10
Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
November 2023
Learn from the past, change the future
2024
(January-March)
ELLIOTT KATZ LECTURE SERIES Co-sponsored by
OF GREATER NAPLES
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
By Allen Menkin, Christian-Jewish Partnership
"N
ever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead. This generation is being subjected to institutionalized, normalized, increasingly violent antisemitism for the first time in its existence, but that is nothing new. The obscene charges and threats sound like an inversion of the Viduy weaponized against us, but we have heard them before. Mead’s words are a shofar blast in our ears. Tekiah! Wake up! Take responsibility for yourselves! Change your world while you still can!
CAMERA (camera.org) has been doing just that in the media, educational institutions and public square since 1982. Please join us Nov. 30, 7 p.m. at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center as we and our partners at Federation and the Latino Coalition for Israel bring Christians and Jews together to prevent antisemitism in Naples. It may be chutzpah to believe that we can stand against two thousand years of Jew hatred, but that does not free us of the obligation to try. There is no charge for the program, but preregistration is required for admission. Go to https://christiansandjewsunited againstantisemitism.eventbrite.com.
Jan. 12 – The United Nations Blinks, Again
From April 1992 until November 1996 Bosnian Serb soldiers and Serbian Army units conducted a campaign of genocide against Bosnian Muslims. Learn how NATO was useless when handcuffed by the U.N.
Jan. 26 – Very Rich, Very Beautiful, Very Bad
While living in France during WWII, Florence La Caze Gould, wife to the sone of one of America’s richest men, befriended and bedded some of the worst Nazi murderers in the country. Investigated by J. Edgar Hoover and F.B.I. for treason after the war, what was her excuse?
Feb. 9 – These Were Not Nice Jewish Boys
During the 1930s, there was an almost unfathomable rise of antisemitism. One man enlisted a group of Jews to stop Jew baiting and harassment. They were known nationwide as Murder, Inc. What did they do?
Feb. 23 – They Said It Couldn’t Happen Here, It Did
19th century America was in turmoil. Mormon immigrants were the subject of an expulsion and extermination order. Later, a Union General, who later became the President of the United States, ordered Jews living in the South to be deported. How could this happen and who did this?
March 8 — The Black Experience Under the Swastika, You Will Be Surprised
Adolf Hitler and National Socialism had only hatred and scorn for black skinned people. Ironically, one black “American Prisoner of War” became a hero to a generation of white concentration camp and labor camp inmates. Hear about Johnny Nicholas and his courage.
March 22 – The New York Times, It Never Learns
The New York Times reporting on the rise of Fidel Castro, violence in the middle east and Israel’s need to defend itself reaffirms the view that the Sulzberger Dynasty, continues to let ideology, politics and prejudices dictate “all the news fit to print.”
March 29 - Saluting America and the American Soldier
81 years ago, the United States Marines captured Iwo Jima, steppingstone to Japan. 6,000 Marines died and 18,500 were injured. Today we tell the story and honor every man and woman serving to protect America.
DETAILS AND TICKETS WHERE: Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center 4720 Pine Ridge Rd. WHEN: 10-11:30 a.m. with Q&A to follow. COST: Series tickets: $150 pp; 4 ticket: $100; Individual tickets $35 pp PURCHASE SERIES OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS AT WWW.JEWISHNAPLES.ORG. Tickets can be purchased at the door if seats are available.
Why I volunteer By Liz Jaffe, Chair Human Needs Committee, JCRC member
I
am pleased to describe how my tikkun olam/social action/social justice volunteerism reflects my Judaism. I have been involved with volunteering since my childhood, when I was always eager to help my parents in their local community efforts. As I got older, I felt it important to help those around me who were not as fortunate as me. My efforts involved joining social justice organizations — both in my Temple in Westchester, through UJA-Federation of NY, and after coming to Naples, through the Tikkun Olam Volunteers at Temple Shalom and the JCRC at our Federation. I thrive on hands-on-activities. As I said, my passion for social justice is integral to my Judaism. It really defines who I am and what I believe in. It also reflects how I view others in the community. If a friend cares about others and
takes action to make their lives better, I respect them as they help to make the world a better place. My volunteer work with the dementia/respite program at the Baker Senior Center Naples is very important to me. I see how difficult daily life is for caregivers. My role as a volunteer affords them the respite time they need. In addition, I get to have great pleasure from the fun I have spending time with the program participants. The JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) has many subcommittees working with programs in the Greater Naples area. I am confident anyone reading this with an interest in helping others will be able to find an appropriate outlet to satisfy their desires to volunteer. You will gain much more than you give – I can promise you that!
A. Stephen Kotler BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES
• Medicaid Planning • Elder Law and Special Needs Planning • Estate Planning and Probate
Kotler Law Firm P.L. (239) 325-2333
999 VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD, SUITE 200, NAPLES, FL 34108
Stay connected. Visit www.jewishnaples.org
