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VOLUME XI, NUMBER 3 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 In Austrian jail, Holocaust historian indicts the country for how it handles looted Jewish property BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ Templ was convicted of fraud for not civil libel suit by Claire Fritsch, a legal VIENNA (JTA) – If Stephan Templ’s listing an aunt on his survivor mother’s adviser to the restitution authority who trial and imprisonment in Austria were restitution claim, which he filled out for served as the main witness in his criminal meant to silence his criticism of the her. Neither Templ nor his mother wrote court case. She claims she was libeled by country’s Holocaust restitution system, that they were the only claimants to the his defense team’s attempts to undermine then his prosecution was clearly a failure. property. Austria has no law requiring her testimony. Templ is an Austrian-Jewish historian of restitution applicants to list other relatives. In Templ’s English-language book – the Holocaust who has written critically In previous official correspondence about which is titled “Austria’s Living Ghost” and about his country since 1995. In 2015, he the claim, Templ did list his aunt, which was scheduled for publication online ahead was sent to jail for nearly a year on contro- he argues means he had indeed informed of International Holocaust Remembrance Kurt Waldheim in 1971. (Photo by versial fraud charges tied to his family’s the Republic of Austria of her existence. Day on January 27 – he examines the work Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) own claim for compensation – and spent The 75 historians, including Americans of Austria’s Arbitration Panel for in Rem his time in prison diving even deeper into Deborah Lipstadt and Michael Beren- Restitution, a body set up in 2002 to review his area of expertise. baum, suggested in a joint statement that the restitution work done immediately after “The lack of de-Nazification is the The result is a new book that for the first Templ’s prosecution looked like a ven- World War II on properties that in 2001 reason Austria now has in government, time chronicles how modern-day Austria detta by the Austrian judiciary, which the were in the state’s possession. for the second time already, a party that gave its seal of approval for flawed restitu- Freedom Barometer index of 2016 ranked Until the 1990s, Austria had claimed that was founded by an SS officer,” he said of tion practices that were overseen by former as the least independent in Western Eu- it was principally a victim, not a perpetrator, the far-right Freedom Party, which joined Nazis. Those practices, Templ shows, in rope. The Anti-Defamation League also of Nazism. No one has been convicted of the coalition in December. essence validated Nazi-era policies that protested Templ’s sentence, as did the Nazi war crimes in Austria in more than 35 Austria’s victim myth also tainted how were used to rob Austrian Jews of what human rights lawyer Robert Amsterdam years, according to the Simon Wiesenthal the Austrian state handled the return of little compensation they sought to receive and Stuart Eizenstat, a former U.S. deputy Center. And whereas people with a Nazi Jews from concentration camps, prosecut- for vast assets that they had been forced secretary of the Treasury who helped set past were removed from positions of influ- ed Nazi war criminals and settled restitu- to sell to Aryans. up Austria’s restitution system. ence in neighboring Germany, in Austria tion issues. Concerns about this process “The wrongly imprisoned experience a Efraim Zuroff, Eastern Europe director they were allowed to serve as judges, teach- led to a 2002 review by the Arbitration special kind of frustration: Your thoughts get for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, told JTA ers and even restitution officials. (Walther Panel, as part of a restitution treaty that into a cycle about where you are and who put about the case: “It looks like revenge, like Kastner, for example, was a former Nazi See “Looted” on page 9 you there,” Templ, 57, told JTA. His sentence they wanted to get back at him for his official who was entrusted with advising was decried as a miscarriage of justice by criticism. I’m not a jurist, but it looks like on restitution issues in the 1940s.) dozens of leading Holocaust historians. an injustice.” Templ currently is facing a Austria even had a former Nazi, Kurt Waldheim, as president until 1992 – the year that Austrian officials began to drop Pay it forward & give to At left: Stephan the victim attitude, which is now de- the 2018 Jewish Federation Templ outside scribed as a “myth” on official Austrian of Northeastern Pennsylvania a building in government websites. But that myth has Annual Campaign! Vienna, which he had far-reaching implications for Austria, claimed from the said Templ, who in 2001 led groups around Austrian state, on Vienna on tours of stolen Jewish property. October 27, 2014. He pointed out building after building, $899,069 using a loudspeaker to name the families as of Jan. 31, 2018 (Photo by Cnaan For information or to Liphshiz) whose ancestors bought the assets for a make a donation call Goal: fraction of their true worth from Jews 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or send your gift to: $910,000 fleeing for their lives. Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania SPOTLIGHT 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 (Please MEMO your pledge or gift 2018 Israel’s wine industry grows better with age UJA Campaign) BY ELIANA RUDEE for the 35-year-old Golan Heights Winery, (JNS) – Israeli winemakers say that, one of Israel’s veteran wineries. just like the beverage they produce, their Singer has seen the winery evolve industry is growing better with age. More dramatically during the last decade – on a than 50 Israeli wineries, together with parallel track with the Israeli wine industry. international brands, were displayed in “The industry has developed tremendously, the “Sommelier 2018” exhibition from and the amount of quality wine is growing January 15-16 in Tel Aviv. In the past, this year by year,” she told JNS. “Everybody gathering – Israel’s largest annual wine wants to be at the cutting edge of quality and Federation event – was only open to professionals in innovation, and is searching for the unique the industry. But this year, it was opened essence of Israeli wine. We like to believe to the public in the evenings. that we have some say in the development Bottles from the Derech Eretz winery on Facebook In the past few years, Israeli exports of of the industry and are leading the flag of at the Sommelier 2018 exhibition in Tel The Jewish Federation of Northeast- wine and spirits have been consistently wine culture.” Aviv. (Photo by Eliana Rudee) ern Pennsylvania now has a page on growing at around 6 percent annually, Most of the industry in Israel uses Facebook to let community members according to the Israel Export Institute. “In international grapes from Western Eu- grapes, specifically the ancient Bittuni know about upcoming events and keep comparison to how small and young we rope, brought by Baron Edmond James and Marawi varieties, which flourish in connected. are, it’s quite amazing to see the accom- de Rothschild from France 150 years their indigenous climate and soil. plishments of Israeli wines,” said Ayala ago. But recent wine trends have seen Recanati Winery was the first to restore Singer, director of marketing development a move toward the use of local Israeli See “Wine” on page 6 Candle lighting February 9...... 5:11 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE February 16...... 5:20 pm “Israel in Focus” Jewish films to watch News in brief... February 23...... 5:28 pm An annual pro-Israel conference A look at five Jewish-themed films Abbas to ask for full U.N. PLUS looked at ways to combat the BDS to watch, including three that were membership; one-third of Shoah Opinion...... 2 movement. short-listed for Academy Awards. survivors in U.S. live in poverty. Jewish Family Service Notes...... 4 Story on page 3 Story on page 5 Stories on pages 11-12 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 8, 2018 A MATTER OF OPINION Community Relations Committee report The following op-ed and intransigence, inevitably Although Trump affirmed Jerusalem as respected and protected to ensure that by CRC Chairman David leads down the same path that the capital of Israel, he refrained from all religious groups may pray as they Fallk was published in the plagues the Middle East. precluding a Palestinian capital there, wish at a united Jerusalem’s holy sites. Scranton Times on Friday, When King David made subject to negotiations. Control over the Temple Mount was January 5, in response to Jerusalem his capital some Since 1936 there have been numer- ceded to Muslim authorities. Rev Michael Azar’s op-ed of 3,000 years ago, that city ous proposals to effectuate a two-state Judaism, Islam and Christianity all December 22 that attacked became eternally and inex- solution for the region and for control have thrived in the city. More churches, the decision of the U.S. orably connected to Israel over Jerusalem. The Arab world has mosques and synagogues exist in the government to recognize and the Jewish people. It rejected every one, resorting instead Old City of Jerusalem than anywhere Jerusalem as the capital of was in Jerusalem that Jewish to violence by spawning repeated riots, else in the world. the state of Israel David Fallk temples stood, Jewish kings wars and intifadas. For peace to come, Palestinians must Jerusalem’s ruled, and biblical prophets After the 1948 war, while Israel decide that they have more to gain by preached. Jews such as Jesus gathered provided citizenship rights to its 20 recognizing Israel and its capital than centrality there during Jewish festivals as Jews percent Arab minority, Jordan illegal- by perpetuating the conflict until Israel BY DAVID FALLK do today. ly annexed the West Bank and East has been annihilated. For at least two millennia the world Jerusalem appears 669 times in the Jerusalem and ethnically cleansed all But that has proved problematic. has engaged in an enduring struggle Old Testament and 142 times in the New Jews from its midst. The Jewish Quar- The annual Palestinian Authority to separate Israel from Jews and its Testament. Jews pray facing Jerusalem, ter of East Jerusalem was destroyed budget commits almost $350 million Jewishness, and Jerusalem from Israel. and major Jewish rituals, including and the Mount of Olives Cemetery for salaries of imprisoned and released Whether it was the forced diaspora the Passover seder and the Yom Kip- desecrated. terrorists and for the families of those by the Roman Empire and its renam- pur service, end with the affirmation, The 1964 PLO charter claimed “martyred” in their war to murder ing Judea as Palestine, centuries of “Next year in Jerusalem.” In the Quran, neither the West Bank nor Gaza or Israelis and to exterminate Israel. To invaders or the three wars of attempted Jerusalem is not mentioned. Muslims mentioned Jerusalem, but was aimed the south, Hamas continues to spend extinction by Arab nations against Is- pray facing Mecca. at destroying the entire Jewish state. tens of millions of dollars on deadly rael (1948, 1967, 1973), the concept Despite many efforts over centuries In refusing to accept any final plan for rockets and building tunnels from which of a Jewish nation in the ancestral by colonial powers and Arab pressure to peaceful coexistence, the Palestinians, terrorists can strike. homeland of the Jewish people or curb Jewish migration back to the Holy including Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud If Jerusalem is to live up to its defi- Jewish control over Jerusalem, has Land, Jerusalem contained a plurality Abbas, have resorted to denying history, nition as “City of Peace,” those who proved disconcerting to segments of of Jews for generations, and has had a including that a Jewish temple existed profess an interest in such peace must the non-Jewish world. Jewish majority since the 19th century. in Jerusalem. stop dwelling on questioning the rights Rev. Michael Azar’s op-ed (Dec. President Trump’s action merely Israel’s Declaration of Independence of Jews. Instead they should work on 22) commenting on President Trump’s reinforces the right of the Jewish promised freedom to all religions and getting the Palestinians to say “yes” declaration regarding Jerusalem is an- people for self-determination and for protection of all holy places, and, since to something other than denial and other example of the agita the idea of the Jewish state to choose its capital. 