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VOLUME IX, NUMBER 19 OCTOBER 6, 2016 Shimon Peres, last of Israel’s founders, dies BY BEN SALES of the country’s resilience TEL AVIV (JTA) – – able to survive, thrive Shimon Peres, the former and remain optimistic – no defense hawk turned Nobel matter the challenges. Peace Prize winner and the “Shimon devoted his last of Israel’s founders, life to our nation and to the died in September 28 at 93, pursuit of peace,” Israeli Israel Radio reported. Prime Minister Benjamin The phoenix of Israeli Netanyahu said in a state- politics, Peres continually ment. “He set his gaze on reinvented himself as the Shimon Peres in New York the future. He did so much country changed. He began City on October 24, 2014. to protect our people. He his career in the Defense (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty worked to his last days for Ministry and was the ar- Images) peace and a better future for chitect of Israel’s nuclear all. As Israel’s president, program, but in his later years Peres was Shimon did so much to unite the nation. more closely identified with the quest And the nation loved him for it.” for peace with the Palestinians. He was Born Szymon Perski in Wiszniewo, instrumental in negotiating the Oslo Ac- Poland, in 1923, Peres moved with his fam- ily to Tel Aviv in 1934. At 20, he became cords, the landmark Israeli-Palestinian Shimon Peres, left, walked with David Ben-Gurion, center, and an unidentified peace agreement, and was present on the the head of a Labor Zionist youth group, through which he met David Ben-Gurion, man in Kibbutz Sde Boker, Israel, on January 3, 1969. (Photo by Government White House lawn for its signing in 1993. Press Office) Though he served as prime minister who would become Israel’s first prime three times without ever winning an elec- minister. In 1945, Peres married Sonya rival party and then rejoining Mapai when coalition. He lost his party’s chairmanship tion outright, and shared the 1994 Nobel Gelman, who had just returned from World it became the Alignment in 1968. to Rabin in 1992, and again became foreign Peace Prize for a peace that has yet to War II service in the British Army. After serving in several minor min- minister when the party, now renamed materialize, Peres emerged late in life as The couple was married for 67 years, isterial positions, Peres became defense Labor, won elections that year. Israel’s beloved elder statesman and a rare though they separated after Peres became minister in 1974 under Prime Minister Under Rabin, Peres was the architect of figure capable of uniting a fractious society. a presidential candidate. Sonya Peres had Yitzhak Rabin. Peres was a territorial the Oslo Accords, which gave the Palestin- Following the signing of the Oslo long refused to play the part of political hawk, opposing early proposals for West ians autonomy in parts of the West Bank Accords, Peres emerged as Israel’s global wife and, after Peres moved to the presi- Bank withdrawal and supporting settle- and Gaza. He shared the Nobel Peace Prize ambassador for peace, predicting the emer- dent’s residence in Jerusalem, she changed ment expansion. When Rabin resigned with Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser gence of a “new Middle East” in which con- the name on her Tel Aviv mailbox to Sonya amid scandal in 1977, Peres briefly be- Arafat. “Israel’s role in the Middle East flict was supplanted by shared prosperity. Gal, a Hebraicized version of her maiden came acting prime minister, then lost the should be to contribute to a great, sustained Elected to the largely ceremonial role of name. Sonya Peres died in 2011 at 87. post when the Alignment was defeated in regional revival,” Peres said upon accepting president in 2007, talk of peace pervaded In 1947, Peres joined the Haganah, the 1977 election by Menachem Begin’s the prize. “A Middle East without wars, nearly every speech he gave. Well into his managing arms purchases and personnel. Likud party. without enemies, without ballistic missiles, 90s, Peres still insisted he would live to see After Israel gained independence the Peres headed the Alignment – the without nuclear warheads.” the day when peace would come. following year, he continued working precursor to today’s Labor Party – for After Rabin was assassinated in 1995, Peace, however, doomed his political in the Defense Ministry, becoming its the next 15 years, contesting three more Peres became acting prime minister, but career. After middling political success youngest-ever director-general in 1952 at close elections with Likud. The two parties lost the post again in a close race with in the 1980s, the Oslo Accords debilitat- 29. In that capacity, he expanded Israeli formed a unity government following the Likud’s Netanyahu. Following his defeat ed Peres’ Labor Party, which fell from arms purchases from France and later 1984 elections – Peres was prime minis- in ‘96, he founded the Peres Center for power in 2001 with the outbreak of the helped manage the 1956 Sinai Campaign. ter from 1984-86, then foreign minister Peace, which runs programs aimed at second intifada and has yet to win another He also founded Israel’s arms production under Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir regional reconciliation. election. When Peres won the presidency industry and led efforts to develop a nu- from 1986-88. Peres remained in the Labor Party in 2007, he was a member of Kadima, a clear weapon. As foreign minister in 1987, Peres through 2005, twice regaining the chair- short-lived centrist party. Peres was first elected to the Knesset conducted secret negotiations with King manship and serving another stint as As president, Peres rose again, this in 1959 with Ben-Gurion’s ruling Mapai Hussein of Jordan for Israel to withdraw foreign minister under Prime Minister time as Israel’s wise old man. Free to rise party, becoming deputy defense minister. from the West Bank as part of an Israe- Ariel Sharon. In 2006, following the Is- above the political fray, Peres trumpeted He would serve in the Knesset for an as- li-Jordanian peace treaty. But Shamir raeli withdrawal from Gaza, Peres joined Israel’s technological achievements and yet unmatched total of 48 years. Peres rejected the proposed agreement and Sharon’s new centrist Kadima party. articulated its hopes for a brighter future. remained a close Ben-Gurion ally, splitting the following year Jordan unilaterally The next year, he won a race for Is- More than anything, he became a symbol from Mapai with him in 1965 to form a relinquished its claim to the West Bank. rael’s largely ceremonial presidency. As After the Alignment lost the 1988 president, Peres stayed largely above the elections, Peres again joined a Likud-led political fray, though he conducted secret government as finance minister, but tried negotiations with Palestinian Authority to overthrow the government two years President Mahmoud Abbas in 2011, cul- later. In what became known as the Dirty minating in a peace deal that Netanyahu’s Trick, Peres assembled an Alignment-led government rejected. After leaving the coalition with leftist and haredi Orthodox presidency, Peres remained largely silent parties, only to see it fall apart after he on politics. received a mandate to form a governing See “Peres” on page 3 Federation on Candle lighting October 7...... 6:16 pm Facebook October 11...... 6:09 pm The Jewish Federation of Northeastern October 14...... 6:04 pm Pennsylvania now has a page on Facebook October 16...... 6:01 pm to let community members know about L-r: Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin presented their Nobel Peace October 17...... after 6:49 pm Prize certificates in Oslo, Norway, in 1994. (Photo by Government Press Office) upcoming events and keep connected. October 21...... 5:54 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE October 23...... 5:51 pm October 24...... after 6:49 pm Yom Kippur Jews in Uganda On the silver screen October 28...... 5:44 pm B’nai Harim announces a break The Jewish community in Uganda Israel’s top film focuses on a the fast buffet; atoning for online builds a new synagogue and ties Bedouin family; Deborah Lipstadt’s PLUS sins; and recipes for a break-fast. with its non-Jewish neighbors. court win is recreated in “Denial.” Opinion...... 2 Stories on pages 3, 6 and 7 Story on page 4 Stories on pages 8-9 D’var Torah...... 10 2 THE REPORTER ■ OCTOBER 6, 2016 A MATTER OF OPINION Anti-Israel bias in academia on campus BY DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER universities as well. While it would be, at Vassar, Michaela Pohl, a non-Jew- one-sided attacks on Israel, ridiculing Reprinted courtesy of www.aish.com rightly, unthinkable to call for the de- ish history professor, penned an open and encouraging students to ridicule ACADEMICS ARE INCREASINGLY struction of any other country, univer- letter describing the chilling effects of those who questioned his assertions. CALLING FOR THE END OF THE sities and academics are increasingly anti-Israel speech at her campus and One student reported breaking down in JEWISH STATE WITH IMPUNITY calling for the end of the Jewish state at campuses around the world that are tears and changing her major after being One of the latest offerings at the Uni- with impunity. increasingly hosting ever more virulent mocked in class. versity of California, Berkeley, is a course In the past two years, more than levels of anti-Israel discourse. Another student reported being mocked on dismantling Israel. 200 professors worldwide have signed “The atmosphere at Vassar College, after she questioned the assertions of This autumn, students interested in petitions promising to boycott the where I’ve been teaching Russian another professor about honor killings. learning about the history of the Ar- Jewish state. With such declarations history since 1999, is troubled,” Pohl Facing relentless ridicule, the student ab-Israeli conflict will be able to take becoming increasingly common, it’s explained. “I am not Jewish, but even I stopped wearing her Jewish star to class, “Palestine: A Settler Colonial Analysis.” no surprise that some campuses are have experienced an increase in hostility then dropped the class altogether. North- Positing that Israel is a “colony,” the offering classes that are highly biased and strained silences among students eastern University Economics Professor course description promises to “explore or downright dangerous as they incite and colleagues... I have been called a Dr. M. Shahid Alam, after being criticized the possibilities of a decolonized Pales- hatred and call for violence against (expletive) fascist,’ ‘Zionist’ and ‘idiot’ for attacking Israel in class, was quoted as tine.” In other words, a land in which Israel and its supporters. for speaking out against Vassar’s BDS saying “you know you should really laugh Israel has somehow been erased. Here are just a few recent examples of resolution and speaking up for Israel away accusations of antisemitism. It has This student-sponsored class is being the trend to demonize Israel and even call and for U.S. policy. I have seen Jewish now become laughable. And there may led by Dr. Hatem Bazian, who’s well- for its destruction in classes and lectures students profiled and singled out at a come a time when you wear that label as known for inciting anti-Israel hatred. on campus. BDS meeting. I have felt the icy silence a mark of distinction.” “He’s an anti-Israel activist and he uses ONE-SIDED CLAIMS that reigns in some departments. Many According to media reports, the uni- academia to further his agenda,” said A 2015-16 academic year course at professors have signed very visible and versity declined to respond to the ZOA’s Nonie Darwish, founder of Arabs for Israel University of California, Riverside, public petitions but don’t acknowledge letter or concerns. and a human rights advocate. claimed to study Israel, but assigned them in person, instead saying, ‘I have COMBATTING HATE Bazian, who co-founded an Islamic readings from ardent critics of the Jewish nothing to do with that.’” Some campuses have been successful college in Berkeley, also co-founded state only. Academics who teach incorrect, at cancelling anti-Israel courses and pre- the anti-Israel campus group Students “Palestine and Israel: Settler-Colo- extreme negative views of Israel are venting professors spreading anti-Israel for Justice in Palestine. A group he nialism and Apartheid,” presented the beginning to have a “long-term effect” hatred in class. worked for was shut down by the U.S. Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the (in- according to Pohl, causing Jewish students In 2015, the University of Missouri government in 2006 for having ties to correct) assumption that Israel practices to be uneasy and even at times fearful for announced it was cancelling a planned the terrorist group Hamas. Two years apartheid and is an illegitimate state. The their safety on campus. course, “Perspectives on Zionism,” that before that, in a rally in San Francisco, course was taught by undergraduate Tina ENDORSING CONSPIRACY was to be taught by George P. Smith, a Bazian publicly called for a violent Matar, a leader in Riverside’s branch of THEORIES biology professor with no background intifada in the U.S. the hardline anti-Israel Students for Justice For 10 years, the HAWK University of in political science, history, or Middle How did such a radical figure, es- in Palestine group. The course’s faculty Applied Sciences and Arts in Hildesheim, Eastern studies, who is known for his pousing violence, get invited to teach sponsor, Professor David Lloyd, is a vocal in Germany, offered a course on “The extreme anti-Israel views and for heck- a course on the destruction of Israel proponent of boycotting and singling out Middle East conflict and social work” ling pro-Israel speakers on campus. The at a major university? Tragically, the Israel for opprobrium. that was, in the words of Volker Beck course was scrapped after concerned anti-Zionist sentiment that has infect- Despite numerous complaints, uni- of the Green Party, a German legislator, students, faculty and alumni contacted ed Berkeley is sweeping across other versity officials defended the course, “unscientific, one-sided and hair-rais- the university. seemingly implying that normal aca- ingly anti-Israel.” The course taught, That same year, concerned mem- demic norms did not apply as it was “a incorrectly, that Israel ethnically cleansed bers of the academic community at the student-led course.” Palestinians and robbed them of their University of Southampton in England TEACHING BLOOD LIBELS organs and presented suicide bombers succeed in dissuading the university “Stunting” and “maiming” a popu- in a sympathetic light. to go ahead with a planned conference “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the lation; experimenting on Palestinians; The class’ extremism was uncov- that was to debate the legality of Israel’s Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson extracting organs from Palestinians ered only after a Jewish academic, Dr. very existence. The conference, “Inter- Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. for medical research; and an echo of Rebecca Seidler, was asked to teach national Law and the State of Israel: President: David Malinov classic blood libels that Jews somehow a course elsewhere in the university Legitimacy, Responsibility and Excep- Executive Director: Mark Silverberg seek to harm others were the stunning and saw a list of reading material. tionalism,” was organized by academics Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman accusations leveled by a respected pro- Much of the syllabus appeared to have with well-known biases against the Layout Editor: Diana Sochor fessor, Jasbir Puar, associate professor of been taken from antisemitic websites Jewish state. Jewish community leaders Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg women’s and gender studies at Rutgers that promote conspiracy theories, she and academics noted that the conference Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis University, when she spoke at Dartmouth pointed out. Although Dr. Seidler’s would “surpass the acceptable” and, Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen College on February 3. Her talk, “Inhu- complaints were initially dismissed based on title and advertised speakers, Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown manist Biopolitics: How Palestine Mat- as “oversensitivity,” after her con- “it sets out explicitly to question the ters,” reached a “new low” according to cerns gained attention in the press, very legitimacy of a member state of OPINIONS The views expressed in former University of California President the university finally cancelled the the U.N.” editorials and opinion pieces are those Mark Yudof and Ken Waltzer, executive long-running course. It’s not easy to stand up to anti-Jewish of each author and not necessarily director of the Academic Engagement LAUGHING AT STUDENTS and anti-Israel rhetoric in class, but with the views of the Jewish Federation of Network, who penned a sharply worded A 2013 letter from the Zionist Organi- Israel coming under ever more extreme Northeastern Pennsylvania. critique of Puar’s lecture in The Wall and virulent attack, it’s more important LETTERS The Reporter welcomes zation of America to Dr. Joseph E. Aoun, letters on subjects of interest to the Street Journal. president of Northeastern University in than ever to insist on rational academic Jewish community. All letters must be In response to this criticism, more Boston, catalogued a litany of student discourse about the Jewish state. signed and include a phone number. than 1,000 academics and supporters complaints about anti-Israel professors Whether as students, parents of stu- The editor may withhold the name signed an “open letter” in defense of classroom behavior and asked the uni- dents, alumni, or concerned members of upon request. Puar, asserting her work “is of the high- versity to respond. the community, we all have the right and ADS The Reporter does not necessar- est professional and scholarly rigor... According to students, Professor Denis the obligation to insist on fair treatment ily endorse any advertised products grounded in serious scholarship and Sullivan, the director of the university’s when it comes to the Jewish state. and services. In addition, the paper thorough research.” Middle East Center for Peace, Culture and This article can also be read at: http:// is not responsible for the kashruth of POISONOUS ATMOSPHERE Development, made a habit of mocking www.aish.com/jw/s/Anti-Israel-Bias-in- any advertiser’s product or establish- Following a controversial speech students who questioned his extreme Academia-on-Campus.html. ment. DEADLINE Regular deadline is two weeks prior to the publication date. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FEDERATION WEBSITE: www.jewishnepa.org Kidney donor sought HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA Dear family and friends, I am working with a remarkable donation, call 718-431-9831 or e-mail 18510 I have had kidney disease for several non-profit organization called Renewal. [email protected]. Renewal’s web- E-mail: [email protected] years. It has advanced to the point where They have found that using a social media site is www.renewal.org. All inquiries Fax: (570) 346-6147 dialysis is sooner rather than later. How- campaign is an effective technique to to Renewal are strictly confidential and Phone: (570) 961-2300 ever, I am presently approved for kidney cast as wide a net as possible in finding are without obligation. transplantation at Mt. Sinai Hospital. a kidney donor. I am sending each of you Please share this with people with HOW TO REACH The average waiting time in New this message in the hope that you will whom you e-mail. You never know THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: York for a kidney is seven years, and it contact Renewal to help me find some- whether or not there is someone who will Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 is unlikely I would survive that long on one who is able and willing to fulfill the respond to this urgent need. E-mail: [email protected] dialysis. Therefore, I have decided to incredible mitzvah of donating a kidney Thanks, SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: be proactive in my search for a kidney to save a life. Phil Zuckerman (Flip) Phone: (570) 961-2300 donor. I am asking your help to find that To learn how you can save a life P.S. My blood type match is also my special person. or for more information about kidney motto: O B positive! OCTOBER 6, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation B’nai Harim to hold break the fast buffet BY LEE EMERSON salads, cream cheese, American and Swiss cheeses, Pines, PA 18350. Reservations must include the Congregation B’nai Harim will break the fast an omelet station, blintzes with cherry topping, pas- number of adults and children attending, as well as after Yom Kippur on Wednesday, October 12, at tries, fruit juices, and coffee and tea. Macaroni and a phone number where one can be reached. 6:30 pm, at Lake Naomi Clubhouse, 135 Miller Dr., cheese will be offered for children. For more information, including services and Pocono Pines. Reservations will be required. Admission will other activities, visit www.bnaiharimpoconos.org. It will feature a buffet of bagels, assorted breads, cost $33 for adults or $9 children. Mail checks to For any questions, call 570-646-0100 and leave a lox, whole white fish, creamed herring, tuna and egg Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O. Box 757, Pocono message. JFS seeks to return found sign to owner Bernie McGurl, executive director of Lackawanna River Conservation Association, recently reached out to Jewish Family Service Executive Director Sheila Nudelman Abdo to return a recently found plaque to its rightful owner and learn about the donor and her philanthropic cause. It was found near the Lackawanna River, adjacent to Pinebrook playground and the Chick Feldman baseball field. JFS has asked community members to spread the word and to call 570-344-1186 with any information.

