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Page1 D ECEMBER 2012 CHANUKAH 2012 ECEMBER (Cover story on page 2) page on story (Cover M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 2

2 The Jewish Standard, December 2012 Israelis Turn Attention to MICHAEL HAYMAN PUBLISHER AND EDITOR January 22nd Election With the ceasefire between has sought out modern JULIUS HAYMAN and still holding campaigning for Orthodox rabbis who share his views EDITOR AND PUBLISHER the January 22nd election has resumed. on religious extremism. He counts among 1937-2000 The bi-partisan spirit that Israelis dis- his friends rabbis Shai Piron, Benny Lau played during Operation Pillar of Defense and Dov Lipman. Indeed, Piron is second has already given way to the vitriolic on ’s list. And in contrast to the attacks that inevitably accompany politi- home in which he grew up, when guests cal debate in Israel. Opposition Leader visit Lapid’s residence they will Shaul Mofaz wasted no time in criticiz- find kosher food on the table. ing the government for agreeing to a Yair Lapid may be more concilia- ceasefire long before the operation’s tory than his father. He may want to goals had been met. avoid fratricidal conflicts. But Lapid With a month left until voters intends to confront those who oppose his cast their ballots, every public opinion view that “religion should not be involved Cover Story poll indicates that in politics”. His party condemns heredi will retain power, although ’s shift leaders who “don’t let followers go to work Top photo further right during its primaries might and release themselves from poverty.” It shows Israelis in alienate more moderate voters. Still, the would fight any attempt to reintroduce Kiryat Malachi head- opposition is splintered, even more so the expired Tal Law that for too long now that has re-entered the “released people from their duties as cit- ing for a bomb shelter political arena. Likud-Yisrael Beytenu izens”. Indeed, praying for the success of following a siren. should have little difficulty forming the IDF should be encouraged. Using it Bottom photo illus- another coalition. And while we have as an excuse to avoid active participation trates the damage to been uneasy with some of the govern- in the defence of Israel’s citizens cannot an apartment in the ment’s policies - we did, after all, express be tolerated. The party would end the our hope that Kadima would win the monopoly of the chief Rabbinate on mar- same community. 2009 election - we have always believed riage, scrap MK David Rotem’s conversion Most Israelis believe that Jews living in their comfortable bill and welcome women at the wall. that another war with Diaspora pews should permit Israelis to Lapid reserves his harshest criticism for Hamas is inevitable make the decisions upon which their politicians such as United Torah and the photos on the lives depend. There is a simple solu- Judaism’s Yisrael Eichler who maintain tion for those in the Diaspora who com- that Reform Jews are “anti-Semites”. For front cover and plain about the foreign or domestic poli- Lapir craven capitulation to religious throughout the current cies of an Israeli government. Sink your extremists and the unilateral imposition issue are not the last roots in Israeli soil and become a full of halachic law have no place in Israeli we will see of the partner in the political life of your new society. And to help ensure that smaller impact of rocket home. parties aren’t able to cow the larger par- But while we will accept the out- ties into submission and thereby paralyze attacks on innocent come, whatever it is, there is no moral policymaking, Yesh Atid would raise the civilians. Photos IGPO imperative preventing us from expressing threshold for representa- our wish list for the make-up of the next tion to 6%. While this is hardly the polit- knesset. And we would hope that the Israeli ical overhaul Israel’s electoral system electorate would take a look at Yair Lapid needs, this measure would at least make and his new party Yesh Atid. Yesh Atid may it difficult for otherwise inconsequential not have the experience necessary to gov- political parties to exert an influence that ern. Its foreign policy initiatives lack clarity their numerical strength does not justify. and consistency. But its domestic platform Reform, Conservative and secular takes dead aim at those Israelis who believe Israelis need a strong voice in the next that there are “Christian Jews” living knesset to continue their fight against the among them and that “secular Jews are just powers of inequity. They need to be cer- like goyim”. A party that believes that all tain that they have a place in the national ANITA SURMAN streams of Judaism must be treated equal- religious constellation of the country. Editor ly deserves representation in the knesset. Polls vary but Yesh Atid is predicted to win General News Section Readers may remember Yair up to ten MKs. That result, together with Lapid’s late father, Yosef ‘Tommy’ Lapid, a rejuvenated Labor, would give a strong former justice minister and leader of the voice to those Israelis who resent being secular, almost virulently anti clerical accused of avoiding the obligations neces- Shinui party. But unlike his father sary to be a good Jew.

The Jewish Standard is published monthly by Michael Hayman, B.A., M.A., , Editor and Publisher. 1912A Avenue Road, Suite E5 Toronto, Ontario M5M 4A1 . (416) 537-2696; 4342 Walkley, Montreal, Quebec H4B 2K5 489-3124 Printed and bound in Toronto, Canada by Regal Press Canada. Publication Mail Registration Number 140715545 12-12-04 12:24 PM Page 3 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 3

The Jewish Standard, December 2012 3 THE WORLD IN REVIEW NEWS OF THE RECENT PAST IS REVIEWED

