Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 5-6-22

May 6, 2022 | 5 Iyar 5782

Candlelighting 8:03 p.m. | Havdalah 9:07 p.m. | Vol. 65, No. 18 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Building shared a society in Israel

Tree of Life creates new nonprofit aiming to eliminate antisemitism

$1.50

Region’s antisemitic incidents nearly doubled in 2021

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

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Pittsburgh-inspired center fostering dialogue between Jews and Arabs

noting that it had been 3½ years since the massacre at the site on Oct. 27, 2018 — the worst antisemitic attack on U.S. soil — during which 11 congregants of Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha, Congregation Dor Hadash and New Light Congregation were murdered. Six people were injured, including four first responders.

Myers acknowledged that the goal of eliminating antisemitism is lofty but noted that hate against the Jewish community does not stop with Jews.

“People who commit antisemitic acts are not merely antisemites; they’re anti-Black, anti-gay, anti-Asian, anti-Pacific Islander and any group they’re not comfortable with,” the rabbi said. “They spew forth their vile language and action.”

The rabbi, who was inside the building during the attack, expressed his thanks for the support the congregation received from Pittsburgh, the country and beyond.

Swickerath noted that Studio Libeskind has spent the last year working closely with Tree of Life leaders, other stakeholders

n 2021, Western Pennsylvania experienced a high mark for antisemitic incidents.

According to a report released by the Anti-Defamation League, last year the region experienced the most antisemitic incidents since the organization began tracking them in 1979.

There were 20 incidents reported in three categories: harassment, vandalism and assault. That is an 82% increase from 2021, when 11 incidents were reported.

In a separate audit, the ADL found antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high in the United States in 2021, with 2,717 incidents. That represents an average of seven incidents reported per day, a 34% increase year over year; it is the largest incident total since the ADL began tracking.

The numbers also indicate an increase of antisemitic incidents in greater Pittsburgh, according to James Pasch, regional director of ADL’s Cleveland Regional Office, which serves Western Pennsylvania.

“There’s no indication that it’s slowing down,” he said.

The numbers represent a more than 200% increase from just five years ago when the region reported single-digit incidents, Pasch said, calling the rise “dramatic.”

Although Pasch said he can’t pinpoint any single ideology that is responsible for the upsurge, he noted that Jews are experiencing more antisemitic incidents throughout the U.S. than they have in the last 40 years.

He also said that antisemitism is a canary in the coal mine for hate and that he expects to see a similar swell in reported incidents of hate against all minority communities, including Black, LGBTQ, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Muslim Americans.

“This is a real warning sign to everyone that

Please see TOL, page 12

Please see Incidents, page 12

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LOCAL ‘By the Waters of Babylon’

 The exterior design of the proposed renovation of the Tree of Life building

A 360-degree immersion into music of the Holocaust

Page 4

LOCAL May is Jazz Poetry Month

City of Asylum program features Jewish musicians and writers

Page 14

Image courtesy of Lifang Vision Technology

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

D

uring a hastily arranged May 3 morning press conference, Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and Carla Swickerath of Studio Libeskind — the architecture firm engaged to rebuild the site — unveiled plans for a new national institution dedicated to ending antisemitism.

They also revealed a new building design concept.

Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation will be a separate entity from the newly established nonprofit and will be housed in the Tree of Life building. It will have its own board of directors, and Myers will continue to serve as the congregation’s rabbi.

The new Tree of Life entity will be led by its own CEO and governed by its own board of directors, which will oversee the building.

The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh will merge into the new organization. The renovated building will also house a museum, memorial and center for education under the name Tree of Life.

Myers opened the press conference by

keep your eye on PittsburghJewishChronicle

LOCAL Getting to know: Ronnie Zuhlke

FOOD Summer quinoa salad

STREAMING ‘The Survivor’

Headlines Pittsburgh-inspired center helping to foster dialogue in Israel — LOCAL —

By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

“S

hared society” was the name of the game Sunday, as members of four Pittsburgh congregations gathered on Zoom to hear updates on how a locally-inspired project is sparking dialogue among Israeli Arabs and Jews in the Western Galilee.

Temple Sinai hosted the hour-long “Fostering a Hopeful Future in Israel” forum, which was co-sponsored by Rodef Shalom Congregation, Congregation Beth Shalom and Congregation Dor Hadash.

Mark Frank — a former Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh board member who serves as chairman of the Northern Israel Center for Arts and Technology — led much of the discussion; he was joined by Naim Obeid, CEO of the Akko Center for Arts and Technology (ACAT), and Bill Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell, whose Bidwell Training Center on Pittsburgh’s North Side was a model for the center in Akko.

“We are more alike than we are different,” said Strickland at one point, echoing a familiar theme for the morning. “The key is to build a world-class environment with worldclass faculty, [and] we believe this is the focal point for the work we are now doing in Israel.”

ACAT has served 2,449 students — about half of them Jewish and half of them Arab.

About 17% of the Arab population in Israel self-identifies as Palestinian, but Obeid, in response to an audience question, said the Akko facility is too far from Gaza or the West Bank to reach larger Palestinian audiences. Instead, it focuses on Israeli youth and adults in northern Israel.

p Jewish and Arab students gain self-confidence while learning coexistence at the Akko Center for Arts and Technology.

Photo courtesy of Mark Frank

The students that ACAT serves learn photography, filmmaking and 3D printing, as well as disciplines that can lead to homebased businesses such as cosmetology, locksmithing, and security system installation and maintenance, Obeid said.

The big mission, however, is getting both sides of the Israeli dialogue talking. To that end, the center has contributed to promising statistics, according to event organizers. In general, about 30 to 34% of Israeli Arabs say they “understand the perspective” of Israeli Jews, and Israeli Jews answering that question reflect roughly the same percentage, Obeid said. At ACAT, a recent survey asking about “understanding the perspective of the other side” came in at 76%.

“I’m not saying it’s easy, but it’s doable,” Obeid said. “They learn the basic skills of accepting each other.”

Strickland’s Bidwell Training Center paved the way for the port city of Akko’s project and soon might be opening a similar facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Strickland said.

Students at his North Side center, located in one of the city’s most crime-ridden neighborhoods, learn photography, music editing and cooking, as well as practical job skills like quality assurance.

Those same students also bridge the divide between the financial haves and financial have-nots.

“Hope is hope — and we manufacture that product at our centers in Israel and, soon, in

Belfast,” Strickland said.

Audience members peppered Frank, Obeid and Strickland with occasional questions. Rabbi Sharyn Henry of Rodef Shalom Congregation provided the forum introductions.

“We are always happy to hear ‘hope’ and ‘Israel’ in the same sentence,” she said.

The event was billed as a discussion on how organizations foster a hopeful future, provide economic opportunities and break down ethnic, religious and cultural barriers for youth and adults in Israel while improving the socio-economic status of the region’s diversified community. PJC Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.

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Headlines Getting to know: Ronnie Zuhlke Finding a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires a similar formula to that which led to societal wins in the United

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer States, she said: doing with and not just for.

“Building relationships is the only fter working to better Pittsburgh thing that builds stability and long-term and its Jewish community for more progress,” she said. than 40 years, Ronnie Cook Zuhlke A trained social worker who spent 25 will be nationally recognized on May 13 by years in the steel industry as a buyer of Women of Reform Judaism with a Women’s materials and in supplier relations, Zuhlke Empowerment Award. has developed a fervent belief in the power Zuhlke, 74, said she’s “humbled and of partnership. grateful,” but while the award recognizes her Learning how to work with others requires past efforts she’s far from finished. knowing how to bring people together, she A day before speaking with the Chronicle, said, adding that she often uses the term Zuhlke facilitated a workshop on voting “shidduch” when describing her efforts. rights for people formerly incarcerated.

Every group has its leaders, but successful Voting rights, she said, are something organizations need more than a figurehead, that’s been on her mind since her childhood and Zuhlke prefers to avoid the limelight. in Budlong Woods, on Chicago’s North Side, That’s why participating in the New where she lived among a diverse community. Community Chevra Kadisha has been so As a 10-year-old in 1957, she followed meaningful, she said: “It’s an incredible news reports of racial segregation, but experience. It’s sacred. It’s spiritual, and because she was so young, she “didn’t have it’s not one that you get any accolades for. a political context at the time,” she recalled.

You just do it.”

Over the years, Zuhlke came to appreNCCK co-founder Malke Frank has ciate the mission of worked with Zuhlke the civil rights movefor more than a decade ments and women’s both through the burial movements, as well as society and J Street. the individual activists Frank said that themselves, she said.

Zuhlke’s interest and “I think that the commitment to serving Voting Rights Act didn’t others is evident both happen because of in the quieter settings Congress,” she said. “It of caring for the happened because of the Jewish deceased and confluence of the civil in the louder public rights movement and political arenas. the engagement of the “For Ronnie to churches and rallies that win the Women’s enabled passage of the Empowerment Award, Civil Rights Act.” it’s so deserving,” Frank Change, she said, said. “She’s invested in comes not just by things that are important “electing someone to in Jewish life and the do something for us community’s life.” but by doing with — Rabbi Ron Symons, and doing with are the p Ronnie Cook Zuhlke who has worked with Photo courtesy of Ronnie Cook Zuhlke Zuhlke through PIIN people who are trying to build movements.” and other community efforts, agreed, saying, Within Pittsburgh, Zuhlke has been part “Ronnie understands that the laws of human of several movements and initiatives. She’s dignity and justice are scaffolds that are worked toward securing sensible gun legisla- intended to sustain our society. She recogtion, improving voter engagement, achieving nizes the powerlessness of others, that we criminal justice reform and educating people need to have laws to protect the most vulnerabout issues surrounding gender and ableism. able in our society — the stranger, orphan Some of her work has come through member- and widow — and so many others.” ship in Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Zuhlke, one of 12 WRJ honorees receiving Network (PIIN). Other efforts, specifically the Women’s Empowerment Award, said it’s those regarding Israel and the Palestinians, a bit daunting to receive national acclaim, have come through her involvement in J Street. but she hopes others may be inspired to do “To me, it’s taking the same set of values similarly meaningful work. when I am looking at what’s going on in “Empowerment is about finding your the Middle East as what’s going on at home. voice and that can happen at any age,” she I am a progressive. I am for people having said. “Some people have great role models rights, and that’s whether it’s an issue of age, when they grow up and some people gender, etc.,” she said of her draw to Middle don’t, but you have to find your way to Eastern advocacy. “I think all of the things self-actualization and empowerment.” PJC that are important here can be achieved, not Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ easily, but can be achieved there with the pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. right leadership.”

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Headlines ‘By the Waters of Babylon’ is 360-degree immersion into music of the Holocaust — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writers

P

ittsburgh filmmaker and media artist Andrew Halasz first learned of the Clarion Quartet and its mission to publicly share the music of silenced Holocaust composers in 2017.

At the time, he and his creative partner Kristen Lauth Shaeffer had begun dabbling in 360-degree immersive video, a form of virtual reality where users control the experience by looking in different directions.

