done anything.” As chairman of the Claims Conference, Berman said it wasn’t
his place to investigate allegations of mishandled claims, nor was he privy to such complaints. Berman said the 2001 episode was the only time he was ever aware of allegations of fraud at the conference. “Do I know with any kind of authority one way or the other? I say no, I proudly say no,” he said. “I can’t get involved in that kind of minutiae.” Berman did, however, acknowledge that the 15-year fraud scheme – which he said was first brought to his attention in November 2009 by the Claims Conference’s executive vice president, Greg Schneider, who told Berman he had discovered a large number of suspicious cases – represented a failure for the organization. “There was a failure, yes,” Berman said. Asked if the Claims Conference had apologized or should apologize for the fraud, Berman said an apology would have been misinterpreted by Holocaust survivors who would have thought they had been injured by the fraud. In fact, the cost of the fraud was borne entirely by Germany, which paid out $57 million more in claims than it needed because of the Claims Conference’s failure to weed out some 5,000 false petitions.
She mentioned that through the collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Hadassah is exchanging doctors, nurses, research and technology and in this way, “we are learning from them and they are learning from us.” Ullner also told the group that when the bombing in Boston happened last month, the staff at the two hospitals treating patients were prepared to treat massive numbers of casualties from a bombing due to the training they had received years ago from Hadassah doctor BERMAN from page 6 In an interview Wednesday with JTA, Berman refused to discuss the details of the 2001 episode, saying he’ll withhold comment until the committee of Claims Conference board members he has assigned to look into the matter recommends a course of action. But he made clear that he believes he is not to blame. “Somebody dropped the ball. That’s this issue,” said Berman, 77. “My conscience is totally clean on the role I played.” Berman said his role in 2001 as counsel, a pro bono position that required fielding the occasional phone call and showing up to oneday-a-year meetings, did not make him privy to the internal processes of the Claims Conference. After the report he oversaw was produced, Berman passed it along to the head of the Claims Conference, Taylor, who told JTA that he gave it to Brozik. Whatever subsequent actions were taken were not enough to stop the fraud, which continued until 2009. All the while, the Claims Conference, which was established in 1951 to negotiate Holocaust survivor restitution with Germany,
May was National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Free skin cancer screenings were held at local dermatologists’ offices in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society. The screenings were part of a national program to promote early
detection and to teach prevention of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in this country. One in 5 Americans, or over 3,500,000 people, will develop some form of skin cance, making it the most common cancer in the U.S. Yet if found and treated early, it is 95 percent curable. For more information, contact your dermatologist.
DILEMMA from page 7
in advancing the restitution issue, Jewish organizational leaders said. Davidson, who was traveling, could not be reached for comment. Jewish officials also said that the Obama administration has been engaged on the issue, with the president himself bringing it up in his meetings with Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister. Such entreaties, however, have largely failed to move the Polish government. In November, Poland sent only a low-level diplomat to a conference in Prague on restituting private property. The conference featured the presentation of a paper by the Claims Conference and the World Jewish Restitution Organization describing the treatment of the restitution issue by successive Polish governments as a backward trajectory.
