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VOLUME X, NUMBER 8 APRIL 20, 2017 Working with new U.S. envoy, Israel sees light at the end of the tunnel on U.N. bias statement. It’s because if I see something Michal Hatuel, a research associate at ANALYSIS wrong, we’re going to kick ‘em every single the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National time,” Haley said, earning loud applause. Security Studies, with a focus on Israel’s BY SEAN SAVAGE The new envoy’s bold comments might standing internationally, told JNS.org. “As JNS.org be more than talk. The Israeli government a result of Agenda Item Seven, Israel is the Despite owing part of its existence to claims it is already witnessing Haley’s only country [among 193 U.N. member the United Nations, Israel has experienced positive influence in the international states] that has a permanent place on the decades of bias from an institution whose arena. “Ambassador Haley and the Trump council’s agenda – an absurdity which stated mission includes trying to ensure administration have changed the rules of substantially taints the HRC’s credibility international goodwill and world peace. the game at the U.N., and the results have and which serves to undermine the entire Yet the nascent Trump administration, reverberated throughout the organization,” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley U.N. organization.” under the leadership of Ambassador to Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny waved to the crowd at the recent AIPAC At this year’s session in late March, the U.N. Nikki Haley, is trying to chart a Danon told JNS.org. “We intend to im- policy conference. (Photo courtesy of the UNHRC passed several resolutions new course for the world body’s culture plement real and palpable change together AIPAC) condemning Israeli policy on the Pal- on Israel. with our friends at the American Mission.” estinians and calling on the Jewish state During her speech at the recent AIPAC While the U.N. is littered with bu- Item Seven,” which requires the council to to return control of the Golan Heights to policy conference, Haley described her- reaucratic bodies and commissions that discuss alleged Israeli human rights abuses Syria. These resolutions prompted the self as the U.N.’s “new sheriff in town” routinely single out Israel for criticism, against the Palestinians at every session. U.K. to put the UNHRC “on notice” that and declared “the days of Israel-bashing one of the most egregious examples of “Agenda Item Seven is undoubtedly the if “things do not change,” it would start are over. this bias is found within the U.N. Human most poignant, straightforward illustration voting against all resolutions concerning “I wear heels. It’s not for a fashion Rights Council and its permanent “Agenda of the UNHRC’s bias toward Israel,” Israel’s conduct in disputed territories. The British warning followed the Trump administration’s threat to pull the U.S. out th of the council. SHDS 69 anniversary dinner to be held Hatuel believes the U.K.’s “on notice” policy might be a more constructive ap- proach than threats to leave the human Sunday, May 7 See “Envoy” on page 4 The Scranton Hebrew Day School’s uate of the day school’s class of 1967. children, all day school graduates. 69th anniversary dinner will be held on He will receive the Yovel Jubilee The Weisses have made aliyah to 2017 UJA Sunday, May 7, at the Jewish Community Alumnus Award. Jerusalem, where Zvi heads Kollel paign Upd Center, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, Weiss is the son of the late Leonard Zichron Eliyahu. Cam ate beginning with a reception at 4:30 pm, and Elynor Weiss. He has served as ex- To place an ad in the commemorative Pay it forward & give to followed by Mincha at 5 pm and dinner ecutive director of Yeshiva Beth Moshe journal to be distributed at the dinner, the 2017 Jewish Federation at 5:30 pm. in Scranton and is the founder of the or to make reservations, call the school of Northeastern Pennsylvania Amongst the honorees at this year’s Scranton Community Kollel. He and office at 570-346-1576. The ad deadline Annual Campaign! dinner will be Rabbi Zvi Weiss, grad- his wife, Rochel, are the parents of five is Monday, April 24. SPOTLIGHT $839,631 as of April 13, 2017 For information or to For Israel’s female soldiers, a delicate balance make a donation call 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or Goal: send your gift to: Jewish Federation $896,000 between equality and military realities of Northeastern Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Ave., BY SHIRYN GHERMEZIAN women’s issues to the military’s Scranton, PA 18510 JNS.org chief of staff, said on April 3 in (Please MEMO your New York City. pledge or gift 2017 Israel’s female soldiers seem to UJA Campaign) break barriers on a consistent basis. Klifi-Amir moderated a dis- In January, new figures revealed cussion with three female Israeli that the number of women serving soldiers – Sgt. Noam, Staff Sgt. in combat roles in the IDF’s Home- Maya and Staff Sgt. “Y,” whose full front Command is up 38 percent this names were withheld for security year. In March, the IDF launched a reasons – in a program hosted by pilot program in which women will the Young Leadership Division be trained as tank operators for the of Friends of the Israel Defense first time. Forces, a nonprofit dedicated “to Indeed, the Jewish state takes provide for education and well-be- pride in being an oasis for gender ing” of IDF soldiers. Federation equality in a Mideast region largely L-r: Staff Sgt. Maya, Sgt. Noam and Brigadier General The soldiers on the panel all bereft of women’s rights, and this (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir at a Friends of the Israel Defense told JNS.org they have never on Facebook attitude extends to Israel’s military. Forces program on April 3 in New York City. (Photo felt discrimination for being a At the same time, for a nation facing by Shiryn Ghermezian) woman in the military, and that The Jewish Federation of Northeast- ever-present security threats both in- their male counterparts treat them ern Pennsylvania now has a page on ternally and on its borders, gender equality mission of the army is not equal oppor- with respect. Staff Sgt. Y described the Facebook to let community members has its limits. tunity,” Brigadier General (Res.) Gila interactions as “very, very professional,” know about upcoming events and keep “The mission of the army is to protect Klifi-Amir, who has had a 30-year career and Staff Sgt. Maya – who commands an connected. and win. We need to understand that the with the IDF and served as an adviser on See “Balance” on page 10 Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE April 21...... 7:32 pm Photos of survivors April 28...... 7:39 pm Krav Maga Play ball! May 5...... 7:47 pm A celebrity photographer in Training in the Israeli martial art With baseball season underway, Britain has published a book of of Krav Maga has seen a surge in a look at all the Jewish major PLUS photos of Holocaust survivors. popularity in Paris. leaguers to watch. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 6 Story on page 9 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION Approach Marine Le Pen with caution BY BEN COHEN very party he created – a move requiring if fascism were to return to 21st-century rife with antisemitic assaults, abuse and JNS.org courage and wiliness worthy of a Shake- Europe, it would look very different to its terror attacks, much of it emanating from There was an illuminating report from speare plot – signals an irrevocable break 20th-century incarnation – and were Le the same Muslim migrant communities Paris in The Wall Street Journal recently with its Nazi-stained past. Pen intent on setting up a totalitarian state targeted by Le Pen – and the source, that related how Marine Le Pen, leader From this perspective, Le Pen is not so with racial laws against Jews, Muslims therefore, of the notion that she, unlike of the far-right National Front, has been much Marshal Petain, the collaborationist and other minorities, and an ever-present her father, will be “good for the Jews.” consulting a group of French bankers and leader of German-occupied France, as secret police, she would find the task much It would, however, be foolish to reach captains of industry in a bid to continue the she is Charles de Gaulle, the resistance harder than did Hitler from the ashes of that conclusion. If the last two decades mainstreaming of her party as the country’s leader who shaped post-war France and the Weimar Republic. have taught us anything, it’s that you presidential election approaches. regarded international institutions like And yet, those who believe that Le Pen don’t need antisemitic laws or policies, Named “Les Horaces,” in honor of NATO with Gallic sniffiness. Le Pen’s is a French version of Trump would do nor antisemitic government ministers, to imperial Rome’s most illustrious and Gaullist French nationalism resembles well to reconsider. Whereas in Trump’s have a major problem with antisemitism. politically astute poet, this collection that, so her advocates say, of Trump in case, much of the election campaign in- The hostility to Jews that envelops large of dignitaries is preparing Le Pen, who America – forthrightly opposed to im- volved discussing whether he even had any sections of the Muslim community, the represents what has up until now been migration, contemptuous of multicultur- deeply held beliefs, Le Pen comes from a far left and the nostalgists of the right a perennial party of opposition, for the alism, warning constantly of the dangers recognizable and established tradition – will not disappear just because Le Pen challenges of government. If Le Pen’s of Islamic radicalism and aggressively post-fascism, if we are to call it that, still becomes president – indeed, the phenom- first task was to shake off the legacy of her seeking national control of trade and comes from fascism after all. enon could get worse. father Jean-Marie – the spiteful, bigoted fiscal policy. What this means first of all There’s another crucial difference. If Le Pen follows through on her cam- antisemite who founded the party – her is the potential collapse of the European Trump has been unfairly portrayed as an paign rhetoric by denying French Jews second will be learning how to competent- Union, should France abandon the euro antisemite with little evidence to show for the right to hold dual Israeli citizenship, ly run France’s intensely complex state single currency and then follow the U.K.’s the claim; one reason for that is simply France’s perennial “Jewish question” will institutions and bureaucracies. example by leaving the EU itself. that America, unlike France, has no estab- likely find itself in the national spotlight While Le Pen can point to President That fuels the opposite idea: that a lished antisemitic tradition. Sure, we’ve once more, echoing past smears about Donald Trump’s victory as an example Le Pen victory would mean the triumph had to deal with Father Coughlin, David “dual loyalty” as well as present ones of how polling predictions can fall of fascism at the polls in Europe for the Duke and Pat Buchanan, but there is no about the irritating “communalism” – a spectacularly flat, she might also want first time since the end of World War history here of antisemitic legislation and phrase from the pen of leading French to study his first two months in office, II. For all of its glaring imperfections, neither of the two main parties has ever journalist Christophe Barbier – displayed during which the White House has failed the EU has been the embodiment of the incorporated antisemitic ideology into by French Jews during the rowdy antise- to manage both the legislative agenda post-war pledge that never again would its program. mitic and anti-Zionist demonstrations and the president’s media image. It’s Europe collapse into war and genocide. In France, antisemitism has been, that accompanied the Gaza war in 2014. distinctly possible the same fate could The manner of achieving this goal was and is, far more serious. As in Germa- That is why I say, to those in America befall her, in the event that she wins the the EU, with its open borders and its ny, French intellectuals in the 19th and convinced that Le Pen will be a faithful electoral contest on April 23. control of trade. 20th centuries played a pivotal role in partner in the anti-globalist crusade, be Depending on where you sit, a Le Pen Without the EU, the theory goes, developing antisemitism as a modern careful what you wish for. victory would signal either the demise of Europe risks again becoming a system ideology distinct from its Christian Ben Cohen, senior editor of TheTower. fascism or its rebirth. The former view is of competing nation-states. Add to that forebear, proudly organizing themselves org and The Tower Magazine, writes a held by National Front activists and their government-sanctioned racist rhetoric and into political parties with names like the weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish global echo chamber, who insist that Le discriminatory policy and, all of a sudden, “League of Anti-Semites.” The Dreyfus affairs and Middle Eastern politics. Pen’s expulsion of her father from the the 1930s don’t look so distant. trial, perhaps the key episode in the His writings have been published in To my mind, neither of these viewpoints evolution of antisemitism as a genocidal Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, captures the profound challenge that a ideology, took place in France and defined The Wall Street Journal and many other Le Pen victory would represent. Even an entire generation. Today, France is publications.

