January 2, 2020 Jewish Observer of CNY

5 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 2, 2020 • VOLUME XXXXI, NUMBER 1 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Presidents, rabbis and executive directors meet with Federation to plan for the future

BY BARBARA SHEKLIN DAVIS To prepare for the third decade of the 21st century, the Jewish Federation of Central New York convened the community’s rabbis, and the presidents and executives of community agencies, organizations and synagogues, at a meeting on December 16. The agenda was devoted to efforts to revitalize and

rebuild the community by emphasizing quality, not quantity, and spotlighting relationships and impact. The goal is to showcase Jewish Central New York as an accessible and welcoming community that places the person – not the organization or the event – at its center.

Federation Board Chair Ellen Weinstein said, “Relationship-based Jewish en-

gagement is how Federations reweave Jewish community.”

The concept of community was on everyone’s mind. Participants spoke of the need to be respectful of one another and address issues from a community perspective, seeking collaboration where possible and beneficial. “We are too small to be divisive,” said one participant.

Topics suggested for discussion at future meetings of the group included increasing enrollment at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, increasing awareness of the activities of the agencies, offering services for older adults and providing a forum for “good and welfare” whereby achievements and successes could be celebrated together.

Federation president addresses SU community peace vigil On December 4, a community peace vigil was held on the steps of Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel. It was meant to help overcome the hate and pain of some 16 racist, antisemitic and bias-related incidents reported on or near SU during the month of November.

“We’re better when we’re together,” said the Reverend Brian E. Konkol, Syracuse University’s dean of Hendricks Chapel. “Tonight was an opportunity to express that publicly.” More than 100 students, faculty and community members gathered at Hendricks after weeks of protest that followed the series of racist graffiti and bias incidents on and near campus. Federation President/CEO

Michael Balanoff, Muslim Chaplain Imam Amir Duric and Bethany Baptist Pastor Phil Turner spoke.

Balanoff urged the university to call out hate speech, said that “hateful language has no place on campus” and noted, “While a vast majority of college students say that it is acceptable to protest invited speakers on campus, an overwhelming majority (83 percent) say that using violence to stop a speaker is always unacceptable.” He continued, “So, without using violence, how do we respond to hate speech or speakers whose message is hateful to us, or to acts of racism or antisemitism? What should our responses be?”

Balanoff’s message to those at the vigil was that “it makes no sense to compare one group’s discrimination with another’s. Haters are equal opportunity haters.” He added, “Responses which do not strongly condemn hateful speech or hateful actions can add a sense of institutional indifference to these already vile acts, particularly in the eyes of those targeted. They also mistakenly position free speech against hate speech, in the belief that protecting free speech means there are constraints on denouncing hate.

This is categorically wrong. It gives the impression that being offended by hate is somehow optional. Suggesting that hate speech only impacts a few people

Jewish Community Foundation teen funders allocate donations

BY RACHEL SCHEER On November 10, the teen funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York met for the second and final time in 2019. They collectively donated a total of $1,675. After discussing many grant applications, they decided on the following donations: $500 to MakeA-Wish of Central New York, so that it could send encouraging postcards to the kids from the wish granters. They then

decided to donate $325 to Noah’s Care Bags, a local nonprofit run by a member of teen funders. The organization donates care packages filled with items such as toiletries and candy to the (Golisano) Children’s Hospital. The goal is to provide basic necessities for the children to make it easier on the families. With this donation, Noah can make about 162 care packages.

The teens also donated $500 to Orr Shalom, a nonprofit based in Israel that

takes care of children and youth at risk. The donation will provide two “startup kits,” which contain seasonally appropriate clothes and personal items for the children.

Lastly, the group donated $350 to the Syracuse City Ballet. This donation will help sponsor a sensory friendly performance of “The Nutcracker.” This specific See “Teen” on page 2

misses the importance of expressing solidarity with vulnerable groups when it is most needed.”

He said that the leaders of the university community “must condemn hate directed at any group in no uncertain terms. Neutral statements related to concerns about protection of free speech, or avoidance of censorship, misstate the relationship between free speech and hate speech.

Condemning hate does not infringe on free speech protections. On the contrary: it is essential that campus leaders strongly condemn hateful incidents and simultaneously affirm the values of free speech and inclusion. There is no place for racism or bigotry or sexism or antisemitism or misogyny or xenophobia in the university. These are the very opposite of what a university stands for: expanding knowledge and human understanding; seeking and expressing diverse ideas and truths; excelling with integrity and providing options and opportunities.”

In conclusion, Balanoff said, “We live in an age of anxiety, fear and worry, and all of these provoke irrational hatred in some. During a spate of antisemitic hate incidents in 2018, the Anti-Defamation League’s Oren Segal said, ‘This moment will not be defined by the bomb threats, cemetery desecrations or swastikas, but by how we all responded.”’

Follow the Jewish Federation of Central New York for the latest updates! @Jewish-Federation-Of-Central-New-York @JewishFederationOfCNY

L-r: The teen funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York met for the second and final time in 2019. Attending the meeting were Jack Satterlee, Aliya Iosilevich, Kassidy Hirsch, Danielle Alpert, Rachel Scheer, Rachel Alpert, Edwin Hirsch, Noah Hyde, Sophie Scheer and Eden Shirilan-Howlett.

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A

January 3.......................... 4:24 pm.................................................Parashat Vayigash January 10........................ 4:31 pm...................................................Parashat Vayechi January 17........................ 4:39 pm................................................... Parashat Shemot

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Parkinson’s program Syracuse Hillel lauded Congregational notes

PLUS

Syracuse Jewish Family Service Hillel International has awarded Local congregations announce is offering a Parkinson’s program Syracuse Hillel an Outstanding a variety of classes, a concert, to address cognitive challenges. Campus Award. services and more.

Story on page 3 Story on page 2 Stories on page 4

Letter to the Editor................ 2 Classifieds................................ 3 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Obituaries................................. 7

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Syracuse Jewish Family Service first in region to offer Parkinson’s program to address cognitive challenges

BY ELLEN SOMERS Syracuse Jewish Family Service at Menorah Park is now enrolling participants in a new program unique to Central New York. Opening in mid-January, “M-Power U: A Learning Community for Parkinson’s Disease” is being offered as an ongoing, weekly four-hour social and learning program.

According to SJFS Director Judith Huober, M-Power U/Parkinson’s will allow SJFS to customize its successful approach to individuals with early memory loss to serve the particular needs of people affected by Parkinson’s Disease, “empowering them to take charge of their emotional, cognitive and physical health to mitigate the impact of early cognitive

changes and improve overall wellness.”

Supportive services such as counseling, coaching and care management are also available to family members and other care partners.

Huober said, “Through our work with people in the Central New York community who are facing early challenges from memory loss and other brain health issues, we’ve realized that individuals with Parkinson’s who have cognitive concerns need similar opportunities to learn and adapt in an upbeat, interesting and really enjoyable setting. Participants will benefit from MPU’s targeted and holistic approach addressing cognitive, social, emotional and practical challenges, through the combined use of educational

and creative exercises, and always in a context of peer validation and support.

Our approach incorporates relaxation and stress reduction, cognitive exercises, Tai Chi/Chi Kung, arts-based activities and periodic excursions to cultural venues in the area.”

