Jewish News - October 30 Issue

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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 62 No. 4 | 15 Cheshvan 5784 | October 30, 2023

3 Emergency dollars for Israel: Where they go

5 Senator Tim Kaine meets with survivor of dance party

7 VB City Council Demonstrates Solidarity for Israel

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8 Supplies assembled for soldiers and families

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JEWISH NEWS

UPFRONT

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Tidewater Supports Israel: Emergency funds help Israelis in myriad ways Betty Ann Levin When Israel was brutally attacked on the morning of October 7, 2023, our community not only immediately condemned Hamas and stood in solidarity with Israel, but we also responded.

On Sunday, Oct. 8, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater opened the Tidewater Supports Israel - 2023 Emergency Fund, with 100% of the proceeds going to help Israelis and communities through our overseas partners.

To-date, more than $4,100,000 in funds have been committed to the Emergency Fund and distributions are underway.

Some of the organizations benefiting from Tidewater’s support thus far include: • The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is assisting more than 200,000 Israelis who have been displaced, as well as supporting the needs of families of more than 360,000 reservists. Israelis are facing an epidemic of trauma, especially among children, along with a need for immediate and long-term mental health support for hundreds of thousands. JDC is building upon its existing infrastructure by connecting individuals and families with mental health counseling, as well as providing the counseling.

JDC has established kindergartens for displaced children and is training caregivers and educators on how to address trauma for children and their families.

JDC has also mobilized hundreds of older adult volunteers to help the families of fallen soldiers, the injured, and young children, in the south and throughout the country.

One mode for trauma support is the Hibuki doll, which JDC has used in Israel, Japan, and Ukraine. Under the direction of JDC professionals, 4,500 Hibuki dolls have been provided to children evacuated from southern communities to help them cope with the traumas they experienced and continue to relive daily. An additional 6,000 dolls are currently being manufactured for Israel.

Much of this, along with other JDC initiatives are funded annually through our annual community campaign.

• ORT’s (Organization for Rehabilitation and Trainings) Kfar Silver Youth Village, located in Hof Ashkelon, just seven miles

from Gaza. Community members visited the village during the community mission in March of 2023, due to our ongoing support. The impact from the attacks has been direct and profound.

The emergency fund is helping to provide mental health services for the young at risk at Kfar Silver, as well as support new security and safety measures.

• The Jewish Agency for Israel is providing support in numerous ways. So far, Tidewater has supported the JAFI Victims of Terror Fund, which provides financial assistance to victims and their families within 24-48 hours of requests, and follows up with long-term rehabilitative support. To date, 2,780 grants have been provided and more than 1,400 are in process. JAFI established the Families of Victims of Terror hotline following the attacks and has received more than 2,600 calls.

• Neve Michael Children’s Village in Pardes Hana, Tidewater’s long-term partner. Support is being provided to assist with trauma recovery and therapeutic needs. Neve Michael’s children have all experienced some type of abuse – many are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Our support helps provide the tools to overcome trauma and regain a sense of security.

• Emergency services in Israel, through United Hatzalah, the fully volunteer emergency medical service organization providing help throughout Israel, free of charge; and Magan David Adom, supporting EMT’s, first responders, and first-aid providers.

• Hadassah Medical Center, Friends of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), which provides for the welfare of soldiers; and the Israel Trauma Coalition which, through member groups, has expanded their mental health crisis services due to the overwhelming number of requests for help.

UJFT professional and lay leadership are evaluating the needs daily and sending funds consistently to partner organizations as quickly as possible to help the people of Israel.

Am Yisrael Chai and thank you to all in our community for your generosity.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Betty Ann Levin is executive vice president/CEO, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater/Simon Family JCC.

QUOTABLE

CONTENTS Up Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Jewish community rejects bigotry and hate. . 6 VB City Council shows support for Israel . . . . 7 Supplies for soldiers initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 TJF: United in solidarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Vet donates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Yaron Ashkenazi’s opinion on Israel . . . . . 10

Published 20 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Local young adults in Israel share experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Jewish Tidewater in images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Excerpt from To Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Security for Jewish Tidewater . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Business section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 It’s a Wrap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757-965-6100 • fax 757-965-6102 email news@ujft.org Terri Denison, Editor Stephanie Peck, Assistant Editor Michael McMahon, Art Director Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Patty Malone, Circulation Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater David Leon, President Mona Flax, President-elect Alvin Wall, Treasurer Jason Hoffman, Secretary Betty Ann Levin, Executive Vice President JewishVA.org The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement.

The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper.

©2023 Jewish News. All rights reserved.

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BRIEFS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FBI: Jews again faced the most hate crimes of any religious group in 2022

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ast year, American Jews again faced far more hate crimes than members of other religions, according to a report by the FBI. There were 1,305 offenses committed against Jews in 2022, the FBI reported in its tally Monday, Oct. 16 of national crime statistics, far outnumbering the second-largest category, anti-Muslim crimes, of which there were 205.

That disparity is consistent with years of hate crimes reporting showing that Jewish victims far outnumber other religious targets.

Broken down according to category, there were 775 cases of anti-Jewish destruction, damage, or vandalism of property; 358 cases of intimidation; 103 cases of simple assault; 38 cases of aggravated assault; and eight cases of larceny or theft.

Last year’s report showed a tally of 817 anti-Jewish criminal offenses, but the national increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes year over year is harder to pin down, because the FBI says the participation of local law enforcement in reporting the crimes to the FBI’s database had “significantly increased” in 2022.

In the past, the FBI has been frustrated in its efforts to get local and state agencies to hew to a uniform standard of reporting. Jewish organizations have for years lobbied for better hate crimes reporting on the state and local levels.

While Jews faced the most religion-based hate crimes, in breakdowns according to race, ethnicity or ancestry, Black victims far outnumbered others, at 4,210. (JTA) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Germans form ‘human shield’ to protect synagogue

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n estimated 350 people stood outside of Berlin’s Frankelufer Synagogue Friday, Oct. 13 to symbolically protect it during a day that the Hamas terror group deemed a time for international protest action against Israel.

The synagogue’s protective gate — erected to protect the building during terror threats in recent decades — was hung with about 40 posters bearing the names and photos of people kidnapped and held hostage by Hamas, including a six month old baby.

Jewish communities had feared possible threats in response to Hamas’ call, even though the FBI and major Jewish security groups had not identified any specific causes of concern. Antisemitic incidents online and offline have spiked throughout much of Western Europe since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7.

In Germany, police are investigating a case of graffiti after a resident reported that someone had painted a Star of David on an apartment building door. The building is in the city’s Prenzlauer Berg district, which is home to many of the estimated 10,000 Israelis living in Germany’s capital.

According to news reports, police believe the incident was politically motivated. It is not known whether Jews lived in the apartment building.

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Radio Berlin-Brandenburg reported that police reported two new cases of Star of David graffiti in Berlin on residential buildings on Paul-Linke-Ufer in the Kreuzberg district, and on a wheelchair ramp in Friedrichshain. In the Hellersdorf district, youth set an Israeli flag on fire, the outlet reported.

Despite extra security measures, many Jewish parents in Berlin reportedly kept their children at home on Oct. 13 instead of sending them to Jewish schools.

“Today is a day of fear for Jews around the world and here in Germany,” German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said during a visit to the Frankeluefer Synagogue. (JTA) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Jewish organization opens office at the Vatican

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n what’s being touted as a first for a Jewish organization, the World Jewish Congress advocacy group opened an office in Vatican City to liaise with Catholic leaders and further Catholic-Jewish relations.

WJC President Ronald Lauder visited Pope Francis while inaugurating the organization’s “representative office to the Holy See” on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Lauder, a billionaire heir to the Estée Lauder fortune and a longtime Republican donor, presented the pope with a document the WJC called “Kishreinu,” meaning “our bond” in Hebrew. The document “encapsulates the intricate historical and cultural tapestry binding Jewish and Catholic communities around the globe,” the WJC said in a press release.

Upon receiving the document, Pope Francis said: “Our intertwined communities of faith shoulder the sacred duty of weaving a world imbued with brotherhood, challenging inequalities, championing justice and ensuring peace transcends ethereal realms to root firmly in our shared reality.”

Lauder also asked the pope to call on Hamas to free the nearly 200 hostages taken during its attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 — which Pope Francis had done the previous week. The WJC president was joined by Claudio Epelman, the organization’s interfaith dialogue commissioner and head of its Latin American branch.

WJC said its “Kishreinu” initiative was a response to Nostra Aetate, the landmark 1965 document that modernized the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church, Judaism and other religions. (JTA) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pianist opens Carnegie Hall performance with Israeli national anthem

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rising star in the world of piano opened a performance at New York City’s Carnegie Hall on Thursday, Oct. 19 with Israel’s national anthem as the country wages war against Hamas in Gaza.

Footage on social media showed Kevin Chen, 18, sitting at the piano bench and, without introduction, beginning to play the melody. After the first few notes, members of the audience joined in singing the anthem, Hatikvah, Hebrew for “the hope.”

Chen, who is Canadian, won first prize in the

prestigious Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv earlier this year, which is geared toward young pianists.

He has performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, and the Israel Camerata, according to Canada’s National Arts Centre. Chen has performed with a range of other orchestras and won numerous awards.

Since Hamas attacked the south of Israel earlier this month, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has held free concerts for refugees from southern Israel and the capital’s residents. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, which performs in Tel Aviv, has canceled all upcoming events.

Israel’s official account on X shared footage of the performance, thanking Chen and saying he was “paying tribute to the Israeli victims murdered and those who are being held hostage by Hamas.” (JTA) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

23andMe sued after Ashkenazi Jews’ user data is stolen and sold

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he genetic testing company 23andMe is facing a class action lawsuit over its security practices after hackers stole and published data about 1 million people with Jewish ancestry.

The data breach was revealed on Friday, Oct. 13 after hackers published a database titled “ashkenazi DNA Data of Celebrities” on dark web forums. Most of the people on the list are not famous, and the database includes information such as display names, sex, birth year, and some details about users’ genetic ancestry results.

The hacker from the initial leak offered to sell data profiles in bulk for $1 to $10 per account. But as many as 7 million accounts may be in the sale — half the users of 23andMe. It is unclear whether whoever compiled the Ashkenazi list — which has 999,999 entries — is the same as the group that put it up for sale, NBC News reported.

23andMe is treating the leak as authentic and investigating the incident. It is also requiring its users to change their passwords.

It is also unclear why the data was stolen, and whether it is solely focused on Ashkenazi Jews. (The hacker also downloaded a separate file with data on more than 300,000 users with Chinese ancestry.)

“When data is shared relating to ethnic, national, political or other groups, sometimes it’s because those groups have been specifically targeted, but sometimes it’s because the person sharing the data thinks it’ll make reputation-boosting headlines,” Brett Callow, a threat analyst at security firm Emsisoft, told Wired.

23andMe confirmed that its data had been compromised but believes the hackers were able to get access to recycled passwords that had already been hacked and leaked on other websites and then used that information to scrape data through 23andMe, which gives its users access to each other’s genetic information to find relatives through a feature called “DNA Relatives.” (JTA)

ISRAEL

Survivor of Supernova music festival meets with Senator Tim Kaine A Terri Denison string of coincidences brought Natalie Sanandaji to U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s (D- Va.) office on Thursday, Oct. 19, just before the vote on Senate Resolution (S.RES. 417), affirming support for Israel, was scheduled to take place.

Sanandaji was in Washington, DC to speak at a conference. A friend of hers also happens to be a friend of Senator Kaine’s.

A survivor of the Hamas attack at the Supernova music festival/dance party in Israel where at least 260 people were killed and others kidnapped and injured, Sanandaji shared her harrowing story with Sen. Kaine.

“Natalie was in Israel for a U.S. Senator Tim Kaine with Natalie Sanandaji family wedding,” says Kaine. attempting to flee. The terrorists and gunshots were Some of her family members took the 28-year-old Long coming from all directions, making the decision of which Island, N.Y. woman with them to the party in the Negev way to drive confusing, hence the traffic jam.

Desert near Kibbutz Re’im, about three miles from the “Hearing the gunfire, you Gaza border. can’t even tell what direction “They were in the campit’s coming from,” Sanandaji grounds when they first heard told CBS. There was no corthe rockets, but the people rect way to go, as they were she was with said, ‘Don’t surrounded. worry about it.’ When the Security instructed blasts continued, Natalie and everyone to get out of their her group decided to leave.” vehicles and run. While that “If this festival happened didn’t make much sense to anywhere else in the world, Sanandaji, that’s what they did. as soon as they saw those Ultimately, that was absolutely first rockets, they would have the correct move as those still run for their lives. But for in their cars were murdered. these kids, that’s a reality,” They began a run which Sanandaji told CBS News New lasted for four hours. At York. one point, they came across At first, Sanandaji and a group of kids hiding in a her group picked up their ditch, who offered to make things and ran for their car. room for them. Tired, they They thought about using the considered stopping, but decided instead to keep runbathroom but decided against it. Later they learned that ning. Later, Sanandaji learned that everyone in the ditch everyone in the portable bathrooms had been killed. had been killed.

They drove into a snarl of traffic, as so many were

If this festival happened anywhere else in the world, as soon as they saw those first rockets, they would have run for their lives.

But for these kids, that’s a reality.

When they hadn’t heard the gunshots for a while, they stopped to rest under a tree for a few minuters. It had been four hours and they were exhausted. “Suddenly they saw a white pickup truck,” relates Sen. Kaine. “They thought, ‘now, we’re goners.’”

The truck was being driven by an Israeli man from another town who heard what was going on and drove there to help. He loaded everyone into his truck, drove them to a safe place and then returned to rescue more people.

After hearing Sanandaji’s story, Sen. Kaine arranged for her to visit her own Senator’s office, Sen. Chuck Schumer.

Then, it was time for the vote on the RESOLUTION: Standing with Israel against terrorism. Sen. Kaine took Sanandaji into the Senate Gallery to watch the vote take place. From the floor, he pointed her out to other senators who were able to acknowledge her presence.

