30 SHEVAT 5775 • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 4 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY
Federation announces Community Program awards By Judith Stander The Jewish Federation of Central New York recently announced that 12 applications for specialized Community Program Funding were approved by the Board of Directors at its January meeting. The Federation’s Community Planning and Allocations Committee consists of CoChairs Ellen Weinstein and Cheryl Schotz, and members Marc Beckman, Cantor Fran Berg, Sam Gramet, Phil Holstein, David Horowitch, Jef Sneider, Steve Volinsky, Ruth Stein and Linda Alexander. Of 17 requests for funding received totaling $142,560, 20 proposals totaling $92,500 were recommended by the Committee to the Board of Directors for their approval. Each of the following programs is said to add “a new or expanded component to the rich Jewish life, heritage and culture” of the community. They are listed in a top-down order of the amounts that have been awarded. Syracuse Community Hebrew School – $20,000 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Temple Adath Yeshurun and Temple Concord have joined to create a new educational venture in Central New York, the Syracuse Community Hebrew School, with a 501(c)3 identity to be held jointly by all three congregations. The organization will provide Hebrew instruction for thirdseventh grade. Hebrew school enrollment for the first year is expected to reach 110 students. Each synagogue will continue to provide all other aspects of Jewish religious instruction independently. This grant will be used toward the capital costs
of opening the school. Hillel alternative spring break in Arkansas – $10,000 Hillel students at Syracuse University will travel to Mayflower and Vilonia, AR, under the guidance of the Hillel Schusterman International Center. Tornados have destroyed homes, schools and infrastructure in these areas. All work will be done in coordination with the Jewish Disaster Response Corps. Students will complete hands-on service work to help rebuild the community. InterFaith Works of Central New York – $10,000 InterFaith Works has opened its single-site building on James Street, a more centralized location from which to better serve the community. The move is said to have already resulted in improved services to clients, operational efficiencies, a strengthening of communitywide dialogue-to-action programming, higher visibility, refugee resettlement and senior and spiritual care services. The grant represents a contribution from the Jewish community of Central New York to the IFW capital campaign goal of $1.8 million. PJ Library® – $10,000 The award-winning program provides free children’s books and music to foster Jewish learning and participation throughout North America and Israel. The program brings local Jewish families and their children together to interact through the core values of Judaism. Each enrolled child, from 6-months-8years-old, receives free age-appropriate
materials. Currently, 217 children from Onondaga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego counties receive publications from the organization. Jewish arts and cultural programs – $7,500 A partnership was created between the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Music and Cultural Festival and the Syracuse International Film Festival to help provide an enhanced variety of Jewish programming at events in 2015 that include the Jewish Film Festival and the Jewish Music and Cultural Festival. Enabling inclusion at Syracuse Hebrew Day School – $5,000 Students with a New York State Individualized Educational Plan may require specific therapies that require them to leave the SHDS premises. Funds to help offset some of these additional, uninsured expenses will allow SHDS to fulfill its mission of providing an on-campus academic experience for its students, regardless of their special educational needs. Family Wellness Connections – $5,000 This collaborative program, which includes the Syracuse Jewish Family Service, Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School of Jewish Studies, is designed to promote social, emotional and psychological health and build community among Jewish children, teenagers and families. All components are free to these families and can include participation in one, two or
Maimonides Society event March 11 society in 2015, we hope to By Marianne Bazydlo recognize those who continue The members of the Maito provide outstanding support monides Society of the Jewish [to the Jewish community], and Federation of Central New York to inspire a new generation of will meet on Wednesday, March physicians to step forward and 11, at 7 pm, at Traditions at the be recognized as leaders.” Links. Dr. Robert Weisenthal Weisenthal is an ophthalwill speak about his 20 years mologist specializing in anteof surgical mission trips to Le rior segment surgery, including Ceiba, Honduras. cataract, corneal transplantation The Maimonides Society and LASIK surgery. Since 1992, recognizes the generosity of he has helped lead teams of Dr. Robert healthcare professionals in the ophthalmologists, optometrists, Weisenthal local Jewish community. The nurses and other volunteers to requisite for membership is a minimum family pledge of $1,000 to the Le Ceiba, Honduras, to perform cataract and corneal transplantation surgery. Annual Campaign. Following his residency, Weisenthal Jef Sneider, M.D., is the chair and he served a fellowship in corneal transplant established the local Maimonides Society, along with Dr. Mitchell Brodey. Sneider surgery before returning to the University said, “Dr. Mitch Brodey and I started of Pennsylvania as a faculty member. the Syracuse branch of the Maimonides Since 1988, he has been in private practice Society back in 1988 to recognize the at Central New York Eye Care, as well as leadership of many physicians in the serving on the faculty at Upstate Medical Syracuse area who were stalwart support- University. In 2004, he was promoted to ers of the Jewish community’s financial clinical professor. He has also served as needs through generous donations to the the chief of ophthalmology at Crouse and Jewish Federation. By reinvigorating the the Veterans Administration hospitals.
In 1995, he became founder and medical director of Laserview of Central New York, and later the founding partner of, and previously the medical director of, the Specialty Surgery Center, an ambulatory surgery center designed primarily for eye surgery, which opened in 2000. He received an achievement award for his academic work from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has been recognized as a “Best Doctor” by his colleagues since 2005. The event will be supervised by the Syracuse Va’ad Ha’ir. For more information, contact Marianne Bazydlo at 445-2040, ext. 102, or mbazydlo@jewishfederationcny.org. Anyone considering membership in the Maimonides Society is welcome to attend the event to learn more about it. Residents and students may make a gift of $118 to join the Maimonides Society.
three of the offered services. Judaic Heritage Center of Central New York – $5,000 The JHC has undertaken a project to help preserve information deemed important to the history of the Syracuse Jewish community. The project will include the combined use of videotaped interviews and photographs to save the stories of local Jewish businesses and families, and is a continuation of the 2014 archive produced by Jay Laurie. The Oaks at Menorah Park – $5,000 To increase the entertainment and diversionary options for the residents of The Oaks, as well as the community-at-large, a social center entertainment and media system to enhance the lives of senior residents and their guests will be purchased. Its components will include an enlarged and technologically-enhanced television system that will include audio options for the hearing impaired and digital compatibility for Internet access. Judaic enrichment for preschool students – $2,500 Judaic enrichment at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center’s Jerome and Phyllis Charney Early Childhood Development Program will utilize developmentally appropriate Judaic materials to support learning about each Jewish holiday that the children celebrate together at the ECDP. Included will be the infant rooms through pre-kindergarten classrooms. See “Awards” on page 2
2015 Federation paign Update Cam
To make your pledge, please contact Marianne at 445-2040 ext. 102 or mbazydlo@jewishfederationCNY.org.
Goal: $1,000,000
$587,463
as of Feb. 12, 2015
C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A February 20..............5:24 pm......................................................Parasha-Terumah February 27..............5:33 pm...................................................... Parasha-Tetzaveh March 6....................5:42 pm......................................................... Parasha-Ki Tisa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Purim
Congregational notes
Syrian refugees
Purim celebrations throughout the Area synagogues announce A multifaith effort to aid Syrian community are announced; a re- upcoming youth events, scholarly refugees in Jordan includes cipe for chocolate hamantashen. talks and more. Israeli NGOs. Stories on page 4 Stories on page 2 Story on page 7
PLUS Small business Profiles......6-7 Calendar Highlights............. 10 Do You Know.......................... 10 Obituaries................................11
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ february 19, 2015/30 SHEVAT 5775
Purim around the community
Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will celebrate Purim on Wednesday, March 4, at 5:45 pm, with a light dinner, a full megillah reading and entertainment for participants young and old. An original Purim shpiel, written by CBS-CS member Cheryl Wolfe, will be interlaced with the reading, along with a costume parade. Some of the congregation’s recent Syracuse Hebrew Day School students will participate in the megillah reading. Dinner will be served from 5:45-6:30 pm, when the megillah reading will begin. At 8 pm, when the megillah reading is completed, there will be a Jewish sci-fi
and fantasy “Jeopardy” game for those who wish to stay. Some members of the congregation are writing the questions. This year’s theme will be science fiction and fantasy, and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately, including characters such as Spock, “Alice in Wonderland,” the Cowardly Lion, hobbits, “Harry Potter,” “The Little Mermaid,” Goldilocks and others. The Purim celebration will be free and open to the community. For more information, contact the CBS-CS Office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org. Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse Parasha Zachor will be read at services on Saturday, February 28. The Fast of
Esther will begin on Wednesday, March 4, at 4:57 am. Morning services will be held at 6:30 am and Mincha will be at 5:25 pm, with the fast ending at 6:30 pm. The megillah will be read at 6:40 pm. There will be services on Thursday, March 5, at 6:30 am, with the megillah reading at 7:05 am. There will be a second megillah reading at 4:30 pm, followed by a Purim seudah (meal) at 5:15 pm. The “shtick” will be provided by Cantor Marvin Moskowitz and Rabbi Evan Shore. There will be a charge for the meal and reservations are required by Sunday, March 1. Reservations can be made by contacting the synagogue at 446-6194 or stocs18@aol.com. As space is limited, anyone intending to come should make
JCC of Syracuse to hold annual Purim Carnival March 1 By William Wallak This year’s Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse Purim Carnival will once again feature games, prizes, food and more. The annual family-oriented event will be held on Sunday, March 1, from noon-4 pm, at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. There will be interactive activities and entertainment for preschool and school-age children and their families. The carnival will be free and open to the public. “We are excited to open our doors to the community for an afternoon that’s all about family and fun,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director.
