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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 59 No. 17 | 4 Tammuz 5781 | June 14, 2021
Israel’s new government: The leaders and why now
17 Keeping Up With the Stein’s Thursday, June 24
18 SIA first graders receive first Siddur
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel since 2009
Naftali Bennett, leader of Israeli Yemeni party
—page 6
19 BSV Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 23
Yair Lapid, leader of Israeli Yesh Atid party
Healthcare in the Jewish community
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UPFRONT
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Biden administration supports replenishing Iron Dome after Gaza conflict Ron Kampeas
WASHINGTON (JTA)—A Biden administration official said the U.S. government supports restocking Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system after it was depleted by last month’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Dozens of House members from both parties have said they would push Congress to appropriate funds to replenish the system should Israel make the request. Israel’s defense minister, Benny Gantz, was here Thursday, June 3 reportedly seeking $1 billion for Iron Dome. In addition to Iron Dome funding, the acting assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, Joey Hood, said that the Biden administration also would seek “equality” for the Palestinians. President Joe Biden separately told Gantz that the United States expects Israel to ease the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. “During the conflict, we saw the Iron Dome system, which our nations developed together, save the lives of countless civilians,” Hood said at an online forum organized by the Israel Policy Forum, a pro-Israel group that advocates for a two-state outcome. “The president is clear about this administration’s support for replenishing the system for Israel’s ability to defend itself in the future.” Hood’s statement came a day before the one-day visit by Gantz, who was meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, along with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Axios reported on the $1 billion request by Gantz. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., who is Jewish, spearheaded a letter to Austin urging him to fulfill any such request. “We ask that you continue urgently engaging with Israel on this request, and that you please report to Congress regarding Israel’s needs as soon as possible,” said the letter, which was signed by 55 House members of both parties.
Special Section: Health Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Nefesh Mountain writes blue-grass song about Anne Frank. . . . . . . . 17
Rise in antisemitism and updated spelling. . . . . 8 JCRC responds to rise in antisemitism. . . . . . . . 8 Governor Northam condemns antisemitism. . . . 8 Elie Wiesel’s son tells Jews to speak up . . . . . . . 9 American Jews give Biden 70% approval rating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SIA first graders get firs Siddur. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 BINA bakes for Film Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Gifting stock…what you need to know. . . . . . . 19 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Who Knew?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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It noted that in 2014 after an Israel-Hamas war, Congress appropriated funds to replenish Iron Dome, and said it was ready to do so again. “Please work closely with Congress to expeditiously fulfill this request,” the letter said. At least one member of a vocal cohort of left-wing Democrats who want Biden to cut aid to Israel said she would oppose any such appropriation. “My colleagues are rushing to give the Israeli military another billion dollars to fund apartheid, meanwhile our education system, our health care system, our housing system all remain underfunded,” Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said on Twitter. “Our communities need that $1 billion. Send it to us instead.” Hamas fired about 4,500 rockets into Israel during the conflict last month, with about 1,500 heading for built-up areas. Iron Dome intercepted more than 90% of the rockets headed for those areas. The Biden administration in its Israel-related rhetoric has moved to emphasize “equality” for the Palestinians. Hood in his statement to the Israel Policy Forum mentioned equal treatment for the Palestinians at least three times. “The United States supports equal measures of security opportunity and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” he said. “The Biden administration is determined to restore aid to the Palestinians that President Donald Trump had all but cut to zero,” Sullivan said. Hood also called on Israel and the Palestinians to avoid provocations, among them settlement building and paying compensation to families of terrorists. “We believe it’s critical for Israelis and Palestinians to refrain from steps that exacerbate tensions and undercut efforts to advance a negotiated two-state solution such as annexation of territory, settlement activity, demolitions, incitement to violence and providing compensation for individuals imprisoned for acts of terrorism,” he said.
CONTENTS Antisemitism on college campuses. . . . . . . . . . . 5
Published 20 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
—page 9
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BRIEFS IN SIGNIFICANT VERDICT, FRENCH COURT SENTENCES HOLOCAUST DENIER TO 5 YEARS A blogger who posted videos of himself calling for the murder of prominent French Jews was sentenced to five years in prison by a court in France. The sentence, for promoting terrorism and making death threats, is among the harshest in recent years in France over such offenses. The tribunal of Cusset, a town near Vichy in central France, handed down its guilty verdict and sentence to Ahmed Moualek, 53, who had posted death threats against Gilles William Golnadel and Alain Jakubowitz, two well-known Jewish lawyers, as well as journalist Elisabeth Levy, La Montagne reported. Moualek is a former associate of Dieudonne M’bala M’bala and Alain Soral, Holocaust deniers who 10 years ago founded the now-defunct Anti-Zionist Party. Moualek was among the party’s founders. On the 2019 anniversary of the 2015 murder of four Jews by a jihadist at the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in Paris, Moualek posted a video addressed to “the dirty Jews” in which he said, “You know it would have pleased me no end if the Shoah existed but I’m just sorry you weren’t on the train.” (JTA) GOOGLE REASSIGNS DIVERSITY CHIEF FOR WRITING: JEWS HAVE AN ‘INSATIABLE APPETITE FOR WAR’ Google has reassigned its head of diversity strategy and research after the exposure of a 2007 blog post in which he wrote that Jews have an “insatiable appetite for war.” Kamau Bobb, who has a doctorate in science and technology policy, has since deleted the post, which was titled “If I were a Jew.” It was first reported on by the Washington Free Beacon. “If I were a Jew I would be concerned about my insatiable appetite for war and killing in defense of myself,” Bobb wrote, according to Insider. “If I were a Jew today, my sensibilities would be tormented. I would find it increasingly difficult to reconcile the long cycles of oppression that Jewish people have endured and the insatiable appetite for vengeful violence that
Israel, my homeland, has now acquired.” Google announced on Thursday, June 3 that Bobb has been removed from his position and reassigned to STEM research, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. “These writings are unquestionably hurtful,” Google’s statement said. “The author acknowledges this and has apologized. He will no longer be part of our diversity team going forward and will focus on his STEM work.” (JTA)
ISRAELI HAREDI PUBLICATION BLURS FACE OF LABOR PARTY’S FEMALE LEADER A haredi Orthodox publication in Israel published a photo on its website Monday, June 7 that blurs the face of the Labor Party’s leader, Merav Michaeli. Bechadrei Charedim did not explain its decision on the photo, which was used with a story about Israel’s incoming government, but the reason was likely because Michaeli is a woman. Haredi Orthodox publications have blurred, photoshopped or otherwise excluded photos of women from their pages for years. Most famously in the United States, Der Zeitung photoshopped Hillary Clinton, then serving as secretary of state, out of a photo taken in the Situation Room on the day that U.S. forces assassinated Osama bin Laden in 2011. The publications have argued that the decision to exclude women from their photos stems from the modesty required of women in Orthodox Jewish communities or that readers would not buy publications that show the faces of women. The policy has inspired campaigns to push the ultra-Orthodox publications to print women’s faces, but few have changed their policies. Michaeli is slated to serve as transportation minister in the new government. (JTA) U OF VIENNA ANNOUNCES $9,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR JEWISH STUDIES RESEARCHERS Young scholars specializing in Jewish studies now have a shot at a scholarship worth more than $9,000 from the University of Vienna. The university and a family foundation announced last month that they would
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be giving out a scholarship of $9,129, or 7,500 euros, to two young researchers every two years. The Salo W. and Jeannette M. Baron Young Scholar Awards will be offered to “two young international scholars for a research stay of three months at the University of Vienna” in the framework of their doctoral dissertation or as a follow-up to their master’s degrees, the statement by the university and the foundation said. On May 26, the foundation and the university gave a $20,000 prize to the first winner of an award for scholarly excellence that the two partners had created last year. The laureate, historian Michael Brenner of Germany, won for his work and lived experience bridging the U.S. and Europe, the board said. Bernner, who is Jewish, is an expert on Jewish life in Germany during the Weimar Republic, which the Nazi Party ended. (JTA)
HEBREW ISRAELITE FOOTBALL STUDENT IN OHIO FORCED TO EAT PORK AS PUNISHMENT A high school football coach in Ohio and seven of his staff have been suspended for punishing a Hebrew Israelite student-athlete by forcing him to eat a pepperoni pizza in violation of his religious commitment to keep a kosher diet, according to a report from Cleveland 19 News. The 17-year-old student at McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio, was being disciplined for missing a weight lifting session on May 20, said Edward L. Gilbert, an attorney for the boy’s family. Four days after missing practice, Coach Wattley Marcus and other coaching staff presented him with a pizza topped with pepperoni, chosen because it includes pork. “They order him to go into the gym. He sits in a chair,” Gilbert told Cleveland 19 News. “There is a pizza box on the floor. He picks up the pizza—they tell him he has to, as punishment, eat that whole pizza.” The student’s religious identity and his avoidance of pork were known to Coach Wattley Marcus and other coaching staff, according to Gilbert.
“I mean it just crosses a line on every level, it’s just wrong,” Gilbert said. Canton City School District released a statement saying it was investigating the incident and would announce its findings soon. “The incident calls into question whether appropriate team management, discipline, and player accountability infrastructures are in place,” the statement says.