“It was a rare unanimous vote,” says Kaine, who was a co-sponsor of the resolution that affirmed support for Israel, its right to self-defense, and condemned Hamas’ attacks on civilians.

The resolution was introduced by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID). It was adopted without objection after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) brought it to the floor.

The resolution also “condemns Iran’s support for global terrorism, including its support for terrorist groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad,” and notes that the U.S. “stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply or other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support needs.”

Also on Oct. 19, President Joe Biden called for Congress to pass a supplemental package including aid for Israel in an evening address from the Oval Office.

“Natalie was remarkably composed,” says Kaine. “Her family and friends all survived.”

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ANTISEMITISM

More than 120 Jewish organizations sign letter rejecting bigotry and hate The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater joined with more than 120 Jewish organizations earlier this month in signing a letter prepared by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. The letter reads:

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY REJECTS BIGOTRY AND HATE Since Hamas’ terror attacks in Israel on October 7, we’ve seen bigots and extremists exploit the crisis to spread hate, disinformation, and extremism.

This is a moment of deep Jewish pain, mourning the lives taken and praying for the safe release of the hostages in Gaza – and this pain and fear is compounded by a horrific rise in antisemitism here in the United States and around the globe.

We also know that we are not the only ones being targeted in this moment. Our Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American neighbors are facing bigotry, threats, and violence – including the despicable murder of a six-year-old child this weekend outside Chicago, by a Jewish Council for Public Affairs A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy Ameinu American Jewish Committee Americans for Peace Now Anti-Defamation League Avodah Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Cultural and Secular Jewish Organization Democratic Majority for Israel Derekh Hadar Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America HIAS Israel Policy Forum J Street Jewish Democratic Council of America Jewish Labor Committee Jewish on Campus Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Jewish Women International (JWI) Jewtina y Co. Keshet L’chaim! Jews Against the Death Penalty MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Moving Traditions National Association of Jewish Legislators National Council of Jewish Women National Education Association’s Jewish Affairs Caucus National Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans National Museum of American Jewish Military History

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Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies New Israel Fund (NIF) Rabbinical Assembly Reconstructing Judaism Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association The Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies The Jewish Education Project The Shalom Center The Workers Circle Tree of Life Center T’ruah Union for Reform Judaism United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Zioness Movement Association of Jewish Administrators of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators Atlanta Jewish Film Society Atlanta Jews of Color Council Baltimore Jewish Council Bnai Keshet Charleston Jewish Federation Chicago JCRC Chicago Jewish Labor Committee Cincinnati Jewish Community Relations Council Coastal Roots Farm Coastside Jewish Community Congregation Bet Haverim Congregation Beth David Congregation Rodeph Shalom, Philadelphia the Den Collective Detroit JCRC/AJC Educator’s Chapter of the Jewish Labor Committee Greensboro Jewish Federation

Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council JCRC Bay Area JCRC for Tucson & Southern Arizona and the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center JCRC of Greater Charleston JCRC of Greater Washington JCRC of Jewish Silicon Valley JCRC of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation JCRC of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island Jewish Committee, New York State Public Employees Federation Jewish Community Action Jewish Community Center and Federation of Augusta Jewish Community of Amherst Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley Jewish Community Relations Bureau| AJC Kansas City Jewish Community Relations Committee of Northern New Jersey Jewish Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond Jewish Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta Jewish Community Relations Council of Broward County Jewish Community Relations

man who reportedly espoused anti-Muslim hate.

Let us be unequivocally clear: The Jewish community rejects Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate, antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry. Particularly as extremists continue to exploit this moment, we are reminded that all of our communities’ safety and futures are inextricably linked — and recommit ourselves to fighting hate in all its forms.

We stand in solidarity with all our neighbors under threat, and urge our elected and civic leaders, law enforcement, schools and universities, and employers to make clear there will be zero tolerance for any act of hate.

Council of Greater Boston Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Hartford Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Mercer County, New Jersey Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New Haven Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix Jewish Community Relations Council of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, NJ Jewish Community Relations Council of Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Jewish Community Relations Council of Jewish Federation of Springfield, IL Jewish Community Relations Council of Louisville Jewish Community Relations Council of Milwaukee Jewish Federation Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas Jewish Community Relations Council of New York Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council of the Birmingham Jewish Federation Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle Jewish Community Relations Council of the Sacramento Region

Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Jewish Council on Urban Affairs Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Jewish Federation of Delaware/JCRC Jewish Federation of Detroit Jewish Federation of Dutchess County Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo Jewish Federation of Howard County Jewish Federation of Lane County Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Jewish Federation of the

Sacramento Region Jewish Federation of Tulsa Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts Jewish Heritage Committee, District Council 37, AFSCME Jews for Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ) Jews United for Justice jGirls+ Magazine Kesher Pittsburgh Levine Center to End Hate, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester Memphis Jewish Federation Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation Milwaukee Jewish Federation Mishkan Chicago Mitsui Collective Mt. Sinai Health Foundation, Cleveland New England Jewish Labor Committee New Jersey Jewish Labor Committee New York Jewish Agenda Philadelphia Jewish Labor Committee SAJ – Judaism that Stands for All Springfield Jewish Community Center Tampa JCCs & Federation The Well Tikkun Chant Circle Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center Tzedek Georgia United Hebrew Trades – New York Jewish Labor Committee United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula Westchester Jewish Council Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

JEWISH TIDEWATER AND ISRAEL

Virginia Beach City Council passes resolution in support of Israel Terri Denison s a “show of solidarity for our friends in Israel,” Mayor Robert “Bobby” Dyer announced a resolution by the Virginia Beach City Council in support of Israel, at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

The resolution was introduced by Councilman Joashua P. Shulman. Before reading the resolution, Shulman said, “I’ve learned there’s somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 Jewish people in Hampton Roads and I’m proud to be one of them. I’m even prouder to live in a country where I can be sitting in this seat.”

The Jewish community is a resilient one, he continued, “but we

Danny Rubin

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Betty Ann Levin and David Levin (center) with Virginia Beach City Council members.

are hurting. In a single day, Oct. 7, more Jewish people were killed than any other day since the Holocaust. It’s left us all – not just the Jewish community – at a loss for words.”

Shulman also expressed appreciation for the words of support and comfort that he and the community have received, and he thanked and saluted the area military who were on their way to the Middle East, for their bravery.

The resolution concluded with “Now, therefore, be it resolved: That the Virginia Beach City Council pause in its deliberations to condemn the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas against the people of Israel, to express its support for an enduring peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and to exhibit our solidarity with the State of Israel and the Jewish people of Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads during this unprecedented and difficult time.”

Several members of the Jewish community attended the meeting. David Leon, president, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and Betty Ann Levin, UJFT executive vice president/CEO, accepted the resolution on behalf of Jewish Tidewater.

––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––– The complete resolution may be found at JewishNewsVa.org.

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JEWISH TIDEWATER AND ISRAEL

Supplies assembled in Tidewater head to soldiers and families The eagerness of people to assist was inspiring and comStephanie Peck forting. For example, a Simon Family JCC fitness member he Sandler Family Campus resembled an Israeli handed a $20 bill to Horev, as others also made financial Shuk on Monday, Oct. 16. Tables were filled with contributions. These additional funds are being used to everyday items, from toiletries to thermal underoffset shipping expenses to Israel. ZIM, the Israeli shipping wear – but, different from a market, nothing was for sale. company, offered a flat shipMore than 300 people, ping rate for this purpose. partnering organizations, “The Jewish Tidewater and area Jewish schools community, friends of showed up to donate and other faiths, and elected assemble these supplies officials have shown trefor soldiers in the Israel mendous support for Israel, Defense Forces and families and I am very lucky to be in Israel who have been dispart of such a great complaced from their homes. munity,” says Trem.

Nofar Trem, youth and Hallie Friedman, a family program coordinarecent graduate of Hobart tor at the United Jewish William Smith College, Federation of Tidewater, Donors and volunteers line-up and coordinate efforts to assemble packages to go to Israeli soldiers. says she volunteered so she and Naty Horev, an Israeli could be around people living in Tidewater, of Chabad of Tidewater asked for silence while he read who support Israel. She says organized the event after a prayer for the soldiers of Israel. He noted that he had that everything she sees on getting calls from Israeli to change the prayer, since the original only referred to social media is pro-Palesmilitary bases asking for male soldiers.

Robyn Bailey packs socks to be sent to Israel. tinian and uses aggressive essential items. The two In addition to assembling boxes, a table of volunteers language. When she was in college, her interests were elsefriends developed a flyer and on Friday, Oct. 13, emailed wrote thank you notes to members of Congress who are where; now, she says, all she wants to do is to help Israel. the list to the Jewish community with first-aid kits, supporting Israel during this difficult time. Children drew Jordan Familant joined toothpaste, gray and black socks, baby wipes, and sunpictures at a neighboring the effort while home on screen among the requested, urgent supplies. Just a few table to include in the fall break from College days later, the tables were stacked high. parcels. of Charleston. While he Horev says that even “the first bag exceeded my “We have over 100 has no family in Israel, expectations!” boxes filled with donations College of Charleston has from the community that a large Jewish commuare being sent to Israel. Our nity, and Jordan knows mission now is to collect fellow students with direct medical supplies from local connections. physicians and organiWith friends, family, zations to send to Magen and employees in Israel, David Adom and the IDF,” Karen Ashkenazi says her says Trem. support is unquestionable.

Leigh Ellard, member Hans Freitag, who is experience director at not Jewish, noticed that his the Simon Family JCC, Jewish friends were stressed says that she has received from the news coming dozens of checks in Nina Kruger sorts through piles of thermal underwear. from Israel, so he came to increments of $100. “And, help. Ellen Wagner came for her family, her children, her today, one more check for $1,000.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– grandchildren, and for her family in Israel. “I came to help support the soldiers on the front lines,” she says.

For the list of requested medical supplies, contact Nofar Trem at Volunteers Hallie Friedman, Karen Ashkenazi, and Jordan Familant.

Mid-way through the morning, Rabbi Aron Margolin ntrem@ujft.org.

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JEWISH TIDEWATER AND ISRAEL FI R S T PER SO N

United in Solidarity: TJF’s unwavering support for Israel in times of crisis Naomi Limor Sedek n these turbulent times, as we witness the horrific wave of violence and terrorism striking deep within Israel, our hearts and prayers are with our Israeli families, friends, and all those affected. The scenes of unrest shatter our hearts but strengthen our resolve. As president and CEO of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, I want to share our unwavering commitment to standing with Israel in spirit and action, particularly in these harrowing times.

In response to the recent crisis, the TJF Executive Committee acted swiftly, contributing $100,000 to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Tidewater Supports Israel 2023 Emergency Fund. This donation is more than a financial contribution; it symbolizes solidarity, unity, and a message of hope from our community to our Israeli brothers and sisters. They are not alone in their fight for peace and security; we are with them every step of the way.

TJF was established to support, strengthen, and protect the Jewish future. However, in these moments of

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dire need, this mission transcends geographical borders and resonates within the heart of every individual in our global Jewish community.

TJF exists to ensure the continuity of Jewish life, learning, and culture. Still, this commitment extends beyond future generations in our local community — it envelops the safety, security, and prosperity of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

Please, stand with us. Stand with Israel. Let’s show Israel and the world the unyielding strength of a united community, bound by faith, driven by our shared values, and committed to the Jewish future.

By creating an endowment with TJF, you’re not just donating; you’re carving out a legacy that resonates with the timeless spirit of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), for today and forever.

Let’s have a legacy conversation.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Naomi Limor Sedek is president and CEO, Tidewater Jewish Foundation. She may be reached at 757-965-6109 or

Vietnam Vet is among donors to Israel 2023 Emergency Fund Stephanie Peck heodore Hall, a non-Jewish, Vietnam veteran, says he learned everything about God from Israel. He attended church as a child, studying the Bible and the chosen people.

With his love for the State of Israel, he says he can’t sit in the background at this time, doing nothing. That’s why, on Monday, Oct. 16, he presented United Jewish Federation of Tidewater with an unusual donation: bundled $1 bills, totaling $1,000.

Hall’s commitment to Israel stems from various experiences. For example, he recalls when three young activists were murdered during the Civil Rights movement. Among them were a Jewish man and a black man who were helping African Americans in Mississippi register to vote.

“They were killed trying to help someone else,” says Hall.

His love for the Jewish people continued when Thurgood Marshall, arguing in front of the Supreme Court in 1940, relied on the help of Samuel Friedman, a Jewish attorney.

“My van has an Israeli flag, and people are shocked that I’m a black person,” he says.

Hall credits Israel and its intelligence for saving lives during his war days, including action in Vietnam.

He says he is tired of the media bashing Israel, stating that Israel did not bomb the hospital in Gaza.

“I would do anything to benefit Israel,” he adds. “Please let me know how else I can help.”

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OPINION ON ISRAEL

Recovery and Resilience with Awz This piece was originally published Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 in the Jerusalem Post’s special edition for the visit of President Joe Biden to Israel.

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I never imagined that this war would become my third mission.

We cannot let it happen again. I cannot. So, we at Awz Ventures are helping in the way that we know best; by providing Israel—and the world—with all of the technological tools to stop these evil terrorists in their tracks.

These savages crossed our border to massacre, rape, and kidnap our people; torturing babies and elders and burning them alive on Israeli soil. It doesn’t matter what country you are in. You have to see these evil forces for what they are and understand that as Jews, Israelis, and all other walks of life, we need to fight for good against evil worldwide—for our very existence.

This is something that US President Joe Biden has exemplified in his tremendous, unwavering support for Israel during this critical time. President Biden, the leader of the world’s largest democratic superpower, immediately condemned the evil perpetrated by Hamas, was quick to offer military and diplomatic support, and is visiting Israel himself. President Biden, you struck a chord with every Jew who heard you quote Golda Meir’s comments to you 50 years ago after the Yom Kippur War: “Don’t worry, (Senator) Biden. We have a secret weapon here in Israel” — my word this is what she said — We have no place else to go.”