“Purim is one of the most lively, joyfilled holidays, and what better way to celebrate than with a carnival for our members and neighbors?” The JCC’s Purim Carnival is the Center’s largest indoor community event held each year. It is said to have become a tradition for the JCC to hold the celebration “as a way of giving back to the community” so that families can spend quality time together. Children are encouraged to dress in costumes, a Purim holiday custom. One of the carnival’s attractions is Esther’s Café, which will open for lunch at 11:30 am in the JCC’s Anne and Hy
Purim change of pace: a chocolate dough By Shannon Sarna NEW YORK (JTA) – Hamentashen talk is always about the filling: prune, poppy, apricot and strawberry, just to name a few favorites. I love being creative with the fillings, but this year I wanted to change up things with a flavored dough rather than just a fun filling. And what better ingredient to include than chocolate. Once you have made your chocolate dough, you can still be creative with the fillings, although I recommend two combinations below: triple chocolate, which is filled with Nutella and drizzled with white chocolate, and chocolate mocha. You could also try filling the chocolate dough with raspberry jam, peanut butter or even halvah. The key to making and working with this dough successfully is making it several hours in advance – even a day or two – so that it is properly chilled. It will feel sticky, so add flour as you roll it out to make sure it holds its shape.
Awards
These materials are expected to enhance the program’s overall Judaic curriculum throughout the school year. KOL CHAI Program – $2,500 The Kol Chai Program of Syracuse Jewish Family Service will provide a program about senior financial abuse and how to prevent it. The film “Fleeced” and a national program, “Preventing Frauds and Scams,” will be utilized in a public awareness and advocacy program that will be presented throughout the community. The core set of guiding principles utilized by the Allocation Committee included: Fostering Jewish renaissance, continuity, identity and culture. Increasing the connection of Jews to
Miller Family Auditorium. A variety of home-cooked, Va’ad-supervised kosher food by the JCC’s new chef, Donna Carullo, will be available. The Schayes Family Gymnasium will be used as a mini-indoor “midway” and feature children’s carnival games, large inflatable toys and bounce houses, caricature drawings and raffles. Other attractions will include entertainment, a toddler and preschool bounce house, safe ID and car seat safety checks, PJ Library® story time and a used book sale. The JCC holds its Purim Carnival solely with the help of volunteers. Some of the many tasks in which volunteers will assist include overseeing games, serving food and helping out in the prize room. For students seeking to fulfill community service requirements, volunteering is one way to earn credit hours and help the JCC. Volunteer shifts are available from 11:45 am-2 pm and from 1:45-4 pm. For more information about the JCC’s Purim Carnival, including volunteer opportunities and for donating gently used books to the sale, contact the JCC at 4452360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.
of Central New York
Syracuse Office
Triple chocolate hamantashen would make a wonderful treat in coffee-themed Purim baskets, or mishloach manot. (Photo by Shannon Sarna) Most hamentashen bakers know that one of the keys to making a cookie that doesn’t fall apart during the baking is to pinch the three points very carefully. Another tip is to lay out all the folded and See “Purim” on page 11
Continued from page 1 the Jewish community. Involving the full spectrum of Jewish connections. Enabling individuals and families to experience Judaism in “active, positive ways” to strengthen their identities as Jews. Fostering collaboration, more efficient usage of limited financial and human resources, and higher visibility among Federation, agencies, organizations and synagogues. Promoting high-quality programs and services, and improving access to needed services. Applying lessons learned from programs implemented in other communities, adapting them to fit the needs of the Central New York Jewish community.
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a reservation as soon as possible. Purim and Pasta at Temple Adath Yeshurun By Sonali Eaton Temple Adath Yeshurun will host its Purim celebration on Wednesday, March 4, beginning with a dairy pasta dinner at 6 pm. There will be a modest, per-person charge for the dinner, which is sponsored by the TAY Mishpacha Committee. The family megillah reading will begin at 6:45 pm. TAY President Howard Weinstein said, “This will be a traditional Purim celebration with costume parades, costume contests, the megillah reading, lots of noise and lots of fun. Of course, the evening will end with hamantashen.” The costume contest categories are: best Purim character, most creative, best adult costume, best school-age costume and best costume for those 5-years-old and younger. Prizes will be given to the winners of each category. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the synagogue at info@adath.org or 445-0002, or visit www.adath.org for the reservation form. Temple Concord brings the magic of Disney’s “Frozen” to Purim By Daniella Kohan Purim will be celebrated at Temple Concord on Wednesday, March 4, with a dinner at 6 pm and a Purim shpiel at 7 pm. The program will be open to the community. The Purim shpiel is called “Frozen Purim” and is a rendition of the Purim story with characters from the Disney movie “Frozen.” Rabbi Daniel Fellman will play the part of Olaf the snowman and Mordechai, while Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash will be Vashti and Elsa. The Knesseth Shalom singers, some synagogue staff members and the Shirat Shalom singers, comprised of Hebrew school students, will participate as well. Siegel-Eglash said, “We are absolutely excited to offer this take on the Purim story through the lens of ‘Frozen.’ You’ll hear all your favorite songs from the movie. It is sure to be fun for the whole family.” There will be a fee for the dinner. For information or reservations, call the TC office at 475-9952. All articles, announcements and photographs must be received by noon Wednesday, 15 days prior to publication date. Articles must be typed, double spaced and include the name of a contact person and a daytime telephone number. E-mail submissions are encouraged and may be sent to JewishObserverCNY@gmail.com. The Jewish Observer reserves the right to edit any copy. Signed letters to the editor are welcomed: they should not exceed 250 words. Names will be withheld at the discretion of the editor. All material in this newspaper has been copyrighted and is exclusive property of the Jewish Observer and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed by our writers, columnists, advertisers and by our readers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s and editors’ points of view, nor that of the Jewish Federation of Central New York. The newspaper reserves the right to cancel any advertisements at any time. This newspaper is not liable for the content of any errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. The Jewish Observer does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. THE JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (USPS 000939) (ISSN 1079-9842) Publications Periodical postage paid at Syracuse, NY and other offices. Published 24 times per year by the Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc., a non-profit corporation, 5655 Thompson Road, Dewitt, NY 13214. Subscriptions: $36/year; student $10/ year. POST MASTER: Send address change to JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214.
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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Nominations due March 13 for “Our Shining Stars” at Menorah Park
By Stewart Koenig Menorah Park is accepting nominations for the 10th annual Our Shining Stars event, which recognizes residents, volunteers and employees who make the Menorah Park community a “family organization.” Robin and Steven Sisskind are the co-chairs for the fund-raiser for the ninth year. Steven said, “This event is a terrific opportunity for all of us affiliated with Menorah Park to honor our own, welcome summer with an informal picnic and raise funds to support the resident activity and special event funds.”
Robin added, “We’re honored to once again gather with spirited individuals who bring joy to the lives of our residents.” To nominate someone, send their name, their Menorah Park affiliation (resident, volunteer or employee), an explanation of how that person contributes to Menorah Park and the name and daytime telephone number of the person making the nomination, to Menorah Park, Hodes Way, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214. Nomination forms can also be faxed to 446-3099, brought to Menorah Park’s front desk, or e-mailed to vkohl@
menorahparkcny.com. For any questions, contact Victoria Kohl at 446-9111, ext. 141. Menorah Park is a full service continuum of care campus, which includes the Jewish Health and Rehabilitation Center, independent living at The Oaks and assisted living at The Inn. Menorah Park is also home to the Ahavath Achim Apartments, the Rothschild Adult Day Program and Syracuse Jewish Family Service, as well as Impara, Institute for Applied Research on Aging. For more information on Menorah Park of Central New York, visit http://menorahparkofcny.com.
Young Leadership class of 2016 meets with Federation officers The Jewish Federation of Central New York’s Young Leadership class met at the Jewish Community of Syracuse on Super Sunday, January 25, with Federation President/CEO Linda Alexander, 2015 Annual Campaign Chair Phil Holstein,
Co-chair of Allocations Cheryl Schotz and Co-chair of Leadership Development Neil Rube to discuss the role of the Federation in the Central New York community and preparing Jewish adults for leadership positions.
At right: The Jewish Federation of Central New York Young Leadership class of 2015 posed for a group photo. Sitting (l-r): Rebecca Bronfein-Raphael, Hannah Solomon and Rebecca Cohen McGinn. Standing: Megan Coleman-Sykes, Victoria Sonne, Sonja Gottbrecht, Aaron Frishman, Adam Fumarola and Sarah Reckess. Not pictured: Haley Dubnoff, Alissa Friedman, Ira Friedman, Lisa Frishman, Seth and Leah Goldberg, Bradley Raphael, Gila Reckess, Elyssa Rosenbaum, Nitzah Santiago-McRae, Richard Sykes, and Joanna and Mike Thompson.