By NOAH FREEDMAN Sister of Nazi Leader fund raising efforts on the “We were outspent aid who ran a Jewish Hid Jews part of Jewish Republicans, by Jewish Republicans by media hub to help the and the perceived unfriend- over $40 million and they president’s re-election bid. Madeline Cornet, ly attitude of the White have only four points and “Some mazel” he noted the sister of Leon Degrelle, House towards Israel, failed another four years in exile sarcastically. leader of the Belgian Nazi to make much of a dent in to show for it,” said Steve While it may be Rexen movement instru- Jewish support for the pres- Rabinowitz, a former true that Jews in general mental in the deportation of ident. Clinton White House press are shifting slightly to the Jews during the German right the decline in Jewish occupation of Belgium, hid vote corresponded with the three Jews in her home national decline for near Brussels. Obama. Hanna Nadel, 86, says that she, her niece and Jewish Pollster her mother was rescued by Bang On Cornet. The three had escaped deportation orders Polling during elec- and were wandering aim- tion is a highly competitive lessly around the town of business. The public may Sint-Genesius Rode. become tired ot the daily Cornet had a help wanted polls released, with all their sign on her door. Cornet minute details, but the immediately hired them as reputation of the polling cook and chambermaids. companies is at stake and Cornet apparently they take their numbers, realized that the three and their methodology very women were Jewish but seriously. despite her family ties The winner in the assured Nadel that they presidential polling sweep- would survive. “I have”, she stakes was Nate Silver, the told them, ”broken with the man behind the popular fascism of my brother”. FiveThirtyEight blog. When Nazi visitors came to Silver correctly predicted the house the three Jews the results in 49 or the 50 would hide in the basement. THE HONOURABLE JOE OLIVER, CANADA’S states. The gefilte fish Nadel’s moth- During the cam- er cooked, was given to her Minister of Natural Resources and Member of paign Silver took a lot of Nazi guests as “oriental fish”. Parliament for Eglinton–Lawrence, visited Chabad heat from Conservative Hanna Nadel, who House during a recent his visit to India. “Canada anchors for maintaining was 16 at the time, eventu- stands united with the friends and families of that Obama had a 90.9 per ally immigrated to Israel, those who were slaughtered in the atrocity that cent chance of being re- Degrelle, who never apolo- elected. But even Bret gized for his Nazi beliefs, targeted Chabad House in Mumbai and indirectly Baier of FoxNews praised managed to escape death all the Jewish people.” said Minister Oliver. ”The his accuracy at the end. after the war and died of resilience and strength of Chabad House is an And firms like Gallop and natural causes in Spain in inspiration in the face of unspeakable acts of bar- Rasmussen again were 1994. baric cruelty.” The coordinated attacks of way off the mark. Jewish Vote Some 90 polling November 26 – 29, 2008, included Chabad House firms conducted at least Propelled Obama and the Taj Mahal Palace. Over 166 people were one poll during the final Barack Obama may killed in 11 shooting and bombing attacks, includ- weeks of the campaign. not have received the 74% ing two Canadians. Chabad House has been pre- There seems little doubt of the Jewish vote he gar- viously visited by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, that Silver deserves what nered four years ago. But one comedian called him with 70% of Jews still sup- the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign on Twitter: “The Emperor porting the Democrat, it Affairs, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, of Math”. appears that the massive Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.     M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 4

4 The Jewish Standard, December, 2012  %$$( ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS SEE GAZA OUTCOME DIFFERENTLY

By LINDA GRADSTEIN, MEDIA LINE At the aptly named returned to from south were living in fear,” Palestinians celebrated late Holy Bagel on Jaffa Road in the border with Gaza, where she said. But looking at the into the night with fireworks downtown Jerusalem the he had been called up as a other side of the coin, Shira and candy. Many said morning after a halt to the reservist. He said many sol- added that, “At the same Hamas had grown stronger fighting in the Gaza Strip diers were frustrated that time, Hamas can just use by being able to stand up to was announced, patrons Israel did not continue the this time to regroup and get Israel. were skeptical that the fighting for longer. stronger.” “I am satisfied nascent ceasefire would end “Of course, it is up A poll reported on because it means no more the fighting for a long time. to the political side to Channel Two television children will be killed,” “It won’t last – I don’t decide, but there was a right after the cease-fire Sami Abu Salem, a believe in it at all,” Gavriel sense that we didn’t do found that 70 percent of the Palestinian journalist told Yacobovich, 22, told The enough in Gaza,” he said. residents of southern Israel The Media Line. “It has Media Line. “I’m not sure we “We should have finished opposed the cease-fire. strengthened Hamas and should have undertaken a the job.” Almost two-thirds of them weakened the Palestinian ground invasion but we His girlfriend, Shira thought it would not last Authority (headed by the should have kept fighting Badici, 22, a university stu- long, and a quarter of those rival Fatah movement). until we were sure that our dent disagreed. She said the surveyed thought it would Hamas has more popular citizens in the south can most important thing is that not hold at all. Most of them support and more interna- sleep quietly without rocket residents can now sleep said they wanted to see an tional legitimacy.” fire.” peacefully in their homes Israeli assault that would Abu Salem, who Yacobovich, wearing without worrying about make it impossible for lives in the Jabalya refugee a green knitted skullcap rocket fire. Hamas to fire rockets in the camp in northern Gaza, showing he is a religiously “I think it’s good future. says he had moved his fam- observant Jew, had just because the people in the In war torn Gaza,     

We Are Pleased to Join in Wishing Our Jewish Friends and Customers throughout Montreal and Area A Joyous Chanukah Celebration

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The Jewish Standard, December 2012 5 %($' %

