May 17, 2024

Bruce Fellman Memorial

Young Leadership Award

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT

Jewish Press Editor

The Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award is given annually to honor a young man who has demonstrated personal commitment, dedicated involvement, and exemplary leadership qualities in rendering service to the Jewish and general community.

This year’s recipient is Yosef Seigel who, according to Beth Israel’s Executive Director, Liora Herskovitz, is a “model community member.” Yosef is a member of Beth Israel’s Board of Directors and its executive committee. He also sits on the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Board of Directors and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s Board of Directors. In addition, he is also a senior member and dedicated volunteer of the Chevra Kadisha. Yosef is the Assessment & Diversion Data Analyst at the Douglas County Juvenile Assessment Center. He and wife Sarah have a daughter, Ella.

“Yosef’s dedication to the Jewish community is an inspiration to all who know him,” Liora said. “His volunteerism for the Chevrah Kadisha cannot adequately be described. The Chevrah Kadisha, which literally means Holy Society, are a group of Jewish people who care for the deceased to prepare them for burial. This is seen as one of the most important mitzvot one can do, as the deceased person cannot show their appreciation or repay the help given to them. Without the work of this group, Jews in Omaha could not receive a proper burial.”

Yosef was born and raised in Boston, Mass.:

“I attended New England Hebrew Academy day school there,” he said, “before moving to Brooklyn, NY for yeshiva education. I then matriculated at New York University. I subsequently met and married my Omahaborn wife Sarah Abrahamson in New York, where she was living and working at the time, and our daughter Ella (who will be Bat See Young Leadership Award page 2

Don’t Bring Hate

SHARON BRODKEY Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

In case you missed it, our partners at the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) debuted their newest commercial, Don’t Bring Hate to the Protest, during last Tuesday’s Celtics vs. Cavaliers NBA playoff game on TNT.

The commercial is a response to the virulent antisemitic and anti-Israel protests across the country. The core message is that while political issues can and should be debated on college campuses and in our communities, hate speech and intimidation simply can’t be tolerated. In the face of the hatred and violence that have taken over

Mazal tov, Charlie Yale

DIANE WALKER

JFO Foundation Fund and Scholarship Adminstrator

The Financial Aid Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce Charlie Yale has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education

Endowment Fund for Academic Excellence Scholarship. The only merit-based scholarship granted by the Financial Aid Committee, this award relies heavily on academic achievement as a primary measure. Equally important to consideration is the recipient’s demonstrated commitment to the Omaha Jewish community. Mary Sue Grossman, chair of the Financial Aid Committee shared, “In my many years of working with the Federation’s scholarship program in a professional capacity, it is an honor to see the high caliber of academic performance coupled with involvement in Jewish activities of our graduating seniors. Seeing the accomplishments of these young people gives me a wonderful feeling about the future. Charlie is one more in a long line of deserving recipients.”

Charlie, the oldest son of Sarah and Adam Yale, will graduate from Omaha Central High School, second in his class of 660. He is a legacy – the 4th generation to graduate from Omaha Central. Charlie participated in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program in his junior and senior years. He was drawn to this program certainly for the academics but also the smaller class sizes and the tight knit group of participants.

Charlie has had a busy four years at Central with various roles at the Central Register, the student-run newspaper, including Staff Writer, Web Editor, Sports Editor, and Digital Editor, as well as Play-by-Play Commentator for StrivTv, Central’s live streaming broadcasting service. He is active in the Student Progressives Club and the Quill and Scroll Honors Society. Charlie is also a member of Central’s Congressional Debate Club which simulates the congressional debate process See Charlie Yale page 3

campuses across the country, this campaign reminds us all

Charlie Yale

Yosef Seigel

Images from Don’t Bring Hate to the Protest commercial

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Young Leadership Award

Mitzvah in June) was born there. We finally realized our planned decision to move to Omaha seven years ago (or move back, in my wife’s case, since that was always her goal).”

He said Beth Israel and the JFO represent pieces of “the heart of Jewish Omaha, affording structured and supportive environments to foster community and personal development.” Through them both, albeit in different ways, he has had the opportunity to meet, learn from, influence, and be inspired by many individuals and groups he might not otherwise have encountered.

“Much of my time and energy at present is devoted to the demands of communal affairs,” he said. “Somewhat selfishly, I hope that others in turn eventually pick up the mantle, so that I might be able to focus more on my own Torah study, which is a never-ending learning process.”

His greatest passion is Yiddishkeit, specifically through Torah and mitzvah observance — not just for himself and his immediate circle, but to share with others to help them grow as they journey along their own paths.

“In the words of our Torah,” he said, “Jews have the responsibility and the mission of being a ‘light unto the nations,’ which entails not just radiating brilliance outwardly, but reaching inwardly, individually as well as collectively, to brighten and shine internally also.”

He never learned how to drive. He gets around Omaha

through a combination of walking, bus, and the kindness of those (friends and occasionally strangers alike) who offer him rides.

“Throughout Yosef’s volunteer work for Beth Israel,” Liora said, “he illustrates how important this work is for the continuation of the Jewish community. In his role as Treasurer for Beth Israel, Yosef is the first to volunteer when it comes to researching potential cost-saving ventures for the synagogue, or looking into the various laws and regulations that impact 501c3’s. His knowledge and willingness to step up and help with any task makes him an integral member of the community and an inspiring leader. Yosef’s steady, strong volunteer work provides a prime example to community members, showing the importance of involvement and dedication. Yosef is always responsible, thoughtful, and kind, and follows through with his commitments. Yosef is a pleasure to be around and we are lucky that he chose to make Omaha his home.”

He was surprised when he received the call about the award. “Not to give away too much of my acceptance speech, but I don’t really consider myself a leader,” he said, “and it’s been a while since I’ve thought of myself as young...”

The Jewish Federation of Omaha will honor Yosef and our other award recipients at the JFO Awards Night & Annual Meeting on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alan J. Levine Theater on the JCC Campus.

Don’t Bring Hate

Continued from page 1

speak out because it makes us feel safe or because we do not want to be perceived as confrontational or aggressive, and in some cases, it is warranted. When we go underground, when we hide our pride in being Jewish, we hand a victory to those who wish to silence or destroy us.

The best way we can support Israel and our own Jewish community is to reject the temptation to be silent, to reject Jewish hatred, and to be visible and proud of who we are.

Here are the top ways you can stand up to hate today:

Wear and Share the n You can pick Blue Square pins at the JCC.

Amplify the “Don’t Bring Hate to the Protest” commercial on your social media.

Add the #n, #StandUpToJewishHate and #StandUpToAllHate in your posts and to your email signature.

Pick up a “We don’t tolerate antisemitism or any forms of hate” yard sign from the JCRC office.

Follow Stand Up to Jewish Hate on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn

Subscribe to the FCAS weekly From the Command Center Newsletter, which gives a consolidated insight into the latest topics, trends, and conversations related to antisemitism on social media.

Whether it’s in the workplace, at school, or in your neighborhood, we have resources to help and empower you. Finally, report antisemitic and hate incidents to the JCRC and ADL or see the ad on page 5.

The Jewish Press

Sarah Abrahamson and Yosef Seigel

New England Patriots owner

Robert Kraft looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 9, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Howard Marcus receives UNO Faculty Award

The University of Nebraska at Omaha honored Howard K. Marcus last month with an award from the university’s College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM).

