Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA May 29, 2015 11 Sivan 5775 Vol. 95 | No. 37
National Nursing Home Week
This Week
Playground symbol of Beth El community Page 6
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s staff helped the Residents celebrate National Nursing Home Week. by OZZIE NOGG This past May 10 through 15 marked National Nursing Home Week, and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home celebrated with activities based on television game shows. “The various neighborhoods in the
Friedel field trips Page 7
Home were totally transformed,” explained Maggie Conti, RBJH Director of Activities and Outreach Programs. “The Southeast neighborhood was decorated to look like Press Your Luck; Southwest chose props that mimicked The Price is Right;
Summer of Awesomeness Could Israel be barred from world soccer? Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
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by GABBY BLAIR Are your children ready for... not just a good summer... not just a great summer... but for a summer of AWESOMENESS!? If so, then get your campers signed up for Summer Day Camp at the Omaha JCC! Under the direction of Megan Berlin, JCC Youth and Camp Director, this year’s day camp is completely revamped and revitalized to bring a healthy dose of summer fun to children and peace of mind to parents. Fully accredited by the American Camping Association, and with programs voted “Best of Omaha” for four years running, the JCC camp offers something for everyone PK-8! This year’s exciting line up includes full and half day camp options in ad-
dition to specialties such as, sports, art, theater and dance camps. For kids K-7, any half-day specialty camp can be combined with an afternoon of day camp for a full day of fun! “Our theme is ‘Summer of Awesomeness’,” said Megan Berlin. “I am so excited about the line-up of field trips and special guests we have in store for campers this year! So far, registration has been strong, and I would encourage folks to sign up soon to ensure they get into the camps they want!” New this year, JCC Camp is open to members and non-members alike, and Berlin goes on to say that “member families are excited to have their Continued on page 3
Northwest neighborhood morphed into The Amazing Race; Northeast picked Hollywood Squares; and the Therapy Unit decked themselves out as Family Feud. The entire facility was wall-to-wall fun.” In addition, Conti’s office became the $25,000 Pyramid;
Director of Social Services Bert Benson’s office was decorated as Name that Tune; and the receptionist’s desk on Main Street turned into Casting Call for Game Show Contestants. During Nursing Home Week at the Continued on page 2
Shelly Nogg Pichik Field Trip Fund
Shelly Nogg Pichik by LINDA POLLARD Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation In loving memory of Shelly Nogg Pichik, her parents Ozzie and Donald Nogg, brother and sister-in-law Tony and Patty Nogg, sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Larry Halleran, sister Marsha Nogg, and sister-in-law Shari Little recently established the Shelly Nogg Pichik Field Trip Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Shelly passed away on Feb. 28, 2015, and is survived by her husband Michael Pichik, daughters Alexandra and Natalie, and many friends.
The Shelly Nogg Pichik Field Trip Fund will honor her memory and her legacy of helping others. The income generated each year by this new endowment fund will allow Rose Blumkin Jewish Home residents to have outings or field trips outside of the Home that they might otherwise not be able to experience. When asked about her sister, Kathy Halleran said, “Shelly was a loving mother and wife, sister and daughter, and caring friend. Shelly had a long, successful career at Nogg Paper Company, selling retail packaging and gift wrap which was Continued on page 3
2 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2015
National Nursing Home Week
Continued from page 1 Blumkin Home, Residents enjoyed games aplenty. RBJH Activities Director Doug Smith outdid Alan Thicke as host of Pictionary; Josh Gurock, Blumkin Home Director of Operations (standing in for chef and TV personality Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) and Karen Menagh, Activities Director, led Minute to Win It; Shawn Menagh (husband of activities director Karen Menagh), played the host of Family Feud -- sort of a cross between Richard Dawson, Wink Martindale and Chuck Barris. “Mike Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Social Services emceed Name That Tune with his iPod playlist,” Conti said. “Everyone was hysterical. Even the CDC students got in on the action by guessing Disney Name That Tune songs.” Outlandish costumes and trivia games were the order of the day during NNHW. Staff dressed as their favorite game show host, turned up in goofy Let’s Make A Deal Purim costumes and, for the very brave, in PJs. On Main Street crowds played Name the Game Show, Name the Game Show Host, Name the Price is Right Game and participated in a Pepsi/Coke challenge. “But the most popular game, hands down, was the Name the Nose Exhibit,” said Natalie Osborne, RBJH Nurses Manager. “You had to match a picture of a nose with the nose of a Blumkin Home staff person. Last year we had to match pictures of feet with their owners. I’m afraid to see what’s next.” The Blumkin Home tries to include intergenerational projects as often as possible, and this year’s National Nursing Home Week let the RBJH connect residents with students from Reeder Elementary School. “One hundred kids from the school came and entertained us with a musical performance from 9:30 a.m. until 10 a.m.,” said Mike Aparo, Director of Food Services. “Then we had to set up for the Deli lunch crowd, so things were crazy busy, but fun.” Besides the Friday Deli, other culinary treats dished up during Tea Times included Franks in a Blanket; fried mac and cheese; miniature domino-shaped frosted cookies; ice cream sundaes and Mike Aparo’s mystery treat -- fried candy bars. National Nursing Home Week is a time when skilled nursing centers across the country plan events to honor the lives of the people they care for and the staff who serve them. “The national theme this year was Bring on the Fiesta,” Conti said, “with the emphasis on family, life and love. Our goal is to make sure that Blumkin Home residents receive loving attention and experience life to the fullest during each day of the year.” Helping Conti coordinate the Blumkin Home celebration were Mike Silverman, Executive Director Jewish Social Services; Doug Smith, Mary Heiman, Karen Hook and Karen Menagh, Activities Directors; Jen Addison, Food Service Supervisor; Melina Cohen, Executive Assistant – Office Manager; Molly Rosenberg, Social Worker; Jessy Ahabbar, Aaron Dittmer, Kylee Weibel and Deb Simon, Neighborhood Clerks; Janet Herman, R.N.; and Colin Heskin, Operations Intern.
Maggie Conti with resident Ron Budwig
Natalie Osborne and Colin Heskin
During the week of celebration, staff wore special t-shirts imprinted with the phrase “Only at the Blumkin Home.” According to Natalie Osborne, “When I started working here almost twelve years ago, people would talk about our services and say, ‘Only at the Blumkin Home.’ At first I didn’t understand what they meant, but the longer I’ve been here the more times I end up saying those words myself. I’ve worked in other long-term care settings, but none of those
facilities offer their Residents the same kind of attention and fun. It truly happens only at the Blumkin Home.” At the conclusion of National Nursing Home Week, Mike Silverman said, “The committee had so much fun that we’ve decided to continue meeting every quarter to come up with quirky events that will enthuse Residents and staff alike.” National Nursing Home Week at the RBJH was generously sponsored by the Marcia and Steve Pitlor Family.
Opening our doors, keeping the memories alive by LIZ FELDSTERN IHE Executive Director In the fall of 2014, the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) initiated a pilot program inviting middle school art teachers to participate in “Art and the Holocaust.” This program was the brainchild of IHE Education Coordinator, Donna Walter. “Art seemed a great way to approach the study of the Holocaust for middle school students, who are just being introduced to the topic through history and literature. Art is a new lens though which to view the Holocaust,” said Donna. “Few people know that art was even created in some ghettos and camps as a way to escape the horrors around them and also as a means to document those same horrors.” Teachers began the project by attending a professional development workshop presented by the IHE, which helped build knowledge of the Holocaust and the role of art during that period. The workshop took place during an OPS curriculum day, with parochial middle schools invited to join in. Art teachers from seven different OPS mid-
dle schools, as well as St. Wenceslaus and Brownell-Talbot participated. Participating teachers shared a lesson about the Holocaust with their students before commencing with the visual art portion of the project. Students were asked to create a literatureinspired mural or a charcoal portrait of a victim of the Holocaust. Many worked from photographs of local Holocaust survivors. More than 800 area middle school students learned about the Holocaust and took part in the project. Upon completion, students were asked to prepare a written reflection on the project. Many said they felt a powerful personal connection to the individual they had learned about and depicted in their art. The “Art and the Holocaust” project culminated in the exhibit currently on display in the JCC Gallery, which represents approximately 10% of the pieces created. All the young artists and their families were invited to see the art on display at a reception on May 14. The exhibit will continue through the end of the month.