1967, the rights of all faiths have been violence. Jewish sovereignty over any piece of land or city has produced. His parsing of geography, history and the Bible, while ignoring the reality of Arab enmity Why the future looks bright for “special” and “regular” BY OREN HEFETZ young people into adulthood. not succeed alone. Only with team- “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the February is Jewish Disability For many hours that day I spoke work will you succeed. Take care of Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. Awareness and Inclusion Month. with these young soldiers, under- your peers who are going through (JNS) – Do you know those pictures standing that each one of them could difficulties because they’ll save you President: David Malinov have easily been classified “exempt next time.” Executive Director: Mark Silverberg that tell you to take a look and say what you see, and after you draw a from military service,” and I learned When I now ask soldiers how it is Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman banal answer they say to you, “Now from all of them the unique and very serving alongside someone with dis- Layout Editor: Diana Sochor take a really good look and say what personal journey that brought them abilities, they look at me strangely, Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker here to attain the status as an enlisted almost as if they did not understand Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis you see.” You look for a minute or two, Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen and suddenly you notice something member of the IDF. There were dozens why I was asking them this ridiculous Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown completely different that is hidden in of wonderful stories. question. “He is like our brother,” they the picture. This story reminds me of Remember the picture in my opening often answer, “this place would not be OPINIONS The views expressed in those images. sentence? In that moment I understood the same without him.” editorials and opinion pieces are those My name is Oren. I am 41, married what I was looking at – boys and girls, There”s something about this con- of each author and not necessarily to Hila and a father of three. I’ve made no different from countless others who nection that gives me goosebumps ev- the views of the Jewish Federation of a career serving in the Israel Defense all their lives wanted to just be like their ery time I think of it. The future looks Northeastern Pennsylvania. Forces as a pilot. For 17 years, I flew friends – and now you can understand bright. After all, do you think that a LETTERS The Reporter welcomes various types of helicopters helping Is- what it means to serve in the army, and soldier who has served with someone letters on subjects of interest to the rael’s ground forces, making decisions understand their motivation. with disabilities and later goes on to Jewish community. All letters must be during combat, rescuing the wounded After a few weeks, I witnessed some- graduate with a degree in architecture signed and include a phone number. and helping families and friends during thing even more extraordinary unfold- will ever design a swimming pool with- The editor may withhold the name upon request. their darkest times. Throughout my ing: While the soldiers with disabilities out adding an accessible component ADS The Reporter does not necessar- military career, I have held numerous had fulfilled their own dreams working for people with disabilities? Or that a ily endorse any advertised products command positions and a year ago, I alongside regular soldiers, those who future manager would ever deny a job and services. In addition, the paper was chosen as the new deputy com- really got the added value were the to a candidate with a disability? Not is not responsible for the kashruth of mander at the Palmachim Air Force regular soldiers! a chance. any advertiser’s product or establish- Base, where some 4,500 people live and Take, for example, the female soldier The Special in Uniform program – ment. work. During my two-week orientation who enlisted at 18 and serves as a tech- generously funded by Jewish National DEADLINE Regular deadline is two and in between managing budgets, nician or in an educational role or as a Fund-USA – helps hundreds of young weeks prior to the publication date. projects and contractors, one morning dental assistant, and works alongside a men and women with disabilities enlist FEDERATION WEBSITE: the base”s outgoing commander, Lt. soldier with special needs. That same and serve in the IDF like every other www.jewishnepa.org Col. Moti, informed me that we were enlisted soldier mentors and aids the Israeli citizen. This of course helps visiting a special place. other, and they eat lunch together. Or, those very young men and women, but HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: “Special?” I asked. the soldiers are assigned to the kitchen just as much, it changes enlistment and Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA “You’ll see,” was all he would and ensure that we are regularly fed. life forever for the many thousands of 18510 answer. Working with them is a soldier whose “regular” soldiers and the officers they E-mail: [email protected] We arrived at a small compound speech may sound a little strange and serve with. That is the power of this Fax: (570) 346-6147 where a group of soldiers with dis- who may have a difficult time walking, program and the great social change it Phone: (570) 961-2300 abilities of varying degrees were but together they perform the same has brought about. HOW TO REACH mustered – all of whom had dreamed tasks. These soldiers have doubled their Maj. Oren Hefetz is the deputy THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: of serving in the IDF like everyone responsibility by having the added value commander at the Palmachim Air Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 else in the country. Now, it’s crucial of caring for others. Force Base in Israel. Jewish National E-mail: [email protected] to understand that serving in the army Throughout my own training pro- Fund has stated that it supports in our small country is one of life’s cess, when physical conditions were helping people with special needs SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: milestones; aside from maturing the put to the test, the commanders always and disabilities enjoy full inclusion in Phone: (570) 961-2300 person, the experience helps transition conveyed a clear message: “You will Israeli society. FEBRUARY 8, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Shabbat Across America at Congregation B’nai Harim Members of Congregation B’nai Harim will celebrate The cost is $10 per person. Children under 12 are free. number attending and a phone number. “the beauty of Shabbat” on Friday, March 9, at 6 pm, Reservations are required and must be made by February For more information call the message center at 570- by participating in Shabbat Across America. A musical 24. After that date, the cost will be $15 per person. 646-0100 or visit the website www.bnaiharimpoconos. Friday night service will be included, as well as a com- Mail check payable to: Congregation B’nai Harim, org. Congregation B’nai Harim is located at 5346 Pocono plete traditional Shabbat dinner. Po Box 757, Pocono Pines, PA 18350, and include the Crest Rd., Pocono Pines. Annual pro-Israel conference makes its latest effort to cut the BDS BY OREN PELEG spectives, then we’re not seeing a more inclusive area and (JNS) – Israel advocates need to “go to the moral At right: Israeli I don’t think Israel should be just the root of Christianity dimension of the issue, not to run away from it” when it Member of Knesset or just a Jewish thing. It needs to be more pluralistic or comes to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions move- Sharren Haskel we can get into a dangerous space,” Andrews said. ment, said UCLA professor Judea Pearl, father of slain (Likud) addressed Evon Sworesho, a Middle East affairs analyst, drew journalist Daniel Pearl, in a plea to students at a recent the StandWithUs parallels between BDS and historical persecution in conference focused on combating BDS. International Con- the region against Jews and Christians. Several pastors “This is where we are strong. This is our cause and ference. (Photo also spoke on a panel about the presence of BDS and this is where we can win hands down,” Pearl said. “Talk by Christina Mia anti-Israel views in churches. about your emotions. I have emotions, too, and not just Morales) State lawmakers from both sides of the political spec- as a grieving father, but as a man born in Israel. My involving power players in the arts, has been considered trum, including Republican Texas Rep. Phil King and friends came back in coffins from many wars, wars we instrumental in bringing artists like Elton John, Boy Democratic Rhode Island Rep. Mia Ackerman, discussed did not start.” George, Cyndi Lauper and Alicia Keyes to Israel for how their states have passed anti-boycott laws. King, whose More than 500 people representing a multitude of shows as well as meetings with Israeli politicians, and state relies on Israel as its fourth-largest trade partner and Jewish and pro-Israel groups gathered in Los Angeles to learn about causes like LGBT rights in the Holy Land. a “vital contributor” of agricultural technology, said that from January 19-22 to take part in the fourth annual “Clearly this movement (BDS) is not going away and anti-boycott legislation was a no-brainer for Texas. “BDS “Israel in Focus” conference, hosted by StandWithUs. it absolutely targets artists and culture,” Renzer said. “It’s at its core is economic warfare,” he said. “Most Texans The conference nearly doubled in size from last year doing so with great strategy, a laser focus and apparently recognize that regardless of it being a national issue, one and included some 350 high school and college students some serious funding. Our goal is to continue what we’re that affects our homeland security as Israel is our only from all across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the U.K. doing and expand on Publishedwhat bywe’re the Jewish Federationdoing.” of Greater Binghamton friend in the Middle East, there are a lot of state hooks, StandWithUs, an Israel education and advocacy or- Renzer announced his group’s plans to add a New York See “BDS” on page 6 ganization founded in 2001, hosts the conference each office to deal with BDS issues in the theater world, like year to give the pro-Israel community a platform to share a recent boycott campaign to shut down the production best practices on countering BDS. of a Lincoln Center Festival play funded by the Israeli “It’s very interesting to see how what we do on Culture and Sport Ministry. DEADLINES campuses is now materializing in further action,” Adah Many conference sessions focused on forming The following are deadlines for all articles and Forer, a 20-year-old senior at University of California, coalitions outside of the Jewish community. Chelsea photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Berkeley, told JNS. “And it’s not just on campus, but Andrews, director of campus relations for Passages, DEADLINE ISSUE in state government and beyond. It’s very heartening.” a Christian pro-Israel advocacy group that nicknames Thursday, February 8...... February 22 Forer, whose campus is conisdered a hotbed for BDS itself the “Christian Birthright,” leads trips to Israel for activity, also spoke on a panel dubbed “Anti-Zionism: the Christian college students. She brought nearly 30 of her Thursday, February 22...... March 8 New Face of Anti-Semitism,” in which she detailed her students to the conference to encourage more dialogue Thursday, March 8...... March 22 efforts to work with university administrators to address with Jewish students. Thursday, March 22...... April 5 antisemitic incidents. She said that many high school “If we’re not coming together and hearing other per- students sought her out after her panel. “It’s cool to talk to high school students who are interested in continuing To advertise, their passion and joining pro-Israel groups when they contact Bonnie Rozen come to campus. It’s what we need,” Forer said. at 800-779-7896, Chairman of the Spirit Music Group David Renzer ext. 244 or bonnie@ spoke to a packed ballroom about BDS proponents’ war thereportergroup.org on culture. He cited Lorde’s recent cancellation of a Tel Aviv concert following BDS pressure. Renzer, who co-founded Creative Community for Peace, an initiative