Recourse to the courts, “a process that presents insurmountable obstacles for most victims of property theft and especially victims of the Holocaust, will ultimately be futile for most claimants, and even for a tiny fraction of successful claimants would be drawn out and needlessly burdensome,” Cardin said. Kerry replied that he would “continue to encourage Poland to address property claimants’ concerns quickly and fairly.” More recently, Wendy Sherman, the undersecretary of state for political affairs, brought up restitution in a March 17 security meeting with Polish officials. Douglas Davidson, the State Department’s special envoy on the Holocaust, also is deeply involved SCOTLAND from page 16 The moral crime committed by the Church of Scotland – and I use that phrase deliberately – is rooted not just in the trashing of centuries of Jewish learning and scholarship, nor the wholesale fabrication of a Jewish “crime” in the form of the “ethnic cleansing” of the Palestinians. More than all of that, this report is a declaration of war against Judaism itself. If the “Temple is finished,” then the only form of Judaism that is acceptable is the one subscribed to by collaborators like Mark Braverman, who want us to adopt an eternal posture of repentance and shame. Sabeel, the Palestinian Christian institute whose ideology is reflected by the report, makes no distinction between Zionism and Judaism; just as the ideologues of the now dead Soviet Union insisted there was no difference between the two, so do these radical Christians. And to add grievous insult to heinous injury, Sabeel, as the Israeli organization NGO Monitor has repeatedly pointed out, receives funding from the governments, and thus the taxpayers, of countries like Sweden, The Netherlands and Canada to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The consequences of all this are clear, at least to my mind. To posit that Jews might engage in constructive dialogue with the Sabeels of this world is utterly
ludicrous. They want to destroy us, and their war is a zero-sum game. Our response should be equally harsh: we must seek to destroy them. That means confronting and exposing them every time they raise their heads, whether in the comments section of a blog or at a student meeting on a college campus. It means highlighting their ideological support for the terrorism that targets Jews solely because they are Jews – when it comes to Sabeel’s worldview, an outrage like last year’s massacre at a Jewish school in the French city of Toulouse should logically be regarded as the natural result of Jewish crimes that go back to the time of Jesus. Above all, it means targeting their funding sources. And rather than just arguing for funding to be cut, let’s approach that aim more imaginatively. Approximately 100 million Christians today, most of them in Muslim countries, live with persecution of the most grotesque kind: pastors are locked up in Iran, churches are bombed in Nigeria, Copts are ethnically cleansed in Egypt. The money that would be otherwise squandered on the irredeemable anti-Semites of Sabeel, along with their global echo chamber, should be transferred into a global fund to help the persecuted Church. In both the Jewish and Christian traditions, such an act would be regarded as both charitable and just.
NEWS • 21
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013
SEEKING from page 6 Released from jail more than a week later, Avrom Yossel returned to the spot where he had left Izzy – Izzy was gone. The boy didn’t know what to do. At first he hid in an enormous, empty oil drum to get out of the rain. It soon became his home. Izzy met other children living on the street, and they befriended him. They were of a class known as “Cape Coloureds,” of mixedrace ancestry and later subject to apartheid-era separation laws. To get by, Izzy learned how to pick pockets and steal food. The street children all but adopted Izzy and brought him to their school, where he was the only white pupil. Avrom Yossel was devastated, of course. He wrote home telling Rachel that Izzy was dead, but nothing about the circumstances. After all, he figured, a child couldn’t survive on the city’s streets. Avrom Yossel eventually despaired of searching and moved to Johannesburg, where he bought and sold second-hand clothing. Years went by and the teenage Izzy joined his chums heading to the Northern Cape Province, where diamonds were being CONFERENCE from page 7 The paralegal, Ryan Tan, produced a report that Berman sent to Taylor on Sept. 5, 2001. The report, a copy of which was obtained by JTA, raised questions about Domnitser’s handling of the fraudulent cases but did not suggest Domnitser was party to fraud. “A majority of the claims made by the person who wrote the anonymous letter were refuted by Mr. Domnitser,” the report said. “However, the accusations did DISABILITIES from page 8 Bercovitch, who continues to represent Israel at international Paralympic events, hardly considers herself a woman with a disability. “I don’t think legs are a major thing in life,” she told JNS. “It is our duty to do what we can do… There is no such thing as can’t: you never know what you can do until you try.” William Daroff, vice president for public policy and director of the Washington Office of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), said the mission of the ADVANCE conference was to “find ways to open Abraham’s tent.” Daroff is the Federation umbrella’s go-to domestic policy expert, including when it comes to health and human services. His portfolio includes working on setting JFNA’s positions on Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care, as well as policies affecting people with disabilities. JFNA’s policy is to celebrate