We have also witnessed the incredible solidarity from governments, and communities worldwide—both Jewish and non-Jewish —who have shown their strong support for Israel this

week with tens of thousands taking to the streets in cities worldwide.

At Awz Ventures, we are discovering and creating the next generation of technologies that can help Israel and the right side of the world, we are partnering with security and intelligence agencies and developing from inception the companies to help solve the problems for which we don’t yet have solutions. Solutions that will protect democracies and nations as a whole.

Israel’s recovery is dependent on two key actions: The first is unity, which has been an essential product of this war. The second is for Israel and the international community to continue partnering with the high-tech sector in Israel. This, along with the brave resilience of our soldiers, reservists, and families are our locomotives to recovery. We need to strengthen and uphold our title as Startup Nation and continue so the good guys can prevail and defend us all against the forces of evil.

We will continue to empower technologies in the name of peace. So that a mother never has to hide in a closet, muffling her child’s cries. We won’t allow it. Never again. This is my third mission in life.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Yaron Ashkenazi is the founder and managing partner of Awz—a Canadian-Israeli global, AI, deep-tech, security and intelligence dual-use technology VC. A lawyer by trade, Ashkenazi served for almost a decade in the Shin Bet. Under the special VIP Protection Division of the ISA, Ashkenazi headed the team that protected Prime Ministers and other prominent Israeli cabinet ministers; and has led dozens of security operations on a global level. Ashkenazi spent 15 years serving the Yad Vashem mission and 15 years in the high-tech and financial sectors.

His father, Avraham Ashkenazi, is an active member of the Jewish community in Tidewater.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “May G-d grant strength (Awz) to his people; May G-d bless His people with peace.” ~Psalms 29:11

Don’t worry, (Senator) Biden. We have a secret weapon here in Israel — my word this is what she said — We have no place else to go.

Photo: Shlomi Amsalem

Yaron Ashkenazi n October 7, I was awakened to a nightmare.

From my house in Toronto, Canada, I saw the atrocities that were being committed against my people and my country. I knew immediately I had to come home.

I could not bear to sit and watch my roots in Israel being ripped from the ground on a television screen.

I watched from afar as my partners, my team, and my beloved friends and family in Israel were under brutal attack. Zoom was not an option.

I got on the earliest flight I could find. Immediately, my team and I began mobilizing to help, as so many were already doing; providing families with food, toys, and mental health support. I felt that we also needed to further support our national efforts and so we began to leverage Awz Ventures portfolio technologies like voice and facial recognition to help identify the wounded in hospitals; and digital intelligence capabilities to help identify and locate kidnapped and missing individuals and to make sure that Hamas terrorists can never commit such a massacre again.

When I was executive director at Yad Vashem, I was constantly touched and brought to tears by the stories of survivors, like Mr. Rosenbaum’s account of hiding in a closet from the Nazis as a young child with his mother and baby brother.

In an attempt to muffle his brother’s cries so as not to be captured, his mother tragically smothered the baby. “Never again,” is what we all vowed to these dehumanizing, tragic attacks on the Jewish people—6 million murdered in cold blood. But once again, 75 years later, we have seen these same atrocities in Israel. Mothers muffling their babies’ cries in closets and safe rooms; entire families slaughtered in front of their loved ones.

I always felt that my first mission in life was serving my country in the paratrooper unit of the IDF, and then as a Shin Bet officer.

Later, I felt that my time at Yad Vashem was my second mission in life.

ISRAEL

A View From Israel

The three Goldberg siblings when the twins arrived in Israel on September 4. Ari (center) decided to dress as American as he could to embarrass them. Zipporah is on the left, Zev-Adi is on the right.

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ev-Adi Goldberg, is the son of Adam and Chava Goldberg. He attended Toras Chaim Hebrew Day School and Yeshiva Aish Kodesh.

Jewish News: Where were you on Saturday, Oct. 7 when the terrorist attack occurred?

Zev-Adi Goldberg: I was in Dimona, spending Simchat Torah with my brother, when we woke up at 6:40 am to air raid sirens. We went outside to see what was going on, when someone grabbed us and brought us to the bomb shelter (Dimona is a small religious city where everyone looks out for each other).

After Simchat Torah, I was told to contact my madrich (leader), who told me to stay put, and that a friend would be coming to Dimona in a while. Since it was still the holiday for my family in Norfolk, I left a message on my parents’ phones letting them know I wasn’t hurt and that I’m safe. I stayed in Dimona for a week doing volunteer work and helping a close family whose dad was called up to fight.

JN: What brought you to Israel and when?

ZAG: I came to Israel for Mechina (a program that combines intensive studies of Jewish identity, Israeli society,

philosophy, and Zionism with coursework in arts and environmentalism) on September 3.

JN: During this difficult time, did you lose anyone close to you?

ZAG: Baruch Hashem, I did not.

JN: What else would you like to share with your home community?

ZAG: Continue davening for Israel and a quick victorious end to the war.

–––––––––––––––––––––––– ipporah Goldberg is the daughter of Adam and Chava Goldberg. She attended Toras Chaim Hebrew Day School and Bina Girls High School.

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Jewish News: Where were you on Saturday, Oct. 7 when the terrorist attack occurred?

Zipporah Goldberg: I was with a family I didn’t know for Shabbat and Simchat Torah in Efrat (near the West Bank), along with my two best friends.

I woke up to sirens, but since no one came to get me, I went back to sleep.

My friends came in worried, and I tried to calm them down.

The family’s son was called up while we were there, so it was very stressful for them. Baer Miriam, my school, wanted us back, so we took a cab (from

a Jewish cab company) back.

I texted my mom on Sunday night to let her know that I’m fine, and Zev-Adi and Ari (my brothers also in Israel) are fine, don’t worry.

JN: What brought you to Israel and when?

ZG: Baer Miriam is a seminary in Har Nof, near Jerusalem. I’m here for 9-10 months.

JN: During this difficult time, did you lose anyone close to you?

ZG: Thankfully, no. I know a

commanding officer in the IDF. He’s my brother’s rabbi, and he’s on the Gaza border.

JN: How are you and other young adults in Israel feeling about Israel’s response to the terrorist attack?

ZG: I think the IDF is giving out too much information to Gaza and Hamas.

JN: What else would you like to share with your home community?

ZG: Don’t let them win. Don’t hide who you are because of it. Stay strong.

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ISRAEL

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A View From Israel

lana Peck, daughter of Larry Peck and Marcy and Michael Mostofsky, was born and raised in Norfolk. For six years, Peck has lived in Israel. Since the Hamas attack on Saturday, Oct. 7., like many of her peers, she has been distraught and emboldened at the same time.

Called to the reserves on the evening of Monday, Oct. 16, she responded to questions from Jewish News just after the call.

Jewish News: Where were you on Saturday, Oct. 7 when the terrorist attack occurred? What was your immediate response?

Ilana Peck: I was with friends in Tel Aviv, and we were woken up by sirens at 6:30 on the morning of Shabbat and Simchat Torah. There were rockets coming towards Tel Aviv. We were shocked and immediately turned on the news for more information about what was happening. Slowly, we kept seeing the news get worse and worse. We checked in with friends and family in Israel, and then I let my family in the States know that I was safe. We were scared and in a state of shock, seeing the videos and pictures. It was horrible.

JN: What brought you to Israel and when? What are the details of your Israeli Defense Forces training and previous military experience?

IP: I moved to Israel in 2017 to join the military and to be an active participant in Jewish history. I served as a combat solider in search and research. We are specialized in rescuing people from collapsed buildings, and I am currently in reserve duty for the rescue squad, due to rockets falling in our region.

Additionally, we are running hotels for families and victims from the south and north who had to evacuate their homes.

JN: During this difficult time, did you lose anyone close to you?

IP: Three friends from my IDF unit were killed: one at the Nova Music Festival and the other two when Hamas infiltrated their military base.

Even if you didn’t lose anyone close, a friend did, and we all feel these losses as a nation.

JN: What else would you like to share with your home community? What do you want Jewish Tidewater to know?

IP: We will get through this as a country. Stay strong, we are all fighting this together. It might physically be happening in Israel, but October 7 forever changed us all.

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ason Smith attended Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, Cape Henry Collegiate and graduated from UVA. He moved to N.Y. to work in the real estate finance industry before moving to Israel. He is the son of Mona Friedman Smith and Mike Smith and the brother of Eric and Shelley.

Jewish News: Where were you on Saturday, Oct. 7 when the terrorist attack occurred?

Mason Smith: When the terrorist attacks took place, I was in the midst of morning prayers at the Yeshiva I’m currently attending. My immediate response was to take shelter with all of the students and rabbis; to wait until the multiple rounds of sirens subsided. Only after Shabbat, which was also the holiday of Simchat Torah / Shemini Azeret in Israel, did I receive the full news and details of what had tragically transpired that day. I immediately reached out to my friends and family.

JN: What brought you to Israel and when?

MS: I arrived in Israel in late August 2023 to begin a fellowship program, which focuses on Talmudic studies, Jewish philosophy, Jewish law, Hebrew language skills, ethics, and character development.

JN: During this difficult time, did you lose anyone close to you?

MS: No, thank G-d, as of writing this on Oct. 23, I have not lost any close friends or relatives, nor are any currently unaccounted for.

JN: How are you and other young adults in Israel feeling about Israel’s response to the terrorist attack?

MS: I, along with many other young adults, am currently experiencing a complicated array of emotions. The sheer magnitude of lost life in the region as a result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the last two weeks was previously unfathomable in modern-day Israel. Thus, devastated is probably the most appropriate term to describe our overall present feelings. With respect to the IDF’s response to the attacks specifically, I trust the Israeli armed forces to defend the country. I also recognize the unimaginable complexity inherent in the military operation at-hand as well as the seemingly infinite nuances of the longstanding conflict.

JN: What else would you like to share with your home community? What do you want Jewish Tidewater to know?

MS: As a proud native of the Tidewater Jewish community, I am aware of and grateful for its numerous initiatives undertaken to support Israel (including the provision of supplies through the JCC and the UJFT’s Tidewater Supports Israel 2023 Emergency Fund, among others); these further enhance my strong sense of pride in my roots.

If there was anything in addition to gratitude which I would like to express to the community, it would be to request that all remain engaged in the conflict beyond the coming days and weeks. While this may mean directly engaging with those individuals/groups that condemn Israel and its current approach, I believe it is important to maintain a dialogue on the topic of resolution as long as this is done in the name of peace.

ISRAEL

With Israel visit, Macron seeks to balance solidarity with Israel and calls for peace

Shira Li Bartov (JTA) — French President Emmanuel Macron visited Jerusalem on Tuesday, Oct. 24, attempting to balance his solidarity with Israel alongside his calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza and a political peace process with the Palestinians.

Thirty French citizens were killed in the Hamas incursion into Israel on Oct. 7, which left more than 1,400 people in Israel dead and over 200 taken hostage. Nine French nationals are still missing and believed to be held captive. About 50 other French citizens are stuck in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been pounded with Israeli airstrikes.

After a closed-door meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron said that their countries shared the common enemy of terrorism. He added that Hamas’ onslaught dealt France its worst death toll from a terror attack since 2016, when 86 people were killed during a Bastille Day celebration in Nice.

Macron also met with about 30 family members of French and French-Israeli victims of Hamas in Tel Aviv.

But he additionally urged Israel to adhere to the laws of war and protect civilians in Gaza, who are living in a dire humanitarian crisis with dwindling access to water, food, and electricity. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, the war has killed more than 6,000 Palestinians trapped in the coastal enclave.

“The fight must be merciless, but not lawless, because we are democracies and we are fighting against terrorists,” said Macron. “Democracies respect the rules of war and ensure humanitarian access. Democracies do not target civilians, neither in Gaza nor elsewhere.”

The French president has emerged as one of the most prominent Western voices pushing Netanyahu to allow humanitarian aid in Gaza. He urged Israel to reestablish electricity for hospitals, while ensuring the electricity is not misappropriated by Hamas, which has diverted millions of aid funds in the past.

Macron also warned Israel’s neighbors to avoid escalating the war into a broader regional conflict. He suggested that the international coalition set up to fight the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq could be widened to fight Hamas.

He closed his remarks by insisting on a peaceful, political resolution to Israel’s decades-long conflict with the Palestinians.

“Regional stability and return to normalization can only take place if Israel defends its security, fights against violence but also accepts the legitimate right of Palestinians to have a state, to live in peace and in security side by side with Israel,” he said.

Macron also became one of few Western leaders who has met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah since the start of the fighting. Only Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has also visited Ramallah. Macron also met King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt.

Meanwhile in Paris, the World Jewish Congress convened a meeting to address a global surge in antisemitic hate speech online. Representatives from across the world reported that Hamas has used internet and social media platforms to fuel a spike in hate speech and disinformation since the Oct. 7 attacks, an effort that the platforms’ content moderation and monitoring strategies have failed to prevent.

According to a report, Hamas has also amassed support among far-right and racist ideologies, pointing to a shift in extremist circles around the globe.

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JEWISH ARTS & CULTURE TIDEWATER

Support for Israel in Tidewater Attendance at a community gathering. Purchasing and assembling packages.

Contacting elected officials. Donating. It’s all part of demonstrating support for Israel.

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JEWISH TIDEWATER

Holocaust Denial An excerpt from To Life: The Past is Present

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n April 12, 1945, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe, accompanied by United States Generals George S. Patton and Omar Bradley, toured the Ohrdruf concentration camp, the first camp to be liberated by US forces after WWII. Nothing could have prepared them for skeletal survivors too weak to move or the stacks of bodies sprinkled with lime that did little to mask the intense odor. General Patton, who had witnessed many war atrocities, was so overcome by the stench and devastation that he vomited by the side of a building.

humanity” at the most visceral level a roster of speeches denouncing the when presented together with eyewitdeniers protesting outside. While the rally attendees were told to ignore the ness accounts and other evidence. Even protestors, the media did not. Esther those on trial found them shocking.