“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Sean Spicer and the “anyone I don’t like Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.

President: David Malinov Executive Director: Mark Silverberg is Hitler” rule Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman BY JONATHAN S. TOBIN appears to have no such compunctions Happy-Go-Lucky Jewish Group That Layout Editor: Diana Sochor JNS.org about the objects of their disdain. It’s not Connects Trump and Putin,” seemed to Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg enough to disagree with Trump and his allege that the activities of Chabad, whose Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis The biggest Jewish news story during Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen Passover this year was the latest example minions or even to point out the alleged hallmark is Jewish outreach, provide some Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown of a rule of political argument: he who dangers of their policies. The political left sort of proof for the charges that Trump mentions Hitler first always loses. I refer, has embraced White House Chief Strate- is in cahoots with Moscow (an argument OPINIONS The views expressed in of course, to Sean Spicer, the White House gist Steve Bannon’s credo that politics is that has less cogency now that Trump has editorials and opinion pieces are those press secretary and the man who, along warfare, in which anything may be said taken on Russia over Syria). of each author and not necessarily with his boss, President Donald Trump, if it helps delegitimize a foe. But it proved nothing of the sort about the views of the Jewish Federation of has made the “Saturday Night Live” The Trump administration opened Chabad or Trump. Filled with errors and Northeastern Pennsylvania. comedy show relevant again. itself up to criticism earlier in the year innuendo, the article was as much an exam- LETTERS The Reporter welcomes Spicer hit a new low when he seemed when it omitted a reference to Jews in its ple of “fake news” as anything cooked up letters on subjects of interest to the to say that Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad International Holocaust Remembrance by the far left or far right. The Anti-Defa- Jewish community. All letters must be was worse than Adolf Hitler. In damning Day statement and when the president mation League correctly condemned it as signed and include a phone number. Assad for his use of chemical weapons, was slow to unreservedly condemn a a “calumny” that “invoked age-old myths The editor may withhold the name Spicer asserted that even Hitler “didn’t spate of bomb threats at JCCs. But Jew- about the Jews.” As Bethany Mandel noted upon request. sink to using chemical weapons.” ish liberals weren’t content with blasting in The Federalist, “Who needs alt-right ADS The Reporter does not necessar- Perhaps Spicer was thinking about these blunders. Instead, they claimed conspiracy theories about the Jews when ily endorse any advertised products the fact that the Germans didn’t employ Trump was responsible for inspiring the you have Politico?” and services. In addition, the paper chemical weapons when fighting Allied threats and a new wave of antisemitism. Liberals guilty of antisemitism don’t is not responsible for the kashruth of armies as they had in World War I, when But unlike the foolish Spicer, the groups excuse offensive conservatives. But the any advertiser’s product or establish- both sides used poison gas as a military that made those charges didn’t apologize moral of the story is that if you complain ment. when suspects in the JCC threats turned about Jew-hatred when it can be linked DEADLINE Regular deadline is two weapon. But you don’t need to be a his- out to be a disturbed Israeli teen and a to false narratives about Trump, yet you weeks prior to the publication date. torian to know that poison gas played a prominent role in the Nazis’ war on left-wing American writer. Nor have don’t get worked up about what Iran FEDERATION WEBSITE: the Jews. After a couple of inadequate liberal pundits who analogize Trump or the Palestinians are saying, let alone www.jewishnepa.org attempts to rationalize his statement, to Hitler or called his policies fascist about Politico or liberal politicians with Spicer apologized unreservedly. The issued mea culpas, let alone anything backgrounds as apologists for antisem- HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: president ought to fire him for stupidity, half so contrite as the apology from the ites – such as the Democratic National Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA but to those committed to all-out political wretched Spicer. Committee’s deputy leader, Minnesota’s 18510 warfare against all things Trump, Spicer’s The Spicer gaffe also overshadowed Rep. Keith Ellison – then maybe it’s time E-mail: [email protected] statement couldn’t be walked back and a deliberate attempt to demonize Jews in to question your motives. Fax: (570) 346-6147 the service of the war on Trump just a few Sean Spicer should teach us that the Phone: (570) 961-2300 deserved to be put down as “Holocaust denial,” if not support for Hitler (as The days earlier. The Politico website, one of “anyone I don’t like is Hitler” – or worse HOW TO REACH New York Times’ Andrew Rosenthal im- the most well-read and respected sources – approach to politics or history always THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: plied) or outright antisemitism, despite of political news, published a lengthy fails. Unfortunately, many of his liberal Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 there being no reason to think that was piece on the eve of Passover linking the critics need to learn the same lesson. E-mail: [email protected] Spicer’s intention. Chasidic movement Chabad to a nefarious Jonathan S. Tobin is opinion editor While Spicer was a fool to compare network of real estate moguls that tied of JNS.org and a contributing writer at SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: anyone, even someone as bad as Assad, the Trump family to Russian President National Review. Follow him on Twitter Phone: (570) 961-2300 to Hitler, the anti-Trump “resistance” Vladimir Putin. The piece, titled “The at: @jonathans_tobin. APRIL 20, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 A celebrity photographer trains his lens on Holocaust survivors BY CURT SCHLEIER upon the photographer to be mindful of what the mag- (JTA) – Harry Borden is Britain’s Annie Leibo- azine wants,” Borden said. “I wanted the[se] portraits vitz. Sort of. The American-born, U.K.-raised portrait to be an authentic record of the relationship I had with photographer, 52, admits there “are some parallels” in my subject on the day.” their careers, though “obviously, I’m nowhere near as Survivor Susan Goodchild, for example, was smug- successful,” he told JTA. gled out of Paris, hidden beneath the false bottom of a Still, Borden is England’s go-to photographer when a coffin. She survived the war in a Catholic monastery. publication wants a celebrity portrait. Elton John, Paul She’s shown in a thoughtful pose on what appears to be McCartney, Ewan McGregor and, perhaps most famously, the roof of her apartment building in Melbourne, staring Margaret Thatcher, have been among his subjects. His toward the heavens. Her comment: “Everybody has a work has appeared on the covers of Vogue, GQ and The story to be told – they are all important for everybody to New Yorker, among many others, and he has more than know what has happened. Mine is nearly at its end but at 100 of his works in England’s National Portrait Gallery. least it’s not the ending the Nazis had planned for me.” Around nine years ago, however, he felt there was more Fred Knoller sits beneath a painting of himself playing to life than taking pictures of the rich and famous. At what a cello. He fought in the French resistance and, after he he considered “the height of my powers,” he decided to was captured, he was deported to multiple concentration “use my photography for something more useful.” Holocaust survivor Felix Fibich in “Survivor: A camps. Liberated by the British in 1945, Knoller emi- And there began a journey that took him as far as Portrait of the Survivors of the Holocaust.” (Photo grated first to America and then to England, where’s he’s Israel, Australia and back to the U.S. to take photos of by Harry Borden) lived since 1952. Two years ago, he was awarded the Holocaust survivors – 200 of them, all told. Of these, British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth for his services 104 are collected in his new book, “Survivor: A Portrait He posted the early photos on his website, which in Holocaust education. His comment: “I am glad to be of the Survivors of the Holocaust.” attracted attention from Jewish media outlets. An article an optimist, because that is what kept me alive.” The project was a personal one. Borden was born in in the Australian Jewish News prompted an outpouring See “Photographer” on page 7 New York, but moved to England as an infant – first to of interest from survivors there and a trip to Melbourne. London, then to rural Devon – where he attended church From there, visits to the U.S. and Israel followed. He schools and sang in a church choir. He considered himself took his last photos in 2010 and gradually, “Survivor” Christian, like his mother, Lavendar. Borden said his father, morphed from an online project into a hefty – and im- DEADLINES Charlie – an advertising executive and a non-practicing pressive – 276-page book. Jew – told him that the only thing he derived from his The images in “Survivor” are nothing fancy. Unlike The following are deadlines for all articles and Jewish background was a fear of antisemitism. his celebrity efforts – which are typically shot in studios photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Still, from his paternal grandmother – who often spoke where, he noted, he’s accompanied by assistants who DEADLINE ISSUE about her life as a Jew in her native Romania – Borden bring extensive lighting equipment – these photographs Wednesday, April 5, early...... April 20 had a sense of his Jewish heritage. He also remained were produced with just Borden, his camera and his haunted by something his father once told him: “The subject. The results are elegant in their simplicity, and Thursday, April 20...... May 4 Nazis would have killed us.” each image is accompanied by a handwritten note (and, Thursday, May 4...... May 18 Reflecting on those conversations with his- grand at book’s end, a biography of each survivor). Thursday, May 18...... June 1 mother – as well as his father’s comment, combined “If you are photographing a celebrity, it is incumbent with ambivalence toward Judaism – is what motivated him to take portraits of survivors, he said. “It was part of an exploration of my identity,” he said. “In rural Devon, there were no Jewish people.” He announced the project in May 2008 at the London Jewish Cultural Center. Ostensibly he was there to give a talk about his celebrity portraits, but there were several survivors in attendance when he announced his intention to start the undertaking.