DID PRESIDENT OBAMA WIN OR “LOSE” THE JEWISH VOTE

By MITCHELL BARD Prior to the election This was also the second would have been even lower first two years in office and partisans on both sides lowest Jewish vote total for and the Republican’s high- fear that this would be the sparred over the question of a winning Democratic can- er. direction he would return to whether President Obama didate, besting only the 55% There is no great after the election. was a friend or a threat to of Woodrow Wilson in 1916. mystery about the reason Just over a year Israel. We now know how Romney’s 30% share of the for Obama’s poor showing. before the election, in Jewish voters felt and the Jewish vote was the highest While some Jews may have September 2011, Obama’s result was close to my pre- since 1988 when George voted based on their con- support among Jews fell diction that Obama would H.W. Bush steamrollered cerns with the economy or precipitously to 54%, and win 70% of the vote. He fell Dukakis. The GOP total was other domestic issues, there 53% specifically said they short of that total with 69%. six points above their his- is little doubt that the main disapproved of his handling The result left partisans torical average. reason for the vote was dis- of U.S.-Israel relations. But spinning the numbers to Anyway you look at trust of Obama’s Middle Obama’s policy had already suit their arguments, but it, Obama’s support in the East policy based primarily begun to change. For his the result did provide some Jewish community was, by on his behavior during his     unambiguous conclusions. historical standards, unim- First, let’s look at pressive. And it could have the raw figures. Obama’s easily been worse. Had the (/93838(3=2381>2/ share of the Jewish vote Republicans nominated a was nine points below what candidate who was strong /A3=2977?83>C90 it was in 2008. It is two on Israel and moderate on 98>398 the lowest percentage since not Romney the candidate), 09<0+736C+8.0<3/8.= Michael Dukakis in 1988. it is likely Obama’s total +8.+2+::C+8.2/+6>2C 

MUSICA CAMERATA MONTREAL, ONE OF Canada’s foremost chamber music ensembles, presented the first concert of their 43rd season on December 2 at the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts. The theme was A Salute to the Jewish Community. Musica Camerata has devoted much of its energy to promoting the music of Canadian composers. Pictured left to right are Lambert Chen, Luis Grinhauz, Berta Rosenohl, Van Amermenian and Sylvain Murray. For more infor- mation log on to www.camerata.ca. M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 6

6 The Jewish Standard, December 2012 *  %# NAMES IN THE NEWS IN OUR CITY

By MIKE COHEN

LE BIFTHEQUE the franchises, accepting an fresh rolls, croutons, and of Last year at this time we RISES: One of Montreal’s offer he just could not course the famous butcher told you that she was the most successful Jewish refuse. The two subsequent shop. official agent for a new restaurateurs, Michael owners both filed for bank- The cows outside townhouse development Seltzer, is back in town. In ruptcy. Seltzer was unsuc- have been painted and half called Les Cours Marc mid-November he brought cessful in buying it back the of the former staff are Chagall in Côte Saint-Luc. the landmark steakhouse first time, but last summer already back on board. In less than six months she Le Biftheque back to life on he sealed the deal. Now Laurin was lured out of sold all 21 units. While she Cote de Liesse. When we residing primarily in South retirement. Banquet has her sales sign on a wide met he gave a big assist to Florida, where he operates Manager Carole Guerard is array of properties in the his wife/business partner another steakhouse called back and bookings are West End, Anita’s largest Linda and long time general Gameroff’s, he’s poured a solid. You can reach her at project these days is on the manager Gilbert Laurin significant amount of dol- 514-739-6336. The first site of the former Cavendish Thirty-one years ago lars into the building. week back, a brilliant pro- Mall where a significant Seltzer introduced Le Besides a completely motion saw free lunches housing development is tak- Biftheque to Montrealers. A revamped and more elegant made available via a set ing shape. The BSR series of franchises soon interior, there is a new menu. It was all done by Development Group has sprung up elsewhere in sushi bar right off the lobby, word of mouth. I was invited hired her to sell what will no Quebec and Ontario. In a roast beef cart and special and upon arriving I spotted doubt be absolutely spec- 2005 he sold the flagship fruits and vegetable items, an endless line. For every- tacular luxury cottages on restaurant on Cote de to go along with popular one it was worth the wait, 17 lots. They are going for Liesse and rights to all of staples like the rib steaks, as the famous croutons and $989,000 plus tax. In addi- rolls arrived at the table tion, she has five additional immediately. After a trip to lots for buyers who want to the butcher shop after customize their own proper- lunch, I revelled in the ties. “These are good deals,” return of the biggest steak- Anita told me. “In today’s house in town. market, homes like the 17 REAL ESTATE we will sell go for between QUEEN ANITA: If there is $1.4 and $1.6 million and one real estate agent in the those are generally not new, community who has truly meaning they must be com- risen to the top in such a pletely renovated. I am real- short period of time it is ly excited about this pro- Anita Benabou Rozenblat.    

