Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
The story of Izzy Ezagui
August 21, 2015 6 Elul 5775 Vol. 95 | No. 49
This Week
by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Imagine a young Jewish-American boy growing up in peace and security in middle-class Miami. He is raised religious, but also happily assimilated and relatively unaware of the existential threats directed at his religion and heritage in other parts of the world. How did he summon the courage, conviction and fortitude demanded of him when, as a young 19-year-old IDF soldier, he was struck by a mortar shell at the Gaza border, losing his dominant left arm? Izzy Ezagui, an unassuming 24 year-old, will recount his personal story of struggle and determination during several Jewish Omaha speaking engagements Sept. 9 and 10 on behalf of the Jewish Federation’s 2016 Annual Campaign. It's clear his tale is far from ordinary. Izzy traveled with his family to Israel in 2001 to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Twenty minutes after Ezagui and his parents left clothing at a laundromat adjacent to a Sbarro pizzeria at the corner of King George Street and Jaffa Road in Jerusalem – one of Israel’s busiest intersections – a Hamas suicide bomber detonated a
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Izzy Ezagui belt laden with explosives, including nails, nuts and bolts, inside the restaurant. That experience transformed him. “It left a mark on me,” Ezagui has said of the Jerusalem bombing. “I remember thinking, 'This is awful. I want to be able to do something to stop things like this from happening.'”
Descendants of Sam Bloom family reunite Hasidic Village makes parents choose: smartphone or children’s education Page 12
by DEBBIE FELLMAN More than a century after immigrants Sam Bloom and Lena Dia-
America to revisit the family’s roots together. A highlight of the Bloom Family
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
Next Month
8 10 11
Rosh Hashanah
The growing Bloom family in about 1923. Clockwise from left: Helen, Sam, Will, Lena, Harold, and Milt (in front). Shirley was born a few years later in 1925.
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mond married in Omaha, nearly 60 of their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren gathered here from across
Reunion 2015 was a bus tour of homes, schools, synagogues, and businesses from the Bloom family’s history, including the 24th and Lake St. area, where Sam and Lena married at Gentleman’s Hall in 1910, and the 20th and Farnam area, where Sam and his sons operated Bloom Auto Sales for many years. Sam arrived in Omaha in 1904 from Riga, Latvia, having sailed aboard the Oscar II from Copenhagen. Lena was from Varklan, Latvia. Together they raised five children: Continued on page 2
credit: The Times of Israel As a teenager back in Miami, that conviction never wavered and, in 2007, he obtained dual citizenship and joined the IDF as a volunteer. When his family moved to Israel shortly after, he joined full time, beginning his two-and-a-half year service in February 2008. “It felt like the right thing to do. As
a young Jewish person growing up in the States, you learn Jewish history… and honestly, I look at it as a privilege to do something for the Jewish people,” he has said. The mortar attack occurred while Izzy’s battalion was positioned at the Gaza Border during Operation Cast Lead (He let his mother think he was stationed at the Lebanese border “washing dishes”). Refusing to let the loss of his arm derail his IDF career, Izzy persevered despite what many would call insurmountable obstacles. In 2010 he returned to active duty, incredibly, serving in the Special Forces Paratrooper Unit. He became the first soldier in Israel’s history to rejoin the army in a military role after sustaining such an injury in combat. In May of 2011, Shimon Peres, then President of Israel, awarded him the highest accolade a soldier outside the battlefield can receive. Yet, Izzy says he doesn’t feel special. “I’m just an ordinary guy,” he has said, “I had the will to do this one thing and succeeded because I was passionate about it. I wanted to prove to myself that I was still worth something. If I can do it, so can anyone else.” Continued on page 2
Jewish Kehilla Cup by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Want to motivate a crowd to action? What better way than through a little friendly competition. Americans love to compete with each other and thrive on the camaraderie and sportsmanship that a contest can provide. With this in mind, the Federation Development team has adapted “The Kehilla Cup” challenge, a sports-style competition that pits teams of Campaign solicitors in a friendly race for a good cause -- fundraising for the Annual Campaign! Football season is just around the corner and for Omaha’s Kehilla Cup, teams of volunteers will choose “draft” cards (prospective donors) and teams score points for reaching a wide variety of “goals”. The popularity of fantasy football has exploded in recent years. 33.6 million people played fantasy football in the U.S. in 2013. Fantasy
Football combines America’s love for football with competition among friends, family and peers and in the case of the Annual Campaign – it’s all for a good cause: supporting Jews at home and around the world and sustaining our community. “Much like fantasy football, this concept appeals to a wide age and demographic range. Anyone can participate and we promise lots of fun and good sportsmanship,” said Annual Campaign Chair Howard Kooper. Chief Development Officer Steve Levinger explains, “Kehilla means ‘community’ in Hebrew. The Cup will unite and inspire our own Omaha Jewish community via a friendly team competition where participants connect with fellow Jews, learn of their Jewish interests, educate on our Federation mission and, ultimately, secure 2016 Campaign pledges.“ Commissioner Brian Nogg called his team captains together for a first meeting on Aug. 5 when they Continued on page 3
2 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2015
The month of Elul
Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER “Elul” is the name of the last month on the Hebrew calendar. Like the names of the rest of the Hebrew calendar months, “Elul” was brought from the Babylonian Exile; the meaning of the word comes from the Akkadian for “harvest.” The month of Elul was blessed in synagogues throughout the world on the morning of Aug. 8. (Interesting side point: Do not expect any advance blessings on the Saturday before the subsequent new Hebrew month of Tishrei--it coincides with Rosh Hashana and we don’t want to give the Evil One time to prepare his case against us.) Elul is a time for reflection and repentance in advance of the High Holidays; indeed, the Sephardim begin their slichot (penitential prayers) from the very start of Elul (Ashkenazim take it easy until the week before the New Year). As a way to sensually—and powerfully—remind us of the upcoming Day of Judgement, the shofar is sounded at every traditional weekday morning prayer service during the month of Elul (except on the eve of Rosh Hashanah— Yes, it seems that You Know Who is easily tricked). Below I translate some remarks by my friend and teacher Rabbi Lior Engelman concerning Elul. Sometimes we feel that we have missed the big picture because of the little details. We know this feeling from all areas of life. For example, the prospective joy of the Passover holiday gives way to the stress of the onerous cleaning preparations, and the exciting prospect of a shared life together
gives way to the thousands of aggravating details attendant upon the upcoming wedding. The month of Elul also falls victim to this phenomenon. The days of Elul are supposed to be days of mercy and penitential prayers, days of divine love and forgiveness. However, for many of us, Elul signifies something else. Elul turns into a difficult and threatening month, a month full of unlimited pounding upon one’s chest. The days of Elul become “days of awe,” not in the original sense of “wonder and amazement,” but in the sense of days filled with sorrow and pain. A month of mercy and forgiveness becomes a month of punishment and rebuke. It doesn’t have to be this way. The days of Elul are days of renewal. Our tradition teaches us that these are days when “the King is in the field” (a reference to this time of year as being particularly appropriate for repentance), and as such, a time suffused with graciousness. Elul is a time to free oneself from bothersome habits and unpleasant burdens. These are days when we are welcomed back to being God’s children. Most essentially in Elul, we have a rendezvous with the Lord of the Universe, a chance to again touch the great truth of our lives. To be sure, in advance of such a meeting we need to prepare. We need to open the backpack that we have carried over our shoulders throughout the year and discover what’s in it. We don’t want to meet our Lord while struggling under a heavy weight of sin. However, the search through our personal backpack is not designed to “catch” us and our faults; it is designed to plant within us the hope of renewal. The sounds of these days are not the depressive sounds of “We have sinned, we have rebelled.” The sounds of Elul are saturated with the certainty that God is “The Lord of Forgiveness.”‘ A great meeting with the King of Kings approaches—it’s impossible not to be happy.