Holocaust survivor Jack Jaget in Harry Borden’s book “Survivor: A Portrait of the Survivors of the Holocaust.” (Photo by Harry Borden)

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017 Finally, Jewish camp for adults BY BEN SALES camp alum Carine War- Camp, some 200,000 kids attend more than NEW YORK (JTA) – The campers sawski. Trybal wants to 300 Jewish summer camps each year. It’s wake up in their cabins on Friday morning, replicate the success of an experience that has been immortalized dress and go to breakfast. Next comes short-term programs in in American culture, from Allan Sher- a range of activities – arts and crafts, Israel, like Birthright, by man’s 1963 song “Hello Mudduh, Hello archery, kickball. Then, after an hour of having Jews reconnect Fadduh” to the 2001 cult film “Wet Hot primping and preening for Shabbat, they to Judaism and relax in a American Summer.” gather as the sun sets and head to Shabbat nostalgia-inducing and “One of the great things camp can offer dinner, where they will bless the wine, familiar environment. is a sense of community and belonging,” eat and maybe sing. Then the wine – and “We’re trying to said Julie Finkelstein, the Foundation for beer – is poured. keep the core elements Jewish Camp’s director of leadership de- Welcome to Jewish summer camp for that make these im- velopment. “People of any age are seeking adults. mersive experiences community and belonging and a sense of This summer, hundreds of Jews will so powerful and bring who they are in the world.” return to the grassy fields, rickety bunks, them to people in their Though far shorter than the average beaten basketball courts and freezing lakes 20s and 30s,” said A new organization hopes to lure young adults in their 20s child’s camp stay, Trybal’s sessions aim where they and their peers spent summers Warsawski, 32, who and 30s back to camp. (Photo by Getty Images) to duplicate the experience as much as in middle school. For a long weekend, as a teen attended the possible. On a sample itinerary, guests they will sleep on the same bunk beds, Reform Jewish Eisner Camp in Massachu- be excluded. Bunks in a regular cabin run will arrive Thursday afternoon, set up throw the same dodgeballs, make the same setts. “The core elements are a sense of a bit above $500, while a spot in a private their bunks and go to an initiation cere- lanyards and eat the same food (or, fine, community, a sense of Jewish connection room at the camp’s retreat center will cost mony featuring something like a flaming maybe better food). and a sense of adventure.” more than $600. Warsawski is planning on a bow-and-arrow performance. The next The seven adult Jewish camps – sched- The camps will run for four days, starting minimum of 100 campers at each location. day, they will embark on the classic camp uled for May to October at camps from on a Thursday or Friday, at a time when In bringing adults to Jewish camp, activities, like arts, sports or swimming. Massachusetts to California – are the the kids’ camps are not in session. Anyone Warsawski is extending a traditional hall- Friday night brings Shabbat dinner, with inaugural project of Trybal Gatherings, 21 and over, Jewish or not, can attend, so mark of the American Jewish experience. beer and maybe a wine tasting, and a light an organization co-founded by Jewish that Jews with non-Jewish partners won’t According to the Foundation for Jewish See “Camp” on page 15

Envoy Continued from page 1 rights body. “Such a policy creates an time has come to end to this shameful, and Economic and Social Commission for East – open debate,” she said. incentive for changing the HRC’s conduct. even embarrassing, chapter in the history Western Asia – that accused Israel of Last December, the Security Council Should the change stall, an automatic of the U.N. Members of the council must apartheid. Guterres’ move prompted the passed a resolution condemning Israel’s U.K. vote against anti-Israel resolutions put an end to the bias in this absurd body.” head of ESCWA, Rima Khalaf, to resign. settlement policies as well as describing is far more meaningful and helpful to Atop the U.N. hierarchy, there are Guterres also reaffirmed his recognition eastern Jerusalem and its Jewish holy Israel than a complete absence of a ‘no’ signs of more Israel-sympathetic lead- of Jewish ties to Jerusalem during a recent sites as “occupied Palestinian territory.” vote,” she said. ership. Secretary-General Antonio Gu- meeting with World Jewish Congress The measure passed after the Obama ad- As a result of the anti-Israel resolutions terres, who assumed the position from President Ronald Lauder. ministration refused to exercise its veto at the UNHRC, Prime Minister Benjamin Ban Ki-moon at the start of 2017, has While it is “still early to form a co- power, breaking with decades of U.S. pol- Netanyahu recently instructed his Foreign spoken out in support of Israel and has herent take on Guterres,” his approach icy on resolutions one-sided resolutions Ministry to withhold $2 million from its taken action against attempts by some so far indicates that he is “committed to targeting Israel. annual U.N. dues. “The U.N. Human U.N. bodies to single out the Jewish state. a more balanced U.N. on issues relating Haley said she has warned the Pales- Rights Council has turned harming Israel In March, Guterres forced the withdrawal to Israel,” Hatuel said. tinian Authority’s U.N. representative, into its raison d’etre,” Danon said. “The of a report – commissioned by the U.N.’s Haley, who in April assumed the U.N. Riyad Mansour, that the U.S. will block Security Council’s presidency – a role any Arab-sponsored motions targeting that rotates monthly – has promised Israel. “We don’t want to see any additional to refocus the council away from the measures brought at the U.N. that would Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “So much bash Israel or lift up the Palestinian Au- has been put toward Israel and the thority until we can get these negotiations Palestinian Authority and not enough to happen,” she said, referring to a possible has been put toward some of the other future round of Israeli-Palestinian peace issues,” Haley said, noting she will focus talks. “And I do think that the discussions an upcoming April 20 Security Council that have happened at the U.N. have been debate around issues such as Iran’s sup- more of a hindrance toward the peace port for terrorism, Syria, Hezbollah and process than it’s been a help, because it’s Hamas. “That is our goal for the Middle caused defensiveness to happen.”