NEW COALITION OF BLACK AND JEWISH SENATORS TO TACKLE ANTISEMITISM AND RACISM Sen. Cory Booker is leading a group of U.S. Jewish and Black senators in establishing a coalition to fight antisemitism and racism. The so-called Black-Jewish coalition will also include Booker’s fellow Democrats Sens. Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, as well as Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican from across the aisle. “There’s been a long history of Black people and Jewish sisters and brothers working together on a whole range of concerns,” Warnock was quoted as saying by NJ.com. The idea of convening the lawmakers was spurred by reports of rising antisemitism amid a national reckoning around racial injustice. “We will be fighting both racism and antisemitism,” Blumenthal said. “I think we’re in the midst of a racial justice moment and a reckoning now that could draw us together.” Scott Richman, director of the AntiDefamation League in New York/New Jersey, praised the initiative. “This would be an important step towards bringing together two communities with a shared commitment to justice and an end to bias and bigotry,” he told NJ.com. A similar body, called the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, already exists in the House of Representatives. Booker, who keeps a Hebrew bible on his Senate desk, has a long history of connections with the Jewish community. He often cites Torah and recites Hebrew quotes in public appearances. (JTA)
YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK
The ancient antidote to tech-spiked antisemitism on college campuses Lisa Richmon
A
ntisemitic slurs have no expiration date. Despite raising awareness to the painful struggle of minorities via Black Lives Matter and Asian Hate— across every social media platform, and in countless consumer ads—stereotypes against Jews persist without hesitation or apology. Mocking Jews has descended into a ‘kosher’ American past time. ‘Jews still talk too much about the Holocaust.’ ‘Jews have too much power in business.’ ‘The media is run by Jews.’ ‘Jews are more loyal to Israel than they are to America.’ “I’m not convinced that there is anything unique about this round of antisemitism. Hatred of the Jew has been occurring for millennia,” says Rabbi Gershon Litt, director of Hillel at William & Mary. “It stems from a deep-rooted hatred of what we, as a people, stand for. It is not based on rationality or logic. The uniqueness now is that more people are aware of it due to social media and the press, but it has always been there.” Aiming to inspire Jewish students to connect Jewishly, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater succeeds by funding Hillel centers at UVA, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, George Mason, and Old Dominion University. The purpose is to create opportunities for Jewish students to celebrate their culture and heritage. The freedom to express Jewish identity has been challenged for years, but with social media’s gateway to hate, Jewish students are hard at work figuring out the cost of being—and not being—Jewish. “The past few weeks have been painful for Jewish Hokies and the Jewish community. As a collective, once again we had to confront and face down antisemitic statements both through individual actions and an onslaught of social media posts,” says Sue Kurtz, Virginia Tech Hillel’s executive director. “These antisemitic statements have been disturbing for both our staff and Jewish students. In large part they perpetuate misinformation and fuel fear of ‘what’s next’ in our Jewish
students. “My personal feelings take me back to my meeting with Elie Wiesel. In 2005, Hillel at Virginia Tech hosted Wiesel and asked him to speak about Indifference. This is the concept that worries me the worst. Considering all that is happening, I am feeling an abandonment of support from people and administrators I expected to visibly push back on antisemitic statements, but they are staying quiet, stating the topic is too political and heated.” College students have long been accidental first responders to violence, racism, and terrorism, but recent events call for the contemplation of a cocktail of highly advanced and ancient solutions.
“The past few weeks have been painful for Jewish Hokies and the Jewish community. As a collective, once again we had to confront and face down antisemitic statements both through individual actions and an onslaught of social media posts.” “There has been a significant rise in anti-Zionist and antisemitic rhetoric on social media generally in the form of people posting about the recent events in Israel and Gaza,” says Rabbi Jake Rubin, executive director, Brody Jewish Center Hillel at the University of Virginia. Students have experienced this even from folks who have never shown any interest
in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before and/or who have little to no knowledge of the complexity and history that exists there. Students have felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of this rhetoric, as well as the oversimplification of a complicated issue. Some students have certainly shut down or tried to minimize the amount of time they spend on social media platforms, while others have reached out to friends to have conversations about some of their posts. Hillel is working to support students and give them a space to talk with each other as well as create venues to continue to learn so that they feel better prepared to have these conversations.” Despite the spike in overt antisemitism, Virginia Tech remains steadfast in its commitment to celebrate Jewish life and culture, while planning to openly honor its commitment to Israel. VT Hillel creates and hosts immersive trip experiences through the Onward Israel internship, Maccabee Taskforce Perspectives trip, and Birthright Israel slated for August. An Israel Fellow has spent hours upon hours reflecting with students on their relationship with Israel and Judaism, held countless group discussions, and continues to lead trips with Onward participants in Israel. “After Hillel of Virginia Tech’s Israel and VT flags were stolen, a feeling of unease grew within the Jewish community,” says Kurtz. “In the face of adversity, regardless of the challenges ahead with antisemitism on the rise both in the United States and around the world, Hillel at Virginia Tech will continue to work with the university administration to educate and combat bias, hate and antisemitism on campus.” Unlike VT, University of Virginia has been spared any major events, but preparation is in place. “The university has been and continues to be incredibly responsive to and supportive of Jewish students and Hillel at UVA,” says Rabbi Rubin. “I continue to be heartened and impressed with our students’ strong sense of Jewish identity and desire to support each other and educate the larger community.” Hate is a constant. Fear and ignorance
Virginia Tech students in Israel.
are the drivers and social media fuels good and evil. Jews believe the secret weapon goes back in time, even before the internet, like 4,000 years. William and Mary’s Shenkman Jewish Center takes security very seriously with state-of-the-art ID based entry systems, cameras installed throughout the building, and plans to install security shades on all windows and doors. The university has a working relationship with the Williamsburg and university police, as well as an ongoing relationship to a regional security manager who does regular security checks. “In the fall we are planning to bring in the ADL to have a conversation with students and faculty on the current wave of antisemitism and give participants a chance to voice their concerns,” says Litt. “Truly defeating antisemitism. Will take more than guards and alarms. “The Jewish people is a nation whose foundation is a Torah based ethical system. Because of this I can feel confident that as long as we live proper moral and ethical lives we will be OK,” says Litt. “Haters will hate. It is our job to live as well as we can, teach others what we stand for, be a light at a time of darkness, and inspire the world around us to aspire to greatness as well. If we can do that then I believe the world will come to push away the darkness and the hatred.” This is part of a series of articles spotlighting local and overseas partner agencies that are beneficiaries of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s annual Community Campaign.
jewishnewsva.org | June 14, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 5
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Everything you need to know about the Israeli government that will replace Benjamin Netanyahu
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( JTA)—After 12 straight years as Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is losing power—and the government that’s about to replace him is remarkable Benjamin Netanyahu. in its own right. Netanyahu’s ouster is a huge deal on its own. Over the past decade-plus, as the country’s longest-serving leader, he has become nearly synonymous with Israel— shaping its foreign and domestic policy as well as its international image, and personally guiding its relationship with the United States. Over the past two years, his desire to hold onto power—even as he stands trial on corruption charges—along with his opponents’ desire to oust him, have driven Israel’s political system into crisis. He has become so personally polarizing that a range of ideological allies turned against him—and are on the verge of replacing him. Now, Netanyahu’s opponents have announced that they have succeeded in defeating him. And when they get sworn in later this month, unless Netanyahu somehow manages to scuttle that, the government they form will itself break boundaries. It will be an unprecedented alliance of political right and left, Jews and Arabs, all dedicated to one goal: ending the Netanyahu era. At the same time, there are ways that, even under new leadership, Israel is unlikely to change. Here’s what you need to know about Israel’s incoming government. Netanyahu is losing power: how we got here. Israel has been trying and failing to elect a stable government for more than two years. And Netanyahu has come close to losing power before. But this time, it looks like it’s actually happening.
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A little background: Netanyahu seemed to have won Israel’s 2019 election, but his former partners deserted him and he couldn’t form a coalition. So, Israel held another election. Then it held another. Then yet another. Each time, neither Netanyahu nor his opponents gained a majority. There was a brief interlude where the rivals came together to form a coalition to address the pandemic, but that fell apart pretty quickly. This time around, if Netanyahu’s opponents weren’t able to team up, Israel would have held a fifth election. Almost no one wanted that to happen, so Netanyahu’s rivals decided to put aside their vast differences and form a coalition with one goal: to get rid of him. The incoming coalition is a testament to how much Israeli politics has become about Netanyahu himself. Three of the parties in the incoming government largely agree with Netanyahu on policy. But they dislike him so much that they’d rather team up with the Israeli left than give him another term in office. This amounts to a political reset for the Jewish state. To have any real memory of Israel before Netanyahu’s current tenure, you’d have to have been born well before the iPhone was released. For more than a decade, Netanyahu’s personality and politics have dominated Israel. No longer. This is the first coalition in Israeli history to include an Arab-Israeli party. There have been left-right coalitions in Israel before. But to reach a majority of Israel’s 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, the anti-Netanyahu alliance is doing something truly unprecedented in Israeli history: It is inviting an independent Arab-Israeli party to join the governing coalition. That hasn’t happened before for a few reasons: Although Arabs make up 20% of Israel’s citizenry, Israel’s largest political parties, on both the left and right, didn’t see Arab parties as legitimate political partners in a Jewish state. Arab parties, likewise, did not want to be seen
as granting legitimacy to Jewish governments. And often, the policy differences between Jewish and Arab parties were vast. But seven decades after Israel was founded, things have changed. Arab leaders have been more vocal about demanding a say in the way their country is governed. And the ongoing stalemate has given Arab parties a chance to be kingmaker. Faced with the prospect of losing power last year, Netanyahu (who once attacked the very idea of Arab citizens voting in elections) said he’d be willing to partner with Raam, an Islamist Arab party. That legitimized the idea of including Arabs in Israeli coalitions, and now, Raam is set to join Netanyahu’s rivals, and give them the slimmest of majorities.