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The story of Izzy Ezagui
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Continued from page 1 On Wednesday, Sept. 9 Izzy will speak to Jewish Omaha teens at 6 p.m. at the JCC. All Jewish teens are invited to attend, and a pizza dinner will be served. The following day, Izzy will join a Federation Next Gen group
I wanted to prove to myself that I was still worth something -- Izzy Ezagui Sam and Lena Bloom in approximately 1910, perhaps as newlyweds. Both were immigrants from Latvia. Continued from page 1 • Will, who with wife Flora raised three children: Dorothy (Belzer Rainier), Larry, and Neil. • Harold, who with wife Dina Himelbloom raised four children: Twins Bernard and Bruce, followed by Beverly (Fellman) and Brent. • Helen, who with husband Maury Roginsky raised a son, Alan, and eventually moved to Las Vegas • Milt, who with wife Esther, raised daughters Nancy (Wintroub) and Sheila (Moravec) • Shirley, who with husband Norman Rosenzweig moved to Seattle in the 1950s and raised three children: David, Betty
for lunch and Thursday evening Izzy addresses the community’s major donors at a 2016 Annual Campaign event. For more information, please contact Chief Development Officer Steve Levinger at slevinger@jew ishomaha.org or to read more about Izzy, check out www.izzy-speaks.com.
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Screening of 1913: Seeds of Conflict launches a busy Fall schedule at UNO by KASEY DAVIS Finally, we are pleased to announce the return of the Staff Assistant, Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies monthly Middle East Forum (MEF), now is in its fourth The University of Nebraska Omaha’s Schwalb Center is year. The three Middle East Forums in Fall 2015 will be pleased to announce a number of upcoming events for Fall held on Thursdays, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, and Nov. 19. All the 2015. Members of the community are welcome to partici- forums are held between noon-1 p.m. at the Community pate in these offerings, all of which are meant to enhance Engagement Center (CEC). Parking for all CEC events is knowledge and spark interest in the study of Israel and the available in the parking lot directly in front (North) of the Middle East. All of the events listed below are free of charge with the exception of the Oct. 27 screening of Borrowed Identity at the Ruth Sokolof Theater. The inaugural event will be the screening of 1913: Seeds of Conflict. This 2014 PBS documentary depicts the earliest phase of the century plus conflict over Israel/Palestine. It will be shown as part of Dr. Moshe Gershovich’s UNO class, “Israel and Palestine”, and will be followed by a discussion, moderated by Dr. Patrick McNamara, who directs UNO’s “Sustained Dialogues” program. A scene from the PBS documentary 1913: Seeds of Conflict The film will be shown at UNO’s Community Engagement Center (CEC) on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6-8:40 p.m. Another film and discussion to be shown in Dr. Gershovich’s class is the documentary The Gatekeepers (Israel, 2012). It will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6-8:40 p.m. at the Community Engagement Center. This documentary features conversations with six of Israel’s former top security chiefs. The main event planned by the Schwalb Center this fall will be a screening of the movie Borrowed Identity (Israel, 2014) based on two books by Israeli author, Sayed Kashua. It will be shown at Film Streams/Ruth Sokolof Theater on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7-9:30p.m. The movie deals with the challenges of Jewish-Arab coexistence building and is free of charge. in Israel today. A discussion following the screening will For all inquiries regarding these events or any other feature Mr. Kashua and fellow Israeli author, Assaf Gavron, questions, please contact Kasey Davis (unoschwalbcenas well as Dr. McNamara, who will moderate. ter@un omaha.edu) or by phone at 402.554.2788.
Jewish Kehilla Cup Continued from page 1 conducted a “draft” and chose the donor cards they will solicit throughout Campaign season. Commissioner Nogg is heading his own team. Additional team captains are Jeff Nogg, Tim Zweiback/Mike Abramson, Mike Miller, Lisa Lucoff, Dan Marburg, Bruce Goldberg, Carrie Fingold, and Adam Kutler. Prior to the official “Kick-off ” on Aug. 26, captains will be assembling their teams. They will be scouting for mental toughness, charm, salesmanship and perseverance. Levinger says friends, spouses and relatives are all “fair game”. “If you want to participate and get drafted by any of our outstanding captains, please let me know. It’s not too late to join a team.” No football season is complete without cheerleaders and Levinger says, in this instance, he envisions Federation staff taking on that role. “We will provide plenty of support, logistics and training along the way,” he said. “We’re planning a great season of fun, engagement and community spirit.” The Aug. 26 event is described as a “rah rah” session where teams will learn the rules of the Kehilla Cup followed by a solicitation training session so everyone is fully prepared for competition. Of course, competition is no fun without prizes; the most coveted of which is the Kehilla Cup! Teams will want bragging rights to being the first Kehilla Cup winners with their names engraved on the Cup. Teams will learn all about Kehilla Cup scoring. Points are generated by team members and the donor engagement they undertake. New gifts, increased gifts, face-to-face solicitations and completed donor cards – these are just some of the points categories teams will work with. Levinger has even planned for team bonus points. Teams that establish a name or theme prior to the Aug. 26 Kick-off will earn 100 extra points and teams that arrive on the 26th in “team spirit wear” also earn an extra 100 points. “We feel strongly that this team concept will build relationships and friendships among the solicitors and help create fun and goodwill among donors. Its win-win,” Levinger added. So answer the call when you hear from a Kehilla Cup team member. Know that they have joined the team, trained for the competition and are passionate about helping the Jewish Federation during the 2016 Annual Campaign.
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Another exciting Religious School year at Temple Israel by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel Who doesn’t get excited for a new school year? A fresh new beginning! New clothes, new books and new school supplies have been purchased. Religious school at Temple Israel is all set to begin on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. Our educational vision at Temple Israel remains strong. We continue to engage congregants of all ages in continuous Jewish learning and provide opportunities for Jewish growth by: Instilling a feeling of belonging to our own Temple Israel community and the greater Jewish community as a whole (klal Yisrael) Developing Reform Jewish identity through the exploration of the major streams of Judaism, here and around the world. Developing an individual level of competency in participating in and/or leading a Reform Shabbat service and reading and applying Torah to their everyday lives Fostering the development of a personal understanding of God Fostering a connection to the land and people of the State of Israel, including its culture, history and place in the world Demonstrating compassion through mitzvot and respect for others We are proud of the partnerships we have built with our families and look forward to that partnership growing even stronger this year. During the morning of Sunday, Aug. 23, we will unveil the new multicolored mural on the staircase leading down to the school
wing. The mural was designed by the students of Temple Israel and looks amazing in its finished form. Sharon ComisarLangdon, Interim Religious School Director, when asked about the mural said, “All I can say is Wow! I cannot wait to see the expression on everyone’s face when they see how it turned out. I know our teachers are going to want to use the mural as a teachable moment in their classes on the first day of school.” Special programs and class trips in the confirmation program will again play a major role in the school. There will be special Shabbat dinner programs for grades 3 through 6 when they will also participate in the Friday evening worship service. The successful Experience Shabbat programs for families with students in Kindergarten to 6th grade will again be happening and were a wonderful way for families to spend time together on Shabbat afternoon. Our Ninth grade will travel to New York City this fall with Rabbi Brown to learn and enjoy all that New York has to offer. The 10th grade will travel to Washington D.C. to learn about social justice and Tikkun Olam with students from all over the United States when they participate in the Religious Action Center's L'Taken Seminar. Finally, our 11th and 12th graders will visit Israel in December on our Omaha Community Teen Trip. If you would like more information about Temple Israel’s religious school or confirmation program, please contact Sharon Comisar-Langdon, Interim Religious School Director, at 402.556.6536.