At right: A sign that was found by the Lackawanna River. Lecture on Anne Frank to be held at University of Scranton The Weinberg Judaic Studies (Indiana University Press, 2006). A past recipient of a Jewish Family Service Executive Director Sheila Institute of the University of Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies fellowship at Nudelman Abdo held the found sign with Bernie Scranton will present “The Anne the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Stier McGurl, executive director of Lackawanna River Frank You Never Knew,” a lecture has published articles in the Journal of the American Conservation Association. by Professor Oren Stier, of Florida Academy of Religion, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Atlantic University, on Tuesday, Prooftexts, Jewish Social Studies, B’Or Ha’Torah, and November 1, at 7:30 pm, in Bren- Numen, among others. Stier is currently working on his nan Auditorium. next book, “Elie Wiesel’s Testament: Between Speech DEADLINES Stier will hold a multimedia and Silence.” presentation on the ways the image The following are deadlines for all articles and and persona of Anne Frank have photos for upcoming Reporter issues. survived the Shoah, leading her to DEADLINE ISSUE become “one of the most notable Professor Oren Stier Peres Continued from page 1 icons of the Holocaust,” accord- Peres frequently traveled internationally as president, Thursday, October 6...... October 20 ing to organizers. Utilizing rare photographs and other focusing his speeches and activism on encouraging Wednesday, October 19...... November 3 materials, Stier will reveal “the young girl and teenage Middle East peace and touting Israel’s technological Thursday, November 3...... November 17 diarist that [readers] never knew.” Drawn from Stier’s achievements. In 2012, President Barack Obama award- Thursday, November 17...... December 1 recent book, “Holocaust Icons: Symbolizing the Shoah ed him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United in History and Memory,” the presentation will provide States’ highest civilian honor. Peres’ annual Presidential insight into the “life and afterlife” of “one of the Holo- Conference brought together leaders in politics, science caust’s most famous victims and paradoxically one of and culture. He finished his presidential term in 2014. Office space for rent its most famous ‘survivors,’ as well.” He is survived by three children, Tsvia Walden, Yoni available as of November 1, 2016 Stier is professor of religious studies and director of Peres and Chemi Peres; eight grandchildren and two the Holocaust Studies Initiative at Florida International great-grandchildren. 922 North Washington Ave., Scranton University. He is the author of two books, “Holocaust “A light has gone out, but the hope he gave us will 800 sq. ft. includes three rooms, kitchenette Icons: Symbolizing the Shoah in History and Memory” burn forever,” Obama said in a statement. “Shimon Peres & restroom. Currently used as an insurance (Rutgers University Press, 2015) and “Committed to was a soldier for Israel, for the Jewish people, for justice, Memory: Cultural Mediations of the Holocaust” (Uni- for peace and for the belief that we can be true to our office. $850.00 rent includes utilities. versity of Massachusetts Press, 2003) and co-editor best selves – to the very end of our time on Earth, and For further information, of a third, “Religion, Violence, Memory, and Place” in the legacy that we leave to others.” please call 570-342-6065 You look at it... no matter ho w at bo Fo pl