Marcus, a UNO alum who currently teaches photography in the School of Communication, received the CFAM Part-Time Faculty Award during an April 23 ceremony at the UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

Wrote CFAM Dean

Michael Hilt in the award letter: “This award was created to recognize outstanding part-time faculty for their commitment and valuable contributions to the academic enterprise that assists the college in achieving its mission through high quality, student-centered instruction.”

CFAM Assistant Dean Abbie Syrek presented the award and also recognized Marcus for some of his other efforts within the college, including serving as a photography contest judge for the annual High School Media Conference and being a featured speaker at last year’s conference.

His help also has taken other forms.

In February 2020, he was asked to step in quickly — and for the foreseeable future — for an ailing instructor who had been teaching photography and Media Writing. Marcus had not previously taught the latter course.

Overnight, Marcus went from 20 to 60 students, and worked to quickly learn the Media Writing curriculum.

Four weeks later, the pandemic hit and everything had to be transferred online.

“That time was challenging at best,” Marcus said.

As an educator, Marcus guides his photography students with examples drawn from his professional experiences as a

photojournalist and studio photographer, and from his undergraduate experiences as a UNO staff photographer and Gateway student newspaper photo editor.

In the statement of teaching philosophy he submitted in competition for the award, Marcus wrote: “I view my role as that of a facilitator who lays out what must be learned, serves as a guide throughout the course and makes certain that all students are prepared to use their new-found photographic skills in their professional and personal lives.”

Marcus earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UNO and a Master’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He founded his studio, Marcus of Omaha Fine Photography, in 1985.

Marcus of Omaha concentrates on family photography, portraits and events. Marcus is a member of Professional Photographers of America and West Omaha Business Executives, and the company is a BBB Accredited Business.

Marcus also helps the community. He is a past president of four organizations: the C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation (now the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities), the Omaha Press Club, the Omaha Press Club Foundation Inc. and the Jewish Press. He is a past American Heart Association super-regional board member and a co-founder of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Nebraska-Iowa Chapter.

UNO recognized his volunteer efforts in 2007 with the then Department of Communication’s Alumni Community Service Award.

His current volunteer activities include work as treasurer of the Munroe-Meyer Institute Board, as a member of the UNO Publications Board and a trustee on the Beth El Synagogue board. This month he will join the synagogue’s executive committee as vice president. He is also a member of the 2024 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Take Steps fundraiser committee and will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies in June.

Other honors include the 2023 Earl Siegel Award from Beth El for rejuvenating the Men’s Club and a 2021 Beth El President’s Award for participation in the synagogue’s Six String Shabbat guitar ensemble.

JCRC and JFS partner for a Community Conversation

PAM

JCRC Assistant Director

Jewish Family Services and the Jewish Community relations Council are excited to present an enlightening program featuring a discussion on people with disabilities in our community on Monday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Goldstein Engagement Venue.

The program will spotlight personal stories from Jewish families who have family members with disabilities, where they find assistance and resources, where does the state fit in, and how the Jewish community supports these families and can fill in the assistance

Continued from page 1

and care gaps.

The panel will be moderated by Nebraska State Senator John Fredrickson, whose day job is mental health provider and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University teaching the next generation of Social Workers. Panel of experts include Tony Green, Nebraska DHHS Developmental Disabilities Director, Teresa Drelicharz, Jewish Family Service Executive Director, and Heather Topil, JFS Yachad Coordinator.

For more information and to make a reservation, please contact Pam Monsky, JCRC Assistant Director, 402.334.6572 or pmonsky@jewishomaha.org

through which students discuss current events issues, policy issues, and constitutional amendments. He is the first state debate champion at Central since 1975.

No stranger to volunteerism, Charlie has given his time and talents to organizations across Omaha - NorthStar, Camp Walk Tall, Munroe Meyer Institute, Film Streams and UNMC’s College of Public Health.

Charlie will be attending Princeton University in the fall majoring in International Affairs and Public Policy. For Charlie, this multidisciplinary liberal arts major combines the best of all worlds – humanities, STEM, and policymaking, analysis, and evaluation. He counts himself fortunate to have been accepted to each of his top four schools and chose Princeton over Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and Yale. He likes that Princeton is an undergraduate focused university with a school dedicated to Public and International Affairs where he can experience hands on policy work. The campus is beautiful and is halfway between New York and Philadelphia. Princeton also has a large and engaged Jewish population. In addition, Dr. Amaney Jamal, dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, co-wrote an opinion piece published in the New York Times on Oct. 30, 2023 that resonated with Charlie. He appreciated the tone supporting the rights of students and the opportunity for universities to help lead conversation. The oldest of three boys, Charlie is grateful for his family’s

support and encouragement. His parents and grandparents have driven and shaped his view of the world. What he considers his strengths – civic engagement, giving back, using what he has, looking out for others – were all learned at home. He is an amazing young man – intelligent, personable, focused on making a difference, and very humble.

Lillian Keiser Stoms and her brother David were native Omahans and this fund was established in their memory by their niece, Sally Clayman, of blessed memory. In addition to the Academic Excellence award, there are two other scholarships that were established in their memory. The Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund benefits and assists in the education of Jewish youth living in a single parent family or Jewish single parents who have custody of their children. The David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Endowment Fund was created to provide funding for university scholarships to Jewish youth who have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. Both awards are based on financial need.

For information on scholarship programs, please contact Diane Walker, Fund & Scholarship Administrator at 402.334.6551 or dwalker@jewishomaha.org. Those interested in contributing to or endowing scholarship funds should contact Amy Bernstein Shivvers, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation at 402.334.6466 or ashivvers@jewishomaha.org

Charlie Yale

Howard Marcus

MONSKY

John Fredrickson Teresa Drelicharz Tony Green

For more information, call 1-800-521-0600, ext. 2888 (US) or 01-734-761-4700 (International) www.il.proquest.com

JCRC at the State Capitol

SHARON BRODKEY

Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

Ed. note: the text below is the speech Sharon Brodkey delivered at the Nebraska State Capitol Monday, May 6. Thank you to my colleague and friend, Scott Littky, for inviting me to speak to you all today. Thank you Lt. Governor Kelly and Senator Fredrickson for being here, and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community as we mark this solemn occasion.

I was asked to speak about the role of the Jewish Community Relations Council, our mission, our work, its relevance to Yom HaShoah, and to this moment in time.

solved by the Jewish community alone. Antisemitism is not a Jewish problem. As former Congressman and now CEO and President of the American Jewish Committee said at the KC conference, “It’s never just the Jewish community that’s at risk. It’s a society-wide problem.”

So, how does JCRC accomplish these objectives?

As honored as I am to be here today, it is very daunting as our community is being challenged by the highest rates of antisemitic incidents and hate crimes perpetrated against Jews in decades – certainly since 1951, when the first Holocaust Remembrance Day was observed in Israel.

These are deeply troubling times and we in the Jewish community are not okay. In fact, this Yom HaShoah, the first since October 7’s deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, carries unimaginable weight, sadness, and anger. It comes as we are witnessing alarming echoes of 1930s Germany when student activists transformed daily life on their university campuses and across their country, foreshadowing the darkest era in modern Jewish history.

