Please Pick Me Up, I’m FREE There is much to be learned in these pages Spring / Election - 5766/2006 ’S MOST RESPECTED JEWISH PUBLICATION The Governor’s race revs up for a roaring finish

• Morris J. Amitay says “Look at the Bright Side” in the Middle East • Hamas Returns to its “Natural Home” • Complete In-depth Political Roundup, Analysis and Endorsements Terry O’Brien’s never ending battle • The Adventures of Menchy the Moose to clean our inland waterways There’s going to be a new Richard Reeder Sheriff in Capitalizing this here town Introducing on Lang Miscue Tom Dart in the battle for Niles Township Blagojevich’s Committeeman Hate Crime Commission Blunder Look on the Bright Side “infidels” – i.e. anyone not adhering to their brand of Islam – any perceived slight or by Morrie Amitay criticism of Islam is met with violent reactions. Sadly, too many who should know better continue to repeat the mantra of Islam as “a religion of peace”, despite all the With all that seems to be going wrong both in the Middle East and here in Washington, evidence of intolerance to the contrary. The cartoon issue has revealed the depth of this doom and gloom should be the order of the day. But I recall that final scene from the intolerance and had reinforced the validity of Huntington’s “class of civilizations” thesis. Monty Python classic, “The Life of Brian”. As they are being literally crucified, the main characters are cheerfully singing, “always look on the bright side of life”. With a In Israel, the good news is that terrorist leaders continue to be eliminated as a result positive approach, you can see a bright side to what has been going on in Iran, Iraq, Israel, of superb Israeli intelligence and pinpoint operations which are taking a toll of some and even with the Hamas takeover and the port ownership and cartoon controversies. really bad guys, with remarkably few civilian casualties. On the political front, the centrist Kadima party, which many predicted would fragment following the absence of Iran President Ahmadinejad’s pronouncements have been so over the top in calling for Ariel Sharon, continue to hold a wide lead in the polls over its two major competing Israel’s extermination and by challenging the world to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions, that parties on both the right and the left. Should this political scenario hold up for the even the Europeans are beginning to talk tough. If you add to this the increased spotlight March 28 elections, there is the prospect of the formation of a broad based government on Iran’s meddling in Iraq, and the administration’s $75 million proposal to aid Iranian and hence greater stability in the Israeli body politic. Such stability will be needed as dissidents, we may be seeing a more focused U.S. policy toward Iran. In fact, there are Israel faces the challenge of confronting a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority. Fortunately even a few U.S. Senators who can now pronounce Ahmadinejad’s name properly, which for Israel, Hamas leaders seem to be more honest in publicly proclaiming their goal can only mean he is in serious disrepute here. And speaking of the U.S. Congress, there was of Israel’s destruction, than the Fatah thugs they are replacing. This should make the 419-1 roll call vote in the House (Neil Abercrombie, Democrat of Hawaii distinctly in it easier for Israel to take stronger measures against those sworn to its destruction. the minority), and a unanimous vote in the Senate calling for no U.S. aid to a Hamas-led Palestinian Administration. You can add to this good news the latest Gallup poll showing Here at home, the impeding takeover of port operations at a half-dozen major U.S. support for Israel by 68% of Americans. On the negative side, of course, there are still those sites by a UAE-owned company has evoked outrage from a number of Democratic in the State Department looking for moderates in all the wrong places – but what else is new? politicians not notable for their support of tougher security measures. This reaction could be seen as recognition by some Democrats that they have a real problem convincing the Despite what the New York Times’ reporters and columnists would have you believe American public their party is serious about national security. While shameless political about Iraq, troop morale there remains high, slow progress is being made in taming the grandstanding in Washington is not new to either Democrats or Republicans, attempts to insurgency, and so far, Al-Qaeda’s attempt to instigate a full blown civil war have failed. outflank the GOP on the right here, could actually lead to more muscular foreign policy But those “nattering nabobs of negativism” at the Gray Lady seem to grow shriller by positions being advocated in the future. Another positive development from the port the day in their denunciations of the U.S. role and their undisguised hatred of President security furor has been the attention given to the UAE’s ties to terrorists at the same time Bush. While there is ample room for criticism of past conduct of the war, the Times’ it has cooperated with the U.S. Increased competition to prove who can be tougher on the negative coverage has become boringly predictable. Perhaps the Times could have perpetrators and abettors of terrorism can only be regarded as a positive development. boosted its reported falling revenues if it had demonstrated the journalistic courage to Taken all together then, the events cited above offer some reason print some of the Danish cartoons that ostensibly provoked deadly outrage in parts of for optimism that the glass may indeed be at least half full as a result. the Muslim world. But how could one expect this paragon of political correctness to Besides, we owe it to ourselves as winter fades to look on the bright side. tread upon Muslim sensibilities? The cartoon controversy revealed the double standard Morrie Amitay, a Washington attorney, is a former Executive Director of AIPAC and that Islamists insist upon. While they can openly denigrate and wage religious war on founder of the pro-Israel Washington PAC (www.washingtonpac.com). Vote Democratic Democratic Club of the 50th Ward

Ballot 46 Terry O’Brien Ballot 46 Democratic Candidate, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Ballot 28 Forrest Claypool Ballot 28 Democratic Candidate, President, Cook County Board

Bernard L. Stone Alderman/Committeeman

Elect Terrence J. O’Brien BALLOT #46 BALLOT #46 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT

• O’Brien was elected to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in 1988 and has served 17 years on the Board of Commissioners and 9 of those years as President. • O’Brien’s extensive knowledge, professionalism and integrity have allowed him to streamline many tasks and responsibilities of the District at the lowest possible cost to every household in Cook County. • O’Brien, a taxpayer advocate, whose efforts brought a 1.1% reduction in your property tax bill for 2006, and maintained the AAA bond rating for the District. • O’Brien continually pursues funding of the Deep Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, and spearheaded the successful introduction and passage of a storm water management program which gives the MWRDGC sole responsibility to manage storm water in Cook County Vote Democratic, March 21st www.terrencejobrienmwrd.com. HAMAS RETURNS TO ITS NATURAL HOME

by Emanuel A. Winston, Middle East Analyst & Commentator

The Soviet Union was a natural home and epicenter for Terrorist training camps. The Soviets produced as many Carlos, the Jackals as possible. Vladimir Putin is back to his old home as a predator. Welcoming Hamas is more than the sun of its parts. With the Russians backing Hamas and the Europeans unwilling to stop funding Fatah/Hamas the cards are on the table. The game of eliminating Israel is still in motion. The proxies remain the Terrorists and the Arab Muslim nations are glad to assist. As for Ehud Olmert dealing with this situation, don’t count on it. Any peddler in the Machaneh Yehuda Shuk (outdoor market) in Jerusalem could handle it better.