MICHAEL SELTZER (FAR RIGHT) AND HIS TEAM at Le Biftheque

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The Jewish Standard, December 2012 7 %% !% THE TOP 10 ISRAEL AND JEWISH PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSIONALS

BY RONN TOROSSIAN

From to Ronn Torossian founded 5WPR, a leading PR firm. wide. Menachem Begin, the He is a philanthropist who serves on the board of numerous Alan Dershowitz: Lubavitcher Rabbi to non-profit organizations, and his book "For Immediate The famed Harvard law pro- Theodore Herzl, there is a Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results fessor is a stalwart defender valiant history of great with Game-Changing Public Relations" has been called “the of Israel, who regularly Israel and Jewish public best book ever on Israel public relations” by the Deputy stands front and center dis- relations advocates who Speaker of the Israel Knesset, . - The Editor cussing the Jewish state. have been of enormous help As he says in his book “The to the Jewish people and speech is also an action – help Israel and the Jewish Case for Israel”, there are Israel. Today public rela- Perhaps the most authentic people’s image and brand, “unfair attacks on the only tions is more important of all other actions. Cities and help foster a love of democracy in the Middle than ever before. have been destroyed, and Israel and Judaism. The East.” The two fundamental As Zionist leader more will fall, but what was list is in no particular order. viewpoints on Israel which Ze’ev Jabotinsky once said: shouted in the wilderness Benjamin he describes and discusses “The work of the publicist is thousands of years ago is Netanyahu: The Israeli so clearly and passionately a legacy from the Prophets alive and still relevant. The Prime Minister is the epito- are perfectly right-on: The of Israel…Our passion is to world was created by the me of a strong, passionate right of Israel to exist and speak, to proclaim--- word. The world will be leader with an unwavering thrive as a Jewish state, and “Shouting” is what the mended by the article.” commitment to the survival the right of Israel to defend same audience calls it, ‘we Here then is The Top and strength of the Jewish itself, to defend its citizens. have no need for words, give 10 Living Israel and Jewish state. He is well-spoken, Chabad Emissaries us actions.’ One thing that Public Relations speaks “American”, and Worldwide: It’s said that one Professionals, people who captivates audiences world- audience forgets is that     M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 8

8 The Jewish Standard, December 2012 TRAVEL TALES HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE JEWISH TRAVELLER

By MIKE COHEN A CONCERT IN city. The stylish interior of BOSTON: One of film and The Back Bay Hotel offers stage’s most extraordinary vibrancy and warmth Jewish performers, Idina unique to this luxury Menzel, headlined her own Boston hotel and their concert at Boston’s Wang team complements that Theatre recently. It was the warmth with a highly reason for my family’s engaging and personal form recent trip to the city for a of service that makes your brief weekend getaway. stay a genuinely luxurious Menzel has starred in such experience. hits as Wicked and Rent on The hotel is equally Broadway. The latter was well located for exploring made into a motion picture. the tourist riches of Boston We got to meet her back- or doing business in this stage after the show and strategically important she came across as very business capital. Just by sweet and down to earth. the Charles River, this is the WHERE TO GO: The perfect base from which to Citi Performing Arts Center explore or exploit this com- includes the Wang, Colonial pact and beautiful city. The and Shubert Theatres. It is Doyle Collection boasts a one of the nation’s foremost selection of eleven “collec- non-profit performing arts tively individual” hotels set institutions. The Center has inthe most fashionable a large number of Jewish     members of its Board and senior management, with Meilleurs voeux names like Elliot Surkin, et sincères Esta Gordon Epstein, Harry Nudelman, Fred Seigel and félicitations à la Barry Finegold. It has also communauté juive de been known to host events MONTRÉAL with Jewish themes. Such et à nos clients et was the case with the 2011 world premiere of “A amis juifs Melancholy Beauty Nous sommes Oratorio,” celebrating the toujours heureux de Rescue of 49,000 Jews dur- vous servir. ing the Holocaust. WHERE TO STAY: A mere five minutes from the theatre sits the magnificent Back Bay Hotel, part of the prestigious Doyle Collection (www.doylecollection.com). Located in the former head- quarters of the Boston Police Department, it is now an even more arresting proposition after a stunning renovation program that has created a modern-day landmark in this magnificent

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The Jewish Standard, December 2012 9

BOTH SIDES CLAIM VICTORY expert at the INSS think terrence is fuzzy but in a tank in Tel Aviv told The few weeks time we will be    Media Line. “Time will show more knowledgeable about ily from the three-story strongest in the world – and whether deterrence has how much deterrence has house they lived in to a proving it can hit Israel’s been achieved or not. De- been strengthened.” small apartment out of the major population center, line of Israeli artillery fire the greater Tel Aviv area, We Join in Extending Best Wishes to the while hostilities raged. and even reach to the out- Jewish Community of “It was so good to get skirts of Jerusalem with its back to my own bed after arsenal of rockets. For more MONTREAL more than a week,” he says. than a week, he points out, On the Occasion of Abu Salem argues life came to a complete that Hamas is coming out of standstill in southern Israel CHANUKAH this conflict stronger than as more than a million ever, having stood up to the Israelis huddled in bomb shelters. And a Grad rocket We Join in Extending hit a building in Rishon Letzion near Tel Aviv, com- Best Wishes to the pletely destroying the build- Jewish Community of ing, although there were no casualties. MONTREAL At the same time, On the Occasion of Israeli officials insist they CHANUKAH have achieved a new level of deterrence with Hamas, which saw that Israel is unwilling to accept contin- ued rocket fire on southern Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas is now responsible for ensuring that the small- er terrorist groups, like Islamic Jihad, also stop fir- ing at the Jewish state. Yet, Israeli analysts say it is too early to know (/93838(3=2381>2/ whether these goals have really been achieved. /A3=2977?83>C “We need to see if it +::C2+8?5+2>9 is sustainable or not – it’s 9098>398 +8.!+><98= restraining all of the other actors,” Uzi Eilam, a security 09<0+736C+8.0<3/8.= M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 10