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] APRIL 20, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM ISRAEL Scranton Reporter 5 x 15 7/8 From JNS.org Wyoming Valley 5 x 15 7/8 Abbas plans “unprecedented steps” to end West Bank- Gaza split Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he will take “unprecedented steps” to end the split between the P.A.-run territories in the West Bank and the Hamas- ruled Gaza Strip. In a speech to Arab ambassadors in Bahrain the week of April 14, Abbas said he was shocked at Hamas’ decision in March to form an administrative committee to run affairs in Gaza. “After 10 years in which we sent financial support to our people in Gaza, we were surprised by this unprecedented step,” Abbas said. “Thus, we will take unprecedented steps regarding the split.” While Abbas did not offer additional details, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum dismissed the P.A. lead- er’s comments, saying the terror group would not accept “the language of threats and dictating orders.” Hamas seized control of Gaza from the P.A. in 2007. Numerous failed attempts have been made over the years to unify the Palestinian movement and end the split between Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah political party, which dominates the P.A. Despite Hamas’ control over the territory, Gaza in many ways remains eco- nomically dependent on the PA. Some 60,000 former P.A. employees in Gaza still Featuring the largest kosher selection of fresh meat, poultry, receive salaries as a way to affirm their loyalty to Abbas. Earlier the week of April dairy, frozen, grocery & baked goods! 14, the P.A. said it has spent $17 billion in Gaza since 2007. Dates set for Indian prime minister’s historic visit to Israel –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The dates of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel – the first trip of its kind by a holder of his office – have been set for July 5-6 as the two Grocery bb Including a large selection of Kosher Dairy & Frozen items. countries mark 25 years of diplomatic relations. While the details of Modi’s itiner- –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ary are still being worked out, reports indicate that his visit will focus on building 12 oz.•Select Varieties 22 oz. stronger economic, agricultural and hi-tech ties. According to the Hindustan Times, Where Available Chicago Style “Though Israel is among the top four military hardware suppliers to India, with Manischewitz 47th Street more than $1 billion in annual sales to New Delhi, the Modi government is keen to Egg Noodles Deep Dish Pizza ensure that this visit is not focused on defense ties alone, but encompasses long-term economic and technological cooperation, resulting in a free-trade agreement.” The 2 $ 99 report added that Modi’s visit will “be an open acknowledgment of India’s close ties

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Prices effective Sunday, April 23 thru Saturday, May 27, 2017. 6 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017 Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art, is trending in Paris BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ decade, however, thousands of French Jews – and some PARIS (JTA) – In a dark alley in a poor suburb of non-Jews, too – have turned to Krav Maga amid a wave this city, five men with violence on their minds closed of intimidation and violence on the streets of France’s in fast on 17-year-old Netanel Azoulay and his older major cities. brother, Yaakov. “Dirty Jews, you’re going to die!” one “There’s an explosion in the popularity of Krav man yelled. Maga,” said Avi Attlan, one of the technique’s pioneers The driving dispute quickly transformed into some- in France. Ten years ago, it was taught at a handful of thing physical, with one of the assailants wielding a saw. Jewish schools in the Paris area, he said. Today, Krav Azoulay – who, along with his brother, wears a kippah Maga is taught in at least 20 Jewish schools, including – nearly lost his finger and had his shoulder dislocated many belonging to the Chabad-Lubavitch educational before passers-by broke up the brawl. network. Jewish summer camps have also recently begun The February 21 incident in Bondy was one of dozens to offer lessons. of antisemitic assaults – among hundreds of less violent Attlan and the Krav Maga masters in his employ teach episodes – recorded annually in the Paris region. This approximately 200 trainees in five venues across Paris. L-r: Netanel Azoulay and his father, Armand, in Paris altercation, however, was particularly shocking because A decade ago he had about 40 students, Attlan said. In on March 14. (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) of its bloodiness, and how it illustrated how quickly 2013, France had its first Krav Maga championship; it’s harassment can lead to bloodshed. now an annual event. One of Attlan’s students – Jordan Ctorza, 17 – needed But Azoulay’s injuries could have been worse. Azou- “To me, Krav Maga is a sport and a way of life,” said no convincing to sign on. “I already wanted to be able to lay has a brown belt in Krav Contact, a variant of Krav Attlan, an Algeria native in his 60s who stands 5-foot- defend myself when they talked to us about Krav Maga Maga, the self-defense martial art developed in Israel. 4. He said “it became a survival tool” for French Jews at the synagogue,” he said. And, in fact, he has been training for such a moment with the increase of antisemitic violence following the During the lesson, Attlan paired Ctorza with Sylvie, a for years. “I think Krav saved our lives,” said Azoulay, second intifada in 2000 – incidents in France that year non-Jewish resident of Saint Mande. Sylvie, a woman in who started training as a child, like his brother, in order rose from several dozen annually to hundreds. her 30s who declined to state her last name, signed up for to defend himself on Bondy’s rough streets. A sense of insecurity is what inspired Laurent Kachau- Krav Maga lessons “because the streets are not so safe Azoulay’s father is a Krav Contact instructor, and da to start Krav Maga training 15 years ago with Attlan in for anyone, and especially as a woman,” she told JTA the family was an early adopter of the method when Saint Mande, the upscale Paris suburb where an Islamist during a water break. She rejoined the group as Attlan it was still largely unknown in France. Over the past assailant killed four Jews at a kosher shop in January gave rapid instructions in a hushed voice. Encouraging 2015. “Someone carved a swastika on my locker in high students to “hit faster” or “close up those exposed areas,” school,” recalled Kachauda, a 30-year-old accountant. “I he discouraged them from chatting or giggling. “We realized someone was watching me and that they might don’t talk – we hit, we block,” he said. one day attack. So I looked up Krav Maga instructors.” To Ctorza and many other Jewish Krav Maga trainees, Kachauda was one of 12 students at Attlan’s lesson the Israeli connection to the technique – part of the basic at a gym in Saint Mande located just 300 yards from training for Israeli soldiers – makes for an emotional the site of the supermarket attack. The pupils – mostly attachment. “It means a lot to me that it’s something Jews ranging in age from 17 to 50 – practiced moves in developed by my people for my people,” the teen said. pairs and threes. But Krav Maga offers advantages that appeal also to In the aftermath of the deadly attack, leaders of the non-Jews in France, where hundreds have died since sizable Saint Mande Jewish community reached out to 2012 in a series of terrorist attacks in which Jews were synagogue goers, recommending they learn to defend not specifically targeted. “Krav Maga is unlike karate, themselves. Jewish communities across the country jiu-jitsu and other martial arts in that it has no rules,” mirrored the awareness-raising campaign. In some com- said a Muslim Krav Maga instructor who works in the munities, rabbis recommended Krav Maga training. In impoverished suburb of Saint Denis, north of Paris. He others, members of the SPCJ, the security unit of French asked to withhold his name, citing safety reasons. “It’s Avi Attlan, kneeling, taught Krav Maga to students in Jewry that also trains in Krav Maga, held workshops to suitable for the urban reality because it’s totally utilitar- Saint Mande on March 23. (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) give members a taste of the technique. ian,” he added. “It’s designed to neutralize an attacker. No bows, no niceties. Only whatever it takes to thwart an attack. Kicks to the groin – fine. Thumbs to the eyes – sure. Whacks to the neck – why not.” The Arab instructor, who is in his 50s, said he left Saint Denis for a safer suburb 20 years ago following a brawl he had with drug addicts. He recalled assaulting them near a playground where his 18-month-old son had just found a used syringe in a sandbox. But the instructor, who has eight siblings in Saint Denis, keeps returning to teach Krav Maga to at-risk youth. “It prevents bullying and helps instill discipline and confidence,” he said. Martial arts, including Krav Maga, “got me out of this place, where 80 percent of my high school friends are now dead,” he said. “I hope to put others on that Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our path, as well.” The Reporter community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, . The Muslim instructor teaches his students about the The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue Israeli origins of the method and uses its Hebrew-lan- months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. guage terminology, “even though many of them have a negative image of Israel,” he said. “Religion stays outside As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you the ring; there’s a mosque for that,” he said. “Politics that offers our readership something on everythingfrom opinions and columns on controversial issues See “Paris” on page 8 that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish 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. We would be grateful if you would care enough to take the time to make a donation for our efforts in bringing The Reporter to your door. As always, your comments, opinions and suggestions are always welcome. With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 APRIL 20, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7 White supremacists don’t know what to make of Jared Kushner BY BEN SALES Stephen Bannon, a darling of the far right. Anglin in the NEW YORK (JTA) – White supremacists have a January article suggested that Kushner serves Trump by problem, and his name is Jared Kushner. While many obscuring his white supremacism until Trump wants to on the far right are hoping that President Donald Trump expose it, calling Kushner “a human shield, because will help advance their separatist, racist agendas, fig- Trump can’t immediately go all out against the Jews.” ures like former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke and But others, particularly on the white supremacist neo-Nazi Andrew Anglin are asking what to do about site Stormfront, point to Kushner as proof that Trump his Orthodox Jewish son-in-law with the ever-expanding was never a white supremacist after all. They note that White House profile. Kushner is far from Trump’s only Jewish adviser. The Kushner, 36, became a senior adviser to Trump after Trump White House also includes Treasury Secretary helping manage his presidential campaign. A real estate Steve Mnuchin, Trump aide Stephen Miller and chief mogul by trade, he is now handling a growing list of negotiator Jason Greenblatt. administration priorities. He has a hand in Israeli-Pal- “It is hard to believe that anyone with any knowl- estinian peace efforts, addressing the opioid epidemic edge of Jewish behavior and strategy really thinks that and reforming criminal justice. He is the point person the Jews are so naive and trusting that they would let on U.S.-China relations. He just traveled to Iraq on Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner leaving after themselves be ‘used’ by someone whom they consider government business. And he is heading an initiative to the presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol to be a loudmouth goy from New York – no matter how streamline the executive branch. on January 20. (Photo by Saul Loeb/Pool/Getty rich he is,” Stormfront blogger James Harting wrote For white supremacists who feel Trump is, intention- Images) See “Kushner” on page 10 ally or not, speaking their language, this religious Jew who attends a Chabad synagogue is an unwelcome twist. And they don’t really know how to react. Continued from page 3 “Goddamn it,” wrote Anglin, editor of the hate website Photographer The Daily Stormer, on January 9, when Kushner’s White Asked if he had favorite photographs in the book, Bor- their eyes, they’re in a position where you can observe House appointment was announced. “I would be a whole den answered without hesitation. “Felix Fibitch made me them,” he said of the award-winning image. “They seem lot happier if this was not happening, I can tell you that.” laugh, cry and helped create one of my favorite images,” vulnerable.... When you see a photo of her in her old age “I think that Trump has an absolute infiltrator in the he said. “Being a choreographer, he asked if he could and with eyes closed, there’s something absorbing about White House,” Duke said recently on his daily podcast. express himself through dance. The emotional intensity he looking at her and reflecting on how she affected our lives.” Anglin and other white supremacists have posted conveyed in the photograph is almost difficult to observe.” And yet, Borden noted how his work on “Survivor” confused responses to Kushner’s ascent that reflect Another favorite was Jack Jaget, who offered Borden opened his eyes to aspects of Jewish life: “It was inter- three theories: some take-no-prisoners advice. “While talking about esting having my first Shabbat meal, going to Israel, 1. Kushner is just a ruse to hide Trump’s white su- relationships with [him] during the shoot, I remember and understanding the social and cultural emphasis on premacism. his sage words, ‘If someone doesn’t want to be with you, family,” he said. 2. Kushner shows Trump isn’t actually the white then f--k them,’” he said. “That still makes me smile.” Borden added that his journey had a “profound” supremacists’ guy. Which brings us to Bordern’s favorite famous-person impact on him in many ways. “It’s been an amazing ex- 3. Kushner is using Jewish nefariousness to manip- photo, his iconic portrait of Thatcher. It was 2006 and and perience,” he said. “Sometimes, through the vicissitudes ulate Trump. he was on assignment for Time magazine. He saw the of life, you have ups and downs, and I’ve not been an Some white supremacists take comfort in thinking former prime minister blink toward the end of the shoot, exception. But meeting with these people put things in Kushner is either a Trump frontman or an adviser with and that gave him the idea to ask her to close her eyes, perspective. It made me realize that what I had to deal little actual influence compared to, say, chief strategist which she did. “I think when you get someone to close with was of very little consequence.”