DEBKAfile: Hamas receives warm welcome in Moscow, offer of Russian friendship and Security Council backing – but no demand to recognize Israel. European Parliament ponders invitation DEBKAfile - We start where the media stop March 3, 2006, 11:00 PM DEBKAfile’s Moscow sources report: Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov made only a mild request of the six-man Hamas delegation led by Damascus- based politburo chief Khaled Meshaal which arrived in Moscow Friday, March 3: "We are counting on Hamas, as the leading political force in the (Palestinian) parliament and future government to contribute to the full and all-encompassing implementation of all previous agreements." He added: "In this, our Palestinian friends can count on the support of Russia both in a bilateral sense and from Russia as a member of the Quartet of international mediators and as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council." This is interpreted as an offer not only of Russian friendship, but the protection Passover Community of its veto power at the Security Council against Israeli complaints of Hamas terrorist activity. But Lavrov made no comment on Mohammed Nazzal’s declaration on arrival: "We will not recognize Israel. The issue of recognition Seders is a done issue." Our sources note that the Russians, in an edited account of the conversation to the media, claimed they had told their Palestinian visitors that at the they expected Hamas "to recognize Israel’s right to exist" – not quite the same as recognizing Israel. It is therefore not surprising that the Hamas leaders came out of their first day in Moscow beaming broadly. Tannenbaum Chabad House Jerusalem, in contrast, has every reason for disquiet, although no official Israeli rebuke has been delivered to the Kremlin. The future heads of the Palestinian government have another two days of their official visit to the Russian capital Northwestern Jewish Center and there are already signs of the Kremlin’s rapid adjustment to the new masters. The erosion of the Middle East Quartet’s demands of Hamas - to recognize Israel renounce terror, disarm and acceptance make good on international accords - 2014 Orrington is advancing rapidly. Moscow as a member of the Quartet has led the way for Evanston, Illinois international acceptance of an organization listed as terrorist and responsible for 60 suicide attacks on Israelis. Europe is on Moscow’s heels. An unannounced arrival in Moscow Friday was European Parliament Secretary Terry Davis. He Wednesday evening, April 12th explained obscurely at a news conference that he was there to "represent Europe" for the Hamas visit. Thursday evening, April 13th DEBKAfile’s sources ask: Is he representing every single EU member -or perhaps only its foreign affairs executive Javier Solana, who wants to get in on the for further information Russian action? Davis also announced he was not ruling out Hamas being invited to European Council headquarters in Strasbourg. DEBKAfile’s diplomatic sources please call note that the only voice raised in protest against the Hamas-Russian assignation was that of Chechen rebel leader Movladi Udugov. He denounced the Palestinian terrorists for shaking hands covered in the blood of hundreds of thousands of 847-869-8060 Chechens and tens of thousands of Chechen children. [email protected] Email: [email protected] Please disseminate & re-post. Many of our articles appear on Websites at http://www.gamla.org.il/english & freeman.org Hamas Victory... What Surprise? by Morrie Amitay

Why does it happen so often that whenever we seem to have it all figured out, we turn out to have gotten it wrong – to our surprise and dismay. There are, of course, certain events that truly cannot be predicted – natural disasters such as the Asian tsunami or Katrina’s devastation readily come to mind. Ariel Sharon’s removal from Israel’s political scene came as a shock, but was a reminder of human frailty. But there are two events which should really not have come as such surprises which have dominated the news recently.

Here in Washington, the ripple effect of lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s outrageous behavior has created its own mini-tsunami in Congress, the lobbying community, and nation-wide. But the fact that Abramoff’s excesses created such a furor came as no big surprise to those VOTE # 42 VOTE # 42 of us in Washington who were aware of his over the top activities and sleazy reputation. What is surprising is that he didn’t crash and burn earlier. Now that he is receiving his comeuppance and one Congressmen or more could be directly implicated, we have the danger of overreaction. There is now talk of the imposition of onerous restrictions on legitimate and worthwhile activities which are not related to specific legislation. For the pro-Israel community, restrictions on the sponsorship by educational or charitable organizations of lawmakers’ visits to Israel would be most unfortunate. To put it simply, Israel “sells itself”, as the overwhelming majority of visitors come away with positive feelings. This tracks with the generally favorable attitudes most Americans have toward the Jewish State and solidifies Congressional support for Israel in the Congress. Itis hoped that a distinction will be made between genuine “fact finding” missions, and lavish golf outings. With all its many charms, Israel’s lone 18-hole golf course in Caesaria has ungenerously been described as having “sand fairways and grass traps”.

On a more serious and immediate note, there was the “surprise” victory of the terrorist Hamas organization in the Palestinian elections. While common sense would have dictated that Palestinian voters would have wanted change after the inept, corrupt rule of Fatah, everyone apparently relied on the pollsters who predicted a win by Fatah. The only problem with relying on polls in this particular instance is that while poll results indeed may indeed be “cooked” by selective sampling and the phrasing of the questions, here in the U.S. there are independent, reputable polls which can give a fairly accurate picture of voter sentiment. In the case of the Palestinian polling, in addition to the questionable sampling involved, one must also assume that a large percentage of those voters polled simply lied. Lying in some cultures is not considered that much of a big deal, and telling a questioner what you think he wants to hear is not uncommon. A potential Hamas voter, suspicious and conspiratorial minded to begin with, might not want to identify himself with an organization whose leadership has been hunted down by Israel. It may also be assumed that the pollsters themselves were PLO supporters, and were not waving Korans and kalashnikovs while seeking to determine one’s political affiliation. The question then is why everyone relied on these polls? Actually, the margin in the vote for the two competing lists was only 44% to 41% in favor of Hamas. Where Hamas gained its huge edge of 74 seats versus 45 for Fatah in the parliament was in the voting for the representatives from geographic districts.