Halasz was captivated by the present-day musicians, as well as the legacy of the composers who continued to create music during the Holocaust. For the late composers to create amid horror, and for the Clarion Quartet to play these pieces decades later, was an act of “defiance,” Halasz said.

The filmmakers had looked for the right story to pair with the immersive technology, and when Halasz described the Clarion Quartet’s efforts to keep formerly banned music alive it seemed like a perfect fit, Shaeffer said: On the one hand, there were these modern musicians playing once suppressed pieces and, on the other hand, there were the early and mid-20th century

 Pre-war apartment

Image courtesy of Kristen Lauth Shaeffer and Andrew Halasz

composers striving to create art in the darkest of places.

“We thought how incredible it would be to be placed in the center of this,” she said.

Members of the Clarion Quartet had already performed a concert in 2016 in the Theresienstadt concentration camp in the

Czech Republic. With footage from that show, Halasz and Shaeffer expanded out and up. They worked with a European filmmaker who digitized elements of Theresienstadt, its barracks and gathering spaces. Halasz and Shaeffer then recorded the Clarion Quartet playing “Entartete Musik,” or pieces the Nazi

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regime had considered degenerate, inside the Pump House, a Munhall-based location chosen due to its evocative architecture and sound quality, Halasz said.

With the amalgamated footage the Please see Babylon, page 13

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Headlines Basketball player says ‘the grace of the game’ saved his family post-Holocaust — LOCAL —

By Adam Reinherz | Staff Writer

I

t’s rare for a Jewish person to make a living playing professional sports.

And it’s even more uncommon for an accomplished Jewish athlete to be the son of Holocaust survivors.

Still, Ernie Grunfeld — a Romanian-born former basketball player and executive in the National Basketball Association — achieved the improbable.

Grunfeld’s son, Dan Grunfeld, described his father’s achievements and basketball’s ability to yield the “American dream” during an April 25 conversation with Temple Sinai’s Brotherhood.

Many people know about Ernie Grunfeld’s career, his son said.

As a college student at the University of Tennessee, Ernie paired with future NBA Hall of Famer Bernard King and became the school’s leading scorer. In 1976, Ernie won a gold medal with Team USA in the Olympics.

Between 1977 and 1986, he played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Kansas City Kings and New York Knicks. Once his playing days ended, Ernie spent nearly 30 years as an

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NBA executive.

Less well-known, Dan said, is Ernie’s life before basketball.

Ernie’s parents survived the Holocaust and married in Romania shortly after the war.

A year later, their son Leslie Grunfeld was born. Eight years later, Ernie was born.

Despite living in post-war Romania and growing their family, communism made life hard for the Grunfelds, Dan said: “My grandmother still talks about it. There was no freedom. They had friends who were jailed, tortured, killed, for speaking one word against the government.”

In 1964, the Grunfelds moved to the United States. They found jobs in Queens, New York, and began adapting to their surroundings. But the joy of new beginnings quickly vanished, when a year after their arrival Leslie was diagnosed with leukemia; within a year of the diagnosis, 18-year-old Leslie died.

“For my grandparents to have survived, to have fled communism, to have a chance at a new life but then to lose their son, and for my dad to lose his brother, it’s a hole that can’t be filled,” Dan said.

Ernie responded by heading to the nearby city park. Local kids had often taunted Ernie.

He was someone who spoke Hungarian,

p Dan Grunfeld describes basketball’s ability to help his family after the Holocaust.

Screenshot by Adam Reinherz

Romanian and Italian fluently, the neighborhood kid who ate strange foods and had never touched a basketball, his son said.

“He was a fish out of water in New York City,” Dan said, “and then he loses his brother.”

Ernie realized that the court offered

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community. And so, after being uprooted from his homeland, and with a backdrop of the Holocaust, communism and the loss of a sibling, Ernie started playing.

“He found basketball, and sometimes things click,” Dan said.

Ernie’s skills quickly developed and over several years he went from being the best player in the park, to being the best player in the city, to being “one of the best players in the country,” Dan said.

But discovering basketball is just one of several family miracles, Dan explained. There are also the two times Raoul Wallenberg saved Ernie’s mother’s life during the war; how Ernie’s parents escaped Romania with the money they’d saved; and the moment when Ernie’s grandparents saw their son win an Olympic gold medal for Team USA. Dan — a former college basketball player at Stanford University who later played professionally in Israel and Romania — spent a year-and-a-half collecting his family’s history by interviewing his father and grandmother. The efforts resulted in the November publication of “By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream.”

Please see Basketball, page 13

MAY 6, 2022

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Calendar Submit calendar items on the Chronicle’s website, pittsburghjewishchronicle. org. Submissions also will be included in print. Events will run in the print edition beginning one month prior to the date as space allows. The deadline for submissions is Friday, noon. q

FRIDAY, MAY 6

NCJW is proud to host teen leaders from Allderdice High School’s Black Student Union as they present The History of Policies and Practices Affecting Black Americans. This presentation, originally made to the Allderdice faculty as part of a professional development program in 2021, focuses on redlining and housing inequity. Online only. Noon. ncjwpghevents.org/upcoming-events q

FRIDAY, MAY 6-SUNDAY, MAY 8

Attend the JFilm Festival in person and online. The festival will showcase Jewish-themed, independent feature films from around the world. There will also be exclusive virtual Film Schmooze discussions, and you will have a chance to vote on your favorite film. For more information, visit FilmPittsburgh.org.

“The White Rose” presented by the Holocaust Center and Prime Stage Theatre is now available to stream. The play by James DeVita remembers Sophie School, her brother Hans and their friends who created the anti-Nazi resistance group, The White Rose. $10. cofpgh.org/the-white-rose. q

SUNDAYS, MAY 8-JUNE 5

Join a lay-led Online Parashah Study Group to discuss the week’s Torah portion. No Hebrew knowledge is needed.

The goal is to build community while deepening understanding of the text.

8:30 p.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q

MONDAYS, MAY 9-JUNE 6

Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a weekly Talmud study. 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org. q

TUESDAY, MAY 10

Join the 10.27 Healing Partnership for Seeds of Resilience: Growing through Grief, a holistic support group, as they journey to address grief through the healing power of gardening. This fiveweek program involves self-expression through gardening and writing. The group

is open to all adults who have experienced grief, no matter where they are on their healing journey, and offers an opportunity to connect and grow with others. 10.27 Healing Partnership, third floor, Squirrel Hill JCC, 5738 Forbes Ave. Noon. To register, visit 1027healingpartnership.org. q

TUESDAYS, MAY 10-MAY 24

Sign up now for Melton Core 2, Ethics and Crossroads of Jewish Living. Discover the central ideas and texts that inform our daily, weekly and annual rituals, as well as life cycle observances and essential Jewish theological concepts and ideas as they unfold in the Bible, the Talmud and other sacred texts. $300. 9:30 a.m. foundation.jewishpgh.org/melton-2. q

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

Come learn about the Crisis of Crisis Pregnancy Centers. Did you know that right here in Pittsburgh, we have a Crisis Pregnancy Center, a business that purports to provide health care but actively discourages abortion as an option? Not only that, but they use taxpayer funds and track personal information at a time when access and restrictions across the country are tightening. Join the National Council of Jewish Women for this online webinar. Noon. ncjwpghevents.org/ upcoming-events Classrooms Without Borders, in partnership with Liberation75, is excited to offer the opportunity to engage in its unique series: Confronting the Complexity of Holocaust Scholarship: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Holocaust Studies. The rise of antisemitism across the globe alongside the current data that points to a serious void in understanding about the Holocaust in the 21st century shines a light on a critical need to continue the task of Holocaust scholars to honor the memory of the Shoah. In this session, Mark Weizmann will speak on Holocaust denial, minimization, trivialization and distortion in conversation.

3 p.m. classroomswithoutborders. org/confronting_the_complexity_of_ holocaust_scholarship q

WEDNESDAYS, MAY 11 -JUNE 8

Bring the parshah alive and make it personally relevant and meaningful.

Study the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman. 12:15 p.m. bethshalompgh.org/life-text.

Join Temple Sinai to study the weekly Torah portion in its hybrid class available on Zoom. Open to everyone. Noon. templesinaipgh.org/event/parashah/ weekly-torah-portion-class-viazoom11.html. q

SUNDAY, MAY 15

Celebrate 74 years of Independence for the Jewish state of Israel with the Pittsburgh Jewish community while enjoying Israeli culture and cuisine at Yom Ha’atzmaut: A Taste of Israel. Sample Israeli cuisine, participate in joyous Israeli dancing, have fun with the kids at an arts and crafts table and bring a picnic blanket so you can spread out on the grass and enjoy the day. $10 per person; kids under 10 are free. Noon. jewishpgh.org/event/ yom-haatzmaut-2.

Classrooms Without Borders presents Checkmate: Making, Playing and Picturing Chess in the Holocaust with guest speaker Rachel Perry. Chess was played, made and pictured during the Holocaust by individuals in extremis. When escape routes were closed off and the endgame seemed near, chess allowed artists to symbolize their feelings of agency and entrapment, as both players and pawns. 2 p.m. classroomswithoutborders. org/talking-memory-checkmate-makingplaying-picturing-chess-holocaust q

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

Many Pittsburgh area schools are proud to offer a constructivist, or Reggio Emiliabased program, but what does that mean, and how can this philosophy inform and elevate your home life and parenting? Join Liza Baron, JCC ECDC director for Bringing Reggio Emilia Home and discuss ways to bring the innovative preschool practices home to help enrich your child’s at-home environment. 12 p.m. ncjwpghevents.org/ upcoming-events Join the Squirrel Hill AARP chapter for its monthly meeting. All seniors are invited to attend and hear Darlene Hart, social services operations director at Lifespan in Homestead. She will cover the multitude of their options including caregiver support, protective services and various meal programs provided by Lifespan. For further information please contact Marcia Kramer at 412-6565803. Rodef Shalom Congregation, Falk Library. 1 p.m.

q WEDNESDAY, MAY 18;

TUESDAY, MAY 31

The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh presents the VR documentary “By the Waters of Babylon,” a story of composers who created hope in a time of darkness and a modern-day string quartet dedicated to shining a light on their legacy. This limited screening event is a collaboration between the filmmakers, the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, Chatham University and Point Park University. Screenings take place on May 18 and 31. Space is limited, advanced registration required. 7 p.m.

Buhl Planetarium at the Carnegie Science Center. $0-$36. hcofpgh.org/events. q

WEDNESDAYS, MAY 18-JUNE 22

The new six-week Rohr Jewish Learning Institute course, The Values That Shape Judaism’s Civil Code, examines a number of key legal issues that disclose fundamental ethical considerations that serve as the engine of Jewish civil law.

Class offered in person or at Chabad of the South Hills. $95 individual/$170 couple.