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Summer of Awesomeness Continued from page 1 children’s non-member friends join them at the highly acclaimed camps we offer. As a result, some camps are starting to fill up.” For campers entering Kindergarten through 3rd grades, field trips to fun destinations such as Fontenelle Forest, The Omaha Children’s Museum, Bellevue Berry Farm, and local area splash parks will take place during camp weeks 1,3,5,7 and 9. On weeks 2, 6, and 8, campers are invited to specially planned overnights in the Youth Lounge that include dinner, breakfast, and lunch the next day. “Our awesome K3 campers also receive 30 minutes of group swim lessons every day, in addition to free swim in the afternoons, and their days are full of age appropriate activities in art, music, sports and small group activities.” Berlin also highlights the addition of Chugim, or enrichment electives, that each 2-3 grade camper will select as the week begins. “This is a great way to let kids help design their day based on personal preferences. Campers will choose an area of interest, such as cooking, art, music, etc., from a list each week and will get to spend time each day with specialists who will help instruct campers in their selected elective.” Specialists include a wide array of professionals such as chefs, sculpture artists, professional musicians, and more! Campers entering grades 4- 7 will enjoy weekly field trips every Thursday to exciting destinations such as the SAC Museum, Defy Gravity, Mahoney State Park, Hot Shops Art Center, Rock Paradise, Rotella’s Italian Bakery, Julio’s, Hiro 88, and the Henry Doorly Zoo. These campers will also give back to the community by doing weekly service projects including, but not limited to, helping with the Jewish Community Garden, collecting and sorting food for local food pantries, writing postcards for service members, and planning the end of camp carnival. “We have a lot of fun things planned for our campers and every day is going to be a little different,” says Berlin. “I was really happy to have a hand in designing this year’s summer camp line up. I hope to recreate traditions that make kids love camp and want to
come back year after year.” Berlin, a former Girl Scout Camp Director, goes on to say, “My goal is for the kids to not only have a fun and safe time, but for them to feel a sense of community, because that is what the JCC is all about.” All camps include swimming, towel service and snacks and are run by carefully selected CPR and First-Aid-certified counselors who have passed both background checks and drug screenings. Come check out the camp staff biographies on display in the youth lounge to learn a little more about this summer’s awesome counselors! Campers should bring a backpack with swimsuit, sunscreen and a non-meat lunch with them daily. Goggles and extra socks are also a good idea for their time in the pool and for field trips where socks are required. Please leave electronics and valuables at home as we cannot be responsible for them. All medical and registration forms MUST be submitted by each camper’s first session in order for campers to participate. For those who need an earlier drop off or a later pick up, before and after care is available for an extra charge. Looking for options when camp is not in session? Check out the line up of Summer Fun Days on June 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 29 and 30, and July 1 and 2. Campers will be park hopping around town, visiting cool places like Family Fun Center, and, new this year: two very special Summer Fun Day field trips specially designed with our older campers in mind. On Tuesday June 2, gear up for an all-day trip to Adventureland in Des Moines, IA; Tuesday June 30 campers will be thrilled to visit Worlds and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City. These camps are sure to be a highlight of your kid’s summer! To reserve spots for day camp, specialty camps, summer fun days, or before and after care, call Laura Wine, JCC Registrar at 402.334.6419. While all camps are open to members and non-members alike, JCC members enjoy discounts on all of our programs and camps and are able to register online at www.jccomaha.org anytime. JCC Member families are also invited to our fabulous outdoor 4th of July pool party noon-3 p.m. Come for free games, prizes, and music and enjoy refreshments, for purchase, from our snack shack.
Shelly Nogg Pichik Field Trip Fund Continued from page 1 ideal for her. She was passionate about giving beautifully wrapped gifts and loved the retail experience. She was affectionately known to her siblings as ‘The Shopping Queen’.” Marsha Nogg continued, “While living in the Blumkin Home, Shelly’s eyes would light up and her spirits lift at the mention of a shopping trip to Target or dinner at her favorite restaurant. Even with her illness, she wanted to be out in the community, experiencing normal life. But as her illness progressed it became harder for Shelly to leave the Blumkin Home and extremely difficult for family and friends to safely help her. She had the will and a desire for adventure, but her condition eventually required skilled assistance and special transportation to do so safely.” “Our family established the Shelly Nogg Pichik Field Trip Fund to provide that specialized assistance to those in the Blumkin Home community who also seek adventure,” Patty Nogg said. “Our hope is to eliminate the obstacles that would prevent RBJH residents from experiencing their own meaningful and special outings. We wish Shelly could have spent many more days and years enjoying the activities and people she loved so deeply. What better way to honor ‘The Shopping Queen’?” The Shelly Nogg Pichik Field Trip Fund will assure that residents of the RBJH are able to take outings or field trips to the destination of the resident’s choice -- a day of shopping, museum and art gallery visits, dining at a restaurant, a live theater production, a movie or sporting event, a visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo or Lauritzen Gardens. The outing would include the cost for a qualified companion to accompany the resident and transportation, where applicable, in consultation with the resident’s primary physician. Michael Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Social Services, stated, “We are all so thankful to Shelly’s family for establishing this fund. The ability to create lasting memories for our Residents and having the resources to keep them active and engaged is vital to our mission. This fund will allow us to think out of the box and have a greater impact on quality of life.” Shelly was a tireless volunteer giving much of her time to
the National Council of Jewish Women and to her children’s school. Tina Meyers recalled Shelly’s work with the National Council of Jewish Women, “Shelly and I served as coPresidents of NCJW Omaha section from 2007-09, and we also worked together on the NCJW Board for years prior to that in various Board roles including Fundraising, Community Service and Executive VP. Shelly’s focus was promoting the NCJW mission of improving the quality of life for women, children and families through programs of research, advocacy, community service and education in our local community. She always had creative ideas for fundraising and community service projects that would have positive impact right here in Omaha.” Tina added, “A couple of examples of programs that were developed by our section with Shelly’s leadership include: Totes for Tots: a project with Child Savings Institute that was near and dear to Shelly because of her advocacy of adoption and the needs of children waiting for forever families. Reading Pups: a project that brings therapy dogs to local elementary schools to encourage kids to read aloud to improve their confidence and reading skills. Reading Pups is still an on-going project for our NCJW section.” Andee Scioli added, “Shelly and Tina Meyers were coPresidents the year before Nikki Kirshenbaum and I became co-Presidents of NCJW, and Shelly and I worked together for many years on various NCJW projects. Shelly was smart, kind, determined, capable, caring, fun, funny and a fantastic leader. I feel fortunate that I was able to learn from and work with her.” “Shelly continued her family’s incredible legacy of giving. Like her mother and father, she was a class act and was respected and admired by everyone who knew her. I will always remember her positive attitude, strength and commitment to her family and her community. Her legacy lives on in all of our hearts,” Andee concluded. “Shelly’s family has created an enduring memorial,” said Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. “Each year, for generations to come, the Foundation will make distributions from the Shelly Nogg Pichik Field Trip Fund to benefit the Blumkin Home residents. What a terrific legacy.”