In any event, what would really be more of a miracle than a surprise is Hamas changing As Commissioner, Dean Maragos will: its hatred of Jews and its ultimate goal of the destruction of Israel. Those who assert that with its new responsibilities Hamas will invariably moderate its views toward Israel are • Increase the land use non-tax revenues for the MWRD since it not living in the real world. And those who credit Fatah with having had more peaceful is the largest land owner in Cook County intentions are also not dealing with reality. Fatah was just as willing to reach the same goal as Hamas but in small steps, and with greater obfuscation. Hamas is more direct in stating • Implement and coordinate Regional Planning to keep costs its ultimate intentions. What would also really be shocking is that after the experience down and avoid duplication of efforts and limited resources. of the past dozen years, any responsible leaders in Israel would delude themselves into • Explore and utilize new technology that better protects the thinking they can (using Kofi Annan’s phrase relating to Saddam) “do business” with Hamas. By now, bitter experience should have taught that you don’t negotiate with environment and water resources and addresses flooding issues. terrorists – you must defeat them decisively. Similarly, it is futile to try to negotiate • Increase use of wetlands as a method of purifying our water away Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons – you must prevent them from acquiring them and further Bio Solid research (already in use in Vermont and England) by whatever means necessary. So no one should be greatly surprised, if after diplomacy and empty threats fail, that Israel, in order to ensure its survival, will be forced to do the civilized world’s dirty work. “I am running for Commissioner of the Metropolitan Morrie Amitay, a Washington attorney, is a former Executive Director of AIPAC and Water Reclamation District because I am deeply founder of the pro-Israel Washington PAC (www.washingtonpac.com). committed to preserving our most precious assets www.caps24.org – our environment and water supply and our tax dollars.” for all your CAPS meetings and police info Dean Maragos for West Rogers Park and Rogers Park My 3 time nationally award-winning (best news show, making a difference) weekly Jewish Chicago Election Analysis TV show, The North Town News Magazine can be seen every Thursday at 7:30 pm on by Avy Meyers channel 19 (CANTV) in Chicago, 8:00 pm on channel 6 in Evanston, Fridays at 2:30 pm in Chicago on CANTV - 19, and Mondays at 6:00 pm in 25 North and Northwest Suburbs Tuesday March 21st is election day and this one I just may enjoy. on channels 19 or 35. It is not connected to Jewish Chicago. It is a community news This is mostly a state and county election. There is very little up for grabs on a federal magazine and was started in conjunction with the community council for West Rogers level in Illinois this year, but there is some serious local action. Park. It is a community–oriented show, and since the largest single population block in There is no U.S. Senate contest in Illinois this election year Only one congressional race West Rogers Park is Jewish, there is some Jewish coverage, but on a different level. The is being hotly contested and it really does not have much of a Jewish angle. show is non-commercial, there are no commercials or outside content. It is totally under Before I get started with the rundown, it is important for everyone to know the criteria my control. Check our website at www.ntnm.org to see who will appear on upcoming used in making endorsements. episodes and who has appeared in the past. Just being Jewish is not enough. If a Jewish candidate is pitted against a non–Jewish I will be hosting a live one hour pre-election show on CANTV-19, Sunday morning candidate and all things are equal in terms of their ability to do the job, there won’t March 19th at 10:30 am. It is produced by Sonny Hersh and cohosted by Jim Nally. The necessarily be an endorsement. show is non commercial. By the same token, there are some non-Jews who have done an absolutely superb job of taking care of both Jewish concerns and the community. They will most certainly be Federal Races endorsed and yes, even against Jewish opposition. If a Jewish candidate is well qualified for the office but does not take care of real Jewish There isn’t much going this time. On the presidential level, we have 2 years to go before concerns for his or her constituents, he/she will not be endorsed. the next election. I can only hope someone of quality surfaces who is not readily apparent If there is no specific Jewish angle in a race, it probably won’t be touched. There are at this time. As bad as Bush has been, and he is really bad, I can’t say I am sad he beat regular newspapers and various political experts in other media who can perform that Kerry. Kerry is awful and it is hard to believe that he is the best the Democrats can do. We function. This is a Jewish newspaper and I focus on Jewish concerns. in the Jewish community need to be especially alert for the anti-Israel pro Arab sentiment The bottom line is that Jewish Chicago looks for candidates of quality who will take that pervades the left. It is easy to argue that Israel’s “friends” on the right mainly support care of Jewish concerns as they arise. Often the primary Jewish concerns are on a national Israel because their Christian beliefs tell them that the Jewish people must be comfortably level and concern Israel. settled in Israel before their “messiah” can come. It can also be argued successfully that That is not to say that there can’t be very serious local Jewish issues. The recent actions these people are scary. by Governor Blagojevich with the Governor’s Commission on Discrimination and Hate Lets remember that “Eisav sonay es Yaakov” is as true as ever and we don’t have Crimes and that of State Representative and Niles Township Democratic Committeeman many friends in this world so we need to take what we can get while watching our candidate Lou Lang show us that we always must be on guard and all too often, the enemy back. Though it is the basic nature of most Jews to be more liberal on social causes, is within. the left overwhelmingly sides with the so called Palestinians. The Palestinians have an embarrassment of wealth in the vicious murderer, thief and liar department. I’ll take Judaism over Liberalism, or any other ism any day of the week and twice on Tuesdays. I don’t put much stock in Conservatism either. One of the largest problems Israel faces with American support is the consistent weakness of Israeli leadership. Be it the Labor party or Sharon/Olmert, their willingness to be pushed and bullied into leaving land that G-d Almighty gave to our forefather Avrohom for his children, (we, the Jews) for all time. Due to their lack of faith and understanding of the greatness of G-d and understanding the nature of our true bond to the holy land of Israel which has everything to do with our devotion to the Torah that the Almighty bestowed on us and our faith and devotion to Him. It is hard to fault the American politicians who are friendly to Israel for not standing stronger than the pathetically weak leadership of the Israeli government. Israel survived the very first days of its life though great miracles. A heavily outnumbered and out armed group of settlers battled numerous foreign governments. This great victory and those in subsequent wars were great miracles from above.

Ninth Congressional District

So right after my anti liberal diatribe, the first candidate I am going to endorse is someone who proudly declares herself a liberal. Cong. (D-9th) is running for reelection to a fifth term in Congress. Schakowsky is Jewish and is about as far left as almost anyone of substance on the national scene. She is also very representative of the district she serves which includes the lake front from the near north side up through the North Shore suburbs and west north of Peterson including areas like West Rogers Park, Lincolnwood, Skokie, Niles, Morton, Grove, Wilmette, etc. As noted, the left usually disdains Israel. Schakowsky, who is Jewish, is a darling of the gay and feminist crowds among others. She has always stood staunchly by Israel and is there for the local Jewish community in times of need. We are fortunate to have a friend in such a liberal domain. Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Cong. Jan Schakowsky for reelection.

Fifth Congressional District

Cong. Rahm Emanuel was big time stuff in the Clinton administration. Emanuel is a close ally of Mayor Richard M. Jewish Chicago is available in its entirety Daley and is as important a fund raiser for the Democratic party on the world wide web at nationally as anyone. He has stood by Israel in Congress and according to local Jewish political heavyweights, is there for the Jewish community when needed. He has the area directly south of www.Avyworld.com Schakowsky’s ninth Congressional District. Jewish Chicago endorses Cong. Rahm Emanuel over his 2 Democratic opponents.

Tenth Congressional District

Cong. Mark Steven Kirk (R-10th) who represents the far northern suburbs of Cook County and Lake County is running unopposed and has done well for Israel and the Jewish community. Daniel J. Seals is running against Zane Smith on the Democratic side of the ballot. Both have pledged their support for Israel. Jewish Chicago could live with either candidate.