10 The Jewish Standard, December 2012

JEWISH VOTE ural Jewish Democratic unambiguously supportive.    DNA had an impact and his It’s also worth not- poll numbers slowly ing that Israelis still are last two years, he did not tlements illegal. He also climbed so that Gallup extremely distrustful of publicly criticize Israel, he increased military coopera- nearly hit the final vote on Obama and overwhelmingly expressed more anger at the tion with Israel and took the head when it reported in preferred Romney. Palestinians and stopped every opportunity to assert September 2012 that 68% Overcoming this trust gap their UN efforts to gain his commitment to Israel. of Jews would vote for will be crucial if Obama statehood and declare set- This combined with the nat- Obama and 29% for hopes to succeed in working Romney. with Israel not on only the We Join in Extending Best Wishes to the Obama’s improve- Iranian issue but the peace ment in the polls also coin- process. Jewish Community of cided with the Republican Ultimately, the elec- MONTREAL primary campaign that tion wasn't close and the forced Romney so far to the Jewish vote didn't play a On the Occasion of right that his moderate significant role in the out- positions as governor were come (though many individ- CHANUKAH forgotten and he lost the ual Jews were important opportunity for many Obama donors, fundraisers Jewish votes. Still, Jewish and advisers). The key to Republicans are touting the Obama's victory was his fact that nearly one-third of ability to attract the votes of American Jews repudiated women and minorities. Obama’s policies, particu- Jewish Democrats may still larly on Israel, and that this have some soul-searching is another sign that the to do over the alienation of GOP is attracting more so many Jewish voters, but Jews to the party. Sadly, in the end the only number this is not the case. If they that really counted on could not get a better November 6 was 332, the turnout against a candidate number of electoral votes he with so much baggage on won to be reelected. Israel, it is hard to imagine Now the question a Republican doing better will be which Jewish voters (/93838(3=2381>2/ against a Democrat whose will be vindicated. Will /A3=2977?83>C90 attitude toward Israel is Obama pursue policies 98>398 09<0+736C+8.0<3/8.= +8.+2+::C+8.2/+6>2C 

COPIES OF JOE KING’S NEW HANDBOOK “Mideast Deception” are presented to Michael Crelinsten, (centre) Director of the Jewish Public Library in Montreal. The presentors are author King (left) and Dr. Thomas Hecht, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Montreal Jewish Publication Society. The presentation is also available on line at the website of HonestReportingCanada. M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 11

The Jewish Standard, December 2012 11 toward Israel more like his first two years or the last two? He will be test- (/B>/8./=>(3=2/= ed early on the most important issue of all, Iran, and how he han- >9>2//A3=2977?83>C98>2/ --+=39890 dles the nuclear issue may not only affect his standing with Jews but  & the success of his entire presidency. Mitchell Bard is the +CC9?</=>3@+690312>=-/6/,<+>398,/+49C9?= author of The Arab Lobby: The Invisible Alliance That Undermines America's 98/09<0+736C+8.0<3/8.= Interests in the Middle East (HarperCollins) and Israel Matters (Behrman House). • EYE ON MONTREAL    ject. We are bringing in even more Jewish families to the community, even some from France. I have always prid- ed myself on working with a loyal clientele. They know I will go the extra mile for them.” For more informa- tion call Anita at 514-502- 6627, email her at ani- [email protected] or checkout her website at http://www.anitaben- abou.com/" ELLEN’S BOOK: Dollard des Ormeaux’s Ellen Lechter had her first book A Few Simple Truths, a contemporary novel set in Montreal with hints of magic realism, published in October (Wings-Press). The book, about a woman who’s dissatisfied with her life but has little idea why, took sev- eral months to write. “The challenge for me was adding a bit of fantasy to a modern day setting,” says Lechter, who teaches creative writing at Concordia University’s School of Extended Learning. She is currently working on a second novel. A Few Simple Truths is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. PUTZ OF THE CENTURY: Montreal Jewish writer and filmmak- er Jon Tucker picked some title for his new novel. Putz     M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 12

12 The Jewish Standard, December 2012 EYE ON MONTREAL Meilleurs voeux et sincères félicitations à    (/(3=2+66 ?< la communauté juive de Of The Century recognizes /A3=2!+><98=+ MONTRÉAL the lifetime body of work by 9C9?=2+8?5+2 et à nos clients et amis juifs the fictitious Irving Rosen, 53, of Montreal, for alienat- /6/,<+>39809< ing his wife and daughter with “putzy behaviour.” +736C+8.<3/8.= Rosen’s plan is to remarry his ex-wife so he can divorce her again for a better settle- ment. This opens a flood- gate of old emotions and new promises, and when Irving's schemes get all tan- gled up, the family finds itself closer to destruction than ever before. All he's ever really wanted was a We Join in Extending Best Wishes to Our family. Fortunately, for Jewish Friends and Clients Irving Rosen, it's never too throughout Montreal and Area late. The 206 page publica- tion is available in paper- We wish you well in the years ahead. back and Kindle editions at We are always pleased to serve you. Amazon.com, as well as in ePub at KOBO, Barnes & Noble, Sony, and the Apple iBookstore. The paperback is also available at the Drawn & Quarterly Store in Montreal. We Join in Extending MAURICE AND Best Wishes to Our MARVIN CELEBRATE: Congratulations to two Jewish Friends remarkable Jewish city and Customers councillors, Maurice Cohen of St. Laurent and Marvin On the Occasion of Rotrand of Snowdon, for 30 CHANUKAH (/93838(3=2381>2/ years of service to their communities. Maurice can May your Festival of /A3=2977?83>C90 still be found Fridays cut- Lights celebration be 98>398 Monsieur at 5850 Decarie. a joyous occasion. Victor Soussana and 09<0+736C+8.0<3/8.= Georges Ouaknine are proud to have the happy go lucky Maurice with them. Call 514-739-4746 or just drop by. As for Marvin, he BONBON RIO has always been at the fore- front of important issues and the media hang on to CANDY INC. every word he says. SPORTS BREAK- FAST APRIL 14: The highly Manufacturers of Ice Cream Cones anticipated Cummings Taffy & Soft Sugar Cones Jewish Centre for Seniors Foundation Sports Celebrity Breakfast will take place on 12451 Blvd. Industriel Sunday, April 14 at the (PAT) Montreal,Quebec H1B 5M7 Gelber Conference Centre. Michael Wagen and Bram Tel: (514) 645-7788 Fax: (514) 645-8966 Naimer are the event co- chairs. Cookie Lazarus is honourary chair while Roy M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 13