The Middle East in the News by JTA NEWS STAFF Over 111 terrorist attacks stopped in West Bank, Jerusalem in 2015 (JTA) — Israeli security forces said they prevented 17 suicide attacks and eight kidnappings so far in 2015, in addition to several attacks stopped by the Palestinian Authority. Five of the 17 attacks that the Shin Bet reported stopping were planned by Hamas members, five were planned by other groups and the remaining seven were not affiliated with any organization, the Times of Israel reported Wednesday. Unaffiliated terror cells are growing in number and tend to be difficult for security services to monitor, according to the Times of Israel. In total, Israel has prevented 111 attempted terrorist attacks in 2015, more than half of them planned by members of Hamas. Nearly all the thwarted attacks targeted Israelis in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. West Bank Bedouin tent burned down in suspected arson attack JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A tent in the West Bank Bedouin village of Kafr Malik, located north of Ramallah, was burned completely during the morning of August 13, according to reports. It had been used for storage and unoccupied at the time of the fire. Graffiti spray-painted on a rock near the burned-down tent included a Star of David and the words “administrative revenge,” which could refer to the recent administrative detention orders for three suspected Jewish extremists. Under administrative detention, prisoners can remain in custody for up to six months without a hearing or charges, renewable indefinitely.
The suspected extremists were arrested after the July 31 arson attack on a West Bank Palestinian home that left a baby and his father dead. The West Bank village of Duma, where the attack occurred, is located about three miles from the Bedouin village where the Aug. 13 attack took place. Record number of travelers passing through Ben Gurion Airport JERUSALEM (JTA) --Nearly 80,000 people flew in and out of the Tel Aviv-area airport on 457 flights Aug. 13, Globes reported, making it the most traveled day ever at the airport. Some two million people were expected to fly in and out of Ben Gurion on international flights during the month of August, making it the most traveled month ever, the business daily reported. Air traffic was up in July as well, with 20 percent more passengers and 10 percent more flights over the previous year. British petition calls for arrest of Netanyahu for ‘war crimes’ JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A petition calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visits Britain in September has reached more than 41,000 signatures. The online petition was uploaded on Aug. 7 to the United Kingdom Parliament’s official website. After 10,000 signatures, the government must respond to the petition; after 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. As of Wednesday, Aug. 12, the government had not responded to the petition.The Israeli news website Ynet quoted unnamed officials at the British Foreign Office as calling the petition “a publicity stunt.”
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Omaha Jewish Film Festival by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life The record-setting Omaha Jewish Film Festival comes to a close this Sunday, Aug. 23 with the film, Above and Beyond beginning at 7:15 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Audience response for the films already shown has been very positive. Here are some comments. On Dough – “The movie was funny and had a quiet way of delivering a message and looking at relationships, both within and outside of the family. Great movie!” Followed by “Is Dough available to rent? I’d love to watch it again.” [Note: Dough will be released on DVD in the fall of 2016 and will be available in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.] About “24 Days” - “Wow, this was excellent” plus “This movie was difficult to watch – you just didn’t want to believe that all this was happening. But it was so well done that I came away feeling that I had seen a powerful message that was worth absorbing.” On Besa: The Promise´ - “Wow! What a story! I had no idea that all of this took place. These families were absolutely incredible, and you have to admire the men who took it upon themselves to tell those stories.” At the time of this writing, The Last Mentsch (Der Letzte Mentsch) has not yet been shown, but from those who have previewed the film, we are confident that it will meet with equal acclaim. There was also an unexpected pleasure at the showing of Besa. Members of the Gjoca family, were in attendance. Nils Gjoca is the grandson of Deshire Kumi-Veseli, a woman from Albania who was awarded the Courage to Care award by the ADL in 2011 during the IHE’s Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest in 2011. Deshire is an Albanian Muslim woman who, along with her family, rescued two Yugoslavian Jewish families during WWII. Nils sister, Olta, accepted the award on behalf of her grandmother in 2011. The final film, Above and Beyond, will no doubt end the festival on a high note. Would you risk everything - your future, your citizenship, even your life - to help a brother in
need? For a group of Jewish American and Canadian pilots the answer was “Yes” when there was a call for help. In secret, and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia and flew for Israel in its 1948 War of Independence. Told through the narratives of four of these individuals, the movie is a mixture of history, drama, humor, personal meaning, and fellowship. Released in 2014 and directed by Roberta Grossman, the movie was filmed in
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Nils Gjoca with his wife and Rich Juro Israel and the United Kingdom. It is in English and is 90 minutes in length. There is also a wonderful local connection to the film. A long-time member of the Omaha community was one of the courageous airmen. At the time he volunteered, the late Syd Osten had just completed his service in the Canadian Air Force during World War II. Syd’s widow, Gigi, who lives in Scottsdale, reports that Syd is pictured in one of the group photos in the film. The Omaha Jewish Film Festival is presented jointly by The Center for Jewish Life as part of its mission to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences, and the Institute for Holocaust Education with its mission to provide educational resources, workshops, survivor testimony, and integrated arts programming to students, educators, and the public. The festival is made possible through the generous sponsorships provided by Todd and Betiana Simon, the Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith plus the following funds of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation: The Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University; Special Donor Advised Fund; Samuel & Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund and Avy L. & Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey Miller-Lerman. Tickets are just $5, plus free popcorn, candy and drinks are available. For more information, please call 402.334.6463 or 402.334.6575.
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Memories of JCC Summer Camp
From the Foundation Director HOWARD EPSTEIN, Executive Director, JFO Foundation Friday, Aug. 7 marked the end of the Omaha Jewish Community Center’s summer day camp sessions. What a joy it has been to see the hallways of the JCC and the
grounds surrounding the Jewish Federation campus filled with laughter and youthful enthusiasm these past couple months. While the campers are now back in school, they will carry their memories of Camp JCC for the rest of their lives, as do many of us who went to Camp JCC, whether the sessions were held at the JCC, Camp Esther K. Newman or Camp Brewster.
Recently, I visited with a gentleman now in his 60s, whose fondness for outdoor activity and love of certain Olympic and Maccabi Games sports blossomed when he was a camper at Camp JCC, then held at Camp Brewster, just south of Bellevue. Our Foundation staff is working with this gentleman to establish an endowment that will bring those sports and outdoor activities back to Omaha’s JCC. Do you wish to give today’s Jewish youth the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement that motivated you when you were a kid, the experience that helped mold you into the productive, energetic adult of today? You can do so by estab-
lishing your own endowment at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, customized to match your philanthropic goals and ideals with the needs of Omaha’s Jewish community. I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Please feel free to contact me at 402.334.6466 or by email at hepstein@jewishomaha.org.
Innovation and Excellence in Education www.friedeljewishacademy.com 402.334.0517
6 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2015
Danny Denenberg wins Woodmen Speech Contest by CLAUDIA SHERMAN for Friedel Jewish Academy Nearly 90,000 fifth through eighth graders across the United States competed in this year’s Modern Woodmen of America’s School Speech Contest. Progressing from the school level to the county/district, and the state/regional contests, 24 advanced to the national judging in July. Imagine Omahan Danny Denenberg’s reaction when he was told that he had won first place in the national contest. “My mother called them (Modern Woodmen) to see if the results were in,” Danny explained. “They said they were just about to call us with good news. My reaction? Super excited!” A 2015 graduate of Friedel Jewish Academy, Danny, 12, won a $2,000 Modern Woodmen Bank savings plan and two award plaques -one for him and one for Friedel. Danny indicated he would save his winnings “for school!” Danny’s parents are Steven and Tippi Denenberg. Modern Woodmen developed the speech contest in 1948 to offer students an opportunity to develop skills in clear thinking and public speaking. In the official letter to Danny announcing his first place standing, Kristen D. Roberts, from the Fraternal Financial Department of Modern Woodmen of America, wrote, “The caliber of your speech and delivery earned you first place among this talented pool.” The letter went on to describe Danny as “a credit to your family, school, and community.” Also included in the letter was a page of comments from judges of the contest. Highlights included comments such as “this is a very interesting topic…very well organized…interesting opening that you explained well at the end…you are clear, expressive, and very comfortable…you are top notch…you love this topic and made us love it too…you have excellent presentation skills…very well done!” Danny’s family was happy, too, of course, he added. “But it was just another Shabbos dinner that night -- happy and chatty per usual.” This year’s speech theme, as determined by Modern Woodmen, was “an interesting landscape.” Danny’s speech focused on the David Belasco Theater, originally known as the Stuyvesant Theatre which opened in 1907 in New York City. The architect, George Keister, designed the theater for impresario David Belasco. Danny’s speech detailed the rich history of the Belasco Theater and some spooky stories of the theater’s namesake. “The Belasco was rumored to be haunted by (Belasco’s) ghost,” said Danny in his speech, “Some actors on stage said they noticed a sole dark figure watching them closely. Others said (Belasco) would walk up to them after a show and tell them they had done a good job.”