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rg Yog, Gou Fitnes Classe, Persona Tainin Breathe Fitness Studio 919 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, PA 570-319-5989 breatheyogaandfitness.com “Sometimes it’s okay if the only thing you did today was BREATHE" ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ OCTOBER 6, 2016 Lacking status in Israel, Jews in Uganda see new synagogue as “our Jerusalem” BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN to Israel a possibility under the Law of (JTA) – When there was no more Return (which does not require approval space in the synagogue in Nabagoye, by the Rabbinate), Sizomu says they are Uganda, congregants would go outside, not looking to leave their country. “For gathering under trees. But the branches people who want to move to Israel, they weren’t enough to shield them from the can do so individually,” he said. “But rain during the East African country’s wet as a community, we are used to being seasons, which last about half the year. A together here as a country.” new 7,000-square-foot synagogue center The Abayudaya community, which that opened on September 16 will solve numbers approximately 2,000 and is that problem – yet there is also something native to Uganda, traces its roots to the larger at stake. early 20th century, when a former leader For the Jews of Uganda, most of whom read the Bible and embraced Judaism. converted under Conservative rabbis Diane Tobin, executive director of and thus are not recognized as Jewish the nonprofit Be’chol Lashon, which by Israel’s Orthodox Chief Rabbinate, worked with the community to build the the community center serves as a way synagogue, echoed that the project was to cement their presence in the country. about strengthening the community’s “This is a place that gathers our people status in Uganda. “It was important to together – it is our Jerusalem,” the com- establish that these are Jews who are munity’s leader, Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, not seeking to make aliyah to Israel – told JTA from Kampala, where he serves that’s not the main purpose,” Tobin, who as a member of the country’s parliament has worked with the community since during the week. 2002, told JTA. “They want to be rec- In anticipation of the construction of a new synagogue in Nabagoye, Uganda, the Even though many Ugandan Jews ognized as Jews for their own sake, and women and children there were given the honor of transferring the Torahs from struggle with poverty and the Jewish building infrastructure demonstrates the old synagogue to a temporary home. (Photo courtesy of Be’chol Lashon) Agency recently recognized the com- that they are committed to being there munity as Jewish, making immigration in Uganda.” The Abayudaya, which means “people center and a food storage facility, neither of Judah” in the local language, have of which is widely available in Uganda. dealt with their share of hardship and Both will be available for use for a fee persecution – such as when dictator Idi by residents of any religion and could Amin banned the practice of Judaism benefit as many as 10,000 people, Sizomu At left: Rabbi Gershom in the 1970s – but today the situation is estimated. “The challenges we have do Sizomu, leader of better. In February, Sizomu won a “hotly not discriminate, and we think that living Uganda’s Jewish contested” seat for the Ugandan parlia- together in harmony is part of this tradi- community, dismantled ment, becoming the first Jewish lawmaker tion – it is what we call ‘tikkun olam,’” the old synagogue, to serve in the body. Sizomu said, using the Hebrew phrase in Nabagoye. (Photo The new center will help to further meaning to “repair the world,” a Jewish courtesy of Be’chol improve ties with Muslim and Christian call to social action. Lashon) neighbors by making its services available “It fosters good will,” Tobin said of the to Ugandans of all religions, organizers complex, recalling how Abayudaya ties said. The complex includes a child care See “Uganda” on page 10

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Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate OCTOBER 6, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 5 UJA CAMPAIGN CHAI-LIGHTS Campaign 2017 Chai-lites COMPILED FROM JDC DISPATCHES BY MARK opment at Oxford University. Conference), the Swiss Banks Settlement, ICHEIC, the SILVERBERG ‹‹ Jewishprograms.org. German government and the Foundation pour la Memoire Your 2017 UJA Campaign gift does a world of good, ‹‹ Strategic European Loan Fund. de la Shoah, who work in partnership with JDC. as 31 percent (or $279,059) of last year’s UJA Campaign ‹‹ Property management seminars and training. JDC is also working to transfer more programmatic ($893,734) was allocated to Israel and overseas Jewish ‹‹ The Center for Jewish Leadership (Leatid). and financial responsibility to local communities as they assistance. ‹‹ Buncher Community Leadership Program. become increasingly capable. The following services AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION ‹‹ Pan-European gatherings, such as the European are provided: COMMITTEE General Assembly. ‹‹ Food packages (JDC – EUROPE) ‹‹ Innovative community development concepts and ‹‹ Meals-on-wheels JDC supports Jewish life programs and opportunities models. ‹‹ Kosher canteens throughout Europe. Considered “of critical importance” WELFARE ‹‹ Warm homes are the unaffiliated Jews in the region, particularly those JDC continues to provide support for 28,000 Ho- ‹‹ Medications and medical consultations in the middle generation who grew up in an era when locaust survivors in Central and Eastern Europe and ‹‹ Home care organized Jewish community life was either dormant the Baltic states through their Hesed Centers. As these ‹‹ Winter relief or suppressed. survivors become aged and frail and are trying to cope ‹‹ OS emergency support Regional or inter-community programming is said to with economic and political change, the social services ‹‹ Rehabilitation and respite care be “a hallmark” of JDC’s work in the region, and this they receive play an increasingly critical role. Through ‹‹ Old age homes focus will continue to play an increasingly important the local Jewish communities, JDC provides the care ‹‹ Jewish and community activities role in the years to come. these elderly need to live out their lives in dignity, with CHILDREN IN NEED JDC currently supports: knowledge that they are not alone. As part of its Global Children’s Initiative, JDC is ‹‹ Jewish community centers in Lithuania, Romania, Communities are assisted in funding programs for Ho- assisting Eastern European communities in extricating Bulgaria and Hungary. locaust survivors through restitution sources such as the children in need from the cycle of poverty and helping ‹‹ The Ronald S. Lauder/JDC International Summer Conference on Material Claims against Germany (Claims them to fully integrate into society. Camp in Szarvas, Hungary. In partnership with local communities, JDC has ‹‹ Local Jewish summer camps for more than 4,000 identified more than 1,200 Jewish children in need in the participants. region. 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Together, through gifts to the 2017 Annual UJA/Fed- JDC’s tools include training, institutes for advanced eration Campaign, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern learning, community consultations, networking events Pennsylvania seeks to tell Jews around the world through and web-based learning, such as: The JDC is helping Jews in Ukraine and Moldava the JDC, “We are with you in your hour of need. We are ‹‹ The JDC International Center for Community Devel- who are in crisis. (Photo courtesy of JDC) one family. You will not be forgotten.” Scranton / The Poconos / Wilkes-Barre 2017 ISRAEL TOUR February 19 – March 1, 2017 You always wanted to do this, but . . . not in November ; or the price was too high; or the trip was too long; actually… who remembers why we didn’t do this? So now . . . We’re going to Israel with folks from Northeast PA, on Sunday, Feb. 19. We’ll be back on Wednesday morning, March 1. We’ll spend 8 nights in Israel and the land cost is only $2,970! 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ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ OCTOBER 6, 2016 On Yom Kippur, atoning for our online sins BY EDMON J. RODMAN whom you feel will be harmed without it. However, (JTA) – If you’re like me, you blog, read and share people who are concerned about lashon hara are scru- a lot of political stuff. But who really reads these posts pulous with their speech about others. In places where and articles all the way through? Especially with the traditional Jews do business, it’s not unusual to see a longer stories, who has time to look up the sources, or sign that says “No lashon hara.” check if that odd photo was first posted on some sketchy While I don’t expect to see campaign signs dotting partisan website? Instead, we click and we skim; we lawns with a similar message, perhaps a computer copy and we paste. graphic saying “Stick to the Facts” would be useful at But then comes Yom Kippur. this time of year. If we accept the accounting in the Talmud that says Being passive listeners or readers of gossip isn’t an “Evil gossip kills three: the one who says it, the one who excuse, either. According to Feldman, a person “who is listens and the subject of the gossip,” we may need to ante on the receiving end of lashon hara must be careful not up for an awful lot of headstones come Atonement Day. to act in a way that endorses or supports the offending The heart of the Yom Kippur liturgy is the Viddui, the speech. As such, we must evaluate to what degree clicking two-part confessional composed of the shorter Asham- We are probably all candidates for a keyboard on websites, and all the more so linking to a website or nu, an alphabetical acrostic of our wrongdoings, and confession this Yom Kippur, JTA columnist Edmon J. distributing a link, acts as an extension and facilitation the longer Al Chet, which explores, at length, the areas Rodman writes. (Photo by Pexels) of the original message,” he wrote. where we have fallen short. So how should we respond if we have fallen short When the Day of Atonement arrives, we will confess or post links to all kinds of things. It seems harmless, online? Feldman observes that lashon hara “causes to both “unwillingly and willingly” acting out of arro- makes us feel like we are with it, and our hearts (mine greater spiritual corruption to the offender than a standard gance, speaking ill of others and rashly judging others included) go all aflutter when our “friends” praise us transgression causes,” since it registers “a dual effect” – and gossiping. And in this year of extreme partisanship, even for the most outrageous stuff. harming the subject and the speaker at once. that has me thinking: Has the season of politics gerry- Posting or forwarding unchecked or unread articles In addition “to the appeal for forgiveness from the mandered our personal boundaries, reshaping the areas may seem innocuous, but it’s not. victim,” he offers that the three “basic steps of general of shortcomings for which we need to ask forgiveness? “The speed and ease with which utter personal de- repentance are called for: confession, regret and com- Have we wittingly or unwittingly e-mailed unchecked struction and irreparable social division – whether the mitment to better behavior in the future.” In other words, “truths” – and sometimes checkered – to family, friends result of malice, misinformation, or well-intentioned Feldman contends that the traditional response to lashon and people we don’t even know? miscalculation – can be brought about through the hara is equally applicable in the digital world. This summer, the problem hit home when a friend transmission of words is staggering,” wrote Rabbi Daniel But how exactly are online amends accomplished? forwarded me an e-mail breathlessly purporting to show Z. Feldman in his book “False Facts and True Rumors: Once these digital “feathers” are released, how do we that by comparison to previous first ladies, Michelle Lashon HaRa in Contemporary Culture.” get them back? Obama and Hillary Clinton each had an unprecedented Speaking ill of others is known in Judaism as “lashon When someone needs to make amends for something high number of paid White House staff. Not passing my hara” – evil speech or, simply, gossip. It represents the they have said, most experts suggest a face-to-face apol- sniff test, I looked it up on Snopes.com, a fact-checking understanding that words can do real damage – quite ogy, where responsibility is taken with no excuses. For website. I discovered the story was filled with false unlike the “but words will never hurt me” maxim we those who we know that we have hurt online, I believe comparisons and easily researchable errors. Yet it was learned as children. a face-to-face “please forgive me” – or at least a phone forwarded to me as if the truth. And once that damage is done, how do you repair it? call – is very much in order. Nothing to beat our chests over, you say? Or is it? The classic example is of breaking open a feather pillow Though a similar apology to our online minions When we wittingly or otherwise pass along something in the wind and then trying to recover all the feathers. seems a physical impossibility, I am wondering if, taking that damages the reputation of another – not that you Now imagine the wind as the Internet, spreading the apologies into the digital age, amends could be made by have done it, but, um, somebody like you – is this “feathers” to an almost infinite number of unknown posting a correction. And not just an “oops,” but a link to something that we should confess, or make amends for, destinations. There is no way to get them all back. an analysis of the offending post that reveals its factual on Yom Kippur? Sometimes lashon hara is permitted – for instance, flaws, along with several sites useful for fact checking. Many of us blindly (or with one eye open) resend when it is necessary to give information to someone As election frenzy reaches its peak during the High Holidays, chances are the shoddily sourced story you for- warded won’t cause personal damage to a candidate; some big-time politician is probably not going to be affected by your post. But what about your reputation and your relationship with your community? Attitudes, and possibly votes, may have changed as a result of your untrue post. An online apology won’t get all the feathers back, but it is a start in sewing up the pillow. And providing your list with the tools to fact-check in the future would be a move toward a more aware online community. For some, confessing our online mistakes to our friends may be the hardest part. For others, it is acknowledg- ing our shortcomings as part of Yom Kippur’s acts of atonement. On the Day of Atonement, it is custom that with each word or phrase of the Ashamnu we strike our Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our chests. And this year, in particular, I am also going to community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. apply the words from my prayer book to my own key- The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue board behavior: We transgress, we quarrel, we mock, we neglect, we gossip. months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Indeed, in this new year, amid the heat of an election As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you battle, we are probably all candidates for a keyboard that offers our readership something on everythingfrom opinions and columns on controversial issues confession. that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish Jewish life from Los Angeles. Contact him atedmojace@ gmail.com. community calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. The Federation assumes the financial responsibility for funding the enterprise at a cost of $26,400 per year and asks only that we undertake a small letter writing mail campaign to our recipients in the hope of raising $10,000 from our readership to alleviate a share of that responsibility. Your ad d be We would be grateful if coul you would care enough here! to take the time to make a donation for our efforts in bringing The Reporter to your door. As always, your comments, opinions and For information on advertising, suggestions are always welcome. please contact Bonnie Rozen at With best wishes, 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or Mark Silverberg, [email protected] Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 OCTOBER 6, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 7 A Yom Kippur break-fast with just a bit of bling BY SHANNON SARNA ¼ tsp. nutmeg ¼ tsp. pepper (JTA) – For many families, the Yom Kippur break- Pinch ground cloves To make the dough: In a food fast is a bagels and schmear-filled inevitability – just ½ tsp. salt processor fitted with a blade, add add some lox, maybe some slices of tomato and orange 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra all crust ingredients except for juice, and everyone is happy. Sanding sugar (optional) water. Pulse a few times to mix. For other families, the break-fast is one of the most im- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large loaf pan and Begin adding water just until a portant meals of the year – almost sacred. Expectations can then coat inside with around 1 tablespoon sugar, tapping ball of dough begins to form. Do run high with such a special meal, and I know many people out an excess (this is instead of flour). not over-pulse. who anticipate the same dishes year after year after year. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add Remove dough and work on a But what if you want to serve something a little more eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Add mashed banana and lightly floured surface until you than just bagels, or veer a little off course from your pumpkin puree. can shape the dough into a flat disk. Spinach, herb and usual blintz soufflé? These three newish dishes are just In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, Wrap in plastic and place in feta quiche (Photo by different enough to be exciting, yet they are similar baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. fridge for one to two hours or Shannon Sarna) enough to satisfy your family’s biggest critic. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two or three overnight. Simple banana bread is hard to improve upon, but batches. Fold in chocolate chips using a spatula. Preheat oven to 400°F. when you add chocolate chips and moist (and healthy) Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Add a handful of ad- Roll out crust on a lightly floured surface until ¼-inch canned pumpkin, you have a crowd-pleasing quick bread ditional chocolate chips on top and sanding sugar if desired. thick. Carefully roll the crust onto your rolling pin and you can bake one or two days ahead of time. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted lay on top of springform pan. Gently push the crust into Quiche is one of the easiest make-ahead comfort in the middle comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool 10 the pan using tips of fingers and thumbs. Prick the bottom foods, and this version is brightened with fresh herbs, minutes, then gently remove from pan. of the crust with a fork all over. Bake for 7-9 minutes. feta cheese and lemon zest. HERB, SPINACH AND FETA QUICHE Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Fresh fruit is also standard at break-fast meals. By Quiche is the perfect make-ahead dish. It can keep in Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. adding some cinnamon and candied walnuts to autumn the fridge for two to three days, and then be reheated in Whisk together eggs, cream or half and half, feta, fruit, though, you can take something simple and tradi- the oven at 300°F for 20-30 minutes. It can also be served salt and pepper. tional and make it extraordinary. at room temperature. While homemade crust is flaky and Add spinach and herbs to egg mixture. Pour into PUMPKIN BANANA CHOCOLATE BREAD delicious, you can also use a store-bought crust in this recipe. prepared quiche crust, taking care to try and evenly This quick bread is so moist you don’t need anything For the crust: distribute the cheese and veggies. to go with it. (Still, that shouldn’t stop you from serving 2½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour Bake for 30-35 minutes. Serve warm or at room it with some good quality Irish butter, if you’d like.) It’s 1 tsp. salt temperature. a delicious sweet treat that’s perfect for ending a fast, 6 oz. butter (1½ sticks), chilled and cut into cubes AUTUMN FRUIT SALAD celebrating the season and kicking off a sweet new year. 4 Tbsp. vegetable shortening, chilled If apples and pears aren’t your fruit of choice, you can ½ cup butter (1 stick) Scant ½ cup ice water add these flavors to any fruit you like: pineapple, berries, 1½ cups sugar For the filling: grapes, etc. To sweeten the salad even further, you can add 2 eggs 3 large eggs a tablespoon of honey or, for a more sophisticated Middle 1 tsp. vanilla 1½ cups heavy cream or half and half Eastern twist, add a tablespoon of pomegranate molasses. 2 ripe bananas, mashed well 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled 3 apples, diced ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not 8 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess 3 pears, diced pumpkin pie filling) liquid squeezed out ¾ cup candied walnuts, roughly chopped 1¾ cups unbleached ¼ cup fresh chopped dill ½ tsp, cinnamon all-purpose flour ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley 1 Tbsp. orange zest 1½ tsp. baking powder Pumpkin banana A few sprigs of fresh oregano, leaves removed and Juice of ½ lemon ¾ tsp. baking soda chocolate chip bread chopped Whisk together cinnamon, orange zest and lemon ½ tsp. cinnamon (Photo by Shannon Sarna) 1 tsp. lemon zest juice. Add apples, pears and walnuts to bowl and toss. ¼ tsp. ginger ½ tsp. salt Place in fridge until ready to serve, up to three hours.