Goldman, a local Holocaust survivor Over 80 years later, these images serve and docent for the exhibit, was watas an important archive documenting the atrocities of the Holocaust. Visual ching this on the news and was enraimages transport a viewer to a scene. ged. Before her family could stop her, When we watch these films, we see she drove to the Jewish Community what Eisenhower saw and become witCenter, rolled up her sleeve to expose her tattoo, number 34838, and connesses ourselves.

Sadly, Holocaust denial started fronted the deniers. “Let anyone tell almost immediately at the Nuremberg me it didn’t happen,” she said.

Open mass graves in Ohrdruf. Photo with permission of the United States Holocaust Trails in 1946. Hermann Goring, Even when confronted with Memorial Museum, courtesy of John Coulston. among others, although pleading artifacts, documents, and an eyeguilty, still attempted to whitewash his war crimes during witness, these deniers still insisted that the number the Third Reich. of Jews killed was “closer to 100,000” and that what In the following decades, even when confronted with is commonly believed is incorrect because “all major visual evidence and eyewitnesses, Holocaust deniers have publishing firms and the mass media are Jewishcontinued to either deny that the Holocaust took place or owned.” Nearly 40 years later, these arguments are still diminish its extent through a host of conspiracy theories, part of an arsenal of antisemitic lies now amplified by Esther Goldman’s tattooed arm, which she showed to the Christian Identity sometimes masked as legitimate scholarship. social media, and there are very few eyewitnesses alive Movement protestors (From the Jewish News archive).

No community is immune. In the fall of 1986, the to tell their own stories.

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater had the privilege Eisenhower later wrote, “I have never felt able to to host the first stop in the United States for a special describe my emotional reactions when I first came face exhibition: “Auschwitz: A Crime Against Mankind.” The to face with indisputable evidence of Nazi brutality exhibit, sponsored by the United Jewish Appeal, the and ruthless disregard of every shred of decency. Up World Jewish Congress, and the Polish Government, to that time, I had known about it only generally or had previously been at the United Nations. Curated through secondary sources. I am certain, however, that by the Auschwitz State Museum and the International I have never at any other time experienced an equal Auschwitz Committee, the exhibit displayed 135 phosense of shock.”

After his tour, Eisenhower immediately realized the tographic panels and 80 artifacts chronicling one of the need to document the brutality perpetrated by the Nazis largest killing centers of the Holocaust. City and busiand foresaw the era of Holocaust denial. He ordered ness leaders, college and university presidents, school General Dwight Eisenhower and other high ranking U.S. Army officers view Army photographers to record the unimaginable and horsuperintendents, social studies coordinators, and hunthe bodies of prisoners who were killed during the evacuation of Ohrdruf, while rendous evidence so that it could not be reimagined as dreds of Jewish and non-Jewish community members on a tour of the newly liberated concentration camp. Photo with permission of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of National Archives Nazi “propaganda,” laying out to the visited the exhibit. and Records Administration, College Park. world the danger of unchecked racism.

Several weeks later, a small Facts, documentation, and education are the best Eisenhower insisted that everyone group arrived with no intention of tools to ensure that Holocaust history is taught widely under his jurisdiction saw these camps. viewing the exhibit; the Christian and meaningfully. In the 21st century, technology offers He commanded Germans living in the Identity Movement was there to promany new threats to what is factual. By far, the images surrounding areas and any U.S. soldier test and deny the Holocaust. Their General Dwight D. Eisenhower insisted on recording in not fighting at the front to walk through signs read “Why do they lie?” and 1945 have stood the test of time and are still foundational the camps to witness these atrocities for “Zionist Jews are traitors to Christian to revealing what can happen when hate is not stopped. themselves. The media was also given America,” and they handed out pam–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– generous access so that these images phlets attacking the historical foun1 Dwight D. Eisenhower, Crusade in Europe;(New York; Doubleday, 1948), soon appeared around the world. dations of the Holocaust and Jews in 408.

2 Dwight D. Eisenhower, Crusade in Europe;(New York; Doubleday, 1948), This archive of film and photogeneral. In solidarity with the Jewish Christian Identity Movement protestors outside 409. community, 500 people from all secgraphs illustrated what was defined 3 Steve Stone, “Protest Challenges Holocaust Exhibit,” Virginian-Pilot. of Jewish Community Center in Norfolk, Virginia September 26, 1986.

(From the Jewish News archive). at Nuremberg as “crimes against tors of Hampton Roads listened to jewishnewsva.org jewishnewsva.org | May 1,| October 2023 | Israel 30, 2023 @ 75 | JEWISH NEWS | 15

SECURITY

Security for Jewish Tidewater is a priority for SCN

Mike Goldsmith he horrific October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas still reverberates as the conflict continues. As global tensions escalate, it is important for the community to take actions to protect loved ones at home. To that end, the Secure Community Network continues to work with law enforcement at all levels to enhance the protection of the Jewish community in the United States.

It is important to note that currently, none of SCN’s partner agencies have detected a specific or credible threat to the Jewish community in Tidewater or anywhere in the U.S. While SCN works nationally to exchange information and best practices, the Regional Security Advisors work diligently with local partners to increase security levels.

To date, the following actions have occurred: • The Hampton Roads Chief of Police Association was briefed on the situation in Israel and what it means for the community. The chiefs agreed to step up visible patrols around synagogues and facilities while the conflict endures.

• Information and intelligence are being exchanged daily with local and state law enforcement partners, to make sure they have the latest threat information from the Jewish The best course of action Security Operations Command Center (JSOCC) is to stay vigilant, follow in Chicago.

• On Thursday, Oct. 19, the Intelligence all security and access units of the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake Police Departments were briefed on control best practices, the current threat picture. This brief included a and report any suspicious live feed from JSOCC intelligence analysts.

• Connections have taken place with behavior to the local Virginia’s Assistant Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to exchange informaauthorities and SCN. tion and to map facilities for his secretariat.

These are anxious times. The best course of action is to stay vigilant, follow all security and access control best practices, and report any suspicious behavior to the local authorities and SCN. Please be aware of the enormous amount of misinformation and disinformation surrounding this event. Use reputable sources such as the FBI, DHS, ADL, or SCN websites to look for updates. X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook are not credible information sources.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Mike Goldsmith, SCN RSA, with any questions or concerns. He can be reached at mgoldsmith@securecommunitynetwork.org or 872-273-9103.

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business

Avraham Ashkenazi, Israeli-American businessman, reflects on the war in Israel Stephanie Peck vraham Ashkenazi has lived in the United States for almost half of his life, but there is no disputing that he’s an Israeli, first and foremost. Forty years in this country has not altered his thick accent, nor has it diminished his love for Israel.

Born in Bulgaria, Ashkenazi emigrated to Israel in 1948. The Federation of Jewish Communities in Yugoslavia organized Jewish emigration to Israel after World War II, and the Ashkenazis were on the first ship, along with 4,000 fellow Bulgarians and 1,000 Hungarians. His family began life in Israel in an immigrant camp in Haifa. Ashkenazi was only 10 years old.

A graduate of Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Ashkenazi served in the Israeli army, fighting in all the subsequent wars. His last service was in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In the early 1980s, Ashkenazi travelled to the U.S. in his role as general manager for a precision mechanics factory. Shortly after his initial arrival, he met Stanley Peck, who worked with the Navy, and Ashkenazi started supplying parts.

In 1983, Ashkenazi permanently moved to the U.S. to start his own business, promoting Israeli products in North America.

Two years later, he founded IAT International, Inc., a company that works with governments, government-owned companies, and private businesses in all aspects of the railway industry.

With offices and partnerships in Norfolk, Israel, and the Czech Republic, Ashkenazi says the business has not been directly impacted by the October 7 Hamas attack.

Employees in Tel Aviv are older and will not be called into service, he says. Manufacturing occurs outside

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of Israel, and imports enter through Haifa. “So far, nothing prevents us from working normally.”

Ashkenazi has strong opinions about the failures on October 7. “The government has a contract with the people, and something went wrong.” Israel’s complacency during the Jewish holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah left no second line of defense;

soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces were on leave to celebrate with their families.

Ashkenazi says he believes that Israel underestimated Hamas’ readiness and their capability with modern weapons. And Israel underestimated their cruelty. “We teach our children music and art. They teach their children to hate and kill.” They care about the Greatness of God; nothing else matters, he says, including the lives of Arabs and Jews.

While Ashkenazi expects an investigation after the war, he feels strongly that leadership must take responsibility. Israel needs technology at the border instead of tanks. Drones on both sides of the fence would deliver photos in real time. Similar to the West Bank, Israel should provide civil rule in Gaza, where police control the area without a military. Gazans can live and work in this territory, but Israel has the right to enter and take out suspicious citizens. This model is the only way to co-exist, he says.

Ashkenazi and his wife, Karen, had planned to go to Israel this month, renting an apartment for one month in the same building as his family. Instead, they will go in March.

His grandchildren now serve in the army. While his granddaughter is not on the front line, her boyfriend, a captain in a special forces unit, saw first-hand the grisly attacks at the Nova music festival and kibbutzim. “Hashem protects you, but still, for a young man, he probably saw a lot of horrible things.”

“I never thought that my grandchildren would be in the military and active, and they are more active than we were.” Ashkenazi believes Israel will flourish.

“If you don’t have a country, you are a refugee.”

business

START A LEGACY WITH TJF

Byron Harrell s a board member and chair of the investment committee, I am confident about Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s role as a fund holder committed to the promise of a vibrant Jewish future. TJF’s investment philosophy is a testament to its steadfastness and forward-thinking approach. By capturing the upswing and holding steady during economic downturns, TJF aims to demonstrate a resilience that preserves the community’s wealth and fosters growth. This balanced strategy ensures funds are always disbursed, allowing Jewish organizations to thrive and maintain stability, even in uncertain times.

TJF’s mission is bold and clear and one that I continue to stand with: to build and guide exponentially more resources to empower Jewish life in Tidewater and beyond. This mission is realized through a holistic approach to community engagement, offering help and guidance and working with donors and professional advisors to devise tax-advantaged charitable giving strategies.

These strategies often transcend the present, embracing

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multi-generational philanthropy and empowering individuals and families to make informed, impactful decisions about their charitable giving at every life stage.

Central to TJF’s approach is the fundamental belief that every voice matters. TJF’s commitment has always been about more than just funds management. It’s about empowering Jewish life, now and for future generations.

TJF champions the perspective and contribution of each member of the community, asserting that everyone can be a legacy donor. Whether through contributions to existing endowment funds of affiliated agencies or congregations or through the establishment of permanent endowment funds for cherished organizations and programs, all forms of giving are welcomed and respected.

These contributions, whether made today or pledged as after-lifetime gifts, are vital fibers, weaving a tapestry of inclusivity and shared commitment that will safeguard the future of the Jewish community.

With a clear vision and well-defined goals, TJF stands ready to partner with each individual and family to shape the Jewish community. Start a legacy today.

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business

Orthodox Union certifies Israeli brand of lab-grown meat as kosher — but not pareve Jackie Hajdenberg This story originally appeared on Kveller.

(JTA) — The Orthodox Union has granted kosher certification to a type of lab-grown meat, a decision that could signal an expansion of the options available under Judaism’s intricate dietary laws.

The O.U., the most prominent kosher certifier in the United States, recognized poultry products from Israeli startup SuperMeat as kosher, the company announced last month. The startup is part of a growing industry that aims to provide an alternative to traditional meat by creating the food in a laboratory from stem cells.

“This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and halachic adjudication, setting unprecedented standards in the cultivated meat industry,” Rabbi Menachem Genack, the CEO of O.U. Kosher, says, using a term referring to Jewish law.

The process of certifying lab-grown meat, a years-long quest for SuperMeat, demonstrated the complexity of applying Judaism’s age-old dietary laws to a culinary landscape where the range of foods, and how they are produced, is expanding rapidly — from lab-grown meat to plant-based alternatives and more. It may also represent yet another increase in the number of products kosher consumers can take off supermarket shelves.

“This step represents our commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse dietary needs, making our cultivated chicken meat accessible to audiences around the world,” Ido Savir, CEO of SuperMeat, says. “We believe this historic initiative with the Orthodox Union not only broadens the options for kosher consumers worldwide but will also set clear guidelines for other companies in the cultivated meat industry seeking kosher certification, opening new avenues for the Kosher food industry.”

The lab-grown meat industry is in its infancy and may appeal to consumers who enjoy eating meat but oppose slaughtering animals for food. It remains to be seen whether lab-grown meat produced at a mass scale will be cheaper or more environmentally sustainable than regular beef or poultry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture granted its first approval for cell-cultured meat in late June, and SuperMeat first plans to roll out its products in the United States. The company is also looking into halal certification.

“The vast majority of the vegan-vegetarian movement is very supportive,” SuperMeat’s co-founder and CEO, Koby Barak, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in 2016. “And we thank them for really supporting us.”

On the surface, kosher certification for lab-grown meat doesn’t appear to herald a revolution for observant Jewish

eaters, especially in places where traditional kosher animal products are already easy to find.

As with regular chicken, the O.U. has certified the labgrown variety as kosher meat, meaning that it can’t be eaten with dairy products. That separates it from recent plantbased meat alternatives such as Impossible Foods or Beyond Meat, many of whose products are certified as pareve — neither meat nor dairy — meaning that they may be eaten together with all kosher foods.

Plant-based meat has provided a pathway for observant Jews to eat imitations of some archetypal non-kosher foods, such as cheeseburgers or pizza with a meat topping. SuperMeat will not offer those kinds of possibilities.

But Genack says that for Jews who keep a stringent form of kosher laws, SuperMeat’s certification will be a boon.

“Theoretically, the impact on prices and availability should be significant,” he says.

That’s because the company’s chicken products are categorized as Mehadrin kosher — the strictest form of kosher supervision. And if the O.U. moves to certify lab-grown beef as kosher, which it has yet to do, it could lead to an increase in the supply of meat that is “glatt” kosher, a term that refers to meat slaughtered from an animal whose lungs are smooth.