Protestors against the Israel-Hamas war are using Holocaust trivialization and Holocaust inversion in the anti-Israel rhetoric they are yelling on campuses, the signs they are carrying and posting on social media, and at rallies on the streets of American cities.

Let me be very clear - calling Israelis Nazis, accusing Israel of committing genocide, using slogans like “from the river to the sea,” and “Burn Tel Aviv to the ground,” and any comparisons of the operations in Gaza to the Holocaust are antisemitic -- full stop! Using the words “Israel” and “Zionist” as a substitute for “Jews” is the very manifestation of antisemitism in this moment.

Jews are being physically and verbally assaulted on the streets of American cities. Jewish homes and businesses are being vandalized and targeted by unhinged protesters. Synagogues are being swatted and graffitied.

Israeli social media influencer and activist Hen Mazzig said, “The hard truth is that how you talk about Israel affects Jews everywhere. You have freedom of speech. But we don’t have freedom from the violence your words incite.”

In Nebraska, we also happen to have a number of very active white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups. They are alive and well, evolving, recruiting and preparing to activate squads and lone wolf individuals whose hatred is not only for Jews, but for LGBTQIA+ individuals, refugees and immigrants, Blacks, Latinos – anyone they perceive as non-white, inferior and threatening to the Good Life in Nebraska.

Holocaust education is one of the best tools we have to teach empathy and the consequences of hate when it goes unchecked. I am extremely proud and grateful that we live in a state whose legislature and leadership recognizes this. Nebraska adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism and our legislature passed a mandate to teach Holocaust and genocide education in Nebraska schools.

However, at a summit on antisemitism in the Heartland held in Kansas City only 3 weeks ago, colleagues from Tulsa, Des Moines, and St. Louis reported that young and old who visited those communities’ Holocaust memorials and museums had difficulty understanding and relating to post-Holocaust antisemitism and what it looks like today. In other words, Holocaust education is invaluable, but it does not solve the problem of antisemitism today or make it go away.

The Jewish Community Relations Council and Institute for Holocaust Education shared a vision and responsibility to promote the security of Israel and Jews everywhere. Lessons of the Holocaust inspire our community to create a more just, pluralistic, democratic, and equitable society. That work requires fostering and strengthening relationships across groups from different communities, and often, communities with different beliefs, perspectives, and priorities.

This is where JCRCs come in. JCRC counters incorrect perceptions and tropes about the Jewish people. We prepare for moments of crisis by forming deep relationships with our allies and ensuring that Jewish institutions have the means to stay secure because the problems and dangers of antisemitism to our community and society as a whole cannot be

1. We work to ensure that local civic actors - elected officials, faith leaders, and local media – are aware of our concerns and experience, and that they are stepping up to their responsibility to fight antisemitism and support our communities’ safety.

2. We build strong relationships with civic and faith partners, convene and coordinate efforts across our community’s diverse member organizations so that they are ready and willing to stand with us in the fight against antisemitism.

3. We nurture strong relationships with our local, state, and Washington elected officials, helping to secure millions of dollars for nonprofit security grants for vulnerable religious institutions.

4. This last session, we worked with state senators and community allies like the Catholic Conference, Lincoln’s Asian American Cultural Center, Out Nebraska, and others to secure passage of Nebraska’s first Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This state-level NSGP assists organizations that do not have the bandwidth or resources to apply for or that have been denied federal funding. The effort began with a need to harden security and protection for some Jewish cemeteries, knowing and intending that the program will benefit other Nebraska organizations that have experienced threats of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism because of their beliefs or mission.

5. As I mentioned earlier, our partners at IHE and the ADL succeeded in getting state legislation passed to mandate Holocaust and Genocide Education in Nebraska in 2022. Our next steps are to move this important symbolic legislation toward actual implementation; to add teeth to that mandate, by getting it funded, to help provide age-appropriate curriculum, and establish standards.

6. We work with local media to encourage their responsiveness to reporting crises without amplifying the attention and hate of bad actors. We appreciate those local journalists who’ve taken time to ask questions, listen and learn, and strive to present facts and understand nuance.

7. For more than 35 years, we have run anti-bias programs and training in Omaha area schools, public and private, and we just launched ‘Student-to-Student,’ a nationally recognized peer education program where Jewish high schoolers share their Jewish identities through personal stories. This program is proven to reduce prejudice and bigotry and facilitate discussions to dismantle antisemitism.

8. We work hand in hand with local law enforcement partners, the Anti-Defamation League, and the FBI Field Office in Omaha and look forward to the developing initiative we are leading that will enhance recording and reporting hate crimes and incidents in our state.

We know that the best defense against antisemitism is to fight for civil rights and against hatred and bigotry in all its forms. We know that supporting a democratic and pluralistic American society is the best way to protect our own community and all marginalized groups.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Pillen for his support and courage in lighting up the Capitol last October in Blue and white, condemning the heinous crimes of Hamas, and proclaiming Nebraska’s solidarity with Israel. Thanks to our Legislature, the Omaha City Council and Douglas County Board for their swift condemnation of the terror attack of October 7, and to our partners who have been reaching out to the Jewish community, offering care and support. To Chancellor Bennett and the UNL police for making sure our Jewish students in Lincoln feel safe and supported in these difficult days, we are so grateful!

JCRC is integral to the fabric of the Jewish community in Omaha, Lincoln, and the Great State of Nebraska. We are here for you.

On this Yom HaShoah, let us all take it upon ourselves to strengthen and seek new relationships with our fellow Nebraskans, to show courage and pride in being Jewish, and not to be driven underground or give antisemites the satisfaction of intimidation and instilling fear! Let us work hard every day to make sure that Never Again means Never Again not only for our Jewish community but for all vulnerable and marginalized communities.

How

Life & Legacy Notes: Janie Kulakofsky

STACIE METZ

JFO Foundation Program and Stewardship Administratior

It is through my commitment to the Institute for Holocaust Education and the Life and Legacy program, that I hope to assist in ensuring that the tragedy and history of the Holocaust are remembered, that appropriate, fact-based instruction and materials are available to students, educators, and the public to enable them to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and that, as a result, we inspire our community to create a more just and equitable society.

I am honored to be able to leave a lasting legacy.

Anything Grants reminder

DIANE WALKER

JFO

Foundation Fund & Scholarship Administrator

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to offer the Staenberg Family Foundation “Anything Grants™” for 2024! Based on a generous commitment from Michael Staenberg and the Staenberg Family Foundation, this program will continue, as it has since 2017, to offer a wide range of support for Jewish organizations and synagogues in the Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs communities.

If you are looking for extra funds to hire a nonprofit consultant, purchase technology, try a new program, or work on staff or board professional development; we’re looking for you! Grants will range from $1,000 to $5,000. And continuing this year - component parts of larger projects will now be eligible for Anything Grants. For example, an Israel mission trip would not be eligible because of the size of the budget, but a day in the Partnership or a special dinner might be. And while you will still be required to raise matching funds, in-kind donations will be accepted again this year as part of that needed match!