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ALAN SMERTZ AND SUSIE BLUM CONNORS, CO-CHAIRS OF OUR 2017 UJA CAMPAIGN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ OCTOBER 6, 2016 On the silver screen Israel’s Bedouin get their close-up in Oscar entry “Sand Storm” BY TOM TUGEND and directed “Sand Storm,” her first feature film. LOS ANGELES (JTA) – The movie “Sand Storm,” “Wherever we have screened the film, from Sundance Israel’s entry for Academy Award consideration, has to Korea, women have come to me afterward to tell me won prestigious awards and glowing reviews in its lim- ‘that’s me, that’s the way it was between my mother and ited release by defying almost every rule of Hollywood me,’” Zexer said. success. There are no stunts, no good guys vs. bad guys The movie was shot on location in four Bedouin vil- shootouts and the erotic highlight consists of a young lages. Contrary to media reports of incessant strife among woman taking off the hijab covering her hair in the Israel’s diverse people, the film’s crew consisted of Jews, privacy of her bedroom. What the film does have is the Muslim Arabs, Christian Arabs and Bedouins. “Nobody depiction of an extended Bedouin family, whose social cared about religious, political or ethnic differences,” rules hark back to ancient times, but whose emotions and Zexer said. She remembers “our entire crew working struggles are instantly recognizable by the most urbane together for the same goal, while taking pleasure and residents of New York, Paris or Tel Aviv. pride in being part of one family.” There are about 200,000 Bedouins, a minority Zexer, 35, who was born in Netanya and lives in within an Arab minority, in Israel. Most live in towns Tel Aviv, was introduced to the Bedouin lifestyle in a L-r: Jalal Masarwa and Lamis Ammar in a scene from and villages in a northern Negev triangle bounded by fortuitous way. “My mother is a still photographer and “Sand Storm,” which will represent Israel in the Oscar Beersheba, Arad and Dimona. At the heart of the film is began to take pictures of Bedouin women in the Negev competition for best foreign-language film. (Photo by the relationship – and tension – between a mother and Desert,” the director said in a Skype interview linking Vered Adir) daughter. The mother, Jalila, is preparing for the arrival Los Angeles and Tel Aviv. of the much younger woman who will be her husband’s One day about 10 years ago, Zexer accompanied her played by Haitham Oman, a photographer in his day job. second wife. The daughter, Layla, is studying Hebrew mother for a day’s photography. The one-day trip turned “Sand Storm” is the first Israeli all-Arabic language literature at nearby Ben-Gurion University and secretly into a 10-year project for Zexer, who directed three short Oscar entry. The actors speak in a distinct Arab dialect. meeting privately with a boy and fellow student who films after graduating from the film school at Tel Aviv On set, most of the Bedouins spoke Hebrew, the younger is, adding to the taboo, from a different Bedouin tribe. University, now known as The Steve Tisch School of Film ones more fluently than their elders. In a pinch, English The situation threatens to bring eternal shame to her and Television. Determined to make an accurate film and instructions helped the director get her points across. parents and ruin the chances of her sisters finding good honor the confidence of the Bedouin women she had met, Zexer would not discuss the budget for the film, but husbands. It also escalates the tension between Layla Zexer took four years to write, rewrite and polish her script. it largely came together through two Israeli government and her parents, particularly Jalila. It is this basic plot “My interactions with the Bedouins shaped every funds and two private funds. – rebellious teen, traditionalist parents – that gives the frame of the film,” Zexer said. “The script is fictional, The Oscar entry is the latest in a series of honors for film its universal appeal, says Elite Zexer, who wrote but it is based on real stories, real circumstances. I felt the film, which included the $65,000 first prize for a work an obligation to make the story as real as possible and to in progress at the Locarno International Film Festival; represent the people I had met in the most accurate way.” top awards at film competitions in Jerusalem, Taiwan, At left: Elite Zexer, director- Once the script was honed to her satisfaction, Zexer set Seattle and South Korea; and the 2016 World Cinema writer of “Sand Storm,” won out just as meticulously to find the right actors for the roles. Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. the Israeli equivalent of the The casting of Jalila, the mother and the film’s strongest In the run-up to the Ophir Awards, presented by the Oscar as best director and her figure, was relatively easy and ended in the selection of Israeli Academy of Film and Television, the film led the film about a Bedouin family Ruba Blad-Asfour, the only professional actor in the cast. field with 12 nominations out of 18 categories. At the in the Negev. (Photo courtesy More difficult was the search for a young girl to play September 22 presentation of what are commonly called Layla, the daughter. After seemingly endless auditions, Kino Lorber) the Israeli Oscars, the film won six top prizes, including Lamis Ammar, a young Bedouin woman, won the part best picture, best director and best supporting actress. in her first professional role. Suliman, Jalila’s husband, is See “Bedouin” on page 10