mined. Meanwhile, Rachel and the remaining children endured their own travails to reach South Africa. More than a decade after Avrom Yossel and Izzy had left, the others boarded a boat to Cape Town. Rachel trod down the gangplank and immediately ordered Avrom Yossel to take her to Izzy’s grave. Her husband confessed that Izzy had been lost, so he’d presumed him dead. If there was a grave, he didn’t know its location. Rachel refused to believe that Izzy was dead. She retrieved the only photograph she had of him – Izzy at age 7, taken just before he and Avrom Yossel departed Vilnius – and placed notices in multiple newspapers. A teacher at Izzy’s school recognized his name and photograph. She bumped into Izzy in Cape Town and whipped out the paper she had kept. The teacher told him about his parents’ search. “That can’t be,” he replied. “They threw me away.” Nevertheless, Izzy ventured to Johannesburg, to the address given in the notice. He peered through a window at the residence. Arriving home from work, his brothers noticed the strange
figure and attacked him. That was understandable; many imposters had claimed to be the long-lost Izzy. On this night, Izzy’s parents ran to the source of the commotion. Rachel recognized the bleeding, dazed figure and proclaimed, “That’s Izzy!” Avrom Yossel said, “No, it can’t be.” It was. Father and son were “psychologically damaged” from what had happened and became estranged, said Eric Lieberman, Izzy’s grandson and a real estate agent in Los Angeles. At the Jewish cemetery in Brixon, near Johannesburg, Avrom Yossel’s grave lay unmarked because of Izzy’s edict against honoring the man who had abandoned him. Just six or seven years ago, some of Avrom Yossel’s great-grandchildren finally placed a proper marker. The family posed next to it for a photograph. Pictures are the family’s legacy. Izzy had portraits made of his sons as each turned 7 – a precaution against anyone being cut off from the family for 11 years, or at all, as he was. First there was Leon and then Robert, Eric’s father. After Robert, Sam and Julius.
The pictures eventually were made into a collage, and they created ready-made “wanted” posters. Images of the next generation’s boys became part of the collage, too, in birth order and always in black and white: Eric, Eric’s brother Alan, Jeffrey, David, Warren, Dan and Guy. So, too, for the next generation: Eric’s sons, Greg and Judd; Alan’s sons, Zachary and Benjamin, then Jethro, Nathan, Adam and Eden, who was born just two months ago. “It’s not a dead picture,” said Robert Lieberman, now 83 and living near Alan in Johannesburg. “It changes anytime someone turns 7.” Many Liebermans remain in South Africa, while others have scattered to Australia, Canada, the United States and Israel. Most display the collage in their homes, too. When they get together, the Lieberman males always gather for a group photograph, ordered by generation – as they’ll do at Nathan’s bar mitzvah in South Africa this summer. Daughters’ sons aren’t included because they don’t carry the Lieberman name. Izzy and his wife, Cecilia, had eight children in all. The eight
produced 22 children, and the 22 produced 35. Those branches would remain disconnected had Rachel Lieberman not believed that Izzy was alive and set out to find him. She’d kept the tree intact. Another family member, Kim Lieberman Kapalushnik, recently began a parallel collage – of the family’s girls. It’s been difficult to collect the pictures across the generations, to say nothing of finding images showing the females at age 7, too. Eric Lieberman, meanwhile, is writing a book about his grandfather’s life. Its tentative title is “Thrown Away” – virtually Izzy’s words upon beginning his journey home. But the story of the collages of the 7-year-old boys isn’t only a cautionary tale of the ordeal of one child, Eric Lieberman explained. The collages also provide “a sense of how close our family is,” he said. “It’s an identity with the family, a feeling of closeness, a memory we should all know of what’s handed down from generation to generation,” he said. “People will look at the picture and ask. Everyone asks.”
raise further questions about the way the cases were handled by the Conference.” In reference to one case, Tan writes: “Mr. Domnitser has indicated that a caseworker named Voskreskney also handled the case, but no signature or stamp bearing that person’s name appear on the file. Further inquiry is needed in this case. An interview with [Claims Conference caseworker] Krylyak may clarify some of the discrepancies in this matter.” Another case involved Mariya
Fortel, the sister of Polina Berenson, a Claims Conference employee who this March pleaded guilty to participating in the fraud. After noting that Fortel received payment from two separate restitution funds in violation of the rules, Tan writes, “Because the Conference does not allow the applicants to receive both funds, Mr. Domnitser explained during the interview that Fortel had to forfeit the DM 5,000 that she obtained from the Hardship Fund. Unfortunately, the file does not
contain a record that this money was ever given back or deducted.” The report contains no smoking gun fingering Domnitser as perpetrating the fraud, and it’s not clear how common allegations of fraud were at the Claims Conference. However, the report demonstrates that the organization’s top leaders considered the matter sufficiently alarming that
they had an outsider conduct an independent probe even after an internal inquiry had been conducted two months earlier. Despite whatever actions Berman and Taylor took after receiving the Kaye Scholler report, Domnitser and his cronies managed to fleece the Claims Conference of millions more for another eight years.