7:30 p.m. chabadsh.com. q

WEDNESDAYS, MAY 25

Working Mothers of Yesteryear and Today, a collaborative conversation with Agewell and NCJW MomsWork, will examine the challenges working mothers face today, what they’ve faced in the past and how to make a difference for those in the thick of it. 1:30 p.m. ncjwpghevents. org/upcoming-events. q

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

Save the date for the National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh’s spring event. Guest speaker Tammy Thompson, founder Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, will discuss how love, support and policy can pave a road to prosperity. Outgoing President Teddi Jacobson Horvitz will be honored, and new President Andrea Kline Glickman will be installed. 7 p.m.

Rodef Shalom Congregation. Registration coming soon. ncjwpghevents.org/ upcoming-events. q

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

The National Council of Jewish Women presents a free monthly working mom’s group as a place to get support personally and network professionally. Facilitated by Dionna Rojas-Orta. 12 p.m.ncjwpghevents. org/events/working-moms-support-groupdrop-in-virtual-2022-06-03-12-00. PJC

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Headlines Afghan refugee recounts struggles, finding peace in Pittsburgh — LOCAL —

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

N

iamatullah Popal, 35, was at his house recovering from an operation to mend a wounded leg when Kandahar fell to the Taliban.

The Afghan special forces officer knew his life was in danger.

He had one gun, a wife, 31, two children — ages 2 and 1 — and limited mobility.

Despite the challenges, he understood he had to flee his home.

Popal is now safe in Pittsburgh, working with Jewish Family and Community Services, which is providing support for the Afghan refugee and his family. The trip to the United States, though, immediately following the collapse of Afghanistan, was anything but smooth for the family.

“It was very stressful for me,” Popal said. “I was frustrated. Looking at my situation, the terrorists had captured my area. I had a gun, but I thought I cannot make it with one gun.

I’m wounded, I’m alone. I decided to take my wife and kids on a motorcycle and go to my aunt’s house which was still not captured.”

Popal explained through translator Zubair Babkarkhail that he relied on his ability to feign being disabled rather than injured, and

 Niamatullah Popal holds two of his children. He didn’t want to show the faces of his family or have his wife photographed out of concern for their safety.

Photo by Allie Reefer

possible empathy from soldiers, to get his family through any Taliban checkpoints.

“I thought because they are children and women, maybe they will have some mercy and not bother us,” he said.

Popal’s leg injury was only his most recent battlefield wound. He was shot in 2019 while on patrol, but his newest injury was far more serious than his first. In February 2021, he stepped on a land mine while on a mission and

was shot in the chest as he lay bleeding. It was only because of his body armor that the bullet didn’t do more damage or possibly kill him.

While he recovered from surgery to mend his leg, the Taliban captured Kandahar forcing Popal to flee.

The Afghan had spent 12 years working with the American government in Afghanistan, first as a watchman, later with his country’s special forces, assisting

Blackwater and other U.S. companies.

Complicating his family’s escape was the Taliban’s tactic of turning off cellphone tower reception by 4 p.m. each day. Popal, a squad leader, knew that when he left, he would be unable to reach his commanders or anyone from his squad.

Despite the danger, Popal was able to reach Please see Afghan, page 13

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Headlines — WORLD — Jewish denominations back congressional resolution calling for infertility awareness

All four major streams of Judaism are among an array of Jewish groups backing a bipartisan congressional resolution calling for the U.S. government to raise awareness about infertility, JTA reported.

Organizations affiliated with Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements signed a letter spearheaded by Hadassah sent on April 27 to members of Congress asking them to back a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Jewish Democrat from Florida, and Dan Crenshaw, a Texas Republican.

The nonbinding resolution declares “that the United States Government has a responsibility to help examine, create, and implement solutions to address and alleviate the problems associated with the disease.”

The resolution notes that Ashkenazi Jews and people of Middle Eastern ancestry are among groups that “suffer from disproportionately higher rates of certain diseases and gynecological, endocrine, and autoimmune disorders, that may contribute to higher rates of infertility among these populations.”

Hadassah has been lobbying for years to classify infertility as a disease and to raise

awareness. “For too long, infertility and the struggle toward parenthood have been topics of quiet suffering, particularly in the Jewish community,” Rhoda Smolow, Hadassah’s president, said in a release.

Russian Jewish billionaire pledges $100M for Ukrainian refugee relief

Russian Jewish philanthropist Yuri Milner, who made billions in Silicon Valley with early Kremlin support, pledged $100 million to aid Ukrainian refugees.

Unlike other billionaires whose wealth is linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Milner has avoided Western sanctions meant to punish Russia for waging war. The donation further distances him from the Kremlin.

A dual Russian and Israeli citizen who lives in California, Milner, and his wife Julia, are known in the philanthropy world for establishing the Breakthrough Prize to recognize and promote scientific achievement. But they have also become significant donors to various causes in Israel.

The new Ukrainian relief efforts, called Tech for Refugees, involve a partnership between the Milner’s Breakthrough Prize Foundation and private companies, including short-term housing from Airbnb, hospital beds and emergency medical equipment from Flexport and, from music streaming service Spotify.

Antisemitic harassment reported at Rutgers Jewish fraternity

AEPi fraternity at Rutgers University was the target of multiple cases of antisemitic harassment in April, prompting the school to announce it would be increasing campus security, JTA reported.

Authorities said AEPi was first targeted on April 22 when protesters exiting a rally for Students for Justice in Palestine, a pro-Palestinian university activist group, went to the house and shouted antisemitic rhetoric and spat at the brothers.

Rutgers Hillel Interim Executive Director Rabbi Esther Reed said the group yelled phrases including “terrorist” and “baby killers.” The rally was called “Defend Al-Aqsa, Defend Palestine,” referring to the Muslim worship site in Jerusalem that has been the site of violent clashes between Israelis and Arabs in recent weeks.

Another incident occurred on April 24, when unidentified assailants threw eggs at the frat house as the brothers were commemorating Yom Hashoah. A similar incident occurred during the 2021 name-reading event, Reed said.

US tourists bring unexploded bomb shell to Israeli airport

An American family set off a bomb scare at Ben-Gurion Airport on April 28 when they brought to security inspectors an unexploded

shell found while visiting the Golan Heights, Reuters and The Jerusalem Post reported.

Video circulated on social media showed panicked passengers scattering at the airport. A man was hospitalized with injuries sustained as he tried to flee over a baggage carousel, the Israel Airports Authority said.

The authority said the family was allowed to board their flight after being interrogated by security staff, who declared an all-clear. Israel clashed with Syria over the Golan during the wars of 1967 and 1973, leading to speculation that the bombs were from that period.

Sea of Galilee approaches maximum level

Despite a dry April, a wet winter has left the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) just 21.5 centimeters short of its maximum level of 208.80 meters below sea level, Globes reported, citing the Kinneret Authority.

The lake began the month 35.5 centimeters from its maximum level and, even though there was no rain in April, it continued rising due to March’s heavy rains. Levels are expected to start falling in the days ahead.

It has been 30 years since the lake was so full that the authority had to open the dam at the entrance to the Jordan River near Kibbutz Deganya to allow water to flow southward to the Dead Sea. PJC — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb

www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org Congregational Manager (ICM) This position is for a Congregational Manager for Congregation Dor Hadash. The position is available beginning in August. The position will be 25-30 hours per week.

The essential duties of the position include: • Being part of a dynamic management team responsible for implementing the policies and procedures of the congregation.

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• Keeping the Dor Hadash website up to date, including the calendar as well as the congregational directory • Provide technological guidance, support, and coordination • Assemble and assist with event guides for important occasions such as High Holidays • Managing the Schul Cloud data base and congregation website • Coordinate communication between committees and community • Coordinate with and provide support to the work of issues relevant to the congregation • Distribution of weekly congregation-wide emails notifying the congregation of upcoming events sponsored by the congregation and available in the community at large.

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helping you plan for what matters the most

This week in Israeli history — WORLD — Items provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

May 6, 1947 — Lehi teenager disappears

Alexander Rubowitz, 16, a member of the youth wing of Lehi (the Stern Gang) who distributes flyers, is chased down and forced into a car by a man believed to be a British officer. He is never seen again.

May 7, 2002 — Bomber kills 15 while Bush, Sharon meet

A suicide bomber kills 15 Israelis and wounds 55 others at a Rishon LeZion pool hall while Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is meeting with President George W. Bush in Washington to jump-start peace talks.

May 8, 1936 — Haile Selassie arrives in Haifa

Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, who fled Italian invaders six days earlier, reaches Haifa. He regains his throne after World War II, and Ethiopia in 1956 becomes the second African country to recognize Israel.

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May 9, 1998 — Dana International wins Eurovision Dana International, a trans woman and established star, performs the techno-pop song “Diva” in England to become

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the third Israeli and the first since 1979 to win the Eurovision Song Contest.

May 10, 1948 — Meir, Jordan’s King meet

Golda Meir travels in disguise to Amman to meet with King Abdullah and try to keep Transjordan out of the forthcoming war against Israel. But the king says he must go along with his Arab neighbors.

May 11, 1949 — U.N. admits Israel

The U. N .

G e n e r a l Assembly votes 37-12 with nine abstentions to admit Israel as the 59th U.N. member. The Security Council had rejected Israel’s bids in May and December 1948.

May 12, 1992 — First Israeli scales Mount Everest

Doron Erel, 33, the son of Holocaust survivors and a former Sayeret Matkal commando, joins a 14-person expedition to become the first Israeli to reach the summit of Mount Everest. PJC

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines ADL says anti-Zionism runs the same risk of violent attacks as antisemitism — NATIONAL —

By Ron Kampeas | JTA

W

A SH I N G T O N — The Anti-Defamation League CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism and said its rhetoric runs the same risk of violent outcomes during a speech to the organization’s national leadership summit.

Greenblatt’s speech Sunday, which was held online, comes as both Democrats and Republicans have increasingly charged the other party with tolerating antisemitism.

The ADL has appealed to both parties to address antisemitism within their own ranks, but the speech marked a rare moment of the organization unequivocally stating that anti-Zionism is an expression of antisemitism.

Greenblatt in his speech tied the rhetoric from both the right and the left to the spike in antisemitic incidents the ADL reported last week.

“That is why we are seeing this jump in antisemitic incidents — because groups from all sides of the ideological spectrum are using their words to make it OK to hate Jews,” Greenblatt said.

He acknowledged the violence often identified with the far right, but said that did not diminish the risk posed by anti-Zionist rhetoric from the left.

“Unlike their right-wing analogs, these organizations might not have armed themselves or engaged in an insurrection designed to topple our government, but these radical actors indisputably and unapologetically regularly denigrate and dehumanize Jews,” said Greenblatt. He cited attacks on Jews during the Israel-Gaza conflict a year ago.

“Again, I am not diminishing the singular threat of white nationalists; however, as we saw last May, vicious rhetoric is not just an abstract issue,” he said. “No, it is dangerous and destabilizing because it can manifest in the real world and impel individuals to act violently.”

Greenblatt singled out three groups on the left: Jewish Voice for Peace, the Council on American Islamic Relations and Students for Justice in Palestine, for what he said were endorsements of antisemitic conspiracy-mongering and of Palestinian violence in conflict with Israel.