Statewide Races

Democratic Gubernatorial Primary The Governors race is the single most important office up for grabs in Illinois this election year. This race is heavily laden with good government issues and a massive, oh so fresh Jewish angle. On the Democratic side, you have incumbent Governor and his $15 million dollar campaign war chest versus Michael C. Moses Edwin Eisendrath, a college administrator who Attorney at Law was a two term Lakeview alderman and ran HUD in the Midwest for President Clinton. Blagojevich raised more money than any Illinois politician ever for a given election in 02. Corporations and the wealthy rarely contribute 2335 W Devon Ave huge dollars without a serious chance for a healthy return on their investment. So doesn’t everybody do it? Not to the extent of Chicago, IL, 60659 Blagojevich. Could it be that maybe Blagojevich promised the same thing to more than one person? U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is investigating Call 773-508-0100 Fax 773-508-0111 Blagojevich, the same Fitzgerald that nailed George Ryan, indicted insiders in the hired truck scandal, the scourge of city hall, and the list keeps growing. Most Chicago Democratic politicians and ward committeeman have absolutely no use WATCH OUR LIVE ELECTION SPECIAL for Rod Blagojevich and have no intention of helping him at the polls. Both they and their supporters have been burned and came up empty all too often. Sunday Morning, March 19th at 10:30 am on CANTV-19 Early on Blagojevich aspired to national office, he wanted to land on the national Democrat ballot in 08, a run for President, maybe Vice-President. As such he decided he Jewish Chicago Publisher Avy Meyers hosts with Jim Nally needed a certain public image to make himself attractive on the national stage and turned his back on so many of the local powers that be, that backed him in his 02 run for the Produced by Sonny Hersh governors seat. Among the supporters he turned his back on is his father-in-law, alderman and ward committeeman Dick Mell. Tentative Guests include: Gubenatorial Candidate Edwin Eisendrath, Edwin Eisendrath is Jewish, his name means iron wire which he explains is not Secretary of State , Sheriff Candidate Tom Dart, necessarily a good thing to be named, that often the wire is meant to exclude those with Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin and more... that name. Eisendrath is extremely intelligent and has an excellent grasp on government. For more details as they happen, www.ntnm.org He focuses strongly on education and has realistic ideas of how to structure things to enable the state to lift the heavy burden it has placed on local governments by not paying their fair share of school funding. Thus forcing local municipalities to charge excessively high property taxes to homeowners and businessman. This is a very regressive way to fund school systems. Eisendrath is superior to Blagojevich in almost every way. Then comes the recent fiasco with the Governor’s Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes. Blagojevich appointed Sister Claudette Muhammad to the Commission. Muhammad is a senior official of Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam. He didn’t appoint her for her own merit, like other committee members she was appointed to represent a larger organization, in this case Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam. Muhammad invited the other committee members to come hear Farrakhan speak on March 2nd. Farrakhan spouted his anti-Semitic venom d’jour, he came down on others also as is his custom. Efforts were made to come to a common understanding against discrimination and hate. These efforts failed. Lonnie Nasatir representing the ADL was the first to resign. Richard Hirschhaut, executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, resigned later in the day. In announcing ADL’s resignation, Lonnie Nasatir, Regional Director of ADL’s Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest office, issued the following statement: “We cannot continue to serve on a Commission that remains silent in the face of bigotry and makes a mockery of the fight against hatred and intolerance in Illinois. “It is a sad day when we are left with no choice but to resign from the Commission. We are utterly disappointed at the Blagojevich administration’s decision to stand by Sister Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. She serves on the Commission as a representative of the Nation of Islam, just as I serve as a representative of ADL, and she must be held accountable for the statements of her organization’s leader. “Sister Muhammad’s statement is wholly inadequate. She in no way condemns or apologizes for Minister Farrakhan’s hate-filled rhetoric that pervades the message and beliefs of the Nation of Islam. Moreover, in stating that she respects those who practice the ‘true tenets’ of their faith, she echoes Minister Farrakhan’s comments Sunday that, ‘These false Jews promote the filth of Hollywood that is seeding the American people... It’s the wicked Jews, the false Jews, that are promoting Lesbianism, homosexuality. It’s wicked Jews, false Jews, that make it a crime for you to preach the word of God, then they call you homophobic!’ It is clear to us that the Nation of Islam considers the Jewish community to be ‘false Jews’ whom it is acceptable to hate. “The Anti-Defamation League will continue to be a loud, clear and consistent voice in the fight against hate and discrimination in Illinois.” That same day Sen. Ira Silverstein and the state’s first openly gay legislator, State Rep. Larry McKeon held a joint press conference expressing their disappointment in Blagojevich. “There are three groups here–the African-American community, the Jewish community and the gay and lesbian community–who are normally united,” Silverstein said. “We are being torn apart because of this.” Soon after, State Rep. Lou Lang who is running for Niles Township Democratic Committeeman decided he was up to taking Nasatir’s spot on the commission. According to Rich Miller of Capital Fax, “Lang’s immediate appointment was designed by the governor’s office to show that the Jewish community was divided over the governor’s decision.” Later that same day, another Jewish commission member, Richard Hirschhaut, executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, resigned. He stated “It is essential the commission be a place of the utmost integrity and there be no question as to whether it’s tainted by the presence of one member or another, I fear we are now at a point where there is a cloud over this body.” This became big time news. Scant hours after it broke, Google displayed 308 different web news stories on the subject. It was the lead item on every TV news program in Chicago. Howard Kaplan, who has chaired and ably served numerous Jewish charities including the JUF and Israel Bonds was out of the country, but the fuss reached him and he sent in his resignation the next day. Lang according to Rich Miller’s Capital Fax is “a long time critic of Blagojevich, who jumped all the way on board a few months ago, and has become a vocal supporter.” Lang got caught with his pants down and attempted to salvage what little remained of his dignity in the Jewish community with a belated resignation. He claimed he was unaware High Quality of the resignations when he accepted the appointment. Sure thing Mr. Lang. State Senator whose district goes from Edgewater into the north suburbs along the lake is one Jewish member of the panel who remains. She is very tight with Blagojevich. 4 x 4 Gay lawmaker Larry McKeon whose legislation founded the commission stayed on as did Rick Garcia, a lobbyist for the gay community. Edwin Eisendrath, applauded Nasatir for resigning. According to the Associated Press, 80# Enamel he said Blagojevich has seriously weakened the hate crimes commission and its work by appointing Muhammad. “Nobody can take it seriously,” he said. “Certainly, she should be removed from the commission, but the damage is already done. Now it’s symbolic.” One commentator opined that Blagojevich had a choice between the Jews and the blacks Tri Folds and he chose the blacks. Jewish Chicago chooses Edwin Eisendrath over Rod Blagojevich every day in every way. Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Edwin Eisendrath for the Democratic nomination for Governor.