Kimberly joins The Oaks at Menorah Park as new director By Stewart Koenig Mary E. Kimberly recently became director of The Oaks at Menorah Park. She will oversee the operations of the 47-apartment independent living facility on the Menorah Park campus at 18 Arbor Ln., DeWitt. Kimberly succeeds Jan Edwards, who retired at the end of 2014. Kimberly joined Menorah Park in 2012 and was previously the director of patient services for Menorah Park Home Care. Be- Mary E. Kimberly
fore joining the organization, she held positions as a nurse case manager and registered nurse. She received her R.N. from Crouse Hospital School of Nursing. She said, “I’m honored to serve as director of The Oaks. I view my job as a leader and a servant, and I look forward to supporting the residents by maintaining, and even improving, the excellent community we have here. Our experienced staff is truly dedicated to creating the highest quality environment.”
Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu February 23-27 Monday – kielbasa Tuesday – shepherd’s pie Wednesday – chicken rollatini Thursday – Spanish rice Friday – honey-glazed chicken February March 2-6 Monday – TBA Tuesday – TBA Wednesday – TBA Thursday – TBA Friday – TBA The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday-Friday at noon. Reservations are required by noon on the previous business day and there is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change. The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga
County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Leesa Paul at 445-2360, ext. 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org.
Menorah Park CEO Mary Ellen Bloodgood said, “Mary Kimberly is a superior member of the Menorah Park team. As director of The Oaks, she’ll do a great job helping the residents maintain a high level of independence while assuring they get the services they need.” For information on The Oaks at Menorah Park, contact Kimberly at 449-3309, or mkimberly@menorahparkcny. com.
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congregational notes Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Volunteer recognition Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold its annual volunteer recognition Shabbat on Saturday, February 21, during services. The service is intended to thank members who contributed their time and skills in 2014 to “making the congregation what it is and to ensure that it continues to thrive,” said congregational President Mickey Lebowitz. “Volunteers have always been the heart of CBS-CS and they remain so: from the board room to the kitchen; the office to the religious school; the sanctuary to the social hall – volunteers have enhanced and added to the efforts of the staff to ensure the multi-faceted spiritual home to all who enters the synagogue.” CBS-CS will hold its third cook-off during the kiddush following services. This year’s casserole competition follows past cholent and kugel cook-offs. Cooking teams will prepare their favorite recipes in the CBS-CS kitchen during the week to be served that afternoon. Tasters will vote to determine the favorite dish. Upcoming youth events CBS-CS youth will hold various events throughout the next few weeks. Youths from fifth-12th grade will go inner tubing on Sunday, February 22, at Greek Peak, with synagogue youth from Ithaca. There is a cost to attend with a discount for those who make a reservation. The CBS-CS Friday Shabbat service on February 27, at 6 pm, will be led by CBS-CS youth from third grade and older during Shabbat Hadorot. The CBS-CS chapter of United Synagogue Youth, ACHLA, will host a “summer in winter” Havdalah for the congregation on Saturday, February 28, starting at 7 pm. For more information on these and other
A t l e f t : To n y Kenneson-Adams sang “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from “Les Miserables” at the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Men’s Club Broadway concert and food drive to benefit the Temple Concord Food Pantry. Kenneson-Adams is the CBS-CS Men’s Club president and organized the event, which featured the Syracuse Chorale Chamber Singers.
Howie Hollander taught Heather Engelman how to put on tefillin at the CBS-CS World Wide Wrap. CBS-CS youth activities, contact Julie Tornberg, director of youth and education, at director@cbscs.org or 701-2685.
Temple Concord Pajama HAVDALAH By Daniella Kohan The annual pajama Havdalah was held on January 24. More than 50 parents and children attended Havdalah dressed in their pajamas. They created their own pizzas and watched “The Lego Movie” with fellow congregants and friends. Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash said she was “very happy” with the event’s attendance and involvement, noting, “Everybody sang along to the Havdalah prayers, and the pizza-making was a delicious success, although very messy.” She added, “Temple Concord’s hope in planning the event was to give families and kids a way to connect to each other and to the synagogue, and everyone enjoyed spending time together at the temple.”
Temple Adath Yeshurun Temple Adath Yeshurun to host Miriam Elman, Ph.D. Temple Adath Yeshurun will host Syracuse University Associate Professor Miriam Elman, who will speak on “Israel’s 2015 Elections and the Prospects for Peace with Palestinians: Will a New Government Matter?” on SaturMiriam Elman day, February 28, at Shabbat morning services, which will begin at 9:15 am. Among the issues she will address are why Israel is heading for an election less than two years after the last one; if any Israeli political parties believe that peace with the Palestinians is possible; and whether three-term Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be unseated on election day. Elman is an associate professor of political science at the Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She earned her doctorate from Columbia University in 1996 and specializes in international relations, national security and the Middle East. Her courses include international security, as well as politics and religion in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She is a blogger and op-ed writer, having been frequently featured in the Times of Israel, Syracuse’s Post-Standard and the Jewish Observer of Central New York, as well as in other online and print media. She is the editor or co-editor of five books. Among her most recent are “Democracy and Conflict Resolution: the Dilemmas of Israel’s Peacemaking” and “Jerusalem: Conflict and Cooperation in a Contested City,” both published in 2014 by Syracuse University Press. Elman is a citizen of the United States and Israel. She lived in Israel for 12 years
working on a kibbutz in the Negev and serving as a sergeant in the Israeli Air Force. She earned her bachelor of arts degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and helped establish Peace Now by co-founding its English-speaking student union at Hebrew University. She has been an invited speaker at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya and Hebrew University’s Leonard Davis Institute. Currently, Elman serves on two Israeli non-governmental organizations, Blue-White Future and MITVIM. She is the director of the Project on Democracy in the Middle East (or DIME) at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs, and is a member of the advisory board and steering committees for the Jewish Studies Program, the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism and the Middle Eastern Studies Program. Services will be followed by an extended kiddush. Members of the community have been invited to attend. The program is sponsored by the TAY Adult Education chavurah. For more information, visit www.adath.org, e-mail info@ adath.org, or call 445-0002.
Iris Cohen prepared her bonsai display at Temple Adath Yeshurun in celebration of Tu B’Shevat. The January 31 program was sponsored by TAY’s Adult Education chavurah. At left: During Storah Ti m e a t t h e Te m p l e Adath Yeshurun Jewish Enrichment program, Alicia Gross read a Tu B’Shevat book to the children. Each child made a crown in celebration of the trees’ birthday and sampled dates, dried plums, raisins and chocolate in honor of Tu B’Shevat. Storah Time meets every Tuesday at the synagogue at 10 am. For more information, e-mail alicia@adath.org.
Arthur Spitzer attended the Temple C o n c o rd p a j a m a H a v d a l a h o n January 24.
Second grade students at the Temple Adath Yeshurun Religious School raised one of their four cups of grape juice during the Tu B’Shevat seder on January 25. Children were able to enjoy grape juice, dried fruits and clementines in honor of the New Year of Trees.
By William Wallak For individuals struggling to lose weight or looking to have their summer beach bodies ready, the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse has a new program designed to help meet these challenges. The JCC’s Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center is offering a “Biggest Winner” weight loss boot camp starting on Saturday, March 14, at 8 am. The classes will take a holistic approach to weight loss by focusing on exercise, motivation, daily activities and diet. The Biggest Winner six-week program runs through April 25 and will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Participants may enroll in either the weekday morning or the evening sessions. The morning class will be held from 6-6:45 am and the evening class from 6-6:45 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The classes will be combined on Saturdays for a single session from 8-8:45 am, for a total of three classes weekly. “Our instructors and trainers created this program so that no matter how much weight you want to lose, we’ll help you come out a winner in the end,” said Joe Yager, JCC sports and fitness director. “We’re going to fill each class with lots of high-energy exercises and activities. The workouts will get everyone moving, burning lots of calories and having fun. And because everyone’s weight loss situation is different, the exercises can be tailored to the participants’
individual goals and abilities.” The Biggest Winner program will start on March 14 with an introductory class to preview the workouts and meet the teachers. Participants also will have their weight and measurements taken to establish a baseline for tracking their goals and progress. When the workout classes begin on Tuesday, March 17, the JCC Sports and Fitness Center’s gymnasium will be used as a “boot camp” facility, housing different exercise stations. Class participants can utilize a mixture of activities to create their own personalized regimens, with help and guidance from the instructor. The Center’s other fitness areas, such as the indoor running/walking track and weight room, will also be used as needed. Various giveaways and raffles will be part of the program for added motivation and incentive. “The great thing about this class is that each person will be able to create his or her own unique exercise routines,” said Paula Pacini, JCC exercise coordinator. “Every session can be a new and exciting workout adventure. Plus, throughout the program when they’re not in class, participants will have full use of nearly all of the Sports and Fitness Center’s amenities at no extra cost. This includes the weight room, track, group exercise classes and more.” For more information about the JCC Sports and Fitness Center’s “Biggest Winner” program, call 234-2422 or visit www.jccsyr.org.
Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and Temple Adath Yeshurun students celebrate Tu B’Shevat together
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Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and Temple Adath Yeshurun jointly celebrated the New Year of the Trees with Tiferet Zimmern-Kahan on February 4 at a Tu B’Shevat garden program. Students participated in a variety of activities, including making seed lockets; tasting apples and maple syrup; learning about maple syrup production; learning about and eating carob and chocolate using the story of “Choni and the Carob Tree”; and creating an art project about the hashkediah porachat, the first almond trees to bloom in Israel. Above: Students learned about the seven species of Israel, and were able to enjoy barley, wheat berries, wheat crackers, almond butter, dates, olives, raisins, grapes and pomegranate juice.
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Review
Casual Plaid wins 13th annual JCC Battle of the Bands By William Wallak It was a very “plaid” kind of evening at this year’s Jewish Community Center’s Battle of the Bands. Progressive rootsrock bluegrass band Casual Plaid, from Marcellus High School, won the JCC’s 13th annual jam fest on January 17. The concert, held at The Syracuse Project 4 Our Teens, the JCC’s teen center in ShoppingTown Mall, DeWitt, drew more than 250 people to see six high school bands from across Onondaga County compete. “This year’s concert was awesome and filled with so much fun, high-energy music,” said Mick Hagan, JCC’s director of children and teen services. “All of the bands played really well and many performed their own original songs. They’re all very talented, and to think that they’re still in high school is pretty incredible. Many thanks to the bands, judges and everyone who came and rocked out with us.” From the opening hard-driving chords
of From Dusk Til’ Dawn, from Henninger High School, the night kicked off on a high-energy note. Taking the stage next was Onondaga High School’s The Cuddle Fish, who were dressed sharp and sounded just as polished in front of their fan contingent – the largest of all the bands, many of whom brought fan signs. West Genesee High School’s The Outer Loop followed with their heavy, melodic style, complemented by the dancing and fancy footwork of lead singer Jackson Powell. Next up was Dan and the Pussykatz from Jamesville-DeWitt High School. They rocked the most flashy and theatrical performance, which culminated in smashing a guitar onstage. The evening’s darlings, Casual Plaid, then took the stage and played all their own original tunes with enthusiasm and confidence before a loud and rowdy fan base. Closing the show was Fayetteville-Manlius High School’s K.G. Shields Band, which kept the crowd See “Bands” on page 8
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Tips for growing your small business (StatePoint) – Despite the time commitment and financial investment that come with the territory, more than 25 million people nationwide have opted to start a microbusiness – a company with five or fewer employees.
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Winner of the 13th annual Jewish Community Center’s Battle of the Bands, Casual Plaid, from Marcellus High School, performed during the competition on January 17 at The Syracuse Project 4 Our Teens in ShoppingTown Mall. L-r: Erica Ylitalo, Mike Clark, Aaron Fern and Sean King.
Malara Eyecare & Eyewear Gallery
Specialty: “Professional Eye Care With A Personal Touch” Locations: Fayetteville and Liverpool Offices Names: Dr. Richard Malara and Dr. Matthew Durkin Phones: 315-622-3500 (Liverpool) 315-445-9856 (Fayetteville) Faxes: 315-622-3522 (Liverpool) 315-445-9802 (Fayetteville) E-mails: liverpool@drmalara.com fayetteville@drmalara.com Website: www.DrMalara.com Hours: Evenings and Saturday appointments available in both offices Dr. Richard Malara has been providing “Professional Eye Care With A Personal Touch” to the people of Central New York since 1992. He has been involved in numerous “Gift of Sight” community service projects, as well as nine overseas medical missions projects. Dr. Malara is a yearly participant in the “Save Your Vision” campaign through the American Optometric Association. Dr. Malara is a Syracuse native who has chosen to locate his practices here to give back to the community he was raised in. Dr. Matthew Durkin grew up in Central New York and has been practicing in this area for almost 15 years. The experienced and friendly doctors and staff at Malara Eyecare & Eyewear Gallery provide state-of-the-art eye care while keeping your individual needs and concerns as their primary focus. “We’re your Local Eyecare and Eyewear Gallery.”
Mirror Mirror Inc. Specialty: Location: Owner: Phone: Fax: E-mail: Website: Hours:
Wedding and special occasion 27 Oswego St. Baldwinsville NY 13027 Stephanie Long 315-635-5030 315-635-5031 mirrormirrorinc@gmail.com www.MirrorMirrorIncBridal.com Tues. by appt. only, Wed.-Fri. noon-7 pm, Sat. 10 am-4 pm, Sun.-Mon. closed Whether planning a wedding or celebrating a special event, Mirror Mirror Inc. Bridal Boutique allows customers to create that perfect look while enjoying personalized service in a relaxed atmosphere. “Mirror Mirror is absolutely the best boutique in Central New York! Let our expert consultants walk you through each of our hand-picked designers for bridal, mothers, bar/bat mitzvah, prom, bridesmaids and flower girls,” says owner Stephanie Long. Mirror Mirror carries designers such as Kitty Chen, Matthew Christopher, Moonlight Bridal, Val Stefani, Anna Elyse, Lis Simon, Enzoani, Kelly Faetannini and its newest line, Ian Stuart. Mirror Mirror is the only store in Syracuse, Rochester or Buffalo to be awarded as a winner of 2014 “The Knot” Best of Weddings. Call or visit Mirror Mirror’s website to make an appointment today.
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Multifaith effort for Syrian refugees is not about Israel, but Jewish state may benefit
Syrian refugees encounter Israelis and Jews By Jacob Kamaras who are there to help them, they’re starting JNS.org to question decades of indoctrination in When members of the pro-Israel comwhich they were taught, ‘Israel is the enemy, munity think of populations in need of relief, Israel wants to take our land and turn us into Syrian refugees are probably not one of the refugees, Israelis want to kill us, we better first groups coming to mind. After all, the kill them before they kill us.’This is standard proverbial elephant in the room is that the teaching in Syria, according to refugees with Syrian civil war is a conflict between two whom we work. But with these encounters enemies of Israel: Iran-supported President with Israelis and Jews, what they’re saying Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah on one side, is, ‘Wait a minute, it’s not Israelis who are and jihadists linked with the Al-Qaida and killing us and turning us into refugees, it’s Islamic State terror groups among the Assad our own government.’” regime’s opponents. The MFA has given briefings for the But as the fourth anniversary of the European Parliament, the European ComSyrian civil war (March 15) approaches, an interfaith group of more than 35 organi- Dr. Georgette Bennett, founder of the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees in mission and the British Parliament on the zations is raising funds and awareness for Jordan, with a family of Syrian refugees at the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan Syrian refugee issue, in addition to going on other speaking tours. One of the speakthe victims who have been displaced by the this week. (Photo by Multifaith Alliance) ing tours features a Syrian Muslim refugee conflict, rather than focusing on its combatants. At the same time, while the Multifaith Alliance refugee population in Jordan at 619,000, which is about and humanitarian activist, Amin Ahmed, in tandem with for Syrian Refugees in Jordan (or MFA) makes a case 10 percent of Jordan’s total population. New York Uni- Anat Gilan, the leader of an Israeli humanitarian relief for putting politics aside and addressing a humanitarian versity was scheduled to host “A Conversation on the NGO. (Both speaker names given here are pseudonyms, crisis, some of the alliance’s organizers also note that Syrian Refugee Crisis” on February 18, featuring Bennett for security reasons.) At presentations, Amin discusses Israel may benefit from the effort. and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the former chief rabbi how he was raised to hate Jews and Israel, but that his outlook changed after meeting an Israeli who wanted to “Jordan is a peace partner of Israel,” says Alan Gill, of the United Kingdom. CEO of the American Jewish Joint Distribution ComThe MFA raises emergency funds for clean water, help Syrian victims. While the perception of Israel might improve due to mittee, which, along with MFA founder Dr. Georgette housing and medical aid. The funds are allocated ditestimony from Syrian refugees, that is “not a political Bennett, spearheaded the creation of the alliance. “It’s rectly to disaster-relief agencies working on the ground thing,” Bennett said. in Israel’s strategic interest, as well as one could contend in Jordan. Bennett, a philanthropist and the president of “That has nothing to do with whether or not one supin America’s strategic interest, to make sure that we do the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, everything we can to help Jordan cope with I believe explains that the MFA’s humanitarian effort has led to ports Israeli policy,” she said. “What it has to do with is unprecedentedly large refugee numbers coming into their “a new channel that is developing between Israeli and that there is a whole other story about this country, and to the extent that the other story gets told, it enhances country. Jordan is not a large enough country to easily Syrian civil society actors.” absorb – practically overnight, in the scheme of history “What people are completely unaware of is the coura- the possibility for diplomacy, it enhances the possibility – such a huge percentage of its own population.” geous Israeli NGOs that are providing aid in the entire for peace, because it expands the group of people who See “Refugees” on page 8 The latest United Nations estimate pegs the Syrian region for Syrian refugees,” Bennett told JNS.org. “So as
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Tips
Continued from page 6
that provides insights into their economic and emotional concerns. The survey indicates that women are opening 46 percent of today’s Main Street businesses – from restaurants to daycare centers – far greater than the number of women owned businesses that are more than 20 years old. “I’ve never worked harder in my life or felt more rewarded,” says Molly Beasley of Fairhope, AL, owner of Give a Dog a Bone, a do-it-yourself dog washing company. Beasley provides some tips for new entrepreneurs: Embrace Perspective: No matter how much you love your company, there will be days when balancing the books creates anxiety. Remind yourself what fueled you to launch your business. Find Balance: Sometimes it might seem impossible to relax, but devoting even 60 minutes weekly to non-business related activities will help you recharge. Become Resourceful: Find ways to save money, time and energy. Try multitasking, such as purchasing business supplies while waiting for a prescription to be filled, or
patronizing retailers with early shopping hours for business owners. Consider streamlining home expenses by eliminating cable or cooking at home. Make Changes: Stay motivated by experimenting with new methods and tools. Attending trainings or online webinars about your industry can help re-ignite your creativity and even lead to business growth.