He noted the embrace by some of these groups of slogans like “globalize the intifada.”

The term, Greenblatt said, referred to “an armed conflict that ranged from rocks

p Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt speaks at the group’s 2018 National Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. Photo by Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/ LightRocket via Getty Images via JTA

being thrown at soldiers to suicide bombers detonating themselves inside crowded restaurants full of women and children in Jerusalem.” The first and second intifadas were Palestinian uprisings in the 1980s and 1990s and in the early 2000s.

The groups said in reaction that the ADL was marginalizing itself. “What Greenblatt is really announcing is that the ADL is dropping its pretense of dismantling antisemitism and protecting the American Jewish community and is instead solely

focused on shielding the Israeli government from accountability,” Jewish Voice for Peace told Jewish Currents.

“The @ADL’s latest unhinged, hypocritical attack on Jewish, Palestinian and Muslim human rights activists is another sign of its isolation and desperation,” CAIR said on Twitter. “The #ADL is increasingly desperate to halt growing support for a #FreePalestine among diverse communities in America.”

Please see ADL, page 13

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Opinion Remembering Israel’s unknown fallen soldiers Guest Columnist Danny Danon

O

n the eve of Remembrance Day for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers, the country unites. All previous disagreements are cast aside as the nation stands together to cherish the memory of the brave men and women who gave their lives to fight for and secure their nation’s future.

Every loss of a soldier tears a hole in the hearts of all the people of Israel. Each one is publicly reported with an extensive description of the circumstances of the devastating incident. In addition to these fallen servicemen and women, each year dozens of wounded fighters in the Israel Defense Forces pass away as a result of their injuries and are added to the count. Since last year’s Remembrance Day, 56 soldiers were added to the list. A further 84 IDF soldiers who passed away as a result of their injuries have also been recognized as fallen soldiers of the state of Israel.

The stories of the wounded soldiers who pass away as a result of their injuries are not often told and do not receive public

exposure. Usually, when details of the battle are uncovered, the reporting is general and will describe the soldiers as “severely injured.” Yet it goes without saying that every wounded soldier is also an entire world.

They too have a story of heroism to recount, along with daily challenges and rehabilitation that too often end in premature death. As fate would have it, I was chosen to become closely acquainted with one of the many heroic stories of a severely wounded IDF soldier who passed away as a result of his injuries and sacrificed his life for the state of Israel.

My late father, Joseph Danon, was one of the best fighters in the Reconnaissance Unit of the 99th Infantry Brigade. While serving as a reservist, he was fatally wounded in a battle with terrorists in the Jordan Valley. At the time of his injury, he was just 29, with a young family, a new business and his whole life ahead of him.

Yet this was not to be. The shrapnel from the grenade that hit his head cut off all his hopes and dreams for his family and his future in one deadly second. He was evacuated by helicopter to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital and after a lengthy hospitalization and numerous complex surgeries, the start of his never-ending rehabilitation process began.

After just a few months, it became clear to my father that beyond the medical complications with which he had already been diagnosed, he had also completely lost the ability to hear. Yet like other severely injured servicemen and women, my father chose to fight and take advantage of the time given to him, knowing that he was living on borrowed time. Deep down, in my heart of hearts, I always knew that my father would not live a long life and would not get to meet his grandchildren. I, therefore, took every opportunity to talk to him and learn from him until the severe injury he bravely coped with each day overwhelmed him.

In my childhood home, Remembrance Day for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers was the most important day of the year. My father understandably became very emotional on this day and, even though he was completely deaf from his injury, would choose to reverently watch the memorial ceremonies and the lists of the names of the fallen men and women whose images filled the TV screen.

This is the only day of the year when a tear slid from his eye. No complex surgery or treatment ever caused him to complain or show pain. This day did. When I think back, I never understood if he was so moved because of the many friends he lost in Israel’s wars or because of his severe injury and the

personal price he was destined to pay. I presume it was a combination of the two, but I never dared ask.

As a child, I was also privileged to get to know a large number of severely injured IDF fighters. I will always remember my wonderment that, despite the heavy price they paid as a result of their horrific injuries, their love for the state of Israel only grew and their belief in the righteousness of our nation’s path was never undermined. In fact, it only grew stronger. Unfortunately, many of these brave heroes are no longer with us. Their severe injuries and disabilities eventually overpowered them.

As we do each year, this year we will also cherish the memories of our wounded servicemen in Israel’s national ceremonies. We will proudly tell the story of their heroism—not only their courage in battle but also the stories of their strength, spirit, determination and faith despite the injuries that ultimately led to their tragic end.

May their memories be a blessing. PJC Ambassador Danny Danon served as Israel’s 17th permanent representative to the United Nations. He is chairman of the World Likud. His forthcoming book, “In the Lion’s Den,” will be published on May 17. This piece first appeared on JNS.

Deplorable politicians, AIPAC and safeguarding Israel’s precarious security Guest Columnist Jacob Herber

I

n the summer of 1973, supporters of Israel felt invincible. After thousands of years in exile, and more than two decades defending and supporting their newly re-established state, the Jewish people finally believed they might be safe. Israel, a scrappy, upstart nation, had recently defeated five massive Arab armies and made a bold statement: We are here to stay.

Yet, by the fall things had changed. On Yom Kippur, the most solemn of Jewish holidays, Israelis emerged from synagogue shocked to find their nation under assault. Signs of an impending attack — warnings from foreign officials, intelligence reports — had been disregarded. We all learned the hard way the dangers of our collective complacency.

This moment is no different.

Today, just as in 1973, many supporters of Israel feel invulnerable. The Jewish state has never been stronger, with its booming economy, diverse and vibrant population, flourishing relations with more and more Arab nations, and a strong, bipartisan U.S.Israel relationship. And yet, real threats are looming on the horizon. Iran, which has sworn to wipe Israel off the map and funds

10

MAY 6, 2022

terror throughout the Middle East, is trying to acquire a nuclear bomb, threatening Israel’s very existence. International bodies like the U.N. are working to demonize and isolate Israel every day. And there is a growing movement around the world actively seeking to weaken — and ultimately destroy — the Jewish state.

This movement has even reached Congress, where a small but loud minority is working to unravel the U.S.-Israel relationship. For decades, the pro-Israel community has been effective in keeping the relationship strong, and Israel’s detractors have been kept at bay. But these enemies are growing in numbers and influence, and it is no longer enough only to speak out against them. They must be defeated in the political arena.

This is why I stand so firmly with AIPAC in its recent move into political fundraising. AIPAC’s sole mission is to support and strengthen the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Israel. That’s it. And this requires broad bipartisan support.

Of course, AIPAC’s commitment to bipartisanship raises important moral questions. How can I work with an organization whose PAC contributes to many of those Republican members of Congress who refused to certify the 2020 election results?

Didn’t these members’ actions fundamentally threaten our democracy? Doesn’t that make political contributions to those members treif? And do the contributions

themselves have the potential to contribute to an erosion of democracy? The answers to these questions are not as clearcut as they might initially appear — or as divisive partisan groups would have us believe.

Yes, the refusal to certify the election results on Jan. 6, 2021, is deplorable and posed a genuine threat to our democracy. Preservation of our democracy is a fundamental moral principle, one for which I fight every day.

When determining whether an organization’s political donations to members of Congress are treif, I look at two factors: will it help them get reelected and what is the meaning of the donation. Any honest assessment will acknowledge that a PAC’s contributions to individual members of Congress are limited by law to such an extent — $5,000 per candidate per election — that they do not impact election outcome. They are symbolic and are meant to send a message, in this case that a member’s policy positions are in support of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

And what does AIPAC hope to accomplish by building relationships with these individuals? Nothing short of pikuah nefesh — the preservation of human life — and building peace.

It does this by ensuring that the broadest possible group of Democrats and Republicans support legislation that safeguards lives and advances prospects for peace. No other group in Washington is doing this crucial work. Put simply, in

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today’s broken Washington, AIPAC simply cannot do the work of strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and saving lives without working with Republican members who are anathema to me.

Consider the following examples: In March, AIPAC worked with the leadership of both parties to help ensure that important legislation such as the Normalization Bill and the $1 Billion Iron Dome Supplemental was included in the omnibus spending bill that funded Congress.

Both these legislative initiatives were initially blocked by individual Republican senators — Ted Cruz and Rand Paul respectively.

If AIPAC were to boycott the numerous Republican members who failed to certify the election, they couldn’t have overcome these Senators’ ability to block these critical legislative priorities.

The omnibus spending bill also included the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act, which requires USAID to establish a fund for promoting economic development for Palestinians as well as reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. How many Republicans would have supported economic development for Palestinians without AIPAC’s hekhsher? In a bill named for a Democrat no less. How many fewer Republicans would sign onto such legislation if AIPAC decided to boycott Please see Herber, page 11

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Opinion Chronicle poll results: Masks

L

ast week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Are you wearing a mask in indoor public places, including mass transit?” Of the 277 people who responded, 61% said yes and 23% said sometimes. Just 16% said no. Seventy-three people submitted comments. A few follow.

The only time I wear my mask indoors is when I am recovering from being sick and I want to prevent spreading my germs to others.

I’m still doing protect my family.

what

I

can

Are you wearing a mask in indoor public places, including mass transit?

16% No

23%

Sometimes

61% Yes

to

others around me if they prefer I wear it. It’s also about ventilation, the number of people, and close quarters. No single answer.

from “COVID anxiety” and learn to think of COVID as a disease I can live with as long as I am smart about precautions.

I’m so sick of wearing masks! I’ve been fully vaccinated, including my two boosters, and pretty much don’t worry any more.

I wear a mask (N95) more than almost anyone I know, yet when I had to remove it on a long flight just to eat or drink, I got COVID, even after two boosters.

Masks are critical.

I’m being choosy about my indoor spaces and not wearing a mask. Public transit, no; indoors with my minyan, yes.

As Jews we learn to do things to benefit our neighbors as well as ourselves. That is why I wear a mask.

If I see someone that is uncomfortable, I will put on a mask.

— safe. We should care about people collectively. It’s sad to see how America has devolved into a nation of “what about me and my rights.”

There are still people getting sick. It’s a small gesture to keep others — and yourself

I keep one in my pocket and use it in certain situations ... and that involves asking

I understand that the COVID numbers are rising, and that there may be a time when I’ll need to remask. But I now have more confidence that the vaccines and boosters will keep me from having a severe case of COVID, and that if I do become symptomatic there are effective therapies that I can receive. I know that not everyone has the luxury of being confident about that. But in my case I want to try to take a step back

Herber:

going to get reelected anyway.

While I will continue to do all in my power to counteract these members’ dangerous domestic agenda, I’m humble enough to recognize that, when it comes to the U.S.Israel relationship, we need their support far more than they need ours. While I may have to hold my nose today, the next time Hamas decides to fire rockets at Israel — and when I see Partnership for Peace initiatives begin to bear fruit — I’ll be grateful that AIPAC made

the decisions that were necessary to advance its crucial mission.