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4 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2015
June Community Calendar FRIDAY, MAY 29 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat Al Fresco, 6 p.m. at Beth El
TUESDAY, JUNE 9 Eye on Israel with Eliad, noon Wrestling with Rashi (Beit Midrash), 8 p.m. at Beth Israel
FRIDAY, JUNE 19 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat Speaker Phil Wayne, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, MAY 30 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH Beth Israel Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, MAY 31 Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beauty and Beast Jr Performance, 2 and 5 p.m. Beth El Cooking/Serving, 5:30 p.m. at Stephen Center MONDAY, JUNE 1 Teen Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel JFO Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH Beth El Information Night for Cuba Trip, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m. at the Shtrobach home FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10:30 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat Speaker Sandy Christopherson, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Minyan in the Round, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JUNE 7 Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Volunteer Recognition, 10 a.m. at RBJH Artist Reception for Evy Katz & J. K. Thorsen, 1 p.m. MONDAY, JUNE 8 Teen Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Jewish Press Club Meeting, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Shanghai Lessons, 1 p.m. at Beth El Life and Legacy Community Event, 5 p.m. Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m. at the Shtrobach home FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. Beth El Annual Meeting & BBQ, 5:45 p.m. at Beth El Shabbat Speaker Justin Cooper, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JUNE 14 2nd Annual Mah Jongg Tournament, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Temple Israel Babes and Tots in the Park, 10 a.m. Welcome Dinner for Rabbi Ari, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, JUNE 15 Mainstreeters Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Teen Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, JUNE 16 Wrestling with Rashi (Beit Midrash), 8 p.m. at Beth Israel
SUNDAY, JUNE 21 Javitch Music Fund Concert, 8 a.m. Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JUNE 22 Teen Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, JUNE 23 JSS Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Wrestling with Rashi (Beit Midrash), 8 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH THURSDAY, JUNE 25 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m. at the Shtrobach home FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Mainstreeters Movie, 1 p.m. Shabbat Speaker Terri Zacharia, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH NJHS Board Meeting, 4 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 18 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m. at the Shtrobach home
MONDAY, JUNE 29 Teen Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, JUNE 30 Wrestling with Rashi (Beit Midrash), 8 p.m. at Beth Israel
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
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May 29, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 5
Dance and play all summer long with JCC Cultural Arts by GABBY BLAIR nity members are invited to attend this year’s Esther Katz, JCC Cultural Arts Director, Musical Theater Camp showing on Friday and her top notch staff in the Dance and July 10 from 3:30-4 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Theater Department, are again offering a Camp registration will be open until June stage-worthy line-up of theatrical fun for 30 or until the camp is full, so don’t delay your children this summer. “I am so excited and reserve your child’s spot today! for this year’s theater camp!” exclaims Katz. “Over the past few years, interest in the JCC community theater has grown. While it is great to have such an interest in youth productions, the large casts and intense once-a- week rehearsal schedule leave little chance for me to build a deeper relationship with the actors. At Musical Theater Camp, I enjoy hanging out with the It’s fun to be on stage, and the JCC Cultural Arts department kids and really getting to can help you get there. know them.” Katz goes on to say, “Having a full week to work with a smallKatz also wants to remind parents that it is er group is a really wonderful opportunity to not too late to sign up younger (ages 5-8) teach kids about set and costume design and dancers for summer dance camps, which stagecraft. We even go behind the scenes on a meet 9 a.m.-noon. The Firebird, Igor field trip to a local theater. It is great to spend Stravinsky’s ballet and orchestral concert time introducing budding actors to the bones based on Russian folk tales of a magical of the theater. They get to learn about light glowing bird, runs June 8-12; Twelve boards and sound boards, and even get to Dancing Princesses, a Brothers Grimm fairy check out the catwalks. We also enjoy picnics tale, runs July 27-31. “I am not sure who in the park and playing outdoors along with loves these camps more, the instructors or swimming every day- it’s a super fun week!” This year’s camp production, running July 6-10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. is Annie Get your Gun, by Irving Berlin. This camp is geared for actors and actresses ages 8-18. “We will B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS be focusing on songs and snippets of scenes, AIPAC’s Craig Gardenswartz, (stationed holding mock auditions, learning stage in Denver) will celebrate his first year as skills, and playing acting games. This is a regional director, updating us on all things great camp to help prepare future stars for Israel! on Wednesday, June 3, noon. For their moment in the spot light, perhaps in more information or to be placed on the our upcoming fall and spring performanc- email list call 402.334.6443 or es!” Camper families, friends, and commu- bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
the children!” exclaims Katz. These ever popular camps are almost full as of this article, and Katz wants to encourage parents who have not yet registered to do so quickly. Dance camps include: learning the story behind the ballet, choreography, costume making and three pieces of art created by students- one wearable, one showable and a portion of the set- as well as an end-of-camp final showing for family, friends, and community members in the JCC Theater. For parents of students in K-3 who need a full day camp, there is an option to add on a half day of JCC Day Camp for an additional cost. In addition to camps, the Dance Department continues to offer a wide array of wonderful classes for children and adults throughout the summer. “Classes tend to be smaller, and only run six weeks, making it a great time to try something different without a full season of commitment. It is also a great time for us to evaluate ability levels and determine class placements for fall. Lastly, these courses provide dancers dedi-
cated space and time to maintain their technique over the summer and work on muscle memory.” There is something for everyone ages 2 and up, who wish to dance this summer - Music and Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip Hop, and Lyrical. The full 2015 Summer Dance schedule can be found online at www.jewishomaha.org under the “Dance” tab. Ever mindful of summer travel plans, Katz is always willing to work with families to fit dance into their schedules. JCC Musical Theater Camp and Dance camps and classes are open to all, regardless of membership, although JCC members do enjoy a substantial discount for these fun and interactive offerings. To register for any of the exciting camps or classes offered by the Cultural Arts Department this summer, please call Laura Wine, JCC Registrar at 402.334.6419. JCC members can also register online at www.jccomaha.org. Any questions about camps or classes should be directed to Cultural Arts Director Esther Katz at 402.334.6406 or ekatz@jccomaha.org.