diversity while creating a sense of unity within the community. “It is a responsibility for each Jewish soul, to light a flame of welcome,” Daroff said. Following his presentation at the conference, JNS asked Daroff about the long-term effects of advances in prenatal genetic testing, particularly whether or not early knowledge about genetic abnormalities can reduce the future population of people with disabilities. “It’s controversial,” Daroff said. “The new test for Down syndrome that relies on a blood test in the first trimester is about 90 percent accurate.” Without qualification, he stated, “You’re going to see fewer people with Down syndrome. As time goes on, as testing gets more sophisticated, we’ll be able to identify other things as well.” In the Jewish community, especially among Orthodox segments, genetic testing is a regular part of pre-marriage health care for young men and women. “There is massive testing, and
it’s only going to get more intense as you have more and more people aware of what’s possible,” Daroff said. Jewish ethics, Daroff said, “obviously allows prenatal testing – without a question.” “Where I come from, it’s an individual choice,” Daroff said. “I resent the attempt of the whole right to life community trying to hijack this issue from people with disabilities.” The ADVANCE conference presenters mirrored its agenda quite closely, integrating experts and advocates, people with disabilities stemming from neurological and accidental sources, prospective funders, and others into a program of education and experiential content. NPR investigative reporter Joseph Shapiro, an advocate for people with disabilities, they have “redefined what it means to have disabilities” and “seek understanding of their needs.” People with disabilities represent the “one minority group we can all join at any moment,” Shapiro said.
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JORDAN from page 8 The Jordanian monarchy “has a certain level of legitimacy as descendants from the Prophet Mohammed,” Susser explained. “Also, the idea of hereditary rule is something that is quite customary in the Middle East. These people have more legitimacy than military or republican regimes [like Syria and Egypt]. These factors, combined with the fact that Jordan is geopolitically central and close to a lot of big powers, [mean] there is a lot who want to not see Jordan fail,” Susser said. Jordan’s Hashemite monarchy has been able to maintain power for nearly a century, while other governments in Egypt, Iraq and Syria have fallen numerous times. The stability has persisted despite the large influx of Palestinian refugees from various Arab-Israeli wars, including Jordan’s illegal occupation of the West Bank and east Jerusalem from 1948-1967. Since then, the Palestinian situation has been a perplexing problem for Jordan’s monarchy. Unlike many other neighboring Arab countries, Jordan has granted citizenship and rights to its Palestinian community. But the Palestinian community has also long been treated as second-class citizens and viewed with suspicion by Jordan’s tribal community, who control many important state institutions, including the military and domestic security forces. “From a long-term perspective, the Palestinians were the unsettled element in Jordan, and the tribes of the East Bank were the stalwart support for the monarchy. This was most evident in 1970, in Black September, when the Palestinians got close to overthrowing the monarchy,” Pipes told JNS. Today, as in the past, tensions between Jordan’s native East Bank tribal community and the urban Palestinian community form the basis of Jordan’s problems. This has all been exacerbated by economic and political reforms undertaken by King Abdullah over the past decade, as well as the instability of the Arab Spring, which has plunged neighboring Syria into chaos, thereby flooding Jordan with nearly half a million Syrian refugees. “[The] East Bank elite relied on the government for jobs and wealth, while the Palestinians have long been disenfranchised from this system. However, ironically, the Palestinians’ wealth is growing from private sector and the economic reforms. This has caused great resentment from East Bankers, many of whom feel King Abdullah lacks the legitimacy of his [late] father King Hussein. He is less trusted amongst East Bankers,” Susser said.