Some in Israel and here in America may see the Jewish state and the U.S.-Israel relationship as a given. But the Yom Kippur War teaches us never to take the perception of security for granted. Israel’s safety cannot be guaranteed if we don’t address obvious threats in Congress before it’s too late. I am indebted to AIPAC for having the foresight and temerity to take up this challenge, and

If a venue requests wearing one, I will do it. Also, assuming that location is packed, it is likely that my wife and I would put on masks.

Continued from page 10

large numbers of their ranks?

I am not prepared to see critical lifesaving and peace-supporting legislative efforts benefiting the Jewish state, as well as the Palestinian people, wither on the vine so I don’t have to feel the taint of working with deplorable members of Congress who are

— LETTERS — Praise for “Tree of Life” film

I loved the Chronicle’s review of “Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life” (April 29). My wife, Brenda, and I, as well as other survivors and family members, were privileged to get a viewing of this fine movie last week at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. My wife and I were a little nervous about attending, but felt our input to filmmaker Patrice O’Neill, as well as supporting the families, was important.

Brenda and I were very touched and warmed by the care Patrice showed both in person and in the documentary, and we were totally engaged by the information which was beautifully shown in the film.

Praise for the movie and Patrice O’Neill.

Barry Werber Pittsburgh

Palestinian leaders have betrayed their people’s trust

It appears to me that “Zionists” are doing a very poor job of controlling the media (“Pro-Palestinian group at NYU alleges ‘Zionist grip on the media,’” online, April 20, 2022).

Israel is accused of being an apartheid state despite the fact that Israeli Arabs vote and serve as members of the Knesset; that Arabs serve as judges on Israel’s Supreme Court; that Israel respects the holy sites of all religions; that Israeli hospitals treat Jewish and Arab patients in the same facilities, which are staffed by Jewish and Arab medical personnel; that Jewish and Arab students receive instruction and participate in research projects at the same universities which employ Jewish and Arab professors.

The standard response to the statements given above is that what I’ve written may be true for Israeli Arabs, but Israel discriminates against the Palestinians. Groups such as NYU Law Students for Justice in Palestine refuse to recognize that all Palestinians in Gaza, and nearly all Palestinians in “The West Bank” (Judea and Samaria), are living under the administration of Palestinian leaders, whether Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. And Israel afforded the Palestinians their first-ever chance to be governed by leaders of the Palestinians’ own choosing by signing the Oslo Accords.

Unfortunately, the chosen leaders have betrayed their people’s trust. The leaders of both PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Despite appearances, the pandemic isn’t over. I’m twice-boosted and am not really afraid of becoming sick, but I wear a mask to help protect other people who might not be as fortunate as I’ve been. I wish this was a more normative attitude.

Freedom ... freedom to wear and freedom to go maskless. PJC — Toby Tabachnick Chronicle poll question: Have you experienced or witnessed any act of antisemitsm in the past year? Go to Pittsburghjewishchronicle.org to respond.

I hope you will join me in continuing to support the organization’s vital work. PJC Rabbi Jacob Herber is the spiritual leader of Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Synagogue in Mercer Island, Washington. He serves on AIPAC’s Washington State Council, is a senior rabbinic fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and is a member of the Rabbinical Assembly’s executive council. This piece first appeared on The Times of Israel.

Hamas and the PA have long overstayed their elected terms. Instead of preparing their people for life in a Palestinian state co-existing with the nation-state of the Jews, Palestinian leaders have taught their people to hate Jews and rewarded them for killing Jews, while also embezzling funds donated for the people’s benefit and diverting humanitarian aid to efforts to destroy Israel.

Anyone truly seeking justice for the people suffering under Hamas and PA rule must stop blaming Israel and call on the Palestinian leaders to change their ways.

Toby F. Block Atlanta, Georgia

Getting high from regeneration

This letter is in response to Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel’s excellent article “Marijuana is not necessary to reach spiritual heights” (April 29). I agree wholeheartedly with the rabbi’s position. It all comes down to two choices. Either you can get high from regeneration, or you can get high from degeneration. I choose the former. An example of this is the so-called “runners high” — which releases endorphins in the brain — where you feel really good after running.

I agree that we are here for a purpose, and that we are here to do great work — which in Hebrew is referred to as “tikkun olam,” which means restore and repair. To me, marijuana is just a short cut and just like any other drug has side effects, and direct effects, with possible serious consequences.

Dr. Eugene M Goldberg Allison Park

We invite you to submit letters for publication. Letters must include name, address and daytime phone number; addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters may not exceed 500 words and may be edited for length and clarity; they cannot be returned. Mail or email letters to: Letters to the editor via email: letters@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org Address:

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11

Headlines TOL: Continued from page 1

and the wider community. She recognized the work of local architectural partner Rothschild Doyno Collaborative.

“The challenge here is huge,” she said. “To have architecture rise to the aspirations the rabbi has set forth. Our approach has been to try to communicate the mission of the new organization while respecting this incredibly historic neighborhood that we’re in and to remember the importance of what happened on this site.”

Swickerath said no time frame existed yet for the start or completion of the project.

And neither she nor Myers could provide an update on its funding.

“We don’t have any information on that.

It’s all interconnected,” Myers said.

The limited amount of information available at the press conference was directly related to the novelty of the project, Myers said.

“You have to realize that we’re trailblazing.

We’re creating a new brand, a new concept that doesn’t exist in the United States,” he said. “The whole idea of an institution that’s going to house a synagogue, a Holocaust Center, a place for education, a place for remembrance. If you look at synagogues in the United States, there’s no one who’s ever done this.”

Myers said that the Holocaust Center

 Bird’s eye view of the proposed renovation of the Tree of Life building

Image courtesy of Lifang Vision Technology

of Pittsburgh’s director, Lauren Apter Bairnsfather, and its staff would be joining the new institution. Asked if the congregation’s members supported the project, Myers responded, “Wholesale.”

He noted that the planning process included more than a year of listening sessions and focus groups, not only with Tree of Life members, but also with congregations Dor Hadash and New Light, as well as other stakeholders and community groups.

The fundraising campaign to reimagine the Tree of Life building is named Remember.

Rebuild. Renew. Campaign co-chair Ellen Stewart, in an interview following the press

conference, said Tree of Life had reached a “milestone” before announcing plans but didn’t elaborate on what that milestone was.

Michael Bernstein, chair of the Tree of Life interim governance committee, told the Chronicle that the plan for establishing the new separate entity came to fruition about six months ago.

“As we began to look at the opportunity, the overarching campaign and the goals for the new organization and what the institution would be, I think it was clear that thinking of a broader construct made a lot of sense,” he said.

Bernstein said that the new organization

Incidents: Continued from page 1

our societal norms are clearly frayed,” he said.

While the pandemic inspired new antisemitic ideas and tactics, such as Zoombombing, Pasch said 2021 saw a rise in the use of older tactics as well.

Fifteen harassment incidents were reported in Western Pennsylvania in 2021, a 114% increase from the previous year. The ADL defines harassment as cases in which one or more Jews reported feeling targeted or threatened by antisemitic language or acts.

There were three antisemitic vandalism incidents last year in the region, a number consistent with the previous year’s reporting.

Vandalism is defined by the ADL as incidents in which property is damaged in a manner meant to be harmful or intimidating.

Two assaults were reported in 2021, the same number reported in 2020. Assault is defined as cases in which individuals are physically targeted with violence accompanied by evidence of antisemitic animus.

Pasch said the numbers are alarming because each incident was against an individual. And the cases reported represent just one piece of the puzzle because many antisemitic incidents go unreported, he added.

The current environment has contributed to American Jews feeling less safe, Pasch said.

“In our latest survey, American Jews are more concerned about antisemitism in the United States than before,” he said. “Sixty percent had themselves either witnessed behavior or comments that they personally deemed to be antisemitic.”

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MAY 6, 2022

 ADL graph showing the increase of antimsemitc incidents in Western Pennsylvania

Image courtesy of the ADL

Community leaders have the responsibility to call out antisemitism, Pasch said.

Policymakers, he added, should work to increase funding to fight hate crimes, and parents must advocate to their school boards and superintendents to expand funding for diversity, equality inclusion, antibullying and

Holocaust education.

“All of us have a role to play,” he said. “Even if it’s just confronting it in our everyday work life and personal life. Maybe that comment you used to let fly by, we don’t let slide by anymore. We cut off that pyramid of hate.”

Shawn Brokos, director of community

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

would have its own 501(c)(3) status, and that the Tree of Life congregation would, likewise, retain its nonprofit status.

A new permanent governing board with its own executive board will be developed for the new Tree of Life entity. Additionally, the Holocaust Center and other organizations housed in the building will have their own advisory boards, according to Bernstein.

On Dec. 3, the congregation received $6.6 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

Bernstein said that donations received after the attack at the Tree of Life building were distributed by an independent committee, and that most of that money was earmarked for specific purposes.

“Those funds are outside of the scope of the fundraising we’re doing,” he said. “Most of the funds raised in the aftermath [of the Oct. 27 massacre] have been distributed to either the families, victims, first responders, congregations, etc.”

Any additional funds raised by the Remember. Rebuild. Renew. campaign will go to funding the new Tree of Life project, he said.

Shannon Craig Straw, part of the Chicago team of West End Strategy, a communications firm, said updates on the project will continue to be provided. Another press conference may be held in November. PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, called the report an “ongoing wake-up call to the fact that antisemitism is very much in our region and continuing to grow.”

She lauded Pittsburgh’s Jewish community for its increased reporting and internalizing the “See something, say something” motto.

But Brokos cautioned that the increase in reported incidents isn’t solely because of a more cautious community.

“We’ve seen antisemitic conspiracy theories propagated due to COVID-19, the Israeli/Hamas war, the war in the Ukraine,” she said.

Social media has helped spread antisemitic theories, she noted, adding that Pittsburgh’s Jewish community saw an increase in violent incidents last year.

“We had two violent incidents, and there’s no good explanation for it,” she said.

While, the ADL’s report only included harassment, vandalism and assault against an individual, Brokos and Federation track all regional antisemitic incidents.

“There were 44 incidents in 2020; in 2021 there were 82,” she said. “Year-to-date, we are at 34 in 2022, which is close to surpassing what we had in 2020.”

Earlier this year, two men, Tyrone Correll and Christian Williams, were arrested in separate incidents targeting Jews in Squirrel Hill.

The ADL recently added to its local staff.

South Hills resident Aviva Diamond began serving as the organization’s community engagement manager on April 18. PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Babylon: Continued from page 4

filmmakers created “By the Waters of Babylon.” The award-winning 18-minute documentary experience enables viewers, either through virtual reality equipment or reliance on a screen, to watch the Clarion Quartet perform formerly suppressed works and describe the story of Viktor Ullman, an oppressed Austrian composer who eventually died at the Auschwitz concentration camp.