Yo u are cordially invited to the ANNUAL MEETING of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania ursday, June 8, 7pm Linder Room, Scranton Jewish Community Center, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton A Dessert Reception and short video will follow the meeting. Dietary laws observed. RSVP to 961-2300 (ext. 4)

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2017 ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM Welcome & introductions ...... David Malinov, Federation President Invocation ...... Rabbi Moshe Saks, Temple Israel (Scranton) Federation Perspectives...... David Malinov, Federation President Presentation of Presidential Award ...... Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Presentation of UJA Campaign Awards ...... David Malinov, Federation President 2017 UJA Campaign Report...... Alan Smertz, Susan Blum Connors, Co-Chairs Nominating Committee Report ...... Seth Gross, Chairman Installation of Officers and Trustees ...... Rabbi Moshe Saks, Temple Israel (Scranton) Closing Remarks Douglas Fink, Incoming Federation President Dessert Reception and Video *A full-color, detailed 2016-2017 Annual Report of all Federation activities including Committee Reports together with the Federation’s Legacies for Life Program and Donor Funds as well as Israeli scientific, medical, agricultural and technological breakthroughs over the past several years will be distributed at the Federation’s Annual Meeting on ursday, June 8th. A complete 2017 UJA Campaign Honor Roll will be published and distributed during the summer once all gifts have been received, entered, and acknowledged. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017 D’VAR TORAH Shemini: paving the way! BY RABBI BARUCH BINYAMIN HAKOHEN Rashi hints at the meritorious status accorded Nadav MELMAN, TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS, and Avihu by Moses’ above statement: Moses now told STROUDSBURG, PA Aaron, “I knew that the Tabernacle would be sanctified Shemini, Leviticus 9:1-11:47 through someone in whom God’s glory reposes, but I Nadav and Avihi, Aaron’s sons, brought a “strange thought it would be one of us. Now I know that they fire” as an offering. Their souls were then consumed were greater than either of us.” in the process. Can we argue in their favor? Does their And in the Talmud Bavli Zevachim 115b, it case have any merit or justification? Can we give them states that it was already hinted that God Himself any benefit of the doubt, or must we roundly condemn alluded to their future deaths, as if to recognize them for “not following the rules”? that some necessary occurrence would need to take Many traditional commentaries have sought to place: “Dichtiv, venoadti shama livnei Yisrael ve explain the grievous sins of Nadav and Avihu in their nikdash b’chvodi [Exodus 29:43] al tikri b’chvodi, bringing a “strange fire offering” to justify God’s tak- ela b’mechubodai.” “For it is written, ‘And I shall ing of their souls. Layers of midrashic emphasis serve set My meeting there with the children of Israel and to vilify their intentions. Now, while no one should it (the Tabernacle) shall be sanctified through my advocate breaking with protocol, maybe it was deeper honor (b’chvodi).’Do not read b’chvodi (‘through my than all that. honor’), rather read it as ‘b’mechubodai’ (‘through On a surface level, they had indeed seemed to have my honored ones’). Thus shall be done to whom the broken with the rules, but how exactly, it doesn’t really King of Kings wishes to honor.” say. The text only hints that they possibly were intoxi- Rashi gives us some cover now to explore how their cated, as the next verse cautions us to avoid intoxicating actions were not sinful, but actually quite meritorious. beverages while in the Divine service. But maybe it was But what was so meritorious in their actions? Let us truly deeper than all that.... examine the end of the verse: “va-yidom Aharon.” Maybe it was no punishment at all. Perhaps it was “And Aaron was silent.” a heavenly embrace. And perhaps their purpose in life Instead of reading it as “silent,” one could also see a had been completed: connection to the word “dahm” in Hebrew, which means Leviticus10:3: “Va-yomer Moshe el Aharon hu asher “blood.” They are the same exact letters, but vowelized diber Hashem l’emor b’krovay ekadesh v’al p’nai chawl differently. Now where is the word dahm as blood first ha’am ekaved va-yidom Aharon.” “Moses said to Aaron: mentioned in the Torah? of this did Hashem speak, saying, ‘I will be sanctified Let us go to the Cain and Abel fratricide narrative through those who are nearest Me, thus I will be honored (Genesis 4:1-10). In verse 10 it reads, “Kol d’mei achicha before the entire people’; and Aaron was silent.” tzoakim elai min ha’adamah, The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!” This is the very first mention of blood and it is men- tioned in the context of fratricidal rivalry – the very first Paris Continued from page 6 recorded act since the expulsion from Eden! And in what stay outside the ring; there are debate clubs and youth context did this act of fratricide take place? The very first movements for that.” korban, the very first offerings to Hashem. A fifth of his 80 students are women, he said. He does As the very first korban offerings were blemished not train children or “people likely to abuse the weapon by dint of jealousy and fratricidal rage, the Tabernacle I teach them.” dedication ceremonies, with their attendant sacrificial Back in Bondy, Azoulay plans to resume his Krav offerings, could not proceed apace without atikkun , or a Contact training once his hand is fully recovered. Sur- fixing of the earlier Edenic blemish. The only fixing for viving the attack showed him he has “what it takes to brotherly jealousy is brotherly harmony. The only fixing keep myself safe,” he said. for the root of the fratricide could be a new offering, one But the incident’s emotional effects linger, he adds. “It which was neither animal-based (Abel’s) nor soil-based didn’t make me afraid, but it made me uncomfortable,” (Cain’s). A fire offering was a neutral offering, neither Azoulay said. “I decided after the attack that I want to one nor the other. It was thus symbolic of brotherly love leave this country. Maybe for Israel, maybe go to the and reconciliation. United States.” Nadav and Avihu were thus gilgulim (reincarnated souls) of Cain and Abel. Reincarnated in the dor ha- midbar, the generation of the wilderness, their purpose in life was to make it possible for the offerings in the Tabernacle to be acceptable. They paved the way for all of us, embracing the Torah’s value of brotherly love and harmony. In their shared bringing of the strange fire, they achieved a unity of love and purpose. Thus they repaired the sin-taint of the fratricidal rage that accompanied and ruined humanity’s very first offering to God. God embraced their souls for showing us the way. Their work here was done. May we all come to love one another and to serve Hashem with fire. Not with a strange fire, but with the fire of our souls. Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman & Steven Seitchik Things are not always as they appear to be. Krav Maga students practiced in Saint Mande on They are not always what they seem at first glance. March 23. (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) Shabbat Shalom! Good Shabbos!