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6 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2015
Playground symbol of Beth El community by MARGIE GUTNIK been dreaming of a playground for Beth El for years. “We Beth El Synagogue Publicity have so many involved young families at Beth El. As much as Beth El Synagogue members arrived for the last day of I love seeing children run around the synagogue, it is wonreligious school, Sunday, May 17 to a grand surprise. derful to have an outdoor outlet for play and discovery.” She Students immediately caught on to the excitement in the air continued, “We are always looking for ways to create meanand ran ahead of their parents to kick their feet skyward on ingful connections for our members and the playground is a brand new swings and glide down a sweet slide. perfect way to bring our community closer together.” It was a sight hard to “What’s really amazing envision just a few years about this whole story is ago, when the area where that it’s such a wonderful Beth El’s brand new playexample of how Beth El is ground sits was just an receptive to new ideas; it empty, uneven patch of fit perfectly into our grass and asphalt. But it vision: to be a welcoming was a vision that commitsynagogue that empowers tee chairs Liz Feldstern, and engages its members. Caryn Scheer and Holly This was a grass roots Weill were determined to effort and with some hard see come to fruition. work and support, it actuFeldstern gives credit to ally came to fruition!” Scheer for the idea to “This whole experience build a playground at Beth has made me incredibly El. “She asked Holly proud to be a Beth El mem(Weill) and me if we want- Caryn Scheer, left, Holly Weill, Liz Feldstern and Eric Crouch ber. I appreciate the support ed to be involved, and as parents of energetic children – we of all the young families and our generous donors; many of immediately agreed!” whom approached us to be part of the project,” Scheer finished. Other Beth El members lent their talents. These included The playground includes several slides, a climbing wall, a current president Joel Rich, Jason Blair and Ben Shapiro. bench, and four permanent picnic tables with a shaded On May 17 the hard work paid off. As evidenced by the umbrella. “We purposely chose colors that are bright and activity on Sunday morning, they all deserve a round of high fun; reflecting the energy of Beth El,” described Scheer. fives, and not just from their own kids. The grand opening The shade over the picnic tables blocks out 94% of UV began at 10:30 a.m. with the appropriate playground bless- rays. The “typhoon” slide goes around 360°. ings bestowed by Rabbi Abraham. A ceremonial ribbon cutBESTT Education Director Eadie Tsabari said the playting preceded face painting, parachuting, balloons and an ground can be an excellent tool to impart Jewish values to her obstacle course. students. “They’ve just witnessed their synagogue communiCrouch Recreation Structure Inc. designed and installed the ty perform the Jewish principle of Tzedakah by building this play structure atop rubber floor tiles made from 25% recycled space. Kavod – respect - among their peers is another examtires (earning Beth El a grant from the Nebraska Department ple of what kids will learn from playing and interacting of Environmental Quality). Company owner and Heisman together. It is a wonderful addition to the Beth El campus.” trophy winner Eric Crouch attended the grand opening, signFundraising began last April with a unique fundraiser – a ing autographs and footballs and posing for photographs. Beth El Family Portrait Day. Recognition is long overdue to “When I first met with Eric more than a year ago, he basi- these very talented volunteer photographers: Ariel Fried, cally told me that whatever we could dream up – he could Mark Kirchhoff, Alan Potash and Annette van de Kampbuild. We scoured the catalogs, told him our vision – and he Wright who donated their expertise to capture lasting famidefinitely kept his word!” said Feldstern. lies’ memories in support of the playground project. The co-chairs and entire congregation wish to thank the Plenty of playground plans are already in the works, incredible generosity of the major donors to the playground: including: the inaugural year of Camp Kef the week of June Sandra Belgrade, Carol Gendler, Don and Nancy Greenberg, 1, Saturday morning play during Shabbat services and Harold and Linda Mann, Steve and Patty Nogg and the Beth future play dates and picnics. It is expected to be a big draw El Sisterhood. Credit also goes out to Beth El’s Executive for the congregation’s growing population of young families. Director, Larry DeBruin, who was instrumental in inspiring The mission of Beth El synagogue is to be a welcoming these donors to help make the playground a reality. and vibrant conservative synagogue that empowers, engages “These are the real heroes to us,” said Scheer. and inspires its congregants through God, Torah and acts of Mom to three small children, Scheer mentioned she had loving kindness.
Heroes and Mentors in my Jewish Life by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel Over the course of the last few years, there has been a custom at Temple Israel of having a summer speakers’ series. Each year a different theme is chosen, and members of the congregation or community have been invited to speak on a Friday evening during Shabbat services. This year’s theme is Heroes and Mentors in My Jewish Life. When arranging the summer speak series, Rabbi Aryeh
Scheduled Speakers for this summer June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 Aug. 7
Sandy Christopherson Justin Cooper Phil Wayne Terri Zacharia Rabbi Ari Dembitzer of Beth Israel Congregation Scott Littky Aliyah Lasky, our new Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement at Temple Israel Shari Hess Courtney Bierman
Azriel said, “As the people of the book, we value learning and study. Central to this is a Jewish way of living, a Jewish value system. Each of us has had people in our lives who we have seen as heroes and mentors who have shaped that Jewish value system that we follow.” He then asked each speaker, “Who are those people in your life? Why do you see them that way?” And then finally, “Please share with us any special story you may have. Tell us why you view them as a hero or mentor.” Each speaker will then have 10 minutes to speak to the congregation. Friday evening services will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Chapel, except on June 5, July 10 and Aug. 7. On those dates we will be holding services in the Amphitheater. Following services on those Friday nights, you are invited to bring a picnic dinner and stay and enjoy Shabbat dinner together. Temple Israel will provide grape juice and challah. As an added bonus on those Friday evenings, George Walker and his Band will entertain us during dinner. For more information on our speaker series or about our Shabbat picnic evenings, please contact Scott Littky, Program Director, at 402.556.6536.
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May 29, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7
Friedel field trips by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Friedel Jewish Academy Whether it’s watching the Unicameral vote or enjoying an outdoor cookout at a 4H camp, students look forward to going on a field trip with their classmates. Friedel Jewish Academy classes recently took educational excursions to Lincoln and to a 4-H outdoor education center.
times, and it took ten years to build it.” Jack’s parents are Michael and Karen Cohen. Third grader Batsheva Shyken, daughter of Gary and Liat Shyken, pointed out “that they have a special room just for the senators.” We also “got to see some real animals like chickens and ducks” at Morrill Hall. Fifth and sixth graders visited the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center near Gretna where they
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On the bus ride to the State Capitol Third and fourth graders visited the State Capitol and then Morrill Hall, a natural history museum. “Normally,” explained Barb Sather, third and fourth-grade teacher, “we take a tour of the Capitol offered by volunteers. This year, we had a wonderful surprise when State Senator Robert Hilkemann made a special point to come and meet our class, answer questions, and shake each student’s hand.” With the Unicameral in session, the students took their seats in the balcony. “We got to watch the senators debate and vote on an amendment,” said Sather. “Then the students were introduced, asked to stand and be recognized. The senators stood, faced our students, and applauded them.” The Friedel visitors also saw the Nebraska Supreme Courtroom before going to Morrill Hall on the University of Nebraska campus for a lesson on ecology. Jack Cohen, a fourth grader, learned that “they had to build the Capitol building three
Evelyn Smith, left, Shmuel Aaron Shyken, Leora McNamara and Leah Gurock (in back). participated in archery, hiking, zip lining, and a high and low ropes trust course. “While there are many definitions of outdoor education, the most comprehensive one seems to be that outdoor education is education ‘in,’ ‘about,’ and ‘for’ the out-of-doors,” according to Beth Cohen, Friedel Head of School. “Friedel’s outdoor education program gives students a day of experiential learning where they explore activities they may never have tried before while practicing valuable problem-solving and decision-making skills.” Matan Shapiro, a sixth grader, “really enjoyed the zip line. But I’d have to say that overall, my favorite thing was the high wire on the trust course. It’s very exciting when you lean back and fall. You climb up about 20 feet, and you’re always attached.” Matan, son of Ben Shapiro and Amy Reynolds, reassured the students who were a bit intimidated. Cohen added, “It’s a great way for our older students to finish off the school year.”