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Effective immediately, please send allSa articlesve & theads to Dates... our new E-mail(Spring address, will be here before we know it!) [email protected], April 15 Wednesday, May 16 Sunday, June 3 The Jewish Federation The Jewish Federation Celebrate and the Scranton JCC of NEPA Trip to the Israel invite you to celebrate Museum of the 70th birthday of the Jewish Heritage, Parade, State of Israel NYC NYC ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 8, 2018 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE NOTES Aggression hurts Have you ever been concerned about to a unpleasant or challenging situation. appropriate ways of expressing their Occasional aggressive outbursts may your child or adolescent’s behavior at Children and adolescents may also feelings and emotions in addition to ex- be seen as normal. However, it is when home, school or in the community? Does become aggressive as a response to hav- panding parenting skills is also found to these outbursts become more frequent your child or adolescent yell, scream or ing poor relationship skills or unhealthy be effective. You can help your children and cause harm that intervention methods curse? Does your child or adolescent hit, relationships among family members. express their feelings and emotions ap- should take place as soon as possible. Hav- punch, kick or destroy property when Aggression can also be seen in a child or propriately by explaining the feeling in ing a child or adolescent who is aggressive they are frustrated, upset or do not get adolescent if there is a history of violence words that they can understand, as well as can be a difficult challenge to overcome. their own way? If your child or adolescent or exposure to violence in their home or creating common situations and teaching With consistency, follow through and displays any of these behaviors, they may community. They may also be aggressive them alternative ways to respond to the patience, aggressive behaviors can be be struggling with aggression. due to drugs and alcohol as well as a event. Using visuals or pictures such as reduced and your child or adolescent can Aggressive behavior can be both ver- stressful family life. Mental health issues books and asking your children what the lead a healthy and happy lifestyle. bal and physical and can cause serious such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity characters might be feeling, in addition to Visit the following websites for physical and emotional harm on to others. Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder encouraging them to take deep breaths and additional information: www.solutions- Physical aggression may include hitting, and Conduct Disorder may also increase finding a quiet place to calm down, can forchildproblems.com, www.kidsgrowth. kicking, punching and even hair pulling, the risk of aggression among youth. also help them express their feelings and com, http://psychcentral.com, www. while verbal aggression can range any Many treatment options are available to emotions in a better way. Medication and healthline.com, www.valleybehavioral. where from yelling, screaming, cursing parents who are experiencing aggressive psychotherapy is also found to be benefi- com, http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/family- and making threats to bullying and name behaviors with their child or adolescent. cial in decreasing aggressive behaviors. tools/teaching_emotions.pdf. calling. Children and adolescents may Avoiding reinforcement of aggressive become aggressive because they have behaviors and rewarding non aggressive difficulty expressing their emotions appro- behaviors can reduce aggression. Also, THE PENNSYLVANIA JEWISH priately or struggle with controlling their creating behavior contracts and setting behaviors. They may also act out aggres- goals along with avoiding physical pun- sively as a response to getting attention in ishment and being a positive role model COALITION REPORT school for their aggressive behaviors or may also reduce aggressive behaviors. BY JOE FISCH For several years, the Penn- not fully understanding how to respond Teaching your children or adolescents Jewish Federation of sylvania Jewish communities, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philadelphia Israel Chamber of PJC Mission Statement: Commerce and the Pennsylva- The Pennsylvania Jewish nia Jewish Coalition have been Jewish Federation of NEPA Coalition, working individually working with the DCED, the and collectively with others, IIA, and the Israeli Consulate’s represents Pennsylvania’s office to encourage companies Jewish communities before based in Israel to broaden their state government and with other Joe Fisch operations in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvanians. Jewish values guide the and vice versa. Through this agreement, PJC’s focus on issues of importance to Israeli and Pennsylvania companies will these communities, including public social now have research opportunities, financial policies and funding and regulation of the support and other resources to expand and delivery of human service. improve their businesses to the benefit of PENNSYLVANIA JEWISH COALITION Pennsylvania as well as Israel. Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc APPLAUDS TRADE AGREEMENT BE- HOLOCAUST EDUCATION SUCCESS- TWEEN PENNSYLVANIA AND ISRAEL FULLY REACHES 93 PERCENT OF THE The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition PUBLIC AND CHARTER SCHOOLS IN commends the Pennsylvania Department PENNSYLVANIA of Community and Economic Develop- The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition also Gifting Stock ment and the Israel Innovative Authority applauds the Pennsylvania Department of on the signing of a memorandum of un- Education and the Act 70 of 2014 Task Form derstanding to encourage cooperation in Force (comprised of professional educa- industrial research and development and tors focused on the Holocaust, genocide innovation between Israeli and Pennsyl- and human rights violations) on reaching Gifting stock to a charitable 501©(3) organization vania companies. The MOU was signed their goal of having guided more than 90 is a great way to make a donation. on November 6, 2017, at a ceremony at percent of Pennsylvania public and charter Thomas Jefferson University. See “Report” on page 10 By gifting stock in which you have a large capital gain, you not only receive the benefit of making a sizable donation, but you also save the capital gains tax. Example: Gift: $2,000 (Stock: ABC @ $20 per share - Gift: 100 shares)