CANANYONEREALLYPUT APRICE ON HOPE AND DIGNITY? ACTUALLY,YES. Everything has its price. A counseling session for an abused child costs $36. Groceries for a family in crisis cost $100. $50 serves hot meals to 10 homebound seniors.When you can't afford to take care of the most basic needs, it's easy to feel hopeless. On November 6th, 2016 when your phone rings on Super SundaySunday, pleaseplease make a gigifftt tot our 2017 UJA Campaign… and restore hope. Any gift you make is very much appreciated. OCTOBER 6, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 9 On the silver screen Deborah Lipstadt provides free speech lessons to Rachel Weisz for “Denial” role BY BEN SALES Meryl Streep portraying her in a movie. But she was NEW YORK (JTA) – Before the most dramatic epi- very happy with how Weisz captured her character and sode of her professional life became a movie, Deborah interactions – from her forthright confidence to the culture At right: Rachel Lipstadt had some work to do. No, she didn’t have to clash with her lawyers. The orange scarf Weisz wears in Weisz as writer and make some last-minute changes to the script or take a the film’s promotional poster is the same one Lipstadt historian Deborah crash course in acting. Her job: To teach Oscar-winning wore on a recent Friday in New York. Lipstadt in “Denial.” actress Rachel Weisz how to talk like a Jewish woman As a child of Holocaust refugees, Weisz had a personal (Photo by Laurie from Queens. connection to the movie. And because she is Jewish, Sparham/Bleecker Weisz, who grew up in Lipstadt said, it was easier for Weisz to slip into Hebrew Street) London, portrays Lipstadt, when the script called for it. “She was unbelievable,” a Holocaust historian, in the Lipstadt said of Weisz. “She’s a professional’s profes- forthcoming film “Denial,” sional. I think she would have brought to this the same which hits select theaters professional quality even if she hadn’t been the child of that different. “Everybody has a job – big, little, it’s all on September 30. The film two refugees because she’s such a great actress.” important,” she said. “I didn’t have a job. It was my story. tells the story of Lipstadt’s The movie’s title, Lipstadt told JTA, refers both to It’s similar in the trial. Everybody had a job. I didn’t have dramatic win in British Holocaust denial and to the self-denial she had to practice a job. It was learning how to be to the side, learning to let court against a Holocaust when she refrained from testifying. Standing on the side others speak for you in the trial and act for you.” denier, David Irving. It was of a set of a movie about your life, she said, didn’t feel See “Lipstadt” on page 10 a high-profile case that made Deborah Lipstadt (Photo the Holocaust front-page courtesy of Emory news in 2000, and unequiv- University) ocally refuted Holocaust denial at a time when the tragedy was fading from living memory. But before Weisz donned a red wig and delivered striking defenses of the Holocaust and free speech, she had to learn to sound just like Lipstadt. “She would call me and say, ‘Record for me how you say ‘I’ll call you.’ Record for me how you say ‘goodnight,’” Lipstadt recalled. Weisz’s attention to detail paid off. “She got my 2017 UJA Campaign accent,” Lipstadt said. Lipstadt, a professor of modern Jewish history and Holocaust studies at Emory University, had criticized Irving’s falsification of Holocaust history in her 1993 book “Denying the Holocaust.” In 1996, Irving sued I am: her for libel in British court, where the burden of proof lies with the defendant. The movie depicts how Lipstadt won the case, exposing Irving as an intentional falsifier HUNGRY of Holocaust history. LOST Lipstadt acknowledged to JTA that she had thought about the trial’s cinematic potential. Still, when producers IN DEBT first approached her about “Denial” in 2008, she laughed WORKING PART TIME – the same reaction, she recalled, that she had when she UNEMPLOYED found out Irving was suing her. “When you sign over a book, you are essentially giving them control over your COLD story,” she said. “You’re not going to be able to say, ‘No, SICK that’s not right, I don’t like that, don’t include this.’ So LAID OFF what I kept querying them about is, this is a movie about truth. Do you understand you have to stick to the truth?” SINGLE The finished product, Lipstadt says, hews closely to MARRIED the truth. The story heightens her tension with her law- HOMELESS yers and combines a string of meetings with Holocaust DOWNSIZED survivors into one encounter. But the courtroom scenes are taken verbatim from the record, and dramatic scenes ADDICTED – from Irving ambushing Lipstadt at a lecture to a tense ALONE Shabbat dinner with British Jewish leaders – happened A FATHER more or less as they play out on screen. Decades ago, Lipstadt said she playfully imagined PROFESSIONAL SCARED AN IMMIGRANT A REFUGEE ESTABLISHED BROKE JEWISH

ough the economic crisis may have aected each of us dierently, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is the one place we can all turn to for help. In fact, more of us are relying on the services of Federation-funded agencies to help make ends meet, feed our families, and pay our mortgages than ever before. Yet for every story of hardship and despair, there are countless stories of love and hope that you can be a part of. You can help. You can make a di erence. You can make the world a better place.

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ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER ■ OCTOBER 6, 2016 D’VAR TORAH Stiff necks and the survival of Judaism BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN, EXECUTIVE about their future. They wanted to cling to what was EDITOR, THE REPORTER known. They wanted to keep life as it was. This new Vayelech, Deuteronomy 31:1-30 religion was scary. Nothing like your father figure telling you that he The idea of being stiff-necked may have been prob- knows you’re going to go astray after he dies. The lematic during the biblical period, but since the Diaspora, father figure in this case is Moses. Perhaps it’s just his it’s actually helped Judaism survive. We’ve clung to our anger – anger that he’s not allowed to enter the Promised religion, even when we were punished for being Jews. Land – that makes him blame the Israelites. However, his We refused to accept the majority religion of the countries statement – telling the people that the book he’s written in which we lived, even though it would have made life will be a witness against them – sounds pretty bitter. easier. Although some Jews did convert or assimilate, Even worse, he expects them to sin: “For I know your enough remained for the Jewish community to continue. rebellion and your stiff neck. While I’ve been alive, you These stiff-necked Jews insisted on being true to Judaism. have been rebellious against God. How much more so Leaders in the contemporary Jewish community might after my death?” (Deuteronomy 31:27) agree with Moses that Jews can be stiff-necked and Yes, the Israelites were rebellious during the Exodus contrary. Try leading a group of Jews in any direction from Egypt. That’s because they had little to no control and you’re likely to receive a thousand comments and/or over their lives. God and Moses told them what to do – complaints. However, Moses might be surprised to learn amidst plagues and miracles that must have scared the that the very trait for which he criticized the Israelites wits out of them – so it’s not surprising they had doubts is the one that kept Judaism alive through the centuries.

Lipstadt Continued from page 9 The movie keeps the drama alive by focusing much the need to affirm historical truth, uncomfortable as it of the plot on Lipstadt’s conflict with her lawyers. may be. And in an age where Lipstadt says antisemitism Throughout much of the film, Lipstadt attempts to coax is again rising, she is grateful to have played a role in her reserved British legal team to allow her and Holocaust preserving Holocaust memory. “I got a chance to be out survivors to take the stand. “There were moments that I there on the front lines,” she said. “I got a chance to fight wish had gotten more play in the movie,” she said. “The the good fight, and I know so many people – Jews, Afri- movie I would have made would have been three and a can-Americans, gays, people who have faced prejudice, half hours, maybe four hours.” but certainly Jews – who would want the chance to fight At times, filming felt almost too spot-on for Lipstadt. the good fight. And I feel very lucky.” A central scene takes place at Auschwitz, where Lipstadt and one of her lawyers meet to gather evidence. The filming caused Lipstadt to relive some of the experiences, which felt “very strange, and I tried to stay as far out of sight lines as possible.” But the movie’s central message, she said, is about