Seed funding for the program was obtained from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, in collaboration with the Brookdale Foundation, to initiate MPU/Parkinson’s.

M-Power U/Parkinson’s will be held in Liverpool at the United Church of Christ in Bayberry and is open to anyone in the Central New York community with Parkinson’s Disease and early memory loss or cognitive concerns. SJFS is also

partnering with Empower Parkinson’s Rock Steady Boxing program in Liverpool to help raise awareness of the combined benefits of both programs in addressing the physical and cognitive changes associated with Parkinson’s.

The daily fee is $45 and includes lunch and a snack. Discounts are available for pre-payment, as well as reduced rates for those demonstrating financial need.

The cost of most excursions is included, but special excursions occasionally incur additional fees.

To schedule an enrollment assessment, or to learn more about becoming a participant or volunteer, contact Ellen Somers, SJFS assistant director, at 315-446-9111, ext. 225, or SomersE@sjfs.org.

SHDS and JCC present forum on school readiness

BY LAURA LAVINE With moderator Megan Coleman facilitating, the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center co-sponsored a panel of three experts on the topic of school readiness.

Ann Blanton, chair of the SUNY Cortland communication sciences department; Shaun Ward, psychology professor at LeMoyne College; and Amber Mazur, literacy specialist in the Liverpool School District, gave their perspectives on the development of children heading to kindergarten.

Ward described ways to ensure that children’s social, emotional and behavioral milestones are met, but also reminded the audience that parents have to be ready to “let go” as their youngsters start their school careers. He also validated parents’ concerns about “making mistakes” and assured them that such “mistakes” usually turn out fine.

Blanton reviewed the developmental stages of speech and language development, and gave pointers on how to enhance children’s speech production, listening comprehension, vocabulary and

At right, l-r: Amber Mazur, Shaun Ward, Anne Blanton and moderator Megan Coleman were the speakers at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School discussion on school readiness.

other areas of language. She emphasized the value of speaking to children as much as possible, modeling adult pronunciation and grammar, and helping children expand the length and complexity of their utterances.

Mazur shared the foundation skills necessary for beginning readers and offered useful resources for parents to utilize to learn more about the science of reading.

She encouraged the audience members to read to children as often as possible and offered strategies for developing a love of reading.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Promoting a safe campus environment for all students To the Editor: Today’s collegians face increasingly difficult circumstances. On many North America campuses, Jews and other supporters of Israel have encountered harassment, intimidation, ostracism and exclusion from fellow students, scorn from radical faculty, and indifference, or worse, from administrators. Beyond growing antisemitism, inextricably linked to anti-Zionism, many students suffer from an all-enveloping environment hostile to any expression of heterodox opinion. They need broad support.

Heretofore, a potentially potent voice, that of alumni, has been largely absent.

A new national organization, Alums for Campus Fairness, aims to fill that void, seeking to promote a safe campus environment for all students. The Syracuse University chapter is among a growing list of several dozen nationwide. Their mere presence sends a strong supportive message to students and sympathetic faculty.

ACF’s stated mission is to inform and involve alumni in fighting manifestations of antisemitism, and to promote open and fair dialogue concerning the Arab-Israel conflict. It takes no official positions on political issues surrounding that conflict, other than having a commitment to Israel’s existence as a Jewish homeland, with safe and secure border.

ACF keeps alumni informed of ongoing developments, positive and negative, through webinars. social media, and regular news updates. It provides a number of valuable support services accessible to students (info@campusfairness.org).

For more information, or to join the SU Chapter, go to www.campusfairness.org.

(Also on www.facebook.com/campusfairness;www.twitter.com/campusfairness).

Although primarily directed at alumni, students, parents and faculty are also welcome to join.

Sincerely yours, Richard D. Wilkins

Hebrew Interest-Free Loan

The Jewish Federation of Central New York has instituted the Hebrew Interest-Free Loan program to help Jewish people get past a temporary financial need.

To learn more about the program or to see if you qualify, visit the Federation’s website, www.jewishfederationcny.org.

The parents in the audience had so many questions after listening to the experts that Coleman kept the program going past the scheduled ending time.

SHDS teacher Stacy Seidman observed, “The panel experts were three

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performance allows for a more relaxed and accepting environment so people who don’t otherwise feel welcome at a public performance may feel welcomed and accepted. The donation will go toward an ASL interpreter and fidgets for the attendees.

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of the most knowledgeable presenters in the Central New York area. The parents took in every word and seemed to truly internalize what they learned.”

One parent, Shira Boschan, said, “As a parent of young children, I want to make sure that I’m focused on the proper areas of my children’s development at the right times. The insights I took away from the kindergarten readiness event will be beneficial as I continue to parent for years to come.”

SHDS’s next event is its Open House Night on Wednesday, January 22, from 7-8:30 pm, to introduce prospective parents to the dual curricula kindergarten-sixth grade program. On Sunday, February 2, from 3-4:30 pm, parents of preschoolers are invited to a sledding event with current SHDS families.

Continued from page 1 As well as donating the teen funders’ funds, some members of the teen funders also decided to volunteer at the Syracuse Jewish Family Service for expressive arts activities. The teens judged the meeting a success and said they look forward to meeting again in the spring.

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Hillel International honors Syracuse Hillel

BY SARAH GARFINKEL In December, Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, presented awards to recognize individuals and campus Hillels that are creating innovative experiences and meaningful connections to help students develop stronger ties to their Jewish identities. Syracuse Hillel was one of the 16 honorees recognized.

Hillel International Interim President and CEO Adam Lehman said, “Syracuse Hillel serves as a model of how Hillels around the world succeed in engaging and educating students, no matter their size or location. We’re incredibly proud of our talented professionals for the work they do every day to inspire and support Jewish students and their entire campus communities.”

The awards, which also recognize those who reflect Hillel’s culture of excellence, were presented at Hillel International’s annual Global Assembly in Atlanta,

attended by more than 1,100 Hillel professionals from around the world as an opportunity for professional development, networking and continuing education.

SU Hillel Executive Director Jillian Juni said, “We are incredibly proud to be recipients of the Phillip H. and Susan Rudd Cohen Outstanding Campus Award. It is amazing to be recognized for the work we are doing with our students and partnerships at Syracuse University.

Our current staff is thankful to everyone who has paved the way for us.”

Drive to Excellence Awards recognize campus Hillels that exemplify the mission of Hillel International in its continuous efforts to identify and implement best practices to engage every Jewish student.

Syracuse Hillel was honored for its organizational growth and excellence in many areas, including student engagement, governance, fund-raising and partnerships.

Chair of the Board of Governors Barbara Kurman said, “The entire staff of Syracuse Hillel, along with

support from our Hillel International colleagues, Syracuse University, and our Board of Governors have worked tirelessly in support of our students. We are so proud to have been awarded in this most amazing and nationally prestigious way.”

Sarah Garfinkel is part of the West End Strategy Team.

Founded in 1923, Hillel has been enriching the lives of Jewish students for more than 90 years. Today, Hillel International is a global organization that welcomes students of all backgrounds and seeks to foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.

Hillel is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

As the largest Jewish student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with emerging adults at more than 550 colleges and universities, and inspires them to direct their own path. During their formative college years, students are challenged to explore, experience and create vibrant Jewish lives.