The kosher seal of approval came after SuperMeat hosted two rabbinic delegations, and kosher authorities held a series of conversations on Jewish law surrounding the science used in the company’s technology, according to a Times of Israel report.

Obtaining kosher certification for lab-grown meat is complicated because the process of cultivating meat from stem cells requires the use of living animals — and kosher law bars the consumption of any part of a living animal.

Founded in 2015, SuperMeat’s lab-grown poultry avoids this dilemma by acquiring stem cells from eggs rather than from the living birds themselves. And because the eggs are at an early stage of fertilization, there’s no concern that blood will end up in the product, which would also be prohibited by Jewish law.

“We were looking for something that can be universally accepted as Mehadrin, completely kosher, and that’s what taking the stem cells from the eggs represents,” Genack says.

The cells are planted in a meat fermenter that simulates a bird’s biology. In the fermenter, the cells are provided with heat, oxygen, and plant-based liquid nourishment. They then mature into meat tissue and grow quickly, doubling in mass in just a few hours. When the meat is ready to harvest, the liquid feed is removed.

Other Orthodox rabbis, such as Israeli Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau, have ruled that some lab-grown meat labeled as a meat alternative could be considered pareve. Genack says that at the Orthodox Union, there were different opinions on how lab-grown meat should be classified.

But the agency decided to mark it as meat because it’s derived from an animal and looks exactly like meat.

Leading rabbis in the Conservative movement came to the same conclusion in 2018, ruling that lab-grown meat of kosher animals would be kosher but that disputes over its status and possible confusion meant it should be considered meat.

“Cultured meat should be designated as ‘meaty according to the rabbis’ even though there will be no need for kosher slaughter, inspection for injury, deveining, soaking or salting to remove blood,” wrote Rabbi Daniel Nevins, the author of the legal opinion on the topic that was accepted almost unanimously by the movement’s law committee.

Genack notes that lab-grown pork will remain off-limits because it is derived from a pig, which is not kosher.

(The O.U. also declined to give certification to Impossible Pork, even though it is plant-based, because of what Genack called “sensitivities to the consumer.”)

“Anything which you derive from something non-kosher itself is not kosher,” he says. “If you milk a non-kosher animal, the milk is also non-kosher, because it derived from a non-kosher source. So, this doesn’t open that opportunity.”

The lab-grown meat industry is in its infancy and may appeal to consumers who enjoy eating meat but oppose slaughtering animals for food.

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business

Residential real estate can be a boon for investors Stephanie Peck ooking for an investment in residential real estate? Opinions vary as to whether or not this is a good time for a non-owner-occupied buyer to purchase a house or duplex to rent or flip. Mortgage rates are at a 20-year high, and inventory is low in Tidewater.

Linda Fox-Jarvis, marketing director and listing specialist at The Linda Fox-Jarvis Team, says yes, the market is still good. In fact, Fox-Jarvis says she is seeing a lot of investors, both for flipping homes and for buying properties as a longerterm investment to rent out. “The rental market is very strong, as is the sales market,” she says.

“High rates impact investors, except for cash buyers,” says Nancy Evans, a realtor with Howard Hanna. “There are not a lot of investment properties out there, although there are a lot of buyers.” She says that, while the bidding wars have decreased from recent years, it’s still a competitive market. “A buyer with cash tends to win.”

The website, walletinvestor.com, however, has some Linda Fox-Jarvis good news for an investor in Virginia Beach. For buyers looking for a five-year investment, the site suggests that the profit is expected to be around +2.64% by 2028.

In Norfolk, however, the market has slowed, according to Shirley Stein, a realtor and relocation agent with Howard Hanna. Where a few years ago, people were overbidding by $50,000; today, she says, buyers are only willing to overpay if they plan to live in the home for 10 to 20 years.

Stein says that the numbers must work for an investor.

As an example, she cites a distressed house she found for a contractor – he purchased low, spent a large sum renovating, and then sold the property immediately for a good profit.

In Florida, the trend is similar. Steve Jason of All Access Realty specializes in the counties of Southern Palm Shirley Stein Beach and Northern Broward. He also sees a slow market, though listings are up 20% over last year. Prices remain firm, he says, even with investors bargain hunting.

“Sellers are not interested in moving for a lower price,” Jason notes, as investors try to negotiate. Whereas there were once five buyers for every property, now there is only one.

Susie Edmunds, a realtor with Howard Hanna who specializes in neighborhoods from the Bay Bridge Tunnel to the North End/Oceanfront and inland through the Great Neck corridor, says that rental prices have increased, so investors are buying regardless of the higher interest rates. “The population is increasing in general. Inventory is low for buyers looking for a home to live in, so people are sticking to renting.”

Whether you invest in a property to rent or to flip, the potential for success exits. Just be certain to know the laws, Steve Jason have a strategy, and work with a professional.

L

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business

Economics Nobel awarded to Claudia Goldin for work on women in the labor market Ron Kampeas (JTA) — Claudia Goldin, a Jewish scholar at Harvard University, won the Nobel Prize for Economics for her work tracking the disparity in earnings for women in the labor market.

“Claudia Goldin has trawled the archives and collected over 200 years of data from the U.S., allowing her to demonstrate how and why gender differences in earnings and employment rates have changed over time,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said in its release.

Goldin, 77, shattered a glass ceiling in 1989 when she became the first tenured woman professor in Harvard’s Economics Department. “I think it will be very good for Harvard to have a tenured woman, and I’m pleased to be that woman,” Goldin said at the time, speaking the campus student newspaper, the Crimson.

Her seminal work, Understanding the Gender Gap — An Economic History of American Women, published in 1992, sought to prove that opportunity for women in the labor market was less a function of changing social mores or economic growth than it was susceptible to a variety of factors, including a woman’s age, her education, and expectations of mothers.

“Goldin showed that female participation in the labor market did not have an upward trend over this entire period, but instead forms a U-shaped curve,” the Academy said in its release, referring to the 200-year scope of Goldin’s research.

“The participation of married women decreased with the transition from an agrarian to an industrial society in the early nineteenth century, but then started to increase with the growth of the service sector in the early twentieth century,” it said.

At the press conference announcing the award, Jakob Svensson, the

chairman of the prize committee, said Goldin helped elucidate why women remain “vastly underrepresented” in the labor market despite being better educated.

“Understanding women’s role in the labor market is important in society, not the least because if women do not have the same opportunity as men, or they participate on unequal terms, labour, skills and talent go wasted,” said Svensson, a professor of economics at Stockholm University. “Thanks to Professor Goldin’s groundbreaking research we know much more about the underlying facts driving women’s labor market outcomes and which barriers may need to not to be addressed in the future.”

An attempt by the Nobel committee to reach Goldin by phone at the press conference failed. Prize organizers said they had spoken with her earlier and that she was “surprised and glad.”

Goldin’s most recent work, Career and Family: Women’s Century-Long Journey toward Equity, published in 2021, discusses “why true equity for dual career couples remains frustratingly out of reach,” according to Goldin’s Harvard University biography pages.

“Antidiscrimination laws and unbiased managers, while valuable, are not enough,” says Goldin’s precis of her book. Career and Family explains why we must make fundamental changes to the way we work and how we value caregiving if we are ever to achieve gender equality and couple equity.”

Goldin, a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science in New York City, has also looked into the historic role of Jews in the marketplace. The authors of a 2003 Boston University paper, “From Farmers to Merchants: A Human Capital Interpretation of Jewish Economic History,” consulted with Goldin.

A 2001 paper she cowrote for the National Bureau of Economic Research,

on the tendency of women to retain their surname when married, was based in part on an analysis of wedding announcements in the New York Times in 1991. A third of the religious ceremonies were Jewish, the authors noted, “not surprising given the location” of the newspaper. Religious ceremonies for Jews and for others, they found, were likelier to correlate to women changing their name.

Goldin devotes two pages on her Harvard University biography site to her golden retrievers: Prairie, who

died in 2009, and Pika, who is 13. She lists his distinctions, as a therapy dog and as a winner of the Excellent Title in Performance Scent Dogs. Her most recent posting marks his “bark mitzvah.”

Also distinguished is her husband, Lawrence Katz, who is a professor of economics at Harvard.

According to one tally, 37 Jews have won the Nobel in economics, including one of last year’s recipient, Ben Bernanke, the former chairman of the federal reserve.

jewishnewsva.org | October 30, 2023 | JEWISH NEWS | 23

business Jewish food celebrities hold a bake sale for Israel, raising $27K for food relief efforts Rachel Ringler (New York Jewish Week) — Earlier this month, Adeena Sussman had been gearing up for a Chelsea Market stop on her tour promoting her new cookbook, Shabbat, which she’d traveled from her home in Tel Aviv to the United States to launch.

But after Hamas attacked Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7, that didn’t feel right.

“There was no way I was going to do an event built around me at a time like this,” Sussman said.

So, she and Rachel Simons, the owner and founder of tahini brand Seed + Mill, who had been planning to host the signing, joined forces with members of the Jewish Food Society, a non-profit organization that celebrates Jewish culinary

heritage from around the world, to plan a different sort of event.

The result, what they called a “community hug and bake sale,” brought dozens of Jewish food influencers and their followers and friends to a Chelsea Market event space. Even though the event wasn’t advertised widely out of security concerns, the line to enter stretched down the block as attendees pledged donations to ASIF, the Jewish Food Society’s partner organization in Tel Aviv where staff have been preparing meals for displaced families and hospital workers in Israel.

Donations were traded for yellow tickets which then could be redeemed inside for treats, sweets, cookbooks, and swag.

The tables were manned for the most part

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by food influencers themselves.

New York Times bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen baked and brought 100 of his signature date-studded brownies. Restaurateur Einat Admony, whose falafel shops Taim were an early arrival to the city’s Israeli food scene, stood behind towers of her cookbooks while selling cupcakes donated by BCakeNY. Food blogger Chanie Apfelbaum was toting hawaij gingersnaps that had come out of the oven just moments before she had to head to the sale. She’d barely had time to bake but said she made room for one more activity because of the pain she felt in the wake of the attack, which left thousands of Israelis dead, wounded, and held captive.

“I felt like I had to be part of this,” Apfelbaum says. “I had to see people and be amongst the food community.”

Lior Lev Sercarz, who recently opened La Boite, a spice atelier, had his books and spices on hand. And the team at Seed + Mill prepared and distributed 100 tahini brownies, a recipe from Sussman’s previous cookbook, Sababa, a celebration of Israeli cuisine.

“Food is obviously really important to us as a culture and as a nation,” says Chaya Rappoport, the Jewish Food Society’s culinary manager, who came up with the bake sale concept. “Food helps people connect in times of happiness and times of sorrow and times when we need to come together. … Everybody pitched in on a moment’s notice.”

About 400 people attended the bake sale, raising $27,000 for ASIF’s relief work.

The first donations would support 2,000 meals for families who have evacuated to Eilat, in Israel’s south, the Jewish Food Society says.

Max Aronson, who works at local restaurant Carbone, says he came because he has friends and family in Israel.

Columbian cookbook author and food stylist Mariana Velasquez came to show support for Jewish Food Society’s founder

Naama Shefi and the Jewish community.

And Maria Zalewska, editor of the cookbook Honey Cake & Latkes, a compilation of recipes from survivors of Auschwitz, was there, too. Since the war began, Zalewska has been reaching out and checking up on the Holocaust survivors featured in her book to see how they are.

Zalewska had planned to attend Sussman’s book signing when she received an invitation to the sale — along with an exhortation to keep its location and existence a secret.

“I think it is horrifically sad that this event needs to be private, and we can’t talk about it on social media for security reasons,” says Zalewska. “It is a reflection of the scary time that we are in.”

The event felt to her like the “community hug” it was planned to be.

“A lot of people, especially non-Jews, feel helpless and they don’t know what to do,” Zalewska says. “This gives people an opportunity to donate a little bit of money, come together and show their allegiance to the Israelis and their Jewish friends.”

Simons says the bake sale is only the first effort by a local Jewish food community; further planning, she said, “is ongoing.”

Already, Ben Siman-Tov, who goes

by BenGingi, is collaborating with Breads Bakery to make heart-shaped challahs to raise money for Magen David Adom, Israel’s version of the Red Cross. New York Shuk, which makes Middle Eastern pantry staples, is donating 100% of its proceeds this month to Israeli children who have lost parents in the attack and subsequent conflict. And Miznon, the chain of restaurants operated by Israeli chef Eyal Shani, is inviting customers to round up their purchases with a donation toward humanitarian aid in Israel.

Simons says she found catharsis in the bake sale event. It “was about solidarity, support and our community’s mental health,” she says. “I hugged and cried with friends and strangers — Jews and nonJews alike.”

EDUCATION

US Jewish day schools are enrolling Israeli children who have been displaced by war Jackie Hajdenberg (JTA) — More than a month after the start of the school year, Jewish day schools across the United States are experiencing a surge of new students: Israeli children whose own schools have been shuttered by war.

Within days after Hamas’ attack on Israel Oct. 7, Prizmah, the North American network for Jewish day schools, began getting calls from school leaders about accepting Israeli students amid the war.

So far, 50 schools have sent inquiries, according to CEO Paul Bernstein, trying to figure out everything from how to incorporate students who are not fluent in English to how to cover the unexpected expenses of new families who hadn’t planned on paying for school.

“It’s really not a trivial question to take in a student during the year,” Bernstein says.

Israeli schools were at the tail end of a Sukkot holiday break when Hamas attacked, sending the country into crisis, and eliciting the largest-ever call-up of Israeli soldiers.

Schools remained closed for more than a week before a scattershot reopening began, with some schools holding classes on Zoom and others, in relatively safe zones and with adequate bomb shelters, holding frequently interrupted classes in person. Two weeks after the attack, just 40% of the schools that are permitted to operate in person were doing so.

Some families that were visiting the United States opted to stay. Others have chosen to join them, relocating temporarily from Israel for the relative safety and stability of the U.S. In northern New Jersey, 14 students from Israel had enrolled at Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County. Another nine were in discussions about enrolling, according to Steve Freedman, the head of school.