Republican Gubernatorial Primary On the Republican side, there are four candidates of quality. You can only vote for one, so lets narrow things down. The front runner in the race is 3 term State Treasurer . She was successful in journalism and public relations before her election as to the State House in 1980. She served 2 terms and then was elected to the State Senate, where she served until her election as Illinois State Treasurer in 1994. Topinka pioneered a number of changes that have benefited Illinois during her tenure as State Treasurer. She built a profit center for the State that now has $5.7 billion in its investment pool. Topinka published the first-ever comprehensive investment policy for the State Treasurer’s Office and has successfully pushed for written investment policies to be in place for any entity that handles public funds. Topinka has made more than her fair share of trips to Israel and pioneered successful State efforts to invest in Israel Bonds which has been good for both Illinois and Israel. She has a healthy number of Jewish people in key positions both on her staff and in her campaign. In 2005 she was the honoree for Bikur Cholim Hospital in Jerusalem and helped raise sorely needed funds for an important hospital that has a great need, She is highly respected within her party as she was named head of the Republican party 1,000 - $613 in Illinois and has the endorsement of former governor Jim Edgar among other leaders. A large number of Democratic leaders are looking to back her in the fall if Blagojevich is her opponent. When the opposing party holds someone in high regard, you know you have someone special. 2,500 - $895 Next candidate is Ron Gidwitz who is Jewish. Gidwitz is the highly successful CEO of Helene Curtis. He was endorsed by the who wrote “he built a cosmetics business into an empire. As chairman of the State Board of Education, he ordered bureaucrats to visit Illinois classrooms to see how state policies affected schoolchildren. As chairman of the City Colleges of Chicago, he demanded that students' curriculum meet 5,000 - $1,349 the needs of the modern workplace. His mantra to board members (after he scuttled their pricey limo service): Look, folks, this is the last degree many of our students will ever earn. We need to make sure they're employable.” Gidwitz, a political insider, is a moderate and if he ran as a Democrat may well have been in excellent position to defeat Blagojevich. He is thought of as being somewhat abrasive Call Avy Meyers and has spent a small fortune on his campaign with only marginal results according to the polls. Jim Oberweiss serves as the Chairman of Oberweiss Dairy, a business founded by his grandfather, Peter, who began delivering milk to his Aurora neighbors in 1915. Under Oberweiss’ leadership, the dairy has grown from fifty employees and one ice cream store 773-290-2677 to over one thousand employees, with thirty-nine ice cream stores and more on the way. He is the most conservative and far right of the four. He stands strongly against abortion The two teenage girls in the car were distraught because they could not find their brother, and gays and his politics are that of the born again Christian crowd. the 11 year-old boy who had been with them, Brady said. When he ran for Senate 2 years ago, his stand on Israel was that Israel is always right and Brady said he spotted the boy near the guardrail. He apparently had been ejected from is Americas true ally and loyal ally. That earned him the endorsement of Jewish Chicago the car. in his unsuccessful Senate race. Brady spoke to the boy, who had suffered a head injury, and urged one of the girls to go This race is for and as much as I appreciate his stand on Israel, it to her brother and comfort him. is much more important in the Senate than in Springfield, Illinois. Despite spending a Just before retrieving blankets from significant amount of money and this being his second state wide campaign, he is far his vehicle, Brady removed his shirt behind in the polls. If his far right wing stance is that unpopular in the Republican party, and handed it to his aide Benton, he wouldn’t have much of a chance in the general election. telling him: "Here, you hold this to try State Senator Bill Brady is a quality individual who has a strong record in the legislature to help with the bleeding." and describes himself as a mainstream conservative, which is too far to the right to be Other motorists and an ambulance elected in the fall. He is strong on ethics and has done some admirable human things. He arrived on the scene shortly is behind the other three in the polls. afterward. On March 3rd, in near freezing temperatures, Brady stopped his car to help at the scene Wow, I’m impressed, but as Brady of a traffic accident on Interstate 72. The car ran off the road and hit a guardrail. Brady, is last in the polls, its not going to who did not see the crash, immediately pulled over and ran to help. happen for him. Judy Baar Topinka has the strongest credentials and best experience of any candidate in this field. She is extremely able and popular with members of both parties. She has embraced the Jewish community in both Illinois and in Israel and has a solid track record that should be the envy of any politician. Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Judy Baar Topinka in her race for the Republican candidacy for Governor of the State of Illinois. Secretary of State Though the Secretary of State’s race is uncontested in the primary election, there is still something worth talking about. Republican candidate Dan Rutheford has condemned Blagojevich for his blunders with the Hate Crime Commission. That in and of itself is more than fine. Rutheford should have stopped there. Instead he challenged the entire Democratic slate “to stand up and speak out unequivocally” on the subject, naming Secretary of State Jesse White in particular, the incumbent Democrat and his opponent in the fall. If anything Secretary of State Jesse White is not only a true role model for today’s modern youth, he is a role model for grown ups as well. He is soft spoken and polite, he never has a bad word to say about anybody and is still extraordinarily effective in running the Secretary of States office. White has instituted many innovations that make so much sense you have to wonder why no one ever thought of these things before. Many of you have also seen the Jesse White Tumblers at numerous events, many of them Jewish. White organized young kids from the projects and has turned his troupe into a national treasure. He has enabled numerous hard working, good clean kids who grew up in poverty with the opportunity to make a decent livelihood while serving in a role that makes the world a little bit better. I wish there were more people like Jesse White. Illinois is privileged to have a state official of Jesse White’s caliber. Unopposed or not, make it a point to mark #6 on your ballot. Jewish Chicago is privileged to endorse Jesse White for renomination and reelection to Secretary of State of Illinois. Attorney General Lisa Madigan is prepping for a battle over the coming increase in your Electric Bills that could rise over 50% if Blagojevich’s utility commission’s new system comes into play. Madigan has pleasantly surprised me in her first term. Jewish Chicago endorses Lisa Madigan for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General. There is a contest on the Democratic side for State Treasurer. Alexander Giannoulias, a banker whose family owns Broadway Bank and actually played pro basketball in Greece is running against Paul L. Mangieri, a lawyer and former Judge Advocate General Corps officer (JAG). Giannoulias is an impressive individual and is being backed by most of the Jewish political powers that be. Jewish Chicago endorses Alexander Giannoulias for the Democratic nod for State Treasurer.

Cook County Races There is a real barn burner going on for President of the Cook County Board between incumbent John Stroger and Forest Claypool, one of the leaders of the insurgency that has been ongoing since the last County Board election. For the very first time a group of new board members including Larry Suffredin and Mike Quigley have decided that business as usual no longer works in Cook County and have sufficient numbers to make life difficult for Stroger and the rest of the old crowd. Ideas like salvaging the old Cook County Hospital building, actually getting a County Health Clinic for the far North Side and Near Northern Suburbs, making county employees work for their salary and produce needed services from the third largest governmental entity in Illinois that has been a decades long mystery to most has caught on big time. Most North Side Committeemen will be backing Claypool on election day. Jewish Chicago joins them in seeking a needed change and endorsing Forest Claypool for President of the Cook County Board. In the 13th District, Commissioner Larry Suffredin has ably served his constituents. The former head of the Democratic Party of Evanston and a partner in the law firm of Shefsky and Froehlich (County Board positions are part-time). He has an excellent understanding of government and what it can and should do to help people. Suffredin has positioned his staff to be of true service to his constituents. When much of his area experienced alarming real estate tax hikes, he placed his office in a position to aid numerous taxpayers in appealing these hikes in an intelligent and proper manner. His staff is very talented and ably serves the community. His area starts in Rogers and West Rogers Park and includes Evanston, Skokie and Niles. Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Larry Suffredin for the Democratic nod for the 13th district of Cook County. The area just south of Suffredin‘s, the 10th district has been served by Mike Quigley who contemplated a run for Board President, but yielded to Claypool in his desire to see the Board become a more effective governmental body. Like Suffredin, Quigley has won much praise for his efforts over the past 3 years. Jewish Chicago endorses Mike Quigley for the Democratic nomination in Cook County’s 10th District.