Danny also noted the theater’s historical significance. “The Belasco was home to many pivotal events. In 1946, an unknown actor named Marlon Brando was hailed as a genius for his breakout performance at the Belasco,” Danny pointed out in his speech. “And the Belasco produced ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ the first play by a black woman…on
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Club Broadway.” “I loved my subject,” Danny insisted. “I learned a lot about the theater’s amazing and interesting history, how it was built -- which revolutionized the building of modern theater.” He also was impressed by “how progressive Belasco was socially and theatrically. He was an interesting character.” Danny chose the Belasco as his subject, “because my Aunt Debbie (Denenberg), a former New York City Broadway producer told me about it.” Debbie Denenberg was also Danny’s coach, for which he is appreciative. This summer, he was treated to a private tour behind the stage of the theater and Belasco’s ten-room apartment above the theater. “No one gets to do this,” Danny said. “It was quite a treat.” “I like the entertainment value of giving a speech. It’s hard to separate acting from speech giving. You have to have one for the other.” Included among the venues where Danny has performed as an actor are the Omaha Community Playhouse, The Rose Theater, Chanticleer Theater, at the Great Plains Theatre Festival, and the Jewish Community Center. Danny is grateful to his teachers at Friedel for their support as he climbed to the national level. “My teachers, especially Denise Bennett, were awesome. They were always giving helpful comments,” he remarked. Last year, representing the state of Nebraska, Danny placed in the top nine of the Modern Woodmen contest competitors. Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. The speech contest purpose is to provide students with valuable personal and academic experiences.
Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Aug. 26, noon. For more infor-
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mation or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
August 2015 Members GOLD Bruce Belgrade Sandra Belgrade Lorrie Bernstein in memoriam of Sheldon Bernstein Jill & Mike Erman Marlen Frost
Gloria & Howard Kaslow Joel Patton and Muriel Kamp Sissy Silber in memoriam of Howard Silber Joodi & Norman Veitzer Nora & Barry Zoob
PUBLISHER Gabby & Jason Blair Marlene & David Cohen Mimi & Scott Farkas Amy & Sandy Friedman Fran & Rich Juro Jody & Neal Malashock
Sandy & Greg Meyerson Patty & Steve Nogg Iris & Marty Ricks Sissy Silber in memoriam of Howard Silber Nancy & Phil Wolf
EDITOR Beth Cohen & Harry Berman Claire and Larry Blass Sally & Paul Fine Mary Sue & Alex Grossman Randi Friedel Jablin Sylvia Kaiman of blessed memory Gloria Jones Shane & David Kotok
Abigail & Adam Kutler Bonnie & Steve Levinger Pam & Henry Monsky Stephan Newman Phyllis Schwartz Susann & Paul Shyken Jay Simon Esther & James Wax
REPORTER Marcia Arch Molline & Fritz Cassman Audrey Epstein Sharon & Howard Epstein Liz & Yonatan Feldstern Cantor Leo & Annette Fettman Lois & Lloyd Friedman Myrna Grumer Joanie & Richard Jacobson Julee Katzman David Lercher
Elinore Penner Debbie & Lloyd Roitstein Susan Rothholz Lynne & Errol Saltzman Claudia & Marc Sherman Susie Silverman Coke Tillman Lois & Norman Wine Jeremy Wright Phyllis & Harold Zabin
August 21, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7
JCC Backyard Concert Series Only two shows left! by GABBY BLAIR If you missed out on the 2015 JCC Backyard Concert Series kick off last weekend, do not despair! There are still two opportunities to enjoy some live music in the park! Come enjoy the groovy, eclectic sounds and original music of Pancho and the Contraband on Sunday Aug. 23 and the
friends and family? In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held in the JCC Theater. Please consider bringing a donation of unexpired pasta sauce, pasta, 15 oz cans of fruits in juice and vegetables, toilet paper, deodorant, and disposable razors for JFS. Look for the specially marked donation blue bins as you enter
Backyard concert series smooth funk/R&B soul music of Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal on Sunday Aug. 30 from 5-7 p.m., respectively. All concerts are free and open to the public, with desserts available for purchase. Bring your blankets and picnics to the JCC back lawn, adjacent to the Pavilion; what could be better than spending a lazy, late summer evening basking in an idyllic, tree-filled field listening to live music with
Pancho and the Contraband the concert. Any questions should be directed to Esther Katz, JCC Cultural Arts Director 402.334.6406 or at ekatz@jccomaha. org. Thanks to the continued generosity of the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, the Herbert Goldsten Trust and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Special DonorAdvised Fund the show will go on!
The coolest jerseys at Ragbrai Richard Jacobson, right, and Mark Kohn eating lunch on the first day of Ragbrai. Ragbrai is a ride across the State of Iowa and the first day was 77 miles with 4,100 ft. climb. They reported that, “What you may consider newsworthy would be our jerseys. We’re a couple of Jewish boys wearing Hebrew National jerseys. There are only 12 of these jerseys in existence, and we had the only two out of 17,000 riders. Many people commented on them and wanted to know where to get one.”
Engagement BJORKLUND/SWEET Duane and Kathy Bjorklund of Welch, MN are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Jillian Renee Bjorklund to Joshua Harris Sweet, son of Mark and Lynn Sweet and the late Lori Sweet of Omaha. The bride-to-be graduated from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 2011 with a degree in Biology and Water Resources. She is employed with Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Her fiancé is a 2009 graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management. He is employed with Three Rivers Park District in Scott County, MN. He is the grandson of Morris and Helen Sweet of Lincoln, NE and Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) Irvin Harris of La Mesa, CA and the late Martha Harris. A September wedding is planned in Brainerd, MN.
Haredi school cancels Rivlin visit over LGBT support by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A haredi Orthodox school in Jerusalem canceled a visit by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin reportedly over his support for the LGBT community. Kehilat Yaakov administrators sent a letter to Rivlin on Tuesday via the Jerusalem municipality nixing the visit, which was scheduled for the first day of school in the haredi community. He was to be part of a class on unconditional love. The school cited the president’s statements following the stabbing attack at the Jerusalem gay pride parade that left one teenage marcher dead. Rivlin condemned the attack, calling it “a terrible hate crime.” Army Radio, which first reported the cancellation, reported on Wednesday that several haredi rabbis had pressured the school to cancel the appearance. The chairman of the Knesset Education Committee, Yaakov Margi of the Sephardic Orthodox Shas party, said the committee was considering dismissing the head of the school over the incident, according to Army Radio. The Education Ministry in a statement issued Wednesday said it views the incident as “very serious” and reaffirmed that it encourages teaching “tolerance, acceptance of others and pluralism.” The President’s Office said in a statement that it regretted the decision, but hoped that many would attend the lesson on unconditional love.