If you were to sell “Stock ABC” that you originally purchased at $10.00 a share, you would have a $1,000 capital gain and you would be required to pay at least $150.00 in federal taxes, etc. But by gifting the stock, you save the entire $150.00 and you’ve found a way to help the Federation accomplish its mission: “…to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Your gift will not only assist our local and regional organizations and agencies, but you will have the satisfaction of helping those in need. You will be able to look back and say: “I’m just doing what my ewish Federa People have always done for each other.” the J tion on ’s e u ma For further information on gifting stocks in payment of your pledge yo il re lis to our Annual UJA Campaign, please contact the Federation at A t? 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) for details. We send updated announcements and special event details weekly to those who wish to receive them.

Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] FEBRUARY 8, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 5 The five best Jewish films to watch this Oscar season BY TOM TUGEND Maoz did not directly address Regev’s criticism, but The film follows young men and women who have LOS ANGELES (JTA) – With the Academy Awards said, “When my brothers are dying, I have the right to been brought together in a scenic German town for a on the horizon, there is no shortage of high-quality films make such a movie.” program called “Vacation from War.” They live under the to see in theaters and on the small screen. Getting a jump “Foxtrot” will open in U.S. theaters on March 2. same roof, go on joint excursions in the countryside, take on the festivities, here are five of the best Jewish-themed “IN THE FADE” a riverboat cruise and “argue earnestly” for hours on end. ones to watch this awards season, from Oscar contenders Germany’s “In the Fade” dramatizes the rise of neo-Na- The program started in 2002 and, as one of the orga- to short gems. zism in the country over the past few years through the nizers put it, “Our goal is not to make participants love “FOXTROT” murder of a Kurdish man, his German wife and their each other. If only five people change their attitudes, Directed by Samuel Maoz and starring Lior Ashkenazi small son by a neo-Nazi couple. The neo-Nazi theme is that’s progress.” and Sarah Adler, “Foxtrot” has been called a wrenching timely in light of the rise of the far right in Europe and Even this modest goal seems unreachable in the film about an array of dark topics: parental grief after the as demonstrated in the U.S. by the white supremacist film, although it inadvertently clarifies why decades death of a soldier son, the joys and stresses of marriage, rally last summer in Charlottesville, VA. of peacemaking efforts have proven largely fruitless. and the boredom of army life. But it is also about Israeli Director Fatih Akin, a German native of Turkish Most of the arguments are on the level of “Hamas is a control of the West Bank and how, in the filmmaker’s descent, attributes Germany’s growing neo-Nazi senti- terrorist organization,” as an Israeli participant charges, view, Israel’s occupation humiliates the occupied and ment largely to hostility to the large number of refugees, to which the Palestinian response is, “We are just trying hardens the occupier. After being named the second-best mainly from Muslim countries, who have been admitted to get back the land you took from us.” film at the Venice International Film Festival and winning into Germany. “The new neo-Nazis are different from However, the largely pessimistic view is brightened by best film at Israel’s Ophir Awards, it was on the shortlist those of the 1980s and ‘90s,” he told JTA. “Then they a couple of episodes that bridge the conflicts. One scene for the Academy Award for best foreign language film. were outcasts and easily recognizable as skinheads. shows Palestinians dancing the dabke and Israelis dancing In a phone interview with JTA, Maoz described his Today’s neo-Nazis are still criminals, but they look like the hora – and both performances are almost identical. movie as “the dance of a man with his fate.” He said, everybody else.” “In the Land of Pomegranates” will open in U.S. “There are many variations to this dance, but they end “In the Fade,” fresh off a Golden Globe win for best theaters in February and March. up at the same starting point.” foreign film, was one of the nine films on the Oscar “THE NUMBER ON GREAT-GRANDPA’S ARM” In more concrete terms, the film follows an affluent shortlist for best foreign language film. It’s out now in How does one teach very young children about the Ho- Tel Aviv couple who learn their son has died in the line U.S. theaters in a limited release. locaust? An upcoming HBO short documentary, slated to of duty. The film has come under fire from Miri Regev, “IN THE LAND OF POMEGRANATES” premiere on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel’s minister of culture and sports. “It is inconceiv- In Hebrew, the word for pomegranate has a double attempts to provide a model for that daunting task. In “The able,” she declared publicly, “that movies which shame meaning: It can mean either the fruit that symbolizes Number on Great-Grandpa’s Arm,” Holocaust survivor the reputation of the Israel Defense Forces – and that rebirth or a hand grenade. The documentary “In the Land Jack Feldman and his American-born great-grandson are supported [financially] by the state – are selected to of Pomegranates,” directed by Israeli Hava Kohav Beller, See “Films” on page 12 showcase Israel cinema abroad.” wrestles with these conflicting meanings as it explores the chasm between the ways that young Israelis and Palestinians think about each other.

L-r: Ayana Lekach and Rotem Dar in a scene from An Israeli soldier does a mock dance with his rifle in Diane Kruger (front, center) in a scene from “In the “In the Land of Pomegranates.” (Photo by First Run “Foxtrot.” (Photo by Sony Pictures Classics) Fade.” (Screenshot from YouTube) Features)

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2018 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.