The Jewish Standard, December 2012 13

Salomon, a leader in the Mike Cohen’s email Jewish people”, and “As a nations that kept silent dur- Maccabi, will be the guest of address is info@mikeco- Jew I see my role as a melitz ing the Holocaust ought to honour. The 1993 Stanley hen.ca Log on to yosher, a defender of Israel: keep silent now as well. The Cup Champion Montreal www.mikecohen.ca and fol- I defend even her mis- world that then condemned Canadiens will be honoured low him on Twitter @mikeco- takes… I must identify with itself by its silence has lost as well. hencsl. whatever Israel does..”, and all rights to judge Israel • as he has been known to now.” THE TOP TEN tell critics of Israel, “The        ()% $%($$ # can find two items all over and warmth and wisdom of  & the world – Coca Cola and Judaism worldwide. These Chabad. The Shluchim people do so much for the % &#($# $ &$% #$ (emissaries) of Chabad work people of Israel and the core hard to show the beauty of Judaism. Dennis Miller: The Joignez vous à nous pour comedian and political offrir les meilleurs voeux thinker is often in the main- à nos amis juifs de partout stream media discussing à Montréal the vast dangers facing et du West Island Israel (and America) by the à l’occasion de Muslim dominated Middle CHANUKAH East. He is charismatic, Nous sommes toujours clear and a cherished voice heureux de vous servir. in the media on Israel and Western values. Mark Regev: The Australian-born Israeli diplomat and media spokesman currently serves as a spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Israel and an advisor on foreign press. He is simply great at his job of protecting and defending Israel. As an article in The Guardian said: “If the men from Mars ever wanted to manufacture a PR man, they would model their We Join in Extending robot on Regev. No matter Best Wishes to the how formidable the inter- viewer, or how aggressive Jewish Community of the questioning, he never MONTREAL buckles under pressure. His disarming Aussie accent On the occasion of and unfailing politeness – CHANUKAH he calls interviewers ‘Sir’ and uses phrases like ‘I beg May your celebration to disagree’ – almost lulls be a joyous one. listeners into overlooking his aggression...As a PR performer he is horribly compelling.” Elie Wiesel: The Nobel Prize winner a Jewish hero, the living embodiment of survival. The man is a symbol of so much of Jewish history, and has been outspoken on so many important Jewish issues. He speaks and the world lis- tens. As he says, “Jerusalem must remain the spiritual capital of the M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 14

14 The Jewish Standard, December 2012

We Join in Extending Best Wishes to the THE TOP TEN Jewish Community of    Noa Tishby: Named Azure Magazine, and is well MONTREAL “sexiest woman in Israel”, spoken on Israel. On the Occasion of today Tishby lives in LA and Honorable men- CHANUKAH has credits in films and TV tions: Broadcasters Mike shows including NCIS, CSI: Huckabee & Glenn Beck, Miami, Las Vegas and Dr. Mordechai Kedar (Israeli Nip/Tuck. While her web- scholar from Bar-Ilan site boasts that her Israeli University), Rabbi Avi Weiss, army service trained her to “wield any weapon like she means it and kick some Nos meilleurs serious ass”, she is an voeux à active outspoken supporter la communauté of Israel. She’s a vocal member of AIPAC and the juive de Israeli Leadership Council, Montréal à and co-founder of Act for l’occasion de We Extend Best Wishes to Our Jewish Friends Israel, whose website on the Occasion of declares, “We believe that CHANUKAH CHANUKAH Israel has the right to live in peace and security, and May your Festival of Lights celebration be a that all people deserve the joyous one for family and friends. right to live in dignity. Our goal is to share this centrist position with a wide audi- ence to correct misinforma- tion, end demonization, stop delegitimization, and to give Israel a well-needed voice.” Bret Stephens: The foreign-affairs columnist of The Wall Street Journal and deputy editorial page editor, he formerly served as edi- tor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post. For the last Meilleurs voeux many years he has written et sincères repeatedly on Israel’s view- félicitations à la We Join in Extending Chanukah Holiday Greetings points in the world’s media and made Israel’s positions communauté juive de to Our Jewish Friends throughout so clear. MONTRÉAL MONTREAL Christian friends of et à nos clients et Israel: From Pastor John amis juifs May your celebration be a Hagee to Jay Sekulow, the joyous occasion. millions of Evangelical Nous sommes friends of Israel have been toujours heureux de so vitally outspoken for   Israel over the last many years. The Christians have stood by Israel, politically, in the media, and financial-   ly and their Public Relations support is vital for Israel. #$F#*F $% % Noah Pollak: He’s a rising star, an American # ( *$% political writer who writes "&%*#* # %$ regularly in mainstream media, including Commentary and was for-  !+38/ mally an assistant editor of %     )     the Middle East Quarterly. He previously worked for M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 15