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ february 19, 2015/30 SHEVAT 5775
BDS with a twist: campus divestment measures target more than Israel
By Alina Dain Sharon JNS.org While two recent student resolutions initiated by Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement advocates in California ultimately had different fates, the episodes share a common twist: lumping additional nations and political entities with Israel as divestment targets. A resolution urging Stanford University to “divest from companies violating human rights in occupied Palestine” by a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement-affiliated group at Stanford University was defeated February 10 in a 9-5 vote, with one abstention, by the school’s undergraduate student senate. Needing 66 percent of student senators’ votes to pass, the resolution – initiated by Stanford Out of Occupied Palestine – got 64 percent. Two days earlier, the University of California Student Association passed a similar resolution to divest from Israel, in a 9-1 vote and six abstentions.
The UCSA passed a second resolution calling for divestment from companies involved with the governments of Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Turkey, Sri Lanka and the United States, accusing those countries of violating human rights. Meanwhile, the Stanford resolution targeted “companies that violate international humanitarian law by... facilitating Israel and Egypt’s collective punishment of Palestinian civilians,” and by “facilitating state repression against Palestinians by Israeli, Egyptian or Palestinian Authority security forces.” Ben Limonchik, a leader of the student group Stanford Coalition for Peace, told JNS.org that “to criticize Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority in one breath shows that these BDS proponents have no interest in promoting peace in the region. “If they did, they would instead look to encourage constructive engagement between the parties and promote a negotiated, mutually agreeable two-state solution,” Li-
monchik said. “More than 1,600 members of the Stanford community did just that when they clearly stated that they stand for peace. We hope that moving forward, we as a community can echo this sentiment embracing peace and put these troublesome tactics behind us.” The Stanford and UCSA resolutions are not the first BDS measures to include nations other than Israel. In 2012, the Arizona State University student senate passed a bill encouraging the school to “divest from and blacklist companies that continue to provide the Israel Defense Forces with weapons and militarized equipment, or are complicit with the genocidal regime in Darfur.” As many as 300,000 people have been killed in the Darfur conflict and genocide since 2004, according to United Nations estimates. The tactic of a BDS resolution grouping a massive atrocity like the situation in Darfur with Israel echoes a common anti-Israel strategy See “BDS” on page 12
Refugees are willing to communicate with each other.” The MFA is an expansion of the initial Jewish Coalition for Syrian Refugees in Jordan, which was founded with 16 members in 2013 and still exists on its own as a subgroup of the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief. JDC’s Gill recalls when Bennett first approached him about the Jewish coalition, “it was really the tekiah moment, the wake-up call to action,” referencing one variety of the Rosh Hashanah shofar blasts. “I immediately agreed that this requires a Jewish voice and a Jewish response,” Gill told JNS.org. “Needless to say, there’s so much happening in the world today, and it’s very hard to get people to focus on the humanitarian fallout of a conflict as opposed to the conflict itself,” he adds. “So the more strength that we have that’s combined, in terms of messaging that this is indeed a multifaith concern, we welcome that.” The event at NYU was set to begin with with an exploration of the Jewish imperative to help others, led by Sacks. MFA members of other religions also make a faithbased humanitarian case for aiding Syrian refugees. “I think that the issue with the Syrian refugees is a human rights issue,” said Evangelical Christian minister Reverend Marcos Miranda, president of Christian Clergy International, an organization dedicated to ending the persecution of Christians and other minority faith groups. “As many of our martyrs have said in the past, and many of our leaders that are still alive continue to say, when there are injustices are affecting any human being anywhere in the world, it’s an issue that is affecting us.” Miranda said his organization’s primary goal within the alliance is to “get the word out,” given the barrier of “the lack of knowledge and education” on Syrian refugees – and other global issues of concern – in the Pentecostal and Evangelical communities. “The issue with the Evangelical church is that you have the mainstream churches, and when information comes out, the information is disseminated amongst those mainstream churches, mostly very large churches,” Miranda told JNS.org. “However, nationally, we have
Continued from page 7
thousands of smaller churches, with anywhere from 50300 members on average, in inner-city communities. A lot of times, they are not included in the dissemination of the information.” Besides the awareness challenge, Miranda cites fear as a possible obstacle to Christian activism on the Syrian refugee issue – and even an impediment to a Christian response to the persecution of members of their own faith. When Miranda spoke at a recent U.N. rally on human rights, he said it was “difficult to get churches that I approached to join us. “[Christians] see the news, they see what’s going on, with all types of groups, including groups like ISIS right now, and they feel that if they get involved, somehow they’re going to be the subject of some sort of retaliation,” Miranda said. “They feel that if they make their voices heard, that they’re going to become a target in some way. There is a reality to this fear within our churches.” Given these potential roadblocks – in addition to what Miranda called a mentality that the Syrian refugee crisis is “over there, it’s not over here” – Miranda said he tries to “drive home the point that what’s affecting them over there should be affecting us over here.” JDC’s Gill also cited the awareness issue, saying that when JDC fund-raises for natural disasters or human-induced crises, “we need the news.” Then, from the Jewish community’s perspective, he said there is the challenge of “trying to have a conversation with people that immediately say, ‘Why would we want to help refugees from a country that is formally at a state of war with Israel?’ “And the answer to us is, there’s a humanitarian concern here,” Gill said. “So many innocents are suffering, and it’s really imperative that we as a Jewish people, and as a multifaith alliance, understand that we have women and children that are just suffering terribly. It’s the right thing to do.” While declining to disclose how much money the MFA has raised overall, Bennett called it “a very respectable number” coming mostly from the Jewish community.
Education Director for Syracuse Community Hebrew School Syracuse Community Hebrew School, (SCHS), a joint venture of Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas, Temple Adath Yeshurun and Temple Concord, is seeking an innovative educational leader to guide the school through its inaugural year and beyond. The school will provide a high-quality program of liturgical Hebrew education to students in grades 3-7 once a week and will maintain a focus on excellence in teaching standards, curriculum, and an environment that engages all children. The part-time Education Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining: • the school’s curriculum • supervising teachers and other staff • providing the week-to-week administration of the school • communicating regularly with families, the SCHS Board of Directors, and other area Jewish educators. Candidates should be highly motivated, flexible, technologically savvy, and possess a collaborative spirit. Candidates must have experience in Hebrew education and familiarity with prayer curriculum. The ideal candidate will have a masters degree in education, preferably Jewish education, and/or equivalent experience. Interested applicants should submit cover letter, resume, and three references to SCHS.Syracuse@gmail.com by March 16.
She also singled out the efforts of the alliance’s Lutheran Christian partners, who have raised more than $1 million. “It has been very difficult raising money around this crisis,” she said. “That’s not just our experience, that’s pretty much the universal experience, that this crisis has not received the attention or the funding that so many other crises have received, and one can speculate what the causes are.” One possible cause is the complex nature of the Syrian civil war, whose death toll has surpassed 200,000. “I think one of the issues is that it’s hard to know who the good guys are, because it’s not only the Syrian regime that has committed atrocities, it’s also the extremists [among the rebels] that have come in, the jihadis that have committed atrocities,” Bennett said. “And then in between, you have the moderates who are not only fighting the regime but fighting the extremists, so their efforts get very diluted. So it’s hard to know who to root for.” Despite the obstacles, Bennett said the Multifaith Alliance is banking on the hope that “if we do this track-two diplomacy, in which we have started to become engaged, we will have laid the groundwork for a different kind of relationship between Syria and Israel and the future, one in which they can be partners, rather than enemies.” She added, “Out of this horrific tragedy is emerging this glimmer of hope, which if it reaches a critical mass, could be planting the seeds for some future stability in the region.”
Bands
Continued from page 6 going with their upbeat set, highlighted by guitarist Ryan Ondocin’s wailing guitar licks. Influenced by bands such as The Lumineers and Mumford and Sons, Casual Plaid’s sound was unlike that of the other bands, yet their modern and edgy bluegrass tunes rocked The SPOT and delighted the crowd. Their proficient performance made it clear that there’s good chemistry among the band’s members. Not surprisingly, they’re all best friends. Plus, the band has been around for a while: members Aaron Fern, guitar; Erica Ylitalo, mandolin; and Sean King, banjo, have been playing together for the past three years. Mike Clark, keyboard, joined the band a couple of months ago. Being such a close-knit group, Casual Plaid’s members couldn’t help but have a good time at the show. “It was awesome,” said Fern after winning. “This was so great and so much fun.” In addition to bragging rights, Casual Plaid received a $200 cash prize, a prize pack from Gorham Brothers Music and eight hours of studio recording session time courtesy of More Sound Studio of Syracuse. This year’s Battle of the Bands judges were Ryan Gorham, of Gorham Brothers Music, Syracuse; Katrina Tulloch, entertainment reporter for The Post-Standard; Bob Staffa, 95X radio; and Andrew Marotta and Chrissy Gerace from last year’s winning band, Home Court Advantage. For every high school student admission, the JCC donated $1 to his or her school district’s music department. “The Battle of the Bands is a great thing that the JCC does for local teenagers,” said Staffa. “There should be more things like this in the community for teens.” For more information about the JCC Battle of the Bands or to become involved with teen programming at The SPOT, contact Erin Hart at 445-2040, ext. 133, or ehart@jccsyr.org.