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8 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2015
Point of view
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Getting an education by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Raising a Jewish child is a full-time job. Luckily, we as parents don’t have to do it alone. We can send our children to religious school, we have access to wonderful clergy and can attend a variety of secular Jewish activities; we have holidayrelated events and youth groups, and many of you send your kids to Jewish summer camps. “Growing up Jewish” is made up of many different components from getting the help you need to read your Torah portion during B’nai Mitzvah to knowing how to roll perfectly round matzah balls. From knowing how to answer when your non-Jewish friends ask what your favorite Christmas present was to understanding why Israel is important. From mastering the appropriate blessings to realizing that being Jewish is a work in progress, and will be so for the rest of your life, because you will never stop learning. One of the biggest assets we have in Omaha when it comes to raising Jewish children is our Day School. But before I get into the how and why, I have to emphasize: it is not my intention to outright tell you to send your children there, or that there’s something wrong with you if you don’t. I would never presume to know what is best for you and your family. It’s not my job to tell you what to do or what to think. I wouldn’t dare. And, finally, my opinion is just that: my opinion. Not as an editor, but as a parent (just for this week; we’ll get back to politics next time!) All I want to do is tell you my personal story, and explain why my husband and I did make that choice. Our daughter Isabella started at Friedel Jewish Academy in 2006. Initially, it was a decision based on our gut -- we had visited the school, met some of the teachers, and it “felt right.” At the time, my husband and I still lived and worked at Boys Town, surrounded by non-Jews, where our daughter
was often the single child left out. Small things, like not being able to eat the pepperoni pizza or hotdogs provided during a party. Being the only child not sitting on Santa’s lap during the annual Christmas event. The only child without
an Easter basket. That’s not a criticism of Boys Town; it is just the way things were. Now, in all fairness, these are not life altering things. She is not traumatized. However, when you’re four years old, it
can be tough. No matter how your parents try to emphasize your own religion and your own special holidays, food and customs, at the end of the day you’re still the only one without a fluffy Easter bunny toy in your hands. The idea that she would be going to school surrounded by children just like her was phenomenally attractive, exciting, and a big relief. It felt like we were finally doing right by her. During her seven years there, Friedel has been a valuable component in her overall Jewish education, partnering with what she learned and experienced at home and at her synagogue. What’s more: she has learned to take an active role in her Jewish life. She is no passive consumer, she takes ownership and has a voice in what it means for her to be Jewish. Now, I can talk all day about how attending Friedel has helped shape her Jewish identity. But I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention that the general studies component Friedel offers is every bit as impressive. In my daughter’s words: “The class size is small, the entire school is small, and it forces you to get to know everybody, and learn to work with others. When you work together, you create a bond, and I really loved that about Friedel. The general studies teachers are amazing, they challenge you, and by the time I graduated and went to public school, I felt ready. From math to science to reading, the curriculum was well balanced; I was prepared for my next school. By the time I was in seventh grade, I was a little ahead of the other kids there; enough to give me confidence at my new school, but not so much that I felt left out.” Some of you are already planning to send your child to Friedel. For some of you, it’s not what you’re looking for. But for those of you who are on the fence: talk to the students, and talk to the parents of former and current students. If you have questions, we will be more than happy to answer them.
Why my kids are going back to Jewish Day School by RONA KAUFMAN KITCHEN (Kveller via JTA) — For four years, my children attended Community Day School, Pittsburgh’s independent Jewish day school located in Squirrel Hill, the city’s historically Jewish neighborhood. The school’s mission is to “educate Menschen: young people who are academically strong who grow to be good people, knowledgeable Jews, contributing citizens of the people of Israel, the United States, and our world.” Essentially, CDS promises not only a rigorous secular education – it promises to partner with me to raise my children. Last summer, however, we moved out to the suburbs. We moved for the top-ranked (and free!) public schools, the trees, the space, the peace, and the quiet. I knew that moving away from the heart of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and leaving the school that started the day with meditative tefillah (prayer), taught Hebrew alongside English, and infused Jewish studies into all aspects of education meant that I would need to ratchet up my Jewish mothering. So, I resolved to do just that. We would have Shabbat dinner with homemade challah on Friday nights without exception. We would become active members of the synagogue and attend services. We would celebrate Shavuot and Sukkot and the other “small” holidays in addition to the more widely observed Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I would speak Hebrew to the kids. They would attend Hebrew school twice a week. In my mind, I assured myself that I could make up for what my kids would be missing. As with so many other aspects of parenting, I thought I could provide everything they needed. After all, how could I not be qualified to raise Jewish children? I am the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and the daughter of Israelis. Hebrew was my first language. I attend-
(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Bookkeeper
Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Andrew Boehm, Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Alex Grossman, David Kotok, Debbie Kricsfeld, Abby Kutler, Pam Monsky, Paul Rabinovitz, Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob. 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 sto-
ed Gratz College’s Jewish Community High School. I taught Hebrew and religious school for six years. I’ve been to Israel countless times. During college, I belonged to a Jewish sorority, I was a USY advisor, and an intern for Chabad on Campus. I was a member of a Chevra Kadisha while in law school. I had a traditional Jewish wedding. As a professor, I am the advisor for my law school’s Jewish Law Student Association.
Surely, I would be capable of raising three Jewish children, providing them with a Jewish education, and instilling in them a love of Jewish values, community, and Israel even without their Jewish Day School as a partner. Surely, my Jewish mothering would be enough. Our move to the suburbs went well, and I was steadfast in my commitment to raise my children Jewishly. We joined the local synagogue and actively participated in family services. The kids attended religious school, where I substitute taught. We continued our tradition of Friday night dinners ries 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.
as often as our schedules allowed, joining with four other Jewish families to celebrate Shabbat once a month. I built my first sukkah (a very sad, unstable sukkah, but, a sukkah nonetheless). My daughter participated in the local Chabad Bat Mitzvah Club program. We volunteered with the Jewish Relief Agency to deliver food to families in need. All in all, I worked hard to ensure that my children continued to receive a Jewish upbringing. Meanwhile, our experience with the public schools was positive. The academics were rigorous, the families were welcoming, and the teachers and administrators were amazingly talented. My children were learning their secular subjects well. But we live in an age when “personal space” rules make it a violation for a kindergartener to kiss a friend, where educators are forced to prioritize standardized testing over deep learning and critical thinking, and where lunch and recess are supervised by lunch monitors instead of teachers. Moreover, constitutional limitations, liability issues, and testing requirements prevent our public schools from partnering with parents to raise children. And despite homemade challah on Friday nights and the sukkah in our beautiful suburban backyard, despite attending Shabbat services and Hebrew school, that is what is missing from our lives. The true gift of a Jewish day school is elusive. It is in the air. It is the energy, the families, the songs, the food, the “menschiness.” It is the Yiddishkeit. It is in the sense of community exhibited by the 8th grader who high-fives my then-1st-grader Joseph when we pass him walking down the street. Continued on page 9 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, 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 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.