The government will be an unprecedented alliance of political right and left, Jews and Arabs, all dedicated to one goal: ending the Netanyahu era.
Arabs have almost always been represented in Israel’s parliament. But now, for the first time ever, an Arab party will have an active say in Israel’s government. It is a narrow—and unwieldy— coalition of right and left. The coalition is unified on the goal of ousting Netanyahu, but it’s divided on pretty much everything else. It will contain eight different political parties, an unusually large number even in Israel’s famously tumultuous politics. And it will have the smallest possible majority in
ISRAEL parliament, so to get anything done, every single member will have to agree. To reconcile the different factions, the coalition will have two prime ministers: Naftali Bennett, who heads the right-wing Yamina party, will serve for two years and change. Then Yair Lapid, the leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, will take over for about the same amount of time. Both of them head historically small parties. Yesh Atid only has 17 seats (as opposed to the 30 held by Netanyahu’s Likud party). Yamina will have a paltry six seats. But this unorthodox arrangement is the only way to keep everyone in the coalition happy. It’s unclear how long this coalition will last. Previous ones that were more ideologically coherent have fallen apart quickly. The next prime minister, Naftali Bennett, will be the first religious Zionist to lead Israel. But no matter how long he serves, Naftali Bennett will earn the distinction of being the politician who replaced Netanyahu. He’s a staunch right-winger, often further to the right than Netanyahu, who opposes Palestinian statehood, supports West Bank settlement expansion, and has vowed to pursue a hawkish defense policy. He will also be the first religious Israeli prime minister. Netanyahu has become a reliable ally of the haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, parties, but personally he is secular, just like all of his predecessors. Bennett identifies as Orthodox and wears a kippah. His ascent is a sign of the growth, and growing influence, of religious Zionists in a state founded by secular Jewish socialists. Bennett will also be the first Israeli prime minister born of American parents. Like Netanyahu, he speaks fluent, basically natural English. When he worked in the tech world, before entering politics, he spent time living in New York. The conflict in Israel and Gaza came close to quashing this coalition— and also may have encouraged it. Before fighting broke out between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the same coalition appeared to be coming together. But the conflict in Gaza, and interethnic clashes
in Israel, threatened to derail it. Party leaders did not negotiate as rockets were flying. Mansour Abbas, the leader of the Raam party, froze talks with Lapid. Bennett said that he would no longer partner with the alliance of Netanyahu opponents. Then, soon after the sides reached a ceasefire, everyone seemed to return to where they had been before the fighting started. Bennett wrote a long Facebook post bashing Netanyahu. Abbas renewed negotiations. Lapid began signing coalition agreements with other parties. It may be that the fighting, after almost stopping this coalition in its tracks, ended up giving it even greater urgency. The government will not include any haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, parties. But it will still be mostly Ashkenazi and male. There are a lot of ways Israel’s incoming government will be different. There are also plenty of ways it will be the same.
Like every prime On the other hand, minister not named the coalition is so narrow Golda Meir, the next and fragmented that it leader of Israel will be an may be hard to pass any Ashkenazi Jewish man. major legislation. Number of And in certain ways, the continuous years of government will be less Don’t expect any big Benjamin Netanyahu as diverse than previous moves on IsraeliIsrael’s Prime Minister ones. Although it will Palestinian peace. include an unprecedented On that note, don’t expect number of parties, all but this to be the government one of those parties is led by a man. None that makes peace with the Palestinians. of the parties are led by Mizrahi Jews, or Bennett opposes Palestinian statehood, Jews of Middle Eastern descent. as do other members of the coalition. And none of the parties are haredi, Likewise, the left-wing and Arab parties after six years in which haredi parties will likely block any attempt to annex were given control of Israel’s religious parts of the West Bank. affairs. On the one hand, that means this Other governments have come in with government could reform Israel’s relipolicy platforms or an ideological progious policies, perhaps reducing funding gram. Because this one came together to to haredi institutions, requiring haredi oust Netanyahu and end a political crisis, men to enter Israel’s mandatory military it will have accomplished its goal the draft, or liberalizing Israel’s Jewish conmoment it gets sworn in. What happens version and marriage systems, which are next is anyone’s guess. controlled by the haredi Chief Rabbinate.
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ANTISEMITISM FIRST PERSON
Rise in antisemitism and an updated spelling A Terri Denison
T
he Virginian-Pilot printed two political cartoons that I found stunning on Monday, June 7. Both were commentaries on the recent surge in antisemitism with messages that the prejudice has just been hiding in the United States…that it’s never really disappeared. What surprised me? Certainly, not the existence of antisemitism. As the editor of Jewish News, I’m aware of antisemitic incidents wherever they take place throughout world, and especially within the U.S. What surprised me was that the problem has reached such levels that even our local newspaper, not just Jewish News, chose to focus on its ugly rise. Until recently, antisemitism was something that only Jewish communities spoke and wrote about. Fortunately, because of the widespread unfortunate, that is changing. In recent weeks many elected officials and celebrities—Jewish and Gentiles, alike—are speaking out against this noticeable shift in brazen antisemetic acts. Another not-so-important shift is the spelling of antisemitism, the hatred of Jews. Until now, the word or term has been commonly spelled anti-Semitism. It has become the norm, however, to move
to antisemitism. On its website, the Anti-Defamation League the leading anti-hate organization that was founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, explains, “The word “Semitic” was first used by a German historian in 1781 to bind together languages of Middle Eastern origin that have some linguistic similarities. The speakers of those languages, however, do not otherwise have shared heritage or history. There is no such thing as a Semitic peoplehood. Additionally, one could speak a Semitic language and still have anti-Semitic views.” ADL continues: “And in 1879, German journalist Wilhelm Marr coined “Antisemitismus” to mean hatred of the Jewish “race,” adding racial and pseudo-scientific overtones to the animus behind the word. But hatred toward Jews, both today and in the past, goes beyond any false perception of a Jewish race; it is wrapped up in complicated historical, political, religious, and social dynamics.” And, so, in keeping with the times, Jewish News will now eliminate the hyphen in antisemitism. While we don’t anticipate the hyphen’s removal to stifle the hatred, it does appear to clarify the term.
Governor Northam tweets condemnation of antisemitism
I
n tweet on Wednesday, June 2, Governor Ralph Northam, @GovernorVA wrote: Our country is seeing a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic attacks. Freedom of religion is a founding pillar of this nation—and it applies to every faith. Hate against anyone because of who they are, what they believe, or how they worship has no home in Virginia, or in America. Many thanks to Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, the first Jewish Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, for facilitating the Governor’s strong condemnation of antisemitism, in solidarity with the Jewish communities of Virginia. 8 | JEWISH NEWS | June 14, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org
Ralph Northam.
JCRC responds
mong the five core issues for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council, the first listed on its website is: Combating antisemitism, bigotry, and racism. In response to the increase in antisemitic incidents, in addition to the JCRC’s ongoing work of building relationships with diverse communites and government leaders, and working for the security of the Jewish community, Rabbi Batya Glazer, JCRC’s director, notes that in the past few weeks, JCRC has: • Posted a Resource sheet on antisemitism on JCRC’s website to offer assistance in how to respond to antisemitic acts. • Facilitated a conversation with YAD on response to anti-Israel, anti-Zionist social media messaging. • Contacted the Governor’s office, which issued a statement in
opposition to antisemitism (see statement on this page). • Planned programming with its Outreach committee in response to antisemitism. • Developed a task force to express appreciation for legislators’ support for Israel. • Shared Legislators statements. • Promoted national events such as Day of Action Against Antisemitism, To learn more about Jewish Community Relations Council, go to JewishVa.org or contact Rabbi Batya Glazer at bglazer@ujft.org.
Antisemitic incidences reported and recorded
A
s the violence between Israel and Hamas escalated, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt says that there was “a dangerous and drastic surge in anti-Jewish hate right here at home. We are tracking acts of harassment, vandalism, and violence as well as a torrent of online abuse. It’s happening around the world—from London to Los Angeles, from France to Florida, in big cities like New York and in small towns, and across every social media platform.” Since the conflict in the Mideast erupted on May 10: • A ntisemitic incidents reported to ADL in the U.S. increased by 75%, with 193 reports in the week after the crisis began, up from 131 the previous week. • A n analysis of Twitter in the days
following the outbreak of violence showed more than 17,000 tweets which used variations of the phrase, “Hitler was right” between May 7 and May 14, 2021. • Videos posted on Twitter appear to show at least one Jewish individual being beaten in Los Angeles, and Jews being intimidated on the street by individuals in cars carrying Palestinian flags. • Approximately 200 anti-Israel rallies have been held across the U.S since May 16. In more positive news, through an initiative of American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, more than 600 Mayors have spoken out and signed AJC’s statement to combat growing antisemitism.