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BDS Continued from page 3 like our long trade history.” propeller forward for me,” she said. Both state lawmakers agreed that the Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of economic impact of BDS in the West Bank StandWithUs, said her organization added inflicts the most harm on Palestinians some new wrinkles to the conference sched- working for Israeli companies, referencing ule this year to encourage more student the 500 Palestinians who lost their jobs at interaction and engagement. “We did a bit of SodaStream in 2016 due to BDS pressure. an experiment and combined the high school Ahava Helfenbaum, a 16-year-old high and campus students in one community all school student from Toronto and a Stand- at once to see if everyone was able to take WithUs intern, told JNS she was returning from the conference what we wanted to give home from the conference with renewed them; namely information, inspiration and purpose. “All these success stories on the resources to build a network,” she said. fighting BDS I’ve been hearing all week- “It was very effective this year. I’m receiving end are so inspirational and are giving me unsolicited compliments everywhere I go, A group shot of the 350 student participants in the StandWithUs International the confidence to keep going. It’s really a even in the elevator.” Conference. (Photo by Christina Mia Morales)

Wine Continued from page 1 Marawi and Bittuni in the Judean hills of Bethlehem, Heights, the pressure of BDS is real. Singer recounted and Barkan Winery is following suit. “a situation in Germany, where for a couple of hours, Dr. Shivi Drori, co-owner of Gvaot Winery and head supermarkets took our wines off their shelves,” but apolo- of the Wine Research Center at Ariel University, where gized hours later. Despite the BDS efforts, Golan Heights he lectures on the indigenous grapes of Israel, said, “To Winery’s exports are “rising year by year,” she said. understand the varieties, we are collecting archaeologi- Likewise, Vered Ben Sadon, manager of marketing for cal remains of grapes from archaeological sites around Tura Winery in the Samaria region of Mount Gerizim, Israel, matching them to existing varieties. had sold grapes to wineries that have now terminated “Surveying the whole country, we found more than 600 their partnership with Tura due to political reasons. But vines, and after analyzing them genetically, we found 80 Tura has garnered awards in many international wine unique Israeli varieties, which is a huge amount,” claimed competitions, as blind tasting helps the Israeli wine Drori. “We are now characterizing them, trying to find industry dodge politics. which are suitable for quality wine production. We cur- Ben Sadon and her husband, Erez, got married 22 years rently have in our hands 10 varieties that show high wine ago and, as a young couple, they moved to Samaria to quality and make for very interesting, full-bodied wines.” The Sommelier 2018 exhibition in Tel Aviv. (Photo by “to settle the land for religious reasons,” she said. “We The local grape varieties have not only found success Eliana Rudee) began the winery in 2003 with 1,200 bottles. Today, we in entering the Israeli industry – they are also changing are producing 100,000 bottles a year. Our first wine came Israel’s wine narrative. Drori said, “Today the story of tourists to Israel,” he said. out in the market in 2006. We sent it to exhibition and got a wine is as important as it’s quality, if not more im- “It’s not interesting to come for a cabernet wine, the first award internationally for our merlot, and today portant. Part of my job to help the Israeli wine industry but the ones used 2,000 years ago in the time of King we have more than 50 awards, in the Czech Republic, make its story, and reconnect to its biblical roots, to the David? This is very interesting. People love the story,” France, England and in the most important competitions. 4,000-year-old story of wine making.” added Drori. “A big part of what we are trying to do is sell Israel He argued that when pricing wine, one must compare But just as Israel has begun to reclaim its historical as a product,” Ben Sadon told JNS. 6-year-old and 600-year-old bottles not just on their connection to the region through wine, proponents of She added, “Every day is like a miracle. We see it quality, but also on their story. He hopes that in a few the anti-Israel BDS movement have tried to change the with our own eyes. Customers every year say they see years, every Israeli winery will have at least one wine story of the region. a big change in wine quality. We are very proud of what from local indigenous grape varieties. “This will bring For many wineries in Judea, Samaria and the Golan we are doing.”

Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you that offers our readership something on everything from opinions and columns on controversial issues 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.

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With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 FEBRUARY 8, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 7 weis wishes you a Happy Purim $ 49 2per lb Fresh Kosher Chickens Whole or Cut-up Fryers $399 Hamantaschen Mechaya - 10 ounce

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It can be very difficult with meat, but only after they considered the question. to strip off those layers and look at the literal meaning of When I tell people about the rabbinical discussion of text. However, even though we know what interpretation what is meant by the word “mother,” they usually think was accepted by the majority of rabbis, it’s interesting I’m joking, until I assure them I’m quoting text. The clas- to see the process taken to arrive at that result. Some of sical discussion has two parts, one dealing with familial my favorite discussions about the meaning of biblical relationships and the other with different species. In other verses deal with the laws of meat and milk. words, the Torah verse says that you can’t cook a kid in The statement “You shall not seethe a kid in its mother’s the milk of its mother. The rabbis, however, asked, how milk” appears in the Torah three times, including this about the milk of its sister or aunt or grandmother? What week’s parasha, Mishpatim. (Exodus 23:19) While the about a goat that’s not related to the kid? What about other commandment sounds very simple, deciding actually species? Can you cook a goat in cow’s milk or a calf in what it means is not. In fact, the verse generated an enor- sheep’s milk? Obviously, in the end, the rabbis did not mous amount of discussion in the rabbinic period. The take the verse literally and ruled that any type of meat reason for the debate was that the ancient rabbis wanted could not be cooked in any type of milk. to perform the mitzvot correctly. Among the issues they Rabbinic methods of interpretation declared that discussed were the exact meaning of the word seethe, there is no repetition in Torah. Therefore if something what the Torah means when it says “mother” and why is said more than once, each time it must have some- the verse is repeated three times. Of additional interest thing different to teach us. As I mentioned before, the was the question of chicken: did it qualify as meat? verse “You shall not seethe a kid in its mother’s milk” The rabbis agreed that the word “seethe” meant a kind appears three times – Exodus 23:19 and 34:26, and of cooking. There was some question about whether the Deuteronomy 14:21. The rabbis offered a variety of verse applied to only a specific cooking method, but the explanations. One opinion said that the three mentions general consensus prohibited all forms of cooking. That refer to the three covenants God made with Israel – one led to another question. The text says only that meat and at Horah, one on the plains of Moab and one on Mount milk can’t be cooked together. Does that mean that they Gerizim. In a second opinion, the three repetitions are can be eaten together? And how do the rules of milk said to refer to three different kinds of flesh: the first to domestic animals, the second to beasts of chase and the third to fowl. A third suggestion claimed that the first mention teaches that we are not supposed to cook meat and milk together; the second mention means that we can’t eat this mixture if it is cooked (the Torah text says nothing about eating); and the third mention shows the we are not to derive any benefit from a mixture of meat and milk (for example, feeding it to our dog or selling Great Jewish Books Summer it to a non-Jew who isn’t prohibited from eating it). This opinion is the basis for many legal decisions that Program prohibit Jews from cooking, eating and benefitting from The Yiddish Book Center is accepting mixtures of meat and milk. applications for its 2018 Great Jewish Books And what about the tricky question of chicken and Summer Program. Due to the popularity of the program other forms of fowl? That was a difficult one, since fowl in past years, the Center will offer two sessions this year: lay eggs and don’t produce milk. Technically they could July 22-27 and July 29-August 3.Now in its seventh be considered the same as fish, who also lay eggs and year, the Great Jewish Books Summer Program brings don’t breast feed their young, Fish can be eaten with together rising high school juniors and seniors from across meat or milk. In fact, the Talmud records examples of the country, to read, discuss and argue about, modern rabbis who ate cheese and chicken at the same meal. In Jewish literature. Students read selections from works of the end, though, chicken was declared a form of meat. modern Jewish literature and consider how they speak When we study the laws of meat and milk today, we to the opportunities and challenges people face today. usually only learn how to practice the commandment Under the guidance of college professors, the students as determined by the rulings of our ancestors. We rarely consider how the legacy of modern Jewish literature can take time to address the questions that Talmud raises. inform their lives in the 21st century. However, I find that knowing the history and development Applications for the program are due by Monday, of our laws and customs enriches my Jewish practice. March 5. To learn more and to apply, visit yiddishbook- It also allows me to be part of the continuing evolution center.org/great-jewish-books. of our religion.