2015 Elinor A. and Norman Whitman Book Appreciation winners by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Shushan; 2nd Place, Sidney Zacharia; 3rd Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life Place, Sophia Gurock; 1st Grade: 1st Place, The Center for Jewish Life, through the Renatta Rogers; 2nd Grade: 1st Place, Mo Kripke Jewish Federation Library, is pleased Blair; 2nd Place, Jacob Gurock; 3rd Place, to announce the winners of the 2015 Elinor Sasha Denenberg; 4th Grade: 1st Place, A. and Norman Whitman Book Appreciation Contest. This annual contest, started in 1991, is made possible by the Elinor A. and Norman Whitman Book Appreciation Fund. The contest was created to honor the goals promoted by Mrs. Whitman during her lifetime of devoted service to the youth of the Omaha commuElinor A and Norman Whitman Book Appreciation Contest nity. She served for many years Winners. Front row: Sidney Zacharia, left, Sophia Gurock, Jacob as a member of the Kripke Gurock, Shmuel Shyken, Shilat Ben Shushan, Sasha Denenberg. Library board and on the facBack row: Mo Blair, left, Noah Blair, Ethan Finkelstein, Leora ulty of both Beth El and McNamara, Becca Denenberg, Rachel Kriscfeld, Leah Gurock. Temple Israel religious schools. Not pictured: Renatta Rogers. This contest furthers Mrs. Whitman’s goal in promoting Jewish litera- Noah Blair; 5th Grade: 1st Place, Shmuel ture for children. Aaron Shyken; 2nd Place, Leah Gurock; 3rd Based on books with Jewish content Place, Ethan Finkelstein; 6th Grade: 1st selected by each student, kindergarten Place, Leora McNamara; 2nd Place, Rachel through 2nd graders created book jackets. Kricsfeld; 3rd Place, Becca Denenberg. Students in 3rd through 6th grades wrote Other students participating in the contest book reports in addition to creating a word included Brad Berman, Sima Denenberg, search, crossword puzzle, poster or one- Yishai Feldstern, Ari Finkelstein, Max page newspaper, related to the book. A Gurock, David Kay, Abby Kohll, Jake Lucoff, group of three judges reviewed the entries, Montgomery Smith and Almog Zinman. ranking each entry within the grade level. The Elinor A. and Norman Whitman Prizes this year were gift cards from The Memorial Book Appreciation Contest is Bookworm with 1st place receiving a $20 card, presented by the Center for Jewish Life and 2nd place receiving $15 and 3rd place a $10 promoted by Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel card. Additionally, all students entering the Synagogue, Friedel Jewish Academy and contest received a certificate of participation. Temple Israel. For additional information, The 2015 contest winners are: please call 402.334.6445 or email mgross Kindergarten: 1st Place, Shilat Ben man@jewishomaha.org.
NEW!
Yachad GET INVOLVED! (NO FEES) Contact Karen Gustafson 402-330-2024 kgustafson@jfsomaha.com
Yachad, which means
“togetherness”
Join in the FUN! Teen Yachad is made up of Jewish boys and girls, ages 13 to 18 years old, with developmental disabilities. The group will meet several times a month for a variety of spiritual, social and creative events. Our goal is to build social skills and strength, with engaging activities that will nourish a valued quality of life. We share a destiny and strive to help every Yachad member obtain personal and individualized goals.
Jewish Social Services JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE | JEWISH SENIOR OUTREACH
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8 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2015
In the news
Letters TO THE EDITOR
Dr. Patricia Newman and Ilana Weiss Dr. Patricia Newman, Executive Director, and Ilana Weiss, Associate Executive Director, recently accepted The Purple Ribbon Award from the Domestic Violence Council on behalf of RESPECT. The RESPECT organization, founded in 2000, was honored for serving 440,000 students since its inception in an effort to eliminate bullying, child abuse and teen dating violence. RESPECT provides educational theatre programs to preschool to college age students, serving approximately 35,000 children annually. The program works with a community collaboration to facilitate healthy relationship skills among youth via the medium of theater. RESPECT’s original collaboration was composed of three leading organizations: National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section; Jewish Family Services; Domestic Violence Coordinating Council of Omaha. Since that time, RESPECT has emerged as an award-winning program for collaborative, data-based work with youth and includes 14 educational theater programs, artist-in-residence programs, parent and teacher-training workshops and an annual conference within its catalogue. The award was presented at the Domestic Violence Council annual meeting May 1. More can be learned at www.respect2all.org.
Shalom friends, I have just received a very nice e-mail from the “Beit Hatfutsot-the museum for the Jewish people” saying that the Omaha’s intergenerational international Tu B’shvat seder was presented in a mega event they held two weeks ago. We were one of only four communities all around the world (Broward County in Florida, Los Angeles, and Kiev in Russia) that the museum picked to share about their unique intergenerational programming in the community and Omaha was the one that did the intergenerational programs with Israel via the Partnership2Gether platform. They showed the clip we made last year and gave to the audience the postcard attached to this e-mail with the Jewish Press article about the Seder. Attending the event were: the CEO of the Senior Citizen Affairs Office, Adv. Gilad Samama, CEO of Beit Hatfutsot Dan Tadmor, Head of the Science and Technology Administration, Ministry of Education Dr. Ofer Rimon, Representatives from the India embassy in Israel, Michal Orbach, widow of the late Minister Uri Orbach, partner organizations, supervisors, managers, teachers, senior citizens and students. Thanks to all of you who took part in this program, and I am looking forward next year to more intergenerational and international programs between Omaha and Israel! Eliad Eliyahu Dear Editor, The JTA syndicated column by Debbie Wasserman Schultz that appeared in the Omaha Jewish Press was a blatantly dishonest, divisive, and completely partisan smear of Republicans. My parents, too, taught me about
tikkun olam. That’s why I’m a Republican. Good people of both political parties can agree that helping the poor and fostering healthy communities are worthwhile goals. Good people can also disagree on what the best methods and policies to achieve these goals are. In Wasserman Schultz’s world view, if you don’t support big government generational dependency programs such as those promoted by the Democrats, you must hate the poor, hate women, and be racist. This is extremist, black and white thinking. That is why many Republicans reacted to the horrible rioting in Democratic-run cities such as Baltimore with horror. Young people looting and burning down their own communities will certainly not solve any problems. Growing up in dire poverty during the depression, my family didn’t burn down our local community; we burned our furniture to heat our house. The Jewish culture I was raised in taught individual responsibility and accountability, not victimhood. Wasserman Schultz accuses Jewish Republicans of only wanting Sheldon Adelson’s money. I wonder if she accepts money from extremely wealthy Jewish Democratic donors. Jewish donors gave--and still give -- overwhelmingly to President Obama. George Soros funds countless leftwing lobbying groups and anti-Israel groups both in the U.S. and in Israel. Would she turn down George Soros’ money? Her disingenuous attempts to whitewash President Obama’s “support” for Israel can easily be exposed as falsehoods. Yes, thank Gd, there has traditionally been bipartisan support in the U.S. for Israel. That is changing drastically as the Democratic party moves further and further to the Left, and with President Obama’s continuing attacks on Prime Minister Netanyahu and pattern of leak-
ing intelligence information damaging to Israel. During last summer’s defensive war against Hamas in Gaza, President Obama’s FAA successfully closed down Ben Gurion Airport to international travel. Meanwhile, this same FAA did not cancel flights over Somalia, Ukraine, Pakistan, or Yemen. President Obama’s White House also changed the standing protocol for the Pentagon to re-supply Israeli munitions. He insisted that all requests and resupply to Israel go through his White House. The Obama administration’s claims, via Secretary of State John Kerry, that Jews and Israelis concerned about the nuclear deal he is giving to Iran are “hysterical.” As someone who is deeply concerned about the survival of the one Jewish state in the world, I am not comforted by President Obama’s statement that, should anything happen, “he has Israel’s back.” Does this mean that if Iran launches one nuclear bomb and wipes out Israel that he will attend a vigil afterwards? More Jews than ever are opening their eyes and becoming Republicans. Don’t underestimate us. We are paying attention and waking up to the new realities of our world. We see that the Republican party supports Israel unconditionally, based on the fundamental JudeoChristian values that America and Israel share. Neither country is perfect. Both countries face many challenges. Israel’s challenges are existential. The clarity of the partisan divide around Israel is most likely what prompted Wasserman Schultz to pen her attack on Republicans and distribute it through JTA. My hope is that openminded, thoughtful, informed people will look beyond her manipulative, partisan attack and see what is really going on. Sincerely, Maynard Telpner Talent, Oregon
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May 29, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 9
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
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Excitement is building by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor First, an appetizer: the Jewish Press now has a separate photo blog, with enough room to show a large volume of photographs for which we don’t have room in the paper. Recently, we uploaded a few hundred images from the Bikhor Cholim Cemetery in Council Bluffs. Photos are tagged in a cloud on the left side of the page; all you have to do is click on any name to see pictures of the grave marker you are looking for. You don’t need to be from Council Bluffs or be related to someone who is buried there to find something of interest in these pictures, or to imagine the stories behind the headstones. Take Marion Ungar, who was born in 1910 and died on November 28, 1920. Who was she? What caused her to die so young? And how about Lea Lebovitz, who was born in 1833 in Bucharest, Hungary. Lea died in 1901, more than a century ago, yet here her headstone remains. Had she not left for America, what would have become of her grave? There are the names: Blanche, Zella, or Goldie. Pearl, and Ratie, and Osias. And then there’s Rosie, wife of J.J. Brown, whose picture smiles back at any visitor who stops by her grave. She died in 1928, only 38 years old. What was her story? If you know, leave a comment on the blog. Take the virtual tour, and join the discussion. In the future, we will use this virtual photo album to show a wide variety of images, with the purpose of making them available to our readers. The blog can be found at www.wordpress/jewishpressimages.com. There will also be a link that takes you directly to it on our website. Check back often for new photographs!