The Anything Grant application can be found on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website – www.jewishom aha.org. Applications are due June 3, 2024

Questions? Please contact either Margo Parsow at 402.334.6458 or mparsow@jewishomaha.org or Diane Walker at 402.334.6551 or dwalker@jewishomaha.org

Temple Israel presents Concert of Lights: the Movie

STEFANIE BAGUIAN

Temple Israel Director of Communications

In May of 2023, amidst the stirring melodies and profound emotions of a memorable evening, Temple Israel hosted a concert that left an indelible mark on all who attended. Now, on May 30, we invite you to return to our sanctuary for another extraordinary event: the screening of Concert of Lights: the Movie, a poignant and powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

“Concert of Lights” was a journey through time, a tribute to those whose voices were silenced but whose music still echoes through the corridors of history. At the helm of this remarkable project is Maestro Francesco Lotoro, a visionary musician on a mission to restore and preserve the musical legacy of those who were imprisoned or perished during the Holocaust.

Francesco Lotoro is a pianist, composer, and conductor in addition to being a piano professor at the “Niccolò Piccinni” Music Conservatory of Bari, Italy. For the past 30 years, he has tirelessly been involved in recovering, studying, revising, archiving, executing, recording, and promoting thousands of works of concentrationary music. He has recovered over 8,000 scores – often produced in a condition of deprivation of the most elementary human rights, in concentration, extermination, and civil and military imprisonment camps all over the world between 1933 to 1953.

Through his painstaking efforts, these forgotten melodies are resurrected, al-

lowing us to hear the voices of those who were silenced by hatred and persecution.

The collaboration between Maestro Lotoro and the Omaha Symphony Orchestra adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to this extraordinary project.

Over 75 talented musicians, along with four exceptional singers, joined forces to breathe life into these hauntingly beautiful compositions.

As you immerse yourself in the melodies of the evening, you’ll be transported to a world where music becomes a symbol of hope, resilience, and defiance in the face of unimaginable darkness.

Each note serves as a reminder of the in-

domitable human spirit and the power of art to transcend even the darkest of times.

The evening will begin with a dessert reception at 6:30 p.m., which has been graciously sponsored by Susie Cohn. Cohn first learned of Maestro Lotoro and his work through an episode of 60 Minutes on CBS that featured his work and talked about his life story that culminated in the pursuit of this passion. She immediately knew that she needed to bring Maestro Lotoro to Omaha. Over three years later, that dream reached fruition.

Following the reception, we invite you to take your seats for the screening of the film in the Sanctuary. Allow yourself to be swept away by the music, the visuals, and the profound sense of history that permeates every frame.

This event is open to all, and admission is free. However, we kindly ask that you RSVP in advance to ensure we can accommodate everyone who wishes to attend. Your presence will not only honor the memory of the Holocaust victims but also serve as a testament to our collective commitment to never forget.

Join us at Temple Israel on Thursday, May 30 at 6:30 p.m. for an unforgettable evening of remembrance, reflection, and reverence. Together, let us bear witness to the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to unite us in our shared humanity. RSVP today at https://www. templeisraelomaha.com/form/col movie.html and be a part of this momentous occasion. Together, we will ensure that the voices of the past continue to resonate in our hearts and minds for generations to come.

Janie Kulakofsky

Mayor Stothert to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month

PAM MONSKY

JCRC Assistant Director

Each May, hundreds of organizations and Americans of all backgrounds join together to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to the present day. Originally established in May 2006 by a Presidential proclamation, Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation and preserve those legacies.

It is also an effort to combat antisemitism, promote education and awareness about the American Jewish community, foster greater understanding and appreciation among people of all backgrounds, and celebrate the diversity of the American Jewish community.

This year, the Jewish Community Relations Council is partnering with the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. Mayor Jean Stothert joins the community and present a proclamation on Wednesday, May 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the Milton Mendel and Marsha Kleinberg Jewish Heritage Center on the campus of the Staenberg JCC.

The first Jews to arrive in Nebraska in

1855 preceded Nebraska’s statehood and played a crucial role in the development of the state. That role continues today in business, medicine, academia, the arts, and all aspects of life in our state.

NJHS Executive Director Jane Rips provided much of the research that has gone into crafting this year’s resolution.

“The Milton Mendel and Marsha Kleinberg Jewish Heritage Center is a visually stunning addition to the Staenberg JCC.

The story of Jewish Omaha is told through wall plaques, video and artifact presentations. It is accessible and selfguided and a wonderful way for Jewish Omaha to share our stories.” Jane said.

JCRC Executive Director Sharon

Brodkey said, “JAHM encourages community engagement through events, discussions, and activities that bring people together to celebrate shared values of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect.”

The last time Mayor Stothert visited the campus, she was not able to visit the new Milton Mendel and Marsha Kleinberg Jewish Heritage Center. “I have no doubt she will be extremely impressed! Now that we have this outstanding addition to our campus, I cannot imagine receiving the JAHM Proclamation anywhere else.” Sharon concluded.

To learn more or to make a reservation, please contact Pam Monsky, 402.334.6572 or pmonsky@jewishomaha. org

Druze delegation visits U.S. to combat misinformation

ELENA CHUNG

WASHINGTON, D.C.

In response to the growing misinformation that portrays Israel as an “apartheid” state and the rise of antisemitism on American college campuses, a delegation of Druze, an Arab minority group from Israel, embarked on a crucial visit to Washington D.C., New York City, and Miami from April 9-21.

With a clear mission to offer a unique view of Israeli society, the delegation aimed to deepen awareness and appreciation of Israel’s multifaceted identity while highlighting key issues affecting the region, particularly the October 7th attack by Hamas that resulted in the brutal murder and kidnapping of not only Jews but also numerous Arab citizens of Israel.

The delegation, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), included Amir Lilawy, Hasan Azzam, and Waleed Sharoof. During the visit, the delegation members met with political officials, religious figures, and interfaith leaders to showcase the Druze role in the rich tapestry of Israeli society, draw attention to the coexistence and contributions of Israeli minorities, and share stories from Oct. 7th and how it impacted the Druze community.

“The events of Oct. 7th left a deep mark on our lives and reminded us of how important unity and national solidarity are,” said Hasan Azzam. “At a time when external enemies try to break us, our strength lies in our ability to stand together, support each other, and continue to build a country where mutual respect and peace are guiding values.”

Throughout the visit, the delegation hoped to broaden understanding and encourage meaningful dialogue, emphasizing the need for international action to counter antisemitism and support Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas.