Local Relationships Matter
OPINION Elie Wiesel’s son: Jews always speak up for everyone else. Now’s the time to stand up for ourselves. Elisha Wiesel
(New York Jewish Week via JTA)—In the 1960s, the Communist Party cut the Russian Jews off from the Jewish people. They prohibited them from wearing tefillin, or celebrating b’nai mitzvah, or expressing support for the State of Israel. They intimidated and imprisoned them. And the Communist Party governed with one big antisemitic lie: The Jews are the enemy of the workers. When my father Elie Wiesel visited, the Russian dissidents would ask him eagerly: How many in America are marching for us? And my father would be too ashamed to tell them how few there were. He wrote a book about it called The Jews of Silence. Many thought he was referring to the Soviet Jews, who had Elie Wiesel. to study our sacred texts in hushed secrecy. But he was referring to us: the American Jews who refused to speak up for their Jewish brethren across oceans and borders. Today, we are still victims of a terrible antisemitic lie, one that well-intentioned progressives who care about justice have too often swallowed. This big lie seeks to turn the fire of the racial justice movement against its earliest supporters: The Jews are White, the Palestinians are Black. The inconvenient truth for our haters is that the Jewish people are not the enemy of the workers. Or of people of color. Or of social justice. And that the modern Jewish nation has sought peace with her Arab neighbors since before she was created in 1948. The truth is that when half of our number finally governed themselves once again in their ancestral homeland of Israel, they built the socialized health care system that Bernie Sanders dreams of. The sons and daughters of the Ethiopian
Jewish community, airlifted out of Africa by Israel in the 1980s, are reaching the Knesset and the Eurovision stage. LGBTQ Arabs can follow their hearts and their faith freely in Israel, and an Arab political party may yet be the kingmaker in this year’s elections. The truth is that Hamas endangers civilians, Palestinian and Israeli, just to feed hatred. Their goal is the total eradication of the State of Israel. And now, once again, too many of us have shamefully become the Jews of Silence. We have spoken up for every cause but our own. It is time to shed our silence and speak with a loud voice. If you have been silent because you feel Israel can take care of itself, think again. Your voice matters. Just weeks ago, Hamas fired thousands of rockets at Israeli population centers with the express intent of maximizing civilian deaths. Iron Dome is why there aren’t thousands of murdered Jews. Some in Congress are clamoring for the United States to defund it. If you have been silent because you feel Israel can never have security without peace, then commit yourself to peace. And while you build this critical common ground with our Palestinian cousins, speak up for Israel which has given up land in the name of peace, most recently with disastrous consequences in Gaza. If you have been silent because “antisemitism could never happen here,” then take a look around. It is no longer just the Lubavitch asking “are you Jewish?” to help you do a mitzvah. Roving gangs of anti-Israel demonstrators in New York and Los Angeles are asking the same question. They brandish knives. They throw fists, bottles and hateful words. And if you have been silent because you felt you stood alone, I promise you
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that you are not alone. Over 30 years ago, my father and other leaders of the Jewish community convened a quarter of a million of us and our allies in Washington, D.C. to show solidarity with Soviet Jewry on Freedom Sunday. It is now our generation’s turn to speak our truth: Neither the millions of us here in the United States nor our Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel are going anywhere. We will not bow to terror. At the height of this most recent conflict, President Biden defended the dream of a two-state solution and directly
spoke against the hatred at the core of the Hamas charter, saying, “Until the region says unequivocally that they acknowledge the right of Israel to exist as an independent Jewish state, there will be no peace.” I am grateful to President Biden for standing with the Jewish people. Now it is our turn. Let’s end our silence and join him. The views and opinions expressed in this article 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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WASHINGTON ( JTA)—American Jewish voters give President Joe Biden a 70% approval rating, an American Jewish Committee poll found, while 26% of Jewish voters disapprove of his job performance. The survey published Wednesday, June 2, the first of its kind so far in Biden’s presidency, is commensurate with past Jewish support for Democratic presidents. It is released as Biden seeks to quell the coronavirus pandemic that consumed the final year of Donald Trump’s presidency, calm racial tensions roiled by a year of protests against police violence, revive the economy, and manage the crisis engendered by the conflict last month between Israel and Hamas. The survey showed that 79% of respondents approved of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and 19% disapproved; 68% approved of his handling of race relations and 28% disapproved; and 71% approved of his handling of the economy, while 27% disapproved. On antisemitism, which has spiked in recent months, 64% approve of how Biden handles the threat, while 23% disapprove. Biden did not fare as well on the immigration issue during a crisis as migrants increase at the Mexico-U.S. border: 54% of respondents approved
and 42% disapproved of how he has handled immigration. Other issues with narrower gaps were his handling of the Middle East: 58% percent approve of his handling of U.S.Israel relations, while 27% disapprove. The survey of 1,000 respondents reached by phone took place March 25-May 9, the day before the Israel-Hamas war broke out. Biden also wants to reenter the Iran nuclear deal. The survey found that 55% percent of respondents approve of Biden’s handling of the Iranian nuclear issue, while 32% do not. Biden had the approval of only 19 percent of Orthodox Jews. In recent years, Orthodox Jewish polling has shown that the community politically is the polar opposite of the broader Jewish community, with overwhelming majorities of Orthodox voters supporting Republicans. The survey was carried out by the SSRS research firm and has a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points, although the margin would be larger for subsets, for instance, in measuring the Orthodox community’s approval. Elements of the survey covering “U.S. political issues, U.S-Israel relations, and the peace process,” will be released later this month, an AJC release said.
Biden: Antisemitic attacks ‘terrorizing’ American Jews must stop Ron Kampeas
WASHINGTON (JTA)—President Joe Biden said a spate of antisemitic attacks are terrorizing American Jews and “must stop.” “In the last weeks, our nation has seen a series of anti-Semitic attacks, targeting and terrorizing American Jews,” Biden said in a statement released Friday, May 28. Secure Community Network, which coordinates security for American Jewish institutions, says antisemitic 10 | JEWISH NEWS | June 14, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org
attacks, including vandalism and physical attacks, have increased 80 percent over the last month, spurred in part by Israel’s war with Hamas. Biden named some of the attacks. “We have seen a brick thrown through [the] window of a Jewish-owned business in Manhattan, a swastika carved into the door of a synagogue in Salt Lake City, families threatened outside a restaurant in Los Angeles, and museums in Florida and Alaska, dedicated to celebrating Jewish life and culture and remembering the Holocaust, vandalized
with anti-Jewish messages,” the statement said. “These attacks are despicable, unconscionable, un-American, and they must stop.” Biden did not mention measures he was taking but referred to a memo Attorney General Merrick Garland sent Justice Department staff on Thursday, May 27. Garland said he would increase resources to streamline the reporting of hate crimes, designate staff to enforce civil and criminal civil rights statutes, and increase coordination with local communities.
RIDING FOR A CAUSE
41 Jewish delis, 1 motorcycle: The Great American Deli Schlep aims to raise awareness about hunger Gabe Friedman
(JTA)—Motorcyclist Steve Goode is on the way to Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. But on a recent phone call from a hotel room, he doesn’t know exactly where he is. Turns out he’s in Richmond, Indiana, a few days into a 75-day trek called the Great American Deli Schlep, during which he will stop at 41 Jewish delis across the United States to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity. He started out at Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen in his native Chicago, then hit Shapiro’s in Indianapolis, then Stevens & Stevens in Louisville, before turning around to go back up to Michigan. It’s all part of a meticulously mapped-out sequence that will bring him in contact with every state in the continental U.S. Goode, a retired real estate developer and longtime cross-country biker, was inspired to organize the schlep by a map of the country’s best Jewish delis compiled by The Nosher in 2018. He partnered with Mazon—a Jewish nonprofit working to combat hunger—to help with the logistics and getting the word out. On each stop, he tries to meet with the deli owners for conversation and photo ops—some have been wary to connect with him because they think he’s going to ask them for money for the cause, which he’s not. He’s well aware of how the COVID crisis battered restaurants—even many of the well-known delis on his list, like Katz’s in New York and Canter’s in Los Angeles — in addition to low-income families and service industry workers. “Before the pandemic, the number [Mazon talks] about is like 38 million people are food insecure, which means at some point during the year, they didn’t know where their next meal was coming from, or how they were going to feed their families,” Goode says. “That has jumped, according to Mazon, to about 80 million” during the pandemic. He’s also hoping to meet with locals
who can follow his trip in blog form on Mazon’s social media pages, and to ride into town with local chapters of the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance—a national network of groups of Jewish motorcycle aficionados, with names such as the Chaiway Riders (Goode’s Chicago club) and Hillel’s Angels in New Jersey. He wants the New York City branch to help him navigate the Manhattan traffic he found intimidating on his way to Katz’s on his 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour bike. “Yeah, that’s going to be a frightening ride,” he says.