Free beginners running program starts January 8 at the JCC

BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Syracuse Chargers Track Club’s Everyone Can Run Beginners Running Program starts on Wednesday, January 8, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center’s Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center.

Greg Tuttle of the Syracuse Chargers, a USA Track and Field-certified coach, will lead the sessions, which will be held every week on Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm

through February 12. The free six-week program will be held at the fitness center’s indoor track.

Patrick Scott, the JCC’s sports and fitness director, said the program is for everyone and that people of all fitness levels are welcome. He added, “The Chargers do a great job of teaching people how to run properly.

The strength of your leg muscles, your bones, your body posture, your gait – all of these affect your stamina. By

Keyna Hora Klezmer Band seeks new members

Open to public participation, regardless of religious affiliation, the Keyna Hora Klezmer Band is 25 years old and seeks instrumentalists, singers and dancers who want to be part of a “dynamic, friendly group.” There are no tryouts or costs to join.

The band’s primary emphasis is klezmer music, the secular music of Eastern Europe, but includes Ladino, Sephardic and Israeli genres. The band is open to participants of all ages. It meets Tuesday nights at The Oaks, and the first Tuesday of the month at Menorah Park.

The band has played at music festivals, weddings and b’nai mitzvah locally and in Potsdam, Lake Placid,

Corning Elmira, Ithaca, Albany and Buffalo. Locally, it plays regularly at libraries, simchot, the Syracuse Jewish Community Center and senior residences.

Bringing secular Jewish music into the community is the goal. Band members hope that the music connects the band and audiences to Jewish heritage and culture. That said, band members say they “hope the lively wedding music and soulful love songs appeal to every audience.”

Organizers realize that every organization needs new people and ideas to thrive. Anyone interested in joining should contact Sid Lipton at 315-682-8489 or Mimi Weiner at 315-446-7810.

the end of the program, you will be able to run for 30 minutes with relative ease.”

The class will start with walking, with the number of running intervals increasing every week on a set schedule. Each participant will also be given a Syracuse Chargers pedometer and a two-week trial pass to the JCC’s Fitness Center.

For more information and to register, call the JCC Fitness desk at 315-234-4522 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

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Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu JANUARY 6-10 Monday – sweet and sour meatballs Tuesday – chicken rollatini Wednesday – vegetable soup, turkey sandwich Thursday – trout with wild rice Friday – apricot chicken JANUARY 13-17 Monday – beef stew over noodles Tuesday – tuna salad on rye Wednesday – tomato basil soup with grilled cheese Thursday – stuffed flounder Friday – mid-winter celebration – brisket 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

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Or just leaving town for a few months?

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Monday through Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are required by noon on the previous business day. 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 further information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 315-4452360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.

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CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas ADVANCED BEGINNER’S HEBREW STARTS JANUARY 6 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, in cooperation with Temple Concord, is offering a new Hebrew program beginning on Monday, January 6, at 6 pm. This 10-session course will pick up where the fall Beginner’s Hebrew class left off, but it is open to new participants.

Anyone with even a very basic understanding of Hebrew letters and their sounds is welcome to attend. There is only a charge for books for CBS-CS members and a $40 fee for non-members.

Books will be ordered by the CBS-CS office. To register for the course in advance, contact the CBS-CS office at manager@cbscs.org or 315-446-9570.

SHABBAT HADOROT POTLUCK FEATURING OYS AND JOYS The CBS-CS Shabbat Hadorot, for families with children over 6, and Oys and Joys Model Shabbat Table, for families with children under 6, are two opportunities for families to create community and experience Shabbat in an engaging kid-friendly environment. The next one will be on Friday, January 10, beginning with a Shabbat potluck dinner for everyone at 6 pm, followed by the Shabbat Hadorot service for families with children over 6 and the concurrent Oys and Joys Model Shabbat Table at 7 pm with children under 6.

Oys and Joys Model Shabbat Table is a 30-minute Shabbat Table experience.

Families with children under join at a “Shabbat Table,” lighting candles, reciting Kiddush and singing Shabbat songs.

Shabbat Hadorot, a service led by CBS-CS’ pre-b’nai mitzvah youth, allows the children to have first-hand experience leading Friday evening services.

For more information, e-mail Melissa Harkavy at director@cbscs.org or make a reservation at tinyurl.com/hadorot-jan20.

TEACHING THE HOLOCAUST TODAY: LUNCH AND LEARN WITH SPECTOR/WARREN FELLOWS RHIANNON BARRY AND MICHAEL CROSBY On Saturday, January 18, during CBSCS Shabbat morning services and afterward at a lunch and learn, Rhiannon Berry and Michael Crosby will speak about their experiences teaching about the Holocaust.

They both earned their masters’ degrees from Syracuse University and teach at Liverpool High School.

They study the Holocaust with scholars and at the Holocaust Museum in Houston through the Spector/Warren Fellowship.

Berry and Crosby recently visited Israel and studied at Yad Vashem. During services, they will speak about those experiences. Following services, during the lunch and learn, they will speak specifically about the relevance of the Holocaust today and about their experiences teaching their students about the Holocaust.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact the CBS-CS office at manager@cbscs.org or 315-446-9570.

CBS-CS MITZVAH DAY WITH WE RISE ABOVE THE STREETS Join CBS-CS for a morning of mitzvot in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Sunday, January 19, from 10 am-noon.

Organizers hope that activist Al-amin Muhammad of We Rise Above the Streets will inspire participants with his story as they create care packages for people experiencing homelessness. Everyone is welcome.

CBS-CS will also be collecting items through Sunday, January 19, during business hours. Items needed include toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, travel

shampoo, travel soap, women’s hygiene products and socks.

For more information or to make a

reservation, go to https://tinyurl.com/ mitzvah20 or e-mail Melissa Harkavy at director@cbscs.org.

Temple Adath Yeshurun THE EMERGENCE OF THE MODERN JEWISH MOVEMENTS COURSE WITH RABBI ZEHAVI

BY SONALI MCINTYRE Temple Adath Yeshurun will present a new course led by Rabbi Yehoshua Zehavi titled “How Did We Get Here: The Emergence of the Modern Jewish Movements.”

The class will address the practice and ideology of different Jewish denominations and forms of identity from the perspective of their historic development.

Rabbi Zehavi said, “There have always been different expressions of Judaism and Jewish identity. However, around 200 years ago, a number of forces radically reshaped Jewish life, leading over time to the modern movements – or denominations – we recognize today.”

In this series, participants will explore difficult situations in which Jewish communities found themselves, the dilemmas they confronted and the way their answers brought the Jewish people to this moment. The rabbi will give participants the opportunity to ask questions such as the challenges Jews face now, the answers they seek and which forces are shaping the Judaism of tomorrow.

The course will take place over eight sessions: Thursdays, January 23 and 30, February 6, 13 and 27, and March 5, 19 and 26. Each class will begin at 7 pm.

There is no charge for attendance, but

Ella Raymond is one of several toddlers at the TAY Rothschild Early Childhood Center participating in Toddlers in Motion through Gotta Dance Performing Arts Studio, an extracurricular creative movement class. On December 16, the toddlers’ parents were invited to participate in the class and enjoy a creative movement session with their children. registration is requested and may be made by going to www.adath.org or calling the TAY office at 315-445-0002.