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Effective immediately, please send all articles & ads to our new E-mail address, [email protected]. APRIL 20, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Baseball 2017: All the Jewish major leaguers to watch BY RON KAPLAN but without the fanfare usually afforded ousted in the first round of the (JTA) – In baseball, they say time the rare Jewish athlete. playoffs. The Tigers opener begins on Opening Day. Everyone has a If the Milwaukee Brewers’ Ryan Braun against the Chicago White Sox chance for a fresh start. Most of the old has a decent season, he will become the was postponed by rain. familiar names are back, although some third Jewish major leaguer to have more Joc Pederson topped the have new addresses. If you count Detroit than 300 home runs and 1,000 runs batted Los Angeles Dodgers in spring Tigers manager Brad Ausmus, there are in. The 33-year-old outfielder currently training with six home runs. nine Jews who begin the year on Major trails Hank Greenberg (331, 1,276) and That power carried over into League rosters. But then there’s the ques- Shawn Green (328, 1,070) on the all-time Opening Day when the lefty tion of what to do about Ty Kelly of the lists. He has been dealing with some health swinger blasted a grand slam New York Mets: Is he or isn’t he? That’s issues over the last three seasons, missing to help his club to a 14-3 rout still a matter of debate among those who a total of 76 games. A six-time All-Star, of the San Diego Padres. The decide on such matters. Braun was the National League Rookie 24-year-old outfielder worked The 28-year-old utility player was of the Year in 2007 and Most Valuable hard on his bat control with added to the roster just before the recent Player four years later, but was suspend- a goal of cutting back on his opener against the Atlanta Braves won by ed for part of the 2013 season for using strikeouts, but still had 20 the Mets, 6-0. Kelly, who has a Jewish performance-enhancing drugs. He was K’s this spring, tied for the mother and Catholic father, was a mem- hitless in four at-bats in the Brewers’ 7-5 team high. Pederson, a center Joc Pederson took a swing against the Washington ber of Israel’s surprisingly strong team in Opening Day loss to the Colorado Rockies. fielder, is considered one of the Nationals on August 12, 2015. (Photo by Hillel the World Baseball Classic and one of 11 Many Jewish fans would probably tell better defenders in the game. Kuttler) American ballplayers to participate in a you that Ian Kinsler of the Detroit Tigers Like Kinsler, Alex Breg- get-acquainted trip to Israel in January. He was the hero of Team USA in the World man, the third baseman for the Houston in several categories, including games, hits made his debut with the Mets last season, Baseball Classic. His two-run homer in Astros, decided to play with for the United and home runs. He went hitless in three at- the finals against Puerto Rico gave the States in the WBC rather than Israel. Un- bats with one walk in the loss to Houston. Americans the only runs they would need like Kinsler, however, he had little impact, Kevin Pillar had a strong spring for the in an 8-0 victory. Kinsler, 34, cracked the appearing in just two games. The Astros, Toronto Blue Jays as he worked on his 200-home run mark (212) last season with as well as baseball cognoscenti in general, approach to hitting, improving his bunting 28 round-trippers, the most he’s had since expect great things from the 23-year-old skills and exhibiting more patience at the 2011. That put him fourth in the Jewish sophomore, the second overall pick in plate. Will this be the year he finally wins record book. A few more good seasons the 2015 draft out of Louisiana State. He recognition for his outstanding outfield will most likely increase his Hall of Fame started slowly after making his Major defense with a Gold Glove? (He won a consideration. To date, out of 317 members League debut last June, but adjusted to Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award of baseball’s Valhalla in Cooperstown, “The Show” and finished with eight in 2015.) He was 1-for-4 with a walk and only 20 are second basemen. home runs and 34 RBIs in 49 games. In a run scored in the Jays’ 11-inning, 3-2 This might be a make-or-break year the Astros’ 3-0 Opening Day victory over loss to the Baltimore Orioles. for Kinsler’s manager. Ausmus, now the Seattle Mariners, Bregman had a hit, Scott Feldman of the Cincinnati Reds in his fourth year at the helm, has been scored a run and stole a base. made a most unlikely candidate for the something of a disappointment to Tigers Danny Valencia, 32, begins 2017 as the coveted Opening Day starting assignment. fans. The team has been considered a starting first baseman for the Mariners, He had more than his share of difficul- perennial pennant contender in the Amer- his seventh team in eight Major League ties, giving up three runs on seven hits, ican League, but have little to show for it. seasons. Last year, he saw action at five including two home runs, in a 4-3 loss to Ryan Braun playing in 2015. (Photo by Ausmus led the Tigers to a first-place finish positions, including designated hitter, for the Philadelphia Phillies. On the bright Scott Paulus/Milwaukee Brewers) in his rookie season (2014), but they were the Oakland A’s. He enjoyed career highs See “Baseball” on page 15

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2017 UJA Campaign WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD BETTER BY WORKING TOGETHER The mission of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry, and revitalize and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______ZIP:______Home phone: ______Work phone:______Cell phone: ______E-mail address: ______J I’m enclosing a gift of $ ______J I’ll pledge $______* * J One-time * J Quarterly installments (1/4 of total) * J Monthly installments (1/12 of total)

Payment options 2017 UJA Campaign Jewish Federation of J Please bill me at the above address. Northeastern Pennsylvania J Enclosed is my check payable to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania” 601 Jeerson Avenue, J PayPal or credit card (www.jewishnepa.org – “Donate” – “Donate Online”) Scranton, PA 18510 Telephone: 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) J Stock sales (www.jewishnepa.org – “Donate” – “Donating with stock”) J On-line banking (payment designated through my bank to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania”) My company (______) has a matching gift program. I’ll obtain the form and forward it to the Federation