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Two Jews, several Jewish deli opinions. Goode, 66, who has served on the board of his Reform synagogue, B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield, Illinois, and helps organize the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival, has been in love with motorcycle touring since high school. In 2013, he touched all four corners of the continental U.S. The following year he touched all 48 states. In 2017 he visited all 47 national parks. Goode has also already observed some pandemic-era changes on the road, too. “I don’t know if the beards are longer because of COVID. They appear to be, though. A few more tattoos, too,” he said. As for the delis he’s most looking forward to visiting, he said he’s heard a lot about Canter’s in L.A. and Corky & Lenny’s near Cleveland, which have slung Jewish sandwiches since 1931 and 1956 respectively—but he’s having trouble tuning out the many suggestions of his friends, who he says clearly aren’t looking at the map he and Mazon meticulously planned. Two Jews, several Jewish deli opinions. “This list was assembled by Nosher magazine. I’m just riding…I mean, that’s the one thing everybody’s got an opinion about: food.”
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JScreen launches national cancer genetic screening program (ATLANTA)—JScreen, a national public health initiative based out of Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Human Genetics, announced a new program that will offer at-home testing for more than 60 cancer susceptibility genes associated with hereditary risks for breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, skin, and many other cancers. “Making cancer genetic testing accessible is key,” says Jane Lowe Meisel, MD, associate professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine, and medical director for JScreen’s cancer program. “This type of testing is important because it alerts people to their risks before they get cancer. They can then take action to help prevent cancer altogether or to detect it at an early, treatable stage.” Unlike direct to consumer companies, JScreen’s cancer program offers highly accurate testing that uses state-of-theart genetic sequencing technology. The robust cancer testing panel includes genes that are actionable, meaning there is something that can be done to help prevent cancer if a person tests positive. Importantly, licensed genetic counselors provide information via phone or secure video conferencing to ensure that people understand their results. Until now, JScreen’s focus has been on reproductive carrier screening for diseases like Tay-Sachs that occur more commonly in the Jewish population, as well as diseases such as cystic fibrosis that are common in the general population. JScreen has tested thousands of participants and given high-risk couples essential information about options to help them have healthy children. JScreen heard from members of Jewish communities across the U.S. that they were interested in genetic testing to assess personal cancer risk. Their concerns stemmed from the fact that Ashkenazi Jewish men and women face a 1 in 40 risk of carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes; this is more than 10
times the risk in the general population. Ashkenazi Jews are at increased risk for carrying these mutations even if they do not have a personal or close family history of BRCA-related cancers.
“After I underwent screening, I found out I was BRCA2 positive.”
To meet this need, JScreen and Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute launched the Atlanta PEACH BRCA pilot study in July of 2019 to assess interest in testing for the BRCA genes. Through this study, JScreen offered at-home BRCA testing to eligible Ashkenazi Jews age 25 and older who did not have personal or close family histories of related cancers, but were at risk based on their ancestry. The study enrolled more than 500 eligible participants in less than 6 months. The results of this study confirmed interest in at-home cancer genetic testing forBRCA and other cancer susceptibility genes in this community, and helped inform best practices for the national launch of JScreen’s cancer genetic screening initiative. “I never even thought to get screened until I learned about JScreen’s study in Atlanta last year,” says Karen Smerling, age 62, of Atlanta. “After I underwent screening, I found out I was BRCA2 positive. I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy before cancer could possibly come my way. JScreen did indeed save my life and can do so for others who take the first steps toward genetic testing.” Visit JScreen.org for more information.
Health Care
TJF Community Impact Grant helps Beth Sholom Village telehealth initiative Thomas Mills
T
idewater Jewish Foundation awarded a $25,000 Community Impact Grant to Beth Sholom Village for their new comprehensive telehealth initiative in March. “We are very excited to introduce this technology program to our residents, families, and staff,” says Amy Weinstein, BSV director of philanthropy. “The benefits of an effective telemedicine program during a pandemic are undeniable. This technology is the future of proactive, day-to-day resident care in senior communities.” The telemedicine initiative aims to provide countless benefits to Beth Sholom Village residents through mobile telehealth carts. These carts, equipped with a camera, microphone, display, wireless access points, a variety of medical scope attachments, and more will provide realtime health services to residents without the need to go into a hospital or medical center. TJF’s grant will cover the approximate cost of the equipment and software for one of four mobile telehealth carts. “Our expertise with state-of-the-art telemedicine technology will set Beth Sholom apart as the provider of choice regionally – both improving our ability to recruit new long-term residents and fill staff openings,” says Weinstein. In addition to a reduction of hospitalizations and emergency room visits, BSV hopes the mobile telehealth carts will provide faster diagnoses and evaluations and remote participation of family members in healthcare decisions. “The Tidewater Jewish Foundation is proud to support Beth Sholom’s innovation in health care delivery to members of our community by investing in this telehealth initiative,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO. “TJF exists to assist the Tidewater Jewish community’s future by promoting necessary, creative, and innovative solutions to present and future needs.” The telehealth carts will also help with
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“This innovative technology will also help increase tele-visits with family, friends, and clergy, helping see BSV through the end of this pandemic, and beyond,” says Weinstein. “At BSV, telehealth will not replace human interactions, it will simply enhance our collaborative and holistic approach to patient care.” For more information on how to support Community Impact Grants, contact Ann Swindell, TJF Donor Relations and Grant manager, at aswindell@ujft.org or 757-965-6106.
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hen New York was caught in the midst of a brutal wave of COVID-19 last spring, the daily death toll reaching as high as 800, the stress for many Orthodox Jewish schoolchildren was overwhelming. They were catching the coronavirus in high numbers. And their parents or grandparents were frequently falling ill— many subsequently died or developed long-haul symptoms. Now, a year on, that trauma hasn’t subsided. “That was very hard for children to live with,” says psychologist Norman Blumenthal, director of the trauma, bereavement and crisis response team at Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services. “We told them we understand how they feel. Sometimes, if they are really beset by guilt, we try to give them something to do to honor their parent or grandparent. We might also have them undertake a religious practice to honor” the deceased. Ohel, a nonprofit partner of UJAFederation of New York, is one of four Jewish organizations participating in a program called Partners in Caring that brings mental health services to students and their families in Jewish day schools and yeshivas in New York City, Westchester County and Long Island. Those services had been in place before COVID-19 struck—UJA-Federation had created Partners in Caring in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in 2001 to support unmet mental health needs— making it easier to respond quickly when the pandemic arrived. In March 2020, when schools in New York state suspended in-person instruction in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, UJA-Federation began meeting weekly with the mental health
professionals in schools to understand what was happening in the community, what the needs were and how to address them. “We were hearing about grief and loss,” says Meredith Zylberberg, who oversees UJA’s mental health portfolio. “From March through June [2020] those agencies told us how overwhelming it was having to shift to virtual learning at their current level of funding. That was a determining factor in our decision to add more funding to those agencies.”
One of the most common mental health challenges has been children dealing with the death of a parent or grandparent from COVID.
In total, UJA-Federation sent an extra $750,000 to four agencies dealing with child mental health: Ohel, the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Westchester Jewish Community Services and the Jewish Childcare Association. Mental health problems have soared during the pandemic, especially among the young. “We are seeing a dramatic increase in suicide among children and adolescents,” Blumenthal says. “Suicide is the third most common death for teenagers
Health Care following accidents and cancer.” The director of Ohel’s children’s services, Tzivia Reiter, helped create a COVID Resilience Workbook to help teachers understand children’s concerns, express those feelings through art or writing, and develop coping skills. “Through the various activity pages, the children develop self-regulation skills, a critical tool to help them cope with adversity,” Reiter says. One of the most common mental health challenges has been children dealing with the death of a parent or grandparent from COVID. Anna Kalinkina, a social worker and program coordinator for Partners in Caring at the Jewish Child Care Association, says she worked with a high school student whose parents were both on ventilators with the virus. “I Zoomed with the boy and I spoke with him on the phone to provide emotional support,” she says. The mother recovered but his father died. The association has provided the family with financial support. Virtual schooling posed its own challenges for families, including heightened sibling rivalries, family tension and stress from parents losing their jobs. Many families struggled with financial problems, insufficient food and too few computers in the family. “The pandemic caused alarming rises in the rates of depression, grief and suicidal ideation in youth and adults,” says Brenda Haas, a social worker with Westchester Jewish Community Services. One silver lining of the pandemic, Haas says, is there appears to be less stigma now about seeking help for mental health. “People are noticing and sharing more about their mental health challenges,” she says, noting, “and it has never been as significant.” Students are not the only ones in need of mental health. Educators and administrators also are asking for assistance, says Rivka Nissel, team director at the Jewish Board’s Seymour Askin Counseling Center in Brooklyn. “Working with adults in the schools has become more necessary due to COVID,” Nissel says. “If the teaching staff
A Recipe for If the teaching staff is stressed, overwhelmed or experiencing trauma, it is difficult for them to contain it and model emotional wellness to their students.
is stressed, overwhelmed or experiencing trauma, it is difficult for them to contain it and model emotional wellness to their students. The adults in the system have asked for more support in the past year than they did two years ago.” The Jewish Board has 15 mental health therapists providing more than 200 hours of service to about 2,000 students aged 5-18 in 13 Brooklyn yeshivas. Another 175 students receive ongoing psychotherapy in the board’s four satellite clinics. Because nine of the 13 ultra-Orthodox yeshivas in the Jewish Board’s network did not use Zoom for remote learning, classes were held by telephone, and mental health professionals “had to be flexible and creative” in offering counseling by phone, Nissel says. Now, as adults and teenagers are vaccinated, mental health professionals will continue to be on the case, helping people transition to the new normal. “We will go through a healing process as we come out of hibernation,” Haas says. This story was sponsored by and produced in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York, which cares for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, responds to crises close to home and far away, and shapes the Jewish future. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team.