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Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate FEBRUARY 8, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Looted Continued from page 1 Austria signed with the United States in 2001. Thanks “So in prison, I set out to review for myself the claims of the Arbitration Panel for In Rem Restitution, stood by his to the treaty, Austria has paid at least $670 million in that the Arbitration Panel had reviewed before me,” organization’s findings. “To assess ‘extreme injustice’ the compensation. But even that may have been the tip of Templ, a bespectacled intellectual with “a wry sense of Arbitration Panel has developed a complex case,” he wrote, the iceberg in a country that had at least 200,000 Jews humor” and a passion for carpentry, said during a rare based on “restrictions on freedom of contract and discrep- before the Holocaust, many of them wealthy. visit to Vienna (following his release from prison in ancy in value: The more the two criteria are pronounced, Templ’s research shows that out of nearly 2,000 restitution 2015, Templ is spending most of his time in his Prague the more likely it is that an extreme injustice exists.” cases handled in the 1940s and 1950s, the Arbitration Panel home, in what he terms self-exile). He added that the Arbitration Panel has so far issued reopened and declared unjust a total of only nine cases. It The findings, he said, surprised even him. One case 138 recommendations for restitution with an estimated intervened in another 18 cases that had not been the subject deemed fair by the Arbitration Panel involved an apart- total value of $59 million. According to Templ, all these of a claim, he said. “This seemed to me like an astonish- ment building in Vienna’s Alserbach Street owned by the recommendations pertain to only seven assets. ingly low number, considering the prevalence of injustice Stianssy family. The Aryan buyers paid only 38 percent Citing independent appraisals, Aicher said that “virtu- that went on in 1940s and 1950s restitution,” Templ said. of its real worth in 1939. Of that sum, the Nazi state stole ally all real estate that had been confiscated by the state Take, for instance, the case of Anna Freud, the daughter 80 percent through racist “emigration taxes” devised to was restituted in its entirety after the war” as well as 60 of Viennese psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Following defund Jewish sellers. The other 20 percent went to a percent of the properties sold under duress. her claim for restitution for a handsome estate that the frozen account and from there to the coffers of the Third Crunching these numbers allowed Templ to find Nazis stole from her family in 1938, she received in the Reich, his research shows. In 1951, Austrian restitution purpose and calm his nerves in prison, he said. But it 1950s a sum equivalent to $80, Templ’s research shows. officials declined to return the “emigration taxes” to the wasn’t easy. On a rare afternoon off from prison – Templ However, that property was not reviewed in 2002, because Stianssy family, essentially validating their extraction. served time in a medium-security facility that allowed the estate was privately owned and therefore not in the Yet the Arbitration Panel in its 2014 review stated that some inmates brief day passes – he “suddenly became purview of the Arbitration Panel on state-held properties. it “cannot conclude that the settlement reached in 1951 very aggressive” toward a friend who came to visit him. represents an extreme injustice.” In so doing, Templ “When you see that life goes on while you’re stuck there, writes, “the Panel confirms the injustice.” it releases some anger in you,” he said. NEWS IN BRIEF Leopold Stiassny died in Prague on November 20, 1939. On one of his first days in prison, a longtime prisoner His wife, Martha Stiassny, was murdered in Auschwitz. showed him around the place, he recalled. “When we reached From JTA Three of their close relatives were murdered by 1945. the showers, he told me: These showers aren’t for you because Israel and Poland to discuss Polish Among the dozens of reviews flagged by Templ is they have water coming out” – a remark Templ believes was an a 2012 case concerning the sale of a forest 45 miles antisemitic reference to Nazi gas chambers. Another prisoner death camps legislation southwest of Vienna by the Hartenstein family. It, too, harassed him with reference to Israel, he said. Israel and Poland will open an “immediate dialogue” over was not found to be “an extreme injustice,” even thought But the troubles stopped when Muslim Chechen legislation that would criminalize the use of the term “Polish the family by 1957 received less than half of the land’s inmates, who are known for their ruthlessness and death camps.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu value, according to the panel. Templ’s research suggests mob connections, discovered he could speak Russian and his Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, spoke they only got 10 percent of the property’s real value. and could therefore help them with German-language on Jan. 28 by phone and “agreed that teams from the two “I expect that now that I’ve been jailed, my criticism correspondence, he said. “As soon as the other inmates countries would open an immediate dialogue in order to try to of Austria will be seen as a vendetta,” Templ said. “And saw me hanging out with the Chechens, suddenly the reach understandings regarding the legislation,” Netanyahu’s I guess I have an agenda – but the numbers and the facts behavior toward me changed.” office said in a statement. The Israeli team will be headed by do not, and they tell a story that is much bigger and more Asked whether he considers himself a victim, Templ said: Foreign Ministry Director General Yuval Rotem, according important than my own.” “Judge for yourself. Victim is a word with considerable res- to Haaretz. Hours after the Prime Minister’s Office released Queried by JTA on these cases, Josef Aicher, chairman onance in modern-day Austria. And a little bit of irony, too.” its statement, Polish government spokeswoman Joanna Kopcinska said in a tweet that it “was agreed that there will be a dialogue between the teams of both countries. However the conversation will not concern sovereign decisions of the Polish parliament.” The legislation passed on Jan. 26 by the Polish parliament’s lower house, or Sejm, now will be taken P A C E up by the Senate. It must also be approved by the president. It Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment is designed to make it clear that Nazi Germany is responsible for the crimes against humanity that took place in the camps. On Jan. 28, Israel’s Foreign Ministry summoned Poland’s deputy ambassador for a “clarification discussion” about Your gift to the Annual Campaign the Polish legislation. Ministry officials expressed Israel’s opposition to the bill at the meeting. Netanyahu on Jan. 28 DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. said that Israel’s ambassador in Warsaw spoke with the Polish prime minister about the legislation on the night of Jan. 27 Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the during a memorial ceremony at Auschwitz. Also on Jan. 28, Jewish community of NEPA forever. Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda, said in a statement that he would carefully review the legislation. “Everyone whose A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows personal memory or historical research speaks the truth about your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will the crimes and shameful behavior that occurred in the past continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. with the participation of Poles has full right to this truth,” he said. Several Israeli lawmakers and Israel’s Yad Vashem To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current Holocaust memorial came out against the legislation. The annual gift by 20. legislation calls for prison sentences of up to three years. It contains a provision excluding scholarly or academic works. 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 * charitable lead trust * gift of IRA or pension plan assets * grant from your foundation * reserved life estate in your residence * bequest Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes.

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 8, 2018 Israel’s ascendant Skylark counter-terror drone prepares for a new mission: full-scale war fighting