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ february 19, 2015/30 SHEVAT 5775
Calendar Highlights
To see a full calendar of community events, visit the Federation's community calendar online at www.jewishfederationcny.org. Please notify jstander@jewishfederationcny.org of any calendar changes.
Sunday, February 22 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Hazak presents the Keyna Hora klezmer band at 2 pm Tuesday, February 24 Jewish Community Center Executive Committee meeting at 6 pm, followed by board meeting at 7 pm Thursday, February 26 Temple Adath Yeshurun board meeting at 7 pm Sunday, March 1 Jewish Community Center=s Community Purim carnival from noon-4 pm at the JCC Forget-Me-Nots rehearsal at 3 pm at Menorah Park on the second floor Monday, March 2 Syracuse Hebrew Day School Education Committee at 7 pm Wednesday, March 4 Deadline for the March 19 issue of the Jewish Observer Fast of Esther Thursday, March 5 Purim SHDS Purim carnival Sunday, March 8 Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak event at 1 pm at the synagogue
NEWS IN bRIEF From JNS.org
Jewish guard killed in attack at Copenhagen synagogue
A Jewish man guarding the Great Synagogue in Copenhagen, Denmark, during a bar mitzvah celebration was killed on Feb. 15 in a shooting attack that followed a shooting at a café hosting a freedom of speech event. The victim of the synagogue attack was identified as 37-year-old Dan Uzan, the son of an Israeli father and a Danish mother. One person was also killed in a shooting at the Krudttonden café during an event organized by an artist who had caricatured the Prophet Muhammad, echoing the Jan. 7 Islamist terror attack that killed 12 people at the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Police said they killed the gunman behind both Copenhagen attacks. The suspected terrorist was identified as 22-year-old OmarAbdel Hamid El-Hussein, a Danish national with a history of gang violence who is believed to have been motivated by radical Islam and antisemitism. “These attacks in Copenhagen follow the similar, brutal targeting of Jews and others in Paris and across Europe,” said World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder. “European governments should recognize that we are facing a vicious new wave of antisemitism and violence. It is crucial that Europe contends with this growing threat.”
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6340 Danbury Drive Jamesville, NY 13078-9729 (315) 446-0966 Fax (315) 446-1555 Email:LMPainting@aol.com
d’var torah
The importance of remembering By Richard D. Wilkins Parasha Zachor (Remember), Deuteronomy 25:1719, the second of four special Torah readings throughout the weeks leading up to the month of Nisan, is always read on the Sabbath preceding Purim. This is to comply with its dual commands to “not forget” (in thought) and “remember” (verbally). It recalls the vicious attack of Amalek (Exodus 17:8-16) on the Jews fleeing Egypt, when he specifically targeted the stragglers, the weak, the faint and the weary. Though clearly fearing the strong, as “he feared not God,” Amalek is portrayed as the epitome of evil, an eternal enemy of God, whose perfidy Jews are enjoined never to forget. Indeed, God’s very throne is depicted as diminished pending Amalek’s complete destruction. There are convoluted, if compelling, connections between this reading, its haftarah (I Samuel 15:1-34), and megillah Esther. Amalek was the grandson of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother and archetypal enemy. The Amalekites, the first to pierce the aura surrounding the divinely-delivered Israelites, attacked out of that pure hatred. At the time, they were only weakened by Israel’s successful counterattack. Centuries later, King Saul was commanded to complete their annihilation. However, he spared life of their king, Agag, long enough for him to continue his line. Many centuries later, Haman, an Aggagite, would arise to threaten the Jews. His plot was thwarted, though, by Mordechai, who was, like Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin. In contrast to sparing Agag, even temporarily, Saul later killed the priests of Nob who had aided David in his flight from Saul. (I Samuel:22) Hence, the rabbis perceptive pronouncement, “One who shows mercy to the cruel, will ultimately be cruel to the merciful.” The gaiety surrounding Purim mostly masks profound ideas at its core. Esther is the quintessential saga of the exile. It’s a tale oft told over the course of the last two millennia and has served as the model for annual local mini-Purims celebrated in some Old World communities, commemorating particularly dramatic deliverances from impending doom. As Haman tells Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your realm; their laws are different from every other people’s; it is not befitting for the king to tolerate them; let it be written that they be destroyed.” The dimensions of the danger thus posed can be discerned from the numbers of enemies later slain (Esther 9:6, 15, 16), even after the Jews were empowered to resist. Almost unique among the books of the Bible, God is never mentioned in the megillah. Events seem entirely due to chance. The name, Purim, refers to the lots Haman used to determine the date of the massacre of the Jews. These lots produced a delay of almost a year. Much before Haman’s machinations, however, setting the stage for later events, Queen Vashti had been deposed, improbably to be replaced by Esther, and Mordechai, who had overheard a plot against the king by chance. On hearing of Haman’s deadly plans, Mordechai notified Esther who, while the Jews fasted and prayed, risked her life going uninvited to the king. In a strikingly swift dénouement, an insomniac king belatedly learns that Mordechai had saved his life, only moments before he would have been asked to hang him. Haman is publicly humiliated for being forced to honor Mordechai and is denounced by Esther before the king. He is then hung on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordechai. Everything has turned upside down. Sorrow has turned to joy, subjection to redemption. “The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.” (8:16) The name Esther, in Hebrew, is related to “hidden.” The megillah intimates that the confluence of these events was hardly a coincidence, but was rather orchestrated by a “Hidden Hand.” It also stresses the importance of Jewish unity in the face of danger by prescribing special rituals for the day: the sending of finished food packages (mishloach manot) to friends, giving gifts to the poor, a special festive meal (seudah) and by evening and daytime public readings of the megillah itself. Zachor offers a particularly pertinent contemporary message. No identifiable nation of Amalek now exists, but its animating spirit manifestly lives on. Terrorism is the great scourge of the age. Those who promote it and those who pay for it, as well as those who practice it, deserve only the harshest condemnation. Bypassing the strong, they attack civilization’s most vulnerable sinews, storied sites and most courageous defenders, seeking to inflict maximum murder and mayhem, destruction and disruption, expecting this to cow the faint of heart, or weary of resistance, into counseling submission – all of this done in the name of God. It is time for clergy of all faiths to unequivocally express absolute abhorrence of such blatant blasphemy. These unspeakable deeds must
not be overlooked, excused or forgotten. To do so only guarantees worse atrocities in the future. The world cannot rest until terrorism’s purveyors, cut from the same mold as Amalek’s, are completely erased “from under the heavens.” They “do not fear God;” but they should. Richard Wilkins is a member of Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse.
Do You Know? Have you met?
If you didn’t see the newest column by Jackie Miron titled “Do You Know?”, read it on the Jewish Federation of Central New York (http://jewishfederationcny.org) website under the Jewish Observer heading. Look for future columns on people in our community you Jackie Miron should get to know through our pages. Additional content will include features about programs, events and subjects of local interest. Elyssa Rosenbaum is one of the busiest young professionals in Central New York. She is also well-traveled, accomplished, cultured and continues to grow and achieve in many ways. Educated at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Elyssa developed an early commitment to Judaism and has carried her strong upbringing throughout her endeavors in college and beyond. She Elyssa Rosenbaum recently returned to Syracuse to pursue a masters degree in physical education after having spent more than two years in Israel. She first went to Israel to attend the OTZMA Program with the Jewish Federation of Central New York. OTZMA brings a select group of young Jewish professionals to Israel to learn about the country, study Hebrew, volunteer in Israel’s periphery and work on other social action projects. Not only did she finish the program, but was hired to be a leader for a second year. The program closed in summer 2013. Her interest in fitness had been growing for years, and she was a member of the Israeli national lacrosse team that played in the 2014 World Cup Tournament. She participated in running races and triathlons in Israel, and continued to challenge herself physically. Wanting to continue cultural and educational experiences in Israel, she secured a job with Young Judea in Israel to mentor younger students in various learning opportunities. Elyssa was accomplishing, learning, growing and being challenged both intellectually and physically. However, she was at a crossroads as to how to integrate her years in Israel with a future in teaching and fitness, and her college major of media arts and design, as well as whether to stay in Israel or come back to the United States. Those are difficult issues for anyone making career and family decisions, especially with the added challenge of fluency in Hebrew. She began classes back home, committed to train for a full Ironman triathlon during summer 2015 and worked as a fitness coach, personal trainer, nanny and as the coordinator for Birthright Israel and engagement at Hillel at Syracuse University. Central New York is so lucky to have Elyssa back in our area, even if only for a short time. Her experiences give her an unusual perspective and the students under her umbrella are sure to benefit. She traveled back to Israel with a Hillel group traveling under a Birthright program with the Jewish Federation of Central New York during the recent winter break. Elyssa said she would love it if there were more opportunities for activities with other young Jewish professionals in Syracuse. Though it is unfair to compare the Syracuse community to Israel, where there are endless opportunities for Jewish learning, praying and socializing at all levels, Central New York could benefit from more of these activities. With her schedule maxed out, Elyssa regrets not being able to help the ways young Jews can connect, participate and involve in fund-raising, fitness and study. If she had more time, she could succeed at this, too. When you read about Elyssa, you are sure to have confidence knowing she will make a difference to many Jewish students, athletes, and others in her community.