The film “invites viewers to meet at the intersection of past and present, with banned music of the Holocaust, its

Basketball: Continued from page 5

While speaking with members of Temple Sinai’s Brotherhood and members of the men’s club of Park Synagogue in suburban Cleveland, Dan fielded questions about the book, his family and the importance of Yom Hashoah, which began this year the evening of April 27.

He described his grandparents’ work ethic and recounted a story his 96-year-old grandmother still tells about what it took for her and her husband to finally see their son on a court.

Nearly 50 years ago, Dan’s grandparents were working at their fabric store in Queens when the phone rang. It was Ernie’s high

Afghan: Continued from page 7

his aunt’s home in a village not yet under Taliban control. His family spent the night there, and the next morning Popal received a call from his commander telling him that if they could get to the Kandahar airport, the U.S. could get him and his family out of the country.

On Aug. 23, Popal flew from Afghanistan to Qatar before arriving in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 27. From there, he and his family were sent to a military base in Wisconsin where they spent several months before arriving in Pittsburgh.

When he left Afghanistan, Popal and his family had only the clothes on their backs and essential papers, like passports. The family must now figure out how to make a life for themselves in the States. Popal faces at least one more surgery before his leg will be healed. Until then, he is unable to work.

No one in the family speaks English.

The former soldier said his wife is

ADL: Continued from page 9

The ADL came under fire from Republicans during the Trump administration for its relentless criticisms on former President Donald Trump, criticism Greenblatt once again said was merited.

“ADL fought back when candidate Trump PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

present-day interpretation, and the latest in immersive technology,” said Lauren Bairnsfather, director of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh.

Neither Halasz nor Shaeffer are Jewish and, before “By the Waters of Babylon,” neither had worked on a Holocaust-related story.

But with help from the Holocaust Center, the filmmakers learned about a horrific historical period and the sensitivities required when approaching it as a genre, the duo explained.

There’s no denying the fact that the documentary “is a Jewish story, how could it not be,” but the work has a resonance beyond faith or religious practice, Halasz said.

“What fascinated me was about being an

artist and how practicing it is transformative, or provides hope, or is worth saving,” he said.

The Nazi regime tried to quash various forms of art, so when people come out to see this work or hear the music it’s “an act of defiance.”

“By the Waters of Babylon” has received several awards, including the #VIFFImmersed Best in Documentary Award at the 2020 Vancouver International Film Festival, the 2020 Best of Conference in New Media Award by the University Film and Video Association, and was an Official Selection at the 2020 Doc Edge Film Festival.

The multisensory documentary will have four screenings at the Buhl Planetarium at Carnegie Science Center. The showings are

a collaboration between the filmmakers, the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, Chatham University and Point Park University. The two May 18 screenings will include a VIP reception with takeaway gifts for attendees and a talkback with the filmmakers and the Clarion Quartet. Tickets are $36.

The two showings on May 31 will include a limited number of free seats for Holocaust survivors and degree-seeking students in the Pittsburgh area with a valid student ID. Tickets are $15. Advance registration is required. PJC

school basketball coach, who asked if they wanted to see their son play. Until then, all the Grunfelds knew was that their son enjoyed something they considered recreational. The following week, they made the unprecedented move of closing their store early and traveling to Forest Hills High School to see a game.

Once they arrived, however, the gym doors were closed and an usher barred the couple’s entrance because the game had already started. In their broken English, they tried speaking with the usher. Finally, Dan’s grandmother told the man that her son was Ernie Grunfeld. The usher’s eyes “lit up, and he said, ‘Well, why didn’t you say that?’”

After being escorted into a packed gymnasium, the Grunfelds looked around at an environment they’d never before witnessed.

Dan’s grandfather nudged his wife with an

elbow and asked in Hungarian, “If Ernie is so great why isn’t he playing? Why isn’t he on the court?” “My grandma grabbed him.

And she said, ‘Look right there. That’s Ernie.’

She pointed to the middle of the floor, and it’s so symbolic,” Dan said. “My grandfather couldn’t recognize my dad. Like he literally had transformed. He had never seen him so powerful…He’s 6-foot-6 — even in high school he was 230 pounds — he was a man.”

The story, Dan said, is one of many he clings to, especially during the week of Yom Hashoah. “We have to talk about what happened, we have to remember,” he said.

“My grandma has always said just because a story is difficult, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell it,” he continued. “Life is complicated.

There are moments of great joy and beauty and happiness and there are moments of great

pain and sadness and sorrow. My family story reflects that and my book reflects that.”

There’s a dichotomy of darkness and light, he added, “but there’s much more light.”

Todd Miller, vice president of Temple Sinai’s Brotherhood, said Dan’s words were “stimulating and thought-provoking,” and that Dan’s “articulateness and sincerity” were evident throughout the program.

Drew Barkley, Temple Sinai’s executive director, said he was pleased the congregation could partner with like-minded Jewish Clevelanders on an event that encapsulates sports, the Holocaust and Jewish identity.

“Hopefully we can do more of it,” Barkley said. PJC

uneducated and unable to work. He likewise has limited skills.

When Popal was a child, his father died, so he became a blacksmith to help support his family. When the U.S. took control of Afghanistan from the Taliban following 9-11, he went to work for the American government.

“In my life, I did two things,” he said, “killing and working as a blacksmith. I’m in a peaceful country now.”

Like other refugees, Popal has spent his time learning English and is anxious to work. For now, he is dependent on the assistance of JFCS, which has helped him find a home for his family and provide basics like food and clothing.

In an April 15 press conference, JFCS President and CEO Jordan Golin spoke about the process of helping Afghan refugees resettle in the States.

Golin said the agency was sometimes only alerted five hours before a refugee would arrive — a far cry from the usual timeline of two weeks, which allowed JFCS to help locate housing and employment in advance.

“We had to figure out where the family was going to spend the night, who was going to pick them up, where we’re going to bring them and how we were going to orient them to life in this country and the other services that go along with that,” Golin said.

JFCS settled 250 Afghan refugees in less than three months, according to Golin. By comparison, the agency typically resettles 200 refugees a year.

The contract JFCS has with the government is for three or four months for each refugee, Golin added. After that, the families are expected to be fully integrated into the community.

“We know that’s not really possible,” he said, “and will continue to work with them through support we receive from the country government and other sources.”

A recent $125,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation will help JFCS to provide emergency assistance for another group of incoming refugees: Ukrainians, who are fleeing their war-torn country. That grant will help pay for necessities for 75 people, such as food, clothing,

rent, security deposits and utilities.

While Popal and his immediate family are safe, he said his extended family still in Afghanistan continues to face peril.

They spend nights in different homes to avoid the Taliban. He considers their lives to be in danger.

Popal’s life in the States has already brought some joy: His wife recently gave birth to their third child. He would like to return to his ancestral land but isn’t sure when or how that will occur.

“I’m always thinking about one day going back to Afghanistan because that’s my homeland,” he said. “But not in the situation right now. That would be an ideal situation, going back. If there is peace and we are secure, I would go back. Right now, I don’t want to go there. I don’t want to take my kids back there.

I have a life now. I’m a father. We struggled a lot. I don’t want my kids in that darkness again. They should live in peace.” PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

leveled slanders against Mexicans and Muslims in 2015 … or when President Trump made the preposterous claim that the 2020 election was rigged and that his supporters should ‘fight like hell’,” he said.

His speech Sunday appeared to be a bid by Greenblatt to make clear he would not spare Democrats from criticism.

“Against the backdrop of rising antisemitic incidents, we will thank the GOP

leadership for their statements of support — and demand that they call out the bizarre antisemitic conspiracies of their candidates and elected officials,” he said. “Against this same backdrop, we will applaud Democratic leadership for their statements of support — and demand that they call out the statements of those in their party who knowingly traffic in anti-Zionist tropes and make malicious claims against the Jewish state.”

Calling anti-Zionism an ideology “rooted in rage,” Greenblatt continued, “It is predicated on one concept: the negation of another people, a concept as alien to the modern discourse as white supremacy. It requires a willful denial of even a superficial history of Judaism and the vast history of the Jewish people. And, when an idea is born out of such shocking intolerance, it leads to, well, shocking acts.” PJC

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

MAY 6, 2022

13

Life & Culture Quinoa salad: A tasty summer side dish ⅓ cup olive oil Juice of one lemon 1½ teaspoons salt Romaine lettuce leaves for serving Optional: 1 cup crumbled feta cheese Directions:

p Quinoa salad

— FOOD —

By Jessica Grann | Special to the Chronicle

M

y quinoa salad recipe makes a fantastic gluten-free side dish. It has the bright flavors of lemony Israeli salad mixed with al dente quinoa, which tastes like bulgur wheat when

Photo by Jessica Grann

cooked correctly.

This is similar to tabouleh salad but with more grain and less parsley than traditional tabouleh. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week. I tend to keep a rotation of pareve salads going, especially in the summer months, and this is one of my favorites to serve.

Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa 1¼ cups water 5 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced 1 large seedless cucumber, diced 2 bunches of parsley, washed and finely chopped 4 scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts ¼ cup fresh mint, thinly sliced

The key to quinoa is not to overcook it into a mushy mess. It retains its firmness nicely if you follow these instructions.

Combine the dry quinoa with water in a pot and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to simmer and cook covered for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat, keep covered and let sit for 5 more minutes.

Remove the lid, fluff with a fork and let cool completely before mixing with the vegetables.

Stir the olive oil and salt into the cooled quinoa, then chop up the tomatoes, parsley and cucumber and add to the bowl.

Stir well, then chop and add the scallions, mint and fresh lemon juice.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. The flavors really soak in over time.

Add lemon, salt or another dash of olive oil for taste and, if you like, add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese before serving.

I like to spoon the salad right into romaine lettuce leaves, creating a little boat for the quinoa.

Enjoy, and bless your hands! PJC Jessica Grann is a home chef living in Pittsburgh.

Jazz Poetry Month, featuring Jewish musicians and writers, returns in person — JAZZ —

By David Rullo | Staff Writer

F

or the first time in two years, attendees of the City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Month will have the option to view performances online or attend the festival in person.

Jazz Poetry Month, celebrating its 18th year, takes place May 8-25 and features more than 30 artists from 15 countries, including several Jewish musicians and writers.

Each performance includes different jazz musicians and poets performing together after meeting for the first time the morning of their set, according to Allison Ruppert, City of Asylum’s marketing manager.

The spontaneity of the performances and the return to in-person concerts increases the sense of vibrancy for this year’s event, she said.

“I’m very excited that all of the artists are able to join us in person — musicians and poets,” she said, adding that “there’s a nice balance between [returning] poets and artists and those new to City of Asylum performing in Pittsburgh for the first time.”

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MAY 6, 2022

p Patrons take in a performance at City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Month.

Photo by Renee Rosensteel

The kickoff concert on Sunday, May 8, features a lineup of artists new to the city. It will include Jewish musician Uri Gurvich and his quartet, as well as poet Vasyl Makhno, a Ukrainian writer whose works include “Jerusalem Poems,” published in 2017 after spending time in Israel with support from the Ukraine Jewish Encounter in Canada.