The Jewish Standard, December 2012 15

Ido Aharoni (Diplomat & service, five dedicated meet- for dining is always Legal business into new markets creator of “Brand Israel” ing rooms, in-room safes, Sea Foods(www.legalsea while maintaining the com- concept), David Saranga (A full audio, visual and com- foods.com). The Jewish- pany's focus on its proud brilliant Israeli diplomat, plimentary wired and wire- owned chain was born in tradition and core values. former Consul for Media of less internet service, a 1950 when George Besides, of course, Israel in the US, whom The complimentary 24-hour fit- Berkowitz opened a fish Massachusetts, there are Jewish Chronicle described ness gym with state-of-the- market in the Inman Square now Legal Seafood locales in as “The man whose cam- art equipment, a 24-hour neighborhood of Cambridge, Washington Florida, paigns are rebranding business center, 37" LCD Massachusetts. In 1968, Georgia, Maryland, New Israel”), Dan Gillerman TV's, all natural bath the Berkowitz family opened Jersey, New York, (Israel's Longtime amenities, ADA accessibili- its first seafood restaurant, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island Representative at the UN) ty and all non-smoking right next to the fish mar- and Virginia. and every Jew who supports rooms. ket. George's son, Roger, We dined at the Israel in digital media in DINING OUT: When has been at the helm since Boston Copley Place restau- this era of citizen journal- in Boston, my first choice 1992 and has expanded the     ism. • TRAVEL TALES     quarters of six major cities across Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S. Each hotel has its own unique and contrasting character. Their portfolio of luxury hotels can be found in prime city centre loca- tions in Dublin, Cork, London, Bristol, Boston and Washington DC. There are 225 rooms and suites here in all: supe- rior, deluxe, luxury and the Presidential Suite. Guest rooms at the Back Bay fea- ture lush fabrics in tranquil shades, down-filled pillows and comforters, and bath- rooms with marble and oak. The hotel has a restaurant, the stylish Stanhope Grille and Cuffs, an Irish Bar. It has valet parking, evening turndown service in deluxe rooms, 24-hour room M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 16

16 The Jewish Standard, December 2012 TRAVEL TALES We Join in Extending Chanukah Greetings to the Happy Chanukah    Jewish Community of Montreal rant, located at the upper level of Copley Place (100 PERFECT OPTICAL Huntington Avenue), with direct indoor access to both CORPORATION the Westin and Marriott hotels as well as to the 1265 Ducharme Ave., Prudential Center. Keep in Montreal, Quebec H2V 1E6 mind that there is also a Legal Seafoods in the 514 274-9407 Prudential Center and peo- We Extend Best ple often show up to the Wishes to Our wrong locale. This can be a Jewish Friends on (/B>/8.2+8?5+2381=>9 ?< problem if you have reserva- the Occasion of tions. Panoramic floor-to- /A3=2<3/8.=+8.!+><98= ceiling windows overlook CHANUKAH A/38@3>/C9?>9/849C9?<038/099.+8. Boston’s historic South May your Festival A+<7+8.0<3/8.6C29=:3>+63>C End. Here the views and the of Lights seafood are second to none. celebration be a Operating hours are Monday to Thursday, 11 joyous one for family a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and and friends. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 10 p.m. Our party of three enjoyed a fabulous meal. We started off with a Caesar salad and two bowls of clam chowder, one of which was a clear broth with a lower calorie count. The main menu has so much to choose from. Specials on the night we visited includ- www.ilfocolaio.ca ed swordfish, salmon and haddock - all good choices if you are keeping a Meilleurs voeux et We Join in Extending Best Wishes to the kosher-style dining choice. sincères félicitations Jewish Community of Mike Cohen’s email address is info@mikeco- à la communauté MONTREAL hen.ca. Read more about his juive de On the Occasion of travels at www.sandbox- MONTRÉAL CHANUKAH world.com/travel. et à nos clients et amis juifs Nous sommes toujours heureux de vous servir. PLUMBING • HEATING • NATURAL GAS

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The Jewish Standard, December 2012 17 WORLD IN REVIEW    eetings to the Jewis xtend Gr h Commu Airport Security We E nity Security at Terminal 4 the Occasion of Chanuka “Nabs” El Al Pilot detained the pilot. He was On h arrested by Port Authority police and charged with An El Al pilot was criminal possession of a heading to his flight out of weapon. JFK a few weeks ago. In his In a statement El Al bag was a retractable baton. said that “the first officer was detained following a We Extend Best routine security check after an item relating to martial Wishes to the Jewish arts was found in his lug- Community of age, against procedure. He We Join in Wishing Our Jewish was questioned and MONTREAL released”. Friends and Customers throughout We are always The pilot is awaiting Montreal and Area pleased to serve you. arraignment by the Queens Criminal Court. a joyous Chanukah celebration for family and friends. Jewish Pot Activist Wins His Fight