New students have also enrolled in schools in New York, Maryland, California, and elsewhere in New Jersey. In most cases, the schools are not necessarily counting on any tuition payments.

“The mitzvah on our end is just taking them all in and the money’s not the issue,” says Freedman.

“They’re not receiving handouts. This is like a dignity thing,” he says. “And so, we’re just feeling each family out so that they’re comfortable and can do what they can do without feeling badly in any way.”

The Rodeph Sholom School in Manhattan is taking the same approach, according to Danny Karpf, the head of school.

“We’re just saying, ‘Come,’” he said. “What we’re going to start doing is saying people can pay what they feel comfortable paying on a monthly basis, as they’re here.”

Across the board, the usual admissions process has been pared down to the basics.

Many of the dozen or so new students at Rodeph Sholom do not speak English. But the school is already built for that, Karpf explains, with a program for kids who don’t speak English fluently, and a Hebrew program for Hebrew speakers.

The Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy & Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, an Orthodox school in New Jersey, has taken in 11 students from five families and expects more to come.

In Maryland, a pair of Israeli siblings began classes at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, a pluralistic school that already has resources in place to support Israeli students.

(The school serves many families of Israeli diplomats assigned to Washington, D.C.). Three more students are set to start classes, including another pair of siblings, and more inquiries have come. jewishnewsva.org | October 30, 2023 | JEWISH NEWS | 25

SPORTS

Ian Kinsler wears Team Israel jersey to throw out first pitch at Texas Rangers playoff game (JTA) — Ian Kinsler, the Jewish former MLB All-Star and Team Israel manager, wore a Team Israel jersey while throwing out the first pitch of the playoff game between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros on the evening Wednesday, Oct. 18.

As both a player and a manager, Ian Kinsler has worn the jersey many times and in several different stadiums. But the choice to wear it at the game, along with a Texas Rangers hat — he played the first eight years of his 14-year MLB career with the Rangers — appeared to be a stand of solidarity with Israel as it deals with the fallout of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks.

The clip of the first pitch was shared widely across social media, with fans and Team Israel players commending Kinsler for his show of support.

“Ian Kinsler, in his own quiet way, has given the supporters of Israel a reason to feel very proud and have great respect,” Team Israel general manager Peter Kurz, who had recruited Kinsler to join the team, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency via text message. “There

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is no bigger platform today in America than the baseball playoffs, and by taking advantage of that platform to so proudly wear his Team Israel jersey as he got the honor of throwing out the first pitch, Ian has said to the world: ‘Israel means a lot to me, Israel is fighting a bitter and barbarian enemy, and I support the people of Israel in this war!!’”

Kinsler played for Team Israel in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo — for which he obtained Israeli citizenship — and managed the club at the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Miami.

Ahead of Team Israel pitcher Dean Kremer’s emotional playoff appearance just days into the war, Kinsler told the Dallas Morning News that he has been following the situation in Israel.

“It’s a tough time, and something that is hard to

understand,” Kinsler said. “I stand in solidarity with the people of Israel, especially the IDF who are fighting to defend the country and its people. I know people who have been recalled to service and pray for their safety and their family’s peace of mind daily. Innocent lives are being lost on both sides and I pray for a quick resolution.”

Kinsler’s display of support in the playoffs follows similar acts by Astros star Alex Bregman, who drew a Star of David on his hat during the previous series, and Kremer, who wore a Star of David necklace as he became the first Israeli-American to pitch in the postseason. Last week, the Philadelphia Phillies held a moment of silence for Israel prior to their playoff game against the Atlanta Braves.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

How Albert Einstein inspired Mandy Patinkin to rescue refugees

By Benyamin Cohen July 17, 2023 This story was originally published in the Forward (forward.com) Editor’s note: This essay was adapted from The Einstein Effect, a new book about the modern-day relevance of the world’s favorite genius.

W

hile Mandy Patinkin was in Berlin filming the fifth season of Homeland, the spy thriller TV series, in 2015, some 125,000 Syrians were fleeing their war-ravaged homeland, hoping to seek refuge in Europe. The day shooting wrapped, Patinkin, then 63 and one of the world’s best-known actors, hopped on a plane to visit a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece.

“I’m looking at photos of these people in lines, trekking, and they reminded me of my ancestors fleeing the pogroms of Poland and Belarus,” Patinkin told me in an interview last year, recalling his 20-plus relatives lost in the Holocaust. “We were all refugees. And I thought: There but for the grace of God go I.” Patinkin had reached out to the International Rescue Committee, a refugee aid organization that Albert Einstein helped form in 1933 and that remains one of the largest in the world, helping millions of people across 40 countries. Patinkin said he wanted to volunteer “not as a celebrity, but just as a human being.”

“I want to just go and walk with

them and give them water and company and comfort and let them know I’m a human being who cares about them,” was how Patinkin recalled it. “The next thing I know,” he said, “I’m there, and it changes my life.” He has been the group’s ambassador ever since.

I’d arranged this Zoom conversation with Patinkin as part of the reporting for my book, The Einstein Effect, which chronicles some of the less-known ways that the world’s favorite genius continues to shape our lives long after his own death. The journey took me across the United States and to both Israel and Japan. I interviewed dozens of Einsteins – including not one, but two Rabbi Einsteins — as well as celebrities like Patinkin, whose bushy brows added to the expressiveness of his eyes during our 90 minutes together.

During that first visit to Greece in 2015, Patinkin said, he rushed to the edge of the Aegean Sea and saw a boat coming to shore. “It’s all overloaded and everybody’s jumping off,” he recalled. “And a person puts a little girl in my arms with a pink jacket.” She was limp, and Patinkin thought she might be dead.

“All of a sudden, I put my finger in her hand and I feel her squeeze my pinky,” he told me. He took the girl to a medical tent and eventually reunited her with her family. Patinkin was hooked: He’s since gone with the IRC to visit refugees in Uganda, Serbia, Jordan and along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Patinkin’s involvement got turbocharged after the 2016 election of President Donald Trump, who slashed

by 85% the number of refugees allowed into the country. “The damage done by the Trump administration was horrific,” Patinkin said. “How do you have the nerve as the descendant of anyone who made it here to say, ‘Sorry, doors closed!’”

He told me a story about his Grandpa Max, his father’s father, who came through Ellis Island in March of 1906 with $3 in his pocket, and eventually became a prosperous businessman.

“He used to say a Yiddish phrase, dos redl dreyt zikh, which means ‘the wheel is always turning,’” Patinkin said.

“If somebody on the bottom is knocking on your door and you don’t open it

up and welcome them and give them comfort, food and sanctuary and safety, when you’re on the bottom, no one will open the door to you. It’s just clear, moral, ethical behavior. For me, my job for the rest of my life, is to open the doors for others who are in need.”

Einstein to the rescue

T

he creator of the group that Patinkin now serves as spokesperson for was himself one of the most famous refugees of his generation.

As Nazism took hold in Einstein’s native Germany in the early 1930s, he was named an enemy of the state and

jewishnewsva.org | October 30, 2023 | JEWISH NEWS | 27 Mandy Patinkin

WHAT’S HAPPENING barred from his teaching position at the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin. When he left his homeland in December 1932, Einstein reportedly told his wife, Elsa: “Take a very good look at it. You will never see it again.”

Hitler Youth later tore apart his summer cottage in Caputh. The Nazis reportedly put a $5,000 bounty on Einstein’s head. “I didn’t know I was worth so much,” the scientist joked.

Einstein renounced his German citizenship and was granted residency under the government program EB-­1, which gives priority to immigrants who have “extraordinary talent” or are “outstanding professors or researchers.”

It has since become known as the “Einstein visa.”

With his own situation secured, Einstein leveraged his celebrity influence to help rescue other German Jews. He gave speeches and spoke at fundraising dinners. He performed a violin concert for the United Jewish Appeal, a philanthropic organization, and served as the group’s honorary chairman from 1939 to 1944. He also used his own money to resettle Jews in Alaska, Mexico and other places willing

to take them.

“I am privileged by fate to live here in Princeton,” Einstein wrote in a 1936 letter to Queen Elisabeth of Belgium.

“In this small university town, the chaotic voices of human strife barely penetrate. I am almost ashamed to be living in such peace while all the rest struggle and suffer.”

He formed what was originally called the International Relief Association in the summer of 1933 “to assist Germans suffering from the policies of the Hitler regime.” A similar group, the Emergency Rescue Committee, was created in France, and in 1942 they merged to become the International Rescue Committee, whose spokesperson is Mandy Patinkin.

‘The theory of relatives’

P

atinkin knew well the history of the organization’s founder. “When Einstein arrived in America,” he said, “he spent his own money to help people get visas, and then he joined the NAACP because he was in shock that everything he ran away from

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was happening right here with Black people.” For Einstein, Patinkin said, it was “just the same horror that the Jews were escaping.”

Indeed, when a hotel in Princeton refused a room to Marian Anderson, a visiting Black opera singer, Einstein invited her to stay at his home.

Anderson returned to visit many times, and the two remained friends until Einstein’s death.

Einstein once personally paid the tuition for a promising Black student in Princeton.

And in a 1946 commencement speech at Lincoln University, the nation’s first to grant degrees to Black people, Einstein declared: “The separation of the races is not a disease of the colored people, but a disease of the white people,” adding: “I do not intend to be quiet about it.”

“Being a Jew myself,” he said to a family friend, “perhaps I can understand and empathize with how Black people feel as victims of discrimination.” And: “My attitude is not derived from any intellectual theory but is based on my deepest antipathy to every kind of cruelty.”

As I shared some of this with Patinkin, he shook his head in admiration.

“Einstein flees one situation, comes to safety, and immediately has the courage to speak out.”

Einstein’s work with refugees continued throughout his life: In addition to the IRC, he was active in the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and was honorary president of the French-Jewish Children’s Aid Society.

In 1949, shortly before Einstein turned 70, children who had been relocated to the United States from a displaced

persons camp in Europe knocked on his door in Princeton to thank him.

It was a “magnificent birthday gift,” Einstein told The New York Times. A photographer on hand to capture the event, Philippe Halsman, was himself someone Einstein had helped come to the United States in 1940 after the Nazis invaded France.

Patinkin said he was reminded of Einstein’s attitude when he was in Germany meeting with Syrian refugees and asked a woman if she had a lingering sense of fear.

“She said, ‘After what we’ve been through, we are afraid of nothing.

I saw death behind me and life in front of me, and I just kept walking,’” Patinkin recalled. “It’s the same thing with Einstein. After what he had been through, what he had just witnessed, he was not afraid to stand up for what’s right — ­morally and ethically.

“He was intelligent in his soul,” Patinkin continued. “In my life, what he’s known for is not the theory of relativity, but the theory of relatives.”

‘In my life,’ said Patinkin, ‘what he’s known for is not the theory of relativity, but the theory of relatives’

‘How do we change a hateful heart’

P

atinkin, now 70, said he sees “one of Einstein’s greatest gifts” as “his compassion for humanity.”

“God brought gifts because of his intellect and genius that the world will benefit from through eternity,” he added.

The mention of God prompted me to ask Patinkin about his own beliefs.

“I’m spiritual,” he told me. “I believe in Einstein’s theory of relativity, which means that energy never dies. That’s what Einstein proved. That

WHAT’S HAPPENING energy in Abraham or Moses or my father or Steven Sondheim or Abe Lincoln or anyone on this Earth that you admire, the energy in their cellular matter is out there.”

He said his favorite word is connect. “If you want to connect to the 6 million lost in the Holocaust, all the Native Americans who’ve been lost, all the African Americans who’ve been lost, all those who’ve been treated inhumanely, my fellow human beings, you can reach them, you can gather them, you can be with them. They’re all in the universe in some form.”

I asked Patinkin what he would talk about with Einstein if he were to meet him in the afterlife.

“First I would say, let’s go get some lox and bagels,” Patinkin said with a roaring laugh. “We’d go sit down.

And then I’d say to him, ‘How do we address hate?

How do we change a hateful heart? How do you undo hate? How do you change someone’s fear of othering?

How do we do that?’ I can’t figure it out other than acts of kindness.”

Patinkin recalled the time he met Farhad Nouri, a 10-year-old Afghan refugee, in Serbia. They sat on a bench together with an IRC film crew nearby, and Patinkin asked if there was a message the boy wanted to send to the world. “Yes,” the boy said. “Refugees need kindness.”

Tears appeared in Patinkin’s eyes as he retold the story. “Einstein knew this. So, I would sit with Einstein, and I would say how do we teach a 10-yearold boy’s wisdom to a world that wants to embrace fear of others, xenophobia, hate, and employ violence toward others. How do we stop that?”

He went on: “We live on a planet where, if we can protect it from being destroyed by human beings, chances are there could be enough space and resources, even as the population grows, to hold an embrace of that humanity long past our lifetime for generations and generations to come.

“And so, I would ask for his practical counsel. I don’t want some intellectual idea, or some scientific explanation of the cosmos and physics that I can’t get a hold of. Instead, I would ask: ‘What do we do?’ And I am certain that he would let me walk away from that lox and bagel sandwich with an action to take. I’m certain. He was a doer. A practical man.”

And so is Patinkin. He hosted a podcast, called Exile, about Jewish lives in the shadow of fascism. He’s performed Yiddish versions of Broadway showtunes in dozens of cities. Like Einstein, he has used his celebrity to speak out against social injustices including police brutality and voting rights.

He joined the picket lines of striking Hollywood writers.

When the pandemic struck in March 2020, Patinkin and his wife of more than 40 years, Kathryn, moved into a cabin in the Hudson Valley. Soon their son Gideon began posting to social media fun videos of them squabbling, snacking, playing with their dog, Becky, and doing mundane household chores.

Watching Patinkin change the filter in his vacuum cleaner is nothing short of mesmerizing. He now has 2 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.

“If you have the privilege of having a platform for whatever reason,” Patinkin said, “and you can reach one person, or many people – ­use that opportunity, use that privilege to speak out for what you believe in.”

A wide smile came across Patinkin’s face.