Sheriff of Cook County

In the only other contested county wide race, long time Sheriff Michael Sheahan is calling it quits and there are 3 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. All of them made the news during the recent Cook County Jail prison that newspaper reports allege was planned by a guard to make the present administration look bad and boost the candidacy of Richard Remus. Both Remus and Sylvester Baker Jr. had their day in the sun, making the news and blasting Sheahan and their other opponent who is chief of staff for Sheriff Sheahan. They served as a walking and talking advertisement for the candidacy of Tom Dart. Dart is an incredibly impressive Early in O’Brien’s tenure there were about 20 kinds of fish that could be found in the individual. He is extremely bright and very Chicago River and the North Shore Channel, mostly bottom feeders that thrive in filthy creative. He has rare understanding and water. Today there are 68 different species of fish that can be found in these waters that drive. He has a terrific personality and an continue to become cleaner, year after year. inner desire to do well. The Bass master fishing classic was actually contested in the Chicago River ashort Dart’s background is ideal for the move up while back and there was plenty of Bass to be caught. to Sheriff. He served as an Assistant Cook A large part of O’Brien’s job is lobbying various Congressional and federal agencies for County States Attorney and prosecuted funds to clean our inland water ways. Despite Bush canceling a project that would have hundreds of felony cases. Dart served meant no cleanup this year, O’Brien was aggressive and creative and with the help of a term in the State Senate and 5 terms in the Illinois Congressional Delegation came up with over 10 million in federal dollars to the Illinois House gaining a reputation as continue the clean up efforts. a reform minded legislator who sponsored O’Brien grew up at Rockwell and Albion in West Rogers Park and has long and close more than a dozen child welfare laws and ties with the Jewish community. One Jewish institution that leased land from the MWRD helped restructure the Illinois Department ran into serious financial problems and were in danger of defaulting. Thanks to O’Brien’s of Children and Family Services. He advise, they were able to save a substantial amount of money and are still in operation. also battled the predatory “payday loan” Though the city water pipes are not in the domain industry, proposing new laws against of the MWRD, I know of many instances where predatory lenders. private people, Rabbis, even synagogues have run Dart served as chairman of the House into serious problems with broken pipes or sewers. Judiciary Committee and Cochairman of the House Prison Oversight Committee. He has Terry O’Brien has always taken the time to aid these won numerous legislator of the year awards from noteworthy agencies. people and institutions to solve their problems. Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Tom Dart for Sheriff of Cook County. Dart is a Given all his admirable qualities if you told me very special person and the citizens of Cook County would be very fortunate to have there was only one person I could vote for in this someone of his caliber running the Sheriff’s office. election, that person would be Terry O’Brien. Jewish Chicago strongly and most enthusiastically endorses Terry O’Brien for a The Metropolitan Water new term with the MWRD. Vote Ballot #46 on election day. Reclamation District There are a total of 9 commissioners on the MWRD and 3 come up for election every 2 years. That leaves of Greater Chicago 2 other slots to fill. Incumbent Commissioner James Harris has done a good job with the Most people see the long name of MWRD and we recommend his reelection. this seemingly obscure agency and For the 3rd slot, Dean Maragos, a newcomer is a clear choice and is the first name have no idea of who they are and what on top of the ballot. Maragos is originally from South Chicago where his father was a they do. The MWRD is the 4th largest State Senator and worked closely with Jewish legislators. Maragos presently works with governmental agency in the State of MWRD on land management, his area of expertise. As the MWRD is the largest land Illinois and the single largest land owner holder in Cook County, this is a good match. He has some creative ideas on how the in Cook County. In the West Rogers MWRD can use their land to create additional revenues and lessen the tax base. Park, Peterson Park, Skokie, Evanston Maragos also served a leading role on the Mayors committee to rebuild Greek Town in and Wilmette area, they own all the land the 90’s which has been an overwhelming success. surrounding the North Shore Channel Maragos is a student of the environment and has sound ideas on how the proper use of on McCormick, Thillens Stadium, The wetlands can be used in an economically feasible manner to efficiently clean our water. Sculpture Park in Skokie, they lease Jewish Chicago endorses Dean Maragos for commissioner of the MWRD. the land to the Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov Girls Grammar School. The land on Niles Township Democratic Committeeman Kedzie north of Thillens and all the way For the first time in a very long up to Howard that is about to become a time, Niles Township will elect a new passive park is being leased long term Democratic committeeman. Cal Sutker to The Chicago Park District thanks to who has presided over this area for a 50th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone very long time with mixed results over and the MWRD. the years has retired. When water leaves your house and goes down the drain, it heads to one of several His right hand for years has been State treatment plants, like the one at Howard and McCormick and is cleansed and purified Rep. Lou Lang. Lang soured on trying to of all contaminants before being released. If it rains too much, before the streets start be a good representative some time ago. flooding, rainwater is held in various reservoirs, put there through 108 miles of Deep A look at his contributors will tell you Tunnel. Thus, untreated sewage is not released into Lake Michigan, the source of our what he is about. It is almost exclusively drinking water. casinos, race tracks, gambling equipment MWRD President, Terry O’Brien is running for reelection to a 4th term. He has been manufacturers, people who make their on the MWRD board for 17 years and 9 years ago in an effort to reform and revitalize living off various forms of gambling and the agency, his fellow board members voted him President and their efforts have been gambling related activity. rewarded. Lang has proposed that any This year only one government agency lowered their tax rate, the MWRD cut 1.1% off establishment with a liquor license should the previous years rate. That is unheard of in Cook County. be able to install interactive, gambling All 108 miles of the Deep Tunnel have been drilled. The methods they used are so ready, video poker. That includes effective and intelligent that the French and British came here to examine the process the corner convenience store, Jewel, before boring 100 miles of tunnels under the English Channel as a link between the Dominick’s, that would even include Kol two countries. They spent $15 billion dollars for their 100 miles of tunnels, the MWRD Tuv and Hungarian. expenditure for 108 miles is paltry in comparison at $3 billion dollars. His district often ranks dead last in the O’Brien is responsible for keeping a tight rein on the budget and he succeeds without northern half of Illinois for incoming sacrificing quality. money and projects from the state. He is not responsive to the needs of his constituents or his community. The recent fiasco he helped cause with the Governor’s Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes ranks with his worst deeds. Steven Nasatir of the ADL resigns the commission, Lang’s legislative ally, Sen. Ira Silverstein together with State Rep. Larry McKeon, hold a press conference expressing their disappointment in Blagojevich and Lang steps up to snag Nasatir’s spot trying to make Blagojevich look good. It blew up in his face. He was bombarded by Jewish leaders expressing their outrage at his callous actions. His belatedly resigned . His opponent, Richard Reeder was a long time executive of ORT, a Jewish non-profit organization that trains people, largely immigrants in various technical fields. He served at Zarem Goldie when they were located on Touhy and then onto Skokie after their move. Reeder is a former president of the West Ridge (the official name for West Rogers Park) Chamber of Commerce and served ably and with distinction. He was a supporter of Lang, but like others who have had a chance to see Lang in action close up, he was disillusioned. Reeder felt Lang had become unrepresentative of and unresponsive to his constituents and has decided to throw his hat into the ring and give the residents of Niles Township a real alternative to another callous political boss. Richard Reeder represents a change from the legacy of machine politics. He has no association with the political machine in Niles Township, partly because they would not let him. When he first moved to Skokie, Reeder went to the local party headquarters and asked Cal Sutker how he could help, Reeder was shooed away. Apparently, Reeder was not the only local Democrat who has felt unwelcome by the local Democratic bosses. Reeder seeks to revive the Democratic Party in Niles Township, making it strong, more active and more influential under grass roots leadership. Jewish Chicago strongly endorses Richard Reeder for Niles Township Democratic Committeeman. ILLINOIS STATE LEGISLATURE