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Health Care
With new at-home paramedic service, Israel’s national ambulance service becomes telemedicine pioneer Michele Chabin
JERUSALEM—The elderly grandmother had a fever and felt weak, despite the antibiotics her family doctor had prescribed a couple of days earlier for a urinary tract infection. Instead of feeling better, she was getting worse. That’s when her worried family made an urgent call to Magen David Adom— Israel’s national emergency medical service—so she could receive prompt medical attention and be transported to the hospital for treatment. When MDA’s emergency medical personnel arrived at the woman’s apartment, however, her home became a makeshift medical clinic. One EMT accessed her medical history and medications on the tablet he carried. Another checked the woman’s vitals and examined her for obvious signs of pain or infection. To the surprise of the woman’s family, the first responders then video-chatted with a physician trained to work with MDA paramedics and EMTs. Under the physician’s guidance, they performed a series of tests, including an electrocardiogram and a urine test—the latter to determine whether the patient still had an infection. Using telemedicine technology, the paramedics transmitted the test results to the doctor. He, along with the first responders, concluded that the woman was in good health overall but that the antibiotic she had been prescribed earlier wasn’t working. “Instead of ordering her to the hospital, the physician prescribed a stronger antibiotic and sent the order electronically to her local pharmacy for her family to retrieve,” says Anat Gilgal, MDA’s paramedic supervisor for Israel’s central Sharon region. “Furthermore, the woman’s family doctor received all the information, so he can provide follow-up care.” Most importantly, Gilgal says, “she was able to stay home, in the comfort of her home, instead of the hospital’s emergency
department.” The encounter is emblematic of a cutting-edge, pilot telemedicine program Magen David Adom launched in October. The Community Medicine Initiative is significantly reducing the number of patients sent to the country’s overcrowded hospital emergency rooms. In one review of some 1,000 patients who called for an ambulance, 70% were deemed well enough to be treated by health care professionals outside a hospital setting. (As Israel’s national ambulance service, Magen David Adom handles all calls for ambulances received at the national emergency hotline, 101.) Prior to the program, all of those patients would have been transported to the hospital unless they refused transport. The pilot, which is being funded in part by Israel’s Health Ministry, is serving the Yarkon and Sharon regions of central Israel. All the patients are members of Maccabi, the second largest of Israel’s four national HMOs. Starting in mid-June, Magen David Adom will significantly ratchet up the program, expanding it to Israel’s entire central region and Jerusalem. “This will free up innumerable hospital beds and ambulances for other Israelis who need them and save the government and health care system millions of shekels,” says MDA’s chief of staff, Uri Shaham. “It will also keep many patients at home where they’re most comfortable recuperating, and ultimately provide better medical care for thousands of Israelis.” The program, which could reduce the number of patients requiring hospitalization by as much as one-third, allows paramedics and EMTs to perform EKGs and test a patient’s blood-oxygen saturation, lung capacity, and blood pressure, and to examine the patient’s ears, nose, and throat. Once the information is transmitted to a doctor, the on-the-ground team and doctor jointly assess whether the patient should be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Although MDA came up with the
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idea several years ago, it was the COVID19 pandemic that finally convinced the Health Ministry that keeping non-emergency patients at home was better for both the patient and Israel’s overburdened medical system, says Dr. Refael Strugo, MDA’s medical director. “It’s better medicine,” Strugo says. “If the world was taught anything during COVID, it’s that it is better to treat patients, and especially the elderly, in their home environment.”
Prior to the program, all of those patients would have been transported to the hospital unless they refused transport. Many geriatric patients experience physical, emotional, and cognitive decline when hospitalized, Strugo notes. Hospitalacquired infections, disorientation, falls, undernourishment, and being improperly medicated all can take a toll. “Hospitalization is actually a death penalty for many geriatric patients,” Strugo says. “Therefore, if a patient has a medical problem that can be diagnosed and treated at home, it benefits everyone.” Israel’s hospitals are notoriously overcrowded. While the population is growing rapidly—now at some 9.3 million citizens—the government’s investments in hospital expansion have failed to keep up. In 2019, Israel had three hospital beds per 1,000 people compared to 4.7 beds per 1,000 in other Western countries on the OECD index. Israel also had fewer nurses: 5.1 nurses per 1,000 people compared to an OECD average of 8.8. Health systems all over the world are searching for better ways to provide high-quality medical care while lowering the rate of emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Strugo attributes the change in part to attitude shifts over the last 10–15 years toward what constitutes an emergency.
“In the past, you dialed 911 [or 101 in Israel] in case of a major trauma or heart attack,” he says. “Nowadays, people dial 911 or 101 for minor problems. We realized that a large percentage of the patients who were taken to the hospital were sent home within a few hours.” The key to avoiding unnecessary and costly emergency department visits is triage in the field, Gilgal says . “EMTs and paramedics are already trained to know who in general needs to be evacuated to the hospital quickly and who not, so triage is already an intrinsic part of their job,” she says. Before taking part in the program, MDA’s first responders learn how to perform and transmit medical tests, and how to work remotely with physicians. Dr. Michael Drescher, chief of emergency medicine at Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikvah and chairman of the Israel Association of Emergency Medicine, called MDA’s community telemedicine program “an extension of the doctor’s ability” to assess a patient. “It makes good sense. The upside is that patients can be seen more quickly,” he says. “They can stay home if they don’t need to be sent to the hospital. And it’s a way to evacuate them immediately if they need immediate care.” Gilgal says she hopes that the Health Ministry will soon permit MDA first responders to perform blood and enzyme tests at a patient’s home, expanding the burden they can take off doctors and hospitals. “Having the ability to do blood tests and to test enzymes, especially to detect a heart attack while it’s happening,” Gilgal says, “will be a game changer.” This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), the largest supporter of MDA worldwide. MDA is Israel’s national ambulance, blood-services and disaster-relief organization, as well as Israel’s representative to the International Red Cross. This story was produced by JTA’s native content team.
ARTS & CULTURE
Anne Frank’s famous optimism gets a bluegrass twang in Nefesh Mountain’s new song Gabe Friedman
(JTA)—If anyone can pull off a bluegrass song about Anne Frank, it’s Nefesh Mountain, a husband-and-wife duo from New Jersey that has been a standard-bearer of Jewish bluegrass for years. The group has appeared in Rolling Stone and national bluegrass magazines and worked with some of the most respected bluegrass session players as they have put an Americana spin on Jewish prayers such as Mi Chamocha and Modeh Ani and released other songs that tap into Jewish traditions. They’ve also performed in Tidewater. “What we’re doing is not goofy at all, it’s very soulful and very honest,” singer Doni Zasloff told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in 2017. Piece of the Sun, is a track from their upcoming third album, Songs For the Sparrows, which was released Friday, June
11—the day before what would have been Frank’s 92nd birthday, had she not died in a Nazi concentration camp in 1945. In the song, Zasloff recalls an episode from years ago when her young daughter, about 3 at the time, said during a car ride that “everyone in the world has a piece of the sun inside of them.” She and her husband, Eric Lindberg, who sings backup vocals in addition to playing the main guitar parts on the record, were stunned. “While of course it was ridiculously cute, there was also something profound in what she was trying to say,” Zasloff says. “When Eric and I started to write this song we very quickly found our way to the inspirational Anne Frank, who against all odds was able to see this beautiful light in all people.” The song relates Frank’s observations to their daughter’s comment and ultimately urges their daughter to look for lessons in the famous Holocaust diary on her own.
“When I was young and lost at sea/ Your grandma gave this book to me,” Zasloff sings. “It’s all in here but I can’t explain/ Why history has so much pain./ But just as every new day comes/ So does our flame, our piece of the sun.” The album is a response to the wave of feelings and emotions the pair felt after coming back from their “roots trip” to Poland and Ukraine, where they visited many towns and cities where their ancestors were from—just two months before the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, which left them numb with sorrow. “We stayed home with our family and talked about what was going on with our kids, but in truth we really couldn’t process all that much at the time,” Zasloff says. But then they wrote a song for the victims. “It was the next morning that Eric woke up and began playing these very somber melodies and broken chords on
the banjo, and we both knew what and who this song was for,” she says. “We wrote Tree Of Life that day for the communities in Pittsburgh with only the hopes that it might relieve their pain, if only for a few seconds. Strangely enough though it seemed to take on a life of its own, and before we knew it hundreds of communities were singing Tree Of Life for their own memorials, vigils, and services that very next weekend.” The song closes the new album. So why Songs For the Sparrows? “[T]he sparrow is a bird that lives all over the world, on every continent. For us these little birds symbolize the small but mighty voices that have been discriminated against throughout the ages,” Lindberg says. “These songs on the album are for them; for the lives that were lost in the Holocaust, for the voices silenced, for anyone facing hate, antisemitism, racism, sexism.”