“As Einstein said, ‘A life lived for others is a life worthwhile.’”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Benyamin Cohen will present The Einstein Effect on Thursday, Nov. 2 as part of the Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival at the Sandler Family Campus at 12 pm. For information and registration, visit JewishVA. org/BookFest or hthomas@ujft.org.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

JFS begins collecting Hanukkah gifts for local Jewish children and teens Debbie Mayer Case example: A local Jewish single parent has one child. She goes to JFS for help with food and overdue bills. Although she works a full-time job, her monthly expenses continue to rise. Last year, she did not have any funds to buy things her daughter needed and wanted. During Hanukkah time in 2022, several generous donors brought in bags filled with new clothing, school supplies, books, a bright pink comforter, and a flowered design bedroom rug for her daughter. She was so very grateful and said to tell donors, “You are the angels who have come to help me and make my child smile…thank you so much.” ow in its 31st year, Jewish Family Service’s annual Chanukah Gift Program begins on Wednesday, Nov. 1. This program provides holiday gifts to local Jewish children and teens in financially struggling families. JFS asks the community to again continue its tradition of helping this year. While Hanukkah may or may not be a time where gifts are exchanged in

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every family, JFS hopes that supporting this important gift drive for those Jewish families in need is something everyone considers. Many gifts are used by these children during Hanukkah and throughout the year. JFS expects to serve more than 50 local Jewish children and teens in 2023.

The wish list of what these children and teens need is long. Help JFS bring them some joy. For donors, this is an opportunity to do a mitzvah for children who have no choice in their families’ financial situation. For young donors, this is a personal way to learn and practice tzedakah, giving to others, as they shop with parents for gifts for other children, knowing that the gifts will make a significant impact.

How to help?

•P urchase new, unwrapped gifts – both fun and practical – for specific children and teens in need. Donors may call JFS at 757-459-4640 for children’s wish lists.

• S hop with family and buy some extra items for those

in need.

• Send JFS gift cards from local department stores, electronics stores, Amazon, Target, and grocery stores, so that families can shop themselves.

• Send JFS a tax-deductible cash/check/credit card donation, and JFS will do the shopping.

Hanukkah donations must be received by Monday, November 27. Checks should be made payable to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and sent to: JFS, Attn: Maryann Kettyle, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Gifts may also be dropped off at JFS’s counseling office: Embrace Counseling, 260 Grayson Road, Suite 200, Virginia Beach.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Jewish Family Service assists local Jewish families in need at all times of the year and will keep any surplus donations for use throughout 2023-2024. For more information, contact Maryann Kettyle, case manager, at 757-459-4640 or MKettyle@jfshamptonroads.org.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Jewish Book Festival to highlight Holocaust legacy in Hampton Roads Monday, October 30, 7:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus Elka Mednick

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he power of a personal story is undeniable, especially when discussing history. In the case of Holocaust education and the stories of those who survived, Elie Wiesel said it best: “When you listen to a witness, you become a witness.” The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s To Life: The Past is Present transmits the stories of survivors who made their homes in Hampton Roads, allowing each reader to become a witness.

As part of the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, the Holocaust Commission will host a panel featuring educators and members of the team who published the book to share their experiences of having the privilege to compile To Life: The Past is Present. How the book can be used as a resource for community members of all ages to learn more about the Holocaust and continue the legacy of bearing truthful witness to history will also be explored.

JCC Book Club establishes the Susan Katz Memorial Library

Opening ceremony: Wednesday, November 15, 9 am, Simon Family JCC Sherry Lieberman he JCC Book Club recently opened The Susan Katz Memorial Library, a heartfelt tribute to Susan Katz, a cherished member. Located in the Fleischmann Lounge of the Simon Family JCC, this library stands as a testament to Katz’s enduring legacy.

Katz passed away on November 14, 2020, leaving a mark on the hearts of JCC Book Club members. Described as “special, kind, and wonderful” by her friends, Katz’s memory now has a sanctuary on the Sandler Family Campus.

Jill Fischer, another member of the JCC Book Club, spearheaded the idea to honor Katz’s memory. The Susan Katz Memorial Library is a place where people can borrow books, find solace by the window, immerse themselves in literature, or explore its inviting bookshelves.

The JCC Book Club is accepting donations of books that are in good condition for the library. Bring books to donate to the JCC front desk, marked to the attention of Mia Klein or Sherry Lieberman.

Rabbi Neal Katz, her son, will pay homage to the library named in honor of his mother at the opening ceremony, which is open to the entire community.

Through the Susan Katz Memorial Library, the JCC Book Club is turning sorrow into a beacon of light, ensuring that Katz’s memory remains vivid in the hearts of all who knew her. Katz’s lifelong friendships and her profound impact on her community, will forever be celebrated within its walls.

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This event is presented as part of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival. To register for this event and learn more about To Life: The Past is Present and the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, visit www. holocaustcommission.org.

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Elka Mednick is directorof the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. She may be reached at emednick@ujft.

OST’s Confirmation Class of 1973 to celebrate its 50th anniversary Friday, November 3, 6:30 pm Ohef Sholom Temple After 50 years and a couple of months, Ohef Sholom Temple’s Confirmation Class of 1973 is returning to the temple for a special Shabbat service.

Charlie Nusbaum, a member of the class, spearheaded the effort to locate his classmates, which was not an easy task.

For information on the service, call 757-625-4295.

Susan Katz

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IT’S A WRAP

NEW PLAYGROUND AT B’NAI ISRAEL

Children enjoy the playground.

Stephanie Peck early 80 people, including children, attended the dedication of the Low Family Playground at B’nai Israel on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

This new, state-of-the-art playground, created with support from Tidewater Jewish Foundation, is named in memory of Honey Low, a B’nai Israel congregant who devoted herself to the welfare of children and their education. In her remarks, her granddaughter, Ayelet Stern, said that it was very special that Honey’s great-grandchildren will enjoy the playground.

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Middle Schoolers meet with ShinShinim Dave Flagler

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gathering of Jewish middle schoolers with this year’s ShinShinim, Maya Ostrov and Naomi Friedland, took place on Monday, Oct. 16.

It was the first event of the school year geared specifically towards sixth through eighth graders.

Bonding over slices of pizza and engaging in lively Israeli games, the teens and tweens forged new friendships and delved deeper into the rich tapestry of Israeli culture.

For the ShinShinim, who had spent a tumultuous Middle schoolers talk with Maya Ostrov and Naomi Friedland week tirelessly supporting the after dinner.

Tidewater community’s response to the war in Israel, the event provided solace and a chance to share their cultural heritage.

“It was a much-needed escape from our reality at the moment,” says Ostrov. “While we are worried about our friends and family back home, we enjoyed every moment of being able to help these kids embrace a joyful connection to Israel.”

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To learn more about future events, visit JewishVA.org/Teens or contact Dave Flagler, director of camp and teen engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org.

R E V I E W

Leon Family Gallery looked deeper into Haftarah Alene Jo Kaufman he Leon Family Gallery is one of my favorite stops at the Sandler Family Campus.

No matter what type of media is on display, something always catches my attention. Laya Crust’s work, Illuminations: Exploring Haftarah Through Art was a presentation worthy of attention.

Many are familiar with the work of other artists who have illustrated Torah stories, haggadot, brachot, and traditional sayings. This was the first time I had seen illustrations of the entire compendium of the weekly and holiday portions from the Haftorah. What makes this display more notable is that the images were painted into a Haftorah scroll! Beth David Synagogue in Toronto commissioned a sofer in Israel to scribe the scroll, leaving space for images to be added later. Crust was commissioned to paint each 2” x 4 ½” image directly into the Haftorah scroll. When viewing the display in the gallery, noting the intricacies of each piece, it was hard to imagine the process and the tiny results.

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I had the privilege of having a conversation with Crust hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, on Zoom. We discussed her materials, her favorite pieces, the amount of time it took her to plan and paint the images, and her extensive research.

She used various materials for her art, and a number of different resources to write the explanations of each parasha that she shares in her book. Crust says she finds meaning in each piece and connects it to images that reflect that meaning. One piece is reflective of a painting from the 13th century; another from a post-Holocaust woodcut; yet another is a painting of a familiar photograph.

Every time I visit the gallery, I see something new that piques my interest.

–––––––––––––––––––––––– Exhibits in the Leon Family Gallery, located on the second floor of the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community, are free and open to the public and change every couple of months. Artists are often invited for online discussions or in-person receptions. For more information, visit JewishVA.org/ Gallery or contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas at UJFT at HThomas@UJFT.org.

IT’S A WRAP

Tradition!

Community celebrates Fiddler on the Roof Todd Holcomb xcitement and anticipation were percolating for months around the opening of Fiddler on the Roof at the historic—and newly renovated—Wells Theatre. Finally, after all the intricate planning, midnight rehearsals, and engaging lead-up events, the Tidewater Jewish community came together on Thursday, October 5 for an inspiring pre-show celebration and larger-than-life performance of Fiddler.

The partnership between United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Virginia Stage Company for this production was a beautiful and timely celebration of Jewish culture and the arts in Tidewater. More so today than ever, it is impossible to overstate the importance Fiddler has for many American Jews, or the way that the musical has become part of Jewish tradition.

This was highlighted in a series of engagement events in August and September, including a concert at the ViBe Farmers Market in Virginia Beach, a screening of the documentary film Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles at Cinema Café Kemps River, an educational series, The History Behind Fiddler on the Roof led by Rabbi Michael Panitz at the Simon Family JCC, and a panel discussion on the play’s impact with Rabbi Panitz and Virginia Stage Company leaders Tom Quaintance and Jeff Ryder, held at the Wells Theatre.

Throughout October, reviews and personal accounts have poured in praising the production.

Warren Aleck commented, “I’ve told several people that I enjoyed this production more than any other I’ve seen—in New York, Washington Jody Mazur is the first to pin her family name to the Anatevka map. This engagement piece in the Wells D.C., or any other major city. Baritone John Theater shows where families emigrated from.

Payonk, who performed the role of Tevye, was cast perfectly and it was great knowing we had local performers in this stellar production.

We were so drawn in by the performance that my wife Helen and I could have sat there for another two hours.”

Local theater-goer Michael Hodges shared, “Fiddler at the Wells was not just a play; it was an experience that touched the soul. It’s a testament to the enduring power of live theater to entertain, inspire, and provoke deep reflection on current events. I left the theatre with a heart full of joy and gratitude for having witnessed such an exceptional performance. Bravo to the cast, crew, and everyone involved in bringing this timeless classic to life. L’Chaim!”

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC appreciate the Virginia Stage Company and all of the generous donors, sponsors, and partners who made this experience possible. UJFT also extends thanks to VSC for standing with Israel amid the ongoing war against Hamas and accepting donations contributing to the Tidewater Supports Israel – 2023 Emergency Fund.

The production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Wells Theatre and the Fiddler programs produced by the UJFT/Simon Family JCC are supported by The Making Music Happen Community Grant Initiative, which is made possible by a generous grant from the Pertzik Fund for Arts and Culture at JCC Association of North America.

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OCTOBER 30, MONDAY Celebrating To Life, The Past Is Present: Holocaust Stories Of Hampton Roads Survivors, Liberators, and Rescuers. Holocaust history through personal stories of those who survived and made their homes in Hampton Roads. 7:30 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Free. Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/BookFest or hthomas@ujft.org.

OCTOBER 31 - DECEMBER 12, TUESDAYS Scripture on the Silver Screen. In this 10-session course, taught by Rabbi Michael Panitz of Temple Israel, students will learn how Hollywood retells a Bible story through five films. 11 am – 12:30 pm. Registration: $75, $60 for JCC members. Sandler Family Campus. Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman an slautman@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 6, WEDNESDAYS Jewish Medical Ethics: A 21st Century Discussion (Online). A Melton course, led by Harman Grossman, an attorney and long-time Melton teacher at Central Synagogue in New York, will explore the positive, negative, beneficial, and detrimental aspects of new technologies in the medical field and the wisdom Judaism offers us in our encounters with them. 6:45 pm. Early Registration is $295.

Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/Melton or slautman@ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

NOVEMBER 2, THURSDAY Benyamin Cohen, The Einstein Effect: How the World’s Favorite Genius Got Into Our Cars, Our Bathrooms, and Our Minds. Einstein’s legacy, his pop culture icon status, and how his work continues to shape the world. $8 for JCC members and adults 55+; $12 for non-members. Lunch included. 12 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/BookFest or hthomas@ujft.org.

Annual Great Big Challah Bake at B’nai Israel Congregation. All ingredients and recipes will be provided. Each participant will leave with two challahs ready to bake and enjoy for Shabbat.

7 pm. Suggested donation $5. Information and Registration: visit JewishVA.org/KCL.

NOVEMBER 3-4, FRIDAY-SATURDAY The Tidewater Shabbat Project. The Jewish community will come together to celebrate Shabbat through a series of events and offerings. From baking challah to joining a post-Shabbat havdalah concert with The Traveling Chassidim. Information and Registration: tidewatershabbatproject.com. .

NOVEMBER 9, THURSDAY Dean Cycon, Finding Home (Hungary, 1945). A little-known piece of the Jewish post-WWII Jewish experience: a search for home, community, and family where they no longer exist. $8 for JCC members and adults 55+; $12 for non-members. Lunch included. 12 pm. Sandler Family Campus.

Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/BookFest or hthomas@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 13, MONDAY Jacqueline Friedland, The Stockwell Letters. This book addresses the obstacles faced by abolitionists who fought to eradicate slavery. The kick-off event to UJFT’s Konikoff Center for Learning’s Unsung SHEroes of History series. 7:30 pm. Free. Sandler Family Campus. Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/BookFest or hthomas@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 16, THURSDAY Marjorie Ingall, author of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case For Good Apologies. Why a good apology is hard to find, and why it doesn’t have to be. 7:30 pm. Free. Sandler Family Campus.

Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/BookFest or hthomas@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 18, SATURDAY Kids Night Out at the Simon Family JCC. Games, crafts, snacks, and swimming for children 4-12 years. 6 - 10 pm. Register at https://federation.jewishva.org/children-family by 4 pm on Friday, November 17.