BY YAAKOV LAPPIN Skylark 1 has been the flagship drone used by the unit (JNS) – A drone unit in the Israeli military is becoming so far. It is carried in parts by soldiers on backpacks, more influential by the week as it takes on a growing assembled on the spot and released into the air with the array of missions. help of a sling. The Skylark Unit, founded in 2010, began as a con- In late January, the Skylark 3, a larger version, entered cept based on allowing the IDF’s Artillery Corps, rather service. This drone requires vehicles for deployment and than the Israeli Air Force, to run its own aerial service, is launched from a vehicle-towed launcher. It can stay in providing intelligence assistance to ground units below. the air for a far longer period of time and cover a much At any given time, the Skylark Unit could be hovering wider area, meaning that it can serve the intelligence over a nighttime counter-terrorism raid in a Palestinian needs of entire IDF brigades. “The Skylark 3 will come city. It directs ground units to the location of security with its own truck and [command] cabin. The whole suspects on the run, using thermal imaging to inform way of activating it is different. This is still in the early infantry soldiers on where to go. phases,” Faran said. The Skylark Unit also recently played a role in IDF Even the Skylark 1 is undergoing an upgrade, allowing strikes on Assad regime targets in Syria, directing pre- Members of the IDF’s Skylark Unit made repairs on it to direct firepower in a more effective manner and to cise firepower at Syrian artillery guns after they fired one of the drones. (Photo by IDF) help commanders control their forces. “We are building an into Israel. increasing number of scenarios for the unit,” said Faran. Since its founding, the drone unit has learned how to brigade,” Maj. Aharon Faran, commander of the Skylark Recently, female soldiers have enlisted in the unit. work with all ground forces as well as with the Israeli Unit’s training school, told JNS. The commando brigade Instead of lifting half their body weight like their male Navy. Now, it is expanding its traditional role, which is a group of elite IDF special forces trained to travel counterparts, they will receive vehicles to move the was based on counter-terrorism missions, to include full- deep into enemy territory on elite missions. The Skylark Skylark 1 drone. “This way, we enable them to work in scale war fighting. It is training with combat brigades, operators would travel with them on such missions, the unit,” Faran explained. simulating crossing into enemy territory to provide bringing their drones for support. These changes seem apt for a unit that just received intelligence support. The unit runs two types of unmanned aircraft, both its first female commander, who can be identified only as “We dedicated a whole company for the commando made by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. The Lieut.-Col. Reut for security reasons. “We see the female soldiers as taking a full part in operations, during routine times and emergencies,” she told Israel’s Channel 2 in recent days. “They will cross the border and do all that Report Continued from page 4 is necessary along with the combat crews.” schools to offer instruction on the Holocaust, genocide solid introduction to the lessons of the Holocaust and As its real-life missions expand, the unit’s training and human rights violations and related issues in their its implications for fighting genocide and human rights school is adjusting itself accordingly. Faran described curriculum. This includes more than 2,000 Pennsylva- violations in the future. The guidelines and curricular how, over the past six months, the school has started nia teachers who have been trained to date to teach the resources were developed by experts in the field who having newly arrived cadets simulate the enemy in the Holocaust in their schools. The board likewise made also were involved in teacher training. The act set a goal field during training drills. recommendations for the Commonwealth to continue to to have 90 percent of the schools teaching this course “They are accompanied by intelligence personnel, to update resources and training on these subjects. material within three years of its passage. It is laudable make this training as realistic as possible,” he said. “When Over the past three years, the Pennsylvania Depart- that the Commonwealth has exceeded this goal. the new cadets turn into experienced trainees, and, four ment of Education has worked with the Act 70 of 2014 As a society, we need to continue educating our stu- months later, fly the drones in training, they see what it Task Force to develop guidelines for schools to teach dents about crimes against humanity so they will foster is like to be above, from the other side.” these subjects, create free resource materials for teachers tolerance and speak out against bigotry and hatred in all Training includes learning how to navigate, use fire- and offer free training for teachers. The objective was its corrosive forms. As political philosopher Edmund arms and carry heavy weights before eventually flying the to create tools and resources to help all school districts Burke once wrote: “Those who fail to learn from history drone, using simulators and real flights. As the unit looks teach these subjects effectively, assess schools’ use of are doomed to repeat it.” With successful legislation such ahead to becoming part of the IDF’s ground offensives, these resources and assure that every school district is as Act 70, the Commonwealth, supported and encour- the training school has improved firearms training and offering these subjects to their students. aged by the PJC, has demonstrated its commitment to instruction on combat skills in built-up areas, to better The goal in implementing Act 70 of 2014 was also guarding against the repetition of these tragic chapters prepare the soldiers for what could lie ahead. to ensure that Pennsylvania students would receive a of world history. In the past year, there have been several reports of Skylark drones crashing during missions, but Faran said that this is simply a reflection of the increased usage of the New to the For more information, See “Skylark” on page 12 please contact Dassy at 570-961-2300 x2 or [email protected] The Jewish Federation will be selling some of the Loving Leah: A Hallmark Hall of Fame Classic A handsome Washington, D.C. doctor and a young New York woman fall in love at an DVDs currently in the unusual time...after they get married. Leah Lever is married to an Orthodox rabbi, Jewish Lending Library at Benjamin Lever, whose brother, Jake, is a successful cardiologist and a non-practicing Jew. Jake is stunned when Benjamin dies suddenly, but not as stunned as when he is $ 5.00 each or 3/$10.00! told that, under an ancient Jewish Law, he is expected to marry the childless Leah to The following are available carry on Benjamin's name. The only alternative is to go through a ceremony where for purchase: Jake must deny his brother's existence. For Jake, that's unthinkable, so impulsively he The Other Son, suggests to Leah that they get married and maintain a secretly platonic relationship. Eager to pursue her own dreams, Leah gladly accepts. Their oversimplified plan to live The Jolson Story, separate lives under the same roof proves challenging when Leah's suspicious mother If These Knishes Could Talk: shows up unexpectedly. The harder they try to disguise their "pretend" marriage, the the story of the New York more their appreciation for each other's worlds grows - and out of understanding, a Accent, Relentless: the real love develops. Loving Leah is a heart-warming story. Struggle for Peace in Israel, The Last Butterfly Everything is a Present, This World War II drama stars Tom Courtenay as the famous French Mime Antoine Moreau. Ordered by the Nazis to provide 'the greatest show of his life' for use as Deli Man, The Book Thief, propoganda showing the kinder side of the Nazis as the war draws to a close, Moreau Son of Saul, Europa decides to risk everything to tell the world the real truth behind this monumental lie, Europa,, Munich, and although as a mime he is pledged to keep his lips sealed, his voice must be heard. Woman of Gold, A Tale of Love and Darkness Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman directs and stars in the emotional Everything is Illuminated, and thought-provoking story about Fania, a young wife and mother in war-torn 21 Hours at Munich. Jerusalem, during the early years of the State of Israel. Stifled in her relationship For more information, please contact Dassy at and weary from the tedium of her new life, Fania creates fantastical stories for 570-961-2300 x2 or [email protected] Amos, her 10-year-old son, amazing him with tales of adventure and beauty— stories that would influence the boy to become a writer himself. Based on the international best-selling memoir by Amos Oz, A Tale of Love and Darkness is "the most revolutionary Jewish movie since Schindler’s List" (Stephen Marche, Esquire). FEBRUARY 8, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Finland to probe troops’ alleged role in the Holocaust BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ criminal activities be uncovered they will be followed in arms got the chance to “shoot some pickle-headed (JTA) – Finland will investigate evidence suggesting by due process.” Ivanovichs” – a reference to Russians. that soldiers from its army were involved in killing Jews Zuroff told JTA the probe will be “an important devel- Following World War II, Karpo immigrated to during the Holocaust. The announcement by the office opment” that is part of a broader process in Scandinavia, Venezuela, where he died in 1988. At least five other of President Sauli Niinisto about the initiation of the where Denmark and Norway acknowledged the roles of Finns participated in the war crimes against Jews, probe, the first of its kind in Finland, came on January their troops in 2014 and 2013, respectively, in actively Swanström wrote. 