In addition to accompanying the various writers reading with him, Gurvich will present works from his newest recording “Kinship.” The CD is the musician’s third recording and pays homage to his Argentinian and Israeli roots, as well as the p Uri Gurvich will make his debut at City of Asylum on Sunday, May 8, as part of Jazz Photo provided by City of Asylum Poetry Month.

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Please see Jazz, page 20

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MAY 6, 2022

15

Life & Culture HBO’s ‘The Survivor’ asks profound question — STREAMING —

By Jarrad Saffren | Contributing Writer

H

ow powerful is a reason to live?

That is the question that animates Jewish director Barry Levinson’s new movie “The Survivor,” which came out on Yom HaShoah on HBO Max. The film depicts the true story of Auschwitz survivor Harry Haft, who became a boxer in the United States and lived to 82, dying in 2007.

Haft, the movie makes clear, would not have lived to such an advanced age were it not for his reason: Leah, the girl he fell in love with as a boy in pre-war Poland.

Leah drives Haft to find a way to survive every horrific concentration camp day.

When a Nazi officer discovers Haft’s strong right hook, he forces the prisoner to box and pummel other Jews just to help the officer win money; and Haft does it. When the officer calls for the killings of Haft’s opponents at the end of their matches, the boxer can only stand and watch; and he does. And when the Nazi makes his “dog,” as the prisoner later describes himself, suffer the indignity of drinking with him after a big win, Haft confronts his owner, but then he takes a sip.

The flashback scenes unfold throughout the movie, and you grow to understand why this man continues to wear a long, heavy

p Ben Foster playing Harry Haft in HBO Max’s “The Survivor”

expression even years after arriving in the United States.

Levinson shows the viewer that, internally, Haft, played by Ben Foster, is carrying around the burden of not just survival, but of the sacrifice that he forced on other Jews. But the director also shows that,

Photo by Leo Pinter/HBO

externally, Haft is driven to find his reason in the form of Leah.

The main character continues to box in the United States, only professionally and to earn money for himself. Yet after several losses in a row, his career is on the ropes. So he responds the same way any rational, career-oriented

boxer would respond: by asking his trainer to coordinate a fight with the undefeated heavyweight champ, Rocky Marciano.

Haft explains to his trainer that he only wants the fight to gain national media Please see Survivor, page 17

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Life & Culture Survivor: Continued from page 16

attention. He is hoping that Leah is out there somewhere and will see it. He feels it in his gut that she is.

But after Marciano pummels Haft like Haft once pummeled his fellow Jews, the survivor sits in his locker room and tells his brother Perez Haft, played by Saro Emirze, that he’s done fighting. Leah is not out there, he explains. He feels an “emptiness” inside himself.

At this moment, the heaviness on the boxer’s face overtakes his body. He stands up and sits back down. His reason to live no longer exists to him, and you can feel him

struggling with such immensity.

Yet in spite of it all, Haft decides to try to live anyway.

Perez, also a survivor, implores him to try.

“Why did you survive?” the brother asks.

“If not to live?”

But it’s Miriam Wofsoniker, played by Vicky Krieps, who answers Perez’s question by becoming Harry’s new love interest. Until that point, Miriam was helping Harry try to find Leah through a local organization.

Despite her budding connection with the survivor, she never attempted to interfere with his search.

Now, as Harry embraces her, she comes to represent vibrant and burgeoning love in the same way that Leah once did. It just depends on the survivor to see it, so he can start living.

The immigrant tries. He even moves on with his body, building a family with Miriam, opening a grocery store and preparing for their son Alan’s bar mitzvah.

But the expression on Haft’s face still does not change. He can’t stop living in the past.

He even forces his son to punch a bag at the gym so Alan will become tough enough to survive, too.

Levinson shows Haft’s attempt at living slipping away. He’s sleeping on the couch; he’s making his son think he doesn’t like him; he’s thinking about using some new information on Leah’s potential whereabouts.

And then, the inevitable.

Haft takes his family on a trip to a random town in Georgia where Leah might be. His wife figures out what’s going on.

She tells Haft she’ll be at the beach if he wants to come back.

The survivor goes to see Leah and finds his reason. Only his reason wasn’t actually to find her; it was just her.

The love they shared got them both through the Holocaust, they learn. At the same moment, they understand that a reason to live is as powerful as their love.

It exists in eternity.

Haft returns to the beach, sits down in a chair and stares out at the ocean. His expression finally changes into a smile. He tells Miriam a joke, and she laughs. PJC Jarrad Saffren writes for the Jewish Exponent, an affiliated publication where this first appeared.

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Celebrations

Torah

B’nei Mitzvah

Simon Gabriel Schachner, the son of Andrea and Sam Schachner, younger brother of Max Schachner, and grandson of Marcia and Stephen Schachner and Judy and Irwin Zimmerman, will become a bar mitzvah on May 7, 2022, at Tree of Life Congregation (services held at Rodef Shalom). Simon is a seventhgrade student at Schiller Steam Academy. He is an avid LEGO builder, engineer and is passionate about helping make the world a better place. He completed his service project, planting trees and cleaning up Frick Park, on Sunday April 24, in honor of Earth Day and to raise money for TeamSeas. Simon raised funds to clear the ocean of close to 400 pounds of trash.

Zoe Freyberg is the daughter of Zach and Robin Freyberg and sister of Max Freyberg. She is the granddaughter of Larry and Joyce Haber, Victoria Freyberg and the late Victor Freyberg. Zoe is in the seventh grade at Community Day School. She loves math and is an avid reader of YA books. She loves the performing arts and has participated in six productions (and counting). When she is not busy with school, reading, or acting, you’ll find her in the kitchen baking her famous treats. Zoe will celebrate her bat mitzvah on May 7, 2022, at Congregation Beth Shalom.

Evie Jayla Rosen will become a bat mitzvah on May 7, 2022, at Temple Sinai. She is the daughter of Scott and Sheri Rosen, sister of Adina Rosen, granddaughter of Marc and Harriet Rosen and Gerry and Mel Kaufhold. She is in seventh grade at Dorseyville Middle School. For her bat mitzvah project, she has been volunteering with Light of Life Rescue Mission collecting hats, gloves and scarves as well as preparing and serving meals to people who are homeless or in need. She partnered with the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh’s Remembering the Children program to honor Evi Khava Rosenfeld who was murdered in Auschwitz in 1944 at the age of 6.

Birth

Engagement

Moshe and Yael (Gazit) Hagbi of Azriel, Israel, joyfully announce the April 5, 2022, birth of their son, Shaiel Yaakov. The thrilled grandparents are Shmulik and Lynne (Wolfson) Gazit and Menachem and Oshra Hagbi all of Tel Mond, Israel. The ecstatic great-grandmothers are Donna Levenson Wolfson of Monroeville and Yemima Gazit of Rishon LetZion, Israel. The excited uncle is Asaf Gazit of Tel Mond, Israel. Shaiel Yaakov is named in loving memory of his maternal greatgreat-grandmother Shirley Levenson and his maternal great-grandfather Jack Silverstein.

Amy Reidbord Spear of Pittsburgh, Jeffrey Spear of New York City, and Lisa and John Haugen of Homer, New York, are thrilled to announce the engagement of their children, Rebecca Spear and Stefan Haugen. Rebecca is the granddaughter of the late Gilda and Murray Reidbord, and John and the late Janet Spear. Stefan is the grandson of Alfa and the late Samuel Vitale, and Lyle and Ardis Haugen. Rebecca will graduate this summer with a doctorate in clinical psychology. Stefan works as an analytical chemist at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, Colorado. Rebecca and Stefan share an incredible connection and a deep love that is felt by everyone around them. Stefan proposed to Rebecca in New Orleans, their wedding will be in Telluride in 2023, and they will live in Denver. PJC

18

MAY 6, 2022

What does ‘holy’ mean?

Rabbi Barbara AB Symons Parshat Kedoshim Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

“W

hat does ‘holy’ mean?” she asked me. She is 5. I had just concluded, or so I thought, a brief explanation of what the Torah says about how to be holy based on last week’s and this week’s Torah portions. The question took me by surprise, so I paused briefly before answering. How would you respond?

holy takes time and commitment on not a daily basis but an hourly, if not minuteby-minute, basis. It is 24/7/354 (the length of a regular Jewish year). That leads to the main question: Do we know how God is holy so that we, made in God’s image, know how we too can be holy? Yes, because our sacred texts and traditions guide us. For example, per the prayer Gevurot: Just as God lifts the fallen, so shall we. Just as God heals the sick, so shall we. Just as God frees the captive, so shall we.

Holiness means separating ourselves from

Holiness is raising regular acts to a higher level, such as saying a blessing before eating.

This week’s Torah portion begins with a statement that begs the same question and then some: “You shall be holy for I, Adonai your God am holy.” The first question to my mind is: To whom is this addressed? It is not only to kohanim (priests) and levi’im (Levites). It is addressed to all of us, as it says in Exodus 19:6, “you shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

The next question seems to be: Are we automatically holy because God is holy? Is this a statement of fact or an invitation or a challenge? Judaism clearly and emphatically teaches that being holy is not automatic. We are made in God’s image, but it is through living our covenant, through studying Torah and putting it into practice that we move toward holiness. Being holy takes hearts, souls and might. Being holy takes humility, patience, perseverance and all those soul traits that Mussar leads us to explore. Being

that which is impure or improper per Rashi.

Holiness is raising regular acts to a higher level, such as saying a blessing before eating.

Let us consider the rest of what is within the Holiness Code which includes everything from a parallel to the Ten Commandments of not stealing; or murdering; or sexual impropriety; to keeping Shabbat; and then expands to leaving the corners of our field for those in need; to not placing barriers before people. Holiness is all encompassing if we but let it be.

What was my response to the 5-year-old?

Holy means being nice and kind and helping people in need and making things special. In a Hillel standing-on-one-foot kind of way, that is the answer, right? PJC Rabbi Barbara AB Symons is the rabbi of Temple David. This column is a service of the Greater Pittsburgh Rabbinic Association.

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Obituaries GLICK: Sarah “Betty” Glick of Sarasota, Florida, passed away on April 22, 2022.

Betty was born on Nov. 2, 1925, to Sadie and Samuel Udman of Pittsburgh. Beloved wife of the late Abraham “Ace” Glick.

Devoted mother of Amy (David) Korman, Anne (Barry) Stein, Peter (Kathy) Glick and Sarilyn (Chris) Zinn. Cherished Nie Nie to Rachel (Greg) Cohen, Eric (Elsa) Korman, Aerin (Jessica) Stein, Samantha (Javier) Ortiz, Nathaniel (Sarah) Glick, Kirsten (Jake) Trundle, Lauren (Skylar) Vlach and Jaime Zinn engaged to Scott Little. Great-grandmother to Lila Cohen and Sloan Trundle. Also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding her in death were siblings Edith Berkowitz, Lillian Weitzenkorn, Alexander Udman, Saul Udman and Oscar Udman. Betty graduated

from the University of Pittsburgh in 1946.