Bedouin Continued from page 8 The best picture distinction meant the movie would automatically represent Israel in the Oscar competition for best foreign language movie. The success of her first feature has bowled over the otherwise sober-speaking director and writer. “My hope was just to make an honest picture about a little-known Tom Wilkinson (top right) as barrister Richard Rampton segment of Israeli society,” Zexer said. “Never in my in “Denial.” (Photo by Laurie Sparham/Bleecker Street) wildest dreams did I think it would be so well received and move so many people.” Israeli critics have frequently charged their govern- Continued from page 4 ment with neglecting the Bedouins and expropriating Uganda their lands, but Zexer hopes her film will motivate her improved with their Muslim and Christian neighbors Jewish compatriots in at least one way. “Israelis constantly after the Jewish community opened up wells that Be’chol drive past these Bedouin villages without ever stopping Lashon helped to build. “The Muslim well used to be to take a closer look,” she said. “If they did, they would closed and because the Jewish well is open to everyone, find that the people there would welcome them warmly.” the other well opened up as well,” she said. Israeli films have been nominated for an Oscar 10 Be’chol Lashon, whose mission is to promote racial times, but none has ever received the winner’s golden and ethnic inclusiveness in the Jewish community, worked statuette. Israelis hope that “Sand Storm” will be the with Jews in Uganda to raise funds for the building, find breakthrough film in more ways than one. an architect and draw up a plan, as well as monitor the “Sand Storm,” in Arabic with English subtitles, was progress on the ground. The group raised $300,000, set to open on September 28 in New York and on October with a California couple, Sue and Ralph Stern, donating 7 in Los Angeles, followed by a national rollout. about half the money. Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman & Steven Seitchik Tobin said the new center is “going to make the community more visible. Please support “The politics of religion are very specific [in Uganda], our advertisers... there are so many churches and mosques everywhere – that’s part of the motivation to have a wonderful building tell them you saw [for Jews],” she said. their ad Indeed, the synagogue will be a Jerusalem of sorts here in for the community, which is scattered among villages in the country’s eastern region. Members follow a biblical commandment to make pilgrimage to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem during the holidays of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot – but they gather in Nabagoye rather than Israel. OCTOBER 6, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Susie Fishbein says good-bye to her “Kosher by Design” series BY LISA COHEN BLATTER repertoire in many homes. “When I go to ternational ingredients have – like those aforementioned (JTA) – When Susie Fishbein wrote shows and people bring old books to get become readily available culinary idols Garten and her first “Kosher By Design” cookbook signed, the pages of this book are filthy, kosher,” she said. “People Stewart – but says it’s still nearly 15 years ago, she saw an opening torn, dog-eared – very much loved,” travel a lot; the level of expec- in the beginning stages. in the market for a book in the style of Fishbein said. tation at kosher restaurants is “A lot of women at my mainstream cooks like Ina Garten and Gedaliah Zlotowitz, vice president higher. There are some truly shows ask how to turn Martha Stewart. “Those were my idols,” of sales and marketing at ArtScroll, the unbelievable kosher caterers their hobbies and interests she told JTA. Jewish book publisher that publishes the out there, too.” into careers, and I say they As such, Fishbein series, calls Fishbein “cutting edge. And her cooking style has have to take themselves dreamed of writing “She was using new ingredients and changed, too. In the begin- seriously, to set aside time a kosher cookbook staying on top of trends in the market,” ning, “I was holding on to and focus, and treat them that featured recipes Zlotowitz said. “The photos were beau- puff pastry with both hands,” The cover of Susie like a business,” Fishbein beyond potato kugel tiful, too, and we had a photo for every she joked. Now, however, Fishbein’s latest (and said. “I always did that.” and chicken soup. recipe. She made people proud to keep Fishbein stays away from final) “Kosher by Design” In Fishbein’s case, her Just as important, kosher, which really hit home with us.” more processed foods. “It cookbook. (Photo courtesy efforts paid off. “I hear all the book would set Though she wasn’t trained as a chef, wasn’t until making this my of ArtScroll) the time that we rocked the a high bar for food Fishbein, 48, was once a teacher – and career, and bringing it to the kosher world,” she said. styling and attrac- that’s a skill that has lent itself to cook- front lobe of my brain, that my cooking Susie Fishbein is tive design. “The book writing, she explained (almost all the became more sophisticated and health the author of the kosher cook does a recipes have detailed stories and descrip- conscious,” she noted. “Kosher By Design” Thanksgiving-style tions). And she wasn’t a total novice when But something else changed during series of cookbooks. meal every Friday she signed the “Kosher by Design” deal that time: the kosher cookbook world. (Photo courtesy of night,” she said, not- with ArtScroll. Fishbein, 48, who lives in “The market has become saturated and ArtScroll) ing it was something Livingston, NJ, had compiled and edited that’s really to her credit,” Zlotowitz said. Food blog she had long took a successful collection of recipes, “The “I don’t want ArtScroll to put in a The food blog “What Jew pride in doing. “I’ve always loved to cook, Kosher Palette,” as a fund-raiser for the tremendous amount of money without Wanna Eat: This Ain’t Yo Bub- entertain and make things look pretty. My local Jewish day school. knowing that they’ll make their money be’s Blog,” http://whatjewwannaeat.com/, thinking was if I can do it my kitchen, you But Fishbein’s timing for “Kosher by back,” Fishbein said of her decision to features recipes by Amy Kritzer, a recipe can do it in yours.” Design” couldn’t have been better, partly retire the line. developer and personal chef. The site “Kosher by Design” was published in because more kosher ingredients were Moreover, the world of books – and features “modern interpretations of classic 2003, and it took the kosher food world by becoming widely available, and partly media, in general – has changed dramat- recipes” from “cooking traditions of Jews storm. In the first few weeks, more than because kosher cooks were looking to ically since 2003. “It used to be a guar- around the world” and are “influenced by 27,000 copies were sold. Two weeks after expand their repertoires. That said, the antee that these cookbooks would fly off kosher living and traditional holidays.” In its release, the book went into its second first “Kosher by Design” book sold more the shelves, but the business has gotten addition to recipes, the site offers cooking printing. But now, after nine “Kosher by than 110,000 copies, “way beyond what much more digital,”Fishbein explained. videos and a weekly e-mail newsletter. Design” books – including “Kosher by we could have even imagined,” Zlotowitz “It’s like, you know you’re a successful Design: Kids in the Kitchen” and “Pass- says. Eight more books have followed, parent when you send your kids out and Podcast on Jewish women over by Design” – Fishbein is calling it including “Short on Time” – the sec- they do well on their own. That’s how I Jewish Women’s Archives offers a quits. Her final installment, “Kosher by ond-most popular in the series, having feel. I want to go out on a high and this monthly podcast called “Can We Talk?” Design: Brings it Home,” was published sold more than 75,000 copies. “I couldn’t series – and my publisher – deserves it.” It can be found at http://jwa.org/podcasts/ earlier this year. write them fast enough,” Fishbein said. While she may be done with cook- canwetalk. It offers stories and conversa- It’s hard to overstate what an outsize Fishbein has become something of a books, Fishbein is not finished with kosher tions about Jewish women and the issues presence Fishbein has had in the kosher kosher food world celebrity, traveling all food. She says she’ll be focusing instead on that shape their public and private lives. world since her debut. “Susie is a dynamo over the world to give cooking demon- cooking appearances and teaching classes, Alternating between a documentary style in the kosher community,” said Jamie strations. And these travels have served as well as writing a column for Mishpacha and a roundtable format, it includes pro- Geller, founder of JoyofKosher.com and as inspiration for her latest cookbook, magazine for which she tries out new gad- files of historical and contemporary Jewish the magazine of the same name. “She is which includes dishes from France, Italy, gets (most recently a sous-vide machine women, discussions of culture, politics and an inspiration to all who love to cook Mexico and Israel. Recipes include Tuscan she’s “totally hooked on”). Fishbein is current events, and little-known stories and those who enjoy delicious home- bean and farro soup, which she learned to even exploring doing a prepared food line from the past and present. cooked meals.” make in Italy, Provencal wheatberry salad Many recipes from the first “Kosher and mujadarra, a Middle Eastern rice and by Design” book have become staples in lentil dish. kosher homes – dishes like challah napkin Fishbein says that in the years since she rings, tri-color gefilte fish and Oriental started her series, the kosher food world spinach salad are part of the Friday night has changed immensely. “Even more in- Save the Date! Temple Hesed and Ellen Katz Invite You to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Fiddler on the Roof Sunday, November 13th at 2pm at Temple Hesed Ellen Katz, a renowned entertainer, teacher, and storyteller will regale us with an engaging Power Point and video presentation of the show’s evolution from page-to-stage & script-to-screen in a remarkable story – a Miracle of Miracles! Ellen performs the favorites – join in and sing along! DON’T MISS A NOTE! Ellen’s presentation will be followed by a special Oneg: A “Chai” tea, featuring scones, crumpets, finger sandwiches, pastries and an assortment of delicious teas (including Chai). This special event is only $18 (Chai) p/p, payable to: Temple Hesed, 1 Knox Road, Scranton, PA 18505 (Please write “Fiddler” in the memo line of your check) The paid reservation deadline is November 4th For more information, contact Michael Krakow at (570)698-9815 or Temple Hesed at (570) 344-7201 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ OCTOBER 6, 2016 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM EUROPE From JTA according to an account of the meeting issued by the WJC: “We need to reflect on Four acquitted in Denmark synagogue attack integration, which is important. The people who committed the terrorist attacks in Belgium were not properly integrated.” Francis urged Christians and Jews to coop- Four Danish citizens accused of assisting the gunman in two deadly attacks in erate in battling hatred and brutality. “We need more friendliness and kindness, and Copenhagen last year, including one outside a synagogue that left a Jewish security we should not be afraid to speak out against brutality,” he said, according to the WJC guard dead, were acquitted. On Sept. 27, a Danish court found that the actions of the report. “We should go on a joint journey together to make the world more secure. four men were “not of such a character that the actions can lead to a conviction for We need to speak out for peace.” The delegation of Jewish leaders was led by WJC complicity,” according to the verdict, the French news agency AFP reported. Bhostan President Ronald Lauder, who told the pope that Jews had “all been immigrants.” Khan Hossein, Liban Ahmed Saleban Elmi, Ibrahim Khalil Abbas and Mahmoud Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Francis wished Jews a sweet new year and reiterated his Rabea were accused of helping Omar El-Hussein carry out the attack against Copen- view that antisemitism is contrary to true Christian belief. hagen’s main synagogue on Feb. 15, 2015. They had faced life in prison if convicted. El-Hussein, 22, was killed in a shootout with police hours after killing the guard, Jewish politician calling for end to Labour antisemitism Dan Uzan, 37, in the attack. Hossein and Elmi were convicted on the lesser charge of met with heckles and applause disposing of the assault rifle El-Hussein used hours earlier to kill Danish film-maker A Jewish Labour Party member in England was heckled and applauded in a Finn Noergaard and wound three police officers at a Copenhagen café. They will be speech condemning a recent wave of antisemitic incidents in his party. At the par- sentenced at a later date. ty’s conference on Sept. 27 in Liverpool, the national vice-chairman of the Jewish Polish priest did not commit hate crime, prosecutor finds Labour Movement invoked a former Jewish Labour defense minister by name in a The Prosecutor’s Office in Bialystok has ended an investigation of a Polish priest plea against party bigotry. “It makes me weep – the party of Manny Shinwell, the who spoke of Jews being a “cancer” during a sermon, determining that no hate crime party that has done more than other to promote tolerance and equality, the party had been committed. In a sermon on April 16 in Bialystok, Father Jacek Miedlar to which the Jewish Labour Movement has been affiliated since 1920, is not seen spoke of the “cancer which swept Poland,” apparently meaning Jews. He stressed as a welcoming home for Jews,” Mike Katz said, according to Buzzfeed. “I have that political correctness and tolerance enslave Poles. According to the prosecutor, to say, and I say this with no little regret, the JLM does feel let down. But we are Miedlar “referred to the historical content and the Bible, pointing to examples of going nowhere,” he said. Audience members heckled Katz during the speech, negative behavior of the representatives of the Jewish community from the time shouting, “You don’t speak for all Jews” and “rubbish!” Katz also received standing of slavery in Egypt, and generally referring to modern times.” The speech did not ovations when urging party members to work with the Jewish Labour Movement stigmatize a particular nationality, the prosecutor said on Sept. 27. On the same day to demonstrate that “Jews are welcome in the Labour Party.” Dozens of Labour Miedlar, a known nationalist, wrote in response to the decision on Twitter: “Bialy- members have been suspended and several expelled from the party since February, stok investigation discontinued! Zero tolerance for ‘Jewish cowardice.’ Salut!” He when the British media began scrutinizing the proliferation of antisemitic incidents attached a picture showing Poles performing a Nazi salute taken on the night of June within Labour after the election last year of party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn 23, 1936, when a group of Polish nationalists seized the city of Myslenice for several has faced allegations that his pro-Palestinian politics and endorsement of radical hours. During the siege, the nationalists beat Jewish residents and destroyed Jewish antisemites has encouraged hate speech against Jews. He been accused of doing too shops. After a few hours, Miedlar removed the post. Miedlar also withdrew from the little to curb rampant antisemitism among party members and lawmakers, some of Congregation of the Missionaries, a religious order founded in 1625. “The persecution whom have been suspended for making racist and antisemitic statements on social of gay, liberal and Jewish groups led me to the fact that I can’t do my pastoral work,” media and in other public forums. A Jewish party member resigned from the party he said, according to the Onet.pl website. following the re-election of Corbyn on Sept. 25. “I’m Jewish and I’m very strongly Jewish and I make no bones about it, and there’s no doubt in my mind that Jeremy Pope, in meeting with Jewish leaders, calls for integration himself is very lukewarm on this subject,” Parry Mitchell told the BBC on Sept. of migrants 25. “But even more than that, he surrounds himself with a coterie of people who Pope Francis told a World Jewish Congress delegation that migrants have enriched hold violent, violent anti-Israel views and allied with it they are very hostile to Europe and need to be integrated into society. “Europe often forgets that it has been Jews, so in my view, they’re pretty bad guys.” In 2009, Corbyn called Hezbollah enriched by migrants,” the pope told the Jewish leaders at an audience on Sept. 26 at and Hamas his “friends,” a comment he later walked back. He has also called for the Vatican that was described as taking place in an atmosphere of “great cordiality boycotts against Israeli settlements. and friendship.” “Europe is closing itself up. Europe is lacking creativity. Europe has IFCJ, JDC to distribute $52 million in humanitarian aid to a falling birth rate and problems of high unemployment,” the pope said. He added, Jews in former Soviet Union The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has pledged $52 million to provide food and medicine to elderly Jews living in the former Soviet Union through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. The Food and Medicine Lifeline, a Gifting Stock four-year, $13 million per year commitment, was announced on Sept. 26 by the IFCJ. Many of the tens of thousands of recipients of the aid are elderly and impoverished Holocaust survivors, according to the IFCJ. The assistance will be delivered through Form the JDC’s local network of humanitarian services throughout the states of the former Soviet Union. “There are countless hungry and sick elderly Jews across the FSU, Gifting stock to a charitable 501©(3) organization including more than 100,000 needy elderly and Holocaust survivors, who depend on our help,” Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, IFCJ founder and president, said in a state- is a great way to make a donation. ment. “Too many Jews around the world, but especially in the former Soviet Union, By gifting stock in which you have a large capital gain, you not struggle to meet their most basic needs, including securing the food and medicine only receive the benefit of making a sizable donation, but you they need simply to survive.” IFCJ raises more than $140 million per year, mostly from Christians, to assist Israel and the Jewish people. Since its founding more than also save the capital gains tax. 30 years, the organization said it has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to Example: assisting poor and elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union. JDC works in more than 70 countries, including Israel, to assist Jews in areas ranging from alleviating hunger Gift: $2,000 to providing disaster relief. (Stock: ABC @ $20 per share - Gift: 100 shares)