August 21, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 9
Lobby hard on Iran deal, but ditch the stereotypes by JONATHAN GREENBLATT NEW YORK (JTA) -- Congress and the American people are focused on what everyone agrees is a historic, serious and consequential foreign policy decision -- the fate of the nuclear deal with Iran. While we all hope for a debate based on substance and conducted with civility, the truth is that political debates today are often characterized more by slogans and fearmongering than by evidence-based deliberations. Some of the rhetoric around the debate over the Iran deal has been far from edifying and downright worrying. Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, went so far as to accuse President Barack Obama of leading Israel “to the door of the ovens.” Other opponents of the deal have attacked the character of the president and Secretary of State John Kerry directly, with one even stooping so low as to suggest that Kerry is an agent of Iran and another saying the president is effectively declaring war on Israel. These are preposterous claims that should be rejected outright. On the other side, I am deeply troubled by rhetoric that characterizes opposition to the deal as motivated by disloyal attachments to other countries or by the religious affiliation of those against the agreement. A number of liberal advocacy groups have impugned the reputation of Sen. Charles Schumer, who is Jewish, describing the New York Democrat as a warmonger, a puppet of the Israeli prime minister and a traitor. Such accusations are baseless and unhelpful. In this environment, the Obama administration is waging a vigorous campaign for the deal’s approval. Part of any campaign is to define your opponent and do it in a sound bite. Having worked in the Obama White House, I have the extra benefit of knowing the president and his staff, what motivates them and the values they hold. They are not antiSemites, and in fact have a record of standing with the Jewish community and supporting Israel even when they have felt pressure not to. Yet as the debate over the Iran deal has gone forward, the administration has at times waded into characterizations
Jewish Day School Continued from page 8 It is Mrs. Glick approaching me the week after Naomi sang a solo at the Zimriah (Hebrew song and dance festival). She is glowing with a wide smile. She gently squeezes my arm and says, “Did you see OUR Naomi? Could you believe it? Wasn’t she amazing?” It is the kisses that the kindergarteners bestow upon Benjamin during his birthday celebration and the card that reads, “For your birthday, I want you to be my brother.” It is the sudden change in lesson plans to make time for students to discuss, process, and reflect upon a death in the community or news of a natural disaster or war from a Tikkun Olam, values-driven perspective. It is the drum music, dancing, and laughter that fill the gym during Kabbalat Shabbat. It is watching my daughter chant Torah in 5th Grade. It is knowing that my children’s teachers and friends love them. And knowing that my children know this, too. For these gifts and more, my kids will be returning to CDS in the fall, even though it means we will be schlepping to and from the suburbs each day. Since announcing our news, many have asked us why we are leaving our highly-ranked public school to return to CDS. I tell them I was wrong. As it turns out, I am no substitute for a Jewish day school education. For my family, it takes a Jewish day school to raise a Jewish child. Despite my strong Jewish identity and education, I cannot provide my kids with what they receive at Community Day School. I also explain that our decision to return to CDS is not a referendum on our public school district. The public schools are excellent. They will teach my children to read and write and add and subtract. They will prepare them for higher education and work. But they cannot partner with me to raise my children to live good Jewish lives, to know who they are, to feel that they are indispensable members of a community. For that, they need CDS. Rona Kaufman Kitchen is an Assistant Professor of Law at Duquesne University School of Law where she teaches Contracts, Family Law, and Employment Discrimination. Kveller is a thriving community of women and parents who convene online to share, celebrate and commiserate their experiences of raising kids through a Jewish lens. Visit Kveller.com.
that in the eyes of many members of the Jewish community recall malicious accusations about Jews. References to money and the well-funded opposition, while factually accurate, resonate negatively in a Jewish community that has
Sen. Charles Schumer was the subject of a cartoon that some saw as questioning his loyalty to the United States. Credit: Andrew Burton/Getty Images been targeted for centuries as using its wealth for sinister purposes. This anxiety only is bolstered when one realizes that no one has raised issues about the finances and organizations of the deal proponents. Moreover, claims that opponents of the proposed agreement are “the same folks who brought us the war in Iraq” remind many Jewish Americans of tired accusations against the “Jewish lobby” that has supposedly pushed for every failed policy in the Middle East. Yet there was no unified Jewish community position on the Iraq war, and the com-
munity was in no way a major factor in the Bush administration’s decision to launch the war. In fact, many Jewish Americans who are concerned about this deal with Iran actually were opposed to the Iraq war and bristle at accusations that imply “they got it wrong before, don’t listen to them now.” At best, this assertion is simply inaccurate. At worst, it can foster a hostile climate for the American Jewish community as the debate intensifies. Long after the dust settles it may also leave lingering questions about the Jewish ability to partake in public debate. This situation is exacerbated by framing opponents of the deal as simply advocating for war. Opponents of the deal in the Jewish community hear this as a suggestion that Jews are seeking yet again to drag the United States into conflict, possibly against American interests or to serve only Israeli ones. Agree or disagree with the deal, it is unfair to suggest that those who oppose it are advocating for war. Some sincerely believe in maintaining sanctions or the need to achieve a deal that addresses Iran’s human rights violations, sponsorship of terrorism and belligerence in the region. To be clear, we do not believe that the administration is buying into these canards. What we do believe is that this rhetoric is poisoning the political debate. Political leaders, commentators and advocates on both sides need to be aware of the painful history of anti-Semitism and how statements can both wound those who have experience with it and incite those looking for any opportunity to foster hostility toward Jews. Our message to both sides is clear: Debate this policy on the facts, without engaging in personal attacks on the intent or character of our leaders. Stick to your arguments and lobby hard. Express concerns without demonizing your opponents. Realize that accusations may linger long into the future. Let all of us, liberal or conservative, hawk or dove, commit to reject personal attacks and to avoid innuendo and stereotypes, whether intentional or not. Jonathan Greenblatt is national director of the AntiDefamation League.
Obama is ‘dog whistling’ about Jews? Ridiculous by ALAN SOLOW CHICAGO (JTA) -- Debaters know that when they are losing an argument, a good tactic is to change the subject. So it goes with the current accusations, completely untethered from reality, that President Obama is resorting to antiJewish “dog whistles” in his defense of the nuclear deal with Iran. Let’s begin with the facts. The president has continuously requested that opponents of the deal present an alternative that actually stands a chance of being implemented. None have been forthcoming. The mantra that more pressure will cause Iran to shut down its nuclear program is belied by the country’s history of proceeding full steam ahead in spite of severe economic hardship from existing sanctions. It also ignores the fact that the most effective sanctions, those enforced by the international community, are soon to be abandoned. More recent suggestions, that Iran will be well-behaved even without a deal because it fears the consequences of nuclear development, reflect an abandonment of the underlying motivation for negotiating with Iran in the first place. Overall, the call for “a better deal” is empty in the absence of a credible explanation of what it means and how we get there. These are among the reasons why so many Americans, including Jewish Americans, believe Congress should approve the JCPOA. So what’s an opponent of the deal to do? Change the subject. Go to a meeting with President Obama and, instead of engaging him on the substance of the deal, complain that his language in pointing out — accurately — that opponents of the deal plan to spend at least $40 million and send hundreds to Capitol Hill to lobby against it is anti-Semitic, or could be viewed as such. Note that there is nothing anybody identifies that the president actually said that singles out Jews. But since a Jewish-identified organization is openly leading the campaign against the deal, the argument is that the president’s defense of his position could unfortunately be misinterpreted as anti-Semitic. Really? This is a classic instance of the child who murdered his parents begging for mercy because he is an orphan. Nor has the president claimed that opponents of the deal
are “warmongers.” In fact, the president has said that while those working to upend the JCPOA might not desire war, the rejection of the deal substantially increases the likelihood of armed conflict because our diplomatic options will have been exhausted. The president raises the possibility of military action because he has the awesome responsibility to live up to his commitment to do whatever is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. In the face of this argument, the opponents resort to character smears to avoid exposing the weakness of their position. I have been actively engaged in our community for years, having served as chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations from 2009-2011, among many other positions. I have also known President Obama for decades. His administration has had an open door at the White House for Jewish advocates, including many who have opposed various of the president’s initiatives. More than a few of the president’s aides and appointees who have played leading roles in the effort to reach a nuclear deal are Jewish. The notion that this president would denigrate Jews is absurd. Instead of criticizing the president for imagined slights, we should be pointing to his record of continual engagement with the Jewish community, to say nothing of his unprecedented support for Israel’s security. It’s time for our community to mature. I have no quarrel whatsoever with Jewish individuals and organizations speaking out against the Iran deal if that is their position. If they do speak out against the deal, however, they should not hide behind manufactured accusations based on a false sense of victimhood. If you enter the ring, prepare to be hit and don’t complain that a blow to the body is below the belt. The irony here is that this fight proves that Jews are Americans just like our fellow citizens, able to engage fully in heated political discourse and be treated just like everyone else. This should be a moment of appreciation of how far we have come in this country rather than an excuse to claim that we are immune from the ordinary political rules that apply to all of us alike. Alan Solow was chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations from 2009 to 2011. The views expressed are his own.