She was a member of Phi Sigma sorority.

Betty loved taking her family on cruises.

Her chocolate cakes were a favorite birthday treat. She was a skilled knitter, and enjoyed painting and swimming. She also played bridge. She was a member of Gardens Limited of the Pittsburgh Garden Club for many years. She was an active member of a committee that transcribed books into Braille under the leadership of Lillian Freehof at Rodef Shalom. Contributions may be made to Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34238, or to the Sherry Berkowitz Memorial Award Fund (include name on check memo) University of Pittsburgh, School of Education, 5809 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, 230 S. Bouquet St. Pittsburgh, PA 15260. PJC

J Café reopens in-person dining for seniors

J

Café, the popular lunch program for seniors at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, reopened its in-person dining service on Monday, May 2, for the first time since March 2020. Some new programming will be introduced as well.

J Café is run by AgeWell at the JCC, a nationally-accredited Senior Center program housed at the JCC in Squirrel Hill that provides enrichment, educational, health and wellness opportunities to support older adults.

AgeWell at the JCC officials stressed the significance of resuming in-person programming for seniors.

“The pandemic has been detrimental to the health and well-being of older adults in our community and across the world,” AgeWell at the JCC Division Director Sharon Feinman said. “Isolation from friends and family increases depression, loneliness and increased health-related risks. It is vitally important to have access to programs for healthy living, nutritional food options, socialization, and exercise.”

J Café is at the JCC in Squirrel Hill, 5738 Forbes Ave. The optimal time for dining is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PJC

Jewish Association on Aging gratefully acknowledges contributions from the following: A gift from ...

In memory of...

A gift from ...

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Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen Wolk Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albert Wolk Harry & Ronna Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morris B. Pariser Edward M. Goldston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Goldstein Edward M. Goldston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yosef Goldston Edward M. Goldston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Goldston Andrea & Martin Sattler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leo Sattler

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday May 8: Pauline Schlesinger Americus, Louis Berlow, Ida Rose Diamond, Julius Goldberg, Dr. Joseph Irwin Greenberger, Samuel Judd, Rose Markowitz Klein, Jerome J. Levenson, Rose Marks, Melvin Murman, Rachel Racusin, John Rothman, Freda B. Saltsburg, Sol Sieff, Yetta Weinberger, Minnie Gertrude Wolf, Harry Yecies Monday May 9: Harry Auerbach, Joseph Braun, James A. Eckstein, Lena Fish Freedman, Sidney Friedman, Samuel Laskowitz, Louis P. Rosenberg, Vivian Baltin Rosenthal, Ruth E. Sherman, Morris Zeff Tuesday May 10: Stanley Friedlander, Isadore Gerber, Ida Ginsburg, Penina Reva Goldberg, John J. Klein, Sam Klein, Samuel Mermelstein, Hymen Oawster, Marcus Schwartz, Fay L. Sidler, Rita W. Silverman, Milton Snyder, Esther Supowitz Wednesday May 11: Isaac Adler, Paul Beerman, Fred Gluck, Michael N. Lutsky, Rose Mannison, Max Neustein, Fannie Rapoport, Morris Rosenberg, Dr. Herman A. Saron, Albert Schwartz, Florence Simon, George Simon, Philip Sugerman, Jay Weinthal, Norman Leonard Weissman Thursday May 12: Hilda Parker Cohen, William Feivelson, Max Geltner, Lena Gescheidt, Samuel Goldblum, M.D., Grace Lebovitz, Samuel H. Miller, Elva Hendel Perrin, Mary Evelovitz Rom, Andrea Sue Ruben Serber, Florence Specter, Morris Stern, Cecelia Tepper, Louis E. Walk, Bernard Weiss, Maurice Wilner Friday May 13: Jeanne Gettleman Cooper, Isadore Cousin, Louis Diamond, Regina Friedman, Bennie M. Granowitz, Sam Greenberger, Isadore Gutkind, Solis Horwitz, Hyman Kramer, Anna Finestone Levit, Samuel Monheim, Louise Plotkin, Leonard J. Singer, Jewel Weiss, Jewel Weiss, Jewel Weiss Saturday May 14: Larry Abelson, Rosella Lillian Barovsky, Rita Marcus Faberman, Paul M. Fierst, Fannie Glick, Sarah Viola Heller, Saul I. Heller, Lawrence R. Katz, Anne Marks, Samuel Mendlow, Ruth Nusin, Harry Sandson, Dr. Joseph R. Simon, Benjamin Weinberg

— Toby Tabachnick

Join the Chronicle Book Club!

T

he Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle invites you to join the Chronicle Book Club for its June 12 discussion of “The History of Love,” by Nicole Krauss.

From the publisher: “Leo Gursky taps his radiator each evening to let his upstairs neighbor know he’s still alive. But it wasn’t always like this: in the Polish village of his youth, he fell in love and wrote a book…

Sixty years later and half a world away, fourteen-year-old Alma, who was named after a character in that book, undertakes an adventure to find her namesake and save her family. With virtuosic skill and soaring imaginative power, Nicole Krauss gradually draws these stories together toward a climax of ‘extraordinary depth and beauty’ (Newsday).”

Your Hosts

Toby Tabachnick, editor of the Chronicle David Rullo, Chronicle staff writer

How It Works

We will meet on Zoom on Sunday, June 12, at noon. As you read the book, share your favorite passages on a shared document you will receive after you register.

What To Do

Buy: “The History of Love.” It is available at area Barnes & Noble stores and from online retailers, including Amazon.

Email: Contact us at drullo@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org, and write “Chronicle Book Club” in the subject line. We will send you a Zoom link for the discussion meeting.

Happy reading! PJC — Toby Tabachnick

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MAY 6, 2022

19

Life & Culture Jazz: Continued from page 14

other musicians featured on the recording — Bulgarian bassist Peter Slavov, Argentinian pianist Leo Genovese and Cuban drummer Francisco Mela.

The album is a mix of John Coltrane- and Joe Lovano-inspired jazz mixed with folk music and some musical nods to Gurvich’s ancestry. Not only does the band perform “Go Down Moses,” but in a poignant moment, the saxophonist pays tribute to the pilgrimage to Israel of Argentinian Jews.

Gurvich wrote the music, and Bernardo Palombo penned and sang the lyrics.

The saxophonist, who moved to the United States to attend Berklee College of Music, said the band’s makeup reflects the work the City of Asylum is doing; the nonprofit was founded in 2003 by Diane Samuels and Henry Reese as a home for endangered writers in exile.

“We’re all immigrants,” he said. “We all have the immigrant experience. We bring to the table music from our own culture.”

Gurvich has worked with Argentinian writers blacklisted by the country, “so there’s

really a common thread going on,” he said.

Gurvich’s journey is common to that of many Jewish immigrants. His parents moved to Israel from Argentina in the 1970s; his grandparents immigrated to Argentina from Russia and Lithuania as young adults.

“I’m a third generation of immigrants,” he said. “Immigration is a big part of what I write about. The Jewish story is a story of immigration. Even today, after the creation of the state of Israel there is still immigration.”

The musician’s life, he said, is like that of a nomadic tribe.

“It’s in our essence,” he said. “It’s Jewish.”

Gurvich and his band will accompany Makhno among other writers at their concert. It will be the first time in Pittsburgh for the poet, who has lived in New York City for the last 20 years.

Makhno said the work he will perform will address the war in his home country, noting that his mother, who is 78, and his brother remain in Ukraine. They are living in the Western part of the country and are safe, he said.

“When I got information about the brutal invasion of Russia’s troops in the Ukraine, I started to write poems,” Makhno said. “My first poem was written on Feb. 24 and will be translated into English and published in the

Los Angeles Review of Books.”

Makhno said he wrote a new poem about the situation nearly every day after that, and that he does many readings in support of the Ukrainian people and army.

Reflecting on his time in Israel, the poet called it “an interesting and beautiful country.”

“I spoke with many people, and I did a poetry reading in Jerusalem,” he said. “That was a very interesting journey for me. I created this book and wrote my first novel, ‘The Eternal Calendar,’ with some events in Jerusalem. It’s an amazing world.”

His newest collection of poetry, “Paper Bridge,” will be published in June.

This is the first time Jazz Poetry Month is being celebrated in May; it usually occurs in September. The series — the first program held by City of Asylum — began as a single-day performance and has grown into its multiweek celebration. City of Asylum, founded in 2004, has grown as well, and now hosts about 160 programs a year.

To help celebrate the return to in-person programming, Ruppert said Jazz Poetry Month will welcome back musician and writer Oliver Lake, who performed at the first Jazz Poetry event nearly two decades ago.

In addition to Gurvich and Makhno,

the festival includes Jewish artists Vadim Neselovskyi and Mara Rosenbloom.

Neselovskyi will perform “Odesa: A Musical Journey Through a Legendary City,” on Monday, May 16. Written by the Ukrainian native, the solo piano piece was inspired by his hometown.

Rosenbloom is returning to the festival for the second time and will perform pieces from her latest work, “Bone Labyrinth,” on Tuesday, May 24.

“I’m so grateful City of Asylum extended an invitation,” she said. “I think, especially after the pandemic, that I’m acutely aware of never taking for granted the opportunity to play music for people.”

Rosenbloom is part of Arts for Art, a New York nonprofit with a mission in line with that of City of Asylum, she said.

“It makes space for the voiceless, people whose work is shunned or marginalized in some ways,” she said. “City of Asylum provides asylum to writers.”

Free tickets for Jazz Poetry Month are available at cityofasylum.org/ jazz-poetry-month. PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

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Community Holocaust education at Keystone Oaks

Everything Israeli

As part of the gifted program at Keystone Oaks School District, 6-year-old Brynn Daffner created an exhibit about the Holocaust for her independent study. Daffner’s efforts involved interviewing the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, creating a slideshow, integrating excerpts from the poem “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” and painting butterflies in honor of the 1.5 million murdered children.

Temple David Weiger Religious School students celebrated Israel with food, crafting and by welcoming a petting zoo.

p “Nice to meet you as well.”

p From left: Marc Daffner, Brynn Daffner, Madelyn Daffner and Randi Daffner

p Expanding the palate beyond bagels and lox

Photos courtesy of Temple David

Welcome back The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh reopened its in-person J Café lunch program for the first time since March 2020. Local politicians joined staff, volunteers and J Café users for the May 2 festivities. Apart from receiving a hot fresh kosher meal, users heard about new programs for older adults being offered by AgeWell at the JCC.

p Brynn Daffner and Madelyn Daffner sit in front of Brynn’s exhibit, which was available to view at an after-school event on April 25.

Photos by David Rullo

Game, set, match

p Together again

p Community Day School students in the school’s after-school program gather with tennis coach Mark Haffner.

Photo courtesy of Community Day School

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Photos courtesy of Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

p U.S. Reps Conor Lamb and Mike Doyle participated in J Cafe’s opening.

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MAY 6, 2022

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