Virginia festival
jewish film of
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IT’S A WRAP SIA first graders receive their first Siddur at first in-person event of this school year Rashi Brashevitzky
I
t was a day of firsts for Strelitz International Acadmeny’s first grade students. On Friday, May 21, SIA first graders each received their very own Siddur (prayer book). In line with the SIA Hebrew Language, SIA first grade students have been learning to read and write in Hebrew, building their repertoire of Tefillot (prayers) since the first day of school. The ceremony included the children using these newly acquired skills during a beautiful outdoor performance. Dressed in white, the first grade students took their places on the stage and sang some of the prayers they had learned from their teacher, Marnie Waldman. The first graders smiled brightly, sang
beautifully, and held their brand new Siddurim with a great sense of pride. The performance finale was the singing of Oseh Shalom, praying for a time when peace will reign all over the world. The event concluded with students receiving celebratory cupcakes and posing for photos with their Siddur and parents. Students will continue to use their personal siddur throughout their time at the Strelitz International Academy. Upon graduation in fifth grade, students will have learned the prayers of the siddur, as well as understand the messages of history, gratitude, and connection with Israel and the Jewish community.
First graders perform.
Rashi Brashevitzky is Strelitz International Academy’s Judaic Studies director.
Jenn, Emma, and Dave Belman.
Calanit and Leora Warren.
Hillary, Jaxon, and Damien Gordon.
Lisa, Abbey, and Adam Walker.
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IT’S A WRAP
UJFT CAMPAIGN
Gifting stock… what you need to know
BINA bakes for Film Festival
B
INA High School collaborated with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater at a recent Virginia Festival of Jewish Film program. The movie’s theme inspired the organizers to want to offer pastries for sale at the event. They contacted BINA High School, and the board joined with the senior class to put together a collection of delicious homemade baked goods for the viewers to enjoy.
U
nited Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s donors paying their campaign pledge balances—or making a donation with appreciated stock (an excellent tax savings way to pay)—should contact Patty Malone, UJFT Campaign administrative assistant, at pmalone@ujft.org or 757-965-6115. She needs to know the donor’s name, the stock name or ticker symbol, and the number of shares being sent. UJFT thanks all donors for their generosity and support. The Federation and its partner agencies could not do its work without all of the financial support. TODAY. TOMORROW. TOGETHER. This is how to repair the world.
Minna Haber and Shifra Chana Harpaz, BINA seniors, bake in B’nai Israel’s kitchen.
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CALENDAR JUNE 14, MONDAY It is said that, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” In Lisa Goldberg’s memoir, The Apple and the Shady Tree: The Mafia, My Family, and Me, she explores the veracity of this proverb by examining her complicated relationship with her father, whose closest friends happen to be bosses of the Genovese crime family. As part of the Simon Family JCC’s Book Club Series, and presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival.12 pm. Free and open to the community with pre-registration required. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA. org/BookFest or contact Jill Grossman, director, Arts + Ideas, at jgrossman@ujft.org or 757-965-6137. JUNE 15, TUESDAY UJFT Biennial Meeting and Installation of Officers. Outside on the Sandler Family Campus. Recognition of Amy Moss Levy, outgoing president and of Laura G. Gross, incoming president. Presentation of Community Awards, including the Harry Graber Award for Outstanding Achievement in Jewish Communal Service and the Joseph H. Strelitz Memorial Award for Distinguished Community Service. Kosher hors d’oeuvres served. 6:30 pm, reception; 7 -8 pm, program. RSVP required. To RSVP or for more information, contact Wynston Hammack at whammack@ujft.org or 757-965-6124.
Chris Lyon
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JUNE 23, WEDNESDAY Beth Sholom Village Biennial Board Meeting. Open to the community. 6 pm. RSVP required. Zoom link and program will follow. For information and to RSVP, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/154553364273.
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JUNE 24, THURSDAY Considered one of the quintessential Jewish coming-of-age films, Keeping Up With The Steins offers a unique experience in true retro style—a multigenerational bonding experience the entire family will enjoy. In partnership with Simon Family JCC Summer Camp, as part of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Patricia & Avraham Ashkenazi and Alma & Howard Laderberg Virginia Festival of Jewish Film. 8 pm. Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community. Tickets are $12 per person, children 12 and under, and camp families, free. Kosher cookout dinner begins at 6:30 pm, included with pre-registration required by June 17. For more information on the 28th Annual Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, and to register, go to JewishVA.org/FilmFest or contact Jill Grossman, director, Arts + Ideas, at jgrossman@ujft.org or 757-965-6137.
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Got Bar and Bat Mitzvah photos to share?
emember braces and voice changes? Memorizing your Torah portion? Giving a speech? Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah was probably one of the most memorable days in your Jewish life. This is a perfect excuse to share your favorite (and awkward!) pictures from the occasion. Send photos, including your name and the year, to Jill Grossman at jgrossman@ ujft.org. We will post a picture each day on social media leading up to our outdoor cookout and screening of Keeping Up with the Steins on Thursday, June 24, with an opportunity for the community to take a guess! Any idea who this Bar Mitzvah boy is? Send your guess to jgrossman@ujft.org.
WHO KNEW?
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BHAD BHABIE AND LIL YACHTY INVEST $1 MILLION IN JEWISH DATING APP LOX CLUB
had Bhabie and Lil Yachty have invested in Lox Club, a Jewish dating app for people “with ridiculously high standards.” The two rappers have made the $1 million investment in partnership with Adam Kluger, an agent for musical artists, according to Variety. Kluger was Bhad Bhabie’s manager and partners with Lil Yachty on investments. Bhad Bhabie’s
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father is Jewish. Lox Club, founded late last year, says it is looking for “authentic, well-rounded people. Those with ambitious dreams and careers, who can make you both think and laugh. We don’t care about your Instagram following.” The app has an application process and a membership fee, and members work with a matchmaker. (JTA)
MAYIM BIALIK MAKES JEOPARDY! GUEST HOST DEBUT
ewish actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik began her two-week stint as a guest host on Jeopardy! Monday, May 31, paying tribute to her “creative and academic family” and the show’s late host Alex Trebek in her opening remarks. Bialik, who has written about her Jewish identity in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and beyond, drew praise on social media after the first night of her run, which went through June 11. The show is matching the amount won by contestants to her charity of choice, the
National Alliance on Mental Illness. She has written in Kveller about some of her family members’ struggles with mental illness. Bialik posted a video to social media talking about her performance wearing a Star of David necklace. She follows a string of previous guest hosts who have rotated in after Trebek’s death in November, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, and former Jewish contestant Buzzy Cohen. (JTA)
MAZEL TOV TO ACHIEVEMENT Pam Blais on her selection as a finalist in the Hometown Hero category of the National Museum of American Jewish History’s Only in America Gallery/Hall of Fame for her work in feeding and caring for frontline healthcare teams during COVID, with The Pantry Box Project, which she started. If Blais receives the most votes, she will be recognized as the first ever OIA Hometown Hero and participate in the annual induction ceremony. Blais will also receive half of all donations made to the Museum throughout the voting process to honor her work in the community. It is possible to vote once every 12 hours until June 21 at https://on.nmajh.org/3gfXaUJ. BIRTH Zach and Courtney Lewis on the birth of their son, William David Lewis, born on April 18. His excited big sister is Carrington. Paternal grandparents Beth and Nathan Jaffe, great-grandparents Joan and Bob Cohen, and maternal grandparents Diane and Randy Carrington are thrilled to welcome this new addition to the family!