FEBRUARY 19, 2015/30 SHEVAT 5775 ■
Purim
Continued from page 2 filled cookies on a baking sheet and then pop them into the freezer for five to 10 minutes before baking. Chilled cookie dough simply bakes better. If you enjoy the custom of handing out mishloach manot, or Purim baskets, in your community, these chocolate hamentashen would go great with a coffeethemed package: include a small bag of high-quality coffee, a little bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans and the hamentashen inside a big mug.
For the chocolate dough: ½ cup butter (or margarine) ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 Tbsp. milk (or almond milk) 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1¼ cups all purpose flour 1 /8 cup cocoa powder (I prefer Hershey’s Special Dark) ¼ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. cinnamon For the mocha cream cheese filling: 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. brewed espresso or coffee Pinch of salt For the white chocolate drizzle: ½ cup white chocolate chips 2 tsp. vegetable oil Nutella or milk chocolate chips Chocolate covered espresso beans (optional) Instant espresso powder (optional) To make the dough: Beat the butter and sugar together until smooth. Add egg, milk and vanilla until mixed thoroughly. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl. Add dry mixture to wet mixture until incorporated. Note: If the dough is too soft, increase flour amount by ¼ cup until firm. Chill dough for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. To make mocha cream cheese: Mix cream cheese, espresso, sugar and pinch of salt together in a small bowl. Allow to chill 1-3 hours. To make the white chocolate drizzle: Place white chocolate and vegetable oil in a small glass bowl. Heat in the microwave at 30-second intervals until melted. Mix until completely smooth. Use right away. To make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Dust your work surface with powdered sugar or flour to keep from sticking. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out and place onto cookie sheet. To keep the dough from sticking to your cutter, dip in powdered sugar or flour before each cut. Fill cookies with Nutella, milk chocolate chips or mocha cream cheese filling. Bake for 7-9 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely. To assemble the mocha chocolate hamentashen, top with crushed chocolate covered espresso beans or a dusting of instant espresso. To assemble triple chocolate hamentashen, use a fork or a small plastic squeeze bottle to drizzle white chocolate sauce back and forth on cookies. Allow to dry completely on a cooling rack before serving or packaging. Shannon Sarna is editor of The Nosher blog on MyJewishLearning.com.
NEWS IN bRIEF
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obituaries Stanley W. Cohen
Stanley W. Cohen, 80, of Canton, NY, died on February 4 at home. Born in Mount Vernon, NY, he graduated from Cortland High School in 1952 and Hobart College in 1956, where he was co-captain of the men’s basketball team. In 1957, he and his wife moved to Canton, where he began teaching physical education and accounting at Canton ATC. He also began coaching basketball, and was the coach for Canton ATC men’s basketball team from 1957-73. From 1973 until this year, he was the assistant coach for the SUNY Potsdam Bears men’s basketball team and totaled more than 1,000 wins as coach or assistant coach. In 2011, he was inducted into the SUNY Canton Hall of Fame for his years of dedication and service to SUNY Canton and for inspiring alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends. In 2014, he was inducted to the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. He loved to play the piano. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Saxe. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosalyn; a son, Hal (Barbara) Cohen; three daughters, Laureen Cohen, Carrie Cohen and Amy (John ) Vangelov, all of Syracuse; nine grandchildren; and a sister, Helen (Herb) Slutsky. O’Leary Funeral Home, of Canton, held private graveside services at Frumah Packard Cemetery in Syracuse. Sisskind Funeral Service had local arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Stanley Cohen Sports Management Endowment, c/o Canton College Foundation, 34 Cornell Dr., Canton, NY 13617 or the Potsdam College Foundation for Men’s College Basketball, Attn: Coach Dobbs, 44 Pierrepont Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676.
Renia (Wiener) Cyprys
Renia (Wiener) Cyprys, 89, died on February 7 at Crouse Hospital. Born in Poland, she was a Holocaust survivor and spent time in the Lodz ghetto, Chenstohow labor camp and the Dachau concentration camp. Upon liberation in 1945, while at the camp for displaced survivors, she met and married her husband and they emigrated to the U.S. via Ellis Island, ultimately settling in Syracuse in 1952. She worked at the former J.M. Fields before becoming a full-time mother. She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Zelik (Jack) Cyprys; a daughter, Barb (Ken) Cyprys Kimber; a son, Fred Cyprys; and two grandchildren. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements.
June Manheim
June Manheim, 92, died on January 21 in Needham, MA. Born in Paterson, NJ, she was the youngest of four children, all of whom graduated from Syracuse University. She was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and, for many years after college, remained actively involved with the sorority. She was an avid fan of all SU sports teams. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, in 2009. She is survived by a son, Gene (Lynn), of Connecticut; a daughter, Susan Manheim-Schiff (Andrew Schiff), of Massachusetts; four grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Syracuse University Annual Fund, Syracuse University Office of Development, 820 Comstock Ave., Syracuse, NY 13244.
NEWS digest From JNS.org
Argentine prosecutor to continue investigation into alleged Iran cover-up
An Argentine prosecutor said the investigation into Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner’s alleged cover-up of Iran’s involvement in the 1994 Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association Jewish center bombing, a probe launched by late prosecutor Alberto Nisman, will continue. “An investigation will be initiated with an eye toward substantiating... the accusations and whether those responsible can be held criminally responsible,” said a document published by state prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita, who will take on the case, Reuters reported. A report by Nisman revealed that he had accused Kirchner of secretly negotiating with Iran to avoid punishments for those behind the 1994 bombing of the AMIA center in Buenos Aires. The bombing killed 85 people and injured 300. In 2013, Nisman, who was investigating the bombing after Iran and Argentina reached a widely criticized deal to establish a
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joint “truth commission” to investigate the attack, released an indictment blaming Iran and Hezbollah for the attack. In January, just days before Nisman was scheduled to testify on his findings, he was discovered dead in his apartment’s bathroom with a handgun lying next to his body. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of his death.
Christian-Jewish aid group sends $650K in emergency aid to Ukrainian Jews
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has announced that it is sending $650,000 in emergency aid to help poor and displaced Jews in several eastern Ukrainian cities under siege from Russian government-backed rebel groups. “We get worrisome updates constantly; our prayers are with those in need. We will do everything in our power to ensure that no Jew will be left homeless, go hungry, or not be able to emigrate on aliyah to Israel,” said Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of IFCJ. Nearly 5,000 people have been killed in fighting between the Western-backed Ukrainian government and pro-Russian rebels backed by Moscow.
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From JNS.org
IDF preparing for possible jihadist attacks along Egyptian border
Israel Defense Forces officers say it is only a “matter of time” before Islamic State-affiliated jihadist groups attack Israeli towns along the Egyptian border. According to Lt. Col. Gilad Avralinzi, an engineering officer with the IDF’s 80th division, the IDF Engineering Corps has spent the past year preparing the Sinai Peninsula border fence in anticipation of hostile actions from jihadist groups in the region, Israel Radio reported. Avralinzi said the IDF will bolster the border fence during the next year with sophisticated electronics and surveillance equipment, including cameras, optics and radars. The Sinai-based and Islamic State-affiliated terror group Wilayat Sinai, which was formerly known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, was behind a recent series of attacks that killed 30 Egyptian security personnel. The week of Feb. 13, the group released a video showing the decapitation of 10 men whom it accused of spying for Israel and Egypt.
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ february 19, 2015/30 SHEVAT 5775
NEWS IN bRIEF from israel From JTA
Rachel Corrie’s family loses appeal in Israel’s Supreme Court seeking damages
Israel’s Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision on civil damages in the case of U.S. peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed in the West Bank in 2003 by a military bulldozer. The high court on Feb. 12 upheld a ruling by the Haifa District Court exempting Israel from paying civil damages for wrongful death to Corrie’s family since the incident occurred in a war zone. Corrie, 23, a pro-Palestinian activist from Olympia, WA, was wearing an orange vest and attempting to stop a bulldozer from demolishing a Palestinian home in Rafah in the West Bank when she was killed. The army said that the area where the incident occurred was named a closed military zone; the claim has been disputed. An Israeli army investigation following Corrie’s death found that the driver of the bulldozer could not see Corrie and did not intentionally run over her. The report accused Corrie and the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement of “illegal, irresponsible and dangerous” behavior. Witnesses say that Corrie was clearly visible and that activists shouted for the bulldozer to stop before it hit the college student. The Supreme Court on Feb. 12 reversed a separate lower court decision, however, on the possible mishandling of the autopsy on Corrie’s body, which will require further investigation by the court into the autopsy and the possible misplacement of some of Corrie’s remains. The Corries lost a lawsuit against Caterpillar Inc., the U.S. company that manufactured the bulldozer that killed their daughter.