There is very little action in the primaries this year for seats in Jewish locales. We’ll start off in the State Senate. Two of the three Jewish Senators are up for reelection this year. State Senator Jeff Schoenberg is running unopposed for reelection in the ninth District. Schoenberg had a distinguished career in the house heading the powerful finance committee before redistricting put him in a position to run for the Senate four years ago. While he lacks tenure in the senate, he runs unopposed in the primary for a second term. He heads the Democratic Party of Evanston, has the respect of his colleagues and the Jewish community and may be the single most important Jewish legislator in Illinois. Jewish Chicago endorses Jeff Schoenberg for reelection. Carol Ronen is running for reelection to the Senate in the 7th District and is unopposed. She hasn’t shown strong ties to the mainstream Jewish community, but never has been the cause of any real problems. With the resignation of Alan Spellberg, a supervisor in the Cook County State's Attorney's office, 5 Jewish members of the Governor's Commission on Discrimination andHate The Law Office of James P. Nally, P.C. Crimes have resigned. Carol Ronen is Jewish and remains on the commission. While we have always endorsed Carol Ronen in the past, Jewish Chicago will take a pass on Senator Ronen this time around. Eight South Michigan In the State House, everybody is up for reelection every 2 years. Suite 3500 In the 18th district, incumbent Julie Hamos had an extremely impressive year. She took Chicago, Illinois 60603 the lead in going to bat for the CTA in Springfield and did an admirable job. The CTA has long been short changed by the legislature and were in danger of having to make severe cuts in their service. tel 312-422-5560 Hamos led the charge and succeeded in obtaining the needed funds to keep local transit service from making cutbacks. fax 312-36-7999 Jewish Chicago applauds Hamos and strongly endorses her for reelection. Judith Rae-Ross is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the 17th district and will face incumbent Elizabeth Coulson in the fall. WATCH OUR LIVE ELECTION SPECIAL is running unopposed for another term in the 12th district in Sunday Morning, March 19th at 10:30 am on CANTV-19 Lakeview. Publisher Avy Meyers hosts with Jim Nally We’ll take a pass on Lou Lang’s candidacy in the 16th district for the same reasons Numerous candidates and public officials will be participating mentioned in our endorsement of Richard Reeder for Niles Township Democratic www.ntnm.org for late news - produced by Sonny Hersh. Committeeman. Michael J. Howlett gets extremely high marks from the various bar associations and Judicial Races teaches law. He is a former chief of staff for Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin. Jewish Chicago endorses Michael J. Howlett Jr. for the Circuit Court. Mark ballot I am not a lawyer and am privileged to have a panel of excellent lawyers to advise 71. me. Some are under consideration to become judges. Unfortunately Jewish candidates Joanne Guillemette is running for Circuit Court Judge. Her main booster is Secretary of have been consistently defeated despite excellent qualifications, they have been trounced State Jesse White who enthusiastically supports her. That’s good enough for me. Jewish both county wide and in Jewish sub circuits. There is a serious lack of Jewish judicial Chicago endorses Joanne Guillemette. candidates this election year despite the large number of exceptionally well qualified One of my advisors is a huge booster of James Michael McGing. While he has gotten Jewish Lawyers. high marks in the past from many of the bar associations, he has joined what appears to be This years list is short and sweet. For Circuit Court Judge, vacancy of Schiller, Thomas a growing trend of judicial candidates who would like to see the numerous bar associations J. Byrne runs the Rolling Meadows Court House for States Attorney Dick Devine. He has do a better job of standardizing their forms. With something like 20 different associations successfully prosecuted numerous murder cases and high profile trials. He gets ultra high rating candidates, it is an extremely time consuming effort. On the advice of my counsel, marks from the bar associations. Jewish Chicago endorses Thomas J. Byrne for judge I will be voting for James Michael McGing for Judge of the Circuit Court. of the circuit court. Mark ballot 81. We will be back in the fall for the general election. This issue is available in its entirety at www.avyworld.com “We can’t let this happen!” cried Sorah. That’s right exclaimed The Adventures of Menchy the Moose Shmuel. Pessy joined in “we have to do something, don’t we Eli!” Eli chimed in “Yes we do.” A Childrens Story Written by Afleck L. Arine The children started exchanging ideas, but they were too young Illustrated by Marvin B. Simcha to really have any idea how great a sum of money was needed to save the school. Sorah, Shmuel and Pessy went outside to get some Once upon a time, there was a most wonderful town named Torahville. fresh air and hoped and prayed for the right idea. Eli started to join It was located on a plateau surrounded by woods. The residents of them, but Rebbetzin Bergstein stopped him, “Eli you have to put on Torahville were largely Jewish teachers and educators. Many of them your coat first.” She put Eli’s coat on and he went outside. The older taught at the Torahville Academy which educated children from pre children went to the front of the house, but Eli ran straight into the nursery to 12th grade. It wasn’t a rich town, but it was a very happy town. People by and large stayed away from most aspects of modem day life. They revelled in their Judaism and needed little more than that to make them happy. When they needed to shop, they journeyed to Mooseville on the other side of the woods. One of the happiest families in Torahville was the Bergsteins. Rabbi Bergstein taught 7th grade boys at the Torahville Academy. Rebbetzin Bergstein taught first grade girls. They had four children: Sorah who was 10, Shmuel, 9, Pessy 6 and Eli who was 4. They all attended the Torahville Academy and they were the happiest children you could ever meet. One day their father Rabbi Bergstein came home looking sad and glum. He did not have his usual happy greeting for his children. He slumped in his chair and buried his hands in his face and remained motionless. The children were very concerned, they looked at one another with puzzled expressions and tried to figure out what was going on. Finally Sorah approached her father, “What’s the matter Daddy?” She exclaimed. Rabbi Bergstein slowly lowered his hands, shook his head and sighed: “The Torahville Academy does not have enough money to stay in business. Unless a miracle happens, the Academy will have to close at the end of the month.” “Why?” exclaimed Shmuel. “The teachers have not been paid in over 2 months, but we are willing to make do,” said Rabbi Bergstein. “The problem is we are six months behind in the rent, the electric and phone companies are getting ready to shut everything off. The parents are giving as much as they can, but they are not wealthy enough. We woods. A half hour passed and Rebbetzin Bergstein called for the need a miracle from heaven if we are to keep Torahville Academy children to come back to the house. Sorah, Shmuel and Pessy ran alive.” straight in. “Where