If you were to sell “Stock ABC” that you originally purchased at $10.00 a share, you would have a $1,000 capital gain and you would be required to pay at least $150.00 in federal taxes, etc. But by gifting the stock, you save the entire $150.00 and you’ve found a way to help the Federation accomplish its mission: “…to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Your gift will not only assist our local and regional organizations and agencies, but you will have the satisfaction of helping those in need.

You will be able to look back and say: “I’m just doing what my ewish Federa the J tion People have always done for each other.” on ’s e u ma yo il For further information on gifting stocks in payment of your pledge re lis A t? to our Annual UJA Campaign, please contact the Federation at We send updated announcements and special 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) for details. event details weekly to those who wish to receive them.

Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] OCTOBER 6, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 13 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM THE U.S. From JTA Houston gunman wearing Nazi “get,” or Jewish writ of divorce, from their wives. The U.S. developer’s $25 million funds agreement, commonly referred to as a “halachic prenup,” uniform was member of Jewish frat generally penalizes the husband financially for refusing to cancer center to serve northern Israel The gunman wearing a Nazi uniform during a shoot- give the get. Rabbi Mark Dratch, executive vice president Supporters of Emek Medical Center in Afula broke ing spree in Houston belonged to a Jewish fraternity in of the RCA, a centrist Orthodox rabbis’ organization, said ground on a $25 million cancer center that will serve college. Nathan DeSai, 46, was carrying two guns and the organization is mandating the longstanding fix to an northern Israel. New York real estate developer Chaim 2,500 rounds of live ammunition when he was shot dead intractable problem now because the Orthodox community Katzman, the primary donor, was among those on hand by police on Sept. 26 after injuring nine people in his is largely aware of and comfortable with its use. According for the ceremony. The center, which is expected to open in attack on commuters, one critically. DeSai belonged to to a news release by the RCA, requiring a prenup will December 2019, will be named Beit Shulamit, or House Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity at the University of Houston, further reduce any stigma associated with it in corners of of Shulamit, for his late wife. Dr. Shulamit Katzman, a local news stations reported on Sept. 28, citing former the Orthodox community. “We’re an organization with a pediatrician and health care activist, succumbed to cancer fraternity brothers, who said he helped restart the all- thousand rabbis that also need to be trained and educated in 2013. She was 49. The center will offer daily care and but-defunct chapter at the university in the late 1980s. and feel comfortable with this,” he said. “We’re at a place have 36 inpatient beds, as well as a radiotherapy clinic, Non-Jews are also allowed to join the fraternity. He now where the membership thought this was possible.” breast cancer center, children’s department, day clinic and was known by Niren at the time; he changed his name According to halachah, or traditional Jewish law, a hus- surgical facilities for oncology patients. Emek Medical to Nathan legally in 2001, according to reports. Andy band must give his wife the get in order for the couple to Center has an oncology wing and center for chemotherapy, Huston, executive director of Sigma Alpha Mu, confirmed divorce. Women whose husbands refuse to divorce them but does not admit patients and radiation therapy is not in a statement that DeSai was a fraternity member from – preventing them from remarrying under Jewish law – are available, according to a news release. “There is a real 1990-93. “Since his graduation more than 23 years ago, referred to as “agunot,” Hebrew for “chained women.” shortage of oncology services in northern Israel, with we have no record of him having any involvement with The RCA has advocated the use of the prenup since 1993 many patients having to travel long distances for care our organization,” the statement said. In addition to the and has encouraged its use in subsequent statements and treatment,” Orna Blondheim, who heads the medical vintage military uniform emblazoned with swastikas throughout the years. However, the document’s use is not center, said in a statement. “This new center will go a DeSai was wearing, Nazi paraphernalia also was found in universal and husbands still occasionally refuse to divorce long way in alleviating their discomfort and improve his car and apartment, according to local media reports. their wives. This is the first time the RCA is requiring quality of care.” The fund-raising was facilitated by the Police also found other vintage military uniforms. DeSai, its rabbis to have couples sign the prenup before their Israel Healthcare Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit that an attorney, and a partner ran a law firm that closed in weddings. Among some 200 mostly American Orthodox supports the Clalit medical network in Israel. February after 12 years due to an economic downturn, rabbis surveyed earlier this year by the Jewish Orthodox Apple reportedly developing iPhone 8 according to the AP. Perrye Turner, special agent in Feminist Association, approximately 75 percent already charge of the FBI’s Houston Division, told the AP that require couples to sign the prenup before getting married. in Israel officials don’t believe the incident is tied to terrorism, Nearly 50 of the rabbis, however, either don’t require the Apple reportedly is using an office in Herzliya, Israel, though local police officials have not offered an opinion. prenup or actively discourage couples they are marrying to develop what one anonymous employee termed the Orthodox rabbis’ group mandates from signing one. Sharon Weiss-Greenberg, executive iPhone 8. The employee also told Business Insider on director of JOFA, applauded the RCA’s statement, but Sept. 28 that Apple employees in Israel work on all the prenup to prevent “chained” wives questioned how effective it will be. “I hope that it becomes company’s new products. The Herzliya office has -ap The Rabbinical Council of America will mandate its the reality,” she said. “I don’t know if this is a real policy proximately 800 employees, and Apple CEO Tim Cook member rabbis to require couples to sign a prenuptial that’s enforceable. I hope that they don’t need to enforce has said it is the company’s second-largest research and agreement ensuring that husbands will not withhold a it. I hope that if they need to they do.” development office in the world. There is another Apple headquarters in Haifa, which has about 200 employees, according to Business Insider. The anonymous Apple staffer intimated that the next iPhone will be called the iPhone 8, skipping the name iPhone 7s. The worker added that it will be “significantly different” from the last few P A C E previous iPhone models – Business Insider noted they have been criticized for their similarities. Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Pepe the Frog meme added to ADL hate database Your gift to the Annual Campaign The Anti-Defamation League has added the internet meme Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character that has become DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. a popular symbol for white supremacists, to its online hate database. Images of the frog, variously portrayed Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the with a Hitler-like mustache, wearing a yarmulke or a Jewish community of NEPA forever. Ku Klux Klan hood, have proliferated in recent weeks in hateful messages aimed at Jewish and other users on Twitter, according to the ADL. Pepe, which has been A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows ubiquitous on the Internet over the past decade, in the your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will last year or so has become the flag bearer of the alt- continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. right, which advances an insular conservatism favoring white people. Earlier in September, Donald Trump Jr., To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current son of the Republican presidential nominee, posted to annual gift by 20. Instagram a movie poster parody of himself heroically You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN grouped with Pepe and others deemed “The Deplor- PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All ables.” Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton had said contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. that half of all Donald Trump supporters are what she termed “deplorables.” “Once again, racists and haters Let your name be remembered as a blessing. have taken a popular Internet meme and twisted it for their own purposes of spreading bigotry and harassing Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate users,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO. funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. “These antisemites have no shame. They are abusing They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that the image of a cartoon character, one that might at first seem appealing, to harass and spread hatred on social best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. media.” Other symbols have been added to the “Hate on Display” database in recent months, including the Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: (((echo))) symbol, a triple parenthesis used by white supremacists to single out Jewish journalists and users * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term on social media for harassment. * capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance * charitable lead trust * gift of IRA or pension plan assets * grant from your foundation * reserved life estate in your residence * bequest Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes.