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OBITUARIES CECELIA HIGGER VIRGINIA BEACH—Cecelia Higger, 95, a resident at Beth Sholom Terrace, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2021 in Virginia Beach. Cecelia was born in Havana, Cuba to Ida Miller and Sam Rebe. At age 19, Cecelia immigrated to America with her parents and baby sister, Sarita (Sachs). They were reunited with older sister, Rosy (Wrobel) and multiple cousins, aunts, and uncles. Cecelia was always very family oriented and the glue that bonded her family. She was always the life of the party. Cecelia always had a strong work ethic. She sold real estate, owned and operated Higger’s Market in Portsmouth, managed apartment complexes, and helped her beloved husband of 60 years, Sonny, in his coin and gun shop. Cecelia lived the last seven years of her life at Beth Sholom. She enjoyed socializing, pottery, painting, and her dream was to start a stock club for the Terrace residents. Cecelia’s sense of humor, devotion, temperament and personality won the hearts and devotion of all who knew and loved her. Cecelia is survived by her daughters, Rochelle Pollack, and her husband, Si, Harriett Hickman and her husband, Clayton, and Marsha Block (Howie), a brother-in-law, Daniel Higger and his wife, Francis, and a brother-in-law, Bert Sachs (Sarita). Cecelia is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Shaun and Kathleen Kravitz, Lisa Kravitz, Scott Block, Jared Hickman, Allison and Shaun Lloyd, Joy Tomlinson and Jerry and BG Pollack, and three great-grandchildren, Sydney Tomlinson, Vanessa Tomlinson and Adelyn Lloyd, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A funeral service was conducted graveside at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Donations may be made to Beth Sholom of Eastern Virginia, 6401 Auburn Drive, Va. Beach, Va. 23464. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com. STEVEN LIEBERMAN NORFOLK—Steven Lieberman, 75, passed away May 27, 2021 at Norfolk Heart Hospital. Steve was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 6, 1946 to Richard and Esther
Margolies Lieberman. He moved, with his family, to Roanoke, Va. and several years later to Richmond, Va. He graduated from Douglas Freeman High School, VCU, and Washington College of Law. Steve served as City Attorney of Portsmouth, Va. before entering private practice. Steve loved playing golf, having had three holes in one, all at his favorite course, Cypress Point, in Virginia Beach. He played with friends in the “Lieberman Group” for many years. Steve loved the New York Giants football team and the San Francisco Giants baseball team. He boasted that he was born on the same day as his idol, Willie. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sherry Blum Lieberman. Son, Brian Lieberman, daughter Lisa Thatch, husband John Thatch and his special loves that call him Pop, Ashlyn Lieberman, Evan Lieberman, Tyler Thatch, Hunter Thatch, Tara Thatch, and Duane Lieberman. His sister, Marilyn Eber, South Bend, Indiana who shared his birthday, May 6, sister and brother-in-law, Linda Green and Ernie Smith, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, loving nieces, cousins, aunts and friends. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
IRENE IDA BANKS MAZEL VIRGINIA BEACH—Irene Ida Banks Mazel, 90, passed away on May 9, 2021. She was born to William and Lottie Banks, one of seven children. She graduated high school at 16 and worked for United Insurance Company from age 17 to 31. She liked to say “I had 47 men under me” to describe her responsibilities. Irene was active in many local organizations, serving as president of the PTA at the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and president of the Sisterhood at B’nai Israel Congregation many times. Irene personally cared for her husband, Willie, for the last 10 years of his life. She was a selfless mother who cared greatly for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by her husband and youngest son, Joel. She is survived by her sons Mark (Hindi) Mazel and David (Jodi) Mazel, a brother
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Howard Banks, a sister Trudy (Behrooz) Dayanim, and many nieces and nephews. She has nine grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Her family thanks The Terrace at Beth Sholom and Freda Gordon Hospice for their care and B’nai Israel Congregation for its love and kindnesses throughout her life. A graveside service was held at B’nai Israel Cemetery in Norfolk. Memorial donations may be made to B’nai Israel Congregation.
KITTY FRIEDENBACH SAKS VIRGINIA BEACH—Kitty Friedenbach Saks, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 9, 2021 with her family by her side. Kitty lived an extraordinary life, challenged with hardship, struggle, and uncertainty as a young girl, and later as a young adult, blessed with redemption, a loving family, adoring friends and community. Kitty was a survivor of the horrific atrocities of the Holocaust while living in Austria and later Belgium. Many daring border crossings with her parents to flee to safety through the wilderness in the darkness of night ultimately failed. She was later separated from her family and lived through the war years as a hidden Jewish child under an assumed name and identity in multiple Catholic Convents and orphanages. Her will to survive was driven by a strong personal resolve and sheer determination, empowered by her deep rooted Jewish identity. As a young girl in the convents, she would recite the Shema every evening, a traditional prayer and personal declaration of faith and affirmation of Judaism. Sponsored by relatives in Norfolk, Va., Kitty and her parents were able to immigrate to the United States following the war. She met her future husband, Abbott, at a B’nai Israel Synagogue social event when she was 17. Kitty and Abbott shared a deep bond, an enduring commitment to each other, and a loving marriage that spanned over 64 years. Kitty was small in stature, but was large in life, multifaceted, and engaging. She was a wonderful daughter, mother, and grandmother, a terrific cook, and
loved to entertain. She oversaw the family clothing business, volunteered for many organizations and causes, and was an animal lover. In her later years, she embraced a personal mission to support continued education and discussion of The Holocaust. She presented her story at multiple local schools and organizations in the hope that future generations may be enlightened and spared of the hate, evil, and injustices she had witnessed and endured. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Tonie S. Wilkins and her husband, Frank of Virginia Beach; her son, David Saks and his wife, MaryLou of Delray Beach, Fla.; and two grandsons, Elliot A. Saks and Adam L. Saks. Kitty will forever be remembered by all fortunate to have known her, for her quick wit and feisty personality that would magically illuminate and enliven any room. She leaves a legacy filled with eternal hope and boundless courage, an inspiration forever, to all who read and learn of her life story. A private family graveside service was conducted in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Contributions to the donor’s favorite charity. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.hdoliver.com.
HARRY SANDLER VIRGINIA BEACH, VA—Harry Sandler, son of the late Leo Max Sandler and Eva Sherman Sandler, died peacefully in Virginia Beach the morning of May 26, 2021 at the age of 95. He was predeceased by his brother Samuel and Sam’s wife, Reba. Harry was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 29, 1926. He attended Norfolk Public Schools. Harry served in the U.S. Army during the World War II. He was very honored to have served his country. He was a member of Temple Israel in Norfolk, as well as Temple Emanuel in Virginia Beach. Harry was proud of his Jewish heritage. Harry was co-owner of L.M. Sandler & Sons, the family food business along with his brother. He was instrumental in the growth of Sandler Foods and was known
OBITUARIES throughout the restaurant industry for his innovation and creativity. His customers were his friends. Harry was a giving and caring person who went out of his way to help people in need, especially children. He was a loving father, grandfather, and an extraordinary and colorful uncle. He lived large and loved large. He was unique. He put a smile on everyone’s face. He will be missed by all who knew him. Harry and his family were very appreciative of the care and support he received over the years from Jewish Family Service. Harry is survived by his wife, Connie, daughters, Connie Mulgrew and Donna England, son, John Witcher, Jr. nephews, Art and Steve Sandler, niece Sheri Sandler and their families. A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery officiated by Rabbi Michael Panitz.
MARTI J. WATCHEL PORTSMOUTH—Marti J. Watchel died on May 22, 2021. She is predeceased by a son, David William Silverstein. She is remembered by her children, Rabbi Lauren Silverstein Cohn and husband Matt Ruggles, and Jon Steven Silverstein and wife Jodie Knight, and her grandchildren, Micah Cohn, Tali Cohn, Grace Silverstein, and Debbie Silverstein. The only child of the late Beatrice and Louis Watchel, Marti was born on June 1 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was lucky to have her maternal grandparents very close by and loved spending summers at the shores of New Jersey. Marti was a smart, passionate, complicated woman, and mother. She taught her children a lot about life, both through her example and through her instruction. Marti’s path through life was not always easy, and those who knew her could tell you that she was always yearning for a brighter horizon. Looking forward meant imagining the next new chapter while at times forgetting the important task of writing the current chapters of her daily life. Her “one day; not too far away” life always included her favorite cat, Suki, sunny days at the beach, and lots of books. Condolences may be left online at www.altmeyerfh.com.
BERNARD “BERNIE” WEISS VIRGINIA BEACH—Bernard “Bernie” Weiss passed away peacefully on May 25, 2021 at Sentara Hospice House. Bernie was the son of Sam and Louise Weiss, and was born in New York, eventually moving to Richmond, Virginia at the age of 13. He was a graduate of VCU and MCV. Bernie was a local pharmacist employed by Revco, Eckerd, and lastly, Bayview Plaza Pharmacy. This career, which spanned many decades, was his life’s passion. He truly cared about his customers and co-workers, which resulted in many rewarding and lifelong friendships. Bernie is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Phyllis, son, Samuel and his fiancée Sharon, along with her two sons Brandon and Jason, who he loved like his own grandchildren, daughter, Amy, grandson, Zack and two granddaughters, Ashley and Sam. He is also survived by his loving and supportive sister Marilyn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernie was pre-deceased by his parents and sister, Chickie. Bernie loved spending quality time with his family and was a very devoted father. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially following the Dallas Cowboys every season. Donations can be made to National Kidney Foundation, Crohn’s & Colitis
Foundation, and St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. A daughter could never ask for a more loving dad. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Southside Chapel • 5033 Rouse Drive Virginia Beach • 757 422-4000
Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner
Maestas Chapel • 1801 Baltic Ave. Virginia Beach • 757 428-1112
• Family owned and operated since 1917 • Affordable services to fit any budget
Chesapeake Chapel • 929 S. Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake • 757 482-3311
• Advance funeral planning • Professional, experienced, caring staff • Flexible burial options
Denbigh Chapel • 12893 Jefferson Ave. Newport News • 757 874-4200
• Flexible payment options Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha Riverside Chapel • 7415 River Road Newport News • 757 245-1525
www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com jewishnewsva.org | June 14, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 23
DRIVEN TO
help others thrive and succeed. Deeply rooted in the Hampton Roads community for 57 years, Checkered Flag is devoted to giving back to the thousands of loyal customers in our community. To that end, we partner with over 65 local educators, charities and community services to create economic opportunity, improve public health, education, and perhaps most importantly of all, inspire civic engagement and service. We’d like to help everyone in our community live their best life.
CheckeredFlag.com
24 | JEWISH NEWS | June 14, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org