Middle School Lock-In at the Simon Family JCC. Sixth - eighth graders will enjoy a Saturday evening after hours. Bring a bathing suit, towel, warm clothes, and a flashlight for snacks, songs, and an after-dark adventure. 6 pm. Information and Registration: JewishVA.org/Lockin or dflagler@ujft.org.

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OBITUARIES Anne Begbie Kincaid Luna NORFOLK - Anne Begbie Kincaid Luna passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Monday, October 9. She was a bright light to many and, though she’s no longer with us, our lives are brighter because of her.

Anne was born in Newport News in 1949 and graduated from Ferguson High School in 1967 and Madison College (now James Madison University) in 1971. Anne

was a music education major and taught music in the early years of her career. She took a second degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Pre-K for many years.

She was a distinguished educator and was awarded Teacher of the Year at her school as well as Portsmouth’s Teacher of the Year.

Music always played a large part in Anne’s life. She sang in choirs at Second Presbyterian Church in Newport News,

Larchmont United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She sang for over 30 years with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and also with the Virginia Chorale. She served on the Virginia Chorale board of directors, and just recently chaired its 40th Anniversary Gala, which was an outstanding success due to her leadership. In addition, Anne served on the Hampton Roads Mission Advancement Council of Virginia Supportive Housing.

Anne was predeceased by her parents, Woody and Mary Kincaid, of Newport News. She is survived by Rey, her loving

husband of 25 years, her children, Angela Kincaid (Joshua), James Williams (ClaraLynn), Rey Luna (Laura), Jovan Luna (Tamika), and Amadeo Martin (Hillary), and 12 grandchildren.

Anne converted to Judaism two years ago, which gave her great peace. Ohef Sholom Temple was a great source of comfort to her. A memorial service to celebrate her life was conducted by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg and Cantor Jennifer Rueben at Ohef Sholom Temple.

Memorial donations may be made to Ohef Sholom Temple or the Virginia Chorale. Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.

May her memory forever be for a blessing.

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Jewish poet Louise Glück, who won Nobel literature prize Andrew Silow-Carroll (JTA) — Louise Glück, a Jewish-American poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020, died Friday, Oct. 13. She was 80.

Acclaimed since the 1970s for poetry that filtered personal and feminist themes though classical mythological, nature and religious imagery, Glück was also the United States poet laureate in 2003 and received a National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama in 2015.

A product of what she once called a “rudimentary” Jewish upbringing, Glück wrote poems that sometimes reflected that distance. But she often returned for inspiration to the Western canon, including the Hebrew Bible — in books like Ararat (1990) — and Greek myth.

In one poem, Vespers, she directly addresses God in talking about her lack of belief: “Perhaps/ they see your face in Sicily; here we barely see/the hem of your garment,” an image taken from the Book of Samuel.

One critic, Daniel Morris, said her engagement with the Old Testament shows how “Glück’s ‘Jewishness’ is bound up with how she interprets canons both secular and sacred as multiple networks of identity construction.”

Another critic, Dara Barnat, said Glück’s poems incorporating Biblical stories were a type of “midrash” (alternative tellings of traditional Jewish text) and compared her in this regard to several other Jewish American women poets, including Shirley Kaufman, Alicia Ostriker, and Jacqueline Osherow.

The Nobel Committee said Glück earned the literature prize — the first for an American and Jew since Bob Dylan’s in 2016 — “for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal.”

Glück (pronounced Glick) was born in New York in 1943 and grew up in the Long Island suburb of Cedarhurst. Her paternal Jewish grandparents owned a grocery after settling in New York City. Her father helped invent the X-Acto knife.

She attended Sarah Lawrence College and Columbia University.

She published 14 books of poetry, including The Wild Iris (1992) which won the Pulitzer Prize. Glück won the National Book Award for Poetry in 2014, for Faithful and Virtuous Night. Her book of essays Proofs and Theories (1994) was awarded the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for Nonfiction. She taught at Goddard College, Williams College, Yale University and, most recently, Stanford University.

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OBITUARIES

‘Very much a family thing’: US Jewish summer camps mourn Israeli alumni killed in Hamas war Jacob Gurvis (JTA) — As news broke of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, David Weinstein shared the grief and fear of many in the American Jewish community. But as the director of Camp Tel Yehudah, a Jewish summer camp in New York, the violence soon hit very close to home.

“Like everybody else, we were horrified and worried and scared and concerned about our people in Israel,” Weinstein says.

“But it became very personal very quickly.”

Weinstein received a call that first morning that a former staff member, Gili Adar, was missing. He would later learn that Adar, 24, who worked at Tel Yehudah in 2019 and 2022 as part of its Israeli scouts program, was one of the more than 250 people killed at the Tribe of Nova music festival.

The devastating news didn’t end there.

Three other Tel Yehudah community members were also killed: Yuval Halivni, who was a member of the camp’s Israeli scout delegation in 2012; Reem Betito, a camper in 2018 who served in the Israel Defense Forces’ elite Golani unit; and Laor Abromov, 20, who was a camper in 2019 and was also killed at the music festival.

“Much of that week, again, while keeping an eye on all of the bigger situation, and our concern for everybody, was really, really about the loss of part of our family,” Weinstein says.

Located in Barryville, New York, Tel Yehudah is the teen leadership camp of the Young Judaea network, a group of camps and youth programs specially designed to build connections between young Jews and Israel — including by having Israeli staff and campers at camp each summer.

As more details began to trickle out about the extent of the violence and loss in Israel, the wider Tel Yehudah community gathered, in person and online, to grieve and process together.

A Young Judaea virtual Havdalah service on Oct. 14 attracted around 700 people, Weinstein says, with breakout rooms that lasted for hours afterward. Staff and alumni

also came together for a 20s and 30s Shabbat in New York City, as well as other informal gatherings.

“We have so many people over the years who went to Tel Yehudah who have moved

“This is an opportunity to meet more Israelis and create connections, with both campers and staff depending on which camp, and younger ones, so they can connect to people that are closer to their age,”

May the Source of Peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved. to Israel and are involved in so many important organizations and movements in Israel that people are very much in touch with,” Weinstein says. “Part of the Tel Yehudah family lives in Israel, and part of the Tel Yehudah family lives here. So, it’s very much a family thing.”

Tel Yehudah was far from the only American Jewish summer camp to experience the deaths of past campers or staff on Oct. 7 in Israel, though it appears to have been the hardest hit. They may even have been especially vulnerable to loss because of their unique role as supercharged sites of interchange between U.S. and Israeli young adults.

“Israelis coming to camp has been a part of the American Jewish camping enterprise since the founding of the state,” says Sandra Fox, author of The Jews of Summer: Summer Camp and Jewish Culture in Postwar America and herself a Tel Yehudah alum.

Fox says the number of Israelis working at American Jewish camps increased after World War II and particularly in the 1960s and 70s, when air travel became more accessible and affordable. Fox said Tel Yehudah had Israeli staff as early as 1949.

While many synagogues and Jewish communities have Israeli emissaries — “shlichim” in Hebrew — through the Jewish Agency for Israel, Fox says the camp experience can be unique because it’s often younger Israelis, some who work at camp before their army service.

Fox says. “The shlichim that come to the communities are usually young families. But a counselor could be pre-army or post-army, and if you’re a preteen or teenage camper,

they’re a lot more relatable. So, I think that that has a strong impact on the degree of connection they can make.”

A number of other Jewish camps around the United States are also mourning the loss of former staff and campers.

The Ramah camping network has a page devoted to Israel on its website that lists two alumni who are among the more than 200 hostages being held by Hamas — Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who has also participated in programming with Camp Tel Noar in New Hampshire, and Omer Neutra, who also attended Young Judaea’s Sprout Lake camp before moving to Israel after high school.

The page also lists two family members of Ramah alumni who have been killed in

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OBITUARIES the violence: Israeli swimmer Eden Nimri, 22, whose sister Hadar worked at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in 2016 and 2017, and Adi Vital Kaploun, 33, whose mother is an alum of Camp Ramah in Canada.

Pinemere Camp in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, shared on Oct. 10 that 2022 staff member Ilay Nachman was killed.

“His infectious laugh, caring nature, and love of Israel made him a pleasure to be around, and the type of role model both campers and staff could look up to,” the camp wrote in a Facebook post.

Herzl Camp in Webster, Wisconsin, shared that alum Netta Epstein, 21, was killed by Hamas in his home. Epstein attended Herzl from 2014 to 2016 and 2018, and his sister Rona also spent three summers there.

Yannai Kaminka, 20, who was reportedly among the first Israeli Defense Force soldiers killed in the attacks, had attended the Union for Reform Judaism’s Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in 2016 as part of a program with the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism that brought Israeli teens to American Jewish summer camps.

Ruben Arquilevich, who oversees the URJ’s 14 camps, says the movement has around 350 Israeli staff across its camps each summer, adding that the relationships Israelis build with campers are long-lasting and “transformational.”

According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, some camps have launched initiatives to support Israeli community members, including through letter-writing campaigns, sending care packages, and offering virtual programming for children in Israel.

Weinstein also notes that Young Judaea’s gap year program currently has 75 teens, many of them Tel Yehudah alumni, living at Kibbutz Ketura in southern Israel, which Young Judaea established in 1973 in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War. The participants are supporting Israelis in the south who have been displaced by the current war.

“Now we’ve got these new kids, the same age as the kids who established the kibbutz 50 years ago, who are down on the kibbutz, and helping once again after a war to rebuild,” Weinstein says.

I grieved at a funeral in Israel. But not for too long – another was about to start.

Uriel Heilman JERUSALEM (JTA) — When I arrived Wednesday night, Oct. 11 at the funeral of an Israeli soldier who was killed Sunday battling Hamas terrorists in southern Israel, I wasn’t quite sure what I’d find.

Israel’s Home Front Command had issued orders against gatherings of more than 50 people, and this funeral was scheduled for 8:30 pm. But when I arrived at the Mount Herzl national military cemetery in Jerusalem, several hundred people already were gathered at the open gravesite, and more were streaming in.

The funeral was for Yosef Malachi Guedalia, a 22-year-old sergeant-major from the Israeli Defense Forces’ elite Duvdevan combat unit. The son of immigrants to Israel from the United States, Guedalia lived in Beit Shemesh and was only about five months short of completing his mandatory military service.

I came to the funeral because I knew Guedalia’s wife, a native of Boston who’d immigrated to Israel a few years ago and whose uncle is one of my closest friends. The couple had celebrated their first wedding anniversary just a few days earlier; now his 23-yearold wife was a war widow.

In Israel, funerals take place at all hours, including at night, to comply with the Jewish injunction to bury the dead as quickly as possible. In this war it’s also a practical necessity: There aren’t enough daylight hours to bury all the dead in a week when the death toll already had exceeded 1,300.

As the minutes ticked by, the crowd of friends, relatives, soldiers, and strangers who came to pay their respects stood with uncharacteristic silence for a country where everyone is always shouting or babbling about one thing or another. For several minutes, I could hear crickets in the cool Jerusalem night. When someone started humming a well-known song taken from the prayers recited when rolling a Torah scroll before its return to the holy ark, hundreds joined in in a subdued tone: “Our brothers of the entire House of Israel, who are in distress and in captivity, whether on sea or on land, may God have compassion on them and bring them out from trouble to safety, from darkness to light, from bondage to redemption — now, swiftly and soon, and let us say Amen.”

An organizer got on the microphone and explained that in the event of an air raid siren warning of an incoming rocket attack, everyone was to lay down on the ground between the gravestones and cover their heads with their hands.

Guedalia’s family arrived trailing a plain coffin draped in an Israeli flag. Most Israelis are buried just in shrouds, in keeping with the Jewish custom that the dead be laid to rest without anything suggesting differences in status or wealth and in a manner that puts as little physical material as possible between them and

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the earth. Israeli soldiers who fall in service, however, are always buried in coffins. This obscures the state of the deceased’s body — a necessity given the violent deaths soldiers suffer.

After Guedalia’s coffin was lowered into the ground and covered with earth, family members offered eulogies in a mix of Hebrew and English, interweaving their remarks with biblical quotes. Guedalia was religious, and his wife spoke about how they studied Torah together every Shabbat. His siblings talked of his sweet nature, his athletic prowess, his diligent commitment to Torah, his love for his family, and his dedication to being a great soldier.

One of Yosef’s brothers is also a soldier; he, too, was rushed into combat after Saturday’s attacks and learned of his brother’s killing while fighting in southern Israel near Gaza.

“Od Yosef chai!” he cried out in his eulogy, quoting the exclamation the forefather Jacob shouted when he heard that his son Joseph was alive after having been missing for 22 years: “Joseph still lives!” But for this Yosef felled by Hamas terrorists, 22 years would constitute the entire duration of his life, his brother wailed.

There didn’t appear to be a dry eye among the mourners.

The last remarks before the gun salute marking the end of the service were delivered by a rabbinic representative of the Israeli Defense Forces, who in keeping with tradition offered a prayer asking forgiveness of the dead.

“In the name of the military rabbinate, the chevra kadisha [burial society] and your relatives, your commanders, your fellows, and your friends that gathered to pay their final respects, I ask for your forgiveness and pardon. Everything that was done we did to honor you in accordance with the traditions of Israel and the customs of our holy land. Rest in peace and receive your eternal destiny. And may we and all of Israel have life and peace forever, Amen.”

Three series of gunshots rang out, and the funeral was over.

The crowd began to disperse, and among them I spotted a few newly injured soldiers — wearing casts, on crutches, in a wheelchair. Comrades in uniform helped escort them over the uneven stones to the street, helping them navigate between cars parked all over the sidewalks and in front of bus stops. Volunteers manning a table at the cemetery entrance offered passersby snacks and drinks. A hasty evening prayer minyan commenced.

It was past 10:30 pm, but Guedalia’s was not the last funeral of the night. As the mourners shuffled out, organizers asked the crowd to please hurry because another family had been waiting for over 20 minutes.

It was time for the next funeral to begin.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

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