And now for the main course: As of next month, the Jewish Press is going online. Our entire paper will be uploaded every single week in the form of a flipbook that is very easy to navigate. We are currently running tests, and I can tell you that it looks fantastic. It’s been a long time coming, and we hope you are as excited as we are. Before you ask, no, we are not abandoning our print edition. A digital newspaper does not replace an actual copy you can hold in your hands. The two are separate animals, which many publishers have had to learn the hard way during the past ten years. The notion that a digital edition can replace print entirely, that one will keep the readership and the soul of the paper intact without changing its essence, is a myth. Our print edition is our flagship; it has been for almost 95 years. Stay tuned during the next few weeks for more information and the actual date that we’re going live. This is an exciting time for all of us. If course, none of this can happen without the appropriate funds, and while we are working closely with certain donors to ensure the digital edition for the coming years, we still need your help. One way to do so is by sponsoring a single edition of the Press online for a special occasion such as a wedding, a birth or B’nai Mitzvah, or in memoriam of a loved one. If you are interested in doing so, please contact the editor at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org. You can also support the Jewish Press by becoming a member of our Press Club. You can fill out the ad in this edition and mail it back to us with your check, or visit us online at www.jewishomaha.org/jewish-press/press-club/ if you would like to use Paypal.
What does inclusion really mean and are we doing our best? by KAREN M. GUSTAFSON, MS, NCC, LIMHP in the Park on Sunday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Aksarben Executive Director, JFS Village. Adults with Developmental Disabilities of varying For the last seven years, Jewish Family Service has made degrees participated alongside volunteers, caregivers and the significant strides in emphasizing the importance of inclu- larger Omaha community... even while it was raining! With sion for our community members with Developmental the Farmers Market there as well, a little shopping was in Disabilities, our Yachad members. The first step was hiring order (the rain had stopped by then). a Program Coordinator, Jan McCarthy, who not only An even higher level of inclusion will be the day when a believes in inclusion but helps to implement this every time community member, with their family, caregiver or friend she is with the Yachad group or with any one individual attends a community event like Zumba in the Park and does from the group. Jan’s philosophy is to help create comfort and community by frequenting the same places repeatedly so that the community gets familiar with all of us and sees us as “family.” This has occurred at the old Sempeck bowling alley in Elkhorn and also at a local Dairy Queen. Recently, our group did not go to Dairy Queen as usual on a Sunday. When they did arrive the next week, staff asked where they had been and told them that a birthday cake had been saved “for the group that comes in for lunch on Sunday.” And, guess who just happened to be there with an opportunity to wish Alan Friedman a Happy Birthday? Warren Buffett! I just recently returned from the AJFCA (Association Yachad members recently participated in ‘Zumba in the Park’ at of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies) Conference in Aksarben Village. Miami. Yes, the weather was enticing, but my real interest in this particular trip was to learn more about how to not need to be seen as part of a smaller group represented in help promote and create a truly inclusive community. the bigger group. I love that there is always room for I am proud to report that our recent Grant from Million improvement, and I can tell you that JFS/Yachad will conDollar Round Table (MDRT), thanks to MDRT member and tinue to strive toward an even higher level of inclusion in the JSS Past-President Jim Farber, fits the bill. One of the programs that we plan. We will also continue to educate and requirements of the Grant was to work with the DD popula- encourage the community to see each person as a valuable tion in greater Omaha. JFS/Yachad also wanted to empha- community member, making sure that they are invited and size fitness since we have had such great success with our accommodated in order to successfully and fully participate Personal Training sessions at the JCC, thanks to ongoing in events. community support from the Parsow/Simons families. So, Another exciting new endeavor is the opportunity to we took this idea of inclusion, asked Ollie Webb, Inc. to begin a Teen Yachad program. During the entire month of partner with JFS/Yachad, and our first activity was Zumba May, JFS/Yachad staff will be meeting with Jewish commu-
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Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President-Elect; Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Debbie Kricsfeld, David Kotok, Paul Rabinovitz, and Nancy Wolf. 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 Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.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@jew ishomaha.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@jew ishomaha.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.”
nity Rabbis, Education Directors, special education tutor, etc. to get the word out to any family who has a child, age 13-18 years old, who has a Developmental Disability and would be interested in attending some fun programs together. Our thinking was... with so much success with our fitness program, why wait until someone is over the age of 18 to build endurance, strength and overall improved mental well-being. The benefits of increased mobility are good for all of us but even more important with a population whose activities are often sedentary in nature. I will hold an information session on Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m. at Bagel Bin for any interested families. Families may also go to the JFS website at www.jfsomaha.com Click on Yachad at the top of the page, then go to Teen Yachad on the left and find the Registration information. A calendar of events will be posted only after meeting with prospective families to determine activities, dates and frequency of events. Yachad programming could not operate without the following financial supporters. On behalf of JFS and each family we serve... Thank you. Current Financial Supporters: Parsow and Simons Families Special Needs Community Fund; Sokolof Foundation; Swartz Family Foundation; Special DonorAdvised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation; The Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, Inc.; The Jewish Federation of Omaha (through the annual allocation to JFS); The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Foundation; Harris Family Endowment; Samuel and Delma Goodman Youth Fund (through the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation). Previous Financial Supporters: Ruth Somberg Krantz; Fred Kader; Carl Frohm Memorial Fund; Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA); National Yachad (OU). Please challenge yourself to be intentional in your thinking. If you see ANY community member who is alone at an event, at synagogue, etc., talk to them, invite them to sit with you. Every one of us wants to be included. 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, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. 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 per-
sonal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, 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.