is Eli?” asked their mother. Isn’t he in the house with you” said Pessy. “No” their mother answered, “I made him put on his coat and I told him to join you.” JEWISH CHICAGO Without another word they hurried outside and started calling and Jewish Chicago is a complimentary publication that is usually published just prior to elections. Copyright 2006 looking for Eli to no avail. “You keep looking” their Mother said, and The opinions of our columnists and writers do not Publisher and Editor ...... Avy Meyers I am going to check with the neighbors. necessarily reflect the opinions of Jewish Chicago. Graphic Artist ...... Marvin B. Simcha email - [email protected] Phone 773- Columnists ...... Morrie Amitay Shmuel spotted Eli’s shoe prints leading into the woods and 290-2677. Our website is at www.avyworld.com...... Emanuel Winston We invite you to visit www.ntnm.org. for all the Contributing Writers ...... Francois T. Fressier motioned for Sorah and Pessy to join him as they sought to find Eli. latest on the North Town News Magazine hosted by Afleck L. Arine, Simcha Magid publisher, Avy Meyers. At this point, Eli had a big head start and he was having the time of All that night Sorah who was quite a cook even at her age was making his life, he loved the woods. The trees were magnificent, it was filled her special blend of ground beef with Shmuel’s help, as Pessy prepared the with beautifully colored birds and the only animals were possums and buns with an assist from Eli. Pessy was known in the family as “the yummy skunks. baker.” The next day their mother drove them to the city and dropped them off As Eli neared the edge of the woods, he happened on Menchy downtown with several platters of Mooseburgers and pitchers of water so the Moose. “Hello, what is your name?” asked Menchy. “Eli” was people could wash before making the blessing on the food. the answer. “Where are you from?” “Torahville” answered Eli. “Now She watched as the children shouted, “Mooseburgers for sale! Mooseburgers you are entering Mooseville, do your parents know where you are?” for sale!” At first people thought, who wants to eat a moose, but then saw asked Menchy. “No” was the reply. how cute the Mooseburgers were and a crowd began to gather and they were selling like hot cakes. Then cries of A distinguished looking gentleman happened by and wondered what all “Eli!, Eli!” came the fuss was about. He saw people eating the strangely shaped burgers and from the woods. they were raving about how delicious they were. His curiosity got the better of Sorah, Shmuel him and he had to buy one. He washed, made the blessing and proceeded and Pessy had to eat. It was the most delicious burger he had ever eaten in his life and the run like the shape made it extra special. He bought a second mooseburger to be sure and wind and were it was every bit as delicious as the first, it was and was the last mooseburger nearing the left. He asked the children why they were doing this and they told him all about the Torahville Academy and their meeting with Menchy the Moose and his edge of the parents. Then woods. “Over he introduced here,” shouted himself. Menchy, and “I am Nachum soon they came Y a a k o v face to face S h l o m o s o n , and introduced and I am themselves to the largest each other. “Lets go to my house so we can call your parents”, said distributor of Menchy, “they must be worried.” Kosher food in the world. I The house was only two minutes away and as they entered they would like to came upon Menchy’s father, Rabbi Avigdor Moose, the Chief Rabbi meet with your of Mooseville. Reb Avigdor smiled and said, “who have we here?” parents, Rabbi The children introduced themselves and Reb Avigdor took them to the Moose and dining room where they were seated. Menchy went to the kitchen to the Principal call the Bergsteins to let them know their children were safe. Rebbetzin of Torahville Moose saw there were guests and started preparing them a treat. A c a d e m y . I want to As Reb Avigdor talked with the children, he learned that the Torahville p u r c h a s e Academy would soon close. A tear came to his eye and he asked the rights the children if there was any hope. Sorah replied “we want to raise to sell these enough money to save our school, I know the other children will want wo rl dwi d e.“ to also.” Sorah, Shmuel, Pessy and Eli were jumping for joy. The next day, the meeting was held in the principals office. Mr. Shlomoson Sorah was right, the news was spreading in Torahville and the other offered enough money to completely pay all of the Academy’s bills and children were coming up with their own plans to help in any way a percentage of future sales. Tears of joy were streaming from everyone’s they could. Then Rebbetzin Chana Esther Moose and her daughter eyes. Rachel Moose entered the room with a platter full of a special treat, The principal arranged a special assembly right after lunch. He introduced Mooseburgers. No, it wasn’t moose meat, that is not kosher. It was Mr. Shlomoson and Rabbi and Mrs. Avigdor Moose and their children, hamburgers and buns molded to the shape of a moose, antlers and Menchy, Rochel and Yitzchok to the crowd. He told the story of how Sarah, all. When Menchy was a little boy he asked his mother if he could Shmuel, Pessy and Eli Bergstein with the help of their parents set the stage for this miraculous event. They all gave thanks to the Al-mighty and the Bergstein have a hamburger in the shape of a moose. His mother made special children were true heros in Torahville. molds for the buns and the meat and named them after Menchy. The mooseburger became a tremendous hit, molded in the shape of The children couldn’t believe what they saw. “If we could make and Menchy, they outsold McDonalds and Burger King combined and the sell them,” said Pessy, “we could make enough money to save Torahville Torahville Academy received a commission on each and every mooseburger Academy.” sold. Their future was assured and they grew to become one of the leading Torah schools in the world. Rabbi Moose chuckled and said, “I think you will need more than this, but if it’s okay with Rebbetzin Moose, we would be happy to help you.” All this due to a craving Menchy the Moose had as a young child, the Rebbetzin Moose gave the children a set of special molds. ingenuity of the Bergstein children and most importantly the grace of G-d. Rebbetzin Bergstein arrived to pick up the up the children and was filled in In summation, when everything is said and done, Menchy the Moose tastes on the developments. “I am so proud of all you, let’s give it a try. great on a bun. Vote for Tom Dart Democratic Candidate for Cook County Sheriff Ballot 31 Ballot 31

• Chief of Staff for Cook County Sheriff Michael F. Sheahan, 2003 - 2006 • Illinois State Representative 1993 - 2003 • Illinois State Senator 1992 - 1993 • Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, 1987 - 1991 • Legislator of the Year • Illinois Dept. of Police Chiefs, Illinois State Crime • Prosecutors Bar Association, on behalf of the victims of crime, law enforcement officers and prosecutors throughout the State of Illinois. • Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) • Illinois State Bar Association Presidents Commendation

“Dart was a creative and dedicated legislator, and he has the imagination and skills to upgrade the Sheriff’s Department.” Chicago Tribune Endorsement Vote Democratic, Tuesday March 21st