Temple Concord STORIES OF THE BAAL SHEM TOV WITH MAGGID JIM BRULÉ On Mondays, January 6, 13 and 20, at 7 pm, Maggid Jim Brulé will give participants the opportunity to “open hearts and minds” to the more mystical side of Judaism.

The Baal Shem Tov (Israel ben Eliezer) ignited a revolution in Judaism in the 18th century. An accomplished kabbalist and Torah scholar, he taught through stories, encouraging the average person to seek God through pure intention rather than scholarly prowess.

In this tour of stories by and about the Baal Shem Tov, Brulé will give participants the opportunity to open hearts and minds to the more mystical side of Judaism.

For more information, contact Brulé at jimbrule@gmail.com.

KOL ISHAH IN CONCERT: “MUSIC THAT MOVES US”

BY CHANA MEIR As part of the Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series, Kol Ishah, a group of three local female cantors, will perform a concert on Saturday, January 11, at 7:30 pm. They will be joined by guest Barbara Ostfeld, the first woman ordained as a cantor. The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York.

Kol Ishah, “A Woman’s Voice,” is comprised of Cantors Barbara Ostfeld, Kari Eglash, Esa Jaffe and Paula Pepperstone. Eglash said, “I have wanted to plan a concert with Esa Jaffe and Paula Pepperstone since I arrived here in Syracuse. We have always enjoyed singing together at community events, and having Cantor Ostfeld here as our special scholar/ artist-in-residence seemed like the perfect opportunity. Women’s voices express so

much, and until relatively recently were left out of Jewish life.”

Eglash said the concert’s theme, “Music That Moves Us,” is a way for the cantors to share music that has been important to them spiritually, as well as artistically. The program, she said, will include ancient and modern melodies.

Admission to the concert is free, although reservations would be appreciated and donations are welcome. For more information and to make a reservation, contact the TC office at 315-475-9952 or office@templeconcord.org, or online at templeconcord.org/calendar.

BARBARA J. OSTFELD, FIRST ORDAINED FEMALE CANTOR, TO DISCUSS MEMOIR “CATBIRD: THE BALLAD OF BARBI PRIM”

BY CHANA MEIR As part of the Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series, Cantor Barbara Ostfeld will discuss her memoir, “Catbird: The Ballad of Barbi Prim,” on Sunday, January 12, at 11 am. The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York.

Ostfeld describes herself as having been an “opinionated and quirky” 8-yearold girl, “corroded – sometimes literally – by a toxic but familiar social atmosphere.” After a family crisis exposed “old and enduring wounds,” Ostfeld rescued herself via therapy and her love of singing, becoming the first ordained woman cantor in 3,000 years of Jewish history. Her message, she says, is that “we are all brave pioneers – at becoming our true selves.”

Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, contact the TC office at 315-475-9952 or office@templeconcord.org.

L-r: Joe Cooper, Nicole Cooper, Rebecca Resig, Rebbetzin Ashira Zehavi, Phil Spevak, Alicia Spevak and Chaim Jaffe joined Rabbi Yehoshua Zehavi (not shown) in preparing food for the se’udah shelishit and sharing recipes and cooking tips for Shabbat.

Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak held its annual Chanukah bazaar for the religious school children on December 8. Seated (l-r): Rena Cantor and Cindy Goldstein.

Standing (l-r): Asher Greenhouse, Joanne Greenhouse, Sondra Schwartz, Marcia Mizruchi and JoAnn Grower.

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JEWISH OBSERVER

Judith Stander retired from Jewish Federation of CNY

BY JACKIE MIRON Judith “Bubbe” Stander has retired from the Jewish Federation as an associate after a long, satisfying and diverse career.

When asked about what she had done, the answer is the smile-filled one, “What haven’t I done?!”

Jewish communication has been her specialty, with important roles in inaugurating community obituary notices, the Community Happenings newsletter and the Community Calendar, to name a few.

Each job entailed her full interaction with each community organization, events and programming, and lots of detail.

She did it all with patience and a smile. She is proud of the responsibility she had for processing applications for

scholarships to Jewish camps and trips to Israel, as well as yearly coordination of the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration and Yom Hashoah program. She held important financial and organizing jobs for the very popular Jewish Music and Cultural Festival. Much of this she learned on the job, incorporating experience from a strong background in human services and her work at Syracuse University and Cortland County, and operating a family advertising agency.

A go-to person in almost any area, she served many people in ever-changing roles, where she was forced to wear many hats to keep up with the times. Her singing voice is considered to be as beautiful as her speaking voice, and she has long per-

formed with community singing groups.

The list of organizations to which she gave her time includes the village of Manlius, steering and investigative committees, advisory boards, volunteer coordinator, team leader and steering committee. She spent the most time at Temple Concord.

Her pleasant demeanor and helpful personality are infectious. Her spirit is deep, her kindness apparent, and everything about her is genuine, caring and real. Federation President/CEO Michael Balanoff said, “Judith sparked enthusiasm among all the members of the staff and was always willing to find a way to get the job done. Her knowledge of the community and its history was particularly helpful to me.”

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The legacy she hopes others will follow is, “Find some niche in the ever-expanding world of volunteerism and take on what can become the challenge and satisfaction of giving something of yourself to your community. Don’t be afraid to try.”

In June, she will receive the Kavod Award at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center annual gala. JCC Executive Director Marci Erlebacher said, “Judith has been a wonderful asset to our community – both as a volunteer and as a professional. We are pleased to be able to honor her for her longstanding commitment and dedication to the multiple organizations that she has served over the years.”

Jewish Home of Central New York at Menorah Park earns AFA’s National “Excellence in Care” Distinction The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America announced that the Jewish Home of Central New York at Menorah Park has earned AFA’s “Excellence in Care Dementia Care Program of Distinction.” Dementia care

settings are eligible to achieve this national recognition after successfully undergoing an extensive evaluation of staff, procedures and environment, ensuring best practices in dementia care.

Safe Haven Museum is being redesigned in Oswego

BY NOLA HEIDLEBAUGH AND DAVID GRANOFF For the first time since it originally opened in 2002, the Safe Haven Museum at Fort Ontario State Historical Site in Oswego is being completely revamped.

Thanks to grants from New York State Senator Patty Ritchie and the Oswego County Community Foundation, the museum has been able to enlist the services of Bob Davidson, president of Exhibits and More from Liverpool, NY, to create a new updated museum containing handson exhibits, a new state-of-the-art video theater, new electronic stations and a more efficient use of the museum’s floor space.

The new museum will tell the Safe Haven story in a more personalized way, with exhibits organized as “unfolding chapters.” According to David Granoff and Nola Heidlebaugh, the board members overseeing the project, the displays will highlight refugee experiences with

exhibits that suit the preferences of 21st century visitors. Wall mounted displays and interactive video stations will be flanked by multiple display cases containing original and newly found artifacts, objects, photos and documents pertaining to the Fort Ontario shelter. Many of these rare pieces have only been made public since the Safe Haven Museum first opened 17 years ago. At the center of the main exhibit hall, a walk-in replica of a Safe Haven living quarter will allow visitors to see what life was like during the refugees’ time there, and a facsimile piece of the shelter fence will stand nearby.