Mason Tvert was the face of the campaign to legalize marijuana in Colorado. Tvert grew up in a Jewish home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He began his fight while in col- lege at the University of Richmond. Tvert’s long battle (/B>/8./=>(3=2/=>9>2//A3=2977?83>C90 culminated in victory on We Extend  %# # November 6th. The measure Best Wishes to the (/A3=2C9?A/6638>2/C/+<=+2/+. passed permits residents Jewish Community of over 21 to possess up to an (/+9=/<@/C9? MONTREAL ounce of marijuana and to On the Occasion of grow up to six plants for CHANUKAH recreational use. “We have May your Festival of Lights forced a major internation- celebration be a al, let alone national dis- joyous one. cussion on this issue”, Tvert said. “And I truly believe the more people talk about this issue amongst each other, the quicker we’re going to see broader changes in how our country and our state and our world treat marijuana”, added the exec- utive director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, or SAFER. Tvert is well-known for his sense of humour. Some years ago he chal- lenged the mayor of Denver and the heirs to the Coors brewing family to a dual. Tvert would smoke pot while the other two drank     M 9x12 file_Layout 1 12-12-04 12:28 PM Page 18

18 The Jewish Standard, December 2012 WORLD IN REVIEW (/%+5/!6/+=?/8.3812+8?5+2963.+C    381=>9 ?</A3=2<3/8.=+8.?=>97/<= beer. They would see who plaintiffs claim that Beirut- >2<9?129?>98>/8./=>(3=2/=>9>2//A3=2977?83>C90 A lawsuit against a  %# # Lebanese bank accused of The plaintiffs' allega- 8>2/ --+=39890 funneling money to the tions "show purposeful  & Islamist group Hezbollah availment of New York's through a local bank dependable and transpar- account can be heard in ent banking system, the ($% & % New York, the state's top dollar as a stable and fungi- court has ruled. T he f e d e r a l ble currency, and the pre-   $!% suit was brought by dozens dictable jurisdictional and of victims of two 2006 rock- commercial law of New York </<738+=C+8 et attacks in northern Israel and the United States," <+<96C8/9?<= that were allegedly perpe- Judge Susan Read wrote for <'+366+8-9?<>$- trated by Hezbollah. The the court.

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We Join in Wishing Our Jewish Clients throughout Montreal and Area a joyous Chanukah celebration for family and friends. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? WAS THE subject of a compelling post-election discus- sion organized by the Cummings Centre Social Action Committee that featured Jean Lapierre, television and radio political pundit and former federal politician. Henry Aubin, Montreal Gazette Columnist, moderated the evening that welcomed over 350 guests. Pictured from left to right: Cummings Centre Social Action Committee Chair Maria Sarai, Vice-Chair Herb Frank, Jean Lapierre, Henry Aubin, Cummings Centre Social Action Staff Associate Carole Klein and Cummings Centre Director of Social Services Rebecca Levy. Photo by Eddie Lesser

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The Jewish Standard, December 2012 19

The decision sent fers were being used to fund (hauled) into an American had anything to do with the case back to federal terrorist plots. They also court and held liable by the her somewhat controver- court, where it was initiat- sued American Express terror victims." sial philosophy on parent- ed. Bank for negligence. ing as outlined in her The victims of the U.S. District Judge “Big Bang” Actress recently released book attacks and their relatives George Daniels in 2010 Splits With Husband Beyond the Sling. Bialik filed suit against the dismissed the case against encourages constant Lebanese bank in 2008, both banks, finding that the Mayim Bialik, physical contact with chil- claiming it knew the trans- alleged use of the American known today for her role as dren in order to form close Express account to wire Amy Farrah Fowler on the bonds in later life. funds was incidental to the Meilleurs voeux et TV hit sitcom, “The Big attacks. Mayim Bialik holds Bang Theory”, is parting sincères félicitations The U.S. Court of a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and ways with her husband of à la communauté Appeals for the 2nd Circuit is the current spokesperson nine years, Michael Stone. juive de in March reinstated the for the Holistic Moms Bialik denied that the split Network. MONTRÉAL case against the Lebanese bank and asked the Court et à nos clients et of Appeals to weigh in on (/93838B>/8.381 ?</=>(3=2/=>9>2/ amis juifs whether New York courts /A3=2977?83>C90 Nous sommes had jurisdiction.  %# toujours heureux de The federal court asked whether the Lebanese (/A3=2C9?-98>38?/.=?--/==38>2/C/+<=+2/+. bank's alleged wire transac- (/+9=/<@/C9? tions constituted a "trans- action of business" under McCann Equipment state law, and whether the plaintiffs' claim arose from Ltd. them. The Court of Appeals answered both questions in the affirmative. The court found that #/:+3<-+63,<+>39890+66,<+8.= New York courts have juris- 90+3<2C.<+?63->9<;?/>996= diction over the case because the alleged wires happened repeatedly, and the bank was +B    accused of knowingly fund- ing terrorism.  E>//3/==/ The Lebanese bank 9<@+6"?/,/-! Meilleurs voeux et "did not (allegedly) route a    

transfer for a terrorist group sincères félicitations once or twice by mistake,” AAA>9<;?/>996=-+ à la communauté Read wrote. "Rather, plain- juive de tiffs allege that LCB deliber- MONTRÉAL ately used a New York account again and again to et à nos clients et effect its support of amis juifs (Hezbollah) and allegedly Nous sommes shared terrorist goals." toujours heureux de Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman and vous servir. Judges Carmen Ciparick,Victoria Graffeo, Eugene Pigott and Robert Smith concurred. The lawsuit was spearheaded by the Shurat HaDin Israel Law Center in Tel Aviv. In a statement the founder of the center, Nitsana Darshan-Leitner said "every bank around the world, whether they have branches in New York or not, now knows that ,if they move terror money through New York they can be

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