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RACISM from page 8 “Clearly, Britain has not resolved its soccer racism and violence problem and is therefore no model for Israel,” said Manfred Gerstenfeld, a Dutch-born scholar of European anti-Semitism at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Critics such as Gerstenfeld point to a string of troubling incidents over the past year. In November, several West Ham fans hissed loudly to evoke the sound of Nazi gas chambers and gave what appeared to be the Nazi salute. The incident occurred during a match against the Tottenham Hotspurs, a club long associated with North London’s Jewish community. A statement from West Ham subsequently said that two supporters had been “cautioned for racially aggravated gesturing.” Since then, Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun of Chelsea has GREEN from page 9 JNS: What happened during your recent visit to Iran to register as a presidential candidate? Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi: “I withdrew my name from candidacy; I did not want to give the Guardian Council the honor of disqualifying me. I felt the situation was really dangerous over there; it was very security-oriented, a lot of confusion and frightened people. There was a lot of pressure on me [by colleagues, friends and family] to withdraw and leave the country as soon as possible. Government officials also advised that I stay away from this campaign and work TRIBE from page 9 Behar believes the historic presence is responsible for some of the faint Jewish traces still visible in the region. West African musicians often decorate the traditional, 21string bridge-harp known as kora with Jewish symbols, including the Star of David. And some words in Wolof, a widely spoken language in Senegal, bear more resemblance to Hebrew pronunciation than Arabic, which is spoken in neighboring countries. The Wolof word for cheek is pronounced “lekhi,” as in Hebrew.
OSTREICHER from page 9 Twenty-seven prosecutors, judges and officials involved in Ostreicher’s case now have charges leveled against them. Thirteen of them have been sent to Palmasola prison, where Ostreicher spent about a year-and-a-half, Smith said. Nine others are under house arrest and five are fugitives, he added. Penn, who along with his acting has gained fame for his left-leaning social activism in Venezuela and
been the repeated target of antiSemitic hate speech. Police are investigating the latest incident, in which Benayoun was the target of an anti-Semitic epithet on Twitter. And in January, the Israeli-born Tal Ben Haim, who plays for the Queens Park Rangers, was subject to anti-Semitic abuse on the soccer club’s official Facebook page. Meanwhile, anti-Semitic slogans are routinely heard at soccer matches elsewhere in Europe. In Budapest, fans shouted Nazi slogans at the Israeli national team during a friendly match in August. In Italy, fans of the Lazio club also chanted anti-Semitic slogans during a match against Tottenham; some are believed to have participated in the stabbing of a Tottenham fan at a Rome bar. Incidents like these prompted the Union of European Football Associations, or UEFA, to introduce a 10-game ban on anyone caught engaging in racist abuse. In England, the F.A. last week
introduced a five-game ban, drawing sharp criticism. Jason Roberts, a black British soccer player, said it exposed “bad decisions, lack of will, lack of consultation and lack of leadership” by the F.A. The chairman of England’s Kick It Out organization – one of the F.A.’s main partners in the fight against racism and the inspiration for Shanan’s outfit – warned, “We will look stupid if UEFA goes with 10 and we go with five.” In December, Kick It Out Chairman Herman Ouseley criticized the F.A. for “delaying” a detailed plan to fight soccer racism. David Bernstein, the F.A.’s Jewish chairman, told the BBC that a 10-game ban “lacks subtlety” and would limit the association’s ability to treat “different levels of offenses.” F.A. spokesman Scott Field told JTA that his organization’s work in Israel “doesn’t mean we’re taking our eyes off the ball
in England. Expressions of racism do sometimes occur here, but it’s not inappropriate for us to contribute to another community.” Still, the F.A. does have a proven record on curbing racism, according to Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust, British Jewry’s anti-Semitism watchdog. “In England of the 1980s, soccer stadiums became recruiting grounds for neo-Nazi groups, and members would regularly make racist and anti-Semitic chants,” Rich told JTA. That conduct “sometimes happens ... [but has] largely disappeared from major English soccer matches.” According to Rich, this has been achieved through a combination of F.A. action and the Kick It Out organization, which the F.A. helped establish in 1993. Focusing on preventing racism through education, Kick It Out organizes summer activities for children, workshops for soccer players and seminars for educators.