As the original designer of the 2002 Safe Haven Museum, turn-key designer Bob Davidson brings to the project an extensive knowledge base about the Holocaust, and has a special affection and deep understanding of the Safe Haven story. His many innovative ideas for the

To earn the distinction, EIC sites must meet certain standards set forth

by AFA focusing on the following three areas: facilitating meaningful living, promoting safety and security in the environment, and overall health and wellness of the care community being serviced. Assisted living residences, skilled nursing facilities, continuing care residential communities, adult day programs, group homes and senior centers that provide care to individuals living with dementia are eligible to participate in AFA’s Excellence in Care Dementia Care Program of Distinction.

Mike Svendsen, nursing home administrator for Jewish Home of Central New York at Menorah Park, which included

the dementia unit, The Terrace, said “We are honored to receive this national certification of excellence. It is the culmination of two years of extensive and rigorous on-site training, program development, education and evaluations for our staff.

As the only facility in upstate New York to be awarded this care distinction, we are demonstrating our ongoing commitment to ensuring excellent, holistic care for our residents. Our staff should be commended for their efforts.”

For more information about the Jewish Home of Central New York at Menorah Park, visit www.menorahparkofcny.com.

For more information on AFA’s Excellence in Care program, visit www. alzfdn.org.

See “Haven” on page 7

Head of School Opening (part time, 10-12 hours per week)

The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies Syracuse, NY • www.epsteincny.org

The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies is seeking a Head of School beginning in Fall, 2020. The Epstein School provides continuing education one evening a week for teens in grades 7-12. It is community based and enrolls students from all area synagogues. The Head of School is the chief professional for the school and will be responsible for student enrollment, supervision of faculty and staff, curriculum and program development, grant submission, community and family relations and communication. The Head of School reports to the Board of Directors and collaborates in fundraising, financial planning and marketing. The Head of School also plans and accompanies a Teen Trip to Israel every other year.

A full job description is available on request. Other youth engagement positions are available within the community.

Candidates should have a strong Jewish background with experience in Hebrew/ Jewish education. The salary range is $15,000-$20,000, depending upon candidate qualifications.

Interested applicants should submit cover letter, resume and 3 references to: Fran Ciardullo, Board President, at search.epsteincny@gmail.com.

The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin in all the rights and programs, and activities at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JANUARY 2, 2020/5 TEVET 5780

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.

Wednesday, December 31 Early Deadline for January 16 Jewish Observer Wednesday, January 15

Deadline for January 30 Jewish Observer Sunday, January 5

Temple Adath Yeshurun Foundations for Jewish Life at 10:45 am Temple Concord Intro to Judaism at 11 am

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas “Lost in the Library” class at 10:30 am

Monday, January 6 TC “Stories of Baal Shem Tov” with Maggid Jim Brulé

at 7 pm CBS-CS Talmud class with Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone at noon and 7 pm CBS-CS advanced beginner prayer book Hebrew class at 6 pm Tuesday, January 7 Epstein School at CBS-CS at 6:30 pm Wednesday, January 7 Syracuse Community Hebrew School at TC from 4-6 pm Friday, January 10 CBS-CS potluck dinner at 6 pm CBS-CS Shabbat HaDorot service at 7 pm Saturday, January 11 CBS-CS Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone at 12:15 pm TC”Kol Ishah: Music That Moves Us,” co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of CNY, featuring Cantors Barbara J. Ostfeld, Kari Eglash, Esa Jaffe and Paula Pepperstone at 7:30 pm TC Cinemagogue presents “Keep the Change” at 7:30 pm TAY Mishpacha Shabbat – main service at 9:15 am; junior congregation at 10 am; Tot Shabbat at 10:30 am; se’udah shlishit at 3:15 pm Sunday, January 12 CBS-CS “Lost in the Library” class at 10:30 am TAY Foundations for Jewish Life at 10:45 am TAY Interfaith Family Forum at noon TC “Intro to Judaism” at 11 am TC Goldenberg Series presents Cantor Barbara J. Ostfeld, author of “Catbird, the Ballad of Barbi Prim,” at 11 am Monday, January 13 CBS-CS advanced beginner prayer book Hebrew class at 6 pm TC “Stories of Baal Shem Tov” at 7 pm Tuesday, January 14 Epstein School at CBS-CS at 6:30 pm TC Talmud with Rabbi Daniel Fellman at 12:30 pm Wednesday, January 15 Syracuse Community Hebrew School at TC from 4-6 pm TAY board meeting at 7:30 pm CBS-CS board meeting at 7:30 pm Thursday, January 16 Federation board meeting at 7 pm Friday, January 17 TAY lunch and entertainment at noon Saturday, January 18 CBS-CS Lunch and Learn: Teaching About the Holocaust at 12:15 pm CBS-CS The Chosen Meeple board game night at 7 pm Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center Battle of the Bands at 7 pm Sunday, January 19 TAY Foundations for Jewish Life at 10:45 am Syracuse Jewish Family Service presents the film “Harry and Tonto” as part of the series “Views on Aging: Through the Movie Lens”at Menorah Park at 3 pm CBS-CS Mitzvah Day with We Rise Above the Streets at 10 am Monday, January 20 CBS-CS Talmud class with Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone at noon and 7 pm Epstein board meeting at 6:30 pm Epstein School at CBS-CS at 6:30 pm

D’VAR TORAH

Torah leadership

BY CARL ROSENZWEIG In Vayigash, the fraught, yet providential, relationship between Joseph and his brothers reaches its climax. A major theme of Bereshit is the transformation of a family into a nation, the Jewish people. The crucial stage of this transformation occurs in Vayigash. In previous generations, the families of Abraham and Isaac fractured, but never as dramatically and brutally as with the 12 sons of Jacob. For a nation to succeed and become a light unto the nations, it must be united. The founding family must be one as it sets out on this exalted mission. After Joseph is sold into slavery, this seems impossible. All are guilty – the spoiled, arrogant son, the jealous brothers and the father who shows favoritism. Can the Jewish people spring from this tragic, dysfunctional family?

Until this point in the story, nothing is clear. What is Joseph doing? Is he toying with his brothers and family?

Is he planning an exquisite revenge? Is he arrogantly trying to make his humiliating dreams of dominance over his family literally true? Can he possibly be trying to bring the family together?

Joseph’s key insight is that genuine repentance is the catalyst that will reunite and launch the family into the Chosen People. Our society is rife with politicians and alpha males publicly apologizing and asking for forgiveness, but have they repented? Are they transformed?

Many are sorry and saddened – mostly that they were caught. This was not what Joseph was seeking.

The Rambam (Maimonides) devotes a full section of the opening book of his compendium of Jewish law, the Mishnah Torah, to a penetrating analysis of repentance.

The true test of repentance is when one is put into the identical situation where one failed before and overcomes temptation to emerge whole. Nehama Leibowitz gives a beautiful analysis of how Joseph’s actions are the setting for the brothers to conform to the Maimonidean ideal of repentance. Joseph masterfully provides the brothers with the opportunity to dispense with Benjamin, the favored brother, by abandoning him to slavery in Egypt. Jacob has passed the test of being willing to give up Benjamin, his cherished son, for the survival of the family. Joseph suffered and is not the conceited youth who dreams of superiority over his brothers, but, now, has an obligation to heal and protect the family. Will the brothers pass their test?