24 in a letter to Efraim Zuroff, a hunter of Nazis for the killing Jews. Finland, which for centuries has been engaged in Simon Wiesenthal Center. Earlier in January, Zuroff urged The testimony suggesting active complicity in the land disputes with Russia featuring occupation, joined Niinisto to set up an inquiry following the discovery of Holocaust by at least six Finnish soldiers was discovered Germany in its attack on the Soviet Union in 1941. In written testimony by a Finnish Waffen SS officer who and flagged by Andre Swanström, the chairman of the the winter of 1944-45, the Finns began fighting against said he actively participated in the mass murder of Jews Finnish Society of Church History. Swanström quoted a the Germans. in Ukraine. letter by Finnish SS soldier Olavi Kustaa Aadolf Karpo Finland had 2,300 Jews in its territory in 1939 whom “The Finnish government will, in response to the to officer and military pastor Ensio Pihkala in which it openly refused to surrender to its German ally despite recent concerns, fund a further independent survey of Karpo laments how he and his comrades were utilized repeated requests, according to the Yad Vashem Holocaust the operations of the Finnish Volunteers Battalion of for shooting Jews, when “for the execution of Jews less memorial in Jerusalem. A police chief’s plan to deport the Waffen-SS and particularly examine its operations skilled personnel would have sufficed.” in secret 300 non-Finnish Jews from the country was in Ukraine,” Hiski Haukkala, the secretary general In their letters, Karpo and fellow SS-men also pro- foiled and only eight were given over. Of those, only chief of the Cabinet, wrote to Zuroff. “Should any tested being sent on a factory detail, while their brothers one survived the Holocaust. NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org legitimize and expand settlements.” The report asserts that Jordanian Wakf. More than 30 registered World Heritage Slovenia postpones vote on recognition the projects promote the “historic continuity of the Jewish sites around the world are accessible via cable car systems. presence in the area at the expense of other religions and Israel implements “gradual reopening” of Palestinian statehood cultures.” The cable car, which EU diplomats have dubbed Slovenia has postponed a vote on recognizing Palestinian “highly controversial,” is anticipated to be operational by of its embassy in Jordan statehood. Slovenia’s STA reported that the parliament’s 2020, and is being erected to ease traffic on the narrow Israel began implementing the reopening of its em- Foreign Policy Committee suspended a session on the streets surrounding Jerusalem’s Old City and “drastically bassy in Jordan the week of Jan. 30, after the Israeli and recognition of Palestinian statehood on Jan. 31, pending an reduce” travel time. An estimated 25,000 people are expected Jordanian governments earlier in January announced an official government position on the issue. Foreign Minister to utilize the system per day. Additionally, the report states agreement to restore the diplomatic office. The embassy Karl Erjavec said that the government will likely discuss that, “critics have described the project as turning the World had been closed since July 2017, when an Israeli security the issue the week of Feb. 5. Earlier in January, Erjavec Heritage site of Jerusalem into a commercial theme park guard at the site fatally shot two Jordanians in what the said that Slovenia recognition would “strengthen Palestine’s while local Palestinian residents are absent from the narrative Israeli government described as an act of self-defense. As negotiation in the Middle East peace process.” Israel has being promoted to the visitors.” The further suggested that part of the compromise to restart full diplomatic relations, urged Slovenia against recognizing Palestinian statehood. the cable car project would pose a security threat, as one of Israel was forced to apologize for the incident as well as According to Israel’s Channel 10, Israeli Ambassador to the cable car stations would be a little over 420 feet from a previous incident involving the killing of a Jordanian Slovenia Eyal Sila warned Speaker of the Slovenian Parlia- the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif site administered by the judge at an Israel-Jordan border crossing in 2014. ment Milan Brglez and the chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee Jozef Horvat against the move. While Sweden is currently the only country to recognize Palestinian statehood since joining the European Union, several Eastern European countries – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania – all recognized Palestine as a state before joining the EU, as well as Malta and Cyprus. At the same time, several Western European country’s parliaments, such as Spain, Portugal, France and Ireland, have symbolically recognized Palestinian statehood in recent years. Abbas set to address Security Council to ask for full U.N. membership Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to address the United Nations Security Council later this month amid growing tensions with the United States. Abbas, who is scheduled to speak to the international body on Feb. 20, has said that he will ask the Security Council to grant full U.N. membership to the Palestinians and for an international panel to oversee peace talks with Israel. “This will be a good thing for members of the Secu- rity Council to listen to the president himself. No council members rejected this proposal,” said Kuwait’s U.N. Am- bassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, the council’s president during February, Reuters reported. The Abbas speech will come amid increasing tensions between the United States and the Palestinians in recent weeks. President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold aid to the Palestinian if they do not restart peace negotiations. The U.S. is by far the largest donor to the Palestinians, providing some $5.2 billion since 1994 in bilateral economic assistance and humanitarian aid according to the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem. The week of Jan. 26, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley blasted Abbas for lacking “the courage and the will to seek peace.” However, Abbas said that following Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem in early December that the U.S. has taken itself “off the table” as a fair peace mediator. Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon said that Abbas is “seeking to put an end to any possibility of negotiations with Israel” with his address to the Security Council. “Abbas is completely misreading today’s reality and harming the prospects for a better future for his people,” Danon said in a statement. EU report calls Jewish development of Jerusalem sites “touristic settlement” A European Union report leaked to The Guardian newspaper expressed ire over Israeli tourism in and around Jerusalem’s Old City, calling the ongoing development of Jewish infrastructure a form of “touristic settlement.” The EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem issued a report warning that the development of Jewish tourism in the ancient City of David, currently located within a heavily populated Pal- estinian neighborhood, and a planned cable car that would transport tourists from the Western sections of the city to the Western Wall plaza within the Old City, were “a polit- ical tool to modify the historical narrative and to support, ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ FEBRUARY 8, 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA of the approximately 3,000 survivors the group aids are older than 75, and saw a 10 One-third of American Holocaust survivors live in percent increase this year in aid requests for survivors battling cancer. “For those senior citizens that survived the atrocities of the Holocaust, many are struggling to make ends poverty, aid group says meet in the face of a growing number of medical issues, the rising cost of living and One-third of Holocaust survivors in the United States continue to live at or below challenges navigating the health system,” said Blue Card Executive Director Masha the poverty line, according to an aid organization. The Blue Card, which provides fi- Pearl. “The time to help is now.” Separately, the Jewish Federations of North America nancial assistance to survivors, reported the statistic ahead of International Holocaust announced $2.8 million in grants to 30 organizations that provide “person-centered, Remembrance Day on Saturday. Last year, the same proportion of survivors were at or trauma-informed” supportive services to Holocaust survivors in the United States. JFNA, below the poverty line, according to CNN. The 2018 report also said that 61 percent of through its Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care, will distribute $2.2 million the 100,000 survivors in the United States live on less than $23,000 a year, or double to 21 organizations for new projects and an additional $662,500 to last year’s awardees the poverty line. The median income for individuals in the U.S. was about $31,000 in to sustain ongoing programs. Combined with matching funds required by the grant, the 2016. Blue Card said it sees requests for aid grow 20 percent annually. Three-quarters funding for Holocaust survivor services will total $4 million. JFNA launched the Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care in 2015, following an award from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Films Continued from page 5 for up to $12 million over five years. “It is critical that we deliver these lifesaving and Elliott bond as the 10-year-old (he’s now The film will be shown on HBO begin- life-enhancing services to Holocaust survivors. The past two years of this federal grant 12) prompts his ancestor to speak about ning the last week of January. program have shown the deep impact that person-centered, trauma-informed services can his Holocaust experiences. “116 CAMERAS” have on Holocaust survivors. We are grateful to partner with the government to augment Feldman emigrated after the war and One of 10 films that were on the Oscar this work,” said Mark Wilf, chairman of JFNA’s National Holocaust Survivor Initiative. settled in Rochester, NY, where he opened shortlist for best short documentary, “116 a fish market. He ran the business suc- Cameras” gives a behind-the-scenes look Continued from page 10 cessfully, though with one quirk. As an into the filming of a Holocaust survivor’s Skylark African-American customer notes, “Jack testimony. It shows how filmmakers platform. “Most of these errors are technical level of activity,” he said. has known what hunger is, so he gives preserve the memories of Eva Schloss, and a few that we found after inquiries are “This is a cheap and light platform,” free fish to a customer too poor to pay.” Anne Frank’s surviving stepsister, in the human errors. But it’s important to say that Faran added. “When it falls in enemy terri- Veteran documentary filmmaker Amy form of an interactive, 3-D, holographic the flight hours are going up from year to tory, no intelligence damage is caused. The Schatz was attracted to the project because, image. The project was a product of Ste- year. We are currently at 1,000 flight hours drone automatically erases its encrypted she said, there is hardly any material on the ven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation at the a year, and this is continuing to rise. The communications when it knows it’s com- Holocaust suitable for children and their University of Southern California. number of technical faults matches this ing down in enemy territory.” families. Her goal was to transmit the sur- The film is now available to view on vivor’s experience “gently and with clarity.” The New York Times website.

At left: The IDF’s Skylark Unit prepared one of its drones for flight. (Photo by IDF)

A scene from “The Number on Great- Eva Schloss being filmed in a scene from Grandpa’s Arm.” (Photo courtesy of “116 Cameras.” (Screenshot from The HBO) New York Times) s on our bus t Join u rip to

Wednesday, May 16 The New York City trip includes lunch (at your choice of one of the fine restaurants near the museum), a guided tour of the museum, and a visit to the outdoor memorial at Ground Zero. Cost for bus and tour - $40.00 ease otat ass a at th uestos a reseratos