10 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2015
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on June 12, at 7:30 p.m. when guest speaker, Marcia Kushner of Lincoln will visit and reminisce about growing up in Council Bluffs. Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! Larry Blass will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services. For information on our historic synagogue, or to arrange a visit, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat/Shabbat Al Fresco, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush in honor of Richard Fellman’s 80th birthday; MiniMinyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha, 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Gabbai Class, 10 a.m.; Social Action Committee Cooking/Serving Dinner at Stephen Center, 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Information Meeting on Mission Trip to Cuba, 7 p.m. Shabbat Services/Minyan in the Round, Saturday, June 6, 9:30 a.m. Annual Meeting, BBQ and Camp Shabbat, Friday, June 12, 5:45 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Teen Class, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Med Center Chaburah, 1 p.m.; Avot U-Banim-Parent Child Learning, 7
p.m.; Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m. at the Shtrobach home.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, honoring our high school graduates, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following honoring the seniors and hosted by Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin and the parents of seniors. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Naso; Confirmation Havdalah Service, 7 p.m. led by members of the Confirmation Class, Rachel Balter, Tanner Crable, Grant Gordon, and Alex Murray, with reception following. SUNDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 1:30 p.m.; Habitat for Humanity Painting Project, we will conclude our anniversary project benefitting Habitat for Humanity by doing the interior painting on Habitat home. If you can help paint, be sure Alan Frank has your name. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please make a check payable to Lincoln/ Lancaster Habitat for Humanity and send it to the Temple office. Checks will be forwarded to Habitat on June 1. Thank you for considering this worthwhile project! MONDAY: Temple office closed for Memorial Day. Boker Bash – Family Breakfast, Saturday, June 6, at 9:30 a.m. and hosted by the Draper-Moore family with a Family Service. Jewish Movie Night, Saturday, June 6, at 7 p.m. Havdalah service, potluck dessert, and movie!
Candlelighting Friday, May 29, 8:30 p.m. President’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreet temple.org.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service Speaker Mike Erman: Reflections on a Traveling Torah and OTYG Installations, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Emma Miller, daughter of Lori and Michael Miller, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Fifth Sunday Breakfast at the Stephen Center, 7:30 a.m. Summer Shabbat Evening Speaker Sandy Christopherson: Heroes & Mentors in My Jewish Life!, Friday, June 5, 6 p.m. Come and relax and welcome in Shabbat with services being held in our brand new Amphitheatre. Following services, we will enjoy a picnic Shabbat dinner together. During dinner we will be entertained with the music of George Walker and his band. Temple Israel Annual Golf Outing, Monday, Aug. 17, noon
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Lunch. SUNDAY: . Annual Tifereth Israel Meeting, Sunday, June 7, 2 p.m. Please plan to be with us for this not-lengthy, but important, meeting of the congregation.
Rabbi Ari Dembitzer
White House assures Israel on nuclear conference
Join the Beth Israel family as we welcome and honor our Rabbi on Sunday, June 14 at 6 p.m. Cost for dinner is $18 for adults; cost for children in grades 4 through 6 is $12. There will be special guest speaker, Luke Weber, a participant at Camp Simcha. Each summer, 400 seriously ill children are treated to unforgettable, medically supervised overnight camp experiences at Camp Simcha, for children battling cancer and other hematological illnesses, and Camp Simcha Special, for children with debilitating chronic conditions. At Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, children and teens trade hospital rooms and doctors’ offices for fun, friendship, and hope for the future. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities in fully handicapped-accessible facilities. Talent shows, concerts, and helicopter, hot-air, and motorcycle rides make every day super-special. Campers return home reinvigorated, with deep friendships and happy memories to help them travel the rough road ahead. (Source: Chai Lifeline.org) For many years, Rabbi Ari has worked with camp Simcha campers, and he hopes you will join him to hear Luke’s inspiring story. Reservations are encouraged and are due by June 5. For more information and to RSVP, please call Beth Israel at 402.556.6288.
by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The United States will ensure that any text coming out of a conference reviewing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty meets Israel’s interests, the White House said. Suggestions to the contrary are “offensive,” the White House said in an email sent to JTA on Thursday. Israeli officials are concerned that the Americans will not stop a resolution being considered at the forum underway at United Nations headquarters in New York that would defer to the U.N. secretary-general the decision on when to convene a conference on making the Middle East a nuclear-free zone. As it stands now, the United States, Russia and Britain must agree before such a conference goes ahead. The Obama administration has made good on a promise to Israel in 2010 that it would not allow such a conference to convene unless the conference met Israel’s terms. Bernadette Meehan, the National Security Council spokeswoman, told JTA in the email that nothing was finalized at the conference, and that the United States was looking out for its own interests and for Israel’s. “There is no final text on the Middle East conference, but we are working to ensure that it meets our interests and those of Israel,” she said in the email. Spain, acting on the behest of Egypt, is promoting the resolution that would defer final say on the conference to the secretary-general. Israel is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty and is not attending the review conference, which is in its final week. Israel, which is believed to possess a nuclear arsenal, is concerned that a regional conference would expose its nuclear capacity. Israel has said it backs moves toward creating a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, but only once comprehensive peace is in place -- terms that Arab countries reject, according to an analysis by the Arms Control Association. Israeli officials have expressed concerns that the U.S. will allow the Spanish resolution to advance. The matter first came up Wednesday in a story in Bloomberg News, and Abraham Foxman, the Anti-Defamation League’s national director, who is in Israel, said officials there have also raised the matter with him. “They’re very disturbed, they’re very concerned and worried that the Americans will permit the Spanish resolution to be voted on,” he told JTA. Meehan said the United States continues to work closely with Israel on the issue. “Both the United States and Israel support the creation of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East,” she said, using the shorthand term for weapons of mass destruction. “We are working closely with our Israeli partners to advance our mutual interests, including preserving the NPT,” Meehan said. “This Administration and this President do not break commitments to our Israeli partners, and any suggestion to the contrary is offensive."
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May 29, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 11
In memoriam EDYTHE LEVENSON BARON
JOHN BARON, M.D.
Edythe Levenson Baron passed away on May 21 at age 80 in Sarasota, FL. Services were held May 26 at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota, FL by Rabbi Michael Werbow. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Sara Levy Levenson. She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years Dr. John Baron of Sarasota, FL by one day; sons and daughtersin-law, Dr. Bruce and Jill Baron of Omaha and Dr. James and Kriss Baron of Lithia, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Felice Baron and David Berkowitz of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren: Madison Baron and Jacob Baron of Omaha, Ben Berkowitz and Dana Berkowitz of Sarasota, FL, Spencer Baron and J.J. Baron of Lithia FL; and brother and sister-inlaw, Allen and Nan Levenson of Pittsburgh PA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pittsburgh and worked as an elementary school teacher until her marriage and later became a Calligraphy Artist. She held many positions including president of Pittsburgh chapter of Hadassah, Beth Shalom Pittsburgh Board of Directors. Memorials may be made to Hadassah.
John Baron M.D. passed away on May 22 at age 82 in Sarasota FL. Services were held on May 26 at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota FL by Rabbi Michael Werbow. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Edythe Baron by one day, and parents, Charlotte Sudack Baron Lovitt and Theodore Baron. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Bruce and Jill Baron of Omaha and Dr. James and Kriss Baron of Lithia, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Felice Baron and David Berkowitz of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren: Madison Baron and Jacob Baron of Omaha, Ben Berkowitz and Dana Berkowitz of Sarasota, FL, Spencer Baron and J.J. Baron of Lithia, FL. He graduated from University of Massachusetts Yeshiva University Albert Einstein College of Medicine Pediatrics. He was in residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He was a member of the American Medical Association Allegheny County Medical Society American Academy of Pediatrics. Memorials may be made to Neuro Challenge for Parkinson’s in Sarasota, FL.