“The image of Israel in the global realm is displayed through colors of conflict and antisemitism. When, in fact, the reality of living there is a different one. It’s a reality of coexistence, of co-living,” said Waleed Sharoof. “It’s a story of See Druze delegation visits U.S. page 7

Nancy Schlessinger, Chair

Mike Siegel, Past Chair

Michael Abramson

Betsy Baker

Toba Cohen-Dunning

Shane Cohn

Ron Feldman

David Finkelstein

Joe Fischer

Margie Gutnik

Jill Idelman

Gloria Kaslow

Sharon Kirshenbaum

Lisa Lucoff

Michael Miller

Shayna Ray

Stacey Rockman

Seth Schuchman

Yosef Seigel

Norm Sheldon

Justin Spooner

Jeff Zacharia

Gloria Kaslow, Chair

Lindsay Behne

Toba Cohen-Dunning

JohnCarl Denkovich

Howard Epstein

Laurie Epstein

Father James Gilg

Howard Kaslow

Kelly Kirk

Kohen Paula Lenz

Sonia Tipp

Donna Walter

Wees

Seth Schuchman, Chair

Ben Justman, Past Chair

Sarah Abrahamson

Herb Friedman

Jeannette Gabriel

Kelly Kirk

Kate Kirshenbaum

Rocky Lewis

Joseph Pinson

Marty Ricks

Beth Staenberg

Toba Cohen-Dunning, Chair

Zoë Riekes, Past Chair

JohnCarl Denkovich

Susan Fellman Witkowski

Ally Freeman

Dusty Friedman

David Gilinsky

Ron Giller

Jan Goldstein

Dana Gonzales

Hailey Kruger

Janie Kulakofsky

Jody Malashock

David Pitlor

Erin Porterfield

Sara Rips

Ben Shapiro

Lacey Studnicka

Shane Cohn, Chair

John Glazer, Past Chair

Amanda Blumkin

Marty Cohen

Shane Donnelly

Carrie Epstein

Laurie Epstein

Candice Friedman

Nick Lemek

Tiffany Milone

Terry Rush

Steve Zalkin

Shayna Ray, Chair Jonathan Baker Marti Finkel Poulos

Rabbi Mordechai Geiger Gloria Kaslow

Kirshenbaum

Alan Kricsfeld

Bruce Meyers Susie Norton Jonathan Rockman

Marti Rosen Atherton

David Finkelstein, Chair

Margie Gutnik, Past Chair

Helen Epstein

Erlich

Ally Freeman

Gonzales

Mary Sue Grossman

Hailey Krueger

Chuck Lucoff

Larry Ring

Melissa Schrago

Suzy Sheldon

Stewart Winograd

Norm Sheldon, Chair Jeff Kirshenbaum, Past Chair

Darlene Golbitz

Carlos Gomez

Myron Kaplan

Dan Marburg

Tina Meyers

Susie Norton

Gretchen Radler Ari Riekes

Yosef Seigel

Nancy Skid

Mark Sweet

Stacey Erman Rockman, President

Susan Norton, Vice President

Bob Belgrade, Past President

Michael Abramson

Steven Bloch

Beth S. Dotan

Paul Epstein

Ted Friedland

David Gilinsky

Donald Goldstein

Jay Gordman

Kip Gordman

Howard M. Kooper

Steve Levinger

Murray H. Newman

Steve Nogg

Carl Riekes

Louri Sullivan

Harry Belafonte’s (potential)

Israeli grandchildren or: Who gets to live in Israel

Julie Belafonte died on March 9 at the age of 95. Julie was married to Harry Belafonte for 50 years (the couple divorced in 2007; Harry died at the age of 96 in 2023). Julie had two children with Harry (who also had two with his first wife). As her obituary in the New York Times put it, each of Julie’s parents had “Russian Jewish roots” (this is Times-speak for a Jewish person whose Jewishness meant little to them). To judge from the obituary, which tells the story of Julie’s rich life—filled with her work as an actress and dancer and her dedicated social-action for the civil-rights cause—”Jewish roots” would also be an apt description of Julie’s own ethnicity. Julie’s children, now in their mid-60s, together gave the Belafontes three grandchildren. What this means, according to current Israeli law, is that any of these grandchildren, along with their own minor children, could claim immediate citizenship under the Law of Return. Dear Reader, please do not misunderstand me: If Harry Belafonte’s grandchildren want to make Aliyah on the basis of Julie’s “Jewish roots,” that would be okay with me. I’m just finding it more and more difficult to square the Law of Return with the State of Israel’s policies regarding its thousands of foreign workers. These workers, many of whom come as young adults and end up starting families together, are allowed to stay in Israel only for a decade or so. Their children grow up here, speak Hebrew with native fluency, take turns being the Sabbath Abba or Eema in their kindergartens, go to school in costume the day before Purim, and celebrate all of the Jewish holidays the way that many Jewish Israelis do: as time off for family and recreation. But the default position of the State of Israel if it

discovers that any of these workers has overstayed their legal welcome is to deport them and their children. Israel’s newspapers routinely carry heartbreaking stories of 10 and 11-year-olds, who have only known life in Israel, facing deportation to their parent’s country. To be sure, there is an appeals process, and sometimes the workers and their children are allowed to stay in Israel for humanitarian reasons, but most appeals are rejected.

The State of Israel has no formal process whereby non-Jews can immigrate and attain citizenship or even permanent residency. (Instances of non-Jews being granted citizenship for exceptional reasons are extremely rare but they do happen, as was the case this past January for the Filipino parents of Cydrick Garin, a Filipino-Israeli reservist who was killed fighting in Gaza—significantly, it should be noted that the father had been deported after Cydrick’s birth). At this point in Israel’s history, I believe that it may even be possible to argue for the Jewishness of these foreign-worker families, but let’s leave that for another column. What is perfectly clear by now is that the State should institute a coherent, reasonable process of granting permanent residency to foreign workers and their children. This will anger all the Israeli businesses (and their lobbyists) that arrange for foreigners to work here (the more new, arriving foreign workers, the more income these businesses receive— and so the current system of churning through foreign workers is to their great advantage), but it is far time for Israel to do more to fulfill the Bible’s injunction: “You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deut. 10.19).

Happy 76th Birthday to the State of Israel! Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Jane Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom are veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@gmail.com.

Druze delegation visits U.S.

Continued from page 6 diverse communities living side by side in harmony, with mutual respect and a constant learning process.”

As director of community engagement for CAM, Shira Granot serves as the primary point of contact for the organization’s Arab and Muslim outreach.

She underscored the importance of building alliances worldwide and bridging gaps between various cultures and lesserknown communities, such as the Druze.

erful tool for change,” said Amir Lilawy. “By fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and challenging stereotypes, we can create a more compassionate and just society for all.”

The visit is part of ongoing efforts by CAM

“Our mission is to create a global network of allies who stand united against antisemitism and promote peace and coexistence,” Granot said. “By showcasing the experiences and perspectives of minority communities in Israel, like the Druze, we aim to challenge misconceptions and foster a more nuanced understanding of the region’s complexities.”

Notable events from the visit included a meeting with the United States ambassadorat-large for international religious freedom, speaking with college students at New York University’s Hillel, and participating in an interfaith seder. The delegation also met with a bipartisan group of congressional representatives and policy advisors.

“In confronting antisemitism and promoting inclusivity, education emerges as a pow-

to amplify diverse voices from Israel and engage with American stakeholders.

“The horrors of Oct. 7 were felt by communities across Israel, so it’s critical that we give minority communities the opportunity to share their experiences,” said Sacha Roytman, CEO of CAM. “When we stand together across religious backgrounds, we can make a greater impact in addressing growing antisemitism.”

About Combat Antisemitism Movement: CAM is a global coalition engaging more than 850 partner organizations and five million people from a diverse array of religious, political, and cultural backgrounds in the common mission of fighting the world’s oldest hatred. CAM acts collaboratively to build a better future, free of bigotry, for Jews and all humanity.

TEDDY WEINBERGER

The Druze delegation meets with U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas at his Capitol Hill office in Washington, D.C., April 11, 2024.