Judah gives an impassioned speech playing on the sympathy and emotions of the “Egyptian” minister. No longer is Judah the brother who suggests (Genesis 37:27) selling his younger brother into slavery. Now, he is the protector of his brothers. When Judah clearly states (Genesis 44:32) that he is responsible for Benjamin, his brother, Joseph breaks down and reveals himself.

Families (and nations) have a responsibility for each other. When this is acknowledged in speech and deed, the family is reconstructed and prepared to take its place in history. May we merit leaders today who, like Joseph and Judah, see leadership as responsibility for the welfare and betterment of their flock, not as an opportunity for self-aggrandizement.

Carl Rosenzweig is professor emeritus of physics at Syracuse University and a member of Sha’arei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse.

Scientists discover molecule that destroys pancreatic cancer cells leading cause of cancer death. This

BY ABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN type of cancer is often resistant to (Israel21c via JNS) – A little molexisting treatments. ecule named PJ34 can cause cancer Early diagnosis of pancreatic cells to self-destruct, according to an cancer is difficult, as often there are Israeli study published recently in the no symptoms. As a result, around 80 biomedical journal Oncotarget. percent of patients are diagnosed at Professor Malka Cohen-Armon the metastatic stage, and fewer than 3 and her team at Tel Aviv University’s percent of patients at that stage survive Sackler Faculty of Medicine conductfor more than five years after diagnosis. ed an experiment using xenografts – Therefore, the Israeli research transplantations of human pancreatic L-r: Professor Malka Cohen-Armon cancer into mice. The mice’s immune of Tel Aviv University and Dr. Talia holds “great potential” for the develsystems were compromised so that Golan of Sheba Medical Center (Photo opment of a new, effective therapy to treat this aggressive cancer in humans. their bodies wouldn’t reject the courtesy of Tel Aviv University) It could also prove effective against transplanted cells.

In collaboration with Dr. Talia Golan’s team at the Cancer aggressive forms of breast, lung, brain and ovarian cancer.

PJ34 now is being tested in pre-clinical trials according Research Center at Sheba Medical Center, the scientists then to FDA regulations before larger animal trials and then injected PJ34 into the mice for 14 days in a row.

PJ34 originally was developed to treat stroke, but it human clinical trials can begin.

Last June, Israel21c reported on a multinational rehas been found to have a “powerful effect” on human cancer cells. The molecule causes something to go wrong search study led by Golan demonstrating the effectiveness of a new drug regimen for pancreatic cancer in people during cell duplication, leading to rapid cell death.

“In research published in 2017, we discovered a mech- with BRCA mutations. anism that causes the self-destruction of human cancer cells during their duplication [mitosis] without affecting normal cells,” explained Cohen-Armon. “We have now harnessed this information to efficiently eradicate human From JNS.org pancreatic cancer cells in xenografts.”

A month after the molecule was administered, the Jerusalem youth orchestra selected to number of cancer cells in the mice’s tumors were found to be reduced by 80 percent to 90 percent. One mouse’s perform in New York’s Carnegie Hall Jerusalem’s Hassadna Wind Orchestra has been selected tumor completely disappeared.

Cohen-Armon noted that the treated mice suffered no to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall in April as part adverse effects from the PJ34 molecule regimen, nor did of the New York International Music Festival. The teen orchestra, consisting of 48 high school students, is one of they experience changes in weight or behavior.

Also significant is that the PJ34 molecule exclusively six ensembles from around the world selected to perform at interrupts the duplication of human cancer cells, leaving the New York venue. At the festival, Hassadna will compete with orchestras from the Czech Republic, Poland and the normal cells alone.

Although PJ34 could work on other types of cancer United States. “The festival will take our young musicians cells, pancreatic cancer presents a pressing need. It’s on an unforgettable musical and human journey. It will the 12th most common cancer worldwide and the fourth be special for us to represent Israel in the most beautiful way we know,” said the orchestra’s artistic director, Ronit Berman, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. The orchestra is still trying to raise funding to attend the competition.

Our Simcha & Party Planning Guide is coming soon!

Issue Date: January 30 • Ad Deadline: January 22

To advertise in this keepsake section, contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext 244 or bonnie@thereportergroup.org.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Israel admits shipment of Qatari emergency vehicles into Gaza

Twenty rescue and firefighting vehicles donated by Qatar were recently admitted into Gaza in coordination with Israel, according to Gaza officials. Included in the shipment were multiple SUVs fitted with water pumps, to bolster the region’s emergency vehicle fleet, which had previously consisted of just 33 vehicles, including a single fire truck with a hydraulic platform.

JANUARY 2, 2020/5 TEVET 5780 ■

OBITUARIES HERBERT B. HAYMAN

Herbert B. Hayman, 84, died on November 28 at home with his family by his side.

For nearly 50 years, Herb was the owner of the Hub Liquor Store. He was known as “The Hub” and the store was a revolving door of his loyal friends, employees and customers. He was “one in a million.” It wouldn’t be a surprise to find him at home cooking, cleaning and giving orders. He had high standards and never settled for less. His fondest memories were at Lake Ontario, Labrador Mountain, Cape Cod and at his home with his family that meant the world to him. He was the light in the room with his jokes and big personality.

He was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun.

He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, David Cheris.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martie (Kresel); daughters, Julie (Louis) Gilmore of Richmond, VA; Jennifer Hayman (Geraldino Pinto) of Falmouth, MA; Jill (Ken) Eisenband of Boca Raton, FL; Jodi (Steve) Schaefer of Newton, MA; Jan (Steve) Golembiski of St. James City, FL; Jackie Hayman of Syracuse, NY; and Jeanne (Drew) Friedman of Fayetteville, NY; his grandchildren, Emily, Hannah, Madison, Max, Olivia, Eliana and Sasha; and his sister, Barbara Cheris (Hayman) of Newton, MA. Burial was in the Temple Adath Yeshurun Cemetery.

Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org. 

EVELYN MALIKOW

Evelyn (Friedman) Malikow, the matriarch of the family, died on November 26.

She was born in Syracuse on May 30, 1928. She had resided in Boynton Beach, FL, in recent years. Evelyn married Marvin Malikow on Christmas Day 1948. In addition to their 60 year marriage, they were partners in two successful businesses: Upstate Vacuum Stores, which exists to the present, and C & S Distributors. They were avid fans of Syracuse University sports and the erstwhile Syracuse Nationals basketball team, counting Dolph Schayes among their many friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Gert Friedman; her husband, Marvin, in 2009; and both daughters, Carol Zoe in 1986 and Sharon Rene Martinez in 2013.

She is survived by her son-in-law, Richard Martinez of Corona, CA; grandsons, Andrew and Chad Zachary of Corona, CA; brothers-in-law Lou (Sue) Malikow of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Max (Diane) Malikow of Syracuse; a sister-in-law, Donna (Frank) Fusco of Charlotte, NC; four great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.

Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Marvin Malikow Fund at the Syracuse University Entrepreneurial Boot Camp for Veterans Program, Attention: Karen Speer, Executive Director, Syracuse University, 820 Comstock Ave., Syracuse, NY 13244. 