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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 10 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017 Kushner Continued from page 7 on December 12. “Or perhaps each side thinks that it Presidential historian Gil Troy, a professor at McGill decided to move to the White House and decided to have is using the other. If that is true, Trump is in for a rude University, also said ethnic pride can go too far. “Jared a very, very powerful role.” awakening, for the Jews are past masters at behind-the- Kushner is supposed to be judged not as a Jew, but as In a recent interview with the far-right radio host and scenes infighting and maneuvering.” Jared Kushner,” Troy said. “We should be proud enough, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, former Trump campaign Jewish media and social networks are often quick to comfortable enough, American enough to say these guys adviser Roger Stone accused Kushner of leaking talking note the presence of Jews in high places, out of ethnic have been appointed not because they’re Jewish, but points to MSNBC host Joe Scarborough and thus under- pride, and sometimes a sense that such figures can be because they’re tied to Donald Trump.” mining Trump. While Stone did not mention or allude to advocates for Jewish communal issues. Kushner and his Antisemites, of course, don’t make such distinctions. Kushner’s religion, visitors to Jones’ InfoWars website did. wife, Ivanka Trump, in particular are objects of fascination Some have remained Trump fans despite Kushner’s “Kushner was converted by the orthodox cult invented among many Jews: Kushner was raised in an Orthodox rising profile, and see him as a threat to the white na- in the 1800s,” one wrote. Jewish family in New Jersey, Ivanka converted to Judaism tionalist hopes they hold for the administration. Duke, “WORLD JEWERY IS ALIVE AND WELL!” wrote under the auspices of an Orthodox rabbi, and the family the former KKK grand wizard, spent much of his daily another, using the name “Follow the Shekels.” attends an Orthodox synagogue in Washington, DC. podcast recently discussing why he sees Kushner as a Kushner seems to take a much smaller part in the rhet- But Jews sometimes play into antisemitic rhetoric “huge threat to the Trump revolution.” Repeating the oric of another white supremacist leader, alt-right founder by expecting Jews in power to serve parochial Jewish antisemitic smears that are his stock and trade, Duke Richard Spencer. While Duke has dedicated two of his interests, said former Anti-Defamation League Nation- called Kushner a “Jewish supremacist” who seeks to podcast episodes to Kushner, Kushner is all but absent from al Director Abe Foxman. While Foxman said there is nefariously steer Trump toward Jewish interests. Spencer’s commentary on the Trump administration. In nothing wrong with Jews feeling especially proud of “We’re going to talk about Jewish radicalism, which December, before Trump took office, Spencer toldHaaretz powerful Jews, they – and outsiders – shouldn’t see them Kushner absolutely represents,” Duke said in the podcast. that he isn’t bothered by Trump’s choices of advisers. “I as their emissaries. “We’ve always been proud of Jews “I think that Trump has an absolute infiltrator in the White don’t have a strong position on this, that is his business,” in positions of influence,” he said. “The next step, [that] House, and one totally dedicated to Jewish supremacism. he told Haaretz. “Trump has been a positive thing. It is they should do so-and-so on behalf of Jewish values, is It’s a real danger to the president.” what it is. He can pick his own advisers and listen to asking too much and setting them up for possible failure.” He added: “As soon as Trump was elected, Kushner whoever he chooses, that is his prerogative.”

Balance Continued from page 1 infirmary at her battalion’s headquarters – explained, “We sometimes be shaped by what she believes male soldiers’ civilian world are much harder [to perform in the army].” train with the guys; we do everything like them. Inside perceptions will be. “I need to learn to carry my own Her Vietnamese background has attracted some un- the unit, everything is the same.” equipment, even if it’s very heavy, and when someone wanted attention from Israelis. Due to Israel’s relatively Israel is the world’s only country where military service offers to help me I know to say no,” said Staff Sgt. Y. low East Asian-born population, she said, people probe is obligatory for women. From age 18-26, women must “I don’t want [male soldiers] to think there’s an area her about her family and physical appearance, and wonder serve two years in the military – with some exceptions, where I am different from them. There’s no reason why how she can speak Hebrew so well. such as if they are pregnant. Today, 95 percent of the IDF’s he should do it, and I won’t let him if he suggests it. I “My favorite question is, ‘What are you?’ So some- positions are available to women, according to Klifi-Amir. will even get a little offended if he does.” times I just answer that I’m an alien and that you should Yet “equal opportunity” does not exist in the purest Gender is not the only issue these soldiers grapple with. take me to your leader,” Noam said. sense, the soldiers said. Klifi-Amir told the crowd she Sgt. Noam, 19, who was born in Vietnam and adopted as Staff Sgt. Y, 23, is the first female soldier to oversee does not believe all military positions should be open for an infant by an IDF soldier’s widow, discussed the chal- medical protocol and instruction in the Israeli Navy’s women, depending on the mission. The physical training lenge of training medical personnel in reserve units and 13th flotilla, a special unit comparable to the U.S. Navy required for some military roles may be too grueling for getting the trainees to respect her because of her youth. SEALs. As a paramedic, she has gone as far as treating a woman’s body, and the IDF is responsible for the life “Most of the people are 40-years-old or 35, and I’m wounded terrorists. “Inside of me, it’s not easy at all,” of each soldier, she said. so young,” she said. “A doctor who has so much expe- she said of that experience. “It is very, very hard. …But “Where it’s right and it could be helpful, then it rience, how can I tell him what to do? It’s challenging. it’s part of the job.” should be done. Where it’s not, then no,” Staff Sgt. Y How can I teach him from the beginning? Because the Klifi-Amir added, “If we lose our values, we will said regarding equal military roles for men and women. medical material [learned] in a civilian’s life is not the become like other armies on the Arab side and Muslim The soldier said her approach to military life can same as in the army. And some operations done in the side. We will not be like that.” P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, * charitable lead trust affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the * gift of IRA or pension plan assets long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full * grant from your foundation income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets * reserved life estate in your residence from your estate for estate tax purposes. * bequest

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. APRIL 20, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 CAPA Alan Smertz and Susie Blum Connors General Campaign Co-Chairs

Total to date:

If you have not yet made TE your gift to the 2017 Federation/UJA Campaign, please contact Mark Silverberg TME at 570-961-2300, ext. 1. Help us reach our goal of $900,000. Your support S enables us to fund the many important Jewish needs right here in Northeastern OW Pennsylvania, in Israel and throughout the Jewish world. Your participation is also helping to ensure a strong Jewish future.

2017 Federation/UJA Annual Campaign One People. One Mission. Tikun Olam. 570-961-2300 (x1)

¡

p! $100 $180 $250 $500 $1,000 $1,800 other

Name: ______Email: ______

Home Phone: ( ) ______Work Phone: ( ) ______Cell Phone: ( ) ______

Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Please mail to: Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania, 601 Jeff erson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 or call 570-961-2300 (ext. 1) 12 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017 Deciphering the past Cache of 1,400-year-old coins discovered near Christian pilgrimage site in Jerusalem BY JNS STAFF occurred in June 2016 as part of the expan- (JNS.org) – The Israel Antiquities sion of Israel’s Highway 1, which connects Authority on March 19 announced the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. A “massive” discovery of a hoard of 1,400-year-old two-story structure and an “elaborate” wine At right: A cache coins in excavations near Jerusalem. press were revealed in the excavation. The of 1,400-year-old According to the IAA, the cache of nine coins were found among large stones that coins discovered in bronze coins – discovered in a large had collapsed alongside the building. excavations near complex that served Christian pilgrims en “It seems that during a time of danger, Jerusalem. (Photo by route to Jerusalem – serves as “evidence the owner of the hoard placed the coins Yoli Shwartz, courtesy of the Persian invasion at the end of the in a cloth purse that he concealed inside of the Israel Antiquities Byzantine period.” The coins feature the a hidden niche in the wall,” said Annette Authority) images of three Byzantine emperors: Jus- Landes-Nagar, director of the excavation tinian (483-565 A.D.), Maurice (539-602 on behalf of the IAA. “He probably hoped C.E.) and Phocas (547-610 C.E.). to go back and collect it, but today we The excavation that led to the finding know that he was unable to do so.” Students unearth 2,000-year-old Jewish community near Beit Shemesh

BY JNS STAFF leading the excavation added, “The settle- (JNS.org) – During a week-long ex- ment’s extraordinary significance lies in cavation project near Beit Shemesh, 240 its imposing array of private ritual baths, Israeli students from Jerusalem’s Boyer which were incorporated in the residential High School uncovered the remains of an buildings. Each household had its own ancient Jewish community dating back to ritual bath and a cistern. ...Underneath the Israel’s Second Temple period. dwellings and rock-hewn installations, an- The archaeological dig was launched other surprising discovery was unearthed, prior to the construction of a new res- dating to the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt idential neighborhood in the area and, (2nd century C.E.) – a winding labyrinth of according to the Israel Antiquities Au- hiding refuges connected to sophisticated thority district archaeologist for Judah, and elaborate complexes.” Dr. Amit Shadman, “the excavations will The Israeli students’ excavation work be followed by the site’s preservation and served as a means of supplementing the development as an archaeological site in expenses of an upcoming student dele- the heart of the new neighborhood.” gation to Poland. Funding from Israel’s Discoveries at the site included “eight Ministry of Construction and Housing ritual baths, cisterns and hiding refuges, supported the initiative, which was An aerial view of the newly discovered 2,000-year-old Jewish community near Beit along with rock-hewn industrial installa- directed by the IAA and also involved Shemesh, Israel. (Photo by Emil Aladjem, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority) tions,” the IAA said. The IAA directors pre-army course cadets.