for the future instead. “Conservative fundamentalists have taken over the country. They don’t want any moderates or reformists to return to power.” Was there any support for your candidacy? “To my pleasant surprise, I saw and learned that my campaign was very popular, especially with younger Iranians, there from the entire social and satellite media attention my campaign got. For many people, it was the only real campaign, and the Iranian people were really happy about it. “There are serious concerns in Iran about the direction of the country, but the environment was too
hostile for me. [It was] too chaotic for me to have a good campaign, or any campaign for that matter.” What will the election be like, and who do you think will win? Will there be another ‘Green Revolution’ like we saw in 2009? “The election will not be a popular election; there will not be any enthusiasm for the candidates. I believe the country is set for further radicalism. The next candidate will be more right-wing than [Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad. “Of the eight selected, there are no candidates for change. I believe [top nuclear negotiator Saeed] Jalili is slated for the presidency. I believe he is the system’s (Iran’s
religious establishment) favorite, unless something happens of course. Iran is always full of surprises, like we saw four years ago.” What type of leader will Jalili be? “He is an ultraconservative; he doesn’t have the kind of mentality or heart to make changes. Ultimately though, his views don’t matter, he is very close to the Supreme Leader, and his views will reflect that of the Supreme Leader’s. He is going to be tough on U.S.-Iran relations and especially nuclear negotiations. He also personally has no idea how the economy runs, which is something Iran needs.”
One of Wolof’s words for wise is pronounced the same as the Hebrew word “chacham.” A weaver or fabric merchant is called “rab,” similar to rabbi. The Bani Israel also have a cultural trait in common with Jews: an aversion to intermarriage. According to Fadiga, the community tries not to assimilate, preferring to wed with members of the tribe who live in neighboring villages. “I believe there is an element of truth to the tradition of the Bani Israel, especially since they have nothing to gain from pretending,”
says Behar, who returned from Senegal in 2011. “They’re not seeking Israeli citizenship, nor are they claiming to be Jewish. In fact, their Jewish ancestry and name can only give them problems.” Though their Jewish association is potentially problematic in a Muslim country – according to Behar, some residents have sought to change the village name in their passports to permit travel to Mecca – the story of Bani Israel’s origin is not universally accepted in Senegal. Abdoul Kader Taslimanka, a Senegalese writer
who published a book last year about the community, “Bani Israel of Senegal,” says the name has nothing to do with Jews and in fact is taken from the title of a chapter of the Koran. Some accounts do, however, support the last leg of the journey that Fadiga describes. Bani Israel are speakers of the Jahanke dialect, the language of the Diakhanke tribe, which the International Journal of African Historical Studies says migrated down the Niger River, settling in Mali, Guinea, Gambia and Senegal.
Haiti, said he has spoken to Bolivian President Evo Morales and believes that although he has the best of intentions, the judiciary is so corrupt in Bolivia that Morales can do nothing. Penn urged the Congress to write letters to the corporate sponsors of the Dakar Rally motorcycle race, which in 2014 for the first time will go through Bolivia. As the race is a huge moneymaker for the participating countries, Penn said pressure should be exerted on the sponsors to demand the release of Ostreicher,
otherwise the race should be rerouted to avoid Bolivia, depriving the South American nation of money and positive publicity. This year’s race included 1,200 hours of TV broadcasting for 1 billion viewers, according to its website. Some of its main sponsors include Total, Honda, Michelin, Mitsubishi Motors and Red Bull. Host countries receive “hundreds of millions of dollars” from the race, Penn testified. Penn, who has traveled to Bolivia
three times, where he met Morales, “and in him I found a man sincerely dedicated to his people and their economic and social development.” The actor said he was “not only personally and thoroughly convinced of Mr. Ostreicher’s innocence, but particularly alarmed by a consensus both among Bolivian officials that the unevidenced prosecution against Jacob Ostreicher was standard operating procedure in the fundamentally corrupt Bolivian judiciary.”
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