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Tai Chi for every body flexibility and balance. Staenberg also touts Tai Chi as a natural way to decrease blood pressure and reduce headaches. She has a dedicated group of regulars that has been attending classes with her for over a year, many of whom are older adults. The benefit of strengthening the lower body, along with balance improvement, is a big draw to help reduce falls as one ages. However, she emphasizes that Tai Chi is beneficial to everyone regardless of age. While the classes she offers at the JCC are geared more towards teens and adults, we discussed some anecdotal evidence from peers on the benefits of Tai Chi on children as young as preschool. She encourages people who are looking for a low impact, mind-clearing, and relaxing whole body exercise to consider Tai Chi. “I think it is important for those interested in Tai Chi to attend a few times just to get the pace, rhythm and movements down. It is a great work-out once the basic motion is understood; one need not be super athletic or agile to enjoy Tai Chi. It is really an ideal sport for everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability.” Tai Chi is one of the many excellent drop-in group exercise classes included with your Omaha JCC membership. Classes are held in the studio adjacent to the gymnasium, and participants should come dressed in soft, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes or barefoot.
CORRECTION In the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board Ad on page 5 in the May 22 issue two names were inadvertanly left off the board lists. Shira Abraham is a member of the JCC Board of Directors, and Jeff Gordman is the Co-President of the ADL/CRC Board of Directors. The Press regrets these errors.
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by GABBY BLAIR Growing in popularity among young and old alike, Tai Chi has found a niche following at the Omaha JCC. Led by instructor Beth Staenberg, this class is now offered twice a week on Tuesday 4-4:45 p.m. and Thursday 4:30-5:15 p.m. Staenberg, an Omaha native, is an Occupational Therapist and has been teaching Tai Chi for a little over five years. “I began to see a trend towards incorporating Tai Chi movements and methods in occupational therapy several years ago, and it piqued my interest. After taking a few courses, I just fell in love with it!” Staenberg goes on to say, “I teach Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, which is an evidence-based program through research at ORI (Oregon Research Institute) and is recommended by the Centers For Disease Control. I regularly attend trainings provided by Tai Chi for Balance in order to maintain my certification and to refine my techniques, which in turn allow me to be a better instructor. The benefits of this exercise are amazing. It forces us to slow down and become aware of our bodies. Each movement we expend energy on becomes purposeful.” Staenberg, who is also a certified yoga instructor, explains that while Tai Chi and yoga are similar in that both focus on breath work and body alignment, Tai Chi is much gentler and slower than most yoga classes. “It is a moving meditation, if you will,” says Staenberg. “In this class we are using an 8-form movement, modified from the original 24-form Tai Chi Chuan from China. Another important aspect of this class that differentiates it from yoga is that we are not getting down on the floor for poses; we keep moving in a standing or seated position,” explains Staenberg. Tai Chi has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress while increasing
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12 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2015
Could Israel really be barred from world soccer? by BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) -- Israel’s diplomatic battles have spread to the soccer field. On May 29, the body that governs world soccer, FIFA, will vote on whether to suspend Israel from international play. FIFA’s 209-member countries will vote on a motion introduced by the Palestinian Football Association, which is calling for the suspension on claims that Israel is hindering Palestinian soccer and breaking international law. Here’s what the Palestinians want, how Israel is fighting back, and how this could all shake out. Palestinians want freedom of movement for soccer players and to shut down settlement teams. The Palestinian Football Association, or PFA, says Israel is blocking its players from getting to games. Israeli security forces have blocked players and coaches from traveling to international matches, and haven’t allowed players to go between the West Bank and Gaza. Susan Shalabi, director of the PFA’s international department, told JTA that six top players were prevented from traveling to a match in 2010. Israel, Shalabi said, also is preventing the Palestinian Authority from building soccer facilities. Since 2009, she said, Israel has prevented construction materials for a soccer field from entering the Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahiya. “The decisions to let someone in or out were arbitrary,” Shalabi told JTA on Tuesday. “There were always security reasons for the Israeli occupation to deny someone from coming.” The PFA also claims that Israeli settlements’ soccer teams should not be allowed to play in Israel’s league, saying they are located in Palestinian territory. Five such teams compete: Maaleh Adumim, Ariel, Kiryat Arba, the Jordan Valley and Givat Zeev. If the Palestinian motion passes, Israel would be barred from international soccer. When the Palestinian motion comes up for a FIFA vote, it will need a three-quarters majority to pass. And if it does, Israel’s individual soccer teams and its national team will be barred from playing official matches with teams from other countries. Soccer is Israel’s most popular sport, and though Israel qualified for a World Cup tournament only once, in 1970, Israeli soccer teams frequently travel abroad for matches. Coming amid growing economic, academic and cultural
Israel’s national soccer team training in Tel Aviv, Sept. 4, Credit: Flash90 2013. boycott efforts against Israel, expulsion from international competition in the world’s most popular sport would be a sharp blow for everyday Israelis. Israel is pushing back by lobbying foreign governments and citing security threats. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has been lobbying governments to oppose the motion on the grounds that it’s a political dispute unrelated to soccer. Shlomi Barzel, the Israeli Soccer Association’s head of communications, told JTA that Israel sees the initiative as a way for Jibril Rajoub, a senior P.A. official and head of the PFA, to hurt Israel’s international standing. “Even the biggest Israel-hater in the world understands this has a political basis,” Barzel told JTA. “It’s not relevant.” Barzel said the Palestinians’ complaints all concerned Israel’s security forces, not its soccer teams. He claimed that only one percent of all Palestinian soccer players are denied travel. When Israel denies exit, he said, it’s because the player in question is known to present a security risk. Regarding settlement teams, Barzel said that as long as Israel considers the settlements its sovereign territory, the teams will be allowed to play in Israeli leagues. In 2013, Netanyahu met with FIFA President Sepp Blatter to provide photographic evidence that Israel said shows Palestinian terror groups using soccer fields to launch rockets at Israel. This isn’t the first time the two sides have clashed over soccer.
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Palestinian sports officials have long been railing against Israeli restrictions on their teams. In 2012, the head of the Palestinian Olympic delegation voiced similar complaints to JTA about freedom of movement. Two years ago, Blatter convened a meeting of the heads of the Israeli and Palestinian soccer associations and created a task force to resolve the issue. The talks led to a 2013 FIFA proposal mandating that the PFA notify Palestinian and Israeli authorities of player movement 35 days in advance of travel and then be given two more weeks to change their player list. But the proposal has failed to resolve the dispute. In 2014, Rajoub threatened to put forth a motion to suspend Israel at that year’s FIFA Congress in Sao Paolo, Brazil. But he backed off after FIFA resolved to continue working toward a resolution, appointing Cypriot soccer chief Costakis Koutsokoumnis to oversee the issue. Shalabi said the Palestinians would withdraw the motion only if Israel meets the PFA’s demands. She said the Israel Football Association should criticize Israeli security restrictions when they interfere with Palestinian soccer. Barzel supported Israel’s security policy, but said Israel wants to continue negotiating within FIFA’s framework. He added that Israel has repeatedly proposed a match between the Israeli and Palestinian national teams because Israel believes “soccer can connect people.” FIFA President Sepp Blatter wants to strike a deal to prevent the vote. Blatter will visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday and Thursday, meeting with Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas separately in hopes of finding a resolution. Blatter, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday, has staked out a middle ground on the issue. He opposes Israel’s suspension and, like Israel, supports continuing negotiations. But he also wrote in the May 15 issue of the FIFA Weekly magazine that Israel must make concessions to the Palestinians. “A solution is only a realistic proposition when those who are privileged are prepared to concede something and contribute to equality,” he wrote. “The onus in this respect is on Israel, with its outstanding infrastructure, fully functioning professional football league and economic context.” Barzel thinks Blatter’s efforts will succeed, but Shalabi said she was “pessimistic.”
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