APRIL 20, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 13

D D ­e Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania presents “My Brother’s Keeper - e 911 of the Jewish People” How the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC) is changing the Jewish world Scranton Jewish Community Center Thursday, May 18 at 7pm Given the importance of the work done by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC) to assist imperiled and threatened Jewish communities around the world, a special program will be presented on ursday, May 18th at 7:00 PM in the Koppelman Auditorium of the Scranton JCC and will be open to our entire Jewish community - at no charge.

Our guest for the evening will be Shaun Goldstone, Global Development Ocer for the JDC who has participated in JDC’s worldwide international disaster relief e
orts in Haiti and Ethiopia and is currently responsible for raising the prole of JDC’s Eastern European and Asian humanitarian and Jewish renewal e
orts as well as fostering collaborations between the JDC and its partner organizations.

The program is open to the entire Jewish community and a dessert reception will follow. An RSVP to Mary Ann Mistysyn at either 961-2300 (x4) or [email protected] would be appreciated in order to facilitate food arrangements. We hope you can join us for this wonderful program. Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania D D 14 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017

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 in 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. APRIL 20, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org fair-minded people and prevail against BDS misinformation and propaganda,” Oren Syria accuses Israel and U.S. of supporting Islamic State terror said. The resolution at Tufts University was introduced by members of the stridently anti-Israel organization Students for Justice in Palestine and called for the school to group divest from four companies with business ties to Israel. The BDS motion – proposed Syrian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari on April April 6 and brought to a vote on the eve of Passover – was approved by the Tufts 12 accused Israel of providing direct support to the Islamic State terror group in Syria Community Union Senate. The American Jewish Committee’s New England director, during a “heated” session at the U.N. Security Council. “The direct Israeli support Robert Leikind called the resolution and its timing “a betrayal of the values that have to ISIL (Islamic State) through attacking Syrian army sites in Palmyra city on March made American campuses a model for the world and a sad day for Tufts University.” 17, 2017, added fuel to the fire and made things worse,” said Jaafari, referencing a Ex-reporter accused of JCC bomb threats pleads not guilty reported Israeli Air Force strike on a Hezbollah terrorist weapons convoy. In March, Syrian anti-aircraft missile systems were activated in response to the alleged Israeli Juan Thompson, the St. Louis-based former news reporter arrested in connection with strike and caused Israel to utilize its Arrow missile defense system to intercept a eight bomb threats against Jewish institutions, pleaded not guilty to charges of cyber Syrian missile, marking the system’s first operational use. Jaafari also accused Is- stalking during an appearance in a New York City federal court on April 10. Thompson, rael of providing medical aid to injured al-Qaida terrorists. Since 2013, Israel has 31, faces the charges following a series of threats he allegedly made to Jewish organi- provided medical aid to victims of the Syrian Civil War who arrive for treatment at zations during a wave of more than 150 bomb threats across North America since the the Israeli border with Syria in the Golan Heights. At a Cabinet meeting on April 9, beginning of 2017. Thompson, a former reporter for The Intercept, was arrested in early Israeli Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz proposed providing medical treatment March. He has been denied bail and faces up to five years in prison, as well as a fine of up to children wounded in the Syrian conflict, arguing there is a moral imperative to do to $250,000, if found guilty. An FBI complaint states the suspect threatened JCCs in San so. The Syrian ambassador also accused the U.S. of aiding Islamic State and other Diego and New York City, Jewish schools in New York and Michigan, a New York City terror groups, and claimed America “fabricated” the recent chemical attack on Syrian Jewish history museum and the Anti-Defamation League. Thompson reportedly made civilians to “rescue armed terrorist groups. ...This serious aggression had been plotted several of the threats in the name of a former love interest and also in his own name. In long in advance inside the secret rooms of intelligence agencies of Tel Aviv, Riyadh, late March, an Israeli-American teenager living in Israel was arrested in connection to the Doha, Ankara, Amman, Washington, London and Paris,” said Jaafari. majority of the bomb threats against JCCs and other Jewish institutions. On Passover eve, U.K. and U.S. campuses hit with anti-Israel Israel slams Marine Le Pen for denying French responsibility resolutions in Holocaust roundup On the eve of Passover this week, anti-Israel activists took advantage of the absence The Israeli government condemned French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen of Jewish students on campuses in the U.S. and the U.K. by initiating BDS resolutions for comments absolving France of responsibility for the roundup of thousands of Jews at Tufts University in Massachusetts and England’s Bath University. The anti-Israel who were deported to the Auschwitz death camp during the Holocaust. Le Pen, the motions at both universities were initiated silently on the eve of the Jewish holiday in leader of the far-right National Front party, told French media on April 9 that France hopes of catching pro-Israel students off guard. Tamir Oren, director of public affairs “isn’t responsible for the Vel d’Hiv,” referring to French police’s implementation of for the pro-Israel education group StandWithUs in the U.K., worked to prevent the a German-ordered roundup of 13,000 Jews in July 1942, ahead of their deportation BDS resolution from passing at the British university. Among the 17,000 students at to Auschwitz. “I think that, in general, if there are people responsible, it is those who the school, approximately 600 voted on the resolution – 343 against and 249 in favor. were in power at the time. It is not France,” Le Pen said. The Israeli Foreign Ministry “These successes show that when pro-Israel students mobilize, they can educate sensible, said on April 10 that Israel “condemns Marine Le Pen’s statements that France is not responsible for the deportation of the Jews from its territory during the Holocaust. This declaration is contrary to historical truth, as expressed in the statements of successive French presidents who recognized France’s responsibility for the fate of the French Camp Continued from page 4 Jews who perished in the Holocaust.” take on a Shabbat prayer service. Warsawski said. “I think people are re- “We’re trying to set the bar low,” War- sponsible. I think people are coming here Continued from page 9 sawski said, regarding the camp’s Jewish to have fun, and the open bar is a big draw, Baseball ritual content. “We want this to be inclusive. but there’s a lot more than getting wasted side, he struck out six. Feldman, 34, had 11 seasons. The lefty reliever appeared in 15 Diving into a heavily prayered Shabbat that makes it special.” declined to play for Team Israel because games for the Miami Marlins before they experience can marginalize people who Trybal is one of several organizations he wanted to focus on making the Reds, released him in July. The Texas Rangers didn’t grow up with those prayers.” in recent years to launch adult camps. who signed him as a free agent in January. picked him up, but he never took the mound After another round of Jewish-themed Camp Bonfire, another adult camp with He has a lifetime record of 71-78 record for them. Breslow signed with the Twins activities on Saturday morning (like making no religious affiliation, will run two long over 12 seasons. as a free agent in February. beeswax Shabbat candles), the campers weekends this year, drawing 180 people Reliever Craig Breslow returns to the Ron Kaplan is the author of the will split up for a traditional color war. But per camp. Another is Camp No Counselors, majors with the Minnesota Twins, his team forthcoming book “Hank Greenberg during the final relay, instead of just jump- which delivers what its name advertises. in 2008-09. The oldest of the Jewish major in 1938: Hatred and Home Runs in the ing over hurdles or swimming, campers will After the summer ends, Warsawski leaguers at 36, the Yale graduate has a life- Shadow of War” and writes Kaplan’s have to successfully complete “adulting” plans to expand Trybal’s offerings to time record of 22-29 with eight saves over Korner, a blog about Jews and sports. activities, like ironing a shirt. Then, after a include other short-term immersive expe- closing ceremony on Sunday, the campers riences with a Jewish bent. She’s consid- will return to their everyday lives. ering a Hanukkah trip to Iceland, or a few As much as the experience recalls child- days on a dude ranch. In every case, her Jewish Federation of NEPA hood summers, it has a decidedly adult twist. goal is the same: to give adults the same Misdeeds that would have gotten 13-year- sense of community and possibility that old campers expelled – from drinking to camp gave her. “You get to be who you sex to ditching activities – are fine now are” at camp, Warsawski said. that they’re 30. Rather than a sunrise bugle, “When you finally get to explore and wake-up might be as late as 10, with a boozy try new things, and see what you like, and brunch to follow. And there’s a party every make your own choices, that’s how you night, with a DJ and an open bar. But camps start to form who you are. That spirit of will obey state laws, which means legal or exploration doesn’t die when you’re a kid,” controlled substances are still a no-no. she said. “You have that spirit of curiosity “I expect people to have a good time,” even when you’re an adult.” Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc Save the Date!

ea Ia Pad Sunday, June 4, 2017 This year’s theme: Celebrate Israel All Together! ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 20, 2017

Save the Date for a Mission to Harrisburg on Tuesday April 25! Get a chance to meet with State Officials, tour the beautiful State Capital building and more! Charter Bus/Box Lunch • Cost: $15/pp Please contact Dassy for further details and to make your reservation at 570-961-2300 x2 or [email protected]