EU official: No new sanctions against Israel in pipeline
The European Union and its member states do not envision passing any new sanctions against Israel, an EU official said in refuting reports to the contrary. The official spoke to JTA on Feb. 11 under condition of anonymity about a report that appeared the previous day on the Israeli news website Walla. The report quoted unnamed Israeli officials as saying that they heard from European diplomats, who also were not named, that the EU or member states are discussing “applying sanctions against companies that will do business across the border,” in reference to Israel’s 1967 borders. “The assumption in Europe is that Israel will have a right-wing government after the elections and in that situation it would be easier for them to promote such moves,” one Israeli official said. But the EU official said there is no intention now of passing new sanctions or regulations against Israel, which is officially not subject to any EU sanctions, though EU steps designed to prevent member states’ involvement in settlements are often perceived in Israel as punitive. “The report is absolutely wrong about the incoming government and the elections, or that after the elections there will be all sorts of moves,” the EU official said. “I think that this is not being discussed at all among member states.” However, member states are discussing applying existing regulations that Israel opposes, such as labeling settlement goods, the EU official said, referencing a 2012 statement by 27 EU foreign ministers who vowed to “fully and effectively implement existing EU legislation and agreements with Israel regarding products from the settlements.” Israeli firms based in the Golan Heights, eastern Jerusalem and the West Bank mark their produce as Made in Israel, though the European Union, like all other international institutions, does not recognize those areas as being part of Israel and therefore have pushed for separate labeling. Last year, several European foreign
ministries advised businesses from their countries against activity in territory regarded by the European Union as occupied, citing potential legal complications. However, EU regulations on settlements have been only partially implemented “because everyone hoped peace was around the corner,” the EU official said. Now that the renewal of talks between Israel and the Palestinians seems unlikely, “member states are insisting on applying the rules that we have,” the official added. These discussions, the official said, are ongoing.
the outlawed Kach movement after the death of Rabbi Meir Kahane, has previously run for Knesset.
Fossil of 85-million-year-old reptile found in Israeli desert
Apple CEO Tim Cook will inaugurate Apple Israel’s new headquarters. During his visit to Israel set for the week of Feb. 16, Cook will meet with former President Shimon Peres and senior figures in the nation’s high-tech industry, the Israeli business daily Globes reported on Feb. 12, citing unnamed sources. Apple Israel headquarters in Herzliya Pituach, a beachfront district in central Israel, will house 800 employees. Cook met last year with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Apple’s international headquarters in Cupertino, CA.
The remains of an 85-million-year-old reptile – the oldest fossils ever found in Israel – were identified in the Arava Desert. Some 30 fossils belonging to the Elasmosaurus, a large carnivorous reptile, were discovered in the southern Israeli desert. The ancient reptile, a carnivore considered a “cousin” of the dinosaur, was about 8 feet long. Among the fossilized remains discovered during several digs were tooth and jaw fragments, broken limbs, fins and vertebrae. The reptile lived under the water, which was where Israel was located until 20 million to 30 million years ago, Sarit Ashckenazi-Polivoda, a geologist who specializes in micropaleontology at the Dead Sea and Arava Sciences Center, told The Jerusalem Post, which first reported the discovery. The first fossil belonging to the Elasmosaurus was found by an archaeologist and tour guide in 2012, Ashckenazi-Polivoda said. Fossil remains of the Elasmosaurus also have been found in Iran, Jordan, Syria and Morocco.
Zoabi, Marzel disqualified from upcoming Israeli elections
Abbas opens Palestine embassy in Sweden
CEO Tim Cook to open Apple Israel’s new headquarters
Arab-Israeli lawmaker Hanin Zoabi and far-right Jewish activist Baruch Marzel were disqualified from running in Israel’s March 3 elections. At hearings on Feb. 12, the Central Elections Committee voted 27-6 to ban Zoabi, a Knesset member from the Arab-Israeli Balad party since 2009. The vote on Marzel, of the Yachad party, was 17-16. Both bans will be automatically appealed to the Supreme Court. Zoabi and Marzel previously have been banned from running in elections, most recently Zoabi in January 2013. The Supreme Court overturned those decisions. Zoabi, who participated in the 2010 flotilla sail to Gaza to bust Israel’s blockade organized by the Islamic IHH group in Turkey, has been censured before for anti-Israel statements. Most recently she was suspended from the Knesset for statements she made encouraging Palestinian “popular resistance” and saying that the kidnappers of three Israeli teens, who were murdered, were not terrorists. Marzel, who headed
BDS
– analogizing Israeli actions to those of the Nazis during the Holocaust. The Anti-Defamation League explains on its website, “In contrast to Holocaust and more recent examples of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Darfur, Rwanda and Kosovo, there is no Israeli ideology, policy or plan to persecute, exterminate or expel the Palestinian population – nor has there ever been. Israeli policies toward the Palestinians are based on its need to defend its population and combat threats to Israel’s security, while promoting a negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” Andy Borans, the executive director of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Jewish fraternity, told JNS.org that grouping other countries with Israel in divestment resolutions “is a tactic to confuse others about the real anti-Israeli – and, often, antisemitic – motivations.” Roz Rothstein, CEO of the Israel education organization StandWithUs, expressed hope that academic institutions will start realizing that BDS advocates’ targeting of countries other than Israel “is the result of allowing themselves to be hijacked by anti-Israel extremists.” “While StandWithUs supports government accountability across the board, the UCSA’s resolution has made it clear that symbolic calls for divestment from America and other governments are a misguided overreach, and will not advance human rights or justice in any meaningful way,” Rothstein told JNS.org. Jacob Baime, executive director of the Israel on Campus Coalition, told JNS.org that “the lumping together of Israel with the U.S. and other nations in divestment resolutions indicates a shift in the BDS movement toward even more radical positions and an attempt to create an even more radical coalition.” Yet, despite the BDS movement’s shifting tactics, a newly released ICC report reveals that pro-Israel activity on U.S. campuses has increased in the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas last summer, and a rise in terrorism against Jews in Israel last fall. The number of both anti-Israel and pro-Israel rallies on college campuses was significantly higher in fall 2014 than it was in fall 2013, according to the report. The study, which detailed activity trends throughout the last three years, also showed that the number of campus events in support of the Jewish state continue to widely outnumber anti-Israel events. There were more than 1,500 Israel-supporting activities held last fall on campuses, an increase of more than 400 from the same period in
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas inaugurated the embassy of Palestine in Sweden. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstroem was among those on hand for the ceremony on Feb. 10, along with Swedish government officials and foreign ambassadors, the Palestinian Maan news agency reported. Abbas was visiting Sweden for the first time since it became the first European country to officially recognize a state of Palestine. At the ceremony, Abbas praised Sweden for recognizing his country and added, “Such recognitions do not mean that we don’t want to negotiate with Israel.” Abbas called on Israel to restart peace negotiations and to transfer millions of dollars in withheld tax money. Sweden officially recognized the state of Palestine in October, days after new Prime Minister Stefan Lofven announced that the government would make the recognition. In response, Israel recalled its ambassador to Sweden.
Continued from page 8 2013. By comparison, anti-Israel events, though they also rose, remained under 800 last fall. The primary focus of BDS groups is still Israel, and “we continue to see BDS as a fundamentally antisemitic movement,” said Baime. “In our view, no group or cause should get involved with the BDS movement, which has a proven record of creating conditions for campus hate speech, bullying and divisiveness,” he said. “Our goal is to educate every member of the campus community on what BDS represents – a movement dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish homeland.” Israel advocacy groups working on campus have pointed to what they see as the absurdity of the second UCSA-passed resolution’s targeting of the U.S. The resolution argued that America “engaged in drone strikes that have killed more than 2,400 people in Pakistan and Yemen, many of them civilians.” “The [U.S.] government oversees, by far, the highest rate of imprisonment in the world, and racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement agencies, particularly for drug-related offenses,” the resolution stated. “Four hundred thousand undocumented immigrants are held in detention centers every year, and millions have been deported since the current administration took office, and the government is directly supporting and propping up numerous dictatorships around the world with weapons sales and foreign aid.” Samantha Mandeles, editor-in-chief of CAMERAonCampus.org for the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting media watchdog group, took issue with the UCSA grouping the U.S. and Israel “with some of the worst human rights abusers in the world,” calling the move “merely a smokescreen, meant to hide the true anti-Israel bigotries and aims of its proponents. “This amendment is an attempt to hide from legitimate critique of BDS as unfairly focused on the one Jewish state in the world – which, in large part, it is. The inclusion of several abusive governments as part of a system of worldwide human rights abuses does not excuse the counter-factual castigation of Israel,” Mandeles said. StandWithUs’s Rothstein said, “If the principle behind BDS is truly to remove any investments that can be tied to human rights violations, then the illogic of an American university divesting from America is the only possible conclusion this movement can reach.”