Above: Third graders at Beth El Synagogue learn how to make Matzah with the help of Chabad, below: Kids learn to make Matzah Brei and Matzah Meal pancakes during a special Passover day at Beth El, and bottom: High school students at Beth El cook with Mika and her parents as they learn about one of the victims of the October 7th terrorist attacks as part of the “Plates of Honor” program.

SP O TLIGHT

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

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

Below: Spelling Bee at RBJH This was the first-ever spelloff between former spelling championship Don Nogg and his competitor Judy Kaiman. After many tense spelling rounds, the two were tied for the RBJH Spelling Bee Championship. Mazel Tov to Don and Judy!

and

many different projects.

Left, above

below: Mitzvah Day at Temple Israel means

Above: Sam Kutler and Hazzan Michael Krausman are getting ready for Minyan services.

Above: Teens from Beth El Synagogue snap a group photo before shabbat starts at USY Spring Kallah and below: Teens from Beth El Synagogue (and their chaperones) have some fun at the Top of the Rock in New York City during their “Roots” trip.

Above: The Young Omaha Emerging Leaders (YOEL) group graduated and celebrated with a beautiful reception that drew some of last year’s participants. below: Alex Ronen, Hailey Krueger, Mika Mizrahi, Taylor Garten and Ryan Welner left: Stacy Feldman and Shayna Ray

Voices

The Jewish Press

(Founded in 1920)

Margie Gutnik

President

Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Editor

Richard Busse

Creative Director

Howard Kutler

Advertising Executive

Lori Kooper-Schwarz

Assistant Editor

Gabby Blair

Staff Writer

Sam Kricsfeld

Digital support

Mary Bachteler

Accounting

Jewish Press Board

Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Helen Epstein; Andrea Erlich; Seth Feldman; David Finkelstein; Ally Freeman; Mary Sue Grossman; Chuck Lucoff; Suzy Sheldon; Joseph Pinson and Larry Ring.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the JFO are: Institute for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Social Services, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Press Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Editorial

The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org ; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org

Letters to the Editor Guidelines

The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal

The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org

The Holiest

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT

Jewish Press Editor

During the days of Omer, many emails land on my desktop, reminding me to count the days, providing little daily lessons. I try to read them all; sometimes they make an impact, sometimes I forget as soon as I am done reading. That’s okay, I figure if there’s something I need to really know, it will stick. No need to feel guilty about not processing every word.

The three Hebrew words “olam” (world), “shanah” (year), and “nefesh” (soul) found in this week’s Torah portion are a reference to space, time, and life – the three primary elements of the universe, one of those emails tells me.

Everything within the world generally falls into one of these categories. When the high priest—the holiest living person, entered the Holy of Holies—the holiest place on earth, on Yom Kippur—the holiest day of the year, the entire universe was represented.

While this was technically only a once-a-year occurrence, the fact that we are taught about it in the Torah means that it is relevant to us every day, even to a regular person on a regular Tuesday. The message we are being given is that whatever situation we may be in, we must always find and draw out the best–the holiest–in it, for the benefit of the entire universe.

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

That’s a tall order, and yet, it might be just what I needed to hear. As easy as it is to complain, fret and worry about everything that isn’t going right,

how would it be if we did the opposite? “Drawing out the best, the holiest:” it might actually not be as impossible as it sounds.

Forget about that critical voice in your head. The one that says, ‘don’t be naive,’ you’re being too

Pollyanna,’ or (the worst one, as far as I’m concerned) ‘let’s be realistic.’

What if we worked a little harder to make things better? What if we, rather than search for the silver lining, actually were the ones creating that silver lining? We can do extra mitzvahs, give more tzedaka, smile at someone who needs it, hug a little tighter. This may be one of the worst periods in our lifetime, but we can bedazzle and look ahead and find the light, if we try hard enough.

Okay, maybe sometimes we can’t. I get that. But wouldn’t it be nice to believe that we can? It’s called ‘hope,’ and we desperately need it right now.

As I’m writing this, it’s almost time for our community Yom HaShoah commemoration. Like many of you, I’ll get in my car soon and drive to Temple Israel. We’ll remember the pain and the horror, but we will do so jointly, as a community.

When we come together, we do exactly what that email talked about: we draw out the holiest.

If we had no hope, we would not leave our homes for this commemoration. Temple Israel would sit empty tonight. Knowing it won’t be is a silver lining that did not exist until members of our community organized it, worked for it, and until the rest of us showed up. Together, we ARE the silver lining.

50 Completely True Things, a Palestinian-American’s call for compromise

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL JTA

Last fall, Mo Husseini wrote a series of propositions — what he called 50 Completely True Things — about the Israel-Hamas war, and posted it on the social media site Threads.

Identifying himself as “a Palestinian American who is tired of stupid people,” Husseini set out to puncture myths on both sides of the conflict, suggesting that neither Palestinians nor Israelis had a monopoly on truth, justice or the moral high ground.

“This isn’t an essay in Foreign Affairs, you know? This is an idiot shitposting on the internet in trying to leverage a sense of humor to point out the delusions on both sides,” Husseini said in an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Monday, using internet slang for aggressive, often ironic social media content.

“It’s not my place to decide what happens between Palestinian and Israeli negotiators,” he told JTA. “What matters to me is helping people, and getting past the delusions.”

The post — witty, profane and anguished — got a polite if unspectacular response on Threads, which is owned by Meta.

Three days ago Husseini re-upped the post as an essay on the self-publishing site Medium, and in the days since its readership has soared. Husseini has seen his once modest following on Threads grow to over 16,000. The essay on Medium has been read more than 3,500 times. It’s been shared countless times on Facebook, a platform where Husseini barely had a presence before the weekend.

Many of those sharing the post are Jews who seem eager to read and identify with an essay that seeks common ground in a polarizing debate, and, as one Facebook user commented, “tried to push through some of the double talk and extremism.”

Husseini offers plenty to trigger partisans of all stripes, from campus protesters to pro-Israel groups. He notes that there “are shitty and awful people” on all sides of the conflict, that Israelis and Palestinians have both committed “acts of terror and violence,” and that their respective governments do not necessarily speak for their people.

Many of the essay’s short declarations refute some of the shibboleths of partisans: He undercuts, for example, the far-left assertion that the conflict is a clash between white supremacists and people of color, and mocks the far-right Zionist view that the Palestinians have no legitimate claims to a state of their own.

As for the war, Husseini condemns the Oct. 7 attacks and writes that Hamas has earned “every f–king thing that the Israeli military throws at them.”

At the same time, he laments the enormous toll among civilians in Gaza. “What is happening in Gaza to civilians is f–king awful, and not the smartest thing for Israel to do, and some aspects of Israeli military activity may be war crimes, and it doesn’t have to be genocide for it to be tragic,” he writes.

The essay also rejects calls, increasingly popular

on the pro-Palestinian left, for a one-state liberal democracy of Palestinians and Jews. “[T]his wonderful future has about as much chance of happening in the near term as this 5’8” 53-year-old Palestinian has of being a starter for the Golden State Warriors,” writes Husseini. “A two-state solution is the only workable one.”

Josh Feigelson, president and CEO of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, was so taken with the virality of the post that he asked his Facebook followers to explain why they had shared or recommended the piece.