HOWARD SUSLOW

Howard Suslow, 92, died on November 28 at Crouse Hospital from complications of a fall. Born in the Bronx, he had been a Syracuse resident for 61 years.

A graduate of NYU, he loved everything about New York City. He was a principal of Pilgrim Meat Packing Company of East Syracuse until he retired. For more than 50 years, his personality and sales acumen grew the company to great success.

He loved golf, playing cards, the Yankees, watching basketball, football and baseball, taking trips to Vegas, listening to Frank Sinatra, and going to Wegmans and Turning Stone. He will be remembered for his hearty laugh, big smile and never being a gloom and doom kind of guy. He lifted everyone’s spirits just by walking into a room.

He was predeceased by a nephew.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Renee Greenhoiuse Suslow; their daughters, Wendy (Marc) Rudofker and Lisa (Michael) Wachs; grandchildren, Eric (Maggie Fitzgerald) Rudofker, Adam Rudofker, Adam Wachs and Danielle (Shelby) Rosenberg; a great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Rosenberg; his sister, Nancy Ragovin; and her children, Scott, Clifford and Stacy.

Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224. 

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JEWISH OBSERVER

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New initiative seeks to remember the “forgotten” Mideast Jewish refugees

BY ISRAEL KASNETT (JNS) – The nine young Iraqi Jewish men hanging in the center of Liberation Square in Baghdad in January 1969 after being accused by the Ba’athist regime of espionage were the subject of great interest that day, as hundreds of thousands of Iraqis came to view their corpses – not only causing a terrific traffic jam in Baghdad, but also sowing deep fear throughout the millennia-old Jewish community there. Seven months later, three more Jews were executed. This episode was part of the history of the estimated 900,000 Jews born in Iran and the Arab world who were forced to flee their ancient homes during the mid20th century.

Few Jews remain in Arab countries and Iran; nevertheless, a new effort is underway Jewish refugees at Ma’abarot transit camp, 1950. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia to set a global day of com- Commons) memoration to remember gogues in the United States and Canada, as well as in the Jewish communities throughout the Middle East, in the United Kingdom, France and Israel, all recited a addition to the graves that cannot be visited by family prayer composed by Rabbi Joseph Dweck, senior rabbi and for whom no one recites Kaddish, the Jewish prayer of the Spanish-Portuguese community in London, in for mourning the dead. commemoration of the people who were persecuted, “There is a common story among the Jews throughout exiled or killed for being Jewish. Last year, only 12 the Middle East that has been forgotten, not mentioned synagogues participated in the effort; the initiative is and silent for the last half-century, and we feel – as peo- clearly gaining traction. ple who came from there – that this is a story that is a Part of the text reads: “We have seen with pained vital part of Israel, the whole Middle East and of Jewish hearts the murder of our brothers and sisters and the history,” David Dangoor, a businessman, philanthropist burning of our synagogues and our Torah scrolls by the and vice president of the World Organization of Jews hands of our Arab neighbours amongst whom we have from Iraq, told JNS. dwelt for generations… Lord full of mercy… give rest In 2014, Israeli Knesset member Shimon Ohayon first on the wings of the Divine Presence… to the souls of our introduced a law to make November 30 the official day to brothers and sisters who died and who were murdered recall the ordeals of Jews from Arab countries throughout by the hands of cruel enemies in the Arab Lands. Our the Middle East and North Africa. Today, based on this dwelling places became fiery furnaces and our friends effort, a new initiative is being spearheaded by Dangoor turned to foes.” with the goal to recruit synagogues around the world to Acknowledging that the commemoration’s true intent say a special prayer on the Shabbat closest to that date. is still unclear, noted Dangoor, “we need to feel our way.

He noted that there is now “an opportunity to raise Is it the expulsion? Is it the murders of so many Jews? awareness” on this topic “and to pay our respects to Or is it the loss of heritage?” all those of our ancestors who are buried there whose See “Initiative” on page 8 graves are in disrepair and which we cannot visit… It is intended to be recited around the world and to create a sense of community.”

Continued from page 5 On November 29, 1947, the U.N. General Assembly adopted Resolution 181 recommending a partition of Safe Haven Museum redesign have been percolating British Mandate Palestine, and called for a Jewish state over the years, and will be brought to fruition when the and an Arab state, which the Jews accepted and the Arabs new museum opens.

The project is well under way. Dismantling of the rejected. Immediately after the vote, the Arab countries turned on their Jewish populations, confiscating their old exhibits began in early December and the “new” businesses and stripping them of their rights, much like museum is scheduled to be finished by May 2020. the Nuremberg laws of 1935. Many Jews were perse- Meanwhile, the Safe Haven Museum will remain open cuted and murdered, and thousands were forced to flee with a temporary exhibit and curated presentation in their homes. For this reason, the next day, November the ante room during regular hours. Anyone wanting to 30, was chosen as a day to remember. “There is that tour the facility should check the Safe Haven website linkage,” said Dangoor. “It is a date around which a lot at www.safehavenmuseum.com for updates or call the museum at 315-342-3003 with any questions about of commemoration can coalesce.”

The weekend of November 30, more than 50 syna- planning a visit.

Haven

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JANUARY 2, 2020/5 TEVET 5780

“We’re here to save lives,” stress those associated with Israel’s Rescuers Without Borders

BY JOSH HASTEN (JNS) – It was the year 2000, at the beginning of the Second Intifada, and Arab terror attacks were being carried out against Israelis on a nearly daily basis throughout the country, and particularly on the roads in Judea and Samaria. After one particular deadly attack, former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu approached one of his aides, Arie Levy, who had been a volunteer medic and ambulance driver with Magen David Adom for about six years, asking why no emergency response organization existed in Judea and Samaria in order to react in a timely manner to save lives.

Levy, now 53, who arrived in Israel as an immigrant from France with his family as a child, agreed with his protégé that something had to be done. Working side by side with MDA, Levy founded “Hatzalah Judea and Samaria,” an emergency first-response organization dedicated to saving lives in Judea, Samaria, the Old City of Jerusalem and other parts of the country that were especially under attack.

Now known by the name “Rescuers Without Borders,” the new organization, made up entirely of volunteer medics, began taking emergency calls and filling in gaps of MDA coverage.

The organization’s director of development, Natalie Sopinsky, tells JNS, “We are the Red Cross of the West Bank. We are volunteer medics and first responders who arrive at the scene of car accidents, terror attacks and more.

When you call 101 [Israel’s version of 911], we come.”

Sopinsky, an immigrant from Delaware who lives with her husband and five children in the southern Hebron hills community of Sussya, says that during the years of the intifada, “those who were hurt in terror attacks couldn’t be saved because there were no medics. So we decided we would train people here, in our areas.”

Natalie Sopinsky (left) reviewed equipment distribution.

(Photo courtesy of JNS)

Initiative In part, he said, “It is a political statement to say, ‘We

were here and we were expelled and we want the world at least not to forget that.’ Some of it is a genuine desire to commemorate one’s ancestors and the martyrs who were killed along the way.”

In addition to the aspect of remembering those Jews whose stories have been forgotten, this effort simultaneously exposes the history of the Jews who lived in these lands long before the advent of Islam. When Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem and destroyed the First Temple in 586 B.C.E., he exiled many Jews to Babylon, what is today known as Iraq. Thus, Jews called Baghdad their home for more than 2,500 years.