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ OCTOBER 6, 2016

Feature Films (as of September 2016) NEW Dough - An old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce) takes on a young Muslim apprentice to save his failing kosher bakery. When TO THE his apprentice’s marijuana stash accidentally falls in the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves! DOUGH is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places. (Shown at the LIBRARY! 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is Illuminated - “Everything is Illuminated” tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family’s story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Europa Europa - Based on the autobiography of Solomon Perel, this movie recounts the severe actions a young boy must take in order to survive the Holocaust. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agres to defend her Hungarian immigrant father against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Remember - With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with demntia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Son of Saul - October 1944, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Saul (Géza Röhrig) is a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis. While working, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son. As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task: save the child’s body, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) The Book Thief - THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. The Jolson Story - THE JOLSON STORY is classic Hollywood biography at its best; a fast-paced, tune-filled extravaganza following the meteoric rise of legendary performer Al Jolson. THE JOLSON STORY was nominated for six 1946 Academy Awards , winning two, (Best Musical Scoring and Best Sound Recording). The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. Woman of Gold - Based on the true story of Maria Altman, played by Helen Mirren, who sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Non-Feature Films 2016 Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a ragtag group of skilled American pilots - both Jewish and non-Jewish, answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and pride. (Shown at the 2016 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is a Present: The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz - This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. If These Knishes Could Talk tells the story of the New York accent: what it is, how it’s evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It features writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride, along with a cast of characters from Canarsie to Tottenville. In between, it explores why New Yorkers eat chawclate and drink cawfee, and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of a charming, unforgiving and enduring city. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman)- This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Israel Course - A 7-part Israel education series that sheds light on the Holy Land through the ages. Featuring biblical scholars and Middle East experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Ambassador Dore Gold, Princeton professor Bernard Lewis and many others. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - the Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. OCTOBER 6, 2016 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA “went back to the drawing board” to work on his off-speed pitches to “make sure I’d Growth rate steady as Israel’s population reaches 8.58 million be sharp.” Israel edged Brazil, 1-0, on Sept. 23 to advance to the final. Israel will have a population of 8.585 million citizens this Rosh Hashanah. The American intellectuals call for boycott of settlement goods growth rate, 2 percent, was similar to previous years, according to an annual report and services released on Sept. 27 by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. The country’s Jewish More than 70 American intellectuals called for a targeted boycott of all goods and population, which makes up nearly three-quarters of the country at 6.419 million, grew services from Israeli West Bank settlements. The boycott call, an open letter, was pub- at a rate of 1.9 percent, while the Arab population, which makes up just over a fifth lished in the most recent issue of the New York Review of Books, which is dated Oct. of the country at 1.786 million, grew at a rate of 2.2 percent. Other groups, including 13. Among the signers are Bernard Avishai, Peter Brooks, Peter Beinhart, Todd Gitlin non-Arab Christians and those identifying with other religions, which make up 4.4 and Martin Sherwin. The letter said the signatories “oppose an economic, political, or percent of the population at 380,000, grew at a rate of 3.8 percent. The birth rate cultural boycott of Israel itself as defined by its June 4, 1967, borders,” which they refer surpassed the death rate, with 189,000 births and 46,000 deaths. In the past Jewish to as the “so-called Green Line.” This boundary, according to the letter writers, “should year, 30,000 people moved to Israel, including 25,000 new immigrants. be the starting point for negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian parties on future Joseph Harmatz, leader of Jewish “Avengers” of Nazis, dies at 91 boundaries between two states. To promote such negotiations, we call for a targeted Joseph Harmatz, a Holocaust survivor who led a group of Jews seeking to kill Germans boycott of all goods and services from all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories, in revenge for the Holocaust, has died. Harmatz’s death was confirmed on Sept. 26 by and any investments that promote the Occupation, until such time as a peace settlement his son, Ronel, according to the Associated Press. Harmatz was 91 and as of August is negotiated between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.” The letter was living in Tel Aviv. He was a leader of the Jewish “Avengers,” or “HaNokmim” in also calls on the U.S. government to remove Internal Revenue Service tax exemptions Hebrew, a group of approximately 50 Holocaust survivors founded by the Israeli poet from West Bank entities and to exclude the settlements from Israeli trade benefits. Abba Kovner in order to take revenge on Germans for World War II. Harmatz, who Israel’s envoy working to bring kosher food to U.N. cafeterias was born in Lithuania, was one of the last surviving group members who poisoned Nazi Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations hopes to soon be eating kosher food SS officers in an American prisoner of war camp in 1946. More than 2,200 Nazis fell in the cafeterias of the international institution. Danny Danon, writing the week of sick, but no one is known to have died from the poisoning. When Harmatz proposed Sept. 23 to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said there are many U.N. employees to Jewish leaders in prestate Israel a plan to kill as many Germans as Jews who died and diplomats from around the world who observe kashrut, yet kosher food is not in the Holocaust, figures like David Ben-Gurion were said to be appalled. “We didn’t available in any of the cafeterias or restaurants in the U.N. headquarters in New York. understand why it shouldn’t be paid back,” Harmatz told the AP in August about the U.N. cafeterias offerhalal , vegetarian and vegan selections. “For many Jews around group’s motivation. Harmatz, who lost most of his family in the Holocaust, added that the world, eating kosher food is a fundamental aspect of religious practice,” Danon his goal had been to kill “as many [Germans] as possible.” After World War II, Harmatz wrote, according to Israel’s diplomatic mission at the United Nations. “We believe immigrated to Israel, where he worked for the Jewish Agency for Israel and served as that all citizens of the world should feel welcome in the U.N.” He also requested director general of World ORT, the network of Jewish-sponsored vocational institutions. that the institution act to lower the high cost of kosher catering at the United Nations Neo-Nazi fliers targeting Jews dumped in Jacksonville by allowing more kosher caterers to work at its headquarters. Danon said that the neighborhood Israeli diplomatic mission, which only orders kosher food, is limited by the U.N. to one supplier and pays about 40 percent more than other missions who have a choice Fliers calling to “Take America back from the Jews” were dropped in a Jacksonville, of caterers. Danon said he would “work to ensure that the parliament of nations be FL, neighborhood that is home to Jewish residents and several Jewish institutions. The open and respectful to the traditions of the Jewish people.” In December, the United leaflets, which also claimed that the Jews are “plotting the minds of our government” Nations announced that starting this year no official meetings will take place on Yom and it was up to the recipients to not “let them destroy what your European ancestors Kippur at the international body’s New York headquarters and Jewish employees there built,” were discovered the morning of Sept. 25 in the driveway of the Jewish Com- will be able to miss work without using vacation hours. munity Alliance, two Jacksonville synagogues and the driveways of area homes, the Florida Times-Union reported. They were signed by the Detroit-based neo-Nazi group Bill to help recover Nazi-looted art introduced in House National Socialist Movement. It is the second time in about a year that fliers claiming A bill to facilitate the return of Nazi-looted artworks to their original owners or heirs to come from the group have been distributed in the area. The synagogues and Jewish was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Two members of the Judiciary leaders have been in touch with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and FBI about the Committee, Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), introduced the fliers, according to theTimes-Union . The Sheriff’s Office investigated the leaflet drop bipartisan Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act on Sept. 23. Goodlatte chairs the but said no crime was committed, since distributing such fliers is an exercise in free committee. A day earlier, the Senate’s Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the speech, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda told the newspaper. “While the measure to the full Senate for a vote. The bill would extend the statute of limitations distribution of these fliers may be legal under the First Amendment, they have left many for the stolen artwork to six years from the date that the art in question is identified and in the community fearful, and not just the Jewish residents,” ADL Florida Regional located, and from when the claimant has shown evidence of possession of the art. In director Hava Holzhauer said. “It is ironic that as the Jewish New Year approaches, some past cases, defendants were able to avoid restitution because states had statutes of a time where we look inward and renew our commitments to family, community, limitations as short as three years. “While we can never erase the horrors of the Holocaust social justice and repairing the world, this neo-Nazi group is highlighting the exact from human history, we can do our part to bring these treasures back to the families of opposite in its attempts to foster bigotry, hatred and antisemitism.” those who suffered and sacrificed so much during that dark time,” Goodlatte said in a Israel advances to World Baseball Classic for first time statement. “This legislation will ensure that the rightful owners and their descendants can have their claims properly adjudicated.” The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act Five pitchers combined on a four-hitter and Israel slammed three home runs in a was introduced in the Senate in April by Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, both Texas 9-1 victory over Great Britain in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic Republicans, along with Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Charles Schumer (D-NY). qualifier in Brooklyn, earning its first bid to the international tournament. Israel took During World War II, the Nazis stole valuable belongings, including art, from Jewish a no-hitter into the eighth inning of the Sept. 25 game at MCU Park on Coney Island, families. Much of the looted property was not returned after the war and heirs of the with starter Jason Marquis throwing four innings and striking out five and winning families have faced lengthy legal battles to recover their family belongings. pitcher Josh Zeid the next three with three strikeouts. Catcher Ryan Lavarnway had two hits, including a two-run homer in a four-run fifth inning, and drove in three runs. Chinese authorities reportedly crack down on Jewish revival Israel advances to the World Baseball Classic, a quadrennial event modeled after in Kaifeng soccer’s World Cup, and will play March 7-10 in South Korea. The other teams in Chinese authorities reportedly have cracked down on a Jewish revival in the city of their pool are Chinese Taipei, South Korea and The Netherlands. In the March games, Kaifeng. The government has shut down Jewish organizations, prohibited residents iden- major leaguers will be released from their spring training commitments to play for tifying as Jewish from gathering for Jewish holidays and removed public identification of their countries’ teams. Israel’s manager, Jerry Weinstein, said after the Sept. 25 win, Jewish historical places on the city in central China, The New York Times reported over however, that he preferred maintaining the camaraderie of the Brooklyn roster. “I the Sept. 25 weekend. About 1,000 Kaifeng residents claim Jewish ancestry in a city feel very loyal to the guys I was with for the last week and a half. I feel an obligation population of 4.5 million, and about 100 to 200 have been active in Jewish religious and to them,” said Weinstein, 73, a coach in the Colorado Rockies system. “For me as a cultural activities, the Times reported. Judaism is not one of China’s five state-licensed manager, I’m connected to these guys. I’d be very happy to take this team and go any- religions, which are Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism. Antisemi- where to play.” Pitchers Dean Kremer and Shlomo Lipetz are the only Israeli citizens tism reportedly is rare in China, but there is a mistrust of religion, according to the report. on the squad. The rest are players who qualify under the WBC’s “heritage rule,” which The first synagogue was built in Kaifeng in the 12th century, likely by merchants from allows Israel to field players who would qualify for citizenship under Israel’s Law of Persia. Some Jewish identity survived intermarriage and later decades of Communist rule, Return. In 2012, Israel fell a game short of qualifying for the tournament. Against however, with parents telling their children about their Jewish roots and warning them not Great Britain, outfielder Blake Gailen snapped a scoreless tie in the fifth with a two-run to eat pork. A revival began in the 1990s when Jewish tourists and scholars from around homer. Shortstop Scott Burcham contributed three of Israel’s 11 hits and scored twice. the world began to visit Kaifeng and explore the area’s Jewish history, according to the Outfielder Zach Borenstein added two hits, including a run-scoring triple, and third Times. Authorities have been suspicious of the foreign visitors and the Jewish religion, baseman Cody Decker belted a solo homer. It was the second victory for Israel in the however. Residents told the Times that the current clampdown has gone much further than qualifying tournament over Great Britain, which defeated Brazil on Sept. 24 to reach previous ones, though Jews can gather in small groups in their homes to pray and there the title game. Marquis had also started the opener against Great Britain, a 5-2 victory. have been no arrests. Police reportedly are monitoring those active in their Judaism. In For the clinching game, the longtime major leaguer told reporters after the game, he February, five women in their 20s from Kaifeng arrived in Israel to makealiyah .

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