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10 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2015
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Tribute cards for any occasion are available. Please contact Sissy Silber at 311 Oak Ridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062. 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.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. followed by Oneg. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush Lunch sponsored by Sylvia Wagner’s family in honor of her 90th birthday; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv and Ice Cream Bonanza, 8 p.m. for returning Camp Kids and their families. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Babies, Bigger Kids and Bagels, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; USY/Kadima Sushi Rush, 5 p.m. MONDAY: Women’s Book Club, 7 p.m. at the home of Sheryl Friedman. TUESDAY: Get into the Spirit of the High Holidays, noon at Spirit World. WEDESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY/Kadima Lounge Night and Dinner, 5 p.m.; BESTT Hebrew High Classes, 6:45 p.m.; Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m. Lunch at Nebraska AIDS Coalition, Friday, Aug. 28, 11:30 a.m. Social Action Committee Cooking/Serving Dinner at Stephen Center, Sunday, Aug. 30, 5:30 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/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; 15 mins after Kiddush -Mishna L’Neshamah; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:40 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 8:57 p.m.
Bat Mitzvah Elizabeth Zoe Kazor, daughter of Michelle and Stu Kazor, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Temple Israel. Elizabeth is a seventh grade Honor Roll student at Buffett Magnet Middle School. She has been a 4.0 student throughout her whole school career. She won a first place gold medal at Read to Succeed Competition, and a Scholarship Award for Academics and Executive Award for Leadership at Buffett. Her interests include dancing at the JCC since she was 3 yrs old, baking, hanging out with friends, paddle boarding, swimming, playing the violin and is a past JCC Musical Theatre participant. For her Mitzvah project, Elizabeth assembled care bags and delivered them to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Methodist Hospital. She also assisted her own grandparents who have both been stricken with Lymphoma, helping them with various chores they are not able to do, due to their physical setbacks. She has two sisters, Emily, 16 years old and Sophie, 1 year old, and a brother, Zachary, 7 years old. Grandparents are Bill and Peggy Kolm, and Louis and Renee Kazor, all of Omaha. Great-grandparents are Alice Kwapiszeski of Panama, IA, the late Mildred Kolm of Schuyler, NE, the late Rose Kazor of Omaha, and the late Mollie and Morris Franklin of Omaha.
Candlelighting Friday, August 21, 7:56 p.m.
SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m.; Monthly Kids Craft and Class, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Men’s Basketball, 8 p.m. at JCC WEDNESDAY: Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. THURSDAY: UNMC -- Med Center Chaburah, 1 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m.
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.
CHABAD HOUSE
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
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.
323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. with Temple Israel. SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
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, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Marc Shkolnick. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Shoftim. SUNDAY: LJCS First Day of Classes, Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at the home of Marcia Kushner and will discuss My Promised Land by Ari Shavit. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Yard/Garden Clean-up, Sunday, Aug. 30, 9-11 a.m. Temple members will be doing some weeding, trimming, mulching, and general garden cleanup so the grounds are beautiful for High Holy Days. Please bring rakes, clippers, and other garden tools. Contact Ellin Siegel with any questions. 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.
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TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Abby Kohll, daughter of Susan Stern and Alan Kohll, will celebrate her Bar Mitzvah; OTYG Board Retreat, noon. SUNDAY: Opening Day of Religious School K-6, 10 a.m.; Temple TED Talk: Paul Rabinovitz -- Alaa Murabit: What my religion really says about women, 11 a.m.; College Age Kids Open House, 5 p.m. at the home of Susie Norton. TUESDAY: Kol Rina Rehearsal (Kol Rina and New), 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School Service, 4:30 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Reform Rabbinic Responsa -- Congregational Concerns, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Elul Adult Series with Rabbi Brown, 10 a.m.
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: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Luncheon. SUNDAY: LJCS First Day of ClassesLJCS First Day of Classes, Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Back to school orientation sessions: Families of Gan through Grade 7, 11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Families of Hallah High Lite, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple; Families of Hallah High, 10 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at the home of Marcia Kushner and will discuss My Promised Land by Ari Shavit. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions. Sixth Annual Shabbat on the Green/New Member Dinner, Friday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. followed by a fun outdoor Shabbat Service.
Hamza Bin Laden calls for attacks by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- The national Jewish community’s security arm asked Jewish institutions to be on the alert after Osama bin Laden’s son called for attacks on Jewish American interests. The Secure Community Network alert last Friday said that Hamza bin Laden, who has ambitions to lead al-Qaida, the terrorist organization founded by his father, posted an audio message calling “for the targeting of Jewish American interests globally.” “Hamza also reportedly called for attacks on Washington, London, Paris and Tel Aviv,” the alert said. The alert by SCN, an arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said the audio message was confirmed by “reliable sources” in law enforcement and was recorded sometime before June 15. “While there is no information at this time to suggest a credible or imminent threat as it relates to this call for attacks, terrorist leaders and organizations have stepped up their calls for lone wolf attacks across the globe,” said the alert, noting recent attacks on Garland, Texas, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, apparently carried out by unaffiliated individuals spurred by extremist Islamist calls for violence.
The alert called for increased training for volunteers and staff at Jewish institutions ahead of Rosh Hashanah, including establishing relationships with local law enforcement and reviewing communications and plans for responding to an active shooter. Paul Goldenberg, SCN’s director, told JTA that the call by bin Laden might be a bid to draw attention to the once preeminent terrorist organization, now on the wane because of U.S. targeting, including the assassination of his father, as well as the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. “This is not the first time that senior ranking members of al-Qaida have called for attacks on world or American Jewry,” Goldenberg said. “This individual and al-Qaida are waning. With that said, their rhetoric is becoming more incendiary with the hope they will move their masses.” Goldenberg said that because there is no imminent threat against a specific target, it is key for Jews nonetheless to attend High Holidays services next month and not to be affected by terrorist rhetoric. “The community has dealt with similar threats, we’re asking that they attend Rosh Hashanah services and celebrations and to continue to have whatever plans they had to enjoy and celebrate our New Year,” he said.
Where does Bernie Sanders, the Jewish candidate Pulverente MONUMENT CO. 60 Years Experience 1439 So. 13th With Jewish for president, stand on Israel? 402-341-2452 Lettering and Memorials Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
August 21, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 11
by RON KAMPEAS aid to help improve the standard of living of the people in WASHINGTON (JTA) – Bernie Sanders can’t get away that area.” from the inevitable “But where is he on Israel?” question, He will defend Israel to a hostile crowd, but will also especially now that the Democratic presidential contender, fault Israel – and will shout down hecklers. an Independent senator from Vermont who caucuses with At a town hall in Cabot, Vermont, during last summer’s Democrats, has pulled ahead of Hillary Rodham Clinton in Gaza war, a constituent commended Sanders for not signing New Hampshire, the first primary state. onto a Senate resolution that solely blamed Hamas for the “Do you view yourself as a Zionist?” the left-leaning conflict, but wondered if he would “go further.” online magazine Vox asked Sanders in a July 28 interview. “Has Israel overreacted? Have they bombed U.N. facilities? It’s a funny question for Sanders, who if there were an “out The answer is yes, and that is terribly, terribly wrong,” and proud” metric for Jews in Sanders said. politics would score high. “On the other hand – and Sanders, 73, is best friends there is another hand – you with Richard Sugarman, a have a situation where Hamas professor of Jewish philosois sending missiles into Israel phy at the University of – a fact – and you know Vermont who champions where some of those missiles Zionism to his left-leaning are coming from. They’re students. His other best coming from populated areas; friend – and former chief of that’s a fact. Hamas is using staff – is Huck Gutman, a money that came into Gaza University of Vermont profesfor construction purposes – sor of literature who is a pasand God knows they need sionate aficionado of the roads and all the things that Sen. Bernie Sanders speaking at the Iowa Democratic Wing poetry of Yehuda Amichai. they need – and used some of Ding in Clear Lake, Aug. 14, 2015. When the comedian Sarah that money to build these Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images Silverman introduced very sophisticated tunnels Sanders at an Aug. 10 rally in Los Angeles, she shunted aside into Israel for military purposes.” for a moment her caustic Jewish shtick. Hecklers interrupted, some shouting epithets. “His moral compass and sense of values inspires me,” she “Excuse me, shut up, you don’t have the microphone,” said. “He always seems to be on the right side of history.” Sanders said. “You asked the question, I’m answering it. This Silverman ticked off a list of Sanders’ qualifications that is called democracy. I am answering a question and I do not align him with positions that polls show American Jews want to be disturbed.” overwhelmingly favor: for same-sex marriage, for civil His critical but supportive posture on Israel has been rights, against the Iraq war. She might have added favoring consistent and has included using assistance as leverage. universally available health care. As mayor of Burlington, Vermont, in 1988, Sanders was “He is a man of the people,” Silverman said. “He has to be; asked if he backed then-candidate for president Jesse his name is Bernie.” Jackson’s support for the Palestinians during the first intifaThe Brooklyn-born and accented Sanders has been shaped da. Sanders excoriated what he depicted as Israeli brutality by the murder of his father’s extended family in the Holocaust. as well as Arab extremism. “As everyone in this room knows, I am a Jew, an old Jew,” “What is going on in the Middle East right now is obviousactor Fred Armisen said while playing Sanders in a 2013 ly a tragedy, there’s no question about it. The sight of Israeli “Saturday Night Live” sketch. soldiers breaking the arms and legs of Arabs is reprehensible. Sanders’ well-known pique surfaced in June when Diane The idea of Israel closing down towns and sealing them off is Rehm, the NPR talk show host, declaratively told him he unacceptable,” he said at a news conference, according to had dual U.S.-Israel citizenship, citing an anti-Semitic meme video unearthed by Alternet writer Zaid Jilani. “You have had circulating on the Internet. a crisis there for 30 years, you have had people at war for 30 “Well, no, I do not have dual citizenship with Israel,” Sanders years, you have a situation with some Arab countries where said. “I’m an American. I don’t know where that question came there are still some Arab leadership calling for the destrucfrom. I am an American citizen, and I have visited Israel on a tion of the State of Israel and the murder of Israeli citizens.” couple of occasions. No, I’m an American citizen, period.” Sanders said the United States should exercise the prerogSo where does Bernie Sanders stand on Israel? Here’s a ative it has as an economic power. review. “We are pouring billions of dollars in arms into Arab He backs Israel, but he believes in spending less on countries. We have the clout to demand they and Israel, who defense assistance to Israel and more on economic assis- we’re also heavily financing, to begin to sit down and work tance in the Middle East. out a sensible solution to the problem which would guaranIs Sanders a Zionist? Here’s what he told Vox’s Ezra Klein: tee the existence of the State of Israel and which would also “A Zionist? What does that mean? Want to define what the protect Palestinian rights,” he said. word is? Do I think Israel has the right to exist? Yeah, I do. He doesn’t think the Iran nuclear deal is perfect, but he Do I believe that the United States should be playing an backs it. even-handed role in terms of its dealings with the “It’s so easy to be critical of an agreement which is not perPalestinian community in Israel? Absolutely I do. fect,” he told CBS News on Aug. 7. “But the United States has “Again, I think that you have volatile regions in the world, to negotiate with, you know, other countries. We have to the Middle East is one of them, and the United States has to negotiate with Iran. And the alternative of not reaching an work with other countries to fight for Israel’s security and agreement, you know what it is? It’s war. Do we really want existence at the same time as we fight for a Palestinian state another war, a war with Iran? An asymmetrical warfare that where the people in that country can enjoy a decent stan- will take place all over this world, threatening American dard of living, which is certainly not the case right now. My troops? So I think we go as far as we possibly can in trying long-term hope is that instead of pouring so much military to give peace a chance, if you like. Trying to see if this agreeaid into Israel, into Egypt, we can provide more economic ment will work. And I will support it.”
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12 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2015
Hasidic village makes parents choose: Smartphone or children’s education by BRIAN SCHAEFER community and yeshiva, according to the guidance of our (JTA) -- Most schools forbid the use of cellphones by stu- holy grand rabbi and the judge. We also confirm that we do dents during class, but in the Hasidic Jewish village of Kiryas not possess in our home another cellphone/smartphone Joel, New York, it’s the parents who are being required to except for the ones mentioned above.” power down. Kiryas Joel was established in the 1970s by members of the At the end of July, a notice was sent to families in the hare- haredi Orthodox Satmar Hasidic community who had moved di Orthodox community about 50 miles northwest of New to the region from Brooklyn. The insular village of approxiYork City detailing strict parental prohibitions on smart- mately 22,000 residents has faced numerous legal battles with phone use as a prerequisite for their children’s enrollment at its neighbors over the years, one making its way to the U.S. the local yeshiva. Supreme Court in 1994 over “Make sure to put your the question of whether disdevices in order and send in trict boundaries had been the filled out rules form for unfairly drawn to accommoboth parents (enclosed) date a religious population. before the above date, in In the 2010 census, Kiryas order to avoid inconveniencJoel was named the poorest es,” read the announcement, city in the United States, with which was unearthed by nearly 70 percent of its popuShmarya Rosenberg on his lation living below the poverFailedMessiah blog. ty line. “Remember: we will not proFounded in Romania at the vide acceptance cards if you start of the 20th century, the are not in order with the techSatmar are considered among Hasidic Jews standing on a wall as they try to view the burnological rules.” the most religiously stringent ial of Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum in Kiryas Joel, N.Y., April 25, The notice went on to list of the Hasidic sects. They are Credit: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images 2006. several digital commandalso one of the fastest growments: Men may use a smartphone if deemed essential to ing, with over 100,000 adherents and counting. Committed business and, in that case, only with an approved filter; anti-Zionists, they reject the political state of Israel because women may not use a smartphone, only a basic cellphone. it was not established by the Messiah. Home computers may not be connected to the Internet. In creating a self-sufficient and isolated community, the All members of the community must have a stamp of Satmar Hasidim of Kiryas Joel and similar enclaves manage approval from religious leaders on their devices, even to operate in a world largely untouched by modern tempta“kosher cellphones" that have been inspected by rabbis and tions. They see technology as a potential puncture to their whose web browsers have been deactivated. carefully constructed bubble -- the recently released school After detailing the exact devices that each person in the mandate referred to smartphones as “extremely dangerous.” household possesses, and the level of restriction (email only, Even for a community heavily regulated by religious basic apps, browsing with filter), the parents are required to decrees, the school’s smartphone requirements are notable sign the following affidavit: for threatening punishment of the children (non-enroll“We the parents are confirming in writing that our cell- ment) for the sins of the parents. For those whose parents phones/smartphones are in accordance to the rules of the comply, the new school year begins on Aug. 16.
Iran must end anti-American, anti-Israel postures by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- President Barack Obama said Iran must drop its anti-American and anti-Israel postures before it transitions into the international community. Obama defended the Iran nuclear deal in an interview posted last week at Mic.Com, a news website aimed at millennials. “There’s going to have to be a transition inside of Iran, even if gradual, in which there’s a recognition that chanting ‘death to America’ or denying the Holocaust among its leaders or threatening Israel with destruction or providing arms to Hezbollah, — that those things make Iran a pariah in the eyes of a large part of the world,” Obama said. “And I can guarantee you that the moment the Iranian regime stopped engaging in that kind of rhetoric and that kind of behavior that Iran would just by virtue of its size, talent, resources, immediately rise in its influence and its power in the eyes of the world.” Obama fielded questions during the interview from an Iranian, Ghazal Hakami, 22, who asked about the necessity of sanctions, and from an Israeli, Sam Grossberg, 30, who asked why Israelis should trust the president given his parlous relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Obama said he did not oppose Netanyahu “across the board.” “On a whole range of issues, particularly with respect to Israel’s security, we’ve been with Israel every step of the way,” he said. “And even Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government would acknowledge that.” Obama said Israeli concerns were legitimate. “There is great suspicion of this deal among some of our closest allies, Israel in particular, but also some of the Gulf states, who have seen Iran’s actions — trying to destabilize their governments or sponsoring terrorist proxies,” the U.S. leader said. “And what I’m convinced of is that this deal is a good deal even as we work with those allies to constrain Iranian actions in some of these other areas.” Congress has until mid-late September to decide whether to reject the sanctions relief for nuclear restrictions deal.
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