A good portion of Israelis link their backgrounds and traditions to the Middle East, North Africa and Arab countries. “This is also an opportunity for us to make the point that we are the indigenous people, and the story of sitting and weeping by the rivers of Babylon is not of some long extinct tribe. These are our own ancestors,” affirmed Dangoor.

There was a time when the Iraqi Jewish community was the epicenter of Jewish life, and Jews were valued and respected and considered by their Muslim brethren as Arabs. In fact, Dangoor’s own mother was crowned as the first-ever “Miss Iraq.”

Dangoor commissioned the internationally acclaimed film “Remember Baghdad,” which tells the story of Jews who fled Iraq. The Iraqi embassy sent a delegation to the screening and expressed their desire to re-establish relations with the Jews of Iraq and their descendants.

Israel is, of course, a major sticking point in any potential rapprochement between Iraq and its Jews. According to Dangoor, “a lot of the clerics – the Shi’ites and the ones who have allegiance to Iran – are much more zealous in not wanting to have any connection with Israel, whereas others now see Israel as a very positive potential force in the Middle East, but they can’t come out openly and

She said the organization that today boasts 950 volunteer first-responders works hand-in-hand with MDA. “We overlap with MDA. We train with them. MDA gives a course for volunteer medics, which is expensive, and we subsidize the funding for our volunteers.”

She adds that, while Rescuers does not maintain a fleet of its own ambulances, when her donors give money, she can work with MDA and direct them, for example, as to which community Search-and-rescue training for Rescuers Without Borders. (Photo courtesy of JNS) in Judea and Samaria is in need of an ambulance to be stationed there. locally and internationally. According to Sopinsky, as The organization also distributes emergency equip- CNN was filming the group’s heroic efforts in Sri Lanka, ment like burn kits, defibrillators and other medical they decided to turn off the cameras once they found out necessities to the communities themselves for use in the group of medics consisted of Israeli “settlers.” That situations where every second counts. It also has volun- incident did play a role in the organization’s name change. teers trained in search and rescue, who collaborate with Still, Levy insists that politics doesn’t come into play the Israel Defense Forces and other relevant authorities for him, whether it’s saving lives around the world or in times of natural disasters. on the ground in Judea and Samaria. He tells JNS: “If I After only five years up and running, the organization can treat someone in Mali, why can’t I treat someone in decided that not only would its mission be to save lives Judea and Samaria? We save Jewish lives, Arab lives. in Israel, but around the world. December 2004 saw one Politics doesn’t interest me; we’re here to save lives.” of the deadliest natural disasters in the modern world Yehudit Tayar, an organization spokesperson and emerwhen an earthquake and resulting tsunami struck in the gency first-responder living in the Binyamin (southern Indian Ocean killing more than 200,000 and wounding Samaria) community of Beit Horon, tells JNS that the nearly 500,000 people in countries such as Indonesia, bottom line is “we believe that life is important.” The Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. Levy explains that when former IDF combat soldier details how over the years she the disaster happened, within hours, a team of medics has treated countless numbers of Jews and Arabs who representing his organization hopped on a plane to Sri live in her region in a variety of emergencies.

Lanka to help treat the wounded.

For her, the establishment of the organization in It was after they returned that Levy decided that oper- 2000 was a game-changer. “Before 2000, it could take ations needed to expand globally. Known internationally hours for a medic to arrive and sometimes there was no as Sauveteurs sans Frontières (SSF)/Rescuers Without ambulance available. But now, having the Rescuers’ Borders, Levy has assisted in setting up 14 local branch- state-of-the-art equipment with us 24/7 is so important. es and training licensed first responders in 14 different Time [getting to the scene of incident quickly] equals countries around the world, including Mali, Ethiopia, life. That is the bottom line.”

Haiti, Nepal and France, among others.

Sopinsky says that due to the current reality, the Levy says that in 2017, when Hurricane Irma – the organization helps people injured in rock and firebomb strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever recorded – attacks on the roads in Judea and Samaria on a near daily made landfall on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, basis. Rescuers is also involved in helping those in need destroying as much as 90 percent of the buildings there, in other parts of the country. In the south, the group has his medics stationed in Guadeloupe were the first ones to helped renovate bomb shelters near the Gaza border arrive on the scene to treat the wounded, just four hours and started an animal-therapy program using horses after medical personnel were allowed in. for kids with post-traumatic stress disorder in the often Politics, however, plays a role in the work of Rescuers, bombarded community of Nachal Oz. A pilot program is also being tested involving the use of a brand-new ballistic blanket called the “Armadillo,” Continued from page 7 which can protect rescuers and their patients under rocket say that. They do see the Jews as a bridge.” fire from flying shrapnel. (The device was designed by Surprisingly perhaps, “many Iraqis openly play re- anti-terror security expert Marc Provisor.) cordings of Israeli singer Dudu Tassa,” said Dangoor.

The organization also looks to enhance the lives of “So, culturally, Israel is not viewed as ‘bad,’ but for residents in Judea and Samaria in other areas by funding some – mainly those linked to fundamentalists and to sports fields, synagogues and the renovation of social Iran – they stop at anything that smacks of recognition halls, along with other security projects. But perhaps of Israel. So it is a nuanced situation.” the biggest project right now, according to Sopinsky, According to Dangoor, Iraq finds the former Jewish is the construction of a training simulation center in community to be “a good vehicle to make this rapproche- Givat Ze’ev, near Jerusalem, where emergency situment without appearing to recognize Israel. They realize ations from car accidents, drownings, the delivering how important the Jews were in Iraq,” he added. “Really, of babies or other scenarios can be re-enacted. This Iraq needs to change its stance and show that it absolutely, will give first-responders the opportunity to practice positively values and cherishes the Jewish part of its history.” various medical exercises, as the simulations will be Affirming the prominent Jewish presence there, a 1917 as close to the real thing as possible.

British intelligence document records that the Jews of Next year, the group will celebrate 20 years of saving Baghdad once comprised 40 percent of the population. lives. Sopinsky says what people should take from that Interestingly, the report insists on the validity of the milestone is that thanks to Rescuers Without Borders, numbers “in anticipation of racial claims which are sure “you can live here or visit here safely and with confito be made sooner or later.” dence. This might still be the Wild West, but thanks to Two years ago, a delegation of heads of Iraqi cultural our volunteers, you are not alone.” organizations asked to meet with heads of the Jewish community of Iraq in London. They were impressed by how much success Iraqi Jews have had in the United Kingdom and asked why they can’t replicate their success in Iraq.

“We said we would love to,” recalled Dangoor. However, he also told them that the Iraqi government “must make it clear that the current equivocal position on the Jews sometimes seen as part and parcel of Iraqi heritage – and at other times no more than representatives of an enemy state – must change. That needs to be brought up to date and normalized.”

Asked why the initiative is only now getting off the ground, Dangoor said, “It is a question mark as to why it hasn’t occurred, but it is starting to occur, and it is going to occur in a gradual and cumulative way. It’s a process A brand-new ballistic blanket called the “Armadillo” of accretion. Every little bit will build a structure that is can protect rescuers and their patients under rocket fire from flying shrapnel. (Photo courtesy of JNS) no doubt overdue.”