“It felt like a novel Palestinian voice that I wanted to amplify — his publicly affirming Israel’s existence and Hamas’s atrocities, along with the failures of all sides,” responded a Massachusetts rabbi.

“I chose to post it because it speaks to the broad center, which I believe is both the ‘silent majority’ of Zionists and Palestinians and the only possible way out of this conflict,” wrote a Jewish educator.

Husseini also got a boost earlier this month from Rabbi Sharon Brous, the high-profile leader of the Los Angeles congregation IKAR. She quoted another essay by Husseini in her Shabbat sermon on May 4, which is posted to YouTube. In that essay Husseini asserts that “true long-term freedom, security, and self-determination for Palestinians cannot exist without creating a reciprocal reality for Israelis.”

Brous called that essay “one of the most compelling articles I have read about this conflict in the past decade.” (The novelist Michael Chabon shared Brous’ sermon with his 27,000 followers on

Threads.) Brous compared Husseini to Rep. John Lewis, the late congressman and civil rights leader.

Husseini, however, is neither a politician nor an activist, but a design and creative director who lives in the Seattle area. “This has nothing to do with my job,” he said of his posts on the war.

Husseini’s father was born in Jerusalem, the descendant of a branch of a well-known Palestinian Muslim family. Mo Husseini grew up in Kuwait, and after boarding school in the United Kingdom studied political economics at the University of California, Berkeley. He turned to filmmaking after graduation, working at George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic and eventually directing and supervising visual effects for commercials. He currently works for a firm that creates events and brand awareness for major companies.

“I’m not a representative of an organization. I don’t speak for Palestinians,” he said in an interview Monday from his Seattle-area office. “And I don’t certainly speak for Jews.”

50 Completely True Things, he said, “came from a deep sense of frustration that everybody knows the answer, especially that the correct answer is a democratic state with equal rights for everybody. And that is fantastic in an idealized world where the Nakba didn’t happen and the Holocaust didn’t happen. But the reality is that everybody is very aware what the solution is, and that solution is fundamentally two states.

“This idea that the Israelis are just going to have to pack up and leave starts to be a symbolic struggle against reality,” he added. “There’s no one here with clean hands and in the context of that, I think it’s incumbent on people to find a way that acknowledges reality.”

Husseini said 90% of the responses to his Facts essay have been positive. As for the negative reactions, he dismisses the idea that in acknowledging pain on the Israeli side and culpability on the Palestinian side he is “normalizing” Israel and Zionism.

“I don’t need to ‘normalize’ Israel,” he said. “The State of Israel is normalized. It’s there. Do I wish it didn’t exist the way it exists now, do I have problems with Israel politically? Yes. But I also have those feelings about every state in the world. But if the question is where people can just live their lives, then you have to acknowledge reality.”

Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor at large of the New York Jewish Week and managing editor for Ideas for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Mo Husseini’s article on the Israel-Hamas war was widely shared on social media by Jewish readers. At rear is an image from the essay. Credit: Mo Husseini

1826 Omer calendar-book from Verona (Italy), in the collection of the Jewish Museum of Switzerland. Credit: licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Synagogues

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766

712.322.4705 www.cblhs.org

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980

402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL

SYNAGOGUE

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

402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE

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

402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

B’NAI JESHURUN

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797

402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OFFUTT AIR

FORCE BASE

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123

402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

ROSE BLUMKIN

JEWISH HOME

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TEMPLE ISRAEL

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

402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

TIFERETH ISRAEL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236

402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, June 14, 7:30 p.m. with our guest speaker. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information about our historic synagogue, please visit our website at www.cblhs.org or contact any of our other board members: Renee Corcoran, Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Ann Moshman, MaryBeth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE:

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades K-12), 10 a.m.; Havdalah 9:20 p.m. Zoom only.

SUNDAY: BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Last Day of BESTT Talent Show, 10:30 a.m.; Cantor’s Concert with Nefesh Mountain, 4 p.m.

TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: PJP Program with Special Guest, Alan Dershowitz, 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

FRIDAY-May 17: Nebraska AIDS Project Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-May 18: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Havdalah, 9:30 p.m. Zoom only.

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

FRIDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/ Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:21 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Tehillim, 6:55 p.m. at the Uzi’s; Soulful Torah, 7:20 p.m. with Rabbi Geiger; Mincha, 8:10 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity 8:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:28

p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kinyan, 9:40 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Board of Directors Meeting, 6 p.m.; Kinyan, 7:50 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7

a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7

a.m.; Character Development Class, 9:30 a.m.; Kinyan 7:50 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.; Parsha Class, 8:50 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 24: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit,

7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:27 p.m.

SATURDAY-May 25: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Tehillim, 7:05 p.m. at the Uzi’s; Soulful Torah, 7:35 p.m. with Rabbi Geiger; Mincha 8:20 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity 8:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:36 p.m.

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

All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person and via Zoom (ochabad.com/academy). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: Ochabad.com/ Lechayim; Candlelighting, 8:20 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:27 p.m.

SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps: Shacharit, 99:30 a.m., Video Presentation, 9:30 a.m. and Breakfast, 9:45 a.m.; Torah and Tea, 10:30-11:15 a.m.; Advice for Life, noon-1 p.m. at Chabad. For more info visit ochabad.com/AFL

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Advice for Life, noon-1 p.m. at JCC. For more info visit ochabad.com/AFL;; Parsha Reading, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

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

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 10 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 34), noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 24: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: Ochaba d.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 8:27 p.m.

SATURDAY-May 25: Shacharit 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:35 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL

Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options.

FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:307:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:21 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30-11 a.m.

at TI; Torah Study noon on Parashat Emor via Zoom; Potluck Dinner and Family Game Night, 6 p.m. at SST. Adults and kids of all ages are welcome. Please bring a dish to share; Havdalah, 9:28 p.m.

SUNDAY: SST Gardening, 8:30-10 a.m.; TI Annual Meeting, 9 a.m. at TI; Last Day of LJCS Classes for the Summer, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room at Rock 'n Joe (5025 Lindbergh St.). For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail. com; LJCS Teacher Recognition, 11 a.m. followed by picnic and family fun at 11:30 a.m.; Jewish Book Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. For more information contact Deborah Swearingin at devra60@gmail. com; Pickleball, 3-5 p.m. Anyone interested in playing or learning how to play can text Miriam at 402.470.2393. If there are enough interested people; we will play in the Social Hall at TI; Rabbi Weisser Memorial Service, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 24: Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:28 p.m.

SATURDAY-May 25: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30-11 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Behar via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:36 p.m.

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

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.

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

FRIDAY: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. In-Person; Tot Shabbat-ory (a STEM-themed), 5:45 p.m. In-Person; Classic Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

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

TUESDAY: Adult Prayer Hebrew: Level Aleph, 6 p.m. In-Person.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9-11 a.m. In-Person.

THURSDAY: The Zohar: Thursday Morning Class 11 a.m. with Rabbi Sharff and Rabbi Azriel — In-Person & Zoom.

FRIDAY-May 24: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. InPerson; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-May 25: Torah Study 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom.

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

Nebraska Holocaust Education Inservice to take place early June

BETH DOTAN, UNL AND SCOTT LITTKY, IHE Executive Director

Through a partnership initiated by the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at UNL, the Institute for Holocaust Education and BLIXT ARTS LAB, a unique professional development Inservice will be offered to Nebraska and Iowa educators on June 3, 2024. Joining the partnership is the Nebraska Department of Education, History Nebraska, the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center at UNO, and the College of Saint Mary.

This Inservice will introduce educators to supplementary Holocaust education materials and programming offered in Nebraska through the partners. Resources presented will help educators build their students’ content knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking skills. Educators will become knowledgeable about opportunities that can be easily integrated into their curriculum and address the state’s Holocaust and genocide teaching mandate. Learning about primary sources related to the Holocaust will be a focus of this training. The program is open to all content areas that incorporate Holocaust and genocide education in their curriculum or those who seek to include these top-

ics in their teaching in the future.

The morning sessions will be held at the Samuel Bak Museum, while afternoon sessions will be hosted at the College of Saint Mary. BLIXT ARTS LAB will present a special showing of their production, Not Too Far Distant by Becky Boesen, inspired by the collection of letters from Staff Seargent, Clarence Williams who wrote to his wife in Lincoln throughout his tour during WWII. Williams’ collection is featured in the Harris Center’s Nebraska Stories of Humanity website https://nestoriesofhu manity.unl.edu/ that features Nebraska Holocaust survivor and liberator stories. Participants interested will receive a stipend, mileage compensation, and one hotel overnight. Kosher breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The Holocaust Education Inservice is sponsored by the partner organizations, You Can Count on Me Community Club from the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and by a generous grant awarded to the UNL Harris Center for Judaic Studies by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region Program, located at Illinois State University. Content created and fea-

tured in partnership with the TPS Midwest Region does not indicate an endorsement by the Library of Congress. TPS grants support the Library’s mission to engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. A second Inservice will host facilitators from the Teaching with Primary Sources Teachers Network and will be held at UNL in the Fall of 2024 (TBD). For questions, please contact Jane Nesbit, Education Director at the Institute for Holocaust Education, 402-334-6453, jnesbit@ihene.org. Registrations can be completed at www.ihene.org.

B’NAI ISRAEL

BETH EL

BETH ISRAEL

CHABAD HOUSE

Life cycles

BIRTH

ELENA MAY SHEIBER ANGULO

Monica Angulo and Bret Sheiber of Westport, CT, announce the May 29, 2024 birth of their daughter, Elena May Sheiber Angulo.

She has five siblings, Javier, Alexander, Annabelle, James and Evan.

Grandparents are Barry, Bette, Ludo and Kirsis.

HARRISON RUBIN EPSTEIN

Shelby and Ben Epstein of Minneapolis, MN announce the May 9, 2024 birth of their son, Harrison Rubin Epstein.

He has a big sister, Audrey.

Grandparents are Lisa and Gary D. Epstein, and Lisa and Ben Rubin of Minneapolis.

Great-grandparents are Char and Michael Plitman, Elaine and

IN MEMORIAM

MIRIAM (MITZIE) MONOVITZ

Miriam (Mitzie) Monovitz passed away on May 5, 2024 in Omaha. Services were held on May 8, 2024 in Omaha. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irv Monovitz. She is survived by daughters, Shari Wainberg, Judy Handshy and Lori Kidd; grandchildren, Hannah and Austin Handshy; and great-granddaughter, Fischer Handshy.

Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 323 S. 132nd St. Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

Israel places 5th at Eurovision

PHILISSA CRAMER AND SHIRA LI BARTOV JTA

Despite steep backlash including protests from other competitors, Israel’s Eden Golan placed fifth in the Eurovision Song Contest on May 11 after delivering a rousing final performance of her song Hurricane

The competition’s winner is determined by a complex system in which juries for each participating country allocate half of all votes, while the public contributes the other half. Golan’s success — which exceeded expectations set in betting markets before the competition — was fueled by the popular vote, which Israel won in 14 countries plus a new category for voters not located in any of the participating countries. Israel did not win any country’s jury vote.

and members of the substantial Muslim immigrant minority, unsuccessfully petitioned the city to bar Israel from competing. (The last time the city hosted the contest, in 2013, Jews and non-Jews held a rally after Israeli fans reported harassment.)

Golan’s strength in the popular vote came in contrast to the intense protests against her and Israel’s participation in the song contest amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Tens of thousands of people protested in the streets of Malmö, Sweden, during the competition held there, and Golan was reportedly advised to remain in her hotel room under the protection of security.

The tensions crept into the competition as well. During a rehearsal, a Finnish representative seemingly refused to say that her country had awarded points to Israel, while Ireland’s Bambie Thug, another contestant, said she “cried” after Golan made the final and would have boycotted had she herself not been performing. A journalist asked Golan at a press conference whether she felt that “by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants;” she drew cheers after responding that the contest was “safe for everyone.”

Iolande, representing Portugal, wore fingernails decorated with patterns suggesting Palestinian solidarity in the final, despite rules set by the European Broadcasting Union prohibiting political speech during Eurovision. Earlier, a contestant drew a reprimand for wearing a keffiyeh, or Palestinian scarf.

Golan returned to Israel on Sunday, May 12, ahead of the country’s somber Memorial Day.

“I felt the love from the people, and you cannot understand how much it helped me,” she said during a press conference. Alluding to the Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza, she added, “I represented the country and was our voice for everyone who needs to be brought home now.”

A second Israeli contestant, Tali Golergant, who was representing her country of Luxembourg, came in 13th. Switzerland’s Nemo won for the song The Code, about the artist’s journey to self-awareness as a nonbinary person.

As the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicked into full gear, organizers who insist the event is “non-political” were fighting a crescendo of protests over Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organized the global competition held in the Swedish city of Malmö this year, tirelessly pushed one slogan: “United by Music.” But the group’s decision to keep Israel among 37 nations vying for a trophy instead divided Malmö, triggered global petitions, caused artists to boycott and generated plans for a flood of street protests.

Eden Golan drew both cheers and boos during a dress rehearsal in advance of the second semifinal. Bookmakers ranked Israel in the top 10 likely victors.

Locals in Malmö, which has a longstanding reputation for antisemitism and a record of attacks on Jews by both neo-Nazis

Boycotters have accused Eurovision of a double standard for including Israel after excluding Russia from its contest in 2022 after Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Noel Curran, head of the EBU, has maintained that Russia was cut off for failing to meet broadcaster guidelines that Israel has met.

“Comparisons between wars and conflicts are complex and difficult and, as a nonpolitical media organization, not ours to make,” Curran said in a statement. “In the case of Russia, the Russian broadcasters themselves were suspended from the EBU due to their persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values.”

For many Israelis, the country’s participation and success in the contest is a point of pride and an antidote to concerns — heightened this year amid the war — that Israel is isolated on the world stage. Israel was accepted into the contest in 1957, its second year, causing Egypt and Syria to exit. It competed for the first time in 1973 and has since won four times, most recently for Toy by Netta in 2018.

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Harold Rubin of Minneapolis, the late Etta and Harold Bae Epstein of Omaha.

Eden Golan from Israel performs the song Hurricane on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest during rehearsals for the second semifinal in the Malmö Arena, May 8, 2024. Credit: Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images